Chapter 865 - 679: Returning Home in Honor
This delaying tactic is indeed skillfully employed.
"True Master Profound Ice, True Master Hanyue, please!"
Zheng Mantang bowed and invited them respectfully.
Only then did Shen Xuan gently pat the celestial horse’s neck.
The Silver-Horned Celestial Horse neighed, retracted its wings, and slowly descended onto the square in front of Jinlan Mountain.
...
"Is this the Spirit Vein of the main peak of Jinlan Mountain? The scenery is quite nice."
Shen Xuan and Qin Yuehan both rode the Silver-Horned Celestial Horse, slowly ascending to the summit of the main peak.
The mountain wind whistled, fluttering the Magic Robe.
Looking around, the mountains lay beneath their feet, surrounded by clouds, with abundant Spiritual Mechanism.
Shen Xuan nodded, casually commented, "When one stands at the summit, all other mountains seem small. Jinlan Mountain, with its talented people and abundant resources, truly is a treasure land."
His tone was calm, as if he truly was just here to enjoy the view.
Beside him, Zheng Mantang and several Core Formation Realm clansmen accompanied him with smiles on their faces, yet they felt uneasy in their hearts.
The phrase "all other mountains seem small," seemed to have an additional meaning in their ears.
"By the way, Clan Leader Zheng, it’s been years since I saw Zheng Jinrui. How has he been lately?"
Zheng Mantang’s heart tightened, and he forced a smile, "Thank you for your concern, True Master Profound Ice. Jinrui has been well. Ten years ago, he married the Fairy Miaoyun of the Chen Family from Tieliang Mountain."
"The Chen Family from Tieliang Mountain?"
Shen Xuan smiled.
That too is a noble family of the Profound Celestial Sect.
However, compared to the Qin Family from Purple Maple Mountain, they fall a bit short.
They are merely a second-rate family within the Profound Celestial Sect.
"It’s been a while since I saw Zheng Jinrui, could you ask him to come over for a chat?"
"This..."
"What an unfortunate coincidence, Jinrui went out to visit a friend a few days ago and hasn’t returned yet."
"Oh? Such an unfortunate coincidence."
Shen Xuan wore a faint smile.
"Yes, once he returns, I will ensure he personally visits Starlight Island to pay respects to True Master Profound Ice."
Zheng Mantang replied with a tight smile.
"There’s no need for that."
Shen Xuan waved his hand, seemingly not caring.
He truly was just here to take a break and enjoy the view.
Meanwhile, he let slip the news of his and Qin Yuehan’s upcoming visit to the Qin Family of Purple Maple Mountain, so that they would be prepared.
"Clan Leader Zheng, and fellow cultivators, please take your leave."
Shen Xuan dismounted from the Silver-Horned Celestial Horse and stood with his hands clasped, gazing into the sea of clouds.
"My wife and I will just take in the scenery for a moment and rest a while before leaving."
Upon hearing this, Zheng Mantang exchanged a glance with the people behind him.
A clansman of the Zheng Family immediately came forward and presented a Storage Pouch with both hands.
Shen Xuan furrowed his brow slightly, "Clan Leader Zheng, what does this mean?"
Zheng Mantang smiled, speaking respectfully, "True Master Profound Ice, these are Jinlan Mountain’s specialty gold refined iron, top-quality refining materials. A modest gift, unworthy of your esteem."
"I cannot accept without merit, Clan Leader Zheng, take it back."
"This is a congratulatory gift from the Zheng Family for the union of you and True Master Hanyue. A small token, we hope True Master will graciously accept."
Zheng Mantang was extremely humble in his gesture.
Shen Xuan said nothing, and looked at Qin Yuehan beside him.
Qin Yuehan, her expression calm, nodded gently, "Husband, since it’s a gift, let’s accept it."
"Alright then."
Shen Xuan seemed helpless as he accepted the Storage Pouch.
Seeing him accept it, the Zheng Family members finally felt a weight lift from their hearts.
According to the unwritten rules of the Profound Origin Realm, accepting such a gift usually meant the bygones should be let go.
After all, they were old grievances, not irreconcilable enmities.
More importantly, Shen Xuan had to consider the face of True Monarch Jin Hua.
Everything should be done in moderation, and overdoing it would be inappropriate.
The pouch contained gold refined iron, Tier Three Upper Grade refining materials, over a hundred pounds of it.
Such materials were enough to forge an excellent Tier Three gold attribute Flying Sword, worth a fortune.
Half an hour later.
Under the complex gaze of numerous Zheng Family cultivators, Shen Xuan and Qin Yuehan boarded the Silver-Horned Celestial Horse, transforming into a silver light and once again soaring into the sky, heading towards Purple Maple Mountain.
It wasn’t until the silver light completely disappeared into the sky that Zheng Mantang let out a long breath, wiping away the fine sweat from his brow.
"Finally sent this god of disaster away..."
He sighed softly, his expression immediately turning stern as he gave orders to his entourage.
"Spread the word, from now on, everyone in the Zheng Family is to stay away from Starlight Island and related forces, and avoid any contact with True Master Profound Ice and those close to him. Especially Zheng Jinrui, he should stay away for a while to avoid causing more trouble."
The surrounding clansmen all bowed and assented, still reeling from the encounter.
Zheng Mantang stared at the sky, a bitter smile on his lips.
The pouch of gold refined iron represented three years’ yield of Jinlan Mountain, valuable beyond measure.
This time, it seemed the Zheng Family had "bled" profusely.
However, if this could buy peace and avoid retribution from True Master Profound Ice, it might be worth it.
He could only comfort himself this way.
...
The speed of the Silver-Horned Celestial Horse gradually slowed down.
Shen Xuan and Qin Yuehan were getting closer and closer to Purple Maple Mountain.
He had not intentionally troubled the Zheng Family of Jinlan Mountain.
When you become strong enough, you find that those who once harbored ill intent against you become submissive, like obedient dogs.
Ultimately, in this Cultivation Realm, strength is respected.
The majority of people’s choices are merely the result of assessing the situation.
Many events that seemed earth-shattering at the time become as light as dust upon reflection years later.
Remembering the journey taken aids in knowing where to head.
Today’s knocking on the Zheng Family’s door was more about maintaining the dignity of a Tier Four Great Cultivator rather than truly settling old scores.
Both Zheng Mantang and True Monarch Jin Hua should understand this in their hearts.
At the moment, his return with Qin Yuehan to the Qin Family of Purple Maple Mountain served more than just letting her return gloriously.
It was to use Qin Yuehan as a bond to strengthen his relationship with Purple Maple True Monarch.
Thereby connecting the emerging force of Starlight Island with the Profound Celestial Sect in a harmonious collaboration.
The Qin Family of Purple Maple Mountain was an excellent bridge for this.