Food Fairy Lord

Chapter 843 The Boiling Cauldron of Copper City (Part Two)

Tie Rusong and Fang Heng remained silent, still staring at each other with their hands on their swords.

Li Fengzhao smiled and said, "Guests are too kind to the host, and you two are also seniors, so there's no need for Fairy Anxiang to say anything more."

Tie Rusong loosened his grip on the sword hilt, and Fang Heng turned and sat back down: "Then, what does Fairy Anxiang think should be done?"

Shi Zanxue watched as Li Fengzhao sat down in the chair, then turned her gaze away, noticing that she was the only one standing in the hall.

According to Tianshan's intentions," Shi Zanxue looked at Tie Rusong and Fang Heng, "Zhao Long should die. Mei Gu will keep the 'Six Plum Secret Swords,' but a copy should be sent to the Little Red Cloud Sect."

"..."

"..."

"Unless there are no doubts, all similar matters, both before and after, shall be handled in the same manner." Shi Zanxue looked around. "I have something to say, and I ask all sects to listen quietly. The chaos caused by the Snow Lotus is by no means what Tianshan wants to see. The martial arts world in the Western Regions is currently out of control, and the overall situation hangs by a thread. It is precisely because of this that everyone needs to work together with one heart and mind. I hope you will restrain yourselves so as not to make an irreparable mistake."

Shan Xishi stood up and clasped his hands in a fist salute: "That's right. Along the way, the Dragon Crane Sword Manor has witnessed more bloodshed than this. Now, more and more people know about the Snow Lotus's ability to devour martial arts. Everyone has their own thoughts and is in danger. If it collapses like a mountain torrent at some point, who knows how many more people will be harmed."

Shi Zanxue glanced at her and smiled.

Xu Shang said, "Kongtong holds the same view."

Li Fengzhao said, "Let us hold the same view of the clouds and mountains."

"Of course." Tie Rusong replied expressionlessly.

“Of course,” Fang Heng said.

“Not bad,” Xie Tingyu said.

Song Zhilan glanced at the group and nodded.

Shi Zanxue looked at the group of people, and then she subconsciously glanced outside. The rain was pattering and white mist was rising.

"Please be frank and open about your thoughts, all factions," she said. "In times of crisis, we should be even more sincere and avoid misunderstandings."

The building was silent. Fang Heng rested his chin on his hand and looked down, Tie Rusong sat upright without saying a word, and Xie Tingyu stroked his sword and watched the rain.

Li Fengzhao slowly stood up, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said, "Then I will speak first: Yunshan has absolutely no intention of annexing any sect. Now, the Snow Lotus is a calamity rather than a blessing, and Yunshan is willing to go all out to overcome this difficulty with the martial arts world of the Western Regions. If we go against this promise, may heaven and earth punish us!"

Tie Rusong stepped forward, clasped his hands in return, and said, "In Yunshan's affairs and in the character of Master Li, Diancang can naturally trust him."

But he kept his hand on his sword and didn't continue speaking.

Shan Xishi stood up: "Longhe Sword Manor has no such plans. We have lived at the foot of Tianshan Mountain for generations, and our only profession is sword forging. If there is any use for us, Shan Xishi will not hesitate to ask."

If there is anyone in the building today who can rival Li Fengzhao and Xie Tingyu in strength, it is neither Tie Rusong nor Fang Heng, but only this Third Master of Longhe Manor. At this moment, she is holding a gun and looking at everyone, her brows furrowed and her eyes filled with worry, but she does not know how to continue.

Xu Chang also said, "Kongtong now only guards its mountain and does not want to look out."

When Shan Xishi spoke, no one reacted. When Xu Shang spoke, Kunlun, Diancang, and Qingsang all glanced at her, and Li Fengzhao also looked at her intently.

Xie Tingyu didn't mince words, smiling, "When we were spying on Kongtong, our combined courage couldn't compare to theirs..."

Li Fengzhao immediately interrupted: "Now that the Kongtong Peak is under the control of Peak Master Shi Shaosheng and Peak Master Xu Shang, it will naturally not contribute to the disaster of the Snow Lotus."

Fang Heng gently tapped the hilt of his sword, staring at the ground without saying a word.

"Palace Master Fang, does Kunlun have anything to say?"

“I have a few questions,” Fang Heng said.

"please say."

"Didn't the fairy invite Yi Jian Nan Zong?"

Shi Zanxue said, "We have invited them, but the Southern Sect has not yet arrived."

"Then can Tianshan tell us, where did the calamity of the Snow Lotus come from, and how can it be resolved?"

Shi Zanxue paused for two breaths: "Unable."

"I've heard that Pei Ye from Shenjing is heading towards Wangyetian City with the orphaned girl Jian Du. He claims to have a method to suppress the snow lotus sprouts. Is that true?"

"...Not yet determined."

"it is good."

"..."

"No one wants to see bloodshed everywhere," Fang Heng said, raising his eyes. "Kunlun should do its utmost to fulfill today's agreement."

After a moment of silence, everyone looked at Tie Rusong.

"Diancang is a righteous sect and would never stoop to scavenging." Tie Rusong seemed to be looking at the roof beams or the rain outside the window. "Unless we are trying to protect ourselves."

After he finished speaking, everyone looked at Xie Tingyu.

This unruly [Cloud Chariot Feather Banner] is indeed the most dangerous factor.

While a large, powerful figure might possess composure and ties, a lone wolf's actions depend entirely on a single thought in its mind.

He was indeed a man who had no taboos and possessed a rather powerful sword.

"Why are you looking at me like that? How dare I offend any of the sects?" Xie Tingyu closed her eyes. "Don't use this as an excuse to kill me first."

Shi Zanxue said, "Thank you for your joke, Senior. As agreed today, none of the sects should engage in killing."

The building fell silent for a moment, as if people had just remembered that there was still someone in the hall, and looked at Song Zhilan, who had been sitting quietly drinking tea.

Dressed in green, she resembled a scholar's robe, and she truly looked like a clump of bamboo planted in the hall.

【Xiangfei of the Western Kingdom】This beauty is one of the best among the younger generation in the Western Region. Her cultivation and talent are also among the best. She is a dual practitioner of medicine and swordsmanship in Qing Sang Valley. Her master, Chen Qingxiang, is a doctor, and she should be a swordsman.

Song Zhilan looked at everyone with her clear eyes and bowed respectfully: "Qing Sang Valley has nothing to say. My master said that as long as no one's head is cut off in a fight, Qing Sang Valley will try its best to save those who can be saved."

"..."

"..."

Shan Xishi frowned and said sternly, "What are you saying, Qing Sang Valley? How can your sect utter such words when the Western Territory is in peril?"

Song Zhilan looked at her and said gently, "Treating the sick and saving lives has always been a difficult task, not just at this time."

Looking at her unhurried face, Shan Xishi was about to say something more, but when he met her eyes, he suddenly remembered his own business and choked up, frowning as he sat down.

"Kunlun, Diancang, Da and Xiao Yunshan, Kongtong, Qingsang Valley, Longhe Sword Manor, the Xie family lineage... all are the leading forces in the Western Long Jianghu." Shi Zanxue looked at everyone in the hall, poured a cup of tea, and solemnly announced, "There are three agreements: First, none of you present shall kill one another; second, each of you should do your utmost to restrain your subordinate gangs and not kill out of greed; third, if there is any bloodshed, do not harbor selfish motives, but work together to capture the villains. The Eight Steeds and Seven Jade of Tianshan will arrive soon, and I hope you will all shoulder the responsibility of the righteous sects."

Everyone raised their cups in response. Fang Heng placed the cup on the table, drew his sword, and rose to his feet.

"Palace Master Fang, please wait," Shi Zanxue said.

Fang Heng looked up.

"It's noon, and I've prepared a feast. Please eat before you leave," she said, looking at the people in the hall.

Li Fengzhao laughed and said, "That's the best, that's the best."

Fang Heng paused for three breaths, then sat back down without saying a word.

“Zanxue has also prepared a banquet for all of you. Please come this way.”

The disciples behind him were taken aback, and all looked at their master in front of them. After receiving a nod, they followed the attendant away.

At the banquet, the seven people sat around a table, very far apart, and hardly exchanged a word until the very end; seventy percent of the conversation was given by Li Fengzhao.

Apart from Ji Zhuowu, the younger generation had not yet personally experienced the arrival of the Snow Lotus Calamity. Separated by a room, the atmosphere here was much more relaxed. Although there was some distance between them, it was not as deep as that between their teachers and elders.

Shi Zanxue exchanged a few pleasantries with each of them, and seeing that they were all somewhat reserved, she smiled and left the center.

It's easy to talk and get to know each other. The dozen or so people gradually became familiar with each other and started talking about topics that young people talk about.

Lin Jingfeng tilted his head and peeked at Song Zhilan over there. Diancang and the other man urged him to invite him over to sit down. They showed off their swords to each other for a while, and then asked Ji Zhuowu about the essentials of advancing to the Xuanmen.

Shi Zanxue leaned against the eaves, drinking alone from a bottle. Looking out, the rain was gloomy, obscuring the vast city.

When she was there, not many eyes dared to look at her, but now that she's out, she's getting more and more attention. Shi Zanxue is used to this feeling. She lowers her head, rubbing her thumb and forefinger nails together, thinking about what everyone in the hall had said.

Suddenly, something moved in her field of vision. She was slightly startled and looked up to see a figure standing at the courtyard gate. The figure was wrapped in a cloak, with a protruding sword shape at its waist. She couldn't see the face clearly yet, but a small and cute cat's head was already visible on its neck.

The young man lifted his cloak slightly and smiled at her from afar; Shi Zanxue returned the smile.

……

...The various factions had little interest in talking, and after finishing their conversation, Tie Rusong, who had been silent all along, suddenly stood up, raised his cup, and looked at Fang Heng.

Silence fell over the table. After a moment, Fang Heng looked at him and raised his wine cup. Tie Rusong then looked at Xie Tingyu, who remained silent for a few breaths, composed himself, and also raised his wine cup. The three exchanged glances, remained silent, and drank their wine in one gulp.

"I'll do my best." Tie Rusong said softly, setting down his wine cup and turning to leave.

These heroes, whose mere presence in the Western Regions could shake the very ground, departed one by one, umbrellas in hand.

Fang Heng left after Tie Rusong, followed by Xie Tingyu and Shan Xishi.

As Song Zhilan walked down to the courtyard with her umbrella, Xu Shang called out to her.

"Peak Master Xu."

"Song Zhenchuan, what do you think?"

"What's the matter?"

"Today's appointment."

Song Zhilan looked at her, and Xu Shang's expression was serious.

"The Jianghu in Xilong is prosperous, unlike Shaolong. In recent years, Kongtong has been particularly unaware of the various sects in the west."

"Did Peak Master Xu bring the martial arts manual with him?"

"...I brought two books."

"If you follow my advice, Peak Master Xu should return to Kongtong sooner, or perhaps join forces with Tianshan."

Song Zhilan turned and walked away, just as a man carrying a cat and a sword and a woman in a cloak of the same color walked side by side. He was looking at them absentmindedly, his hood and wet hair covering half of his face.

At that moment, she suddenly came to her senses and nodded to her. Song Zhilan looked at her face for a moment, then nodded back and walked away.

Behind him, Xu Shang exclaimed in surprise, "Young Master Pei!"

Pei Ye smiled and said, "Peak Master Xu, it's been a long time—Ji Zhenchuan is very well received."

"Greetings, Young Master Pei."

Pei Ye glanced at the two of them: "I didn't expect it to be Peak Master Xu who came. How is Jing Bi?"

Xu Shang rarely smiled: "Thanks to Young Hero Pei, he is very ambitious."

"That's good. How many martial arts masters have suffered misfortune at Kongtong? What is their condition?"

"About six or seven out of ten." Xu Chang's brows furrowed with worry again. "The Phoenix Mountain Cry from Rainbow Mist Peak is among them. Although it hasn't been opened yet, it will be soon. The other martial arts manuals are not far behind."

Pei Ye paused for a moment, then said, "I won't say more, Peak Master Xu. I will definitely resolve this matter."

"..." Xu Shang looked at him and smiled, "Young Master Pei, I have only met you twice, and you have put my mind at ease both times."

"That's embarrassing," Pei Ye smiled. "If I have time, I'll visit the garrison again."

"Always waiting."

The two said goodbye and left.

The two then left. Pei Ye walked forward, while Lu Yuque beside him couldn't help but turn back and look, whispering, "Who was that just now?"

"Xu Shang, the master of the Colorful Mist Peak of Kongtong."

"Where is that handsome guy?"

“【Seventeen Peak Leader】Ji Zhuowu.” Pei Ye glanced at her. “There’s only one man, Ji Zhenchuan, so there’s no need to keep mentioning that he’s ‘quite handsome.’”

"There's still more..."

Lu Yuque looked at him, and Pei Ye looked at her.

Lu Yuque shut up.

"Oh, right! That woman in the blue dress was so beautiful," Lu Yuque remembered. "Who was she?"

"do not know."

"Oh, then I'll see you nod to them."

"Just pick something random."

Pei Ye casually answered the woman's questions. The two climbed the steps, stood under the eaves, and took off their wet cloaks.

“Young Master Pei, I’ve noticed that you love making promises to people.”

"what?"

“Just now, you told that Peak Master Xu that you would definitely resolve this matter.” Lu Yuque looked at him. “When we first met, you also told me that evildoers must pay for their crimes in blood.”

"If there's something you want to do, why be afraid to say it?" Pei Ye retied her hair. "Didn't you love hearing that back then?"

"Yes, the person who hears this will surely be very happy, but... what if you, Young Master Pei, can't do it?"

"...Then it's impossible."

"what?"

"I don't care about saving face here."

“I thought you would say you would do everything in your power to achieve it.” Lu Yuque followed him into the hall.

"Sometimes you can't do it even if you try your best, and there's nothing you can do about it."

"Young Master Pei."

"Ok?"

"You are a truly upright and honest person."

"..."

Pei Ye turned to look at her.

"What are you doing?" Lu Yuque looked up.

"Miss Deer, you have truly discerning eyes."

"..." Lu Yuque lowered his head in silence. "I think I'll take back what I said and think about it again."

Outside, the rain pattered softly, while inside the hall, all was quiet and still. The two stood by the window, and Lu Yuque looked around. She had never been to Yetian City before, nor had she ever been to any of the pavilions in Tianshan.

"Didn't you say you just saw Fairy Anxiang?" Lu Yuque whispered.

"Hmm."

"Did she come to greet us personally?"

"Let's see how busy she is."

"Young Master Pei Ye, do you have any dignity at all?"

Pei Ye ignored her.

"Who do you think is prettier, Fairy Anxiang or that girl in the green dress?" Lu Yuque thought for a moment and then asked.

“Miss Deer, you are a lecherous man at heart.”

“…” Lu Yuque rolled his eyes. “Tch, so hypocritical.”

Pei Ye, realizing he had been told the truth, turned his head away and remained silent. At that moment, the bamboo curtain was lifted, and Shi Zanxue walked in carrying two bottles of sake.

“I hear such an apt comment.” The woman smiled. “Is this Miss Lu? You have a discerning eye, indeed.”

Lu Yuque stared at her, his face flushing first, and clasped his hands in greeting, saying, "My name is Lu Yuque..."

Pei Ye nodded: "This is Miss Lu Yuque. She's a very kind person. I relied on her to tell me a lot about the Western Regions along the way. Miss Lu, this is Shi Zanxue, the 'Anxiang' you've been talking about. She's also a very kind person. You can judge for yourself who looks better, her or the woman in blue."

Lu Yuque's eyes widened suddenly, and he raised his hand as if to pinch someone, but was dodged. So he just gripped Pei Ye's clothes tightly, and his face slowly turned red.

"Fairy Anxiang... It's our first meeting," she said.

Shi Zanxue smiled and said, "Ignore him, please have a seat."

(End of this chapter)