129. Ding Desheng Resorts to Another Dirty Trick

The carriage was massive, though it was not a vehicle from the mundane world; it was pulled by four demonic beasts, with an enormous cabin trailing behind. Xie Wuji was truly astonished to see these creatures, for they were four great serpents, each bearing six pairs of wings on its back. It was clear that these were not mere earthbound snakes, but beasts that soared through the skies.

The Snake Beauty reached toward the cabin, her slender, alabaster fingers flicking outward to retrieve a large bundle of swords from within.

"These are Spirit Serpent Swords, the standard equipment for inner-sect disciples. On Snake Island, when a disciple reaches the Golden Core stage, the sect presents them with an inner-disciple gift package, which includes silver, spirit stones, weapons, and leather armor. These Spirit Serpent Swords are part of that set," the Snake Beauty explained. "This bundle contains a hundred blades, forged from deep-sea ore found near Snake Island, which is why they naturally carry spiritual energy."

Xie Wuji cupped his hands in a salute. "I do not require so many, Madam. Thirty-six will suffice; please take the rest back."

"How can that be? You saved my life and protected many of our disciples on Snake Island. These swords are a pittance compared to that. Do you truly value my life so little?" she said, her voice soft and melodious.

Her tone was intoxicating, sweet enough to seep into one's very bones, making Xie Wuji’s skin crawl with a strange sensation. The Snake Beauty was a natural-born siren, a man's greatest nemesis. If a few words from her carried such power, how could anyone withstand her for long?

"Even without any reward, had I seen the disciples of Snake Island in such peril, I would have certainly done my best to help. Since we all belong to the sects of this world, we should assist one another," Xie Wuji replied.

The Snake Beauty nodded in satisfaction. "Since you are so insistent, Young Master Xie, I shall not press the matter further. Take this token; as long as you carry it, you may enter Snake Island without hindrance."

Xie Wuji was delighted to receive the token. He realized it acted like a pass, allowing him the freedom to visit Snake Island whenever he pleased.

After collecting the thirty-six swords, Xie Wuji took his leave. The Snake Beauty returned to her seat, continuing to feign her weakened state. "Daughter," she asked, "what do you make of this Xie Wuji?"

"Him? He is quite remarkable—courageous and resourceful. In that situation, any ordinary male disciple would have been unable to resist your charms, Mother. But please, you should not use your allure on other disciples so lightly; it is... it is so embarrassing!" the Snake Fairy replied.

The Snake Beauty laughed heartily. "It seems you have a favorable impression of the boy. You are right; in terms of character, he is sound and capable of resisting temptation. He did look at you a bit strangely, though, but that is hardly surprising—given how breathtakingly beautiful my daughter is, how could any man resist?"

The Snake Fairy did not realize that Xie Wuji had only looked at her a few extra times because she resembled Zhu Feifei; he had no other intentions.

"Enough, Mother, let us not speak of such things," the Snake Fairy said. "What about our Junior Uncle..."

"Hmph, just watch. Since that wretch dared to plot against me, I will ensure she pays dearly!" The Snake Beauty sipped her tea, her eyes glinting with the cold, venomous malice of a serpent.

The Snake Fairy knew her mother's temper well; if she were not ruthless, how could she have governed Snake Island for twenty years?

Back at the inn, Xie Wuji found his companions gathered together. Dongmen Xianyun approached him, sniffed the air, and pouted, "Brother Xie, you've been dallying!"

"What?"

"You smell of perfume!" she accused.

Xie Wuji was mortified. "Xianyun, you cannot falsely accuse me like that. I met with some people from Snake Island, and they gave me some spiritual artifacts as a token of their gratitude."

"It seems the Snake Fairy of Snake Island has a good impression of you. However, Snake Island is currently in no better state than our Danxia Sect," Ji Liancheng remarked.

"Oh? Does the Second Senior Brother know something?" Xie Wuji asked, intrigued.

Ji Liancheng replied, "The Snake Fairy is the daughter of the previous island mistress, the Snake Beauty. She inherited the position despite her lack of seniority, and there are many ambitious rivals within the island. Moreover, she has yet to inherit the legacy of the Abyss Flood Dragon, so her position on the island is precarious, like a leaf in the wind."

Xie Wuji thought to himself that his Second Senior Brother truly was a master of deduction to have guessed all of that.

Just then, several figures approached from a distance. Xie Wuji looked up and recognized the Grand Elder and his entourage. The Grand Elder still looked at Xie Wuji with clear disdain. He coughed and said, "Very well, the drawing of lots begins in three days. Instead of loitering here, you would do better to focus on your cultivation!"

"Grand Elder!" the surrounding disciples greeted him respectfully.

The Grand Elder merely huffed, his demeanor arrogant, and walked toward the direction of Dongmen Yong.

"What a piece of work. What is he so smug about?" Yang Hongliu muttered.

"Quiet now. Regardless of his character, he is still an elder of the Danxia Sect," Dongmen Jianhao cautioned. At his words, Yang Hongliu fell silent.

Xie Wuji felt a spark of inspiration. Since receiving the gift from his master, Xue Leng, he felt as though he had gained a new understanding. He bid his companions farewell and returned to his room, where he sat cross-legged to meditate and take advantage of this hard-won moment of peace.

Although his master, Xue Leng, had been but a remnant soul, Xie Wuji could feel that the power within it was immense. By that measure, his master's cultivation at his peak must have been among the very best in the entire world.

The power of the remnant soul had not been fully assimilated into Xie Wuji’s body; only a small fraction had been absorbed, while the vast majority remained condensed within his dantian. It was like mixing powdered milk—the powder did not always dissolve completely, leaving behind clumps that had yet to integrate with the water.

Because time had been tight during the effort to break the anti-flight formation, Xie Wuji had not been able to focus on absorbing the power. Now that he had the time, he could not afford to waste it. If he let the energy sit, it would eventually dissipate and be exhaled from his body, and such an opportunity would be lost forever.

Xie Wuji was determined not to let that happen. He carefully began to draw in the remaining energy. Though the process was slow, it was steady.

Meanwhile, inside Dongmen Yong’s room, the atmosphere was different. Dongmen Yong’s expression was grim as he looked at the Grand Elder. "Are you suggesting that Baili Qingyan should marry my daughter?"

Ding Desheng laughed. "You know as well as I do how talented my disciple, Baili Qingyan, is. Xianyun was born with severed meridians, a condition that cannot be cured. If we unite Baili Qingyan with your daughter, the conflict between us could be resolved. That boy, Xie, performed a miraculous feat this time—though I am not fond of him, I must admit he has brought great honor to the Danxia Sect."

"Do not forget how my daughter came to have severed meridians in the first place!" Dongmen Yong said calmly, though his words were laced with murderous intent.

Ding Desheng understood the implication. "Think it over. I believe this is a chance for the Danxia Sect to turn things around. If we make peace, we can reduce friction and focus on the future of the sect. It is a win-win situation."

"We shall speak of this later. Let us wait until the tournament is concluded," Dongmen Yong said, suppressing his fury.

Ding Desheng, looking smug, cupped his hands. "Very well. I shall await your good news!"