Sword Sect Outer Sect

Chapter 197 Strange
Zhao Huaiyuan didn't think there was anything wrong with his attitude.

As mortals, whether you are a farmer, fisherman, or royalty, if you offend these immortals, a single spell will end your life.

As the city lord of Yunxi City, he had previously welcomed and entertained many immortal masters from Dongyuan Sect and Xuanyuan Sect.

His speech, mannerisms, and expressions all revealed his indifference towards ordinary people.

In their eyes, mortals seem to be nothing more than ants and insects.

However, the immortal master who came this time seemed to be somewhat different.

The city lord's wife personally helped fill the teacups, while the little girl hid behind the woman, secretly observing Song Yan.

"Please wait a moment, Immortal. I have already sent someone to inform Immortal Master Liu. He should be here soon."

"it is good."

"The immortal has come from afar, and his journey must be arduous. The servants in the manor have prepared a feast..."

"That's not necessary."

Song Yan declined, as he did not enjoy those social gatherings involving clinking glasses.

Moreover, no matter how lavish the banquet in the mortal world may be, it only adds to the troubles of those who cultivate immortality.

Just then, Liu Xincheng, the Dongyuan Sect's retainer who had long resided in this place, finally arrived.

He wasn't very old, in his early thirties, not quite forty, with a cultivation level of the fifth stage of Qi Refining.

Upon seeing Song Yan in his black robe, he looked horrified.

"This...this senior, you have come from afar. I, Liu, am truly ashamed for failing to greet you properly."

Liu Xincheng's posture was unusually humble, and Zhao Huaiyuan saw everything.

He was able to sit in the seat of the city lord of Yunxi City because he had an extremely high ability to read people's expressions and moods.

Despite his young age, he possessed an extraordinary demeanor, and there was no arrogance in his words.

Dressed in black robes, he was someone Liu Xincheng had never seen before. Most importantly, based on Liu Xincheng's reaction, this person was likely a disciple of a very high status within a sect.

He secretly made a mental note of it.

Song Yan shook his head: "There's no need to concern myself with these formalities. I am Song Yan."

Liu Xincheng felt a little relieved, thinking that this senior was easy to talk to, and quickly replied, "Yes, Senior Song."

He immediately took out a jade slip from his Qiankun bag and handed it to Song Yan.

"Senior Song, this is a record of all the reception affairs and the mundane industries in Yunxi City since March of last year."

“There is a gathering place for independent cultivators north of the official road east of Yunxi City. It is a joint effort of several declining cultivation families, but it does not affect the reception of cultivators.”

Song Yan nodded and accepted the jade slip.

City Lord Zhao Huaiyuan seized the opportunity and cautiously inquired, "Master Song, you must be tired from your journey. Why don't you stay at my residence for a few days?"

"Although Yunxi City cannot compare to a paradise of immortals, it still has a few scenic spots worth seeing."

As he spoke, he had already instructed his servants to prepare a banquet.

Whether the immortals are willing to grant us their favor is their business.

Whether or not he makes preparations is a reflection of whether Zhao Huaiyuan has the will to do so.

"No need, I appreciate the city lord's hospitality. However, I need to discuss sect affairs with Senior Brother Liu later, so I'm afraid I won't have time to attend the banquet."

"Furthermore, I have no intention of staying here for long. I will leave once my inspection is completed."

"At most, two or three days."

After being repeatedly refused, Zhao Huaiyuan quickly composed himself and said, "Yes, yes, yes."

"This is not a suitable place to discuss matters. Senior Song, why don't you come with me to another courtyard for a chat?"

Song Yan nodded: "Alright."

Although I don't want to stay long, the inspection cannot be done too hastily.

If we take it seriously, then it will take at least three days, including one day to review the accounts and two days to make visits.

During this period, they could only stay at the city lord's mansion.

Fortunately, this place is relatively quiet.

Inside the villa where Liu Xincheng lives.

The soundproof array activated, isolating the two from their conversation.

"Brother Liu." Song Yan did not directly examine the contents of the jade slip. He slowly asked, "According to what the senior brother in charge of the sect said, there are still Xuan Yuan Sect's retainers in Yunxi City."

"Yes..." Upon hearing the question, Liu Xincheng immediately answered, but his expression was somewhat unnatural.

"The Xuan Yuan Sect's retainer, named Su Li, usually resides in the East Courtyard. These past few days, he should have been inspecting the crow demon's calamity near Qing Valley."

Song Yan then asked, "Recently, there has been some friction between our sect and the Xuan Yuan Sect. I wonder if this will affect the important matters of offering sacrifices?"

"Well... not yet."

Song Yan hummed in agreement and probed the jade slip with his divine sense to examine it.

Liu Xincheng stood to the side, looking somewhat awkward.

Should we explain that matter to Senior Song?
He gritted his teeth.

No, no, the matter is not yet settled. If there is still no news after today, it will not be too late to report.

Song Yan did indeed look very carefully, mainly because it was his first time conducting an inspection.

The jade slip contained a well-organized record of the reception affairs and industry details, and many of the minor matters were handled personally by Liu Xincheng.

Yunxi County governs nine counties and townships, including Linxi County and Qingzhang Township. Each county and township has its own shrines, with four from the Dongyuan Sect and five from the Xuanyuan Sect.

Upon closer inspection, there were no major problems; Song Yan had only casually raised a few minor issues.

The records in the jade slips were relatively complete in other regions, but the records in two places were missing a few days, and the records of some recent events were also very rough.

This is especially true of one place called Qinggu.

"This Qinggu..."

Before the question was even asked, just mentioning Qinggu's name caused Liu Xincheng's folded hands to tremble slightly, and his breathing to quicken.

Seeing this, Song Yan raised an eyebrow and asked to himself, "Why are there fewer records in Qinggu than in other places?"

Liu Xincheng forced himself to remain calm and said in a slow, deliberate tone, "Senior Song, the elder of Qinggu had to leave for a few days due to some business. I... I temporarily took over his care."

“Su Li, the retainer of the Xuan Yuan Sect, will also lend a hand.”

"Oh?"

This is the first time I've heard of Xuan Yuan Sect cultivators helping Dong Yuan Sect cultivators.

But thinking about it, it makes sense. What life-and-death feuds between sects? As long as it doesn't concern you, just stay out of it.

"Um……"

Although it is a form of worship, it is still situated in the mundane world.

It's perfectly normal to have to leave home when a loved one becomes seriously ill or passes away.

Although Song Yan had doubts in his heart, he still nodded on the surface.

"Remember to make it up to me then. I can't guarantee that the next senior brother won't be as easy to talk to as I am."

"Besides that, are there any other important matters that I need to bring back to the sect?"

"Uh... no, no."

"..."

Song Yan paused for a moment, and then there was silence in the room.

"it is good."

I'm too lazy to get to the bottom of things. If I can't get an answer the first time, asking again will only make the other person deny it even more firmly.

We still need to conduct on-site inspections and walk around, and hiding things will waste time. It's faster to go and see for ourselves tomorrow.

It was getting late, so Song Yan decided to go back to her residence to rest.

Finally, he declined Liu Xincheng's banquet invitation and was led by a servant to the small courtyard arranged by the city lord.

"My lord, I am waiting here. Please do not hesitate to give my orders if you require anything."

"No need, you can go back."

The servants in the mansion were not insistent; most immortals prefer tranquility, and the steward had spoken to them about this beforehand.

I just feel a little regretful.

What an honor it is to serve an immortal.

Which mortal hasn't dreamt of receiving the favor of immortals, becoming a martial arts master, or even embarking on the path to immortality?

There has been precedent for this.

"Yes."

(End of this chapter)