Immortal of the Nine Realms

Upon hearing Leader Chen’s confession, the room fell silent.

The other Leader held back for a long time before finally blurting out a single sentence. “You... you were foolish!”

“Foolish? Yes, quite foolish. But even I wouldn’t have guessed that Ji Tiandu, who had just met me moments earlier, would so quickly betray you all to the Spirit God Sect, right?” Huang Qingque said with a smile.

Leader Chen’s face was a storm of shifting emotions. In the end, his expression settled into one of deep guilt. He said nothing.

“Leader Yang died a senseless death.” Chu Jia’s face was cold.

“As Leaders, we should have known how sensitive our identities are. Caution is paramount when traveling. Yet over a few immortal crystals, you considered someone a friend and revealed our identities? Leader Yang likely died with guilt in his heart, thinking he was the one who leaked our presence.”

“I’ve already sent people into the Lesser Underworld to look for Yang Yuanwu. If they find him, I’ll make sure he knows the truth—so he can rest in peace.” Huang Qingque said lightly. “Although the Lesser Underworld has changed, our people still have decent freedom of movement there. If we can find him, we’ll take care of him.”

“As for Ji Tiandu... He came to greet me openly, I agreed to their deal, yet behind the scenes, he went to seek out a fifth transformation cultivator from the Spirit God Sect. That means he doesn’t trust our Killing Spiritual Division... nor me, Huang Qingque.” He smiled, then looked at Fang Chen. “As for Earth Bear Star, strike the Spirit God Sect however you like. Last time’s transaction was canceled. As for the Great Desolate Immortal... You need not fear him anymore. He’s gone from hidden to having his identity out in the open. He’s no longer that useful to them.”

“Understood.” Fang Chen nodded.

“Leader Chen, in the past, this kind of situation would end with a voluntary resignation.” Huang Qingque looked at Chen with an even brighter smile.

Leader Chen was startled, unsure how to react.

He had indeed gotten Yang Yuanwu killed, but he hadn’t intentionally colluded with the Spirit God Sect.

In the Killing Spiritual Division, this wasn’t normally considered a serious offense, especially given the lack of malicious intent.

But judging by Huang Qingque’s tone... the division’s stance had clearly changed.

Then he remembered the Xie Zhi unit Huang Qingque mentioned.

“According to Xie Zhi’s current disciplinary standards, Leader Chen’s actions don’t warrant execution, just 300 years of imprisonment.” Huang Qingque said.

“Imprisonment!? On what grounds?” Leader Chen’s face flushed with anger, spiritual energy involuntarily rising. He was a dignified Loose Immortal!

Imprisoned for 300 years?

He hadn’t even acted out of malice! Why was he being punished?

Maybe realizing his outburst might worsen the situation, Leader Chen shifted his tone. “Young Lord Qingque, is this to establish Xie Zhi’s authority? But shouldn’t that be done through someone more appropriate? I meant no harm. I was deceived by a scoundrel and almost died on Xianxu Star myself. If you use me to make an example, many won’t accept it. The Killing Spiritual Division is already struggling against the Spirit God Sect, if this becomes a scandal, it might do more harm than good to our cause in the True Martial Domain.”

“Xie Zhi does need to assert its authority, but your case isn’t significant enough for that. It’s just a small cog in the larger issue.” Huang Qingque waved his hand with a smile.

At that moment, the disciplinary elder suddenly struck.

A first transformation against a fourth transformation... There was no contest.

As soon as Leader Chen saw the move, he gave up resisting and was taken without a fight.

Chu Jia and the other Leader watched him being led away with complicated expressions.

“So, what do you think? Is 300 years too much, or too little?” Huang Qingque asked with a smile.

“Leader Chen’s selfishness led to the death of Leader Yang. Even if he meant no harm, he cost us a second transformation immortal. First, we owe Leader Yang an explanation. Second, we owe the Division an explanation. 300 years isn’t excessive.” Chu Jia said seriously.

“I think it’s a bit much... After all, Leader Chen has contributed to the Division. If not in merit, then at least in effort.” The other Leader hesitated, then added. “If he had truly intended to harm us, we wouldn’t be having this debate. But the fact is, he was deceived. He didn’t know the Great Desolate Immortal was part of the Spirit God Sect, or that the Lesser Immortal Realm would betray us. If we imprison him, as he said, many Leaders might begin to fear for themselves. It may do the division more harm than good. Why not let him redeem himself in battle instead? That way, we won’t lose a first transformation immortal.”

“You both make good points. What does Leader Fang think?” Huang Qingque nodded and turned his gaze to Fang Chen.

“Before revealing our identities, Leader Chen had already considered the risks, but he still contacted Ji Tiandu. Clearly, he believed it would benefit his ties with the Lesser Immortal Realm. Otherwise, why initiate contact at all? It was just a ploy for personal gain.” Fang Chen smiled. “Maybe he didn’t expect the Lesser Immortal Realm to betray us to the Spirit God Sect. But exposing fellow Leaders is betrayal, plain and simple. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t bother with 300 years. That’s plenty of time for things to go wrong. If he escapes, he could turn against us. He should be executed on the spot, to serve as a warning.”

“Do you realize how your words would be perceived if they got out?” The other Leader’s eyes filled with anger. “Leader Fang, you haven’t been with the Division long. You may not understand its inner workings. If killing solved everything, we wouldn’t have half the problems we do.”

“Exactly. If your statement spreads, most Leaders across the realm will avoid you.” Huang Qingque laughed with feigned sympathy.

“I don’t care what they think of me,” Fang Chen smiled. “I’ll do what I believe is right. Sometimes, too many close ties become a burden.”

“Leader Fang, stay here a few more days. You two may return for now, but do not speak of today’s events. As for Leader Chen, Xie Zhi will not handle this privately. We will issue a public ruling.” Huang Qingque said to Chu Jia and the other Leader.

The two exchanged a look, then slowly nodded and took their leave.

In the following days, Huang Qingque took Fang Chen around Invisible Dragon Island, casually chatting about the conflict between the Killing Spiritual Division and the Spirit God Sect, and sharing recent anecdotes from the True Martial Domain.

The fourth transformation Immortal who served as disciplinary elder rejoined Huang Qingque the next day. Though a powerful figure, he now appeared more like a personal bodyguard.

Based on what Fang Chen had observed and what his Lesser Underworld intelligence network had gathered in the True Martial Domain, he concluded that Huang Qingque’s status within the Huang Clan was anything but ordinary.

A few days later, Huang Qingque brought up the topic of Xie Zhi again. Midway through the conversation, he suddenly asked, “Leader Fang, would you be interested in joining Xie Zhi?”

“I probably can’t be away from Earth Bear Star for long periods.” Fang Chen replied.

“That’s fine. Xie Zhi doesn’t require long-term stationing. I find your insights quite aligned with mine, and quite valuable to Xie Zhi. What Xie Zhi needs most now are kindred spirits like you.” Huang Qingque said.