Ximen Changqing turned to Chu Xuan. "However, isn't fellow daoist He from Mystic Azure Star?"
"The fifth-level sect on Mystic Azure Star is the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace... and the upper sect have been quite dissatisfied with them recently..." he added.
Chu Xuan nodded slightly.
While Ximen Changqing did not make his point explicitly clear, Chu Xuan could discern the implications. An urgent missive issued by the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace might not be acknowledged by the Reincarnation Divine Sect.
And as for seeking out a ludicrously rare spiritual item like the Turbid World Blue Lotus—it was far too absurd. Thus, his only remaining option was to accumulate enough contributions to leave the battlefield.
"Thank you, fellow daoist Ximen," Chu Xuan bowed.
Ximen Changqing smiled, "I hear fellow daoist He is from the Heavenly Seal Sect, merely a fourth-level sect."
"Would fellow daoist He consider joining the Majestic Sword Sect?" he offered.
Chu Xuan gave a wry smile. A direct refusal might offend Ximen Changqing. Yet, he genuinely had no interest in aligning with any factions. After a pause, he shook his head, "I'm truly sorry, I have no intentions of joining any side at the moment."
Ximen Changqing was not upset but simply nodded with a smile, "No matter, it's merely routine recruitment on behalf of my sect. If fellow daoist He is not interested, then let it be. The monthly salary the sect gives me isn't enough to make me hold a grudge over such matters."
Chu Xuan was taken aback.
The two exchanged glances and burst into hearty laughter.
...
At the main gate of the city lord's mansion.
"Fellow daoist He, I have arranged for you a fourth-tier cave dwelling rich in spiritual qi, ready for you whenever you wish to move in," Ximen Changqing smiled. "But, as usual, I must mention..."
He cleared his throat, "...the grand gates of the Majestic Sword Sect are always open to you!"
Chu Xuan laughed heartily, "Thank you, fellow daoist Ximen."
He waved his hand and turned to leave. After Chu Xuan's figure had vanished, Wu Shang and Xun Zhao approached Ximen Changqing with respectful expressions.
Wu Shang spoke in a grave tone, "It has been confirmed that the Heavenly Seal Sect of Mystic Azure Star indeed existed but was destroyed long ago. Master, this man's identity is false."
Ximen Changqing chuckled, "I know it's false."
Wu Shang was startled, "Then why did you converse so amicably with him?"
Ximen Changqing's laughter grew even broader, "What does it matter if his identity is false? Back in the day, I navigated among various sects to preserve my own life, and I did the same thing."
Wu Shang fell silent.
Ximen Changqing casually remarked, "About that Lu Wen under your command—he's not a good sort, how do you plan to deal with him?"
Wu Shang appeared troubled, "Lu Wen has been with me for a long time, and though he may not have distinguished himself, he has endured much..."
Ximen Changqing stated indifferently, "Kill him, destroy his soul and scatter his ashes. Keeping someone around who is adept at stirring up trouble will only lead to deadly consequences in the future."
Wu Shang's fingers trembled, but eventually, he nodded firmly, "Disciple understands." He bowed and immediately departed.
Xun Zhao stepped forward, asking in a low voice, "Master, there has still been no word from my Dao companion. Could you please help me—"
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