Chapter 427 - 259: The Truth

Chapter 427: Chapter 259: The Truth

Luocheng Hotel, Room 304.

A grand spread of food covered the table, but only two people were present, seated across from each other. Neither Su Xing nor Elder Ling was eating. Instead, they simply stared at one another, as if trying to read something in the other’s expression.

"Heh. Elder Su, you retrieved the Spirit Flower to save Yinyin’s life. I truly thank you. The timing was never right before, so I never had the chance to thank you in person."

Elder Ling said with a smile.

"So by saying that, are you admitting your stance to me, Elder Ling?" Su Xing asked, picking up his cup and taking a light sip.

"I brought you here, didn’t I? I have no intention of hiding things from you any longer. To be honest, I suspected you might figure it out."

"After all, you aren’t a member of the Cyan Cloud Sect. You’re an outsider. With a different standing comes a different perspective, so of course you’d see the signs more easily than the others. Still, I never expected you to be quite so sharp."

"Perhaps that’s why the Cyan Cloud Sect was so unwilling to let the special organization get involved? That was your doing as well, wasn’t it, Elder Ling?"

Su Xing didn’t answer, but simply continued with his questions.

"Haha, that’s right. That’s also why I didn’t want to see you here. But since you already know, let’s get straight to the point."

Elder Ling said with a smile and a nod,

"However, before I tell you the truth, I’d like to ask you something. Based on what you currently know, what are your thoughts on this matter? Your answer will determine how I should proceed with you. I know you are incredibly powerful, but I ask that you don’t threaten me."

"Heh..."

Su Xing let out a soft chuckle. ’He never expected Elder Ling to be so direct.’ He had, in fact, considered using force to get answers. But with the Elder laying his cards on the table like this, Su Xing found himself interested in playing along.

"My thoughts?"

"I don’t know all the details, but I know that Tong Yinyin is a victim. Given the commission I received from Elder Li, I naturally don’t want to see her suffering go unavenged."

"However, the Cyan Cloud Sect has treated me well, and I can’t just stand by and watch it suffer a devastating blow—or worse, be unable to recover from it."

"Treated you well, have they? Elder Su, you’ve seen a great deal on your journey. Do you truly still believe the Cyan Cloud Sect is worthy of such consideration?"

Elder Ling countered. However, Su Xing simply replied calmly,

"Admittedly, I can’t deny that the Cyan Cloud Sect has many internal problems. But that doesn’t negate the fact that there are good and kind people within it."

"During the Luocheng disaster all those years ago, didn’t the Cyan Cloud Sect lend its strength? They must have saved many lives in the process."

"I believe that since the Cyan Cloud Sect is part of the special organization, any crimes committed should be judged by that organization. Furthermore, the entire sect shouldn’t be condemned because of the actions of a few wicked individuals."

"Your answer is somewhat surprising, I must admit," Elder Ling said with a soft chuckle.

"Or rather, now I understand why that old man, Li Longxuan, treats you with such regard. If you only possessed supreme talent, he would never have treated you as a friend who transcends generations."

"You know Li Longxuan?"

Su Xing asked suddenly upon hearing this.

"Of course. The renowned Li Daoshen... I certainly know of him. Whether he knows me, however, is another story."

Elder Ling said with a shake of his head and a smile.

"But let’s get back on track. You said earlier that you don’t want to see Tong Yinyin hurt, nor do you wish for the Cyan Cloud Sect to suffer a devastating blow. I can assure you now that you need not worry. In this conflict, there will be no more casualties on either side."

"If you’re still concerned, then follow me to the Purple Bamboo Forest. Tong Yinyin and Li Ye are both there. If you come, we will explain everything to you in great detail."

"I’ve already paid for all this food, so please, take your time and enjoy it."

After saying his piece, Elder Ling simply stood up and swaggered out of the private room, leaving Su Xing alone with the large, almost untouched spread of food.

He walked at a leisurely pace, no different from an ordinary person. But Su Xing didn’t follow him immediately. Instead, once Elder Ling had left, he quickly pulled out his phone, opened his chat with Li Longxuan, and sent a message.

"Elder Li, have you ever heard of an Elder Ling from the Cyan Cloud Sect?"

The message sent, and not a second later, Li Longxuan’s status changed to show he was typing. A reply came through moments later.

"I’ve heard the name. Let me check, the organization should have a file on him... Ah, found it. His name is Ling Zhongxing. There’s a special note in his file with our special organization. It says that while his talent for Qi Cultivation is low, his intellect is unmatched. Are you dealing with him?"

’Unmatched intellect...’

Su Xing muttered the two words to himself. ’For the special organization to add that description to his file, it must be significant. To be honest, I hate dealing with people who are too clever; it’s too easy to be seen through. But if he doesn’t have any ill will toward me, I suppose it doesn’t matter.’

"Yes, he told me a few things."

Su Xing typed out a reply, then quickly deleted it and wrote instead, "Let’s talk later. He wants me to go somewhere to meet Li Ye and Tong Yinyin. He said he’s going to tell me everything. Once I understand the whole story, I’ll discuss it with you."

"Sounds good. Prioritize your own safety. Everything is fine back here in Cang City. I’ve already arranged for people to secretly protect your younger brother, your apprentice, and your uncle."