Chapter 103: The Mantis Strikes the Cicada

After a thorough discussion, Bai Qi came to understand that the complexities and constant changes within the sect had their reasons. For Bai Qi, a Heavenly-level cultivator was essentially the pillar of the entire sect or clan.

Since the sect’s upheaval last time, reaching the Heavenly level had become an unattainable aspiration for most. Especially for the sect’s upper echelons, their cultivation had been suppressed by a full level following that assault. Even with the alchemist hall’s efforts in concocting pills to aid recovery, progress was painstakingly slow, advancing only bit by bit.

After exchanging words with Horton, before departing, Horton handed Bai Qi a pill, explaining that while it had no offensive enhancement, it could withstand a powerful strike from a Heavenly-level novice cultivator and carried a potent toxin. Bai Qi accepted the pill and, following their instructions, returned to notify the Grand Elder. Once the matter was announced, the “hidden hand” behind these events would naturally reveal themselves.

Upon returning, Bai Qi held another discussion with Wu Shanque. This matter required meticulous planning; a single misstep could cost a life.

Wu Shanque, looking worried, spoke to Bai Qi earnestly, “You should refine the Purple-Gold Gourd as soon as possible. This item can serve as your talisman. If you encounter a formidable opponent, you can use your refined blood to activate the pattern on it. The gourd will then lock onto the target and, with the might of a Heavenly-level cultivator’s attack, can turn the tide. I should never have given the bell to the master of the Fan family village. That item, combined with the Purple-Gold Gourd, unleashes even greater power and can be used up to five times. After five uses, the patterns on both the inferior treasure and the superior magical tool will vanish, and they must be reforged. Yet, the materials required are exceedingly rare.”

Hearing Wu Shanque’s tone of concern, Bai Qi felt somewhat guilty but could not help but confess the truth.

He took the bell out of his storage pouch and, feeling uneasy, addressed his master, “Um… Master, is this what you were referring to?”

As he spoke, he handed the item to Wu Shanque.

Wu Shanque’s eyes widened as he stared at the bell. After a long moment, he seemed to regret that something he had given away had ended up in his disciple’s hands. Surprised, he asked, “You… how did you come by this?”

“This… I snatched it from Fan Liu’s hand. When I was passing through the mountain range, I saw him robbing someone and intervened. I didn’t expect it to be the very item you mentioned,” Bai Qi said with a spark of righteousness in his eyes, giving Wu Shanque the impression that his disciple would never allow such an open daylight villainy to go unchallenged.

The two stared at each other for a moment before Wu Shanque burst out laughing. “Ah! Haha, you truly are my disciple! When I first forged this treasure, it happened to coincide with the birthday celebration of the Fan family village master’s wife. That old man shamelessly asked me for it in front of everyone. I couldn’t refuse, so I gave it to him. I never thought it would find its way back to you. Seems like that old fellow was never meant to have it. No wonder I once heard the Fan family village master’s son, Fan Liu, complaining about a young man who stole his treasure and was searching everywhere for it. What a disgrace. Well, better that it’s now in the hands of my own disciple, put to genuine use.”

Hearing Wu Shanque’s long-lost hearty laughter, Bai Qi breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed he had overthought the matter. Immediately, he knelt before Wu Shanque. “Thank you, Master, for your concern and for entrusting your disciple with such a precious treasure. Please accept my deepest respect.”

Bai Qi knelt, the sound of his prostration echoing.

Wu Shanque helped him up and said, “Good disciple. After rooting out the traitor within the sect, we will begin forging new artifacts. Since you have the skill to refine pills, you should progress much faster in forging. Moreover, I see you have considerable insight into alchemy and have even developed a unique method that harnesses the power of thunder to merge with the pills. Though I do not know the origin of your thunder power, that sealing technique you wield could not have been created by an ordinary Heavenly-level cultivator. Perhaps you encountered a great master during your past.”

Bai Qi nodded but did not reveal the true origin of these abilities. Everyone harbors secrets, and Wu Shanque understood this without pressing further.

—

The next morning.

Bai Qi and Wu Shanque arrived at the sect’s plaza, where the other hall masters were also present as promised.

All disciples whose cultivation was above the Yellow Grade Seventh Layer but below the Earth Grade were to explore the Binhe River area. Several elders and administrators would accompany them.

Except for Bai Qi, the other disciples were puzzled by the sect's sudden decision. Those with some understanding wondered why the sect did not join forces with other powers for the expedition. They simply didn’t grasp that the Binhe River’s terrain was treacherous. A rash investigation might lead to an ambush by the Ghost King Sect’s hostile allies, resulting in needless sacrifice.

Such thoughts were swiftly silenced by the Grand Elder’s decree: “All are to obey orders from above with no objections or hesitation.”

Everyone understood this was a death sentence order, and no debate was permitted.