Chapter 52

Chapter 51. Haha, what a big deal, someone important has come. (1)

"Alone?"

"Yes."

"So, alone?"

"That's right."

"Then...?"

Unable to make sense of the situation, Huang Zongyi involuntarily turned around to look behind him.

Shibi, who had quietly followed him, nodded her head with a face that said, "Didn't I tell you so?"

It seems he really came alone.

Huang Zongyi turned his head again and looked at the young Taoist in front of him.

All sorts of thoughts ran through his mind.

Is Huashan Mountain ignoring the Galaxy Sect?

Or is there some reason they are doing this?

Or...

"Hahaha!"

At that moment, a loud laugh came from behind him.

"Now you're really pulling out all the stops. Junior Sect Leader, didn't I tell you that there's no need to meet the people from Huashan Mountain?"

It was Ji Mingsheng.

Ji Mingsheng, who had followed Huang Zongyi to the entrance, continued with a face that couldn't contain his laughter.

"What does that child know, sending such a child? They know nothing but want to get a foot in the door. It's embarrassing for them to come in person, so they sent a child. Tsk tsk tsk. I don't like Huashan Mountain, but I heard that the leader of Huashan Mountain is a gentleman. To use such a despicable trick..."

Huang Zongyi's face hardened.

It was obvious that Ji Mingsheng's words were filled with ill will, but in the current situation, he couldn't help but think along those lines.

'Leader Xianzong of Huashan Mountain isn't the kind of person to do this?'

The Xianzong he remembered was a Taoist with the demeanor of a gentleman. Such a person wouldn't send just one child to make a show.

But isn't that the reality?

"Junior Taoist. Did you really come alone?"

"Yes."

"...You mean Huashan Mountain sent you alone?"

The young Taoist.

Qingming sighed deeply.

'Because you're young, you're treated like this.'

There was a time when Huashan Mountain was Qingming, and Qingming was Huashan Mountain.

'Ah, better to die than to suffer.'

But I can understand their reaction. A young Taoist, not even of age, comes to cure a disease that even the best doctors in the world can't treat. If you believe him right away, he would be even more strange.

So, some persuasion is needed.

"Are you the Junior Sect Leader?"

"Yes, but..."

"I am Qingming, the third disciple of Huashan Mountain. I received the letter you sent to Huashan Mountain. I have some ideas about the symptoms described in the letter, which is why I came here."

"But you came alone..."

"Given the urgency of the matter, I didn't have the means to come with others. Isn't Lord Yingzun very ill?"

That's true...

Huang Zongyi, who had been looking at Qingming with a face that didn't trust him, recalled a part of Qingming's words and his face hardened.

"You said you have some ideas about Lord Father's condition?"

"Yes, that's right."

Huang Zongyi unconsciously clenched his fists.

'No one has ever said such a thing.'

Many famous doctors and experts have come and gone, but no one has discussed the symptoms before even seeing Lord Huang.

'Maybe?'

At that moment, a snicker came from behind him.

"Ha. This young brat is already trying to deceive people. How could a young brat know what even the best doctors in the world can't treat! Junior Sect Leader, there's no need to listen further! Let's go in. There's no need to waste time."

"But..."

"Do you believe this young brat's words, Junior Sect Leader?"

Huang Zongyi bit his lip slightly.

At that moment, Qingming, who had been listening quietly, spoke up.

"But..."

"Hmm?"

"Who are you to keep calling people 'brat'?"

Ji Mingsheng looked at Qingming with a blank expression.

"Are you talking to me?"

"Is there another 'brat' here besides you?"

"Ha. What a presumptuous brat. A disciple of Huashan Mountain who can't even distinguish the clothes of Zhongnan? I knew Huashan Mountain wasn't a proper sect, but I didn't expect the disciples to be this stupid."

"Oh, you're from Zhongnan."

Qingming shrugged.

"No, I thought you knew something, so I thought you were a doctor. So, you have a way to cure Lord Huang's condition?"

"Lord Huang's illness is due to defying the Dao. If we perform a Daoist ritual to appease the heavens, he will be completely cured."

Qingming curled his lips upward.

"Oh, that could be possible."

Huang Zongyi's face twisted.

But the words that followed from Qingming were completely different from what Huang Zongyi expected.

"Then we should quickly call some shamans or Kunlun people."

"...What?"

"Isn't that your specialty?"

Ji Mingsheng, slightly flustered, said.

"Th, there's no need to go that far. We have Zhongnan here, don't we?"

"Pfft. Who doesn't know that Zhongnan and Huashan are half-laymen? If you're going to perform a ritual, it's better to get it done by proper Taoists. If I were you, I'd recommend a shaman. After all, shamans are the best in the Daoist world."

"..."

Huang Zongyi's face turned blank.

'What is this kid?'

He even whispered in Huang Zongyi's ear.

"If shamans are so concerned about their reputation, they'll come if you give them a decent donation. If you're going to get it done, get it done by the best. The best. The most cost-effective."

"..."

Ji Mingsheng, with a red face, shouted.

"Go! This brat is mocking an elder! Did your sect teach you to behave like this?"

"Ah, yes, sorry."

Qingming scratched his ear and blew out his mouth.

It was a blatant act of disrespect, but Ji Mingsheng, with a flushed face, could only tremble and couldn't bring himself to lay a hand on him.

As an elder of Zhongnan, if he couldn't control his anger and hit the third disciple of Huashan Mountain, it would be an unforgivable disgrace. It would be a matter that would draw the finger of the entire world.

Whether he knew it or not, he was certainly getting under people's skin.

"Junior Sect Leader, drive this brat away immediately!"

Ji Mingsheng's words made Huang Zongyi sigh.

"Elder, this is not Zhongnan but the Galaxy Sect. How we treat guests who come to the sect is my decision."

"Can you say that after seeing me being treated like this by a child?"

Huang Zongyi ignored Ji Mingsheng and looked at Qingming.

'He seems to have some confidence.'

If he came to deceive without anything, he wouldn't be so confident. But he was still skeptical.

"Junior Taoist."

"Yes."

"I'm not saying this because I don't trust you..."

"It's okay. You have every right to be skeptical."

"...Thank you for understanding. May I ask you a few questions?"

"Yes, of course."

Huang Zongyi swallowed and continued.

"Junior Taoist. You said you have some ideas about Lord Father's condition. Could you tell me a bit about it?"

"That's hard to say."

"Huh!"

As soon as Qingming finished speaking, an exaggerated snicker from Ji Mingsheng echoed. Huang Zongyi also couldn't hide his surprise.

"Instead, I can tell you something else."

"What is it?"

Qingming said with a confident face.

"I heard that Lord Huang often traveled on business. Is that right?"

"Yes."

"Then he must have visited the Ten Thousand Great Mountains area on his business trip before he fell ill. Isn't that right?"

Qingming declared.

Huang Zongyi, with wide eyes, replied.

"No, he didn't."

"..."

"Excuse me?"

"He never went there. Lord Father never traveled to that area on business."

"..., Oh, I see?"

Qingming's face showed a hint of confusion. Before Huang Zongyi's expression became even more skeptical, Qingming quickly continued.

"Then he must have been attacked on a previous business trip! Is that right? He must have faced some crisis!"

"Lord Father hasn't been attacked in recent years. It was at least five years ago."

"Uh? Then it doesn't work. Damn, what's going on?"

"..."

Huang Zongyi's eyes narrowed.

"Really? But that can't be."

A low laugh from Ji Mingsheng could be heard from behind.

"Strange. Then where did he get hit?"

What did he get hit by, you crazy guy!

Is this guy out of his mind?

The faint hope Huang Zongyi had for Qingming vanished in an instant. His eyes turned cold.

Qingming hurriedly said.

"Wait, just a moment. I'm serious. I can cure that."

"Junior Taoist."

Huang Zongyi sighed deeply.

And at that moment, Ji Mingsheng seized the opportunity.

"Didn't I tell you there's no need to see him? Huashan Mountain is a sect of charlatans who deceive people. Can't you tell from their sharp demeanor?"

"Please be careful with your words, Elder."

Huang Zongyi, who had restrained Ji Mingsheng, spoke to Qingming.

"I understand your enthusiasm, but Lord Father's condition is severe. If an inexperienced person sees him, it could worsen. I hope you understand my position. I will convey to the leader of Huashan Mountain that I appreciate your concern..."

"The body turns red and feels cold all over. When pressed, the redness turns slightly pale and quickly turns red again. Before losing consciousness, it feels like being in an ice cave, and black energy enters the forehead, the back of the neck, and the top of the head!"

"..."

"More?"

Qingming smiled.

"H, How do you know that?"

Huang Zongyi's eyes widened as much as they could. On the other hand, Qingming's face became even more confident.

"Ah... I'm a bit thirsty after the long journey."

"What are you doing! Bring cold water! No, bring ice water immediately! Right now!"

Shibi, without a word, ran inside at full speed. Huang Zongyi's attitude towards Qingming changed instantly.

"Let's go inside."

"Haha, what a big deal, someone important has come."

"Quickly! Quickly!"

Qingming puffed out his chest and followed Huang Zongyi inside. Ji Mingsheng, who had been watching the scene in a daze, shouted urgently.

"Junior Sect Leader! That's just the typical symptom of someone affected by yin energy! Knowing that doesn't change anything!"

Huang Zongyi narrowed his eyes.

"You mean the black energy gathers in the top of the head and the back of the neck when someone is affected by yin energy? If you know so much, why haven't you treated Lord Father until now?"

"..."

"That's..."

"This is the Galaxy Sect's matter. I will not allow unnecessary interference. If you interfere further, we will formally protest to Zhongnan."

"Ugh."

Ji Mingsheng sighed and took a step back.

His eyes caught the face of Qingming, who was trying hard not to laugh.

"Y, You... this brat!"

Ji Mingsheng felt a surge of heat throughout his body. He was so angry he could explode, but what could he do? This was not Zhongnan but the Galaxy Sect. No matter how much Ji Mingsheng was an elder of Zhongnan, he couldn't act as he pleased in the Galaxy Sect.

"You brat! If you don't cure Lord Huang properly, I will beat you!"

Shouting at Huang Zongyi and Qingming, who didn't stop walking, was all he could do.

As they moved a bit further away, Huang Zongyi said with a bitter smile.

"I'm sorry, Junior Taoist. For some reason, people from Zhongnan can't control their excitement when it comes to Huashan Mountain."

"It's okay."

"Ah, I understand... you..."

"Who am I to blame? It's all my fault."

"..., Yes?"

Qingming shrugged.

'Maybe I should have let him hit me.'

It was a moment when the perpetrator from a hundred years ago felt guilty towards the victim from a hundred years later.