The First Marquis of Daxuan

"One hundred Crimson Cloud Fruits, sold to you at cost price. Do you want them or not?"

Elder Wei had no intention of wasting words with Su Mu and went straight to the point.

His meaning was clear: don't give me any nonsense, take the Crimson Fruit and get lost.

It must be said, as expected of the Danxia Sect, they are indeed very wealthy and powerful.

One hundred Crimson Fruits were given away without hesitation.

This is definitely a case of losing money to avoid disaster.

Elder Zhang Li, Elder Gao, and other elders of the Danxia Sect remained silent.

Logically, they should stop something that violates ancestral rules.

But no one spoke up to stop it.

They all understood Elder Wei's purpose in doing this.

depression to luck!

It's not that the Danxia Sect has no way to deal with Su Mu.

In fact, if the Danxia Sect really wanted to kill Su Mu, they had plenty of ways to do so.

But the cost of doing so is too high, and it's not worth it.

The ancestral rule of the Danxia Sect is that one should not suffer a loss.

They weigh the pros and cons before doing anything.

In the current situation, if Su Mu continues to challenge them, it would be dishonorable for Danxia Sect to win, and it would be shameful and humiliating for them to lose.

In comparison, it would be better to just give him the Crimson Fruit and send him away.

Anyway, Su Mu's purpose in challenging their Danxia Sect was to buy the Crimson Cloud Vermilion Fruit.

Elder Wei's decisiveness surprised even Su Mu.

That's right, his initial purpose in coming to Danxia Sect was indeed for the Crimson Cloud Vermilion Fruit.
But then he discovered that there were many powerful figures in the Danxia Sect, and he was currently in the midst of challenging the Danxia Sect's experts, which made him suddenly stop.

"Elder Wei, I think these two things should not be confused."

Su Mu pondered for a moment and said, "I really want to see the strength of the Danxia Sect."

It is my honor to have the opportunity to spar with the elders of the Danxia Sect, and I think—”

"Don't think about it."

Elder Wei interrupted him without any politeness, saying, "Right now, all we have is the Crimson Fruit. Take the Crimson Fruit and go back to Hengshan Sect. We'll pretend nothing happened today."

The other elders of the Danxia Sect nodded in agreement.

Su Mu's gaze swept across the entire scene, and he knew in his heart that if he continued to entangle himself with the Danxia Sect, it would not be a challenge, but a real falling out with them.

He wasn't afraid of falling out with the Danxia Sect, but turning them into a mortal enemy for no reason wasn't his original intention.

"Ok."

He pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "However, one hundred Crimson Fruits are not enough; I need two hundred."

"At most one hundred and twenty, not one more. Don't push your luck."

Elder Wei said angrily.

"Then the price needs to be even lower."

"..."

After some haggling, the two finally reached an agreement: Danxia Sect would sell Su Mu 130 Crimson Fruits at cost price.

Su Mu immediately left Danxia Sect and was not to tell anyone what had happened that day.

At Elder Wei's command, someone quickly brought over the Crimson Heaven Fruit.

As expected of the wealthiest sect in the Great Qian Dynasty, the Danxia Sect delivered 130 Crimson Fruits to them without even needing the sect leader's permission; Elder Wei simply said one word and they were presented to them.

This filled Su Mu with emotion.

"As for the spirit stones, I'll send someone to deliver them after I return to Hengshan Sect."

Su Mu said, "There's nothing we can do. Our Hengshan Sect is no match for the Danxia Sect. We're poor."

Elder Wei looked helpless. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that someone who could argue with him for half a day over a single spirit stone was poor.

"You go."

Elder Wei waved his hand, not wanting to deal with this poor bastard.

Su Mu smiled and gave a thumbs up.

"Elder Wei is very generous. If there is an opportunity in the future, I would like to do business with Danxia Sect again."

Elder Wei, Elder Gao, and Zhang Li, along with other elders of the Danxia Sect, all rolled their eyes.

We never want to do business with a crazy, poor guy like you again.

What I fear most are these desperately poor guys.

Why risk your life for just one hundred Crimson Fruits?

The elders of Danxia Sect escorted Su Mu out of the sect as if he were a plague carrier, and then left without looking back.

They looked as if they were afraid of catching some serious disease from Su Mu if they stayed any longer.

Su Mu looked helpless.

However, after looking at the Crimson Fruit in his hand, he felt that he could accept the Danxia Sect's arrogance.

After all, they were so generous, letting him take the Crimson Fruit without taking a single spirit stone from him.

We're not afraid he'll renege on his debt later.

You should know that 130 Crimson Heaven Fruits, if converted into spirit stones, would be a number that would absolutely drive second- or third-rate sects crazy.

Even if Su Mu is the peak master of Hengshan Sect, such a large sum of spirit stones would never have been allowed to be taken away by him if Danxia Sect hadn't been generous enough.

If it were Su Mu, he definitely wouldn't be so generous.

Let alone Su Mu, even the Hengshan Sect probably doesn't have this kind of confidence.

Su Mu didn't realize that the Danxia Sect wasn't so generous to everyone.

In the eyes of the elders of the Danxia Sect, he was truly like a plague god.

They couldn't beat him in a fight, and killing him wouldn't be worth it, so they figured it was better to pay up and avoid trouble. They just wanted to get rid of Su Mu as quickly as possible.

As for spirit stones...

The Danxia Sect has no shortage of spirit stones.

They weren't worried at all that Su Mu would renege on his debt.

The Hengshan Sect is such a large sect, and since Su Mu didn't return the spirit stones, they went to the Hengshan Sect to ask for them back.

A monk who can run away cannot run away from the temple.

Although this deal didn't make much money, at least it didn't result in a loss.

Seeing Su Mu turn and leave, Elder Wei secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Elder Gao, Zhang Li, and others offered their praise at the opportune moment, which brought a smile to Elder Wei's face.

If a problem can be solved with spirit stones, then it's not a problem.

Fighting and killing is the most foolish thing to do.

He was not like those brainless brutes like Yokoyama Sō.

Elder Wei thought to himself smugly.

…………

Hengshan Sect.

"Su Mu hasn't returned yet? Didn't I tell you that if he offends the Danxia Sect, then your Zhenyue Peak has no reason to exist?"

Xu looked around and said coldly.

The once desolate Zhenyue Peak has been completely transformed under Zhang Qi's management.

Originally, Zhenyue Peak was thriving, which was a good thing for Hengshan Sect.

But Xu Gu was not happy at all.

Now that Zhenyue Peak belongs to Xu Gu, the changes at Zhenyue Peak are certainly a good thing.

But Zhenyue Peak, especially Su Mu, was determined to oppose him and ruined his plans several times.

The better Zhenyue Peak was, the more uncomfortable Xu Gu felt.

All he wants now is to kill Su Mu and get everything back on track.

Otherwise, if things continue like this, how can he possibly become the Grand Elder of the Hengshan Sect?
"Elder Xu, I have already sent a message to the Peak Master, but I can't control what the Peak Master does."

Zhang Qi helplessly spread his hands and said, "Why don't you go there yourself, Elder Xu?"
Actually, I don't think there will be any problem. Our peak master isn't stupid. Why would he offend the Danxia Sect for no reason?
As the saying goes, even if a deal falls through, goodwill remains. Even if the Danxia Sect refuses to sell the Crimson Cloud Fruit to our peak master, would our peak master really wage war against the Danxia Sect?

Xu Gu's face was gloomy. He actually wished that Su Mu would fight Danxia Sect. It would be even better if Su Mu died at the hands of Danxia Sect.

He would then have a reason to take back Zhenyue Peak.

"Don't try to fool me."

Xu Gu said coldly, "I'll say it again, bring Su Mu back to me within five days."

If they don't show up within five days, then they'll be dealt with according to the sect rules!

Elder Xu—

Before Zhang Qi could offer any further explanation, Xu Gu had already flicked his sleeves and was about to turn and leave.

"Why is Elder Xu in such a bad mood? Zhang Qi, did you neglect Elder Xu?"

Just then, a voice suddenly rang out.

Then a gentle breeze blew by, and there was another person in front of Xu Gu and Zhang Qi. Who else could it be but Su Mu?
"Peak Master!"

Zhang Qi's face lit up with joy, and he exclaimed in surprise.

"Elder Xu, Zhang Qi is young and ignorant. If he has offended you in any way, I apologize on his behalf."

Su Mu said with a smile, "If Elder Xu still has any complaints, he can come at me."

Xu Gu stared at Su Mu and snorted coldly. The first half of his sentence sounded somewhat human, but the second half revealed his true colors.

That Su Mu is definitely no good!

"Peak Master Su, I heard from Zhang Qi that you went to Danxia Sect to buy Crimson Cloud Vermilion Fruit. Danxia Sect is an ally of Hengshan Sect. Have you offended Danxia Sect?"

Xu Gu said coldly.

Elder Xu is mistaken.

Su Mu said calmly, "I went to Danxia Sect to do business, not to make enemies."

To be honest, Elder Xu, the people of Danxia Sect are kind and speak very pleasantly.

They readily sold us the Crimson Fruit.

I think our Hengshan Sect should learn from the Danxia Sect.

Especially certain elders—

Xu Gu's expression froze instantly.

He could certainly hear the sarcasm in Su Mu's tone, but he didn't take it seriously. Right now, he had only one thought in his mind: Su Mu had bought the Crimson Fruit!

Su Mu actually bought the Crimson Fruit from the Danxia Sect!

How did he do it?
How is this possible?
Back then, the Hengshan Sect was willing to pay a high price to buy the Crimson Cloud Vermilion Fruit, but the Danxia Sect refused.

How could Su Mu possibly accomplish a deal that even the sect leader and the grand elder couldn't close?
Of course, the sect leader and the Grand Elder wanted to make a stable, long-term purchase of Crimson Cloud Fruit, unlike Su Mu's one-off deal.

However, buying the Crimson Fruit from the Danxia Sect was something that no one in the Hengshan Sect had ever done before.

"how did you do it?"

Xu Gu asked in a deep voice, "Didn't I tell you? The elders of the Danxia Sect are very easy to talk to."

Su Mu shrugged and said, "I just expressed my request, we had a friendly discussion, and that was it."

Xu Gu: "..."

You're fucking lying to a ghost.

Over the years, countless disciples of the Hengshan Sect have wanted to take this shortcut.

But no one has ever been able to buy the Crimson Fruit!
Why did you agree as soon as you went to Danxia Sect?

Is it just because you're prettier than others?
"Elder Xu, I have collected one hundred Crimson Cloud Vermilion Fruits. According to the sect's rules, can I now learn the Hengshan Body Refining Technique?"

Su Mu didn't care what Xu Gu was thinking. He said to himself, "The Hengshan Body Refining Technique is the supreme martial art of our Hengshan Sect, which can directly reach the Dao Realm."

I've wanted to cultivate it for a long time.

Xu Gu was still somewhat skeptical, but seeing Su Mu wave his hand, he actually took out one hundred Crimson Fruits.

"Since Elder Xu is here, I will hand over these one hundred Crimson Cloud Fruits to the Punishment Hall."

Su Mu said with a smile, "Elder Xu, could you please give me a certificate so I can go to the secret realm to learn the Hengshan Body Refining Technique?"

The Hengshan Body Refining Technique is the supreme secret art of the Hengshan Sect, and it is kept in the most important secret realm of the Hengshan Sect.

Even the peak masters of the twelve peaks of Hengshan need the consent of the elders to enter.

Xu Gu looked at the hundred Crimson Fruits. He wanted to find fault with them, but all of them were top-grade, even better than the ones grown in their Hengshan Sect. He couldn't say anything even if he went against his conscience.

Xu Gu stared at Su Mu, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Are we just going to let Su Mu learn the Hengshan Body Refining Technique like this?
He's already so arrogant now. If he were to learn the Hengshan Body Refining Technique, who in the Hengshan Sect would he even look at?
Most importantly, this guy is so young yet already possesses such strength. If he were to learn the Hengshan Body Refining Technique, wouldn't his cultivation level catch up with mine in time?

I absolutely cannot allow this to happen!
Xu Gu thought to himself.

"very good."

Xu Gu slowly opened his mouth and said, "Peak Master Su has already reached the qualification to cultivate the Hengshan Body Refining Technique at such a young age. He is truly a blessing to our Hengshan Sect."

Originally, I should have let Peak Master Su enter the secret realm to learn the Hengshan Body Refining Technique by now, but unfortunately, the Grand Elder is not in the sect, so even I am not qualified to make the decision to let you enter the secret realm.

In addition, there is an urgent sect mission that needs to be carried out by Peak Master Su.

"How about this, you go and carry out the sect's mission first. By the time you've completed it, the Grand Elder should be back. After I inform the Grand Elder, Peak Master Su, you can then enter the secret realm to learn the Hengshan Body Refining Technique, what do you say?"

Su Mu frowned slightly.

The Hengshan Body Refining Technique is a supreme martial art that can directly lead to the Dao Realm, and it is very important to Su Mu.

He certainly couldn't wait to learn it now.

However, Xu Gu's reasoning was sound; without the Grand Elder's permission, he indeed could not enter the Hengshan Sect's secret realm.

"What did the Grand Elder go to do?"

Su Mu asked in a deep voice.

"How could we possibly inquire about the Grand Elder's whereabouts so casually?"

Xu Gu said, "You don't need to worry about the Grand Elder. As I said, the sect has an urgent and important task to entrust to you."

"Can I say no?"

Su Mudao.

"No."

Xu Gu said expressionlessly, "This is a mandatory task, and no one else in the sect is available to complete it right now, so it can only be done by Peak Master Su."

Zhang Qi hesitated, though everything seemed to be in accordance with the rules. Everyone knew that Xu Gu was targeting Su Mu, and this mission was probably not so simple.

He wanted to remind Su Mu, but before he could speak, Su Mu had already nodded.

"I'll take this task."

Su Mu said calmly, "I hope that after I complete this task, I can enter the secret realm to learn the Hengshan Body Refining Technique."

"If any further problems arise, don't blame me for losing my temper. Although Zhenyue Peak has few people, we won't tolerate this kind of humiliation."

As he spoke, he exuded a sharp aura.

Xu Gu's pupils contracted slightly.

This aura—

He is stronger than when he fought Yao Junhao.

This discovery startled Xu Gu.

As everyone knows, it is extremely difficult for a Dao Source Realm expert to improve their strength.

How much time has passed since Su Mu's battle with Yao Junhao?
Su Mu's strength has improved so significantly. How did he do it?
First, he bought the Crimson Fruit from the Danxia Sect, and now his strength has improved so significantly. Is Su Mu sent by the heavens to cause trouble for him?

If Su Mu had returned a few years later, Zhenyue Peak would no longer exist.

Rather!

Xu Gu was seething with hatred. It just so happened that Su Mu was going against him at this crucial moment when he was vying for the position of Grand Elder!

If Su Mu were willing to lend him a hand, wouldn't everything be much easier?

Unfortunately, Su Mu kept opposing him, and the better Su Mu's talent was, the more he hated him.

"Elder Xu, what is this sect mission you mentioned?"

Su Mu asked.

Xu Gu's heart skipped a beat; thankfully, he had been prepared.

Anyone who dares to oppose me, no matter how talented Su Mu is, will only face certain death.

"You were the one who resolved the Li family rebellion last time. You should know that two elders of the Yanfu Sect escaped from your grasp."

Xu Gu slowly said, "According to the information, these two elders of the Yanfu Sect have not left the Great Qian Dynasty. They are still lobbying the forces of the Great Qian Dynasty, trying to persuade them to betray the Great Qian Dynasty."

"You'll have to deal with the mess you left behind yourself. Your mission is to find and kill everyone from the Yanfu Sect who infiltrated the Great Qian Dynasty."

"Elder Xu, this is impossible!"

Before Su Mu could speak, Zhang Qi couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

"There are countless people from the Yanfu Sect who have infiltrated the Great Qian Dynasty. Who can find them all?"

If you asked us to kill those two elders of the Yanfu Sect, we might be able to do it, but this task is impossible for us, let alone the Great Qian Dynasty.

Over the years, who knows how many spies the Yanfu Sect has sent deep into the Great Qian Dynasty?

Zhang Qi clenched his fists and glared at Xu Gu.

Xu Gu was deliberately making things difficult for them.

"Elder Xu, who assigned this task?"

Su Mu looked at Xu Gu and slowly spoke.

The Yanfu Sect is specifically opposed to the Great Qian Dynasty. As Zhang Qi said, over the years, countless Yanfu Sect disciples have infiltrated the Great Qian Dynasty, and countless Great Qian people have been turned by the Yanfu Sect.

It's impossible to find and kill all the lurkers.

However, no one can say for sure whether all of them have been found.

This is a task that did not meet the standards.

If Xu Gu were to act according to his nature, even if Su Mu had completed the task, he could still say that Su Mu had not completed it.

"I don't need to explain much about sect missions to you."

Xu Gu said coldly.

"I can accept the task, but you need to give me a clear standard."

Su Mu slowly asked, "How many disciples of the Yanfu Sect are currently operating in the Great Qian Dynasty?"

"If I knew, would I need you to investigate?"

Xu Gu said.

"If I find out, how can you guarantee that the number I found is correct?"

Su Mu smiled dismissively and said.

"Right is right, wrong is wrong. You know perfectly well whether you've completed the task or not."

Xu Gu frowned.

"Elder Xu, if that's the case, then don't jump out and nitpick when I feel I've completed the task."

If you don't make things clear now, I won't be so easy to talk to later.

Su Mu sneered, "I'll give you one last chance. You can either give me a list or a specific number."

Otherwise, I might have to carry out this task according to my own wishes, and if I accidentally uncover someone, Elder Xu, please don't blame me."

Xu Gu's pupils suddenly contracted, and he realized that he had been careless!
I never even thought of that!
If power is truly given to Su Mu, then whoever Su Mu identifies as a spy for the Yanfu Sect will indeed be a spy for the Yanfu Sect.

The dead cannot argue.

If Su Mu uses this excuse to kill people at will, it's one thing if he kills others, but what if he kills his own men?
What a fine Shetland Sheepdog!
Xu Gu sneered inwardly.

"You don't need to worry about the others. You just need to kill those two elders of the Yanfu Sect."

After a moment of silence, Xu Gu spoke slowly.

"now it's right."

Su Mu smiled faintly and said, "Elder Xu, the sect's mission must be clearly explained, otherwise the disciples may have misunderstandings and make mistakes when completing the mission. Who will be responsible then?"

You elders can't slack off!

Xu Gu's face turned ashen.

As a dignified elder of the Punishment Hall, who would dare to speak to him like that?

Even the peak masters of each peak had to treat him with utmost respect.

It was this Su Mu who spoke to him in a sarcastic and mocking tone.

"Humph."

Xu Gu snorted coldly, "Peak Master Su, let me remind you, although your mission is to kill those two elders of the Yanfu Sect, the Yanfu Sect has more than just those two elders in the Great Qian Dynasty. If you want to kill them, you might run into other Yanfu Sect elders."

"Take care of yourself."

After saying that, Xu Gu flicked his sleeves and his figure transformed into a streak of light as he left Zhenyue Peak.

"Peak Master, Elder Xu probably has ill intentions. This mission is definitely not as simple as it seems on the surface."

Seeing Xu Gu leave, Zhang Qi couldn't help but remind Su Mu.

"Didn't Elder Xu make it very clear? Other powerful figures from the Yanfu Sect have entered the Great Qian Dynasty."

Su Mu sneered, "Elder Jin and Elder Sun probably have powerful figures from the Yanfu Sect by their side, the kind of powerful figures who could kill me."

"It's just using someone else to do the dirty work; Elder Xu's methods aren't necessarily that clever."

Zhang Qi frowned. The situation at Zhenyue Peak had just improved, so why was Elder Xu targeting the Peak Master?

"Peak Master, how about we bow down to Elder Xu and admit our mistake?"

Zhang Qi said weakly.

"Zhang Qi, remember this: dignity is never something you get by begging for mercy. If you want others to respect you, you have to let them know that you are not someone to be trifled with."

Su Mu said calmly, "Elder Xu wants to use someone else to do his dirty work, but that person might not listen to him."

"Peak Master, what do you mean by this?"

Zhang Qi said with a puzzled look.

"Zhang Qi, your strength lies in management. You don't need to worry about these messy things. Just keep an eye on Zhenyue Peak. I'll handle the sect missions."

Su Mu smiled faintly and said, "The Yanfu Sect is nothing more than the Danxia Sect." (End of Chapter)