Desolate Devouring Art

Chapter 272 - Arrangements

After ensuring Xu Yilin and Yang Zi were comfortably settled in the courtyard, Liu Wuxie chose not to join them. Instead, he decided to take a two-hour rest to regain his composure.

This was due to the fierce aura that had built up in his heart after taking so many lives, which could potentially give rise to inner demons if not addressed.

He didn’t want to turn into a monster that only knew how to kill. Thus, he planned to meditate to resolve the ferocity in his heart.

Two hours later, Liu Wuxie opened his eyes, and the turmoil within his heart had vanished. The murderous aura that had previously enveloped him had also faded away.

Meanwhile, Xu Yilin was in the main hall, engaged in a conversation with Master Mao and Bi Gongyu. They were discussing the possibility of relocating to Imperial City.

Azure Billow City had become too constricting for them as they expanded, and this presented an excellent opportunity to transfer their assets to the Imperial City. With the backing of the Treasure Pill Pavilion, who would dare to cross them?

Xu Yilin had contemplated this move long ago, but the right opportunity had eluded him until now. His visit to the Imperial City was primarily to discuss this matter with Liu Wuxie.

“Father-in-law, Master Mao!” Liu Wuxie came into the main hall and greeted the two.

Bi Gongyu, who was also present, could be considered Liu Wuxie’s disciple, and no master would bow to his disciple.

“Wuxie, you’re making me uncomfortable. Just call me Old Mao; I’m more comfortable that way.” Master Mao stood up and waved his hands.

After defeating an expert in the True Core Realm, Liu Wuxie’s status had ascended beyond that realm. In the Great Yan Dynasty, he was virtually unmatched.

Liu Wuxie smiled and brushed it off. He was planning to leave soon, as the Battle of Hundred Nations was just around the corner. With Xu Yilin’s arrival in the Imperial City, it was the perfect opportunity for him to say his goodbyes.

“Brother Xu, Master, please continue your conversation while we excuse ourselves,” Bi Gongyu announced, no longer concealing his relationship with Liu Wuxie as his master. In fact, it was a matter of pride, and many envied him for this opportunity.

After Bi Gongyu and Master Mao left, Liu Wuxie, Xu Yilin, and Yang Zi were the only people left in the main hall.

“Wuxie, I heard that Xue’er has entered the cultivation world.” Xu Yilin intended to have a family reunion on this trip, but he was informed that Xu Lingxue had been sent to the cultivation world. He didn’t know when he would be able to see her again.

“That’s right!” Liu Wuxie nodded. He didn’t hide it, as Xu Yilin should know about it. It must be hard for them to accept Xu Lingxue’s departure, especially for Yang Zi, who had been crying non-stop.

They knew that the cultivation world was cruel, where killing and plundering were the norm. With Xu Lingxue’s outstanding appearance, she was bound to attract unnecessary trouble after entering the cultivation world, which they were most worried about.

As for whether Xu Lingxue could become immortal, they weren’t concerned about that.

“Wuxie, I heard from Master Mao that you’re going to participate in the Battle of the Hundred Nations, and you can enter the cultivation world as long as you perform well. Is that true?” Xu Yilin looked at Liu Wuxie excitedly.

If Liu Wuxie could enter the cultivation world, he and Xu Lingxue would be able to look after each other.

Liu Wuxie naturally knew what Xu Yilin was thinking. Xu Lingxue was too innocent, and the latter feared that she might be bullied in the cultivation world. But with Liu Wuxie looking after her, he would feel more at ease.

“Father-in-law, mother-in-law, please rest assured about Xue’er’s safety. I plan to enter the cultivation world during the Battle of Hundred Nations, which is just five days away. I will ensure that news is sent back if there are any updates,” Liu Wuxie stated solemnly, making a firm promise.

Xu Yilin and Yang Zi’s facial expressions improved upon hearing Liu Wuxie’s promise.

Over the past six months, Liu Wuxie’s achievements had transformed him in Xu Yilin’s eyes; he no longer saw Liu Wuxie as a child.

Subsequently, they engaged in a discussion about the future growth of the Xu Clan, with Xu Yilin suggesting a move to the Imperial City.

Liu Wuxie had no objection because Azure Billow City was too small. In the Imperial City, the Qin and Yan Clans could look after the Xu Clan for him, not to mention the royal family and Treasure Pill Pavilion. With their help, the Xu Clan’s development would be rapid.

After some casual chat, Liu Wuxie returned early to plan the future development of the Xu Clan. Xu Yilin still needed to improve in growing into a large clan, and Liu Wuxie could write his plan down to prevent Xu Yilin from taking the wrong path.

Xu Yilin was dumbfounded when Liu Wuxie placed down a stack of papers that he had spent an entire day preparing. The papers recorded the clan's arrangement and allocation of resources.

Xu Yilin gazed at Liu Wuxie, his eyes wide with astonishment. He was aware that Liu Wuxie’s ability to provide such intricate details was an indication of his extensive experience. Despite this, Xu Yilin had become familiar with Liu Wuxie’s methods, and he found the information Liu Wuxie provided to be quite useful.

“Chief, the lady of the house wishes to see you!” Sang Yan approached Liu Wuxie as he exited the main hall.

“Got it!” Liu Wuxie bade farewell to Xu Yilin before heading to the floor where Mu Yueying resided. The Battle of the Hundred Nations would soon begin, and he initially planned to visit Mu Yueying after dealing with the Xu Clan’s matters.

The pavilion was quiet as Mu Yueying was formally dressed that day.

“I’m leaving the Great Yan Dynasty!” Mu Yueying cut straight to the chase. Liu Wuxie had anticipated this, so he wasn’t taken aback.

“Back to the cultivation world?” Liu Wuxie might’ve anticipated it, but he didn’t expect it to happen so quickly.

“The sect has summoned me and asked me to return as soon as possible.” Mu Yueying seemed reluctant to return. Liu Wuxie had this feeling ever since he got acquainted with her.

Typically, only disciples who exhausted their potential or had no status would be dispatched to the mortal world to manage the assets there. No geniuses would come to such a remote place when they could stay in the cultivation world.

Liu Wuxie could guess that Mu Yueying’s background wasn’t straightforward because even the envoy of the Cloud Xing Pavilion was fearful of her. But that brings the question: why did she give up her promising future to come to such a remote place like the Great Yan Dynasty?

“When are you leaving?” The Battle of the Hundred Nations was in three days, and Liu Wuxie might not have the time to send her off.

“After settling the affairs at the Treasure Pill Pavilion!” Mu Yueying’s voice held a trace of sadness. Returning to the cultivation world meant giving up the comfortable life she had in the Great Yan Dynasty.

The room fell into a brief silence, with no one speaking. Liu Wuxie didn’t know how to comfort her.

“You called me over just to tell me this?” Liu Wuxie asked. He had a feeling that there must be another reason why Mu Yueying called him over.

“There’s one more thing I want to discuss with you!” Mu Yueying raised her head with a hint of hope and anticipation in her eyes.

“Proceed. I can assure you that as long as it’s within my power, I will fulfill your request.” Liu Wuxie had received considerable assistance from Mu Yueying over the past six months. Without her help, he might have fallen at the hands of the Xue Clan long ago. He was willing to agree to her request as long as it didn’t conflict with his principles.

“I hope you can join the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion after the Battle of the Hundred Nations.” Mu Yueying finally said it. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would suffer a significant loss if they missed out on a talent like him.

“I’ll give it some thought!” Liu Wuxie didn’t make a promise because he didn’t know much about the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. He couldn’t possibly commit to something based solely on Mu Yueying’s words.

Mu Yueying didn’t press Liu Wuxie for an answer. As long as he kept her request in mind, that was enough for her. His choice was his own to make, and no one had the right to interfere.

Liu Wuxie and Mu Yueying engaged in a wide-ranging discussion, covering topics such as the Battle of the Hundred Nations and the state of the cultivation world. They discussed the ten major sects and the significant clans within the cultivation world, all of which was crucial information for Liu Wuxie.

Their conversation extended until sunset, after which Liu Wuxie departed from the Treasure Pill Pavilion and returned to the Imperial Academy. Fan Zhen awaited him along the way, and they returned to the Academy together.

“The Battle of Hundred Nations is about to commence, and this might be our final conversation,” Fan Zhen said, his tone tinged with melancholy. The Battle of Hundred Nations was a significant event for both the Imperial Academy and the Great Yan Dynasty.

“If you have something to say, then say it,” Liu Wuxie responded, his face devoid of any expression. Many students they passed along the way looked on with envy.

“I have but one request: you must secure a place in the top ten, no matter what. This way, the Great Yan Dynasty can ascend to an intermediate nation and reclaim our lost territories,” Fan Zhen stated, stopping to look at Liu Wuxie with a serious expression.

The Great Yan Dynasty had suffered losses in the Battle of the Hundred Nations, resulting in the loss of more and more territories. They couldn’t afford another defeat, but Liu Wuxie’s emergence brought a glimmer of hope to Fan Zhen and the nation.

“I’ll do my best,” Liu Wuxie responded, not making any promises. He was committed to giving his best effort but refrained from making any overconfident claims.

“Alright, we will set off tomorrow. Headmaster Luo and I will accompany you.” Fan Zhen’s facial expression improved. He understood Liu Wuxie’s personality and knew the latter would do his best.

When Liu Wuxie returned to his abode, he cleared his mind and cultivated. However, not long after he began cultivating, a berserk True Core Realm expert’s aura spread out and enveloped the Heaven Grade region, even spreading to the Imperial City.

“Hahaha! I have finally reached the True Core Realm! Liu Wuxie, I want you dead!” Mo Chong finally reached the True Core Realm after a few days of cultivation. The first thing he wanted to do after exiting his abode was to seek revenge.

But just when he stepped out of his abode, he was intercepted by ten-odd students.

“Senior Brother Mo, don’t be rash!” The students forcibly stopped Mo Chong, preventing him from seeking revenge.

“What are you all doing? Why are you stopping me? I won’t rest until I kill Liu Wuxie today!” Mo Chong trembled, releasing his aura in the True Core Realm, sending the ten-odd students flying away.

After all, Liu Wuxie had humiliated him previously, and he was determined to take revenge.

Mo Chong headed straight to Liu Wuxie’s abode. Their abodes were close, and he reached Liu Wuxie’s abode in a few breaths.

“Liu Wuxie, come out and die!” Mo Chong’s voice was loud, spreading throughout the Heaven Grade region. He wanted everyone to know that he had reached the True Core Realm.

Many students stumbled and nearly burst into laughter.

Liu Wuxie was in seclusion, and there was a hint of murderous intent on his face after being interrupted. When he opened the gate, there was a hint of disgust in the depth of his eyes when he saw Mo Chong.

“Liu Wuxie, you will die today!” Mo Chong fearlessly released his aura in the True Core Realm.

However, he saw no change in Liu Wuxie’s expressions. On the contrary, Liu Wuxie looked at him like he was looking at a clown.

The students who tried to stop Mo Chong earlier rushed over and dragged the latter.