Chapter 161: Celestial Star True Monarch
"Nephew Zhang, now that Patriarch Xie is dead, whether you two reconciled is no longer important. That being the case, you should return the compensation to me!" the Golden Core Dwarf said, looking at Zhang Chi.
"Heh, I’m sorry, but I can’t agree to that request. Patriarch Xie may be dead, but that has nothing to do with me. If you want to recoup your losses, Martial Uncle, you should go find Patriarch Xie."
"Besides, doesn’t the Xie Family still have assets? Why don’t you just take those to cover your losses?"
Zhang Chi had anticipated this, however, and immediately refused with a cold laugh.
As he spoke, he quickly retreated behind Elder Jian.
"You..."
When the Golden Core Dwarf heard this, his expression turned incredibly foul.
With Patriarch Xie dead, the Xie Family was effectively finished.
And since the Xie Family was a vassal of the Song Family, the Xie Clan Members and their assets would certainly be handled by the Song Family. This was a tacit understanding among everyone.
But with Zhang Chi saying this out loud, things were suddenly different.
After all, on the surface, the Xie and Song families were two independent families. The assets of a defunct family should belong to the Sect.
It would have been fine if no one brought it up, but now that Zhang Chi had, it was impossible for the Song Family to acquire the Xie Family’s remaining assets.
Consequently, the Golden Core Dwarf couldn’t help but despise Zhang Chi, even regretting that he had asked for the compensation back.
"Nephew Zhang, don’t speak nonsense. The Xie Family belongs to the Sect, and the Sect will make proper arrangements for its assets and clan members."
"That’s right!"
At this, the eyes of the Golden Core masters from the Sect faction lit up, and they immediately spoke up.
Looking at the Song Family’s Golden Core master, they were all gloating inwardly.
If no one had brought it to light, they wouldn’t have said anything either, as it would have caused factional disputes.
But since Zhang Chi, a member of the Neutral Sect, had spoken, all they had to do was fan the flames. The family factions couldn’t possibly blame them.
"Damn it!"
The Song Family’s Golden Core master and Song Youdao had anticipated this. Hearing the words, they were still so angry they grit their teeth, yet they couldn’t let it show.
"Song, you’re a Golden Core Middle Stage cultivator who compensated a junior with a few things. Do you have the gall to ask for them back?"
"Did you really think I didn’t know you and your Song Family were in cahoots with the Xie Family?"
"I’m warning you. Stop scheming against Zhang Chi, or I wouldn’t mind wiping out your Song Family before my Lifespan runs out!" Elder Jian said coldly.
BOOM!
As she spoke, a powerful pressure suddenly erupted from her body, causing the Song Family’s Golden Core master to sway, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth as he nearly collapsed to his knees.
"Senior Sister Jian, please calm your anger! Junior Brother Song was just momentarily confused. Junior Brother Song, what are you standing there for? Hurry up and admit your mistake!"
The Cangwu Sect Leader couldn’t have been happier to see this, but he had no choice but to step out and mediate.
"Senior Sister, please forgive me. I was wrong!"
The Song Family’s Golden Core master was so humiliated he felt like he could spit blood, but he could only lower his head and apologize.
’Jian Jinfeng, just you wait. The day your Lifespan runs out will be the day your disciples die!’
He had made a venomous oath in his heart.
All people had attachments, and Golden Core Masters were no exception.
Therefore, he wasn’t worried that Elder Jian Jinfeng would actually destroy the Song Family, as her own disciples and descendants would surely be implicated.
Besides, the Sect would not just stand by and watch.
But her merciless threat still left him feeling humiliated and furious.
"Hmph, I hope you truly know you were wrong! Remember, those who commit many injustices are doomed to destroy themselves. Now, your Song Family had better think hard about how you’re going to deal with that Demon Cultivator!" Jian Jinfeng said coldly.
"Senior Sister is right!"
The Golden Core Dwarf clenched his fists but quickly nodded again. Only then did Jian Jinfeng withdraw her oppressive aura.
’Having a Golden Core Peak Master is really something else!’
Seeing this, Zhang Chi couldn’t help but feel a surge of satisfaction and a profound sense of security.
"Thank you, Senior Brother Sect Leader, for interceding. This junior brother has a presumptuous request that I hope Senior Brother will grant."
The surrounding Golden Core masters said nothing, but inwardly, they were all mocking the one from the Song Family. Yet, as if he didn’t notice, the Song Family’s Golden Core master immediately looked to the Cangwu Sect Leader and spoke.
"Our sect will do everything in its power to track down the true culprit. You don’t need to tell me that. What else is there?" the Sect Leader asked, confused.
"I know. I am asking Senior Brother to issue a Seal so that I may go to the Star Sect and ask for help. For this, I am willing to pay the corresponding Contribution Points!" the Golden Core Dwarf said, gritting his teeth.
"You want to ask Celestial Star True Monarch for help with an inference? But he is in seclusion. And even if he weren’t, my Seal alone wouldn’t be enough to move him!" The Cangwu Sect Leader realized what he meant but was not optimistic.
"I’m not asking for Celestial Star True Monarch. I just need one of his disciples to help. Some of his disciples have already mastered a Tier Two Inference Technique. That will be enough to find the culprit!" the Golden Core Dwarf continued.
"That could work!"
Only then did the Sect Leader nod.
’Trying to find me with an Inference Technique? A good idea, but unfortunately, it’s impossible for them to succeed!’
Zhang Chi wasn’t too concerned about the Song Family Golden Core master’s scheme.
The Star Sect, like the Silver Moon Palace, was one of the Ten Great Immortal Sects. It was home to a Nascent Soul Powerhouse who had mastered a Tier Three Inference Skill—the very Celestial Star True Monarch the Sect Leader had mentioned.
But unless that powerhouse himself took action, Zhang Chi truly had nothing to fear.
This was not just because he was an otherworldly traveler with the protection of the Jade Pendant, but more so because he had mastered the Turtle Shell Divination Skill, which could shield him from Celestial Secrets and prevent others from divining his location.
Therefore, the Song Family’s trip to the Star Sect would certainly be in vain, a complete waste of a large amount of Contribution Points.
After that, the group exchanged a few more words and investigated the scene once more. Finding nothing, they all returned to the Sect.
Zhang Chi and Chen Ling’Er also left with their respective masters.
Soon, carried by Master Jian Jinfeng, Zhang Chi arrived at the summit of a Spiritual Peak deep within the Cangwu Sect.
The Spiritual Qi here was abundant, and a large complex of pavilions and terraces stood there—this was Jian Jinfeng’s abode.
"Zhang Chi, what are your plans now?" Master Jian asked once they were inside the abode.
"I plan to continue to the Demon Abyss to complete my garrison duty as soon as possible. At the same time, I plan to select a Tier Two Upper Grade or Peak Spiritual Vein there to aid my Cultivation. Of course, a Tier Three Spiritual Vein would be even better," Zhang Chi answered truthfully.
"That is a sound plan. Although you just reached Foundation Establishment and your strength is still lacking, the situation in the Demon Abyss is growing more and more grim. The later you go, the more dangerous it will be, so going earlier is actually more beneficial for you."
"Besides, your fourth senior sister, Zhong Yu, is there right now. When you go, she can look out for you."
Master Jian nodded in approval.
"But don’t even think about a Tier Three Spiritual Vein. Even a contaminated Tier Three Spiritual Vein is extremely precious. Unless you go into the depths of the Demon Abyss, they’ve all been occupied by Golden Core Masters."
"Fortunately, Tier Two Peak and Tier Two Late Stage Spiritual Veins aren’t too hard to find. Here’s what I’ll do: I will write a letter for you to give to Azure Dragon Master. He will definitely help you make arrangements."
"Furthermore, I know you are skilled in Alchemy and rarely participate in combat, so I will have him arrange as safe a position as possible for you," Master Jian continued.
"Thank you, Master!"
Zhang Chi was overjoyed and immediately expressed his gratitude.
Without Master Jian, he would most likely have been assigned to the front lines.
After all, although he was a Pill Master, on the surface he was only at Tier One Peak. Being part of the Neutral Sect, he certainly wouldn’t have received any special treatment.
But with Master Jian’s help, it was a completely different story.
Barring any major accidents, he could hunker down in the Demon Abyss and continue his cultivation until he reached the Golden Core realm.
Of course, he wasn’t actually afraid of being sent to the front lines, but it would have definitely delayed his regular Cultivation.