Chapter 2005: Chapter 2002: Exchange of Pleasantries
The four matches of the Martial Arts Conference today have concluded. The next match will take place the day after tomorrow, giving the participants some time to recover.
"What a pity, with Sect Master Lingâs interference, our Storm Sectâs Nan Yidao might have difficulty fully recovering within two days. Sect Master Ling should properly compensate our Storm Sect!" The Storm Sect Master deliberately said to Ling Feng.
Ling Feng smiled slightly and said, "The reward for the champion this time is the news of the Painterâs legacy. But this shouldnât hold much allure for either of you, right? Why did you send your experts to participate?"
"Sect Master Ling jests!" Ximen Tian said. "The Painterâs legacy is one of the most anticipated inheritances in the Ancient Ruins. Naturally, weâre interested in it too, but... the reason we decided to send someone is that members of Heavenâs Gate are participating this time."
"Someone from Heavenâs Gate?" Ling Feng raised his eyebrows. "Does that mean among the remaining four, apart from Nan Yidao, one of the other three is from Heavenâs Gate?"
The Storm Sect Master nodded. "Thatâs right. The top experts weâve secretly recruited were all publicly killed in the Practice Field by Heavenâs Gate contestants. This is a blatant provocation to both our Ximen Family and Storm Sect!"
Ling Feng squinted. "Among those three, who belongs to Heavenâs Gate?"
"According to the current information, Yun Bufan and Jian Qingchen are both possibilities!" Ximen Tian said. "But weâre not certain yet, since those who appeared before were already slaughtered by Nan Yidao and Ximen Huxiao. Of course, Qi Shanhe is also somewhat suspicious."
After saying this, the Storm Sect Master also turned his gaze toward Ling Feng. If Qi Shanhe truly had an unresolvable enmity with the Storm Sect, he might very well lean towards Heavenâs Gate to oppose the Storm Sect.
Ling Feng said in a low voice, "I will interrogate Qi Shanhe later. If he truly is from Heavenâs Gate, I will execute him without you needing to tell me."
"Thatâs good, I knew Sect Master Ling is a principled person, which puts my mind at ease!" the Storm Sect Master said with a cheerful smile. "Sect Master Ling, tonight we wish to prepare a welcoming banquet for you, so you must attend."
Ling Feng frowned. "Is that really necessary?"
"Thatâs not quite right!" Ximen Tian also said. "Weâre in a critical period now, and we want to use this welcoming banquet to discuss how to handle Heavenâs Gateâs advances. Moreover, this is the heartfelt intention of the old monk and the Storm Sect Master; surely Sect Master Ling wouldnât look down on us?"
"If thatâs the case, then I wonât refuse graciously!" Ling Feng cupped his hands towards the two and then turned and left for the guest room prepared by the Ximen Family.
Upon reaching the guest room, Ling Feng immediately released Qi Shanhe.
At this moment, Qi Shanhe was still covered in blood, but he was in much better shape than before.
Ling Feng tossed out an elixir. "Take it; it will benefit your injuries."
"Thank you!" Qi Shanhe swallowed the elixir without hesitation, and it turned into a warm stream entering his body. His previously severe wounds began to heal at a visibly rapid pace.
"I donât know how you should be addressed, senior? Iâm deeply grateful for your life-saving grace!" Qi Shanhe said earnestly.
Ling Feng waved his hand and said, "No need to thank me. Iâm just somewhat displeased with the Storm Sectâs actions, but I do have a few questions I need you to answer honestly, understand?"
"Please speak, senior!" Qi Shanhe replied.
"Are you from Heavenâs Gate?" Ling Feng stared into Qi Shanheâs eyes and asked.
Qi Shanhe frowned. "Someone from Heavenâs Gate? Is senior referring to the Heavenâs Gate that replaced the Heavenly Cloud Gate?"
Ling Feng nodded.
Qi Shanhe shook his head. "Senior, I am not from Heavenâs Gate."
"Then what grudge do you have with the Storm Sect?"
Qi Shanheâs eyes flashed with hatred, and he proceeded to tell Ling Feng about how the Storm Sect annihilated the entire Qi Family to seize the Ancestral Mine.
"As long as I have a breath left, I will never let the Storm Sect go; otherwise, I would be letting down the 3,176 unjust souls of our Qi Family!" Qi Shanhe gritted his teeth and said.
Ling Feng nodded. To him, as long as Qi Shanhe wasnât a member of Heavenâs Gate, it was fine. As for his grudge with the Storm Sect, that was for him to deal with himself! Additionally, if it could give the Storm Sect some trouble, Ling Feng was quite inclined to see it happen.
"My name is Ling Feng, Sect Master of the White Star Organization!" Ling Feng said to Qi Shanhe. "You should know your current situation. With your strength, thereâs no way to counter the Storm Sect unless you are now at the Half-step Immortality or even Immortal Realm. Otherwise, youâre just throwing eggs against rocks!"
Qi Shanheâs face showed a hint of despair. "Of course I know that! But... I donât have the time, I really donât have the time. If this continues, I will only have a dead end!"
As he spoke, Qi Shanhe explained his current situation to Ling Feng.
"I see!" Ling Feng nodded slightly. "Have you heard of the White Star Organization?"
Qi Shanhe looked puzzled and shook his head. Although he was quite capable, the White Star Organization was a low-profile group, not widely known to ordinary individuals.
"It doesnât matter if you havenât heard of it!" Ling Feng felt slightly awkward and cleared his throat before saying, "Our White Star Organization has many extraordinary individuals; I think your situation shouldnât be much trouble for them. Are you willing to become a member of the White Star Organization?"
Qi Shanhe hesitated a bit; theoretically, Ling Feng had saved him, so he had nothing to hesitate over. But he worried it might be a trap set for him.
"May I ask what the seniorâs relationship with the Storm Sect is?" Qi Shanhe took a deep breath and asked. "How did senior manage to take me out under such circumstances?"
Ling Feng naturally understood his concerns, and he openly said, "Actually, I am currently in a partnership with the Storm Sect!"
Qi Shanheâs eyes narrowed, and he looked at Ling Feng with a hint of caution. His savior was actually in cooperation with the Storm Sect, so what was his purpose? Was it also for the Nectar Feast within him?
"I understand your thoughts now, but I can tell you this: I donât have much regard for the Storm Sect, and my cooperation with the Storm Sect is merely to deal with Heavenâs Gate," Ling Feng said calmly.
Qi Shanhe hesitated for a moment. "Is what you said true, senior?"
"I have no reason to deceive you. The Nectar Feast, which is incredibly precious to you, means nothing in my eyes. I saved you because of that stubbornness in your eyes and that persistence in your heart," Ling Feng sighed. "In a way, you and I are quite similar, but you havenât been as fortunate as me. Along the way, I met many benefactors."
"Thatâs also why I extended a hand to you. I am willing to give you a hand in your time of crisis, but whether you can succeed in your revenge depends on your effort and fortunes."