Chapter 75: I will uproot that Immortal Tablet
“Junior Sister Qi Huang, don’t you need to ask for Sect Leader Qin’s opinion first?”
Mu Ruoyi hesitated. After all, Shuiyu Valley still had thousands of disciples remaining. If they defected to HongHua Sect, it would feel like a cuckoo usurping a magpie’s nest.
“Alright, I’ll tell you immediately once there’s a result.”
Qi Huang originally wanted to say that she was in charge of HongHua Sect now, but to reassure the people of Shuiyu Valley, she decided to go through the motions.
Qi Huang quickly delivered this bad news to everyone in the sect.
“This Lü Family is supposedly an Immortal Noble Family, yet they’re no different from a pigsty or a dog kennel, breeding a bunch of beasts.”
Ruan Lingyu trembled with anger and cursed vehemently.
“That’s hundreds of thousands of innocent lives! How could they do such a thing? Aren’t they afraid of divine retribution?”
Yun Fei’s eyes were red with indignation as she condemned them.
“Wuwu… They are so pathetic! They didn’t provoke anyone, yet they were brought to a slaughter for no reason.”
Miao Xiang burst into tears.
“This is all my fault. If I had resolutely opposed carving names on it back then, or found a way to have my name removed earlier, this wouldn’t have happened.”
Cheng Hong Ling gritted her teeth so hard that they creaked. Her mental fortitude was strong, but she wasn’t heartless. That was equivalent to the population of a town, and it suffered a cataclysm because of her name.
The others were also heavy-hearted, shedding tears and condemning the Lü family.
“Sect Leader Qin, although the culprits are those beasts from the Lü family, this matter ultimately originated from us. Now that the people of Shuiyu Valley are homeless, is it alright for them to stay at HongHua Sect for a while?”
Qi Huang politely inquired of Qin Quan. If this old man dared to show any hesitation, she would immediately send him into retirement and take over as sect leader herself.
“Of course, it’s no problem. They can even settle in HongHua Sect if they wish.”
Qin Quan answered without hesitation. The reasons were simple: first, he didn’t dare to defy Qi Huang; second, the female disciples of Shuiyu Valley had excellent talent, and there were one to two thousand of them. If they could join HongHua Sect, it would significantly boost the sect’s strength, so only a fool would refuse.
“Very good, then you should inform Valley Master Wen of Shuiyu Valley first.”
Qi Huang then handed the Thousand Li Sound Transmission Device to Qin Quan. After all, it was more convincing for the sect leader to act than for her to do it herself.
Valley Master Wen received the enthusiastic invitation from Qin Quan. As it was difficult to refuse, she convened a discussion with the remaining high-level figures in the sect.
“Valley Master, although it’s not good to trouble others, it’s not good for us to camp in the streets with one to two thousand female disciples. My suggestion is to temporarily seek refuge with HongHua Sect and make plans later when we have a place to stay.”
Zhao Li expressed her opinion after a moment of thought.
“But… but we are a prefecture-level sect in Nansheng Continent. Is it really okay to leave like this?”
A white-haired protector beside her showed hesitation.
“Protector Hu, I already said it’s temporary refuge with HongHua Sect. Don’t you understand?”
Zhao Li reiterated impatiently.
“Yes, our homes are gone now. The most important thing is to find a place to live. We can make plans for the future.”
Another elder agreed.
“It’s a pity that all our disciples cultivate water and wood attribute techniques. If we had a few male disciples who cultivate earth attribute techniques, it would be easier to build a temporary shelter.”
Protector Hu sighed.
“It’s not that easy. To build residences with cultivation techniques, one must at least be a cultivator at the Huashen Realm or above. This is why I suggested seeking temporary refuge with HongHua Sect.”
Zhao Li reminded them.
“Indeed, rebuilding Shuiyu Valley will not be a matter of a day or two. Since everyone has no objections, we will temporarily seek refuge with HongHua Sect.”
Wen Yunmei made the decision and then added with sharp eyes, “Don’t worry, I will not let our brothers and sisters die in vain. After settling the disciples, I will immediately report the Lü family’s crimes to the Immortal Alliance. They must provide an explanation for those who died innocently.”
…
“Hong Ling, since Shuiyu Valley has suffered a blow, it means your name has been carved on the Immortal Tablet by that Lü Er. What are your plans?”
In an inn in Yongning Prefecture, Xu Mei found her beloved disciple.
“So what? If it can be carved, it can be removed.”
Cheng Hong Ling said indifferently.
“Removed? But the Lü family is one of the top Immortal Noble Families in the cultivation world, with experts at the Heavenly Punishment Realm. How easy is it to force them to remove your name?”
Xu Mei sighed sadly.
“There’s no need for so much trouble. I will personally uproot that Immortal Tablet and make the entire Lü family bury those who died unjustly.”
Qi Huang’s icy voice rang out.
“Huang’er, I believe you have the potential, but the question is, will the Lü family give you time to grow? I also inquired about the details of the Immortal Tablet from the Sixth Princess. She said that any woman whose name is carved on it will be suppressed by the Immortal Tablet if she doesn’t go to the Lü family within the specified time.”
Xu Mei said with a solemn expression.
“Specified period? What specified period?”
Qi Huang asked expressionlessly.
“I’m not very clear about it either. I only had a brief chat with the Sixth Princess at the time.”
Xu Mei said somewhat awkwardly.
“It’s okay, I’ll go find her now.”
Qi Huang immediately stood up and walked out. She had to figure this out before making any decisions.
“I’ll go with you.”
Cheng Hong Ling also followed behind.
Not long after, the two women arrived at the inn where Longchang Sect was staying and found the Sixth Princess Lin Ran.
Qi Huang no longer cared about her dignity and brazenly inquired about the Immortal Tablet.
“This so-called specified period actually refers to the grand wedding day decided by the Lü family. It might be one year, two years, or even three to five years. No one knows.”
Lin Ran was indeed a princess of the Xihui Dynasty and showed great magnanimity, answering everything truthfully.
‘A few years is still too short.’
Qi Huang’s mood became heavy. She knew that to confront the Immortal Tablet, she would need to become an immortal at least. But even with her growth rate, achieving this in a few years was practically impossible. If that were the case, she could only make plans after arriving at the Lü family. But the problem was that the risk was too great, and she might end up becoming a stepmother.
“It would be great if there was a way to delay the Lü family’s wedding.”
Qi Huang sighed.
“Don’t… don’t you want to marry into the Lü family?”
Lin Ran asked curiously. After all, the Lü family was one of the top Immortal Noble Families in the cultivation world. Even an ordinary member of the family was more prestigious than a royal descendant, let alone the future patriarch. Most women probably wouldn’t even have the chance to marry into the family willingly.
“No, not at all!”
Qi Huang answered without hesitation, and Cheng Hong Ling also shook her head in agreement.
“But the problem is that no one can resist the Immortal Tablet. The destruction of Shuiyu Valley is a living example. Your struggles are useless.”
Lin Ran smiled with pity.
“That may not be true. As long as you give me ten years, I’m confident I can contend with it.”
Qi Huang said confidently, clenching her delicate fists.
Lin Ran was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, then fell into thought.
“I don’t think Princess Royal wishes for me to marry into the Lü family. After all, I was once an Imperial Concubine chosen by decree. If that Lü Er succeeds, what will your father the Emperor think?”
Qi Huang used a provocation tactic. She didn’t expect the Sixth Princess to truly have a way to solve her predicament, but she hoped the other party would help her wholeheartedly.
“That monstrous Lü family wants to marry Junior Sister Hong Ling, not you.”
Lin Ran corrected her.
“That’s not necessarily true. That Lü Er said at the time that I couldn’t escape either. You should have heard it.”
Qi Huang reminded her.
Lin Ran fell silent again. After a long period of thought, she finally said, “If you really need time, you can try to find Elder Zuo. Perhaps he can help you.”
“What? Elder Zuo? He can help me?”
Cheng Hong Ling asked in surprise.
“Even if he has a solution, he won’t help me. To be honest with the Sixth Princess, we have some grievances with him before.”
Qi Huang explained directly.
“It’s fine, him helping you is also helping himself, so he will definitely act.”
Lin Ran then explained the relationship between Elder Zuo and the Lü family.
“No wonder that Lü Er inexplicably came to participate in the Evergreen Convention in Yongning Prefecture. It seems this old fellow is behind it.”
Qi Huang said angrily.
“I’m a bit confused. Since Elder Zuo’s granddaughter married into the Lü family, he should hope that I marry Lü Yi even more, as it would benefit the family’s growth.”
Cheng Hong Ling was somewhat puzzled.
“Junior Sister Cheng, how can such a large family be monolithic? The various branches are full of scheming and ruthless tactics to compete for the position of patriarch. For example, Elder Zuo’s granddaughter’s husband’s branch and Lü Yi’s branch. So, do you still think he hopes you marry into the Lü family?”
Lin Ran revealed the deeper reason.
“If that’s the case, why did he instigate Lü Er to deal with me?”
Qi Huang was completely baffled.
“I don’t know. Perhaps that old fellow didn’t expect the Lü family’s monstrous talent to actually take a liking to you.”
Lin Ran speculated.
“How do you know so much about the Lü family’s situation?”
Cheng Hong Ling frowned slightly.
“It’s because my father and Elder Zuo had a good relationship before. Later, it soured due to the matter of the Imperial Concubine selection.”
A hint of resentment flashed in Lin Ran’s eyes.
At this point, Qi Huang and Cheng Hong Ling could no longer maintain their composure and showed embarrassment on their faces.
“Thank you, Sixth Princess. After the Evergreen Convention, I will find time to meet Elder Zuo!”
Qi Huang bowed in thanks.
…
Meanwhile, in another inn in the Prefecture Capital, Protector Hong of Shi Xin Sect was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan. His disciples had all been dispatched, but there was still no news of the Shentong Realm Body Protection Talisman.
“Tomorrow we are going to face HongHua Sect. If I can’t find that Body Protection Talisman, what should I do? Forfeit? But we’ve already reached this round, I’m really not reconciled!”
Protector Hong sighed.
“Protector Hong, Elder Zhou of HuXiao Sect requests an audience.”
At this moment, a disciple reported from outside the room.
“HuXiao Sect? Could they have found that Shentong Realm Body Protection Talisman?”
Protector Hong rejoiced and immediately said, “Please invite him in quickly!”
