Zhao Min couldnât help but feel astonished. After all, Ren Yingying had been dead set on fighting and killing just the day before. Yet, in the span of a single night, she had transformed into a bashful young bride, quietly standing to the side, tacitly agreeing with Song Qingshuâs words. Such a drastic change was simply too shocking.
Suddenly, Zhao Minâs face flushed. Her imagination ran wild, and a peculiar thought surfaced in her mind:
âCould it be that surnamed Song is especially skilled in certain⊠areas?â
As soon as the idea emerged, Zhao Minâs cheeks grew hot. She scolded herself inwardly, wondering what nonsense she was even thinking.
âThis is good, this is good,â Ren Woxing said cheerfully, clearly pleased to hear that his daughter was finally willing to accept this marriage. He grinned and added, âYingying, your father has matters to discuss with Qingshu. You can take these two young ladies for a stroll around Blackwood Cliff and get to know them better.â
Although Ren Woxing didnât explicitly state it, he didnât want any outsiders hearing about certain confidential matters.
Ren Yingying understood her fatherâs intentions. Though she was reluctant to associate with Song Qingshuâs women, she still approached Zhao Min and Li Mochou.
Li Mochou had no particular interest in the alliance between the Golden Serpent Camp and the Sun Moon Holy Cult, so she was happy to explore the famous Blackwood Cliff with Ren Yingying.
As for Zhao Min, she was curious about what Song Qingshu and Ren Woxing would discuss. However, she knew that given her status, Song Qingshu wouldnât allow her to stay and listen. Moreover, she was more intrigued by how Song Qingshu had managed to win over Ren Yingying, the proud Saintess. After a brief moment of hesitation, she followed Ren Yingying with growing interest.
Watching his daughterâs retreating figure, Ren Woxing couldnât help but sigh, âThe younger generation truly surpasses the old. My daughter has always been spoiled and fixated on that brat Linghu Chong, yet she was won over by you in just one night.â There was a faint hint of jealousy in his tone. After all, any father would feel uneasy seeing his beloved daughter so easily swept away by another man.
Song Qingshu smiled awkwardly, choosing not to respond. He knew that anything he said at this moment would be inappropriate. Sure enough, before long, Ren Woxingâs expression turned sharp, shedding his fatherly demeanor and revealing the imposing leader of the Sun Moon Holy Cult.
The two quickly delved into discussions about the alliance between the Golden Serpent Camp and the Sun Moon Holy Cult. From strategic plans to intricate details, everything was thoroughly discussed. Time passed swiftly.
After several hours, though many specifics remained unresolved, the two had reached a general consensus. At this point, Ren Woxingâs expression grew hesitant. Tentatively, he asked, âMy dear son-in-law, when you and Dongfang Bubai fell off that cliff together, you survived unscathed. Does that mean Dongfang Bubai is also⊠still alive?â
Dongfang Bubai had always been a thorn in Ren Woxingâs side. Upon learning that Song Qingshu was alive, Ren Woxing couldnât help but suspect that Dongfang Bubai might still be alive as well. The thought gnawed at him, prompting his current strategy of using his daughter to win over Song Qingshu.
After all, Song Qingshu had once fought alongside Dongfang Bubai. With Songâs current martial prowess, if he continued to ally with Dongfang Bubai, Ren Woxing knew he would stand no chance. Thus, offering his daughter as leverage was a calculated move. In his mind, any alliance between Song Qingshu and Dongfang Bubai was purely one of convenience. Whatever Dongfang Bubai could offer, Ren Woxing, as the current leader, could provide just as wellâif not more, considering the addition of a beautiful daughter. Surely, Song Qingshu wouldnât choose Dongfang Bubai over him.
Song Qingshu smiled faintly. âThat depends on whether Father-in-law wishes for Dongfang Bubai to still be alive.â
Ren Woxingâs eyes narrowed, sensing a deeper meaning behind the words. After a long pause, he laughed heartily. âThat scoundrel fell off a cliffâheâs naturally dead.â
Song Qingshu nodded, as if pronouncing a verdict. âThen, he is naturally dead.â
Ren Woxing wore a satisfied expression. âYou truly understand me, my dear son-in-law. HahahaâŠâ
Though Song Qingshu maintained his usual gentle smile, his thoughts ran deeper:
âI didnât lie to you. Dongfang Bubai is indeed dead. The one alive now is Dongfang Muxue.â
Of course, Song Qingshu wouldnât be foolish enough to reveal his relationship with Dongfang Muxue to Ren Woxing. He had his reasons for cautionâDongfang Muxue was far too enigmatic.
His relationship with Dongfang Muxue was delicate. They werenât enemies, nor were they merely friends. Yet, they were far from being lovers.
Even if they were lovers, Song Qingshu wouldnât completely trust her. Dongfang Muxue was different from Ah Jiu or Xia Qingqing. She had once been the formidable leader of the Sun Moon Holy Cult, renowned as the number one martial artist in the unorthodox factions. She had her own ambitions and pursuits, and Song Qingshu doubted she would ever settle for being a mere consort in someoneâs harem. Thus, he couldnât help but maintain a certain level of vigilance toward her.
For now, their goals aligned, allowing for a cooperative âhoneymoonâ period. But who knew when their interests might conflict? When that time came, a split would be inevitable.
To avoid putting all his eggs in one basket, Song Qingshu planned to secure control of the Sun Moon Holy Cult through his marriage to Ren Yingying. That way, even if Dongfang Muxue returned, she would have lost her foundation within the sect and lack the means to oppose him, forcing her to align herself with him.
As Song Qingshu was deep in thought, Ren Woxing spoke again. âThanks to you, my dear son-in-law, one of the three great threats in my heart has now been resolved.â á±
âHmm?â Song Qingshuâs expression shifted, revealing his interest. âI wonder what the other two major threats are?â
âOne, of course, is the Five Sacred Mountain Sword Sect. Over the years, the Sun Moon Holy Cult and the Five Sacred Mountain Sword Sect have clashed endlessly, fostering a deep-seated grudge that is irreconcilable. Previously, the Five Sacred Mountain Sword Sect was disorganized and not a significant threat. However, a few years ago, Zuo Lengchan of the Mount Song Sect emerged, and under his leadership, the Five Sacred Mountain Sword Sectâs influence has grown, gradually posing a threat to the Cult,â Ren Woxing snorted. âStill, Zuo Lengchanâs character is lowly, and there are many within the sect who refuse to submit to him. Thus, he cannot be considered a critical danger. The one giving me a headache is someone else entirelyâŠâ
Song Qingshu immediately understood and chuckled, âIs the one troubling you Zhang Wuji of the Ming Cult?â
âExactly!â Ren Woxing gave a wry smile. âLast time, to reclaim my position as the leader, I had to ally with Zhang Wuji and rely on his strength to defeat Dongfang Bubai. But who wouldâve thought that driving away a wolf at the front door would invite a tiger through the back? Zhang Wuji harbors malicious intent and actually tried to take the opportunity to annex the Sun Moon Holy Cult. Although the Cult originated from the Ming Cult two centuries ago, we have long since parted ways. Yet, he exploits this history, claiming authority as a sect master, and has won over a group of elders, hall leaders, and incense masters within the Cult who are unaware of the truth. Since I had only just regained my position as leader, my foundation wasnât solid enough to stop him.â
Ren Woxingâs expression turned uneasy, partly because he had previously collaborated with Zhang Wuji to attack Song Qingshu and Dongfang Bubai, and partly due to his current state of powerlessness as a leader. He was concerned Song Qingshu might ridicule him.
If his alliance werenât with Song Qingshu, Ren Woxing wouldnât have admitted such weaknesses. But Zhang Wujiâs enmity with Song Qingshu was widely known in the martial world, making them mutual enemies. Hence, there was no need to hide anything.
âWhy trouble yourself, Father-in-law? Just dismiss those disloyal elders and hall leaders,â Song Qingshu suggested with a gleam in his eye. This seemed like a perfect opportunity to intervene in the Sun Moon Holy Cultâs affairs. If he could gain control over more than half of the Cultâs ten elders, hall leaders, and incense masters, he would effectively hold power over the Cult.
âEasier said than done,â Ren Woxing sighed bitterly. âThe elders, hall leaders, and incense masters in the Cult have longstanding reputations and achievements. I canât simply replace them at will. More importantly, they are backed by Zhang Wuji. If I take action against them, it might force Zhang Wuji to act recklessly and openly break ties with me, leading to an internal conflict. Regardless of who wins or loses, the Cult would suffer devastating losses.â
âIt all boils down to Zhang Wuji,â Song Qingshu said, his eyes glinting sharply. He continued in a firm tone, âLeave Zhang Wuji to me, Father-in-law. You focus on purging those disloyal elements within the Cult. I will also send experts to assist, ensuring we eliminate Zhang Wujiâs influence in the Cult as quickly as possible.â
Zhang Wuji had recently been forced to flee after Song Qingshu injured him, leaving him reliant on the Cosmic Absorption Technique to expel the innate sword Qi within his body. It was unlikely he could recover his martial arts in the short term. Song Qingshu would be a fool not to seize this opportunity.
Ren Woxingâs eyes sparkled. Though unaware of Zhang Wujiâs current condition, Song Qingshuâs assurance reassured him greatly. Given Song Qingshuâs growing reputation and martial prowess, which now rivaled Zhang Wujiâs, Ren Woxing felt confident in his capabilities.
As for Song Qingshuâs proposal to send reinforcements, Ren Woxing immediately saw through his ulterior motive. However, he didnât mind. First, Song Qingshuâs assistance deserved some reciprocal benefits. Second, unlike Zhang Wuji, who was an outsider, Song Qingshu was his son-in-law. Even if Song Qingshu gained influence within the Cult, it would still be a case of âkeeping the benefits within the family.â
An hour later, when the cleansing plan was nearly finalized, Song Qingshu spoke up, âI have an impolite request, and I hope Father-in-law can grant it.â
Ren Woxing, feeling a newfound sense of relief with Song Qingshuâs help resolving his internal and external troubles, was in high spirits. Laughing heartily, he replied, âThereâs no need to be so formal between us as father-in-law and son-in-law. Just say it.â
âI would like an antidote for the Three Corpse Brain Holy Pill.â
Ren Woxingâs pupils constricted sharply, and a powerful aura erupted from his body upon hearing Song Qingshuâs request.
The Three Corpse Brain Holy Pill was a method Sun Moon Holy Cult leaders used to control their subordinates. It was even more symbolic of their authority than the Blackwood Order. It could be said that whoever possessed the antidote to the Three Corpse Brain Holy Pill essentially controlled the Sun Moon Holy Cult.
Ren Woxing could tolerate Song Qingshu placing his confidants within the Cult, but he would never allow him to touch the sacred and forbidden authority of the Three Corpse Brain Holy Pill.
Another chapter because I had some free time. This is 8/16 chapters sponsored by Sixth.
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