r18novel Chapter 292 - 20: Ways and Means
Chapter 292 - 20: Ways and Means
’If I remember correctly, there’s only one small Two-Star High-Grade Cave Mansion there. The rest are all One-Star Cave Mansions.’
’A place like that should be quite common on Spirit Nurturing Peak. It’s nothing special.’
Zhang Deming studied Yang Guangfu for a moment before replying, "Alright. I’ll find you if I need anything."
Upon receiving Zhang Deming’s affirmative reply, a heartfelt smile spread across Yang Guangfu’s face. "Then I will await your instructions," he said.
Zhang Deming nodded. "Alright, I’ll be going then."
With that, Light Wings materialized at his heels, and he turned and departed.
Yang Guangfu watched Zhang Deming go, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Once Zhang Deming was out of sight, he quickly pulled up his Light Screen and sent a message to Song Huidong:
"Master Song, regarding the Manager position at the Flying Spring Waterfall Cliff Entrance, you no longer need to concern yourself. I have received a personal appointment from Master Zhang, and I will be the one to select the Manager.
As for the Secret Resource Group of Spirit Nurturing Peak, you don’t need to handle the screening process anymore.
As for the other Guardian Cliff Disciples, I will leave their arrangements to you."
After sending the message, Yang Guangfu stared intently at the Light Screen, awaiting a reply.
A moment later, Song Huidong replied, "Are you sure? You know how significant this is. My master and two other elders are keeping a close eye on it.
If you’re trying to pull a fast one and that leaves Junior Brother Zhang dissatisfied, no one will be able to save you."
Seeing this, Yang Guangfu smiled and replied, "Rest assured, Master. My work today left Master Zhang very satisfied, which is how I obtained this benefit.
If you don’t believe me, Master Song, you can always ask Master Zhang yourself."
There was another pause on Song Huidong’s end before he replied, "Fine. I won’t make a special trip to ask about it.
But if I proceed with the arrangements and Junior Brother Zhang is the least bit unhappy, then no one will be able to save you.
That surname of yours won’t carry any weight over at the Flying Spring Waterfall Tower. The crowd at Wanghui Peak has already proven that with their actions.
And that was just with Senior Sister acting, without Master Yuee’s support. Now Master Yuee’s attitude has done a complete one-eighty. If they really decide to bring the pressure, be careful you don’t end up permanently residing on Wanghui Peak!"
Yang Guangfu finally broke into a wide smile and quickly replied, "Don’t worry, Master. I’ve been with the Secret Group long enough to know the gravity of the situation, and I’ve witnessed Master Ling’er’s methods.
Now that even Ancestor Yuee is no longer opposed, I wouldn’t dare act recklessly."
"Good, as long as you’re clear on that," Song Huidong replied.
"By the way, Master Song, are there any spots left in the ’Aid Deming Assembly’? I’d like to go and see what it’s about," Yang Guangfu added.
"There are no spots left, and it probably won’t be held again," Song Huidong said.
"Why is that?" Yang Guangfu asked in confusion.
"You should be well aware of why Senior Sister started that assembly when she left.
Now that Master Yuee no longer dislikes Junior Brother Zhang and has even taken a liking to him, the assembly is naturally obsolete.
The way things are now, who knows how many people on Spirit Nurturing Peak are clamoring to get close to the Flying Spring Waterfall? Who would dare cause trouble for our Junior Brother now?
Aren’t you the slipperiest, most prime example of them all? And you still need to ask me why?
Alright, I’m done talking. I’ve got a pile of things to deal with over here." With that, Song Huidong went silent.
Yang Guangfu stared at the Light Screen, stunned for a long while, before muttering to himself:
’The Celestial Spirit Double Beauties... Why don’t I have that kind of luck? I wish I had a Senior or Junior Sister who would treat me so sincerely!
’If I had a fiercely protective partner like Master Ling’er, I’d happily be her kept man. I’d call her Grand-Master if it meant she’d take care of me like that.
’The Aid Deming Assembly... Ha! Something like that is a first in the entire history of the Celestial Spirit Sect!
’It’s just...
’It’s enough to make a guy sick with envy... and anger!’
After spacing out for a long while, he finally shook his head, turned off the Light Screen, and left.
...
Zhang Deming returned to the Flying Spring Waterfall Tower and took a moment to process the day’s events.
’It’s certain now. The bigwigs of the Celestial Spirit Sect are really treating me like some ancient monster.’
’In that case, I can afford to interact with these bigwigs as an equal.’
’I also don’t have to worry about rapidly increasing my Cultivation. I have the perfect excuse: I’m just recovering my original power!’
’It’s the people beneath me I need to watch. I’ll have to see how they react and which way the wind blows.’
’After all, to maintain this persona, it’s probably best not to reveal my status as a Peak Master until I reach the Three Talents realm.’
...
That afternoon, Zhang Deming went to the archives in Spirit Nurturing Peak’s information department. He began cramming basic knowledge while wearing the Spirit Crystal Pendant, which was like a cheat code for accelerating his cultivation.
As he blazed through the materials, his understanding of the Celestial Spirit Sect grew richer and deeper, especially since Spirit Nurturing Peak housed nearly all of the sect’s collective knowledge.
Since very little was hidden from him, his knowledge base and familiarity with the Celestial Spirit Sect expanded rapidly.
For instance, he found detailed information on the so-called "Exchange Conference" he’d been speculating about that morning.
"Exchange Conference" was a term that had only recently become popular in Hongmeng. It used to be called the "Traveler of the World’s Dao Discussion Assembly."
It was originally created by Blessed Land Disciples from the major Holy Lands who, upon their promotion, attempted to bypass the normal process and directly become a Saint Heir.
These disciples, on the cusp of promotion, would adopt the title of "Traveler of the World." They would journey across Hongmeng, discussing the Dao with major Upper Sects, Blessed Lands, and even other Holy Lands, all in an effort to perfect their Dao Practice.
There was a famous story behind the origin of this practice.
It involved the current powerhouse of the Hongmeng Holy Land, a Heaven-Supporting Pillar of his generation, the Top-Level Extreme Artifact Sword Cultivator: Jian Cheng.
In his youth, he loved reading novels and once became obsessed with one. The book told the story of a protagonist who forged an unparalleled foundation by traveling the world and challenging dojos everywhere as a way of Gathering Strength.