126: Chapter 126 Resolving Feuds

Sincerity must be expressed with gifts.

Li Changsheng pondered.

"But what does Zhao Guangyuan lack?"

"He's an Artifact Refiner in the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, an official Artifact Refiner of Wanqi Peak. What good things hasn't he seen?"

"Given my current situation, I can't afford anything too expensive; anything too cheap would seem insincere."

Li Changsheng thought for a long time, then began to rummage through his Storage Pouch.

Finally, he pulled out a few items from the Storage Pouch.

Half of the three-hundred-year-old blood cloud ganoderma was still unused.

This was a top-grade Spirit Medicine of the second rank, useful even for Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators, capable of strengthening the Physical Body and refining the Meridians.

Zhao Guangyuan was an Artifact Refiner, constantly dealing with ground fire, which caused significant wear and tear on his Physical Body. This item should be to his liking.

There was also a small piece of starry mystical stone, which he had obtained from a Secret Realm and had been reluctant to use.

This item could be added during Artifact Refining, and because it contained a trace of Star Power, it could enhance the quality of the Artifact Refining.

It was a treasure for any Cultivator, quite valuable, and especially favored by Artifact Refiners.

But if he gave it away...

He hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and took out the starry mystical stone as well.

"No pain, no gain."

"This blood cloud ganoderma and starry mystical stone are enough to express my sincerity."

Early the next morning, he went to find Liu Qingchen.

Liu Qingchen lived in a secluded courtyard on the mountainside of Heavenly Sword Peak.

When Li Changsheng arrived, he was practicing his sword in the courtyard, his white robes flowing, his Sword Intent sharp as snow, each move exuding a fierce Sword Intent.

Seeing Li Changsheng, he sheathed his sword and said indifferently.

"Something wrong?"

Li Changsheng got straight to the point.

"Senior Brother Liu, there's something I need your help with."

Liu Qingchen looked at him, not speaking.

Li Changsheng recounted everything that had happened in the past few days.

The feeling of being followed, the black iron essence fragments, and his suspicions about Zhao Guangyuan.

"I'd like to ask Senior Brother Liu to step forward and help me sound out Zhao Guangyuan."

"If he truly harbors murderous intent, see if it can be resolved. If he's willing to let it go, I've prepared these..."

He took out the half-stalk of blood cloud ganoderma and the small piece of starry mystical stone from his embrace and placed them on the stone table.

Liu Qingchen glanced down, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"blood cloud ganoderma, starry mystical stone."

He said slowly.

"These two items are quite valuable. Are you willing to part with them?"

Li Changsheng nodded.

"I am."

Liu Qingchen was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked.

"Do you know what kind of person Zhao Guangyuan is?"

Li Changsheng shook his head.

Liu Qingchen said.

"He's been on Wanqi Peak for thirty years. His Artifact Refining skill is average, but he's cautious and never easily offends anyone."

"Zhao Yan was his only relative, growing up by his side since childhood."

"Zhao Yan died, so he must harbor hatred in his heart."

"But a person like him won't easily show it."

He paused, then continued.

"If you try to probe him, he might deny it, he might fob you off, but no one can guess what he's truly thinking."

"Such a person is the most difficult to deal with."

Li Changsheng was silent.

Liu Qingchen looked at him and said slowly.

"Have you really thought this through?"

"Giving these things away might be a waste."

"He might accept the gifts and still seek revenge on you."

Li Changsheng said.

"I've thought it through. At least, it can help me gauge his attitude."

"If he's willing to let it go, that's for the best. If he's not..."

He took a deep breath.

"At least I'll know his stance, and I can prepare early."

Liu Qingchen looked at him for a long time, then finally nodded.

"Alright. I'll go for you."

That afternoon, Liu Qingchen went to Wanqi Peak.

Li Changsheng didn't follow, merely waiting by the Spirit Tea Tree in the Hundred Herb Garden.

The Spirit Tea Tree swayed gently in the sunlight, and the dew drops on its leaves reflected tiny specks of light, but he had no mind to appreciate it.

Time passed slowly.

One hour, two hours, three hours.

The sun moved from east to west, then gradually sank behind the mountains.

As dusk settled, Liu Qingchen finally returned.

Li Changsheng went to meet him.

"How was it?"

Liu Qingchen's expression was calm, showing no joy or anger.

He walked to the edge of the Spirit Field, gazed at the tea tree, and after a moment of silence, slowly spoke.

"He accepted your things."

Li Changsheng felt a release in his heart, yet also sensed something was off.

"Accepted? Then his attitude..."

Liu Qingchen turned around and looked at him.

"His attitude was very strange."

"Strange?"

Liu Qingchen said.

"When I arrived, he was in the middle of Artifact Refining."

"After I explained my purpose, he was silent for a long time, then said, 'Leave the things, and you may go.'"

He paused, then continued.

"I said, Li Changsheng asked me to convey that he also regrets Zhao Yan's matter, but it was a life-and-death struggle, and there was nothing he could do."

"If you are willing to let it go, these items are an apology."

"If you are not, he can only accept it."

"How did he respond?"

Liu Qingchen looked at him, his gaze profound.

"He said, 'I understand.' Just those few words."

Li Changsheng frowned.

Just those few words?

He didn't say he forgave, didn't say he didn't forgive, didn't express any stance.

"What was his expression when he took the things?"

Li Changsheng asked, unwilling to give up.

Liu Qingchen thought for a moment.

"No expression."

"He just calmly accepted them, put them into his Storage Pouch, then continued Artifact Refining, without looking at me again."

Li Changsheng fell silent.

This reaction was more unsettling than a direct refusal.

If he had directly refused, or even gotten angry on the spot, at least it would mean his true feelings were showing.

But this calm acceptance, without any expression, made it impossible to guess his thoughts.

Had he really let go?

Or was he just going through the motions?

Or was he waiting for an opportunity?

Liu Qingchen looked at him and said slowly.

"This person is very cunning. You'd best be careful."

Li Changsheng nodded.

Liu Qingchen said nothing more, turned, and left.

His white robes fluttered as he quickly disappeared into the night.

Li Changsheng stood by the Spirit Field, looking at the distant Wanqi Peak.

There, lights were bright, and the faint clang of hammering could be heard.

Zhao Guangyuan was there, still refining his artifacts, as if nothing had happened.

But he knew that things were not that simple.

If Zhao Guangyuan truly intended to act, today's events might even make him relax his guard.

He had to be prepared.

Starting tomorrow, he would not leave the Sect unless absolutely necessary.

If he had to go out, he must find someone to accompany him and prepare enough life-saving measures.

Valuable things had been given away, but his life remained.

As long as his life remained, there was still a chance for everything.

Outside the window, the night was deep.

The Spirit Tea Tree swayed gently in the moonlight, its leaves glistening with dew.

He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and began to meditate.

Spiritual energy slowly circulated within his body, and the life force of the nine-turn azure profound bead nourished every inch of his Meridians.

Qi Refining Level 9 Middle Stage, there was still some distance to the Late Stage.

He had to be faster.

Because the eyes in the shadows might be waiting for the next opportunity.

Three days after Liu Qingchen left, Li Changsheng made a decision.

Zhao Guangyuan would not let it go.

The person who accepted the gift but only said, "I understand," was too calm, abnormally calm.

If he had truly let go of his hatred, even a few polite words, like "let bygones be bygones," would have indicated an attitude.

But he hadn't.

He merely accepted the items and continued with his own work.

There was only one explanation for this reaction—he was waiting.

Waiting for a suitable moment, waiting for a foolproof opportunity.

Li Changsheng would not sit idly by.

He went to find Liu Qingchen again.

Heavenly Sword Peak, Liu Qingchen's courtyard.

When Li Changsheng arrived, Liu Qingchen was brewing tea.

The fragrant steam curled up, diffusing in the morning light, adding a touch of warmth to the cool courtyard.

"Sit."

Liu Qingchen gestured to the meditation cushion opposite him.

Li Changsheng sat down, took the teacup Liu Qingchen handed him, but did not drink.

"Senior Brother Liu,"

He got straight to the point.

"I want to set a trap."