Chapter 981: Big Brothers, When Can I Leave?

“Xiao Kongdong? Who are you?”

Xu Xiaoshou paused, not immediately recognizing the rather unfamiliar name. But soon, he remembered something…

Xiao Kongdong, wasn’t that the true name of the Senior Disciple Brother of Can Yue Immortal City?

Sword cultivators in the Eastern Region numbered in the thousands, yet ancient sword cultivators were few and far between. Under the tumultuous era of Spirit Refining, the precarious path of ancient sword cultivation was saved from collapse and established as a beacon of the sword dao, all thanks to the world-renowned “Senior Disciple Brother of Can Yue Immortal City”!

Which powerhouse in the current era could, in mere decades, establish an ancient sword cultivation force comparable to the ancient “Burial Sword Tomb,” commanding the unwavering reverence of thousands of swordsmen?

And which magnate in the Spirit Refining world could, in just over thirty years, sweep across the “Eastern Moon Realm” – another realm in the Eastern Region akin to the Eastern Heaven Realm – eradicating hundreds of commanderies, unifying eighty-one million miles of land, and renaming an entire realm after a single city, “Can Yue Immortal City,” using the moon as a guide, signifying eternity and unwavering order?

—No one else but the Senior Disciple Brother of Can Yue Immortal City standing before him!

Xu Xiaoshou’s emotions churned for a long time. The uncle standing before him was arguably second only to Ba Zun’an in the sword dao, with some even calling him the Ninth Sword Immortal.

Just as people wouldn’t impolitely call Ba Zun’an by his true name, they always respectfully addressed Xiao Kongdong as “Senior Disciple Brother.”

Xu Xiaoshou knew “Senior Disciple Brother,” but had very few memories of “Xiao Kongdong.” He could still recall the true name “Xiao Kongdong” only because of the immense influence this name held in the hearts of sword cultivators and ancient sword cultivators in the Eastern Region.

“Even Ba Zun’an could only establish the Saint Slave organization, operating covertly in the shadows, causing trouble behind the scenes, unable to see the light for decades.”

“This Senior Disciple Brother... his abilities and methods seem even more formidable than Ba Zun’an’s. How can he be so humble?”

Xu Xiaoshou was utterly perplexed. But soon, he found clarity. Right... This guy also said he was the tenth hidden seat of the Saint Slave. So, this was another one of Ba Zun’an’s ploys? Can Yue Immortal City and the Saint Slaves, one white and one black, coexisting on the Saint God Continent, just like Ba Zun’an’s dual identity on Void Island, as the revered master of both dark and light factions?

“Damn it... How can Ba Zun’an stir up so much trouble? How many more tricks does this guy have up his sleeve that he hasn’t revealed yet? If I hadn’t bluffed him using the Water Ghost’s identity, I’d probably have been deceived by this Senior Disciple Brother of Can Yue Immortal City until my death, just like everyone else!”

Xu Xiaoshou’s shock was palpable, surprise brimming in his eyes. With just that one bluff, he’d unexpectedly unearthed a shocking piece of information. If the Saint God Hall were to get hold of this intelligence, wouldn’t Can Yue Immortal City be instantly annihilated?

Taking a deep breath, Xu Xiaoshou didn’t hide his surprise, as he truly had been startled by the other’s identity. But he was the Water Ghost now, so he naturally wouldn’t commit any unbecoming acts, such as saying, “Ah, so it’s you, please don’t bow, I, Xu Xiaoshou, should be bowing to the Senior Disciple Brother of Can Yue Immortal City.”

After a moment of contemplation, Xu Xiaoshou murmured in a tone that was both unexpected and reasonable, “As expected... it’s you...”

“You are astute, Senior.” Xiao Kongdong tightened the large hemp sack on his shoulder, which utterly clashed with the elegant demeanor he’d displayed after revealing his true face.

In his eyes, since the Water Ghost was the Fifth Seat of the Saint Slaves, he should naturally have a significant understanding of Xiao Kongdong’s identity as the hidden Tenth Seat. Furthermore, the Water Ghost appeared quite shrewd, so even if their master hadn't actively exposed his true identity, the Water Ghost had probably made a good five or six inferences in the past. Now that the true identity had been verified, such a reaction was, of course, nothing to be suspicious of.

After a brief pause, Xiao Kongdong sighed lightly and spoke to the Water Ghost before him with a hint of complaint:

“Senior, you might not know this, but Can Yue Immortal City has been facing increasing difficulties lately! Ever since the Saint Slaves’ battle at the White Cave, Gou Wuyue suspected my identity and kept sending people to Can Yue Immortal City to verify it. Fortunately, my sword-will avatar could hold out for a while, so I haven’t been exposed yet. This matter was significantly alleviated after Gou Wuyue lost an arm, fell into the Dead Sea, and was no longer valued. This is because Rao Yaoyao, the newly appointed ‘Commander-in-Chief of Operations,’ recently emerged from seclusion in the Saint Emperor’s Secret Realm. Although she previously held the identity of a Red Cloaked Law Enforcer Ruler, she rarely took charge of affairs... In truth, she’s practically ignorant of the world, and her methods and ruthlessness are nowhere near Gou Wuyue’s.”

At this point, Xiao Kongdong chuckled softly, shook his head, and sighed again:

“What a pity, the Saint God Hall is destined not to heavily rely on outsiders. Gou Wuyue is too stubborn! He never considered that during the White Cave battle, he had to fight to the death just to receive an arrow of support that barely seemed like assistance. Yet, even before the great war on Void Island began, the Sacred Will Avatar of the Dao Hall Master, and Lord Cangsheng’s numerous arrows came from the east, all solely to ensure Rao Yaoyao’s safety. I can only say, Gou Wuyue got what he deserved! Back then, he should have listened to our master, followed him, and joined the Saint Slaves!”

Xiao Kongdong sounded just like an intelligence peddler who, after decades of forbearance, had finally found a companion to confide in. He spoke incessantly. While critiquing the world, his tone carried a subtle hint of resentment, as if he had been forgotten.

Xu Xiaoshou listened impassively, but inwardly, the sheer volume of information from Xiao Kongdong’s words greatly astonished him. Such inside stories existed? Was the Saint God Hall truly that disgusting? Old Gou had dedicated himself so completely, capturing Elder Sang, only to end up with a severed arm and imprisonment. So, the meager support he received back then was merely because “he was an outsider”?

And Rao Yaoyao... despite having the support of the Saint God Hall’s six divisions, ever since Eastern Heaven King City, this Sword Immortal Rao seemed to have accomplished nothing amidst her various escapades, had she? Even the Abyss was annihilated! That’s right, logically, if it had been Gou Wuyue, such a troublesome individual would have been dismissed, recalled to headquarters for interrogation, and imprisoned long ago. Yet Rao Yaoyao continued to thrive, even taking on the role of ‘Commander-in-Chief of Operations’ in the Cloud-Lun Mountain Range, receiving support from Dao Qiongcang’s Sacred Will Avatar and Lord Cangsheng’s arrows, and even being able to summon the Mysterious Firmament Divine Sword, which suppressed the Saint God Hall’s destiny...

Thinking about it that way, the Senior Disciple Brother was absolutely right; this girl was indeed ignorant of the world! With so many talents, so many treasures, and so much support, her achievements in the Cloud-Lun Mountain Range amounted to most of the enforcers under her being entrapped alongside her by the real Water Ghost at the bottom of Solitary Sound Cliff...

Xu Xiaoshou suddenly felt a pang of melancholy. He had rarely viewed these matters with a broad perspective before, but now, with Xiao Kongdong’s subtle hint, everything clicked. Rao Yaoyao might only be suited for sword cultivation, but she was definitely not fit for the practical position of ‘Commander-in-Chief.’ In contrast, Gou Wuyue achieved more substantial results with higher casualties, yet his outcome was... regrettable. Even so, Rao Yaoyao still managed to secure the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Cloud-Lun Mountain Range, seemingly because of... the Saint Emperor’s Secret Realm, according to Xiao Kongdong?

Xu Xiaoshou fell into thought; he seemed to have reached similar conclusions before. But returning to the present... Xiao Kongdong, Xiao Kongdong, why are you telling me all this? If you want to vent your frustrations, go find the true Water Ghost, or Ba Zun’an! What good is telling all this to me, Xu Xiaoshou? My status is even lower than yours!

“What are you trying to say?” Xu Xiaoshou asked expressionlessly, while inwardly complaining.

Xiao Kongdong chuckled awkwardly, leaned closer, and said:

“I wanted to say that although Rao Yaoyao’s foolishness has alleviated the immediate difficulties for Can Yue Immortal City, Xu Xiaoshou has been too active lately! The appearance of his “Heavenly First Building” has caused Rao Yaoyao to mobilize almost half of the Saint God Hall’s forces to search for “Half-Saint Xu” across the Five Regions of the continent. Consequently, Gou Wuyue’s previously disregarded intelligence has resurfaced, and Rao Yaoyao is now investigating Can Yue Immortal City again. I was wondering if you could contact our master and ask him to tell Xu Xiaoshou to calm down for a bit?” Xiao Kongdong looked at him expectantly.

Xu Xiaoshou was dumbfounded. You want me to contact Ba Zun’an and tell myself to calm down? Dammit, Ba Zun’an is the one who told me to stir up trouble! Besides, how am I supposed to contact Ba Zun’an? I don’t even know where he is right now!

“Can’t you tell Ba... Chief yourself?” Xu Xiaoshou secretly rolled his eyes, not wanting to take on the responsibility.

Xiao Kongdong’s face was full of resentment: “Master hasn’t contacted me in a long time. He only told me to adapt to circumstances, saying anything is fine as long as Xu Xiaoshou doesn’t die. But if Xu Xiaoshou doesn’t die soon, Can Yue Immortal City will be doomed!”

“Cursed, Passive Point, 1.”

Xu Xiaoshou: “...”

Are you being polite?

“Xu Xiaoshou is truly not human!” he echoed symbolically, then changed the subject. “However, I am here to protect him. As for your own affairs, you should resolve them yourself. Consider it a test of your capabilities.”

Xiao Kongdong fell silent upon hearing this. As expected, he knew this would be the outcome...

“Cursed, Passive Point, 1.”“Condemned, Passive Point, 1.”“Muttered about, Passive Point, 1.”

The notification bar popped up rapidly. Xu Xiaoshou wondered what Xiao Kongdong was thinking at that moment.

However, Xu Xiaoshou, not wanting to get too entangled in the question of whether he was human, immediately chose to change the subject. He still had many questions for the Senior Disciple Brother before him.

“In Tiansang City, I recall you saved Xu Xiaoshou’s life. Was that by Chief’s guidance?” Xu Xiaoshou asked.

This was what puzzled him most. At that time, he had almost been killed by the Red Dog of Three Incense. At that critical moment, the uncle, carrying a hemp sack, descended like a god, ending the Throne Red Dog, who could regenerate limbs, with just two fingers. It was incredibly cool.

What Xu Xiaoshou didn’t understand was whether Xiao Kongdong’s appearance was a coincidence or intentional. Furthermore, why he had received the “Sword Contemplation Scripture”... Had Xiao Kongdong discerned his potential and sought him out to pass on the sword dao, or was all of this secretly orchestrated by Ba Zun’an? Xu Xiaoshou remained unclear.

“Master told you even this?” Xiao Kongdong looked up at the Water Ghost with slight surprise, seemingly doubting whether the Water Ghost held an unusually high regard in Ba Zun’an’s eyes. But seeing no reaction from the other party, he didn’t ponder further and replied:

“Of course, Master told me to. Before that, I didn’t even know who Xu Xiaoshou was. But Master said that he had also taken Xu Xiaoshou as a half-disciple at Tiansang Spiritual Palace, and even passed on the Ten-Segment Sword Finger to Xu Xiaoshou through Senior Wuxiu. Karma was established, and the bond is unbreakable. Senior Wuxiu valued Xu Xiaoshou, and Master also seemed to value him greatly. At that time, Xu Xiaoshou’s cultivation wasn’t apparent, and he had no talent in the sword dao, yet Master still asked me to impart the “Sword Contemplation Scripture” to him, saying he was the second person brave enough to injure him with a sword...”

At this point, Xiao Kongdong looked up again to gauge the Water Ghost’s reaction. Seeing the other party utterly calm, seemingly even aware of the “Sword Contemplation Scripture” matter, he was a little surprised. But he reasoned that perhaps the Water Ghost already held significant importance in their master’s eyes, so he continued:

“So I imparted it. After all, the “Sword Contemplation Scripture” wasn’t created by me; Master simply entrusted it to me to find another successor. I originally thought it would be Lei Shuangxing, so I had been focusing on Lei Shuangxing’s growth. But I never expected Master’s final choice to be Xu Xiaoshou...”

Sighing deeply, Xiao Kongdong spoke with emotion and a hint of envy: “Perhaps just as Mu Zixi was the early protector Senior Wuxiu found for Xu Xiaoshou, Lei Shuangxing was merely the early cover Master provided for Xu Xiaoshou... And all of this was solely for his better growth.”

Xu Xiaoshou’s eyebrows shot up. He had largely overlooked these hidden implications before! Mu Zixi wasn’t valued by Elder Sang and taken as a disciple because of her Wood Devouring Body... no, her Supreme Life Devil Body, was she? She even had an apprenticeship ceremony, while he only had the “Moonlit Cage Theory” by Goose Lake...

Xu Xiaoshou suddenly felt a heavy heart. He hadn’t realized that, unknowingly, so many people had done so much for him. But was the profound affection of these magnates something they simply never expressed, or was it merely a convenient act on their part, not as deeply felt as he imagined?

Xu Xiaoshou suddenly felt that he was perhaps too maliciously speculating about human nature.

Regardless, he never forgot the kindness shown to him by Elder Sang, Ba Zun’an, and others. Even if there were some small personal grievances intertwined with what seemed like not-so-pure affection. Yet, everything he had now, without realizing it, had surpassed all he had in his previous life.

“Back then, I only had a hospital room...”

The corner of Xu Xiaoshou’s mouth, hidden beneath the golden beast mask, curled into a smile that wasn’t the Water Ghost’s usual sinister grin.

Just then, the notification bar flashed.

“Envied, Passive Point, 1.”

Envy? Xu Xiaoshou’s eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Xiao Kongdong.

He saw that the expression of admiration on the gentle and refined Senior Disciple Brother’s face seemed to have mutated, becoming slightly distorted...

What was going on? You’re the Senior Disciple Brother of Can Yue Immortal City! How could I see the emotions of a first child feeling replaced by a second on your face? This... this is a bit much, isn’t it?

“Big brothers...”

Just as the two men’s complex thoughts drifted to an unknown place, a faint voice reached their ears. It was tearful, sorrowful, and trembling: “W-when... when can I leave?”