Chapter 1161: Chapter 433: Master and Disciple’s Breakthrough! The Empress’s Composure Shattered! (Part 2)

Clearly, she was the first to arrive, but all these people inserted themselves ahead of her. Ling Ningzhi is understandable since she was the one who sent the invitation. But where did the other two come from?

"How can this be? This is bullying!"

"Hey, did you all hear? I—I’m really angry now! Stop it!"

...

...

The next day, at noon.

Brilliant sunlight spilled through the gauze curtains onto the bed.

Chen Mo lay quietly, staring blankly at the ceiling.

The room was empty, save for the messy bedding that told the story.

Recalling yesterday’s circumstances, he still felt a surreal dream-like sensation...

In the early hours, the Daoist Venerable finally awakened, and upon realizing what had happened, he was overcome by a desire to die, stumbling away in panic.

As the distractions gradually dissipated, Ling Ningzhi also regained her composure, overwhelmed with shame and quickly prepared to escape. Before leaving, she didn’t forget to take the sleeping Shen Zhixia with her. After all, Consort Yu was still eyeing them, leaving her alone here was too perilous.

As for Her Majesty the Consort...

Chen Mo helped untie her red silk, then left without a word, like a face devoid of expression, and broke through the space to leave.

If the Empress scolded him and lost her temper, it wouldn’t have been a big deal. The fact that she was overly calm indicated the true depth of the problem.

Even Chen Mo felt a bit apprehensive. Being involved with the Daoist Venerable and his apprentice was one thing, but having the Empress face-to-face nearby was indeed too much...

But in that situation, if he didn’t act that way, Ling Ningzhi and Ji Hongxiu might have ended up estranged.

And then Zhixia, who had suffered the most grievances, but she inhaled the most white dust and her consciousness was blurred, so maybe she didn’t quite remember what happened.

"Sigh..."

Chen Mo sighed softly, muttering to himself: "When will this emotional tribulation end? It’s already at this level, surely nothing more outrageous will happen, right?"

Knock knock—

At that moment, the door knocked, and outside came Chai Haochuan’s voice: "Mr. Chen, are you awake? The Sect Master invites you to Qionghua Palace."

"Alright."

Chen Mo collected himself and responded.

He raised his hand gently, the breeze wafting through and dispersing the scent in the air.

Then he got up, dressed, and went to open the door, where Chai Haochuan bowed and greeted him with a trembling voice, "Mr. Chen, seeing you well is truly good!"

The Daoist teaching session yesterday had benefited him greatly, and with Chen Mo’s past deeds known to all, admiration for this young household filled everyone. Unlike those imperial officials who plunder without contribution, this was a true hero!

"Brother Chai is too courteous, what does the Sect Master want from me?" Chen Mo asked.

Suppressing his excitement, Chai Haochuan said, "It’s hard to explain with just a few words. Mr. Chen will know soon."

Seeing this, Chen Mo said no more, nodding slightly, "Let’s go."

"This way, please."

The two left the courtyard, walking towards Qionghua Palace.

Upon entering the grand hall, they saw Huo Wuya and a group of Martial Saint Mountain elders already waiting, with the Daoist Venerable and Ling Ningzhi present as well.

At the sight of Chen Mo, the two turned away awkwardly, avoiding his gaze.

"Chen has arrived."

Rustle—

Someone called out, and everyone stood up, all eyes turning towards them.

"It seems Mr. Chen has recovered well?" Huo Wuya approached and greeted, "Yesterday, your sudden fainting worried everyone. I had intended to visit you..."

At this, Huo Wuya glanced behind him, cautiously asking: "Has Her Majesty the Consort not come with you?"

Chen Mo shook his head, "The Empress had urgent matters and has already left."

"Left?"

Huo Wuya breathed a sigh of relief.

Although there wasn’t any fundamental conflict between them, a female demon known for being slaughterous and immensely powerful wandering around the Sect was somewhat nerve-wracking.

At this moment, Chen Mo furrowed his brows, puzzled: "I heard someone calling me ’Chen’, what does that mean?"

"I asked Mr. Chen to come to explain this." Huo Wuya clapped his hands, "Bring the item forward."

A steward hurried forward, carrying a tray adorned with red silk and presenting a token made of black jade, engraved on the front with a bold, artistic "Martial" character.

"I took the liberty of inviting Mr. Chen to become a Guest Elder Tributor, equal to Elder Ling Xiao. You can enter and exit the mountain gate freely, with access unrestricted, including the cultivation techniques in the Book Collection Pavilion." Huo Wuya spoke earnestly.

"This..."

Chen Mo furrowed his brows tighter.

Huo Wuya seemed to anticipate his thoughts and continued: "Mr. Chen, don’t rush to decline. I know, being an Imperial Official, you don’t wish to have too much involvement with Jianghu Sects. But you’ve already obtained the ancestor’s legacy, an unchangeable fact."

"Moreover, Guest Elder Tributor doesn’t make you a member of our Sect. You will merely hold a nominal title, so when higher-ups inquire, Mr. Chen can easily explain."

Hearing this, Chen Mo pondered.

What he said indeed made sense. Not to mention how much he benefited in recent days, having Shen Zhixia meant he couldn’t completely sever ties with Martial Saint Mountain.

On reflection, a nominal Guest Elder is indeed the best choice.

It neither harms the feelings nor keeps a proper distance, and when the court eventually seeks to conscript the Holy Sect, he could mediate, minimizing losses.

"Then I thank the Sect Master for such high regard." Chen Mo considered the implications and easily accepted, taking the token and placing it in his pocket.

Huo Wuya nodded repeatedly, delighted: "Good, very good!"

All the elders present also displayed joyous expressions.

As the sole living direct disciple of the ancestor, merely a teaching session had greatly benefited them. With this relationship, seeking guidance in the future became more convenient.

"Ahem."

At this moment, Ji Hongxiu cleared her throat and spoke: "Since we’re talking about the Tributor, Mr. Chen learned quite a bit of Daoist Skill with me before. How about I stir things up too?"

With these words, the atmosphere immediately quieted.

Ji Hongxiu looked at Chen Mo, her expression complex, "Mr. Chen, would you be willing..."

"I am willing." Chen Mo responded without hesitation.

?

Ji Hongxiu was momentarily confused, her nose slightly wrinkled, playfully said: "I haven’t said what I’m asking you to do yet. If I were to ask you to sweep Fuyun Mountain, would you do it?"

"I’ll do it." Chen Mo nodded, "As long as the Daoist Venerable asks, I would do anything."

Ji Hongxiu’s eyelashes fluttered, a hint of joy glinted in her eyes, but she still pretended to be composed: "Mr. Chen, don’t joke around. I want to invite you to be the Guest Elder of Tianshu Pavilion, enjoying First-Class Tributor, as gratitude for saving Qingxuan multiple times previously."

After yesterday’s events, she began seriously contemplating the three’s relationships.

Though influenced by distractions at the time, Ling Ningzhi’s cultivation level shouldn’t lead to a total loss of self-control...

It was just an excuse.

Even under such circumstances, he still considered her.

The disciple had already taken the first step forward; as the master, how could she endlessly evade?

Despite inner turmoil and immense shame, she stayed, fearing that if she left, she would never have the courage to face Chen Mo again.

"Regardless, a seemingly reasonable status must be arranged for him, facilitating future contact, and preventing unfounded rumors."

"As for what lies ahead, it’s up to fate."

Ji Hongxiu sighed inwardly.

Huo Wuya was slightly surprised, but not entirely unexpected.

Chen Mo was a natural talent of Daoist Martial Dual Cultivation, deeply connected with Ling Ningzhi, which made sense for the Daoist Venerable to decide thus.

The relationship between Martial Saint Mountain and Tianshu Pavilion would grow closer, something he was pleased to see.

"It seems today is indeed double happiness. Mr. Chen will have to interact with us more frequently from now on."

Huo Wuya smiled fondly, sitting beside Chen Mo, taking his arm, "Besides that, there’s an urgent matter to discuss with you..."

Chen Mo raised an eyebrow, "Sect Master, just say it."

Huo Wuya’s smile faded, he spoke solemnly: "News from Qing Province indicates that an anomaly has changed, the Secret Realm is likely to open soon!"