Chapter 52 – Really fragrant!
As the disciples enjoyed their breakfast, they watched the battle in the sky. Ye Changqing was no exception, though he didn't recognize Qingshi at first.
It was only through Lu Youyou's introduction that he learned Qingshi was a close friend of the Peak Master.
Unfortunately, the battle didn't last long. As Qingshi swallowed the bun in his mouth, oil dripping from his lips, he said, "Hold on a moment."
He voluntarily withdrew, and seeing this, Hongzun also paused his actions, though he still shouted angrily, "What else do you have to say?"
Qingshi, however, didn't mind and replied with a meaningful smile, "So, this is what you've been hiding from me since yesterday?"
Hongzun's expression changed instantly but quickly returned to normal, stubbornly saying, "Nonsense, when did I hide anything from you?"
"We've known each other for over a thousand years, haven't we? Do you think I don't understand you? Are you afraid I'll find out and refuse to leave your Divine Sword Peak?"
As Qingshi spoke, Hongzun's brow furrowed slightly. What was this old man up to again? Why did he feel so uneasy under his gaze?
Qingshi's smile indeed made people uneasy. Just then, several figures flew in from the horizon, other powerful members of the Dao Yi Sect.
Among them were the Peak Masters of other peaks and the Second Elder of the main peak.
The intensity of the battle had naturally caught the attention of many strong members of the Dao Yi Sect.
Especially the Second Elder, whose heart skipped a beat, wondering if a demon king or a powerful demonic cultivator was attacking the Dao Yi Sect.
However, upon confirming that the aura came from the Divine Sword Peak, the Second Elder twitched his mouth. What was going on with this Divine Sword Peak? Damn it, you guys always have so much going on.
But there was no choice. As the head of the Enforcement Hall, the Second Elder had to come personally.
Seeing Hongzun, the Second Elder immediately said with annoyance, "Junior Brother, what are you up to so early in the morning?"
His words were filled with resentment. Couldn't he have a couple of peaceful days? Why not let you take over as the head of the Enforcement Hall?
Before Hongzun could respond to the Second Elder's complaint, Qingshi laughed and said, "Daoist Shisong, long time no see."
Hearing this, the Second Elder also smiled, "Daoist Qingshi."
The two were clearly acquainted, or rather, Qingshi had connections with many strong members of the Dao Yi Sect. After all, at their level, there were only so many people in the entire Eastern Continent.
Even if they didn't know each other, they would have heard of each other. The circle wasn't large.
Moreover, as a rogue cultivator, Qingshi had no conflicts with the Dao Yi Sect, so it was normal for them to be on good terms.
"I was just having a casual spar with Hongzun," Qingshi explained proactively. Hearing this, the Second Elder nodded with a strange expression.
A spar? Then why does Hongzun look so grim? And shouldn't you wipe the oil off your mouth before speaking?
But since Qingshi said so, the Second Elder didn't probe further.
Only Hongzun stared intently at Qingshi, feeling that this old man was up to no good, plotting against him.
Sure enough, as soon as he finished speaking, Qingshi continued, "There's one more thing I wanted to mention to Daoist Shisong."
"Please, go ahead."
"It's like this: Hongzun had previously invited me to join the Dao Yi Sect. You know, I've always been a free spirit, but now that I've taken on a disciple and am getting older, I thought it was time to settle down. So when Hongzun invited me again, I agreed."
"Hold on."
Listening to Qingshi, Hongzun grew increasingly anxious. Damn it, he knew this old man was scheming. He quickly interrupted, but it was too late. Qingshi sped up and blurted everything out.
Naturally, Shisong was very welcoming.
Qingshi was not only powerful, on par with the Peak Masters and main elders of the Dao Yi Sect, but he also had a clean background and a clear reputation.
With years of friendship, having someone like him join was undoubtedly beneficial for the Dao Yi Sect.
Without much thought, Shisong nodded and said, "Daoist Qingshi joining us is certainly welcome. I'll inform the Sect Master, and Daoist Qingshi can join the main peak as a main elder."
He directly offered the position of main elder, which Qingshi deserved.
However, Qingshi declined, "Thank you, but I'd prefer to stay on Divine Sword Peak. After all, Hongzun and I are as close as brothers. I joined the Dao Yi Sect for him, so I hope Daoist Shisong understands."
As he spoke, Qingshi didn't forget to give a slight smile to the grim-faced Hongzun.
Seeing that smile, Hongzun wished he could fight him for another eight hundred rounds. This old man was tricking him.
As close as brothers, joining the Dao Yi Sect for him? Was it for him or for those three buns?
Hongzun hadn't expected Ye Changqing's cooking to be so good that just three buns would make a lifelong rogue cultivator like Qingshi willing to join the Dao Yi Sect.
Now there was another competitor, a rival for food.
"No, I need to get them out of here quickly."
Reflecting on this, Hongzun quickly realized he needed to get Shisong and the others to leave quickly, to prevent Changqing's skills from being exposed, or the competition would only get fiercer.
Hongzun used to have no competition on Divine Sword Peak, ensuring he always had his own bowl at meals.
But now with Qingshi here, he didn't want anyone else joining, or it would be hard to say.
Thinking of this, Hongzun quickly turned to Shisong and said, "Senior Brother, let Qingshi stay on Divine Sword Peak. After all, we're all part of the Dao Yi Sect."
Hearing this, Qingshi's smile grew even brighter, and Shisong, after some thought, said, "It's not impossible, but find some time for you and Daoist Qingshi to visit the main peak and meet the Sect Master. After all, Daoist Qingshi joining us is a significant event."
"Alright."
Without hesitation, Hongzun agreed, then proceeded to coax and urge Shisong and the others to leave.
They left Divine Sword Peak in a daze. Once everyone was gone, Hongzun glared at Qingshi and said coldly, "Who said they'd be a free spirit for life? Your words are like farts."
"People change, don't they? I'm just trying to find a backer for little Wang Yao."
"Enough, from now on, I won't believe a word from your mouth. Also, you owe me three soup dumplings."
"Hehe, speaking of which, come on, let's go back. Tell me all about the dining arrangements on Divine Sword Peak, what time meals are, how many meals a day, and what the rules are."
Talking about food, Qingshi immediately perked up, slinging an arm around Hongzun's shoulder and dragging him towards the mountain summit, bombarding him with questions along the way, making Hongzun's face increasingly grim.
"At your age, what's with the clinging? Let go."
"Come on, we went through thick and thin together, shared spoils, and listened to plays in theaters together..."
"Get lost."