The Quest for Immortality - Chapter 166 (Patreon)

Chapter 166: Qian Hong

The black-clad cultivator was so infuriated that he spat blood, while Mo Hua, who was using the Fireball Technique, appeared calm and unperturbed.

For the next few days, the Qian family cultivators did not launch any attacks. Mo Hua spent his time drawing arrays, wandering around, inspecting spirit mines, and admiring the mountain scenery. He calculated that the meat in his storage bag would last him a few more days.

One day, Mo Hua noticed Elder Yu looking solemn and couldn't help but ask:

"Elder Yu, has the Qian family made a move?"

"Not yet, but that old turtle Qian Hong should be arriving soon."

"Old turtle?"

"Qian Hong."

"Oh, the head of the Qian family?" Mo Hua's expression turned serious. "Is Qian Hong formidable?"

Elder Yu scoffed, "He's about the same as Qian Zhongxuan."

"Then how did he become the head of the family?"

Elder Yu chuckled, "There's a lot more to it. In the world of cultivation families and sects, it's not always about cultivation and ability. If you can boast, scheme, deceive, and flatter, those are more useful than working diligently."

Elder Yu sneered again, "Many of those who appear dignified are probably just empty suits."

Mo Hua was enlightened and asked, "So is Qian Hong an empty suit?"

"Not exactly."

"Is he scheming?"

Elder Yu nodded, "Yes, Qian Hong is very cunning. This time, after Qian Zhongxuan suffered a big loss, he came to take advantage."

"Taking advantage?" Mo Hua was puzzled. "Do they even take advantage of their own family?"

Elder Yu laughed, "The Qian family is big, with many people. By blood, they're all family. But because they're all family, they don't treat each other like family."

Mo Hua scratched his head, "Is there really such intense infighting in the Qian family?"

Elder Yu raised an eyebrow and said, "I didn't call the Qian family ingrates for nothing. They treat their own people the same as outsiders. If there's meat, they'll eat it, no matter whose body it came from."

Mo Hua clicked his tongue and asked, "What should we do then?"

Elder Yu stroked his chin, "We should think about running."

"Running?" Mo Hua's eyes lit up. "Is the spirit mine fully excavated?"

Elder Yu shook his head, "It can't be fully excavated."

Mo Hua looked a bit regretful, "Isn't that a bit wasteful…"

Elder Yu laughed, "We can have the meat, but we should leave some soup for the Qian family."

As night fell, the mountain winds howled. A group of cultivators arrived at the Qian family's camp, led by the head of the Qian family, Qian Hong.

Qian Zhongxuan stood outside the camp with the Qian family cultivators, braving the cold wind, respectfully welcoming the head of the Qian family, Qian Hong.

Qian Hong, middle-aged with graying hair, had a handsome face but a slightly arrogant expression. His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings like an eagle.

Qian Zhongxuan cupped his hands and said, "Welcome, Patriarch."

The Qian family cultivators beside him all bowed in greeting.

Qian Hong nodded in acknowledgment and followed Qian Zhongxuan into the camp.

Once they were seated and alone, Qian Hong asked, "How goes the battle?"

Qian Zhongxuan gave a brief report.

Qian Hong sighed, "Elder Qian, you were too hasty. They are trapped inside and can't escape. You should have taken your time. This way, we wouldn't have suffered such losses."

Qian Zhongxuan was quite embarrassed but had nothing to say.

Whether attacking, defending, besieging, or trapping, as long as he failed, there was always an excuse to blame him.

He had indeed lost. He spent a lot of spirit stones, lost many people, and his reputation was ruined.

At this moment, Qian Zhongxuan could only grit his teeth and say, "Patriarch, you are right!"

Qian Hong glanced at Qian Zhongxuan and slowly said:

"However, Elder Qian, you have worked hard this time. The clan will remember your efforts. I'll take care of the rest. You need not worry anymore."

Qian Zhongxuan couldn't help but curse inwardly.

Remember my efforts? Does that mean I have no achievements at all?

Qian Zhongxuan said, "The patriarch is busy with many affairs. How can I trouble you with the spirit mine? Just give me some more people, and I will definitely take the spirit mine!"

"Elder Qian!" Qian Hong frowned, "I trust your ability and am willing to let you handle this matter, but if I do, I won't be able to explain to the clan."

Qian Hong's expression was solemn, with a hint of distress, "After all, the previous losses were too severe!"

Qian Zhongxuan silently cursed.

Hypocrite! If you wanted to take advantage, why didn't you come earlier? You just waited for me to fight with Yu Changlin, deplete my resources, and now you come to pick up the pieces.

At that time, the credit would be his, the spirit mine would be his, and the prestige would be his.

What a great plan!

Qian Zhongxuan regretted his carelessness, not resisting the temptation of spirit stones and agreeing to Qian Hong's request.

He didn't expect Yu Changlin to have so many tricks, all of which he had never seen before. He had indeed suffered a huge loss!

Qian Hong took a sip of tea and said indifferently, "Elder Qian, are you dissatisfied?"

Qian Zhongxuan was full of dissatisfaction, but he knew he had no right to complain now. He could only cup his hands and say through gritted teeth:

"I will follow the patriarch's instructions!"

"Good." Qian Hong lowered his eyes, a faint smile on his lips. After a moment, Qian Hong's tone changed, and he asked:

"I wonder why Elder Qian failed this time?"

Qian Zhongxuan hesitated for a moment and said, "There is an array master among the demon hunters!"

Qian Hong was slightly surprised, "A first-grade one?"

"Even if not first-grade, not far from it…" Qian Zhongxuan said.

Qian Hong shook his head, "I asked Master Qian. The array master used the Earth Fire Array, which only has seven array patterns…"

"This…"

Qian Hong smiled mockingly at Qian Zhongxuan, "Seven array patterns are just over the threshold for ordinary array masters. Does this seem like a first-grade array master to you? Although you are not an array master, you should not make such a mistake!"

The difference between seven and nine array patterns is a significant barrier for ordinary array masters. It's not a small difference but a huge one.

Qian Zhongxuan was ashamed and angry, unable to argue.

Qian Hong continued, "Are there any other reasons?"

Qian Zhongxuan suppressed his anger and said, "There is also a spell-wielding spirit cultivator…"

Qian Hong's eyes showed a trace of ridicule, "One?"

Qian Zhongxuan mumbled, "I don't know… Maybe more than one…"

"Are their cultivation levels high?"

Qian Zhongxuan was silent for a while before slowly saying, "Probably not past the late stage of Qi cultivation…"

Qian Hong couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head, "Elder Qian, Elder Qian, an array master who can only draw seven array patterns, and one or several spirit cultivators not even at the late stage of Qi cultivation…"

Qian Hong sighed, his gaze mocking, "Just because of these, you suffered such heavy losses? How can I speak for you in the clan? Who would believe your excuses?"

Qian Zhongxuan's face turned red, his fingers clenched white.

Seeing he had made his point, Qian Hong softened his tone:

"Enough, enough. It's no use talking about it now. I'll handle the rest. You need not worry anymore."

Qian Zhongxuan's face alternated between red and white. He cupped his hands and asked:

"What are your plans, Patriarch?"

Qian Hong, confident and composed, took a sip of tea before slowly saying, "I told you, there's no need to rush. I have my ways."

Qian Zhongxuan suppressed his discontent and respectfully said, "Then I'll rely on the patriarch!"

Despite his respectful words, Qian Zhongxuan sneered inwardly.

In terms of ability, he and Qian Hong were evenly matched. The only difference was that Qian Hong was more shameless and ruthless.

Qian Zhongxuan couldn't deal with these demon hunters, but he didn't believe that Qian Hong, who only knew how to take advantage, had any good strategies.

That array master and that spirit cultivator might seem unremarkable, but once encountered, they proved to be formidable.

Qian Zhongxuan's eyes flashed with contempt as he waited to see Qian Hong's performance.

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