129: Chapter 129 The Unexpected Result

During this month, every time he went out on a mission, he was on edge, constantly watching his surroundings.

But the figure he was worried about never appeared.

Zhao Guangyuan seemed to have vanished.

However, this only made Li Changsheng more uneasy.

Zhao Guangyuan was not the type of person to let things go.

The lack of movement for such a long time only meant he was waiting.

Waiting for a better opportunity.

Li Changsheng did not dare relax his vigilance.

Every time he went out, he kept those five Second-Rank Vajra Talismans and two Gale Talismans close to his body.

Most crucial was that Positioning Teleportation Talisman; it was his life-saving item, capable of instantaneous teleportation, his true trump card for survival.

With these items, even if he encountered a Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator, he would have a chance to escape.

But it still wasn't enough.

A Talisman Treasure was the real killer move.

There was still no news from Liu Qingchen's side.

On the thirty-fifth day, Liu Qingchen finally arrived.

That evening, Li Changsheng had just returned from the Mission Hall when he saw Liu Qingchen standing by the edge of the spirit fields.

He was still dressed in white, his expression cold, but there was a rare trace of gravity between his brows.

Li Changsheng's heart tightened, and he stepped forward quickly.

“Senior Brother Liu.”

Liu Qingchen turned around, looked at him, and after a moment of silence, spoke slowly.

“My Master has come out of seclusion.”

Li Changsheng felt a surge of joy, but seeing Liu Qingchen's expression, that joy was quickly replaced by unease.

“What did he say?”

Liu Qingchen looked at him with a complicated gaze.

“My Master said he is unwilling to sell a Talisman Treasure to you.”

Li Changsheng's heart sank.

“Huh?”

Liu Qingchen continued.

“He said you are indeed a Genius.”

“From Qinghe Town all the way to now, Qi Refining Level 9 Middle Stage, tied for first in the exchange meeting—your future is limitless.”

He paused, his voice low.

“But... Zhao Guangyuan is also a member of the Sect.”

“He is at the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, a formal Artifact Refiner of Wanqi Peak. He has been in the Sect for thirty years, mentored many Disciples, and refined countless Magical Artifacts for the Sect.”

“His contribution to the Sect is much greater than yours.”

Li Changsheng fell silent.

Liu Qingchen continued.

“My Master said that if you kill Zhao Guangyuan, it is a loss for the Sect.”

“If Zhao Guangyuan kills you, it is also a loss for the Sect.”

“The best outcome is for both of you to turn your swords into plowshares and let the matter rest.”

turn swords into plowshares.

let the matter rest.

Li Changsheng lowered his head, his fingers interlaced, and did not speak for a long time.

Liu Qingchen looked at him, a trace of pity flashing in his eyes.

“Li Changsheng,”

“Don't take my Master's words to heart.”

“He... he is considering things from the Sect's perspective; it's also a matter of helplessness.”

Li Changsheng shook his head and looked up, his expression calm.

“Senior Brother Liu, I understand.”

He truly understood.

In the eyes of the Sect, an Artifact Refiner at the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage was indeed more important than a Disciple at Qi Refining Level 9.

No matter how much of a Genius he was or how limitless his future, he was still just a Qi Refining Stage Disciple.

Whereas Zhao Guangyuan was a solid Foundation Establishment Cultivator and a tangible contributor.

This was reality.

Cruel, but real.

Liu Qingchen looked at him, wanting to say something, but not knowing what to say.

Li Changsheng put away his Storage Pouch and said softly.

“Senior Brother Liu, thank you for your trouble during this time.”

Liu Qingchen shook his head.

“I wasn't able to help much.”

Li Changsheng smiled; the smile was faint, but it carried a hint of relief.

“At least I know the result.”

He turned around and looked toward the distant Wanqi Peak.

There, the lights were still bright, and the sound of hammering continued to clang.

Zhao Guangyuan was still there, refining his artifacts, living his life.

A month had passed, and he hadn't made a move.

Had he given up, or was he waiting?

Li Changsheng didn't know.

But he knew that from today on, he would no longer rely on anyone else.

If he couldn't buy a Talisman Treasure, he would save up contribution points to exchange for one from the Sect.

If it took a hundred thousand, then a hundred thousand it would be; he would save slowly, and eventually, he would have enough.

If he didn't have enough defensive Talismans, he would buy more.

If second-rank wasn't enough, he would save money to buy third-rank ones.

He still had the nine-turn azure profound bead, the Longevity Dao Body, the Evergreen Plant Truth Scripture, and everything he had gained from the simulated worlds.

As long as he was given time, he would definitely reach Foundation Establishment and become stronger.

When that time came, no matter what Zhao Guangyuan wanted to do, he wouldn't be afraid.

“Senior Brother Liu,”

He turned around to look at Liu Qingchen.

“I've decided.”

Liu Qingchen looked at him.

“Decided what?”

Li Changsheng said.

“To keep saving contribution points.”

“If it's a hundred thousand, then a hundred thousand. If one year isn't enough, then two; if two isn't enough, then three.”

“One day, I will be able to exchange for a Talisman Treasure.”

“One day, I will reach Foundation Establishment.”

“One day, I will be able to stand tall before anyone, no longer needing anyone's protection.”

Liu Qingchen looked at him, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

After a long while, he nodded.

“Good. If you need help, come find me anytime.”

Li Changsheng had sought out Liu Qingchen, wanting to buy a Talisman Treasure through his Master, but was rejected.

This matter was supposed to be a secret.

However, in the cultivation world, no wall is completely windproof.

The news somehow leaked out, circulating in small circles at first before gradually spreading.

Some said Li Changsheng wanted to buy a Talisman Treasure to deal with an enemy; others said he had offended someone.

Various versions were told, becoming more and more outrageous as they spread.

When Li Changsheng heard these rumors, he was accepting a task at the Mission Hall.

A familiar Disciple whispered to him.

“Senior Brother Li, everyone outside is saying you're trying to buy a Talisman Treasure to kill someone. Be careful.”

His heart skipped a beat, but he remained calm on the surface, only nodding and offering his thanks.

After returning to the Hundred Herb Garden, he sat in the tool shed, his brow furrowed.

The news had spread.

Where had it reached?

Had it reached Zhao Guangyuan's ears?

It definitely had.

What would Zhao Guangyuan think?

Would he think Li Changsheng wanted to kill him, or would he think it was a misunderstanding?

Li Changsheng didn't know.

But he knew that from this moment on, the nature of the situation had changed.

Before, it was that Zhao Guangyuan might want to kill him.

Now, Zhao Guangyuan would believe that Li Changsheng wanted to kill him.

What was originally a one-way threat had now become a two-way suspicion.

Even more dangerous was that Zhao Guangyuan was in the Foundation Establishment Stage and a veteran of the Sect; he had too many methods at his disposal.

Li Changsheng couldn't sit still.

He stood up, pushed open the door, and headed toward the market.

Some things had to be prepared in advance.

On the other side, at Wanqi Peak, in Zhao Guangyuan's Artifact Refining Room.

The furnace fire blazed, casting a crimson glow over the entire room.

Zhao Guangyuan stood before the furnace, holding a newly formed longsword, carefully examining the patterns on the blade.

The blade was like a mirror, reflecting his expressionless face.

A knock came from the door.

“Come in.”

A Disciple in gray robes entered, standing by the door with his hands down, speaking softly.

“Uncle Zhao, I've gathered some information.”

Zhao Guangyuan didn't look back, only saying flatly.

“Speak.”

The Disciple said.

“Li Changsheng did indeed ask Liu Qingchen to go to his Master to buy a Talisman Treasure.”

“His Master is Perfected Person Puyang of the Golden Core Stage, but Perfected Person Puyang refused, saying he didn't want to get involved in this matter.”

Zhao Guangyuan's movements paused slightly.

“Refused?”

“Yes.”

“Perfected Person Puyang said that both Li Changsheng and Uncle Zhao are members of the Sect. Whoever dies would be a loss, and he hopes both sides will turn their swords into plowshares.”

Zhao Guangyuan was silent for a moment before saying.

“turn swords into plowshares?”

Then, he let out a heavy snort from his nostrils.

“Hmph, easier said than done.”

He put down the sword, turned around, and looked at the Disciple.

“Is there any other news?”

The Disciple hesitated, then lowered his voice.

“Everyone outside is saying that Li Changsheng is buying a Talisman Treasure because he wants to kill you, Uncle.”

Zhao Guangyuan's eyes narrowed.

After a long while, he waved his hand.

“You may leave.”

The Disciple, as if granted a great pardon, hurriedly retreated.

Only Zhao Guangyuan remained in the Artifact Refining Room.

He stood there, watching the dancing flames in the furnace, a complex light flashing in his eyes.

He muttered to himself.

“Li Changsheng wants to buy a Talisman Treasure to kill me?”

“No, that's not right.”