Modern Patriarch

Chapter 103: Let them come

Thank you, Fellow Daoist Wujing. I underestimated the fear the Demonic Path was capable of inflicting, let alone a Soul Emperor Demon, Yao Shen said as they neared the end of Azlak Plains' territory, long having departed from All-Haven.

No, no, Patriarch Yao. It is I who should be thanking you. This opportunity only came to be because of you unexpectedly defeating Gavril, so I feel guilty taking away the fame and prestige away from you.

Did you not publicly attribute the reason behind your success to me? Yao Shen asked, genuinely confused.

Fellow Daoist Yao, that is how I see it and that is certainly how Gavril Arkael sees it. However, the righteous path is now aware of the relic in your possession and thus will not consider it your victory, but mine. Truly, I apologize for this, Wujing Yang explained.

Do not apologize, Fellow Daoist Wujing. Honor is a double-edged sword and I do not wish to be called upon to defend mine frequently, Yao Shen said, his words carrying forward his truth.

Even then, please allow this old man a chance to make it up to you, Wujing Yang shook his head, clearly not satisfied with the resolution Yao Shen was offering.

Realizing that it was a matter of Wujing Yangs pride, Yao Shen relented.

Very well, He nodded once.

Make a request, Patriarch Yao Shen of the Modern Sect. As long as it is something I can grant in a personal capacity, I will make it happen. Such is the value of the gift you have granted me today, Wujing Yang declared, his words full of aplomb.

Realizing that Wujing Yang wished to befriend him, Yao Shen considered the offer for a few moments.

A Water Qi cultivation method focused on healing and quick recovery that can be utilized from the Foundation Establishment level to Early Nascent Soul stage, Yao Shen asked, putting forth a request that should be of little trouble to someone of Wujing Yangs stature, yet also immensely beneficial to one of his disciples.

Done, Wujing Yang replied simply. I shall have one of my juniors deliver it to you within two weeks time.

Thank you, Fellow Daoist Wujing, Yao Shen replied, his tone genuine.

Wujing Yang nodded, before speaking again, One more thing.

Yes?

Yao Shen, Wujing Yang began, his expression now serious as he addressed him without honorifics. Gavril Arkael lost too much in what was only meant to be a scouting mission. I do not expect him to let this matter rest.

Stolen novel; please report.

Yao Shen had expected this conversation sooner rather than later and it had finally arrived.

How do you expect him to respond, given your familiarity with the Demonic Path, Daoist Wujing? Yao Shen asked, not having forgotten that the Light Path cultivator before him was responsible for devastating a Demon Gate.

An apt question, He praised. Given the losses Gavril suffered this time, the Ancient Codex will not allow him to return to righteous path territory anytime soon. However, the Demonic Path has many ways to avoid detection and cause devastation without requiring the aid of a powerhouse Soul Emperor. To put it bluntly, the moment you leave the Azlak Plains, Wujing Yang will unleash an attack by proxy.

Does he not anticipate a trap? Yao Shen asked.

Wujing Yang shook his head before responding, It does not matter if every one of the Nascent Souls that he sends to the Azlak Plains dies, as long as his goal is accomplished. To make you hurt, He grimly explained, clearly sickened by the idea.

I see, Yao Shen replied, his mask a facade of cold composure. Fellow Daoist Wujing, what do you think are the odds of the Modern Sect defending itself in my absence? Yao Shen asked.

If I may be frank? Wujing Yang hesitantly asked, his smile a touch forced.

Please do, Yao Shen encouraged.

None, Fellow Daoist Yao. Unless there is someone in these lands capable of concealing their Qi Signature and true strength from me. Forgive me for my impertinence, but I will have to admit to passing by the three sects under your command before arriving at the city you call All-Haven.

I see, Yao Shen replied. Do not worry, Fellow Daoist Wujing, I will take no offense at this matter. Your allegiance is to the Tower of Radiance and to the Eastern Righteous Path alliance, so it is only natural that you will try to unearth any other reason for Gavril Arkaels invasion of the Azlak Plains.

Thank you, Fellow Daoist Yao. And please, I do not mean to be disparaging with my earlier statement. Based on the resources and the competition in this land, it is you who is the anomaly and not the Azlak Plains.

Thank you for your assessment, Yao Shen offered. It was rare to see a cultivator speak frankly to him and Wujing Yang was by all means his senior, when it came to the difference in the years they had cultivated.

Do you have any plans in mind, Fellow Daoist Yao?

Yao Shens lips curled up into a mischievous smile, Like perhaps allying with the Tower of Radiance, Fellow Daoist Wujing?

Wujing Yang began to wryly laugh, clearly amused by Yao Shens response, Fellow Daoist Yao, it seems like you saw right through me. Indeed, the Grand-Master of the Seventh Floor told me to recruit you to our side. I told him that a cultivator who had climbed all the way to Soul Emperor in a land where none had been seen in centuries would not abide by the command of another, but he still expected me to try. Would you care to hear the offer?

No, Yao Shen replied, his eyes twinkling with anticipation as he looked into the distance. As for the demons, well, how certain are you that the Ancient Codex wont send another Soul Emperor?

They will not, Wujing Yang clearly stated. You may be interesting to them, but novelty alone is nowhere near enough to risk breaking the Pact. However, they will not hesitate to resort to the most underhanded of methods, as you are well aware.

Yao Shen nodded in agreement, before replying with a completely shocking statement, If it is just Nascent Soul cultivators that they are capable of dispatching, then He paused, as he looked Wujing Yang directly in the eye to show him that he meant every word.

...Let them come.