Chapter 955: A Well-Matched Pair

Back during the Tiandu Secret Realm affair, Shang Chaozong's side had entertained thoughts of another path, only for Niu Youdao to thwart them.

Now Niu Youdao was going to Sacred Realm. If they entertained such thoughts again, it would hardly be justifiable. And if Niu Youdao thwarted them a second time, how were they supposed to face him if he returned? If they repeatedly harbored divided loyalties, what would Niu Youdao think of them?

Yet some matters truly were no small thing. People who had reached Shang Chaozong's position could no longer consider only their own feelings when facing a decision. Many things were beyond their control. Could they simply disregard the lives and deaths of so many brothers under their command?

There was also one difference this time. During the Battle of Jiao Lake, Niu Youdao had risked his life to save Shang Chaozong's son and younger sister. Everyone knew it. If Shang Chaozong secretly prepared another road for himself now, he would inevitably be condemned as a man without righteousness.

Because Niu Youdao was going to Sacred Realm, this side had been deeply conflicted. Nor had they dared ask Niu Youdao anything, afraid he might read too much into it.

Only now did they realize they had been overthinking matters. A single letter from Niu Youdao had removed all their worries for the future.

After a long silence, Meng Shanming recalled the many things Niu Youdao had done and sighed with feeling. "Master Dao truly is a man of benevolence and righteousness!"

Lan Ruoting sighed as well. "I still hope Master Dao returns safely. If Zijin Cave truly takes complete control, I'm afraid Nanzhou will no longer have such a relaxed environment in which to develop. Zijin Cave will inevitably reach in to seize profits. It won't support us the way Master Dao does."

There was no denying that. All along, so long as Niu Youdao remained their backer, even the common people of Nanzhou lived considerably better lives. Niu Youdao had never permitted the authorities to impose exorbitant taxes and levies on the people. So long as he was there, he stood between them and the storms of the cultivation world. Cultivators within their territory did not dare run wild either; every one of them had to keep a low profile and behave themselves.

Once Niu Youdao was gone and the various factions within Zijin Cave began reaching their hands in, the result was easy to imagine. It would no longer be for this side to decide.

Shang Chaozong's jaw tightened. "With Master Dao's abilities, he will definitely return safely!"

That was what he said, but everyone knew there was little cause for optimism.

...

Early in the morning, Niu Youdao sat quietly before the dressing table with his eyes closed while Shang Shuqing silently combed his long hair.

She wanted to say something, yet did not know what to say. A thousand words crowded her heart, but she could not bring herself to utter even one.

Niu Youdao sensed that something was wrong with her as well. Her hands were no longer as smooth and gentle as usual while she combed his hair, but he gave no reaction and simply let her continue.

In the end, it was Niu Youdao who broke the silence. "After I leave, the Maolu Annex may see its share of upheaval. This has already become a place of trouble. Commandery Princess, you should return to Nanzhou as soon as possible. Nanzhou is safer than here."

Shang Shuqing said softly, "I'll wait here for Master Dao to return."

Niu Youdao left no room for compromise. "Hongniang will arrange for someone to escort you back."

Shang Shuqing bit her lip and fell silent. When she had finished combing his hair and pinned it neatly in place, she suddenly gathered her courage and looked at the man in the mirror. "Master Dao, are you looking for a woman?"

"A woman?" Niu Youdao opened his eyes with a smile and likewise looked at her in the mirror. "What would I look for a woman for? I can barely guarantee my own safety from one day to the next. There's no need to drag someone else down with me, and I don't want to burden myself either. You're thinking too much."

Shang Shuqing realized that perhaps she truly had been overthinking it, that what she had sensed for so long might have been wrong. Yet she still lowered her head dejectedly and murmured, "A woman you like."

"A woman I like? Heh. We'll talk about it when I meet one." Niu Youdao smiled, tilted his head left and right to inspect himself in the mirror, saw that everything was in order, then rose from the dressing table and went outside.

Shang Shuqing remained alone before the mirror, staring at her own ugly face in silence, her heart heavy with sorrow.

The moment Niu Youdao stepped outside, he found Yuan Gang and Guan Fangyi waiting in the courtyard.

He descended the steps toward them. Guan Fangyi came forward and instinctively fell into step behind him, as she had long since grown accustomed to doing.

When Niu Youdao stopped before Yuan Gang, Yuan Gang said calmly, "Time was limited. I couldn't teach them much. I hope those two Zijin Cave disciples can be of some use to you."

After learning that Niu Youdao was going to Sacred Realm, Yuan Gang had immediately asked for the other two Zijin Cave disciples who were going there for tempering and put them through intensive training. Using ideas unlike anything of this era, he taught the two how to respond to certain situations, hoping they might be able to help Niu Youdao when the need arose.

He had spent this entire period working on it day and night.

Niu Youdao nodded. Yuan Gang said nothing more and turned away first.

Only after Niu Youdao left his own courtyard did he discover someone waiting outside. It was Fire Phoenix.

"Master Dao is going to Sacred Realm too?" Fire Phoenix asked the moment they met.

She had always been unwilling to interact with the others here and had known nothing about it. Only today, when she was preparing to see her Senior Brother off, had she noticed something unusual about the Maolu Annex. Together with Guan Fangyi's reminders, she finally learned that Niu Youdao was going to Sacred Realm as well.

Niu Youdao smiled and nodded. "Yes."

An imploring look gradually appeared on Fire Phoenix's face. "I've heard about what Master Dao did in the Tiandu Secret Realm. Master Dao is a capable man. I beg you, please help my Senior Brother as much as you can. If you can bring him back alive, I'll serve you like an ox or a horse to repay you. Please."

Niu Youdao said, "You don't need to beg me. Since he's one of my own people now, I'll do my best."

Fire Phoenix said, "Senior Brother is stubborn by nature. Tianhuo Sect has shown kindness to us as husband and wife. I'm not saying he shouldn't repay that kindness. I'm only afraid Tianhuo Sect may take the opportunity to... I hope Master Dao can help him keep a sense of proportion."

Niu Youdao nodded. "I understand what you mean. Don't worry. I'll keep him under control. If he refuses to listen, I'll tell him I'll find seven or eight men for you."

"Thank you, thank you..." Fire Phoenix thanked him over and over. She had run out of options. Coming behind Kunlin Shu's back to beg Niu Youdao was the only solution she could think of.

Standing nearby, Guan Fangyi gave Fire Phoenix a strange look. She found the whole scene a little absurd. He says he'll find seven or eight men for you, and you're actually thanking him?

After sending Fire Phoenix away, Niu Youdao went to the small courtyard where Hui Qingping was staying.

He stopped below the steps outside the tightly shut door. Guan Fangyi went up, knocked, and entered. A short while later she reappeared in the doorway and nodded toward Niu Youdao. Only then did he climb the steps and go inside.

Hui Qingping sat cross-legged on the couch, her long hair hanging loose over her shoulders, dressed in plain white. She looked as though she had emptied herself of all worldly desire.

It was difficult for her not to. She wanted to settle accounts with Wu Gongling, but she lacked the ability. There were too many experts protecting him. Forget revenge—she could not even get close to him. Worse, she had no one left to help her. Wu Gongling had slaughtered every last disciple under her command. Alone, she would probably have to investigate even the smallest piece of information personally. Doing anything would be difficult.

And Tiannü Sect's pursuit of her would not end. If she went outside and exposed even the slightest trace of herself, Tiannü Sect would inevitably hunt her down and kill her.

Facing Hui Qingping, who sat with her eyes closed, Niu Youdao sighed. "Big Sister, forgive me for coming uninvited. I've come to say farewell. I'm leaving. I may not return from this journey, so let's treat this as our final meeting."

Hearing words that sounded like a farewell between life and death, Hui Qingping finally opened her eyes. A trace of puzzlement appeared on her face. "Where are you going?"

Niu Youdao smiled. "Sacred Realm. There's no helping it. My name is on the list. I have to go."

Hui Qingping was stunned. "You're on the list for the Sacred Realm tempering?"

When her own troubles began, the Sacred Realm list had not yet been announced. Afterward, she became a prisoner and had no access to such news. Since being rescued and brought here, she had shut herself away and refused to interact with outsiders. She therefore knew nothing about the matter. Hearing it now without warning left her both shocked and surprised.

Niu Youdao said, "That's right. By coincidence, I learned about it just when something happened to you. Before leaving, I finally managed to think of a way to rescue you. Perhaps there won't be another chance for Big Sister and me to meet again. If I don't come back, leave with Hongniang and the others. Hongniang will take you somewhere safe. After that, I won't be able to concern myself with what happens. Your little brother's ability is limited. Big Sister, take good care of yourself from now on." With that, he cupped his hands. He said nothing more and turned to leave.

"..."

Hui Qingping opened her mouth as though to speak, then stopped. She did not know what she could possibly say. She sat there stunned.

Forget outsiders. All along, even Hui Qingping herself had suspected that Niu Youdao must have some hidden, unspeakable purpose for saving her. She had been waiting for the day when the map was unrolled and the dagger finally revealed itself.

Only at this moment did she understand. Niu Youdao had truly saved her for the sake of their sworn bond. He had never been scheming to gain anything from her at all.

For a time, her mind went completely blank...

By the time Niu Youdao reached the main courtyard, a crowd had already gathered. Gong Lince and the Elders were all there. No matter who held grievances against Niu Youdao, propriety and sentiment alike required them to see him off today. Besides, Gong Lince himself would personally escort the group toward Sacred Realm.

Everyone had arrived early and waited without urging him.

When Niu Youdao appeared, Gong Lince asked, "Ready?"

"More or less." Niu Youdao said, "Allow me to make a trip to Tortoise-Slumber Pavilion and bid farewell to my master."

Gong Lince nodded. "As you should. Let's go together and pay our respects."

The group set out together. After only a few steps, however, Niu Youdao suddenly looked back and called, "Wen Mo'er!"

He beckoned Wen Mo'er over and had her come with them. The others found it somewhat strange. Wen Mo'er herself was increasingly uneasy. Niu Youdao's words from the previous day had kept her tossing and turning all night.

When the group reached Tortoise-Slumber Pavilion, Ju An went inside to report their arrival. In the end, he came back out and shook his head at Niu Youdao, indicating that Zhong Guzi would not see him.

If Zhong Guzi refused to meet them, no one could do anything. Niu Youdao did not force the matter. Instead, he beckoned to Ju An on the steps. Once Ju An came down, Niu Youdao turned and called Wen Mo'er over as well, then asked her, "What do you think of this martial nephew of mine?"

Wen Mo'er's heart began pounding. She hesitated, clearly unwilling to answer. Niu Youdao pressed her. "No good?"

How could Wen Mo'er publicly say that? "No... I don't really know him."

Niu Youdao turned to Ju An. "And what do you think of her appearance?"

Ju An did not understand what he meant and merely answered politely, "She's quite attractive."

Niu Youdao turned back to Wen Mo'er. "Good. You can go back now."

"Master... Martial Uncle, what are you..." Wen Mo'er stammered, unsure what to say.

"Go back first!" Niu Youdao repeated, his tone brooking no refusal.

Under everyone's eyes, Wen Mo'er did not dare disobey. She could only bite her lip and leave.

Once she was gone, Niu Youdao turned to Gong Lince. "The two make a good match. I'd like to bring about a good marriage between them. What does Sect Leader think?"

Everyone had already found his questions strange. None had expected this to be the reason. Gong Lince's expression became colorful. He gave a dry laugh. "My opinion isn't important. Shouldn't something like this depend on the two of them?"

Niu Youdao said, "Sect Leader is Wen Mo'er's adoptive father. In marriage, the parents decide. I'm Ju An's Martial Uncle, so I'll decide for him. As for Wen Mo'er, that depends on whether Sect Leader is willing to give me this face. If you think I won't return alive and therefore don't need to give me that face, then I have nothing to say."

"..."

Ju An was dumbfounded. What was happening? He hurriedly said, "Martial Uncle, I..."

Niu Youdao turned a cold gaze on him. "Shut up!"

[End of Chapter 955]