Chapter 478: Experts Emerge
After Jiang Que's persistent persuasion, Jiang Shouzhong finally softened and agreed to take her to the Sky Demon Sect.
Since Jiang Que was now with them, Liu Xunhua, who was originally the guide, seemed unnecessary.
Ran Qingchen already disdained someone as slick as Liu Xunhua, and now murderous intent arose in her heart.
However, Liu Xunhua's sensitivity to danger was sharp as a startled bird; before Ran Qingchen could act, he had already fled, leaving no trace behind.
Even though Lou Wanmo sent out many disciples to search the surroundings carefully, they found not a single trace of him.
Jiang Shouzhong didn't care too much about this, only feeling a bit amazed that this guy could both seduce a scorpion fairy and retreat safely from the Thousand Beasts Forest; he indeed had some real skills.
The Sky Demon Sect and the Blood Spirit Cave were not far apart; the three of them spurred their horses and reached the territory of the Sky Demon Sect in less than two hours.
However, to Jiang Shouzhong's surprise, there was already someone quietly waiting for them at the foot of the mountain.
"Shen Shengyuan?"
Looking at the man with a flowing long beard and an extraordinary aura, Jiang Shouzhong frowned.
After glancing briefly at Ran Qingchen, Shen Shengyuan's eyes settled on Jiang Shouzhong, and a smile appeared on his face as he said, "Young friend Jiang, I knew you would come."
"Oh? Then you must be prepared to explain."
Jiang Shouzhong's tone was cold.
No matter how compelling Hong'er's reasons were for voluntarily stepping down, Shen Shengyuan's betrayal, as her most trusted person, was ultimately inexcusable.
Shen Shengyuan sighed slightly, a look of helplessness in his eyes:
"Young friend Jiang, perhaps in your eyes, I have betrayed Mr. Qu, but if I hadn't done so, if I hadn't temporarily feigned allegiance to the Great Protector, I wouldn't have been able to protect Mr. Qu anymore.
As of now, the situation within the Sky Demon Sect is complex, and the Great Protector has overwhelming influence. Although I am a protector, I am struggling to manage alone. As for Mr. Qu, she…"
Pausing for a moment, Shen Shengyuan continued:
"It seems she voluntarily gave up the Sect Master position because of Ms Qiu's last words, but I don't know the exact reason.
Although I don't understand Mr. Qu's actions, to protect her secretly within the sect, I can only continue in this role of protector, waiting for the right moment."
Jiang Shouzhong stared at him without speaking.
Instinctively, he felt Shen Shengyuan was not lying.
Moreover, Jiang Que had informed him in advance about Qu Hongling's unusual behavior, so he could understand Shen Shengyuan's actions.
"Take us to see Hong'er."
Jiang Shouzhong needed to inquire personally to understand the situation clearly.
Shen Shengyuan nodded and suddenly said, "By the way, a friend of yours is also at our Sky Demon Sect, named Lu Renjia."
"Jia?"
Jiang Shouzhong was surprised.
How did this guy end up at the Sky Demon Sect?
Shen Shengyuan explained, "Your friend is paralyzed and was placed with his wife in the Sky Demon Sect by Mr. Qu, along with a little girl named Ci.
Mr. Qu had me take him to the forbidden area for healing, and he's expected to recover within these few days, so young friend Jiang doesn't need to worry too much."
Hearing that Lu Renjia was completely paralyzed, Jiang Shouzhong's face turned extremely grim.
Jiang Que slapped her forehead and said, "I forgot to tell you, when Qu Hongling and I came across them by chance. On the way, I inquired about Lu Renjia's injuries, and it was caused by the Third Prince..."
Jiang Que then recounted Lu Renjia's experiences over this period in full detail.
Jiang Shouzhong clenched his fists, filled with regret.
He didn't expect that during his time away, Jia went through so many trials, luckily coming across Hong'er.
The three of them ascended the mountain.
Entering the Sky Demon Sect, Jiang Shouzhong unexpectedly encountered an acquaintance.
Zhao Zhi'er, whom he had met before at Tingyue Inn.
Having been taught a lesson by Ran Qingchen, she had recovered significantly by now and was just coming out of the parlor with her senior brother Xiao Yuheng.
Their conversation was light-hearted, and their steps were brisk.
And behind them was a woman.
The woman had beautiful features, a slender figure, and exuded an elegant and ethereal immortal qi.
At first glance, she was like a goddess descended to earth.
Besides the three of them, a few others also emerged from the parlor, their faces looking a bit displeased.
They were the same Yanrong experts encountered at the inn.
Seeing Jiang Shouzhong looking towards the hall, Shen Shengyuan explained:
"Those three are disciples of the Ten Thousand Star Sect, here to discuss matters with the Sect Master. The other group is sent by Empress Dowager Yan Rong, also to discuss cooperation, seemingly related to the Dragon Clan.
Now that Sect Master Qu has stepped down, they approached the Great Protector for discussions, and it seems the Great Protector is more inclined to cooperate with the Ten Thousand Star Sect people."
Ten Thousand Star Sect?
Jiang Shouzhong hadn't heard of this sect before.
Zhao Zhi'er inadvertently glanced at Jiang Shouzhong and Ran Qingchen, instantly freezing, with her smile vanishing, replaced by shock and anger.
After a brief moment of being stunned, she suddenly shrieked, "It's you!"
Then swiftly turned her head, informing her senior sister Qiu Zixin, "Senior Sister, it's them! The ones who humiliated me at the inn!"
"Isn't this a case of narrow escape?"
Jiang Shouzhong said.
Ran Qingchen's gaze swept over Zhao Zhi'er and Xiao Yuheng, landing on the gracefully ethereal Qiu Zixin.
Ran Qingchen's lips curved up as she teased Jiang Shouzhong, "Your peach blossom luck isn't bad; another beauty has arrived. If you want her as our future sister, it's up to you, Young Hero Jiang."
Jiang Shouzhong, knowing the nature of this vinegar jar, realized that if he gazed at that woman more than once, he wouldn't be allowed in bed tonight.
Qiu Zixin frowned slightly, her cold gaze directed towards Jiang Shouzhong and Ran Qingchen.