Chapter 230: Controversy

One of the six women in green skirts died, and the yellow pangolin's body rapidly expanded. Once it reached a certain size, it burst open, transforming into a massive shower of blood. Wang Shuyuan made a hand seal, and the golden light barrier dissipated, turning into five golden talismans that flew back into his sleeve.

Wang Changsheng quickly walked towards the corpses of the six women in green skirts. Ye Tong hesitated slightly, remaining motionless where he stood.

Since Wang Changsheng had eliminated the enemy, he was entitled to the largest share.

Wang Changsheng retrieved a green storage pouch from the woman in green and tucked it into his robe.

Wang Changsheng then distributed the storage pouches from the other five individuals, giving one to each of Ye Tong and his four companions.

Zhao Long released several red fireballs, burning the corpses.

"Let's go! We should leave this place first. The noise we just made was too loud; it might attract cultivators from the Tang Kingdom. We need to withdraw quickly."

Wang Changsheng released the Blue Lotus Boat, carrying everyone high into the sky. They soon vanished into the horizon.

More than half a month later, in Taiyuan Commandery, within the Green Moon Mountain Range.

Inside a secluded cave, Ye Tong and five others were gathered around a topographical map, discussing something.

"If you walk by the river often, your shoes will inevitably get wet," Wang Changsheng proposed. "I suggest we return to the Wei Kingdom for now. If we hit a snag, we'll be in trouble."

Wang Ruyan currently couldn't use any spiritual power, so traveling with her was quite inconvenient. Wang Changsheng was uneasy about letting Wang Shuyuan escort her away. Moreover, having successively eliminated over a dozen Tang Kingdom cultivators, they had undoubtedly attracted the attention of the Tang Kingdom's Five Sects. They had also gained considerable benefits, so it was best to leave as soon as possible.

Wang Changsheng and Wang Shuyuan each gave Ye Tong and Zhao Long a substantial reward to thank them. Of course, Wang Shuyuan promised that upon returning to the Wei Kingdom, he would send Wang Changsheng 300 catties of diluted Xuan-Yin Spiritual Water.

This battle alone significantly deepened Wang Ruyan's affection for Wang Changsheng. His willingness to stay behind and cover her retreat, nearly losing his life to save her, clearly showed the depth of his feelings for her.

"Tang Kingdom cultivators are nothing special," Zhao Long said dismissively. "I don't think there's any need to rush back. According to our plan, let's eliminate the Zhou family first. Fellow Daoist Wang has a talisman treasure, and Fellow Daoist Wang Shuyuan has formation talismans; destroying the Zhou family will be effortless." Zhao Long was unimpressed. This infiltration behind enemy lines had earned him a fortune. Wang Changsheng possessed two talisman treasures, and Wang Shuyuan had a high-grade second-tier formation talisman. As long as they didn't encounter Core Formation cultivators, they would certainly be safe, so he naturally didn't want to leave so soon.

Ye Tong's face showed a tempted expression. Seeing this, Wang Shuyuan frowned deeply.

The outside world was very chaotic now, and it would be quite dangerous for him to escort Wang Ruyan back to the Wei Kingdom. Staying in the Tang Kingdom also carried some risks.

"The last time we managed to eliminate the Hundred Flowers Sect disciples was entirely because Immortal Wang interfered with their spellcasting," Wang Changsheng said, frowning with displeasure. "If we encounter Tang Kingdom cultivators again, and they have formation talismans and talisman treasures, and their cultivation is higher than mine, who will be able to interfere with their spellcasting? We can't be so lucky every time. Let's just go back!"

"Fellow Daoist Wang, don't forget that Senior Brother Ye is the leader for this mission," Zhao Long said, somewhat discontentedly, looking at Ye Tong. "We all have to obey Senior Brother Ye's orders. Senior Brother Ye, what do you think?"

Ye Tong pondered for a moment, then said, "Let's destroy the Zhou family, and then we'll return to the Wei Kingdom! Fellow Daoist Wang Shuyuan and Immortal Wang Ruyan can return to the Wei Kingdom on their own. If not, find a place to hide for a few months."

"No, our luck can't be that good every time. I object. I think it's better if we return to the Wei Kingdom immediately." Wang Changsheng's attitude was resolute. While he intended to escort Wang Ruyan, his primary concern was his own safety.

He had been willing to stay behind and cover the retreat relying on his Golden Flood Dragon Cauldron, but he hadn't known that the Hundred Flowers Sect disciples barely used magical artifacts, nearly causing him to stumble. Though he possessed a talisman treasure and Wang Shuyuan had formation talismans, which seemed secure, man proposes, God disposes. Who knew what trump cards the Zhou family might have?

"What do you mean, 'you think'?" Zhao Long retorted bluntly, his tone aggressive. "It's not about what you think; it's about what Senior Brother Ye thinks. Senior Brother Ye is the leader, and we all have to obey his orders. Fellow Daoist Wang, I know you want to escort Immortal Wang back to the Wei Kingdom, but we came to the Tang Kingdom to carry out a mission, not to pursue romance."

Ye Tong snorted softly, his brows furrowed.

Hearing this, Wang Ruyan's cheeks flushed slightly, and her gaze towards Wang Changsheng showed a hint of tenderness.

"Greed has its limits," Wang Changsheng said, his face darkening and his brows tightly knit. "My objection isn't because of Immortal Wang, but for our safety. If we fail once, we're all finished."

"Senior Brother Ye, Senior Brother Zhao, please calm down," Wang Changxue interjected, acting as a mediator. "Ninth Brother isn't good with words, so don't take him too seriously. Let's talk over here." She came forward to mediate, and walked out of the cave with Ye Tong and Zhao Long.

"Fellow Daoist Wang," Wang Shuyuan began, trying to persuade him, "Ruyan and I will find a place to hide for a while. You can proceed with Fellow Daoist Ye and the others on your mission without worry. I'll leave that set of formation talismans with you." Anyone with eyes could see that Wang Changsheng wanted to personally escort Wang Ruyan back to Wei Kingdom because he was worried about her.

Wang Changsheng's willingness to openly defy Ye Tong for Wang Ruyan clearly demonstrated the depth of his feelings for her.

"Yes, that's right! Fellow Daoist Wang, you can go without worry! I'll wait for your return; you must come back safely," Wang Ruyan said, her head bowed and her face flushed.

Seeing this scene, Wang Shuyuan sighed, thinking to himself, "A grown daughter can't be kept!"

Outside the cave, Wang Changxue released a sound-proof barrier, enveloping the three of them.

"Senior Brother Ye, Senior Brother Zhao, thank you very much," Wang Changxue said gratefully, taking out two storage pouches and handing them to Ye Tong and Zhao Long. "This matter must not be spread. If Ninth Brother and Immortal Wang can become a couple, I will offer a further substantial reward."

They had been acting. This scene was orchestrated by Wang Changxue, and Wang Changsheng was unaware of it. However, Wang Changxue had repeatedly hinted to Wang Changsheng beforehand that she intended to return to the Wei Kingdom and escort Wang Ruyan. She was responsible for persuading Ye Tong and Zhao Long, which was why Wang Changsheng had been so unyielding.

This infiltration behind enemy lines had yielded property worth tens of thousands of spirit stones. They had eliminated over a dozen Tang Kingdom Foundation Establishment cultivators, completing their mission. There was no reason not to return to the Wei Kingdom. Ye Tong actually wanted to go back as well, as staying in the Tang Kingdom continued to be quite dangerous.

Zhao Long didn't actually want to return to the Wei Kingdom so soon, but since Wang Changxue and Ye Tong had both agreed, he couldn't object.

"Heh heh, no problem," Zhao Long said, his spiritual sense sweeping over the contents of the storage pouch. He nodded with satisfaction and casually asked, "Junior Sister Wang, you're so considerate of Fellow Daoist Wang. He's truly blessed to have a sister like you. Does your brother know about this?"

Wang Changxue smiled sweetly and replied, "He doesn't know. But I did hint to him beforehand about returning to the Wei Kingdom, and that I would be responsible for convincing the two senior brothers. He's unaware. Third Aunt has been constantly talking about wanting grandchildren, so as his sister, I have to help him! After all, he's my brother! Alright, let's go back."

Returning to the cave, before Wang Changsheng could speak, Wang Changxue quickly interjected, "Alright, Ninth Brother, Senior Brother Ye and Senior Brother Zhao have both agreed to return to the Wei Kingdom. However, for the rest of our actions, you must obey Senior Brother Ye's orders, as he is the leader."

Upon hearing this, Wang Changsheng breathed a long sigh of relief and repeatedly agreed.

After night fell, the six individuals left the cave. The Blue Lotus Boat carried them high into the sky, and before long, they vanished into the horizon.