Chapter 249: Master Qing Yan of the Five Elements Dao Sect Visits
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Su Ming nervously swallowed, silently cursing himself for not controlling his tongue.
He was already less favored by his master than the other disciples, and now he had recklessly spoken ill of his master. Surely, this would deepen his master’s disapproval.
Lowering his head in regret, Su Ming failed to notice the fleeting complexity in Master Qing Yan’s eyes.
The stone that had tripped Su Ming was no ordinary rock; it was the Earth Stone, an exceptional material for artifact crafting. Absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, it concentrated the essence of earth elements, making it a highly sought-after resource. Due to its unique ability to seamlessly blend into its surroundings, it was incredibly difficult to mine, resulting in its high value.
If Su Ming had discovered the Earth Stone after some effort, Master Qing Yan might have been more understanding. But for Su Ming to stumble upon it by accident while sluggishly walking past—it was practically a gift falling into his lap.
Master Qing Yan began to wonder if the rumors of Su Ming’s peculiar talent for treasure hunting were more than mere speculation.
“This is the Earth Stone, a material for crafting artifacts. Since you found it, keep it safely,” Master Qing Yan said, handing the stone to Su Ming.
Despite his disciple’s bumbling nature, Qing Yan wasn’t one to covet his own student’s findings.
Holding the Earth Stone, Su Ming’s emotions wavered between joy and dread. But before he could process his feelings, Master Qing Yan floated away like a willow leaf in the wind, though his pace was noticeably slower.
Taking a deep breath, Su Ming chased after his master’s fading figure.
Ten days passed in the blink of an eye, and they finally arrived at their destination: Spirit Mountain, the legendary residence of the phoenix before its ascension.
In the absence of the phoenix and azure dragon in the current era, Spirit Mountain had become home to the White Peacock Clan. Known for their friendliness toward humans, their leader was a rare demonic beast of the Soul Transformation Stage.
Knowing they needed a powerful figure from the demon race to oversee Quan Ye’s bloodline awakening, Master Qing Yan had chosen the White Peacock Clan as their allies.
As Su Ming struggled to catch his breath by the roadside, a clear and melodious cry echoed.
Looking up, he saw a magnificent white peacock diving gracefully from the mountain peak. Its shimmering tail feathers painted a radiant arc across the sky, like a fleeting rainbow.
Su Ming’s eyes widened.
“A white peacock? Could this really be the sacred Spirit Mountain of the demon race? Why has Master brought me here? Could it be that he finds me so useless that he plans to feed me to the mountain’s beasts?”
Before Master Qing Yan could say a word, Su Ming was already trembling with fear.
The white peacock landed and transformed into a woman dressed in white robes. Approaching Master Qing Yan, she bowed respectfully.
“Forgive me for not greeting you sooner. May I know your esteemed purpose in visiting?”
Her voice was as clear and melodious as an oriole’s song, lingering in the air like a beautiful melody.
“Qing Yan of the Five Elements Dao Sect, here to pay a visit,” Master Qing Yan replied.
The white-robed woman’s demeanor grew even more respectful. “So, you are Master Qing Yan. Please wait here; I will inform the clan leader immediately.”
A serene voice resonated from afar:
“Bai Mei, escort Master Qing Yan to the mountain.”
“Yes,” Bai Mei responded. She turned and gestured, “This way, Master.”
Master Qing Yan nodded lightly and followed her lead.
Lost in thought, Su Ming nearly let them slip out of his divine sense’s range. Alarmed, he quickly hurried to catch up.
When he finally matched their pace, he slowed down, his curiosity drawn to the breathtaking scenery around him. The arrival of outsiders had caught the attention of the white peacocks, many of whom perched on treetops, tilting their heads inquisitively, their round eyes darting about playfully.
The picturesque surroundings calmed Su Ming’s anxieties, but he still couldn’t understand why his master had brought him to Spirit Mountain.
Before long, they reached the mountain summit, where a man clad in ornate white robes stood with his back to them, his jade crown glinting in the sunlight.
“Clan Leader,” Bai Mei announced, stepping forward to bow, “Master Qing Yan has arrived.”
The man turned around, revealing a face radiant as spring blossoms and luminous as an autumn moon.
Su Ming blushed deeply with just one glance. The tales of the White Peacock Clan’s beauty were not exaggerated.
Though Bai Mei was stunning, she paled in comparison to the clan leader, Bai Ling.
“Qing Yan, it’s been years. How have you been?” Bai Ling greeted Master Qing Yan with a charming smile that seemed to glow even brighter.
Su Ming’s heart pounded wildly, his thoughts a muddled haze.
“Bai Ling,” Master Qing Yan said flatly, “spare me your tricks in my presence.”
Bai Ling’s expression froze briefly before he chuckled, unbothered. “Just a joke, no need to take it seriously.”
With those words, Su Ming abruptly snapped out of his daze, realizing what had just transpired. Fear washed over him, and he dared not look directly at Bai Ling again.
After dismissing Bai Mei, Bai Ling’s tone grew serious. “Qing Yan, you’re not one to visit without reason. What brings you here?”
Master Qing Yan wasted no words. With a flick of his hand, he materialized Quan Ye, who lay unconscious, before Bai Ling.
“Save him,” Qing Yan said simply.
Bai Ling laughed lightly, shaking his head. “Qing Yan, is that how you ask for help? If it were anyone else, there’d be a fight already.”
Expressionless, Master Qing Yan replied, “Examine him first.”
Seeing his resolve, Bai Ling relented with a good-natured smile and extended his divine sense into Quan Ye’s body.
Moments later, Bai Ling’s casual demeanor vanished, replaced by a solemn focus. He carefully placed his hand on Quan Ye’s wrist, scanning him thoroughly.
Su Ming, observant as ever, noticed the shift in Bai Ling’s expression. Though unsure of the exact reason, a terrifying suspicion began forming in his mind.
When Bai Ling finally withdrew his hand, he directed a questioning gaze at Master Qing Yan.
“Who is he?”
“Quan Ye, my fifth direct disciple,” Qing Yan answered calmly.
Bai Ling sighed inwardly. Of course, only one of Qing Yan’s own disciples could warrant such effort.
“When did you discover his identity, and why didn’t you bring him sooner?” Bai Ling asked.
Qing Yan frowned slightly but replied, “Fourteen years ago.”
After a brief pause, he added, “Quan Ye has been cultivating for only twenty years.”
This seemingly unrelated detail subtly answered Bai Ling’s question. Qing Yan had not delayed out of negligence; rather, Quan Ye’s unprecedented cultivation speed had thrown off Qing Yan’s calculations.
Quan Ye’s early awakening had caught even Master Qing Yan unprepared.