Silence. A deathly silence.
After a long while, the Tingyun Sect Master finally spoke. "The Three Star Hall and the Luoxia Valley — those are second-rate powers no weaker than the Ying Heavenly Clan. Among second-rate powers, they're among the very best."
"Indeed, Sect Master. If the Three Star Hall and the Luoxia Valley were to find out that we handed Chu Feng over to the Ying Heavenly Clan, they surely wouldn't let us off," the elder said.
"If they found out, they certainly wouldn't. But if they never found out, wouldn't that solve everything?"
"Besides, how could we allow outsiders to learn of such a matter? It should naturally be kept secret," the Tingyun Sect Master said.
"But Sect Master, that Chu Feng possesses some unknown means — he was even able to fight the demoness. We... are probably incapable of dealing with him," the elder said.
"I don't need you to tell me that. But I already have a thorough plan," the Tingyun Sect Master said.
"Might I ask what your plan is, Sect Master?" the elder inquired.
"The demoness," the Tingyun Sect Master replied.
"The demoness?" Hearing those two words, the elder's expression froze for a moment, but shock quickly flooded his eyes. "Sect Master, surely you don't mean to ask that demoness for help in dealing with Chu Feng?"
"Precisely." The Tingyun Sect Master nodded.
"But Sect Master, we are enemies with that demoness. Why would she help us?" The elder couldn't fathom any reason the demoness would agree to assist.
"Have you forgotten what we set out to do today?" the Tingyun Sect Master asked.
"How could I forget? We've discovered the demoness's hiding place and were planning to inform the other powers so we could join forces in a campaign against her," the elder replied.
"Wrong. Not only do we know where the demoness is hiding — we also know the reason she has been lingering around Luoyan Ridge."
"So this is a deal. I believe the demoness will agree," the Tingyun Sect Master said confidently.
"Then who does the Sect Master plan to send to negotiate with the demoness?" the elder asked.
"Don't worry about that. I've already sent someone," the Tingyun Sect Master said.
Hearing this, the elder asked no further questions, though worry still lingered in his heart.
…………
Chu Feng had been forced to use a secret technique while under restrictions this time, and his body had sustained rather severe damage.
Even with his exceptional barrier arts, it still took him several full days to fully heal his injuries.
Once his recovery was complete, Chu Feng emerged from the Tingyun Sect's seclusion chamber.
At this point, however, Chu Feng was still unaware that the Tingyun Sect Master was plotting against him.
So out of courtesy, before departing, he went to bid farewell to the Tingyun Sect Master.
"Young hero Chu Feng, you're leaving?" Upon learning of Chu Feng's departure, the Tingyun Sect Master's heart began to race with panic.
After all, the person sent to recruit the demoness hadn't returned yet. If Chu Feng chose to leave now, their combined strength would be wholly insufficient to stop him by force.
He was all too certain that Chu Feng possessed some means to temporarily elevate his cultivation from half-step Ancestor rank fourth level to the Martial Ancestor level. That was precisely why he didn't dare try to detain Chu Feng by force.
In a flash of inspiration, the Tingyun Sect Master feigned a troubled expression and asked, "Young hero Chu Feng, might you be an Immortal-Robed Spirit World Master?"
"I am indeed an Immortal-Robed Spirit World Master, though only at the Insect-pattern level," Chu Feng replied modestly.
"Even at the Insect-pattern level, that's already quite remarkable — especially given how young you are," the Tingyun Sect Master praised, though at the same time, a complicated look crept across his weathered face.
This Tingyun Sect Master had lived for over ten thousand years and experienced all manner of worldly affairs. He was a master of pretense.
Although he had harbored intentions of turning against Chu Feng ever since learning his identity, Chu Feng — who was normally an exceptional judge of character — detected absolutely no danger in this old man.
Now, seeing the Sect Master's hesitant manner, as though he had a favor to ask, Chu Feng's sense of gratitude prompted him to take the initiative. "Could it be that the Sect Master needs something?"
"There is indeed one matter I'd like to request your help with."