Chapter 290: Not Losing Kindness and Righteousness

After a careful look, Wu Jinliang chuckled, "They really came, and quite fast too. I thought they'd rest for a few days. They seem to be wearing blue, so it must be the Qianyan Sect."

Fang Zicheng asked, "The two sects we were told to watch out for while tracking?"

Wu Jinliang chuckled, "Exactly. I had you track them for today. Just watch and learn; once you master this, you'll be able to handle things. I won't necessarily be here every day."

Lao Changtai added, "And the group chasing them, I wonder which sect they belong to."

"Who cares which sect they are? We'll find out by asking. You come with me," Wu Jinliang said, patting Lao Changtai's back before turning and jumping into the dug-out hole.

So, Lao Changtai followed him.

On a mountain peak, nestled in the crevices of several large boulders, Pang Hou of Mount Shudao suddenly perked up. He whispered repeatedly, "They're here, they're here! Just as expected."

The three people with him were also peering out.

They recognized the exact same technique they had experienced before. Although the distance prevented them from clearly seeing the two people carrying the Sacred Fire, it was enough for them to conclude they were from the Mingshan Sect.

On the highest peak, the ten elders, seated cross-legged beneath the large iron pestle, watched the two blue-robed figures who respectfully bowed while holding the Sacred Fire. They tried to discern any signs of the Mingshan Sect on these two individuals. They had all encountered Mingshan Sect members on the peak of Qiyun Valley outside, but these two were complete strangers, leaving no particular impression. They exchanged questioning glances.

The result was the same: none of them recognized the two.

Jin Guiqi asked, "Which sect are you from?"

The blue-robed man, who had no Sacred Fire but held Wind Scales, respectfully replied, "We are disciples of the 'Qianyan Sect'."

Jin Guiqi simply said, "Oh," and said nothing more.

The other elders did likewise, glancing at the group of sects chasing in the sky but hesitating to descend and cause trouble. This scene looked incredibly familiar, identical to the Mingshan Sect's methods.

It was unclear if this was their own creation or if they had learned it from the Mingshan Sect.

Adhering to their principle of non-interference in the competition, they remained silent. Since they hadn't intervened with the Mingshan Sect, it would be inappropriate to interfere with this 'Qianyan Sect' either.

Seeing their non-interference, the two Qianyan Sect disciples secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It was their first time attempting such a stunt, and it would be a lie to say they weren't nervous.

The group of people who had been urgently chasing in the sky saw that the two blue-robed figures had actually sat down cross-legged right under the eyes of the ten elders, clearly intending to outlast them.

The group was furious but helpless. With no other option, their leader had to shout, "Let's go!" and led their companions away.

Pang Hou, who was observing from a rock crevice, grunted. He noticed two people emerge from behind the mountain and pursue the departing group.

A fellow disciple beside him mumbled, "Carrying a large gourd, that's... that's..."

He couldn't recall the name for a moment.

Someone nearby supplied, "Wu Jinliang."

"Right, Senior Brother, that's Shi Chun's accomplice, Wu Jinliang."

Pang Hou mumbled, "Why is Wu Jinliang chasing those people? Come on, if we stick with Wu Jinliang, we're sure to find Shi Chun."

With that, he pushed aside a rock and led his people out.

"Hold on, everyone, please wait..."

After chasing for a while, Wu Jinliang suddenly used a spell to call out to the group ahead.

The departing sect's contingent didn't have many Wind Scales; about twenty people shared a few, making their speed slightly slower. Wu Jinliang was gradually catching up.

In fact, even if he hadn't called out, the group would have noticed him. Hearing his shout and seeing only two people pursuing them, they hovered to a stop.

As Wu Jinliang approached, they took a closer look. Someone recognized him and called out, "Are you Wu Jinliang of the Mingshan Sect?"

Lao Changtai, accompanying him, assessed the big man and clicked his tongue inwardly. "Look at that reputation," he thought, "anyone can recognize him."

Wu Jinliang replied loudly, "That would be me. It's inconvenient to talk with the Wind Scales swirling around; could we talk somewhere else?"

He pointed to a mountain peak below.

The group looked at each other, eventually nodding their agreement. Both parties then descended to the ground.

After both parties put away their Wind Scales, the leading man asked, "Brother Wu, why did you stop us?" Wu Jinliang replied, "May I ask which sect you high-ranking cultivators belong to?"

The leading man said, "We're not high-ranking cultivators. I am Qi Yuannong, and we are disciples of the 'Aoyan Sect.' Brother Wu, if you have any intentions toward us, please dismiss them. We have nothing for you to take advantage of."

"What are they thinking?" Wu Jinliang muttered inwardly, then said aloud, "Ah, so it's Brother Qi, and esteemed disciples of the 'Aoyan Sect.' Please don't misunderstand; I have no malicious intent. I merely wish to inquire about the whereabouts of a certain group of people."

Qi Yuannong looked suspicious. He didn't want to get involved in any karma and was also wary of the Mingshan Sect. Shi Chun had gained notoriety for his deceptions at the Heavenly Rain Meteorite Assembly, making everyone cautious, otherwise, so many people wouldn't recognize Mingshan Sect members. So, he flatly refused, saying, "Our Aoyan Sect always acts independently and doesn't concern itself with other sects' affairs. Brother Wu, you've come to the wrong people. If there's nothing else, please excuse us!"

He cupped his hands in a gesture of farewell, about to leave.

Wu Jinliang chuckled, "Brother Qi, that's not fair. You might not recognize other families, but the Qianyan Sect just robbed you of your Sacred Fire. You can't possibly not know them, can you?"

The Aoyan Sect group froze.

Qi Yuannong immediately felt as if he had slapped himself. He had just said they were leaving, but now he didn't want to. He couldn't help but ask, "Qianyan Sect? Brother Wu, are you referring to those two just now?"

Wu Jinliang said, "Exactly. Not only were you robbed, but we were also robbed by them. You might tolerate being robbed, but these villains not only stole our things but also killed our people. This grievance is truly hard to swallow.

Our Mingshan Sect came here simply to broaden our horizons, not to compete for first place. We have plenty of time to waste!

Since they dared to kill our people, for these forty-nine days, we will do nothing else. We won't search for Sacred Fire; we'll focus on just one thing: seeking revenge and settling accounts with them!

We've been looking for them everywhere, and I happened to spot their people here. They're hiding with the ten elders, so we can't do anything there. That's why I wanted to ask you about the whereabouts of their other members. We hope that, since we've all suffered persecution from the Qianyan Sect, you can honestly give us some pointers."

"So that's how it is," thought most of the Aoyan Sect group, breathing a sigh of relief.

Only one person's eyes flickered—a mole from the Qianyan Sect embedded within the Aoyan Sect. He hadn't known that the Qianyan Sect had also robbed the Mingshan Sect.

Lao Changtai blinked repeatedly, observing the reactions of the Aoyan Sect group occasionally, then looking at Wu Jinliang, who was spouting nonsense. He also had to feign an indignant expression, acting as if he shared their hatred for the enemy.

"He who stays near vermilion gets stained red, and he who stays near ink gets stained black," he mused, estimating that if he spent too much time with this big fellow, he would definitely become a scoundrel who could lie effortlessly.

Qi Yuannong said, "So the Mingshan Sect has also fallen victim to these villains. I understand your feelings, Brother Wu; we also wish we could eliminate every one of them. However, we cannot deceive you. Aside from those two who fled towards the exit, we truly don't know the whereabouts of any other members of this 'Qianyan Sect'."

Wu Jinliang asked, "Then can you provide us with any clues to help us track them down?"

Qi Yuannong shook his head with a bitter smile, "We truly don't have any clues."

Wu Jinliang pressed, "Surely, it couldn't have been just those two people who dared to rob you, could it?"

Qi Yuannong pondered for a moment and replied, "We're not entirely sure how many of them there were when it happened, but we definitely only saw two. When we saw them make off with the Sacred Fire right under our noses, we immediately gave chase."

Wu Jinliang said thoughtfully, "It's impossible for it to have been just two people. Two people wouldn't have that much nerve, and if they truly had such ability, they wouldn't need to flee. That means there should be others at the scene of the incident. If we go back and search, we might still find them."

Qi Yuannong looked back at his fellow disciples and said, "Brother Wu, they already have the Sacred Fire. How could they possibly still be waiting there for us to find them? Besides, what we want is the Sacred Fire. Wasting time chasing after people who don't have it holds no meaning for us. If we happen to encounter them, we might take our revenge then. But going back and wasting time on that effort is truly unnecessary for us."

Wu Jinliang said, "Oh," and cupped his hands in apology, "My apologies, I was speaking out of turn. You're right, you are different from us. Your main purpose in coming here is the Sacred Fire, so you can't just wander aimlessly like us. However, we are absolutely determined to avenge this. We won't rest until we find them. So, Brother Qi, please tell us the detailed location of the incident. Allow us to go and investigate; perhaps we can find clues about that group. What if some of them are still in that area?"

That was fine by them. In fact, the Aoyan Sect would be delighted if the Mingshan Sect encountered the Qianyan Sect and fought them, settling scores on their behalf.

Qi Yuannong looked around, then immediately pointed in a direction and explained in detail, "I truly can't remember the exact location. This is also the Aoyan Sect's first time entering the Sacred Fire Domain. We can only tell you the route. We came from that direction and flew straight without changing course for about an hour.

There are a few landmarks along the way, and if you follow them, you shouldn't stray. From the exit where the ten elders are stationed, fly straight towards that high mountain. After a moment, you'll see a massive handprint-shaped pit on the ground. Continue flying straight for a bit, and you'll see a large mountain that appears to have been diagonally cut and toppled. Then there will be an area of shattered ground, followed by a patch of ground that seems to have melted together. When you see a pockmarked yellow earth zone, you've arrived. There are many strange earth pillars in the pit, and the incident location is in the center of that area. If you fly a bit higher and search along the way, it shouldn't be hard to find."

After mentally noting the directions, Wu Jinliang cupped his hands in thanks and said, "Many thanks for your guidance, Brother Qi. If we can find those villains and exact our revenge, we will express our gratitude again in the future when the opportunity arises."

"Oh, it's nothing," Qi Yuannong waved his hand. "Just a few words. If Brother Wu can find those villains and take revenge, it will also be a way for us to vent our anger. In fact, we should be thanking Brother Wu."

Wu Jinliang gave a wry smile, "We're in the same boat, so let's not be so polite with each other. Your time is precious, so please feel free to go about your business."

Both parties cupped their hands in farewell and parted ways.

After the Aoyan Sect group ascended into the sky, Qi Yuannong, looking back, saw Wu Jinliang still cupping his hands in a farewell gesture from the mountain top. He sighed to those around him, "He doesn't lack integrity, and he carries himself with great presence—a true man! At the Heavenly Rain Meteorite Assembly, everyone competes based on their own abilities. To regard someone as venomous just because they took first place is truly prejudiced."

Only after seeing them fly far away did Wu Jinliang lower his hand. He turned to Lao Changtai and said, "See? In the future, if I'm not around and you encounter this situation, use my method. It's a good deed to help others vent their frustration, and if there's an advantage to be gained, why not take it? They'll surely tell you the location clearly. Also, notify Fang Zicheng, just in case we need more hands."

Lao Changtai, who had also been politely cupping his hands in farewell, lowered his arms and sighed, "Got it. You tricked them, and they even politely thanked you. Now I understand why we were so thoroughly deceived by you at the Heavenly Rain Meteorite Assembly back then."