Chen Ping had just turned to leave when Ling Yunzi’s voice stopped him. His heart skipped a beat, though his face remained impassive. He grew wary inwardly.
He slowly turned back, looking at Ling Yunzi. His tone was calm with a hint of inquiry. “Sect Master Ling, is there something else?”
Could Ling Yunzi have realised the truth, seen that he had been the one stirring discord, and now wanted to settle accounts?
Chaos immortal power circulated secretly within Chen Ping, ready to respond to any possible conflict.
Though he did not fear Ling Yunzi in his depleted state, the Xuantian Sword Sect had numbers on its side. A real fight would be troublesome.
However, Ling Yunzi’s next words surprised him.
Ling Yunzi forced a complicated smile onto his face, one without hostility, and cupped his hands. “Fellow daoist Chen, please stay a moment. Though the cause of today’s battle was peculiar, your appearance and that palm… er… which startled Hun Sha away objectively resolved a dire crisis for our Xuantian Sword Sect, preventing even greater casualties among our disciples.”
“Regardless of fellow daoist’s original intentions, for this favour, I, Ling Yunzi, on behalf of the entire Xuantian Sword Sect, thank you here.”
Chen Ping raised an eyebrow slightly, neither confirming nor denying.
Ling Yunzi continued. “Fellow daoist’s strength is unfathomably deep, your background extraordinary. Moreover, you have ties to that great demonic fiend from ten thousand years ago, Soul Devourer… This matter concerns the safety of the Tenth Heaven and even the lower realms. I have many doubts in my heart and wish to ask fellow daoist to clarify them.”
“I wonder… would fellow daoist do us the honour of visiting our Xuantian Sword Sect for a few days?”
“I will certainly treat you as an honoured guest, with no slight whatsoever. Nor will there be any unfavourable actions towards fellow daoist because of prior events. On this, I, Ling Yunzi, can swear on my heart demon!”
As he spoke, Ling Yunzi’s expression grew solemn. He actually raised his hand, as if to swear the oath.
Chen Ping’s thoughts raced.
Go to the Xuantian Sword Sect?
He wanted more to return to the Myriad Beasts Gate and check the situation. After all, though the demonic sect had retreated, hidden dangers remained.
Moreover, as the shadowy instigator who had provoked this, visiting the home of those he had manipulated felt awkward and embarrassing no matter how he thought about it.
“Sect Master Ling’s kind invitation is appreciated by this Chen.”
Chen Ping cupped his hands in return and found an excuse to decline. “However, I still have urgent matters to attend to and must immediately return to the Myriad Beasts Gate to handle them. On another day, when I have time, I will certainly visit…”
“Fellow daoist Chen!”
Ling Yunzi interrupted firmly, his attitude resolute. Though his tone remained polite, it carried an undeniable weight.
“This matter concerns Soul Devourer and the balance of power in the Tenth Heaven. It is by no means my personal affair alone.”
“Since fellow daoist is an enemy of that demonic fiend, you stand on the same side as our Xuantian Sword Sect and the righteous path of the Tenth Heaven.”
“I earnestly ask fellow daoist to return with me to the sect for a discussion and share what you know about Soul Devourer. Otherwise…”
Ling Yunzi paused briefly, his gaze burning as he looked at Chen Ping. “Otherwise, the strength and methods fellow daoist displayed here today, along with your achievement in provoking this war between the two sects, will likely make it difficult to avoid drawing unnecessary interest and attention from other forces in the Tenth Heaven towards fellow daoist himself, and towards the Myriad Beasts Gate to which you belong.”
These words already carried a veiled threat, soft yet firm.
The meaning was clear. You, Chen Ping, caused such a huge commotion today, revealed such bizarre strength, and mentioned ties to Soul Devourer. If you refuse to cooperate, though our Xuantian Sword Sect may not be able to do anything to you for now, spreading the news will naturally bring others to trouble you and the Myriad Beasts Gate.
Chen Ping frowned slightly, feeling some displeasure. Yet he had to admit Ling Yunzi spoke reason.
He had indeed been too high-profile today. Slapping Hun Sha flying with one palm and mentioning Soul Devourer made it impossible not to attract attention.
If this brought more trouble to the Myriad Beasts Gate as a result, it was the last thing he wanted.
Seeing Chen Ping hesitate, Ling Yunzi softened his tone again and assured him. “Fellow daoist Chen, rest assured. I guarantee on the ten-thousand-year reputation of the Xuantian Sword Sect that inviting you is solely to discuss countermeasures against Soul Devourer and the Myriad Souls Demonic Sect. There is absolutely no malice.”
“Once we have discussed a plan, whether fellow daoist chooses to stay or leave will be entirely up to you. We will not force you. Furthermore, our sect is willing to form an alliance with the Myriad Beasts Gate to jointly face the demonic sect threat.”
With words reaching this point, if Chen Ping forcefully refused again, it would instead make him appear guilty and might immediately escalate conflict.
