Zhu Honggong scoffed and said, “Stop pretending. You’re not my Seventh Senior Brother. No matter how much you pretend, you’re not him.”
Qi Sheng was puzzled. “Do you have some misunderstandings about me?”
Zhu Honggong continued to maintain the serious expression on his face as he said, “I don’t have any misunderstandings. Are you still going to lie to me? You’re not welcome here. Hurry up and leave. Otherwise, I’ll tell the Temple Master.”
Qi Sheng was not bothered by Zhu Honggong’s attitude and threats. He said, “First of all, I don’t know your Seventh Senior Brother. Second, I’ve never said that I’m your Seventh Senior Brother. Finally, if I want to harm you, I’ve had countless opportunities to do so in the past. Not only that, but I’ve helped you countless times in the past decades. Although I don’t know where this misunderstanding came from, you have to be careful of others trying to sow discord between us.”
Qi Sheng continued to say, “Think about it. There’s no reason for you to let another person sow discord between us. You don’t have to treat me as a friend. You can just treat our relationship as one of mutual benefits. Don’t we have common goals and interests?”
After Qi Sheng finished speaking, he looked at Zhu Honggong silently.
Zhu Honggong was not eloquent. If he debated with Qi Sheng, he definitely would not be able to win Qi Sheng. Nonetheless, he had to admit that Qi Sheng had a point. Even if they were not friends, they shared common interests.
Zhu Honggong’s expression finally eased slightly as he asked, “You’ve already obtained five Heaven Suppressing Pestles. What’s your true purpose in collecting the Heaven Suppressing Pestles?”
“I’ve already explained it to you last time,” Qi Sheng said patiently, “The Dunzang’s Pillar of Destruction has already been destroyed. It’s only a matter of time before the Great Void collapses. Before that, we need to make preparations to protect ourselves and raise our cultivation.”
“Are you really so kind?” Zhu Honggong asked skeptically.
“I’m not kind,” Qi Sheng said calmly, “I’m doing this for myself. If I don’t give you any benefits, would you help me? We’re only using each other. In fact, I should be the one who tells you to put away your petty thoughts.”
“…”
Zhu Honggong was speechless. After thinking about it, it did seem like he had overthought things and overestimated himself. The other party had frankly admitted that he was only using him. What else could he do? Kill the other party with a punch?
Qi Sheng chuckled and said, “If you’re really worried about me lying to you, then you can terminate our cooperation immediately. I’ll draw a clear line between us. You go on your path of sunshine, and I’ll go on my own path. What do you think?” Then, after a moment, he added, “In the future, don’t come looking for me if you encounter any trouble in the temple.”
Then, Qi Sheng stood up and walked out.
As soon as Qi Sheng reached the door, Zhu Honggong could not help but call out, “Wait.”
“What else?”
“… I was just joking! Why are you so serious?” Zhu Honggong said with a smile, “You’re so honest. How can I not continue to cooperate with you?”
Qi Sheng did not turn around. His eyes revealed a hint of a smile.
Zhu Honggong continued to say, “I was ambushed by the Black Emperor’s people when I went to Xuanyi Palace. I can’t help but feel a little unhappy. Don’t mind me.”
At this time, Qi Sheng finally turned around and asked, “Are you sure you’re unhappy because you were ambushed, not because you listened to someone’s flowery words?”
Zhu Honggong said righteously, “How can I listen to the slanderous words of a villain? Do I look like that kind of person to you? We’ve worked together for so many years, how could I not believe you? No matter what those bast*rds said, it’s impossible to shake my trust in you!”
“Really?” Qi Sheng looked at Zhu Honggong skeptically.
“Of course! If there’s even the slightest bit of falsehood in my words, lightning will strike me!” Zhu Honggong said.
Qi Sheng nodded. “That’s good. However, I’ve already expected the Black Emperor’s people to ambush you…”
Zhu Honggong was startled. “You knew, but you didn’t say anything?! I was almost captured and stewed by them!”
“Don’t worry. He doesn’t have the guts. I’ve investigated Zhi Guangji thoroughly,” Qi Sheng said with a smile, “‘Zhi Guangji seems fierce and overbearing, but he’s actually very scheming. Nonetheless, if he has brains like yours, I’d be worried.”
Zhu Honggong frowned. “Are you praising me or insulting me?”
“Of course, I’m praising you. How many people in the Great Void can be compared to the Black Emperor?”
Zhu Honggong nodded in satisfaction. “You have a point.”
Qi Sheng asked, “What’s Emperor Xuanyi’s attitude?”
“Well… about that… Before I could mention the Heaven Suppressing Pestle, the Black Emperor appeared, and I didn’t have time to ask,” Zhu Honggong said.
“Alright, there’s no rush,” Qi Sheng nodded and said, “There are another two matters. First, we have to speed up the commanders’ competition. Tell me which hall you like. I guarantee you’ll be able to obtain the position of commander.”
Zhu Honggong’s eyes lit up immediately. “Really?”
“Have I, Qi Sheng, ever broken my promise to you?” Qi Sheng asked confidently.
Zhu Honggong was slightly stunned. At this moment, he felt that Qi Sheng was his Seventh Senior Brother. Then, he hurriedly shook his head to dismiss his thoughts. Then, he said excitedly, “Then, I choose Xuanyi Palace!”
‘Xuanyi Palace has master’s protection while I can continue to hug Qi Sheng’s thigh on this side!’ Zhu Honggong felt like he was a genius when he thought about this.
“…”
Qi Sheng was stunned.
“What’s wrong?”
“Let’s change to a different hall,” Qi Sheng said.
“Didn’t you promise that I can choose any hall? Why do I have to change it?” Zhu Honggong asked.
“It’s not that I can’t do it, but I’m afraid you’ll be at a disadvantage,” Qi Sheng said.
“That’s not possible!” Zhu Honggong patted his chest and said confidently, “I’ll go to Xuanyi Palace and be its commander!”
Qi Sheng sighed helplessly and said, “Alright. I’ll issue the challenge to the Azure Emperor.”
“Wait, what?! The Azure Emperor?” Zhu Honggong grabbed Qi Sheng.
“The Azure Emperor’s men defeated the commander of Xuanyi Palace. Hence, you’d need to fight with them. Although you’d be able to become the commander regardless if you win or lose, we still have to put on a show at least,” Qi Sheng said.
“Uh…” Zhu Honggong scratched his head and said, “Then, I’ll switch to Yan Feng Hall. It seems like no one with the Great Void Seed is going to vie for the position of commander in Yan Feng Hall. Alright, let’s go with Yan Feng Hall!”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure!”
“Very well,” Qi Sheng said solemnly, “I’ve already obtained the Heaven Suppressing Pestle from Yan Feng Hall. Once you become a Great Dao Saint, I’ll help you enter the core of the Pillars of Destruction to comprehend the laws of the Great Dao.”
“Deal!” Zhu Honggong said with a grin.
“There’s still another matter,” Qi Sheng said after he flicked his sleeve and closed the door. Then, he continued to say, “The ten halls have always been at odds with each other, and there are also many internal conflicts. Don’t expect the Sacred Temple to interfere. So, for the next period of time, both of us have to be very careful.”
“Why?” Zhu Honggong was puzzled. “Who would dare to attack us?”
Qi Sheng said, “There’s no one who doesn’t want to become a commander of one of the ten halls. The ten halls exist in a precarious balance. Everyone has their own interests. I’ve researched the previous commanders’ competitions, and there were many violent deaths. The victims are all challengers. Although the Sacred Temple did deal with a few of the culprits, it was after the deed had been committed.”
Zhu Honggong inhaled sharply. He suddenly felt that the commanders’ competition was no longer fun.
“If it’s not necessary, don’t leave the temple. Remember, the Sacred Temple is the safest place,” Qi Sheng said, emphasizing the word ‘safest’. After saying that, he turned around and left, leaving behind Zhu Honggong who was in a daze.
…
While Qi Sheng flew, he looked down on the land.
One of his subordinates asked in a hushed tone, “Commander, why didn’t you reveal your true identity to him?”
“The time is not right. If I do that, it’ll only bring trouble. Zhu Honggong looks foolish, but he’s actually very smart. When I spoke to him earlier, it looked like I’d successfully convinced him. However, that’s not the case. It’s just that he has a very obvious flaw; he doesn’t know when to shut his mouth,” Qi Sheng said.
“Commander is wise.”
Qi Sheng and the Silver Guards continued to fly. They did not go to the Runic Hall. They flew over several mountains that towered past the clouds.
When Qi Sheng saw how foggy it was, he became suspicious. He raised his head to look at the sun that was shining brightly in the sky. He looked down at the mysterious fog swirling between the foothills before he suddenly raised his hand and said, “Stop.”
“What’s wrong?”
“There’s a trap. Let’s take a detour.”
“Understood.”
