Chapter 2191 - 1187: Junior Priest of Secret Sect

Back when it was for the benefit of the Esoteric Sect, Elder Pankun once left me for dead. However, the misunderstanding was later cleared up, and the two of us got along quite well. The ring-headed saber in my hand now was indeed reforged with the help of Elder Kunpa.

The residence of the High Priest was heavily guarded. After passing through two gates, Tai Wenqin, who was leading the way, was stopped at the third gate.

The Guard Commander at the gate, with a business-like demeanor, made it clear that only Yang Xiao could enter.

After bidding farewell to Tai Wenqin, Yang Xiao walked alone through the dark yellow painted palace gate. Led by the fairly high-status Commander, he walked a bit more before arriving at a palace-structured building.

After receiving permission, the guard at the door finally allowed Yang Xiao to enter.

Upon entering the hall, Yang Xiao immediately saw the High Priest Cannibal Buddha, who was seated in the foremost position. Even though he wasn’t specifically targeting Yang Xiao, his presence still exerted a substantial oppressive aura on the latter.

Besides Cannibal Buddha, Elder Kunpa was also in the hall, considered an old acquaintance.

Setting aside the scroll in his hand, Cannibal Buddha looked up at Yang Xiao, his eagle-like eyes seeming to see through all of the latter’s secrets.

"Yang Xiao of the Patrol Defense Office, greetings to the High Priest." Yang Xiao gave a courteous bow, his manners flawless.

"Yang Xiao, your strength has greatly improved since you left my Esoteric Sect, quite impressive." Cannibal Buddha commented with a calm gaze.

A year ago when leaving the Esoteric Sect, Yang Xiao was only at the Lower Ghost Level, but now he had leapt to the Upper Ghost Level, crossing two entire ranks—such progress was indeed rapid.

However, in the well-informed eyes of the High Priest, this accomplishment was not too astounding, given the vast chasm between their strengths.

"All thanks to the High Priest’s blessing, everyone has taken good care of me since returning."

Yang Xiao cupped his hands in salute, once again bowing to Cannibal Buddha, before immediately opening the Mirror World, instructing Yang Jing to bring out the prepared gifts one by one.

Originally, tasks like this could be delegated to subordinates, but Yang Xiao came alone this time, without bringing anyone else, so he had no choice but to handle it himself.

Fortunately, he had his own son, Yang Jing, to help.

Once all the boxes were neatly arranged, Yang Xiao ordered Yang Jing to open them one by one.

Inside was the corpse of the Second Guardian of the Withered Bone Pavilion, which had been split in two; Yang Xiao had temporarily stitched it together before arriving, at least making it look like a whole body.

Additionally, there were gifts from the Great Protector, totaling three magic artifacts, including the space-type magic artifact Blood Soil.

This was the most valuable gift Yang Xiao brought as a presentation gift this time.

"You even brought gifts coming to see me, how thoughtful of you." Cannibal Buddha’s tone conveyed no emotional fluctuations, and his expression remained indifferent even in the face of the space-type magic artifact.

However, Yang Xiao understood; a space-type magic artifact might be immensely valuable in the eyes of others, but to a formidable being like the High Priest, it was just another object.

A good item, but nothing overwhelmingly shocking.

"Yang Xiao, how prepared is your Patrol Defense Office concerning Sheng Yanlin?" Cannibal Buddha asked.

"Rest assured, High Priest, everything is ready. Now we just await the return of Dean Sheng, who will raise the banner of justice, gather the army, eradicate the rebels, and reclaim the Academy." Yang Xiao responded resolutely.

"Mm, treat this matter with utmost care. Some time ago, to assassinate Sheng Yanlin, the Dharma Sect was willing to expose a sleeper Elder hidden within our sect."

"Although I detected this in advance, there’s no guarantee the Dharma Sect won’t suspect anything. I suspect the rebels of the Yiling Academy will also be prepared – you must act with caution."

"This matter is crucial to the honor and disgrace of our Esoteric Sect, and no mistakes can be afforded. Do you understand?" Cannibal Buddha merely slightly increased the weight of his words, yet it felt like a mountain of pressure on Yang Xiao.

"Rest assured, High Priest, this matter has been meticulously planned by the seniors in our Patrol General Bureau. I will accompany Dean Sheng personally in the operation."

"While there’s no absolute certainty of success, I’m resolved to achieve martyrdom if needed. Should the operation fail, I will fight the Academy rebels to the end, to repay the High Priest’s kindness." Yang Xiao knew this was the moment to show his resolve.

"Good." Cannibal Buddha slowly stood up, his gaze carrying a trace of determination and approval, "You have courage, I’ve chosen the right person. In time, you shall achieve greatness."

Having concluded the discussion about Yiling Academy, Yang Xiao took out a letter warm from his bosom, respectfully offering it, "High Priest, this is a letter sent by Jiu Mountain Clan Leader of Japan, entrusted to me to bring to you. I hope you can take a look."

"Is it Jiushan Cangxuan from Japan?" Cannibal Buddha raised his brow slightly, evidently aware of this individual.

"Yes, it’s Senior Jiushan Cangxuan. The senior has been very kind to me and, knowing the High Priest also cares for me, entrusted me with delivering this letter to you." Yang Xiao spoke politely.

Seeing Cannibal Buddha nod, Elder Kunpa, who was standing aside, stepped forward to take the letter and handed it to Cannibal Buddha.

Cannibal Buddha opened the letter on the spot. Yang Xiao noticed the letter was only one page long, and after a brief look, Cannibal Buddha set it down, then gazed towards Yang Xiao below.

Noticing the subtle shift in Cannibal Buddha’s gaze, Yang Xiao, feeling the situation was bad, walked forward while loudly explaining, "High Priest, please don’t misunderstand. I’m just the messenger and am unaware of the letter’s contents. Whatever Senior Jiushan has said is entirely up to your judgment."

Cannibal Buddha extended the letter forward, and though Yang Xiao insisted verbally that he wouldn’t look, his actions were quite honest as his eyes kept glancing over the paper.