Chapter 88: Grudges and Favors in the Marquis’s Household

Within the opulent drawing room of the Marquis of Might’s residence, Chu Qingyun’s face was aglow with delight. After ushering Qi Fei to his seat, he declared loudly, “Qi Fei, I said it before: should you ever come to my residence, I would drink with you until we are both intoxicated on the finest wine in the house. Now that you are here, let us not leave sober.”

“Thank you for your generosity, Young Marquis,” Qi Fei replied, suppressing a sigh. He dared not offend Chu Qingyun, so he quickly raised his cup and drained it in one gulp.

The burning liquor seared his throat, and Qi Fei felt a fiery heat surge in his chest. Determined not to embarrass himself before Chu Qingyun, he hastily circulated his innate energy to dissolve the strength of the spirits.

Eager to win Qi Fei over, Chu Qingyun ordered the best healing elixirs from the residence, sparing no effort to impress him.

“Young Marquis, to be honest, I came to your residence today with a favor to ask,” Qi Fei said, as Chu Qingyun’s spirits soared, wishing to make his purpose clear.

Chu Qingyun smiled slightly. “Now that Sima Yan and the elite of the Seven Absolute Sect have perished at the hands of that demonic master from the Yin-Yang Path, the Seven Absolute Sect is no longer a threat. With the Grand Elder of the Mystic Truth Temple now under my father’s tutelage, Cangyun Mountain is surely yours for the taking.”

“My request is not for the sake of my sect, but rather to borrow a divine weapon from your residence,” Qi Fei replied.

Chu Qingyun frowned. “While our residence houses many fine blades, none are true divine weapons. Unless…”

Seeing that Chu Qingyun had guessed his intention, Qi Fei spoke plainly. “Indeed, I have come for the Cold Soul Saber.”

Chu Qingyun’s face darkened. “Since you’ve heard of the Cold Soul Saber, you must know it belongs to my father. This matter may be difficult.”

Recalling Zhuo Jin’er’s advice, Qi Fei said loudly, “If I am granted the Cold Soul Saber, I am willing to serve you unto death, Young Marquis.”

Though tempted by Qi Fei’s offer, Chu Qingyun hesitated. The Cold Soul Saber had been treasured in the residence for years, but his father had never bestowed it upon any of his warriors. It would not be easy to fulfill Qi Fei’s request.

Seeing Chu Qingyun’s uncertainty, Qi Fei thought of his ten-day pact with Chu Yanran and pressed on. “Young Marquis, borrowing the Cold Soul Saber from the Marquis may not be so difficult after all.”

“How so?”

Qi Fei set down his cup and explained, “I have agreed to a ten-day challenge with Miss Chu. Her mastery rivals that of a martial grandmaster, and she wields the Starbreaker sword. If you would lend me the Cold Soul Saber for our duel, I doubt the Marquis would refuse.”

“Even so, the Cold Soul Saber must be returned to my father afterwards. How can I help you achieve your goal?”

A confident smile appeared on Qi Fei’s face. “The Marquis has reached the pinnacle of his cultivation; the Cold Soul Saber is of little use to him now. After witnessing my duel with Miss Chu in ten days, perhaps the Marquis will see fit to gift me the saber.”

Chu Qingyun’s expression sharpened, astonished. “You mean to say you are certain you can survive under my aunt’s hand?”

“You shall see for yourself, Young Marquis,” Qi Fei replied with a mysterious, poised smile.

Chu Qingyun was secretly amazed. He recalled how Qi Fei had displayed extraordinary talent at Qingyang Peak, later breaking through the innate barrier in a single moment, earning renown throughout the nine counties of Yongzhou. Judging by his demeanor today, Qi Fei showed no fear of the grandmaster’s reputation. If he could recruit him, Chu Qingchen would be of no concern.

As each weighed their thoughts, the voice of a residence guard sounded from outside.

“Reporting to Young Marquis, the Marquis requests Master Qi’s presence in the study. He wishes to ask something.”

Chu Qingyun frowned slightly. Qi Fei looked equally puzzled. Chu Qingyun rose and said, “Since my father has summoned you, he must have important matters to discuss. Go to him first, and I will have someone arrange your lodgings afterward.”

“Thank you, Young Marquis.”

After taking his leave, Qi Fei followed the guard, traversing courtyard after courtyard until he arrived at the study of the Marquis of Might.

After the guard announced his arrival, Qi Fei secretly readied himself, then entered the study with calm composure.

“Greetings, Marquis.”

Upon entering, he saw a wall lined with bookshelves, each filled with volumes of every kind. Chu Huaiyuan held an ancient tome, his face radiant with a smile.

“Sit.”

Qi Fei dared not be disrespectful, so he carefully took a seat.

Time passed in silence, with the Marquis of Might saying nothing. At length, Qi Fei asked in a low voice, “I am slow-witted, Marquis. May I ask what you wish to discuss tonight?”

Chu Huaiyuan set aside his book, gazing at Qi Fei. “What you said in the courtyard today—was there something you withheld?”

Qi Fei’s heart tightened. Had the Marquis of Might seen through him?

“Marquis, you are wise. I did conceal one matter,” Qi Fei admitted, feigning anxiety.

Chu Huaiyuan’s smile faded. “Qi Fei, I did not summon you tonight to reproach you. There is no need to pretend alarm before me. You are clever, but such tricks are wasted on me.”

With his ploy exposed, Qi Fei remained calm and smiled. “You are right, Marquis. In these years at Cangyun Mountain, I have had to guard myself against others.”

He withdrew from his robes the Seven Absolute Sect’s treasure, the “Creation Martial Scripture.” “After the demonic disciple slew Sima Yan, he tried to silence me as well. Only by relying on my secret arts was I able to escape.”

Qi Fei’s thoughts raced. Could the Marquis have learned of the enmity between himself and Sima Yan from Chu Qingyun’s retinue, who accompanied him to Qingyang Peak? It must be so; deception would not serve him.

“How did you come by the Seven Absolute Sect’s ‘Creation Martial Scripture’?” Chu Huaiyuan asked, intrigued.

Qi Fei smiled bitterly. “To be frank, Marquis, when Sima Yan conspired with the demonic sect to frame the Mystic Truth Temple, I was forced to take part.”

Chu Huaiyuan was secretly astonished. Qi Fei confessed outright to joining Sima Yan and the Yin-Yang Path disciples against the Mystic Truth Temple. This youth’s candor impressed him.

“So, it was the Zhuo woman—she who nearly sparked a duel between you and Sima Yan at Qingyang Peak—who killed Sima Yan?”

Qi Fei silently thanked his luck. The Marquis’s insight was formidable, deducing from scattered words that Zhuo Jin’er was the Yin-Yang Path disciple responsible for Sima Yan’s death.

“Precisely,” Qi Fei nodded calmly. “She is of the Yin-Yang Path, and Sima Yan conspired with her against the Mystic Truth Temple. By chance, I became involved.”

“Why did the Yin-Yang Path witch kill Sima Yan? Was it merely to silence him?” Chu Huaiyuan sneered.

Thinking quickly, Qi Fei shook his head. “Marquis, your insight is keen. The reason she killed Sima Yan was because of Miss Chu’s unique Yin body.”

“Explain.”

Qi Fei steadied himself and continued, “The witch made a pact with Sima Yan: after helping the Seven Absolute Sect defeat the Mystic Truth Temple, Sima Yan would assist her in capturing Miss Chu. Sima Yan merely wanted to silence me, so, desperate, I exposed his collusion with the demonic sect before the Seven Absolute Sect.”

Chu Huaiyuan’s expression grew grim. “That witch would indeed slaughter the Seven Absolute disciples to conceal her tracks, but why kill Sima Yan?”

“Marquis, though Sima Yan was bold enough to conspire with the demonic sect, he dared not act rashly against Miss Chu. When the witch suddenly appeared at Cangyun Mountain, she killed the Seven Absolute Sect’s elite to silence them, provoking Sima Yan’s fury. In their argument, she turned on Sima Yan. If not for my secret arts, I would not have escaped her deadly hand,” Qi Fei shook his head with a bitter smile, his eyes full of helplessness.

A cold glint flashed in the Marquis’s eyes. “Is that so? I heard you and the Zhuo woman forced Sima Yan to back down. If she appeared to rescue you, why would she harm you?”

“Marquis, the relationship between us is one of mutual exploitation. I used her to intimidate Sima Yan, but she sees me as a future vessel for cultivation. The demonic sect is ruthless; she would show me no mercy,” Qi Fei said, inwardly sighing that he could only take advantage of Zhuo Jin’er once more.

Chu Huaiyuan let out a cold laugh. “I care not what dealings you have with that witch. Now that you have entered my residence, if you harbor any treacherous intent, you know the consequences.”

“I dare not,” Qi Fei replied, meeting Chu Huaiyuan’s blade-like gaze with composure.

Chu Huaiyuan seemed unconcerned with the matter, rising slowly. “I summoned you tonight for a request.”

“I am honored, Marquis. Please command me.”

Chu Huaiyuan looked at the composed Qi Fei and sighed. “Qingyun wishes to recruit you, but I fear it is wishful thinking. Your reputation was made young at Qingyang Peak. I have seen your cultivation; you are indeed extraordinary. Qingyun will surely rely on you in the future. If you promise me one thing, the Cold Soul Saber will be yours.”

Qi Fei was secretly astonished. How did the Marquis know his purpose for coming today? Had his conversation with Chu Qingyun already reached Chu Huaiyuan’s ears? Why would the Marquis gift him the treasured saber? What was this request?

Qi Fei racked his brains but could not guess what the Marquis intended. Then, abruptly, Chu Huaiyuan uttered a chilling command.

“Simply remember: if, one day, Qingyun orders you to kill Qingchen, you are to slay that traitor for me.”