Chapter 458: Esteemed Guest? He Bows When He Sees Me
“Why? I don’t think that old woman is that strong!” Li Guanqi said, indignant.
Sword Spirit stopped walking. She turned to look at him with amusement. “You think you could kill her, don’t you?”
Li Guanqi nodded firmly. He felt powerful, maybe seventy percent sure he could win.
Sword Spirit’s eyes twinkled. “What if I told you that was just one of her clones?”
Li Guanqi’s eyes went wide. “What? A clone?”
Satisfied with his reaction, Sword Spirit said, “That’s right. Though she’s only strong enough to produce one.”
Li Guanqi’s expression turned solemn. He realized his mindset had slowly shifted. As he grew stronger, he’d lost some of his respect for more powerful cultivators. That kind of carelessness could be fatal.
Sword Spirit continued, “With your current abilities, you could kill an early Illusory Refinement Realm cultivator. However, if they can make a clone, or even multiple clones, you’ll be in serious danger. Never let your guard down.”
Li Guanqi’s chest rose and fell slightly. He let out a long exhale. “Yes, Ma’am!”
Sword Spirit smiled. “Raise your cultivation level as quickly as possible. The Divine Transformation Realm is only a glimpse into the Dao. When you reach the Illusory Refinement Realm, you’ll truly be a cultivator.” Li Guanqi quietly committed her words to memory.
***
Not long after he left, the whole Profound Phoenix Pavilion was anxiously preparing to welcome an important visitor.
Chu Menglan wore a luxurious dress and stood nervously at the front, with all the elders arrayed behind her.
Buzz!
A long rift opened in the air, and a smiling, white-haired old man stepped through.
Chu Menglan hurried forward and bowed. “I, Chu Menglan, along with all our elders, welcome Elder Qi to the Profound Phoenix Sect!”
The guest was Qi Rongxuan of the Soaring Heavens Continent’s Heavenly Intelligence Pavilion. He waved her off with a smile and said directly, “I know what happened. Take me to the girl.”
The old woman was all smiles as she stepped aside to lead him to the pavilion.
After passing the main hall, he stopped abruptly. He turned to Chu Menglan, his expression grave. “Did anyone come here just now?”
The old woman paled, thinking he was annoyed that they’d been fighting someone before his arrival. She smiled and said, “No, no. Probably just some lingering sword qi from disciples practicing their techniques.”
Qi Rongxuan didn’t believe her. He turned to Chu Menglan. “I’m asking you. Did a young man with a large sword box on his back come here?”
Chu Menglan paled, but seeing his serious expression, she didn’t hide the truth. “Yes. Li Guanqi from the Azure Cloud Continent was here.”
Qi Rongxuan’s tone sharpened. “Where is he?”
The old woman thought there had to be a grudge between Li Guanqi and Qi Rongxuan. Fearing it would affect the Profound Phoenix Sect, she opened her mouth to explain.
Qi Rongxuan snapped his head toward her. The aura of a high-ranked leader erupted from him as he glared at her. “Shut your mouth!”
Then he turned back to Chu Menglan. “Tell me, where is he now? What the hell happened? Why did he attack?”
He had recognized Li Guanqi’s sword intent. He’d felt Li Guanqi’s terrifying sword intent in the ancient ruins just days ago. How could he ever forget it?
Chu Menglan sensed something was off. She hurriedly explained everything through voice transmission.
Qi Rongxuan rested his hands on his back. He glared at the old woman and huffed coldly.
“Good job, Profound Phoenix Sect.”
With a sweep of his sleeve, he turned to leave.
“You dare provoke him? Well, save yourselves then!”
Qi Rongxuan left furiously, leaving the elders and the horrified Chu Menglan in stunned silence. She never would have dreamed Li Guanqi’s words would prove true so soon.