Chapter 823: The Immortal Descends (3)
Qi Huang and the others, due to their special identities, passed through the Cao family’s main gate without any hindrance, though she could still sense the other party’s hostility.
“Why are the people of the Cao family acting as if they’ve swallowed gunpowder?”
“Isn’t that obvious? Junior Sister killed Cao Hong, and they dare not take revenge, so they can only rage ineffectively.”
“The people of the Cao family are so cowardly. They even invited their immortal ancestor, but they don’t even have the courage to retaliate and are actively apologizing to us.”
“We can’t say that. Perhaps their immortal ancestor understands reason?”
“That’s right. If he were a tyrannical and unreasonable person, he wouldn’t be worthy of being an immortal?”
The senior sisters discussed freely, completely unaware of the possibility of the Cao family delaying time.
Most of the onlookers had similar simple thoughts, so they looked down on the Cao family. After all, the cultivation world has always respected strength, and only the weak talk about reason.
Qi Huang simply shook her head at this. She would not naively believe that becoming an immortal required any character, so she had already made plans to deal with the situation.
Qi Huang led a group of people to the courtyard where the Immortal Tablet was located, which was also where the Cao family had set up a banquet.
Upon seeing Qi Huang and the others arrive, Cao Zhao and his family eagerly greeted them, personally leading everyone to their seats, which made the surrounding people even more contemptuous.
After taking her seat, Qi Huang set up soundproofing talismans and a spiritual sense shield, allowing everyone to converse with peace of mind.
“The Cao family truly lacks backbone, to actually fawn over us in such a subservient manner.”
Shen Lu couldn’t help but mock.
“Fawning? It’s not that simple. Think carefully. Their words and actions just now did not appear servile, so it can’t be called fawning.”
Cheng Hong Ling corrected.
“Indeed!”
Those around nodded thoughtfully.
“If it’s not fawning, then what is it?”
Shen Yuan asked doubtfully.
“If it’s not fawning, then of course it’s genuine hospitality!”
Cheng Hong Ling’s lips curved slightly.
“How is that possible? Even if they give up revenge, they should still harbor hostility towards us in their hearts. How could they entertain us so warmly?”
Shen Yuan became even more confused.
“Then there is only one possibility: they believe they can completely control us, so they already consider us to be part of the Cao family in their hearts.”
Qi Huang explained.
“What? Junior Sister means the Cao family is still planning to target you?”
Yun Fei immediately reacted.
“Just a guess, no evidence.”
Qi Huang said calmly.
“Then hurry up and remove the Cao family’s Immortal Tablet! What are you waiting for? Once they shatter the spatial barrier, it will be too late.”
Ruan Lingyu urged anxiously.
“I wish I could, but my identity doesn’t allow it. Without any evidence, if I were to act forcefully, I would be criticized.”
Qi Huang smiled helplessly.
“Yes, Hong Ling is now the leader of the Dao Alliance. She must act in a way that convinces everyone, so that she can establish a firm footing in the cultivation world. If she solely relies on force to suppress, what’s the difference between that and the Immortal Alliance?”
Xu Mei, who was beside them, agreed.
“Then can Junior Sister deal with the Cao family’s immortal ancestor?”
Ruan Lingyu confirmed with concern.
“Of course, otherwise why would I bring you all here?”
Qi Huang smiled confidently, and her friends and relatives finally felt at ease.
As time passed, the Cao family…
More and more people gathered around, but only those with status and influence could enter. Most could only hover in the sky and observe.
At noon, Cao Meng flew up and stopped in the air in front of the Immortal Tablet. Compared to before, his appearance was much older, with clearly visible wrinkles and age spots on his face. This was the result of overusing his vital blood.
Why has the Cao family leader aged so much in just a few days?
Haven’t you heard? The Cao family’s immortal ancestor was contacted by him using his vital blood. The consumption was too great, which naturally led to such a consequence.
This Cao family leader is truly devoted to his family. I heard that his lifespan is nearing its end, yet he still dared to use his vital blood. He’s practically risking his life.
He’s going to use his vital blood to shatter the spatial barrier later. If that happens, he probably won’t have many days left to live. With such a clan leader, I’m not jealous at all that the Cao family has developed to this point.
Those who knew the inside story exclaimed in admiration.
Although Cao Meng looked very old outwardly, his spirit was very energetic, so he stood perfectly straight.
Greetings, fellow Daoists! Thank you all for coming today! The ultimate goal of our cultivation should be the same, which is to escape birth, aging, sickness, and death. Therefore, achieving immortality is the greatest wish in every Daoist’s heart. Unfortunately, as the spiritual energy on the cultivation continent becomes increasingly dilute, cultivating to the middle stage of the Heavenly Punishment Realm is already a rare genius once in a thousand years. It’s a pity that with such strength, accepting the baptism of the Heavenly Tribulation is still no different from suicide. Therefore, no one has ascended from our cultivation continent for thousands of years. How can one become an immortal? This is probably something everyone desperately wants to know.
Cao Meng cleared his throat and continued: Fortunately, I, this humble one, contacted the Cao family’s immortal ancestor a few days ago. Thinking that everyone is troubled by how to ascend, I…
I humbly requested him to descend into this world to teach, impart knowledge, and resolve doubts for everyone. And my Cao family’s immortal ancestor, out of compassion for all living beings, agreed.
“Tsk! He’s clearly looking for a backer, yet he has the nerve to say it so grandly.”
Shen Yuan scoffed without restraint.
“Old Master Cao is truly righteous! We will remember Old Master Cao’s kindness.”
Tens of thousands of onlookers flattered him insincerely. In fact, they also understood that Cao Meng was likely whitewashing himself, but that didn’t matter at all. The most important thing was to curry favor with the Cao family.
“You are all too kind. However, to see him, the spatial barrier must be broken first. I, this humble one, have limited strength and am truly powerless. Fortunately, the Immortal Tablet he left behind can now be used. So, please bear with me and retreat ten miles. I will now invite him to descend into this world.”
Cao Meng then politely requested.
Tens of thousands of cultivators dared not be careless and retreated repeatedly.
“Actually, Old Master Cao doesn’t need to push himself so hard. With Qi Huang present, you can completely ask her to break open the spatial rifts.”
“Yes, Old Master Cao is doing this for the entire cultivation world. As the leader of the Dao Alliance, she should help.”
“Heh heh, you can tell a lot from a small detail. Let’s watch. If she doesn’t even help with this small matter, she certainly won’t be convincing in the future.”
Some cultivators whispered as they retreated.
“Are they trying to moral-shame me?”
Qi Huang heard these voices, but she was not angry. Instead, she slowly stood up.
“Wait a moment!”
Many cultivators stopped to watch, wondering what had happened.
“Does Alliance Leader Qi have any instructions?”
Cao Meng tried to maintain his “kind” smile.
Qi Huang said loudly: “Old Master Cao, if my understanding is correct, activating the Immortal Tablet requires vital blood, right? Can your current body withstand it?”
Cao Meng smiled calmly and continued righteously: “Thank you for your concern, Alliance Leader Qi. It is indeed a little strenuous, but today, for the sake of these tens of millions of fellow Daoists, what if I sacrifice my life?”
“Heh heh… Old Master Cao’s character is truly admirable.”
Qi Huang offered insincere flattery, then said: “Actually, with this Alliance Leader present, you don’t need to waste any vital blood at all. The wider the spatial rift you need, the more spatial rifts you need, I will help you open them.”
Hearing this, the dense crowd of onlookers was even more dumbfounded.
“What’s going on with this Qi Huang? She’s actually offering to help? Isn’t she afraid that the Cao family’s immortal ancestor will force her to marry Cao Yang?”
“Perhaps she’s all brawn and no brain, and genuinely believes the Cao family’s words, so she’s trying to get closer?”
“I think she’s seen the light. Cao Yang is naturally talented, and now he has an immortal ancestor backing him. Which girl wouldn’t want to marry him?”
“What’s the point of seeing the light now? The Cao family has already severed ties with her.”
“Yes, with the Cao family’s immortal descending, they might have already found a more outstanding granddaughter-in-law for Cao Yang. She has no chance.”
“So that’s how it is. Although she is outstanding, compared to the celestial maidens of the Immortal Realm, she is truly like a firefly compared to a bright moon.”
The onlookers speculated.
“Junior Sister, what are you doing? Why are you aiding the enemy!”
Ruan Lingyu and several other junior sisters were anxious, and their other relatives and friends also showed expressions of shock.
