Chapter 656: Nine Tollings of the Azure Bell, Gongyang Jue's Era! (2)

Chapter 656: Chapter 355: Nine Tollings of the Azure Bell, Gongyang Jue’s Era! (2)

“Second Grandfather wishes to meet you, I’ll take you to see him.”

“Alright.”

Su Mu nodded slightly, and the two quickly arrived at a secluded hall where two elderly figures were drinking and playing chess under the moonlight. They were none other than Great Elder Qiu Mountain and Master Zhou Cang, who had previously crafted the Little Yellow Court Ancient Pill.

“Greetings to Great Elder… Greetings to Master Cang.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Cang’s gaze fell on Su Mu with a complex expression. At this point, he already realized that Sun Li was actually the Su Mu standing before him.

After learning that Su Mu had sworn brotherhood with the Baili siblings and that even Qiu Mountain, known for being reticent, referred to him as a young friend, and had praised Su Mu multiple times for his martial arts talent, Zhou Cang’s heart was greatly shaken.

Earning the praise of the usually silent Qiu Mountain is not easy, as even Baili Hong only received occasional recognition, aside from Baili Hongtang.

In shock, Zhou Cang also realized that he likely would never have the chance to take Su Mu as a disciple, nor did he have the qualifications to consider himself a mentor.

Moreover…

Su Mu seemed to value Martial Dao more than alchemy, and his cultivation talent was not inferior to his alchemy skills. Everyone has their ambitions, and alchemy, after all, is just one aspect of cultivation, which also requires a certain level of cultivation support.

Even Zhou Cang himself regretted several times that if he had spent more effort on his cultivation initially, he might have had a slim chance to reach the Upper Three Grades.

At that point, his lifespan would have increased significantly, and he might have paved a longer path in alchemy!

Unfortunately, there’s no remedy for regrets in the world.

The status and contacts of a Fourth Grade pinnacle Alchemy Master could be comparable to a Great Cultivator, yet ultimately, it is merely comparable, granted respect due to mutual interests, which can’t compete with the tangible strength of a true Great Cultivator.

For instance, he could barely offer any assistance in the upcoming matters.

“Young man, what’s to come is perilous, you must act cautiously.”

Upon seeing Su Mu arrive, Zhou Cang opened his mouth intending to speak but chose silence, merely offering a word of caution before hurriedly leaving.

“Third Brother, you need not worry, during this time Second Grandfather and I will teach you Father’s usual behavior and conduct, to avoid raising suspicions.”

Second Sister Baili Hongtang spoke timely. Although Baili Hong and Baili Hongtang were father and daughter, Baili Hong had an incident when Baili Hongtang was young, coupled with her weak health that often left her bedridden.

Moreover, her understanding of her father would not be thorough due to the nature of his status, requiring supplementation from their elder, Great Elder Qiu Mountain.

“Alright, no problem.”

Su Mu agreed confidently, equipped with his past experience disguising as the elder brother, and having now created his own Grandmaster-level Small Wuxiang Profound Breath Technique, which left him unfazed by the task ahead.

“Brother’s character largely inherited from Father, Father’s temperament is bold, informal, and he loves to associate with various heroic figures…”

Second Sister then began describing Baili Hong’s usual behaviors and habits, which Su Mu listened to quietly.

“Hong seemed sometimes reckless and impulsive, but in truth, he was meticulous, often opting not to over-calculate and deal, turning a blind eye towards those close within the gang. He was extremely gentle with his wife and children, but sadly, Feng’Er and Hongtang’s mother had an ill-fated life and passed away early…”

Upon Second Sister finishing, Great Elder Qiu Mountain timely added a few remarks, and Su Mu continued listening attentively, soon discerning that Baili Hong, as described by the two, appeared exceedingly ‘perfect’.

Previously, he had heard tales of Baili Hong from other Cyan Fish Gang disciples, which earned Baili Hong immense respect when his name was mentioned among them.

Yet, how could perfection exist in reality? Su Mu realized that both Second Sister and Great Elder, as well as those disciples’ portrayal of Baili Hong, were tinted with filters.

Especially now that Baili Hong had died prematurely, this naturally led those close to unconsciously embellish his image, which is human nature.

Su Mu secretly dispersed several small shadows to deduce and analyze Baili Hong’s persona, knowing that eventually, he must portray him, requiring a firm grasp on key characteristics and nuances.

Two days flew by, and what follows is destined to shake the Cyan Fish Gang and potentially alter its fate.

“Boom! Boom! Boom——!”

On the morning of the third day, the grand Ancient Bell tolls nine times, reserved only for moments of crisis or when the Gang Leader, Great Elder, or others passed away.

“Nine tolls, truly the Cyan Fish Bell ringing nine times, more than the last conference by two tolls!”

“Vice Gang Leader Gongyang Jue has recently gained allegiance from four out of the five Hall Masters, it seems today our Cyan Fish Gang will see the rise of a new Gang Leader.”

“Alas, it’s unknown if recent rumors are true, but if Baili Gang Leader doesn’t emerge today, it’s feared the rumors might indeed be true.”

“Regardless, the Gang Leader treated us well over time, and so did the Young Master and Second Miss, the Young Master being almost a reflection of his father. If only the Young Master could inherit the position…”

“Shh, speak softly, at this point can’t you see? Just the impromptu convening of this meeting speaks volumes; the Young Master and Second Miss stand little chance now.”

“Just hope Vice Gang Leader Gongyang shows leniency, considering the past patronage from the Gang Leader, sparing the Young Master, Second Miss, and the Baili Family a path to live.”

Recently, numerous elders and mid-level members of the Cyan Fish Gang touring or managing enterprises externally have been summoned, those unable to attend have sent representatives back to assist.