Chapter 360 - Frenzied Mount
Chapter 360 Frenzied Mount
“Do you think you’re fit to be mentioned in the same breath as the pavilion master?”
“I was mistaken.”
Zhou Jifeng and Pan Zhong were enjoying this greatly. The two of them were originally forgotten individuals in their former sects. There had been no place for them before this. When they found a place they could stand on their own two feet, they had to judge whether it was reliable. When they just joined the Evil Sky Pavilion back then, they were slightly reserved. Currently, they were more at ease and no longer as nervous as before.
Shan Yunzheng had spoken out of turn and was punished with a slap. The Evil Sky Pavilion was not a place that someone could behave as they pleased.
They suddenly remembered the pavilion master had once said that he had been merciful and soft-hearted, the Evil Sky Pavilion would not be where it was at now.
Shan Yunzheng did not dare to avoid the slap nor was she capable of avoiding the slap. She became better behaved after she was punished.
After administering the punishment, Lu Zhou sat down with a wave of his sleeves.
Shan Yunzheng, naturally, did not dare to complain.
Lu Zhou did not ask for Shan Yunzheng’s opinion as well. Instead, he looked to the side and asked, “Hua Yuexing, do you have anything to say?”
Hua Yuexing was a young lady, after all. She had never been in such a situation. She had no dignity to speak of when she was learning from Shan Yunzheng. Even now, she was still fearful of Shan Yunzheng. She shuddered when she heard Lu Zhou’s words and hastily replied, “I don’t.”
“You don’t?” Lu Zhou stroked his beard. He gave it some thought and said, “If you have nothing to say, I’ll say something on your behalf.”
“Please do, Pavilion Master!” Hua Yuexing, naturally, had no objection to this.
Silence descended on the great hall. Everyone’s eyes were trained on Shan Yunzheng.
Shan Yunzheng cupped her fists and said, “Greetings, old senior.” “Do you know why you were summoned?” Lu Zhou inquired.
Shan Yunzheng glanced at Hua Yuexing. She considered it for a moment before saying, “Hua Yuexing was once my student, and I was her master. Due to various reasons, she was exiled from the sect. If she has any resentment or dissatisfaction, I’m willing to offer my apologies.” “You’re the Luo Sect’s Second Elder, a person admired by many. With her talents, why did you let her leave?” Lu Zhou asked. Most people would put in a lot of effort to nurture a talented disciple like Hua Yuexing. With a disciple like her, the master would gain honor and glory as well.
A complicated expression appeared on Shan Yunzheng’s face. She stammered through her words, “It’s… I-it’s meaningless to… to speak of the reasons now… In any case, I’m willing to apologize to her. If the Evil Sky Pavilion intends to demand compensation, I’ll accept without any complaints.”
‘At least she knows when to yield.’
At this moment, a deep voice suddenly rang from outside the hall, “Shan Yunzheng, you’re a complete disgrace to the Luo Sect.”
The others looked for the source of the voice, and they saw Hua Wudao walking in with a dark expression on his face.
Everyone knew that Hua Wudao and Hua Yuexing were close. They shared the same surnames. One of them was from the Yun Sect, and the other was from the Luo Sect. At the end of the day, they could be considered to have come from the same line. However, no one knew the exact nature of their relationship.
When Shan Yunzheng saw Hua Wudao walking into the hall with a dissatisfied expression, she frowned. “Hua Wudao?”
“You recognize me?”
“When I was cultivating in seclusion, I heard that you’ve joined the Evil Sky Pavilion, but I didn’t believe it. It seems like the rumor is true,” Shan Yunzheng said.
Hua Wudao cupped his fists at Lu Zhou before saying, “A person like you isn’t fit to remain in the Luo Sect. You chased Hua Yuexing out because you wanted to claim her Falling Moon Bow for yourself.”
‘Falling Moon Bow?’
The name of the weapon sounded extraordinary.
Hua Wudao’s words had inadvertently revealed the reason Shan Yunzheng had chased Hua Yuexing away.
“Elder Hua, the Falling Moon Bow is bestowed by the Patriarch of the Three Sects. It’s clearly stated that the bow was to be given to me, Shan Yunzheng. Why are you slandering me?’
“Shut up!” Hua Wudao’s outburst surprised Shan Yunzheng. She kept quiet after this. She suddenly remembered that she was not in the Luo Sect. This was the Evil Sky Pavilion. “The Patriarch of the Three Sects initially intended to give the bow to Hua Yuexing. Are you going to refute that as well?” At this point, the situation was clear. It was natural for a sect to distribute its assets to its members. Once Hua Yuexing left the sect, she would not be able to get the Falling Moon Bow, regardless of how talented she was.
Lu Zhou stroked his beard. He looked at Hua Yuexing and said, “Is what Elder Hua said true?”
Hua Yuexing bowed and said, “It is.”
Shan Yunzheng’s face turned ghastly pale as she took several steps backward.
Lu Zhou looked at Shan Yunzheng and said, “What’s the grade of the Falling Moon Bow?”
Shan Yunzheng shook her head and did not answer.
Hua Wudao had no qualms in answering that. “Heaven-grade, middle.”
The others broke into an uproar. As they expected, it was a heaven-grade weapon. Whether it was a low or middle heaven-grade weapon, a heaven-grade weapon was still a rare treasure. It was no wonder Shan Yunzheng would banish Hua Yuexing because of the Falling Moon Bow. It was natural that a heaven-grade weapon would create covetous thoughts in Shan Yunzheng. It would not be a stretch to say that she would even Hua Yuexing for it if the situation called for it.
Lu Zhou stroked his beard. He nodded slightly and said, “Shan Yunzheng, I’ve always been reasonable. I always listen to both sides of the story. Do you have anything to add to Elder Hua’s account?”
Shan Yunzheng waved her hands at once and said, “This weapon was given by the patriarch, Yun Tianluo… The Luo Sect’s disciples can bear witness to this. Please thoroughly investigate this matter, Pavilion Master.”
“When Yun Tianluo founded the Three Sects back then, he distanced himself from the affairs of the world. The Three Sects have since split. Why would he grant you the weapon?” Lu Zhou asked calmly. “I’m the greatest archer in the Three Sects!” Shan Yunzheng said confidently.
Hua Wudao cursed loudly, “Bullsh*t!”
This outburst frightened Shan Yunzheng again.
Hua Wudao walked up to Shan Yunzheng and said, “In terms of archery, Hua Yuexing’s talents are not inferior to yours. Moreover, from what I know, a name was engraved on the Falling Moon Bow. Instead of wasting our breaths exchanging words, why don’t you produce it now so that everyone can have a look at it?” “You…” Shan Yunzheng’s eyes widened. She had no way to refute Hua Wudao’s words.
Duanmu Sheng touched his Overlord Spear and said, “So, we can engrave names on our weapons. I’d like that as well. I’ll engrave my name here…”
Zhou Jifeng cupped his hands and said, “There’s something you don’t know, Mister Third. Engraving your name on your weapon will damage its unique Formation veins. The dragon veins around the Overlord Spear are densely packed. At the same time, it needs to be refined by true fire. It’s almost impossible to remove after the name’s engraved. Even if you can remove it, there’s the risk of destroying the weapon itself. Hence… many powerful cultivators faced the problem of refining another person’s weapon after they snatched it away.”
Pan Zhong chimed in with a smile on his face, “If that weren’t the case, heaven-grade weapons would not be so precious.”
Duanmu Sheng nodded. “I see.”
The great hall fell silent again.
Everyone’s gaze was trained on Shan Yunzheng.
Shan Yunzheng’s heart sank. She retreated instinctively.
Duanmu Sheng breathed onto the Overlord Spear and wiped it with his sleeve. He muttered to himself, “What a shame! My Overlord Spear has yet to stab a Nascent Divinity expert to death” “…” Shan Yunzheng shuddered.
“I wasn’t talking about you, Elder Shan. Carry on.” Duanmu Sheng kept wiping his spear. He felt the peculiar gaze from the others.
Shan Yunzheng could no longer stand this. She kneeled and said, “Please forgive me this once, Pavilion Master… Since I’m here, I have no intentions of offending the Evil Sky Pavilion. I’m willing to compensate in regard to the issue with the Falling Moon Bow.” She waved her hand, and the four subordinates who had followed her here brought the boxes forward.
Click!
The boxes were opened. They were filled with gold, silver, and gemstones.
The Three Sects were rich, indeed.
However, the Evil Sky Pavilion did not house too many people, and their daily expenses were not high to begin with. These secular treasures lacked the power to attract them. Besides, the Evil Sky Pavilion had no shortage of funds. If they were ever in need of more money, they could just peddle off some of the junk inside the western pavilion.
Lu Zhou looked at the treasures indifferently. He rose to his feet, put his hands on his back, and walked down the stairs. “If it weren’t for Hua Yuexing, you wouldn’t have been given a chance to come here.”
ILII
“I’ll give you another chance…”
Shan Yunzheng was overjoyed when she heard this. She said at once, “Thank you, Pavilion Master.”
“Surrender the Falling Moon Bow, and I’ll let bygones be bygones.”
Shan Yunzheng was stunned. For a time, she was speechless.
“You’re not willing?” Lu Zhou asked ominously. It was as if he would strike her at any time.
Lu Zhou’s imposing manner and the mental pressure Shan Yunzheng felt practically left her no room to refuse. “I… I’ll surrender it…” With deliberately slow and reluctant movements, she produced an exquisite-looking bow from beneath her cloak.
It was black and slender. At first glance, it resembled a mini crossbow.
The others stared at it.
Even Hua Wudao was amazed by it.
They did not expect the Falling Moon Bow to look like this. Could such a small and delicate bow unleash a powerful shot?
Everyone was slightly skeptical.
Shan Yunzheng presented the Falling Moon Bow respectfully with both hands.
Lu Zhou raised his hand and waved it. The Falling Moon Bow flew into his hand. As he looked at the Falling Moon Bow, he was reminded of the Sky Bow he saw on Skylark Pagoda. The Falling Moon Bow seemed to be smaller than the Sky Bow.
“Ding! Obtained the heaven-grade weapon, Falling Moon Bow. Re-refining needed before use.”
“Hua Yuexing.” Lu Zhou saw the name engraved on the Falling Moon Bow.
Shan Yunzheng lowered her head and did not dare to speak up. The evidence was there for everyone to see, there was nothing she could say. Her face burned red with shame as she was exposed.
Lu Zhou said indifferently, “Do you have anything to say about me taking your weapon from you?”
Did Shan Yunzheng have a choice? Her name was still on the hit list. If she died, what good would a weapon be to her? Therefore, she replied, “No…” “Good.” Lu Zhou looked at Hua Yuexing who was standing nearby. He glanced at Hua Wudao as well. Then, he said, “I’ll compliment you for being tactful. I’m willing to spare your life seeing that you were once Hua Yuexing’s master.”
wa
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Shan Yunzheng felt relieved, being granted a great amnesty. However, she felt a pang in her heart whenever she thought about the Falling Moon Bow. “Thank you, Pavilion Master.”
Shan Yunzheng thought she could finally leave this place when a female disciple walked in. She bowed and said, “Pavilion Master, the Luo Sect’s mount is going out of control.”
Shan Yunzheng frowned.
Pan Zhong chuckled and said, “I see that the Luo Sect is rich. To think that you brought a mount.”
Roar!
A thunderous roar rang from outside.
Lu Zhou felt that the cry of the beast was familiar. He felt certain he had heard it before, but he could not remember when.
“Master, I’m willing to go subdue this mount. Golden Court Mountain isn’t its playground!” Duanmu Sheng raised his spear.
Shan Yunzheng hastily said, “There must be a misunderstanding… This mount is the Luo Sect’s Third Elder’s mount. I merely borrowed it for the occasion, it’s not completely tamed. Please have mercy, Pavilion Master. I’ll take it away now!” Roar!
Another female disciple walked in. With a flustered expression, she said, “Pavilion Master, this is bad. That mount… is releasing poison!”
“Releasing poison?”
“How’s that possible?” Shan Yunzheng appeared baffled.
Lu Zhou scoffed. “That damn livestock. Bring me to it.”
Shan Yunzheng felt like crying. She had already given up the Falling Moon Bow as compensation. Would she have to leave her mount behind as well? The mount was more precious than the weapon. However, after acknowledging its master, it was extremely difficult for another cultivator to tame it. Hence, nobody coveted another person’s mount.
The others followed Lu Zhou out of the Evil Sky Pavilion.
Shan Yunzheng was completely flustered. She sprinted along with her four subordinates in tow. She looked up and saw a mount that resembled a wolf emitting a purple gas from its body as it charged around in the sky. It was ten feet long
As the mount released the peculiar purple gas, the gas slowly descended to the ground.
“It’s really poisonous.” Whizz!
Whizz!
Everyone activated their protective energies to keep the purple gas at bay.
“What mount is that?” Pan Zhong asked, curious.
“Tell it to come down before the poison gas becomes too dense!” Zhou Jifeng said urgently. Shan Yunzheng flew into the air. She shouted, “Livestock! Down!”
At this moment, the mount suddenly switched directions. There was a gleam in its eyes as it attacked Shan Yunzheng at lightning speed. “Elder Shan!” Shan Yunzheng’s subordinates cried out in unison.
Everyone was taken aback by the mount’s sudden move.
Shan Yunzheng was an archer to begin with. She did not expect the mount to attack her at all.
Bam!
Shan Yunzheng fell. However, her protective energy blocked most of the attack!
Roar!
The purple wolf- like mount grew in size. It looked even more hideous now.
Duanmu Sheng who was itching for action said pleadingly, “Master, please allow me to take down this livestock!”
Lu Zhou glanced at him before shaking his head and said, “This is no ordinary poison. It’s laced with witchcraft…”
“Witchcraft?!”
The others were shocked.
When witchcraft was mentioned, the others immediately thought about Mo Li.
“How could the mount know witchcraft?”
Meanwhile, the mount released more and more poison in the sky.
Shan Yunzheng immediately kneeled and said, “Pavilion Master, this is definitely a misunderstanding! If the Luo Sect intends to make an enemy out of the Evil Sky Pavilion, I would never come here. Someone must be trying to drive a wedge between us!”
At this moment, Hua Yuexing pulled on her energy bow. She let loose a volley of golden energy arrows.
Twang! Twang! Twang!
The three energy arrows sailed across the sky like meteors and hit the wolf-like mount in the sky.
This was the skill of an archer. Archers could always strike when it was least expected.
Shan Yunzheng stood up decisively and pulled on her energy bow as well. A Six-leaf archer was extraordinary indeed. Three energy arrows sailed across the skies.
Boom!
They had clearly fired their arrows at different times, but their shots hit the mount at the same time.
The others were shocked by this.
Hua Yuexing appeared slightly ashamed.
Hua Wudao patted her shoulder and said, “Don’t mind it. You’ll surpass her in a few years. After all, you’re only at the Two-leaf stage while she’s at the Six-leaf stage.”
“Mhm. Thank you for the words of encouragement, Elder Hua,” Hua Yuexing said.
Shan Yunzheng did not have time to care about that. Her eyesight was as sharp as a falcon’s. Her unique character as an archer could also be seen at this moment. She had to subdue this livestock as quickly as possible. Otherwise, a grudge would definitely form between the Luo Sect and the Evil Sky Pavilion.
Shan Yunzheng fired more powerful arrows toward the beast. In the beginning, she fired three shots at one go. Now, she fired ten shots at once. It was as if there was a fireworks display.
However, the mount had exceptional defenses. Apart from howling a few times, it did not seem to be affected as well. Instead, it began to release the poisonous gas at a much faster speed.
The mount seemed to have gone mad as it flitted in and out of the clouds in a frenzy.
Roar!
Who could keep up with its speed? They could barely keep up with it with their grand techniques, let alone subdue it!