Chapter 1356: 恩怨两清

Qin Sang entered the mountain gate.

Tan Yien received the notification and quickly emerged from the main hall, bowing to greet him. Behind him stood a burly, composed man, who was precisely Mu Yifeng.

Mu Yifeng, who was once carefree, scruffy, and unkempt, now exuded a demeanor far surpassing his old self, befitting the leader of a sect.

Old friends reunited.

Two hundred years had passed since their last parting.

Both Qin Sang and Mu Yifeng's eyes lit up.

Mu Yifeng's face was filled with joy, but a flicker of hesitation crossed his eyes. He opened his mouth, unsure how to address Qin Sang.

"Senior Brother Mu!" Qin Sang appeared before them, using the familiar address from their time at Shaohua Mountain. He chided, "When did you become an ascetic? You made me wait so long!"

Mu Yifeng's expression softened, and the hesitation in his eyes vanished. He grinned broadly, laughing heartily, and nodded emphatically, "Junior Brother Qin! It's been a long time!"

Tan Yien, after calling out "Martial Uncle," wisely withdrew.

Jing Yu and the white cat went elsewhere to rest, not disturbing the two.

Qin Sang and Mu Yifeng walked arm-in-arm into the main hall.

After exchanging pleasantries and reminiscing about past events, the unfamiliarity between them quickly faded, leaving them filled with emotion.

"I never imagined that after our parting back then, Junior Brother Qin would soar to such extraordinary achievements!" Mu Yifeng exclaimed with deep emotion. "I've been anxious, wondering if Junior Brother would still acknowledge me as his Senior Brother after all these years."

These words came from the bottom of his heart.

The dignity of a Nascent Soul cultivator was inviolable. Moreover, Qin Sang's strength was among the top ranks of Nascent Soul cultivators in the Beichen Realm. An insurmountable chasm now separated the former martial brothers.

"Without Senior Brother Mu, I wouldn't be where I am today," Qin Sang said gravely and earnestly. "No matter what kind of person I become, I will never forget your kindness in front of the Bronze Palace, Senior Brother Mu."

Mu Yifeng waved his hand repeatedly, refusing to take credit. "Junior Brother Qin, have you forgotten? In the Yun Cang Great Swamp, you saved my life first. If I were to harm my benefactor, how could I possibly continue to live in this world?"

Qin Sang shook his head, his gratitude towards Mu Yifeng not diminishing in the slightest.

If it had been anyone else, even their benefactor, they would not have dared to defy a Nascent Soul Grandmaster. Mu Yifeng, however, not only shattered his crucial Nine-Flame Divine Edge but also gambled his own life.

"After I returned, I wanted to see you, but you had changed so much and were in seclusion on Jingyue Peak, never showing yourself. No one dared to intrude on Jingyue Peak either… What happened after I escaped back then?" Qin Sang asked about Mu Yifeng's experiences.

Mu Yifeng didn't hide anything from Qin Sang. He gave a wry smile and said, "Back then, I thought I had executed my plan flawlessly, but looking back, I was too naive. How could such a small trick escape the Grandmaster's notice? Fortunately, Fairy Chenyan interceded with the Grandmaster on my behalf, gave me healing pills, and took me out of Ziwei Palace. Later, she even allowed me to open a cave dwelling below Jingyue Peak. That's why the Grandmaster didn't clear the sect of an unworthy disciple like me and kill me…"

As he spoke, Mu Yifeng cast a somewhat suggestive glance at Qin Sang. "After leaving Ziwei Palace, Fairy Chenyan searched everywhere for you. After a long time of not finding you, everyone thought you had perished. I didn't expect you to hide so thoroughly."

Mu Yifeng was unaware of the true relationship between Qin Sang and Chenyan. However, all signs indicated that their connection was certainly not simple. Mu Yifeng had heard that Qin Sang had served as a human cauldron for foundation-building, but the specific target was supposedly True Master Mawu, who died on the battlefield shortly after the three domains went to war. Mu Yifeng would never dare to associate such a matter with the transcendent Fairy Chenyan.

Upon hearing this, Qin Sang subtly furrowed his brow. Could Chenyan have actually been deceived by Lord Dongyang and cultivated that ridiculous "Stone Bridge Zen"?

"Did she mention why she was looking for me?" Qin Sang asked. Times had changed. Even if Chenyan had some ulterior motive, he wasn't afraid. Chenyan had only reached the Nascent Soul stage a little over two hundred years ago. Although she was a prodigy with a Heavenly Spirit Root, it was impossible for her to break through to the late Nascent Soul stage in such a short time. Senior Sister Qingjun was a monstrous talent, a genius among geniuses.

Mu Yifeng chuckled, "What was my status back then? How would I dare to associate with her? I suppose it was a blessing in disguise. Not long after returning from Ziwei Palace, while healing, I had a sudden insight and unexpectedly formed my Core. I was then summoned by Fairy Chenyan. She first inquired about your situation, then bestowed upon me a magic treasure similar to the Nine-Flame Divine Edge, and guided my future cultivation. Fairy Chenyan was so high above me; I only saw her once from the time I entered Jingyue Peak for seclusion until she left."

As he spoke, Mu Yifeng cast a sidelong glance at Qin Sang. His gaze seemed to say, "And you claim you two have no relation? She even helped repay the favor you owed."

Qin Sang was also a bit confused, unable to fathom Chenyan's intentions. Of course, Qin Sang wouldn't naively believe that Chenyan harbored any romantic feelings for him. Could it be guilt over implicating an innocent person?

"I recall that during your Foundation Establishment stage, you broke through bottlenecks several times when you were severely injured. I didn't expect Core Formation to be any different," Qin Sang remarked. "Of all the cultivators I've met, Senior Brother Mu, you're truly unique. No wonder you've reached the late Core Formation stage." Qin Sang thought back to his own difficult journey of Core Formation, feeling that comparing oneself to others could be exasperating.

Mu Yifeng dropped his teasing expression and said gravely, "I only broke through to the late Core Formation stage a few days ago. With my talent, without some fortuitous encounter, it would likely take me decades more of seclusion to even hope for it. This breakthrough is thanks to the spiritual pill bestowed by the Grandmaster."

"Lord Dongyang?" Qin Sang nodded slightly, unsurprised. As the leader of Shaohua Mountain, one would need to be at least at the late Core Formation stage to stabilize the situation. While spiritual pills that aid Core Formation cultivators in breaking through minor realms were precious, they were easier to obtain than those for breaking through to Nascent Soul. Shaohua Mountain would certainly not lack them.

Mu Yifeng hesitated. "After Fairy Chenyan left, knowing that the Grandmaster didn't favor me, I spent years hiding on Jingyue Peak, never emerging. Six months ago, Che Yutao failed in his attempt to form a Nascent Soul and perished. The Grandmaster then sought me out, explained the advantages and disadvantages to me, and after careful consideration, I agreed."

Pausing, Mu Yifeng looked Qin Sang directly in the eyes. "No matter what, everything I, Mu Yifeng, have today came from Shaohua Mountain. Even after that incident, the sect never cut off my cultivation resources. The kindness of the sect cannot be forgotten. I, your Senior Brother, cannot just stand by and watch Shaohua Mountain decline!"

"Don't worry, Senior Brother Mu. The grievances are only between Lord Dongyang and me," Qin Sang said reassuringly, knowing what Mu Yifeng was concerned about.

"I truly didn't misjudge you!" Mu Yifeng's mind relaxed, and his face filled with relief. "The Grandmaster had a few words that were likely meant for you, Junior Brother Qin. From now on, he will not step foot into Shaohua Mountain, and all matters of Shaohua Mountain will be decided solely by me!"

Qin Sang's eyes narrowed slightly. He hadn't expected Lord Dongyang to have such resolve, letting go of a sect he had poured his life's efforts into just like that. However, he had to admit, this decision was very astute and most beneficial to Shaohua Mountain. Qin Sang couldn't ask Mu Yifeng to refuse.

"If Lord Dongyang keeps his word and doesn't bother me, then I won't bother him either!"