Chapter Sixty-Two: The Mastermind Behind the Scenes

Within the Celestial Secrets Sect, Wu Wanren, having received a transmission jade talisman, hurriedly made his way out. He knew that Liu Junhuai had not met with any misfortune; perhaps there was some urgent matter to discuss, or else he would not have returned so soon after leaving the sect.

Five miles beyond the mountain gate was the meeting place the two had agreed upon. Liu Junhuai arrived swiftly, riding his sword through the air.

After patiently listening to Liu Junhuai recount the events that had transpired, Wu Wanren was most shocked to learn that Liu Junhuai had managed to slay Altair, who was at the early stage of the Golden Core realm. The suddenness of it all left Wu Wanren’s thoughts somewhat disordered.

Though power struggles among the various factions within the sect were not uncommon, the collective slaughter of nearly a third of the sect’s high-level cultivators during their unauthorized excursions was unprecedented.

Liu Junhuai spoke, “Uncle Wu, that’s how it happened. I was concerned you might be implicated if you remained in the sect, so I returned to warn you, so you can be prepared.”

Wu Wanren pondered for a moment before speaking, “Junhuai, this matter is of grave importance. The first thing you must do is dispel suspicion from yourself. How about this: tonight, you come back with me. I’ll find a way for you to show yourself in the sect tomorrow before leaving. This way, both our suspicions will be temporarily alleviated, and after some time, I’ll find a way to depart myself.”

Liu Junhuai was not worried about his own safety; with two teleportations, no one could catch up with him. The key was to ensure Wu Wanren’s safety.

“Very well, Uncle Wu. Let’s quietly return now, and we’ll discuss the details once we’re back at your residence,” Liu Junhuai said.

After weaving through several winding paths, the two finally returned to Wu Wanren’s quarters, where Liu Junhuai set up a small barrier.

Wu Wanren remarked, “Junhuai, the items you left for me are truly precious. You don’t know how much they made my mouth water. Such treasures are not easily obtained, and you can’t have many. If you give them all to me, what will you do?”

Liu Junhuai laughed, “I gave them to you precisely because I have plenty. Don’t dwell on this, Uncle Wu. What’s important is to think about how you’ll deal with those in the sect who know about these matters tomorrow.”

Wu Wanren replied, “I thought about this on the way here. This is ultimately a personal matter. Aside from the five you slew, at most two or three people in the sect know about the restoration of spiritual roots technique. I believe the most suspicious is my uncle Yun Jiezi. At first, only he and I knew about your technique. When we returned from Crane Crest Ridge last time, uncle reported it to the sect master, but it seems the sect master paid it no heed, as no one has mentioned it since. My master learned of it when I discussed your joining the sect with him a few months ago, and his expression was quite surprised.

I suspect my uncle because he is close to Altair’s senior disciple, Mupenza. Mupenza is related to Altair, and the one you killed last was his younger brother, Golem. They, along with Altair, belong to a prominent family in the Moque Kingdom. Aside from Yun Jiezi, you slew all the others.”

Liu Junhuai considered this and said, “So Yun Jiezi is likely to come looking for us tomorrow—or perhaps even tonight. Uncle Wu, I have two jars of Sanggan fruit wine left. Invite a few close fellow disciples over for a drink, so Yun Jiezi thinks I’m here seeking help.”

Wu Wanren found this idea reasonable and went to invite several people.

While Wu Wanren was gone, Liu Junhuai took out a blank jade tablet and inscribed a simplified technique for repairing spiritual roots on it.

Before half a stick of incense had burned, Wu Wanren returned, leading several Foundation Establishment cultivators inside. After brief introductions, the wine jars were opened, and a rich aroma filled the room.

The cultivators, catching the scent, shed their initial caution and eagerly praised the Sanggan fruit wine. Before Wu Wanren could say anything, their cups were already empty.

After a brief silence, a Foundation Establishment cultivator named Zhong Yu exclaimed, “This wine is miraculous! Fragrant but not overpowering, mellow and elegant—a truly fine wine.”

Another, named Zuo Xiangshu, disagreed, “This is no mere fine wine; it’s worthy of being called immortal wine. Smell your cups!” Before he finished speaking, the others raised their empty cups to their noses.

Zuo Xiangshu, pleased, said, “Well, brothers? The aroma lingers even after a night, and the empty cup smells even better than the full one, leaving a lasting aftertaste. Ah, what a lingering flavor!” He closed his eyes, swaying his head, lost in reverie as only a lover of fine wine can be.

Zhong Yu turned to Liu Junhuai, “Brother Liu, where did you get this wine? Tell me, I’d sell my treasures just to bring some home to my father—he’s a wine fanatic and forgets his own son when he finds good wine.”

Liu Junhuai smiled, “You can’t buy this wine. It was obtained by my elders by chance. It’s only brought out on festive occasions, and these two jars I snuck out myself.”

Though they didn’t believe him, they knew it was rare and hard to come by. To taste a few cups was already a blessing.

Wu Wanren explained, “He’s a distant junior of mine, who brought this secret wine for a family matter. Later, each of you can fill a small bottle to bring home for your elders, lest you drink it all here.”

The group ignored the first part, focusing solely on the latter, and quickly produced jade bottles, placing them on the table.

Wu Wanren’s efforts to avenge this distant relative were already known, and the sect had forbidden interference; none of them wished to get involved.

In any case, Wu Wanren and Liu Junhuai invited them merely to create a facade, so the matter wasn’t discussed further, and the guests happily focused on savoring the rare wine.

Liu Junhuai understood the subtle purpose and was delighted, though outwardly he remained cordial, helping each guest fill their bottle with Sanggan fruit wine. The Celestial Secrets Sect members were equally polite, and did not mention the matter again.

All present were cultivators, so their tolerance was high. Even with careful sipping, the two jars would soon be emptied. Wu Wanren’s task was to delay the wine’s consumption, awaiting Yun Jiezi’s arrival.

Fortunately, the immortal wine lived up to its reputation; even the scent alone left one savoring the experience, and the occasional sip was a rare pleasure.

Eventually, with the second jar mostly gone, Yun Jiezi indeed arrived, confirming Wu Wanren’s suspicions.

Upon entering, Yun Jiezi was evidently startled by Liu Junhuai’s presence, but quickly masked his surprise with a look of delight.

“Junhuai, how did you come to visit the Celestial Secrets Sect? It’s been nearly two years since we parted at Crane Crest Ridge. I didn’t expect your cultivation to advance so swiftly. With such achievements at your age, I’ve lived my years in vain.”

“Senior, you flatter me. My progress is merely due to chance. Further advancement is as difficult as ascending to heaven. I hope to join the sect to seek guidance from a true master.”

Yun Jiezi perceived the eagerness in Liu Junhuai's words, sensing his desire to find a patron within the sect. A faint sneer flashed across his lips before he feigned astonishment, “I wondered where you all had gone. So you’re here secretly enjoying fine wine. Let me taste this legendary brew that’s filling the air with such fragrance.”

He raised a cup and drained it in one gulp, immediately displaying a look of astonishment, then drank another cup and stood there with eyes closed, savoring the taste.

His reaction was genuine; Sanggan fruit wine was a rare celestial nectar in the cultivation world, unattainable by ordinary cultivators.

As a senior within the sect, Yun Jiezi’s juniors dared not compete with him for the wine, but could voice mild complaints.

Thus, Zuo Xiangshu said, “Uncle, you come in and snatch the wine from our cups, stirring up our thirst. But with such a rare brew, we brothers have been sipping carefully all night. Who would have thought you’d take two full cups as soon as you arrived?”

Liu Junhuai was secretly pleased; Zuo Xiangshu’s casual remarks had established the timeframe for the wine’s consumption, perfectly serving his purpose.

He glanced at Wu Wanren, who was also sneaking a delighted look at him. The two exchanged smiles and looked away.

Yun Jiezi, still lost in the wine, was startled by Zuo Xiangshu's words and turned to ask, “Xiangshu, how long have you been here? I imagine you’ve drunk several jars by now.”

Zhong Yu, dissatisfied, interjected, “Uncle, we arrived just as dusk was falling, and in all this time have barely finished one jar. That shows how much we cherish this wine. A senior like you must have tasted many such treasures; don’t compete with us juniors. It wouldn’t be good for your reputation if word got out.”

The other two Foundation Establishment cultivators echoed him.

A strange expression flickered in Yun Jiezi’s eyes as he glanced at Liu Junhuai, saying, “Look at you all, quarreling over a couple of cups. Aren’t you afraid I’ll report you to your masters?”

Zuo Xiangshu laughed, “We’re sipping carefully so we can bring some home to our masters. Ask around—who among us drinks as boldly as you, uncle?”

Yun Jiezi, preoccupied with his own concerns, didn’t wish to linger. He glared at them, then turned to Wu Wanren, “Wanren, come see me tomorrow. I have something to discuss.” With that, he departed in a huff.