Chapter Seventy-One: The Crimson Fire Nine-Infant Unleashes Its Might

Liu Hanliang said, “Before entering the Taifeng Residence, Fang Wenyu of the Palace of Dust sought out Senior Brother Miao Zongmin and me. He instructed us to find a way to join your team, report your whereabouts at any time, and then seize an opportunity to kill you.”

Mo Sitong listened with an impassive face, then looked to the mid-stage Golden Core cultivator and asked, “Master-Uncle, did you hear that?” Quietly, she whispered to Liu Junhuai, “My Grandmaster-Uncle is Zuo Wenqing.”

Zuo Wenqing asked Liu Hanliang, “Repeat that person’s name.”

Liu Hanliang replied, “Fang Wenyu, third son of the Fang family.”

Zuo Wenqing raised his hand and called, “Attend me!” Before his words had faded, two late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators appeared before him.

“Hurry and bring Fang Wenyu here, and not a word must leak out, understand?” The two nodded in assent and departed.

Mo Sitong said to Liu Junhuai, “Junhuai, this is my Grandmaster-Uncle Zuo Wenqing,” and led him to another mid-stage Golden Core cultivator, “This is my Second Master-Uncle Nong Sanxiao. Second Master-Uncle, this is Liu Junhuai.”

Liu Junhuai greeted them with proper ceremony. Zuo Wenqing said, “Nephew, you look not yet twenty. May I ask where you studied?”

Liu Junhuai bowed and answered, “Grandmaster-Uncle, I am indeed not yet twenty—young and unseasoned. I beg your indulgence. My master is a wandering cultivator, and I am forbidden to speak his name by his decree. I ask your understanding, Grandmaster-Uncle.”

Zuo Wenqing laughed, “No matter. Many retired elders prefer their names to remain unknown to outsiders. I understand. Judging by your cultivation, you are not at a high level, yet your presence is formidable. You must practice a remarkable technique. However, the baleful energy on you is thick, which may hinder your future breakthroughs. I advise you to pay heed to this.”

Liu Junhuai replied, “Thank you for your guidance, Grandmaster-Uncle. I will reinforce my cultivation in this regard and am grateful for your advice.”

Zuo Wenqing nodded, then looked toward Bian Jizhong. “How is Elder Bian Ruilin? It has been years since I saw him. You are excellent—the Bian family has found its successor.”

“Thank you for your praise, Elder. I will convey your regards to my grandfather when I return,” Bian Jizhong said with a salute.

After greeting Nong Sanxiao, Bian Jizhong returned to Liu Junhuai’s side and said, “Second Brother, what should we do with this man?” He gestured at Liu Hanliang, who knelt nearby.

Liu Junhuai replied, “Let’s wait and see. The play is not over—there is more to uncover.”

Noting their exchange, Zuo Wenqing and Nong Sanxiao were secretly surprised. Bian Jizhong, though a Golden Core cultivator, seemed to defer to Liu Junhuai, making them feel Liu Junhuai was no ordinary person.

Bian Jizhong’s cultivation was higher than Liu Junhuai’s, and he had a mid-stage Nascent Soul elder supporting him. Yet he treated Liu Junhuai with great respect, which astonished them further.

Mo Sitong, princess of a great sect, had only known Liu Junhuai for a few days but was already utterly devoted to him; he must possess extraordinary qualities.

Whatever doubts lingered in their hearts, Mo Sitong’s heart was wholly tied to Liu Junhuai. As soon as his brow furrowed, she hurried forward and quietly asked, “What’s wrong, Junhuai? Did you sense something?”

Liu Junhuai nodded and whispered, “Sitong, have you noticed the appearance of the two Seven Stars Gate disciples is strange? There must be something hidden here. Watch out for their safety, and be wary of your Second Master-Uncle.”

Turning to Bian Jizhong, he said, “When Fang Wenyu arrives, you need not involve yourself. Just keep an eye on the Seven Stars Gate disciples. I suspect someone will try to silence them.”

Bian Jizhong nodded, his vigilance instantly heightened.

After the time it takes for incense to burn, Fang Wenyu and his father hurried in, their eyes full of uncertainty as they looked toward Second Master-Uncle Nong Sanxiao. Liu Junhuai and his companions took careful note of this scene.

Zuo Wenqing said, “Wenyu, this young friend from Seven Stars Gate accuses you of colluding with outsiders and plotting to murder Sitong. Is there any truth to this?”

Fang Wenyu’s expression changed drastically. He protested, “Grandmaster-Uncle, please see clearly. I do not know this man, much less harbor murderous intent. Besides, Sitong is my sister!”

Liu Hanliang crawled forward and shouted, “Elder, it was Fang Wenyu who said it himself! He claimed Fairy Mo stole the Taifeng Residence slot from him and that her mother took his father’s Palace Lord position.” He produced a sandalwood token and a jade box. “This is the token Fang gave me to enter the Palace of Dust, and the dragon grass in this box was my reward.”

Fang Wenyu’s father, Fang Chengfu, was furious and kicked Liu Hanliang in the head.

Bian Jizhong, prepared for this, swept Fang Chengfu aside with a swift palm.

Mo Sitong shouted angrily, “What are you doing, Uncle? Trying to kill and silence him?” She also produced a token, saying, “Grandmaster-Uncle, this token was found on Miao Zongmin, who tried to kill me in the residence. Please seek justice for me.”

Zuo Wenqing, already enraged, called, “Attend me! Go invite the Palace Lord!”

“Wait!” Nong Sanxiao stepped forward to intercede. “Brother, calm yourself. We have yet to fully investigate. It is unwise to accept only one side’s word. Let us first ascertain the truth before reporting.”

Mo Sitong retorted, “Second Master-Uncle, there is both witness and evidence. How can you call it one-sided? I nearly fell victim to a villain, and your deliberate obstruction is suspicious!”

Nong Sanxiao hurriedly replied, “Sitong, I am merely concerned with proper procedure. If we report to the Palace Lord prematurely, it may be rash. Since the Elder is eager to see Junhuai, why don’t you go pay respects to her while we handle matters here? If this is all true, I will personally bring Fang Wenyu’s head to the Palace Lord.”

Zuo Wenqing sneered, “Second Brother, the facts are irrefutable. What are you trying to cover up? Is there something hidden here?”

Nong Sanxiao sighed, “Elder Brother, I simply pity the Fang family. With the Palace Lord’s temperament, Fang Wenyu will not be spared. Yet he is a direct descendant. If you believe the evidence is conclusive, let it be as you wish. Alas!” He turned away, but his eyes sharply flashed at Fang Chengfu.

Fang Chengfu understood and suddenly stabbed at the kneeling Liu Hanliang with his sword, the white blade flashing like lightning.

Bian Jizhong was quick, slashing his Tiger Shadow Blade at the sword. With a crack, the blade was broken.

Mo Sitong and Zuo Wenqing simultaneously restrained Fang Wenyu and Fang Chengfu.

Fang Wenyu was terrified, struggling against Mo Sitong’s grip and shouting, “Second Master-Uncle, save me! You can’t abandon me now—I did as you instructed!”

Nong Sanxiao raged, “You wretch! I meant to spare your life, and now you bite like a mad dog—infuriating!” Before he finished, a whip appeared in his hand and lashed toward Fang Wenyu’s neck.

Liu Junhuai, who had been on guard, moved to intercept. With a slicing technique, he severed a section of the whip.

Before the cut whip hit the ground, countless blade lights from the Five Elements Chaos Blade swept toward Nong Sanxiao. Nong Sanxiao dared not linger, retreating as he parried the blades, then flipped backward onto the wall.

Liu Junhuai swiftly drew his broad sword and pursued.

As Nong Sanxiao jumped off the wall, he summoned his flying sword. The two sped away, one behind the other.

Within moments, their figures vanished beyond the Palace of Dust.

Despite being a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator, Nong Sanxiao was pulling ahead; Liu Junhuai’s pursuit became increasingly difficult, and soon the figure ahead was about to disappear into the endless wild forest.

In desperation, Liu Junhuai summoned A-Jiu. Understanding Liu Junhuai’s intent, A-Jiu shot forward like a bolt of lightning, instantly reaching Nong Sanxiao’s back. Its nine heads spewed nine torrents of magma, engulfing Nong Sanxiao.

Unable to dodge, Nong Sanxiao was swallowed by the searing heat.

A-Jiu lunged forward, its steel-hook claws grabbing Nong Sanxiao and tossing him into the air. Liu Junhuai caught him swiftly and shattered his core with a punch, then dragged his body back.

After recalling A-Jiu and confirming no sign of pursuit, Liu Junhuai relaxed and hurried back to the Palace of Dust.

Landing in the courtyard, he found the battle already ended. The Fang father and son had been immobilized and thrown aside. Seeing Liu Junhuai had captured Nong Sanxiao, Mo Sitong rushed forward and took charge of the unconscious Nong Sanxiao.

Soon after, Mo Sitong’s mother, Palace Lord Fang Yingqiu of the Palace of Dust, arrived with a large group of sect members. Zuo Wenqing hurried to greet her and gave a brief report.

The Palace Lord beckoned Mo Sitong and lovingly stroked her daughter’s hair, listening as Mo Sitong spoke, occasionally glancing at Liu Junhuai.

Bian Jizhong quietly nudged Liu Junhuai, saying, “Second Brother, your mother-in-law is here. Shouldn’t you kneel and pay your respects?”

Liu Junhuai slapped Bian Jizhong’s hand, laughing, “You’re my elder brother—how can you tease your sister-in-law?”

Bian Jizhong laughed, “Did you notice how well we work together? When we killed those late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, I still remember vividly—it was just a blink, and we cut them all down.”

Liu Junhuai chuckled, “I didn’t expect you to be so self-congratulatory, Big Brother. Praising yourself, eh? Hahaha!”

Bian Jizhong asked curiously, “What does ‘self-congratulatory’ mean?”

Liu Junhuai replied quickly, “Nothing, just a term I invented. You’ll understand next time.”

Bian Jizhong asked, “How did you capture Nong Sanxiao? He’s mid-stage Golden Core—since when are Golden Core cultivators so worthless, getting beaten by Foundation Establishment?”

Liu Junhuai whispered, “I summoned A-Jiu. That fellow is formidable! Nong Sanxiao was caught in a single move, without a chance to react.”

Bian Jizhong’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. “When will you let me witness A-Jiu’s might?”

Liu Junhuai said, “A-Jiu loves fighting. You can spar with it anytime.”

Bian Jizhong rolled his eyes at Liu Junhuai, indignant at his shamelessness.