Chapter 542 552: A Seam in the Heavenly Robe

Several miles outside the Imperial City of the Celestial Martial Country.

A Hall Master frowned. "Protector Zhou, why didn't we just wipe them out? From what I saw, Xia Qianhe was the strongest, followed by those few from the Flowing Cloud Sect. But we vastly outnumbered them! They were nothing to fear. If we had just tied up their strongest fighters, the rest would have been ours for the killing."

A sharp glint flashed in Zhou Kongkong's eyes as he spoke coldly, "Do you think I'm a match for Xia Qianhe? Especially when he's holding the Dragon-Sealing Spear?"

The Hall Master couldn't help but draw in a sharp breath. "You mean even you, a Protector at the Sixth Heaven of the Life and Death Realm, are no match for him?"

Zhou Kongkong said gloomily, "Hmph. Even if I could hold him off, don't you realize? Experts from the Three Realms Sect and the Flowing Cloud Sect may have already reached that minor country's Imperial City. Just now, I sensed an immense and powerful aura steadily approaching from the east."

Hearing Zhou Kongkong's words, the surrounding members of the Heaven-Burying Sect were all stunned for a moment. Then, their expressions turned to ones of extreme relief, and they all thought, 'That was a close call.'

Zhou Kongkong chuckled. "We just need to wait for the Great Elder, the Right Protector, and our other experts to arrive. Then, this paltry country will be ours for the taking. Could the Three Realms Sect and the Flowing Cloud Sect possibly stand against the grand army of our Heaven-Burying Sect?"

"The Protector is wise!"

The surrounding Heaven-Burying Sect experts shouted their praises in unison.

Suddenly, Zhou Kongkong grew puzzled. "By the way, why would the Three Realms Sect and the Flowing Cloud Sect suddenly dispatch so many experts to protect this remote, minor country?"

"Find out for me," Zhou Kongkong ordered with a frown. "Immediately! At once!"

"Yes, yes, we'll investigate right away."

The surrounding Heaven-Burying Sect experts didn't know why Zhou Kongkong had become so agitated, but they didn't dare ask. The Heaven-Burying Sect operated under a strict hierarchy; one must never ask what one was not meant to know.

Watching the experts of the Heaven-Burying Sect depart, Zhou Kongkong's brow knitted together. 'Has our perfect plan sprung a leak? No, that's impossible. Absolutely impossible.'

...

After watching Zhou Kongkong's group retreat, Gao Changtian couldn't help but sneer. "Good thing he ran fast. Otherwise, I would've made sure he never left."

Xia Qianhe slowly shook his head. "No. If he had insisted on fighting, it would have ended in mutual destruction. Zhou Kongkong is an extremely proud man; he would never accept such an outcome."

Wen Qingye also walked over, a frown on his face. "I have a feeling this isn't over. I was able to rush here because I received the news in advance. It will take the Elders and Peak Masters from the Celestial Profound Mountain Domain some time to get here. In my opinion, the enemy won't give up so easily."

"Hahaha, Young Hero Wen, you needn't worry!"

A vigorous, sonorous voice suddenly rang out from the distance.

Wen Qingye couldn't help but look, only to see a golden chariot speeding toward them. Several figures stood upon it, led by a venerable, ancient-looking old man.

"Sect Leader, we have arrived late."

At that moment, another group arrived, which included Elder Chen Baili and Chen Zihou from the Three Realms Sect.

"You must be the Sect Leader of the Flowing Cloud Sect, Master Bai Xu," Wen Qingye said with a smile, cupping his fists toward the old man who had just stepped down from the chariot.

Bai Xu nodded in acknowledgment. "Young Hero Wen, your bearing is truly extraordinary. You are indeed worthy of your reputation as one of the Celestial Profound Sect's most outstanding prodigies."

Wen Qingye looked at Xia Qianhe and Bai Xu. "I will not forget that both your sects came to our aid today. If you ever need anything in the future, do not hesitate to ask."

"Ah," Xia Qianhe said, waving his hand dismissively. "I, Xia Qianhe, will remember your great kindness for the rest of my life. Besides, we came this time to settle our own scores. You are being too modest, Young Hero Wen."

Bai Xu's expression turned grim as he nodded. "Indeed. We have long been aware of the Heaven-Burying Sect's actions. Our forbearance toward this evil cult has only allowed it to grow larger and more arrogant. That is why they had the audacity to attack our disciples this time. I have already spoken with Elder Wuu of the Celestial Thunder Hall. He is gathering his people and rushing here as well."

At this, Bai Xu turned to the figures behind him. "Come forward, all of you, and thank Young Hero Wen."

As Bai Xu finished speaking, three figures slowly emerged from behind him: Xia Liu and Yanr Kuan of the Three Realms Sect, and Chen Xi'Er of the Flowing Cloud Sect.

The three of them had healthy complexions and seemed perfectly normal; having escaped death's door, they had clearly recovered well.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Wen!"

The three of them exchanged a glance, then cupped their fists and spoke to Wen Qingye in unison.

Wen Qingye held up a hand and smiled. "It was nothing."

Xia Liu stepped forward and said earnestly, "What was nothing to you saved our lives, and you were even misunderstood and punished for it at first. We will never forget this great kindness. If Senior Brother Wen ever needs anything in the future, I, Xia Liu, will brave any danger for you without a moment's hesitation."

"You're being too serious," Wen Qingye said, shaking his head with a smile. He didn't pay Xia Liu's words much mind, instead turning to Xia Qianhe and Bai Xu. "Let's head into the city and rest. You've all come a long way and must be exhausted."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Ling Wei dispatched Ling Xiao and Jie Jiachun to arrange accommodations for the members of the Three Realms Sect and the Flowing Cloud Sect.

Wen Qingye walked up to Madam Liu and said softly, "Mother, I'm back!"

Madam Liu looked at Wen Qingye, her voice trembling. "As long as you're back... as long as you're back. Let's go inside and talk, let's go inside."

"Mm," Wen Qingye nodded.

The onlookers couldn't help but sigh as they watched Wen Qingye. What was his status when he was last here? And now? For them, even daring to strike up a conversation with him was an impossible dream.

His return was a stark reminder of how much things could change.

Back inside the Imperial City, Cheng Yu, to Wen Qingye's surprise, led him into the Imperial Palace.

Wen Qingye asked, confused, "What is this?"

Madam Liu smiled. "Oh, Ling Wei was worried I wouldn't be safe outside, so she specially set aside a large hall in the Imperial Palace for me to live in, for my protection. I don't usually stay here, though."

Wen Qingye asked, "Where in the Imperial Palace?"

Ling Jiao, who was nearby, answered, "Zhengxuan Hall."

Wen Qingye pressed, "And what place is that?"

Ling Jiao was about to answer, but she seemed to recall something frightening. She flinched and said, "You should ask my cou—Her Majesty, the Empress, yourself."

Cheng Yu covered her mouth with her hand and giggled. "It's safe and convenient there. It's a shame Auntie rarely goes. Don't read too much into it. It's not as if Ling Wei would do anything to harm your mother."

Just then, the four of them arrived at the entrance to Zhengxuan Hall.