Cultivation is just so scientific! Chapter 1369 - 731: Returning to the Sect

"Sword Elder, I was seized by a Great Cultivator from the Yuqing Sect. Fortunately, a friend came to my rescue, allowing me to return safely!" Li Yuanba answered truthfully, hiding nothing from the elder.

"A Great Cultivator of the Yuqing Sect?" The Sword Elder was momentarily stunned by the revelation before his expression shifted into one of pure rage.

Right in front of Li Yuanba, he produced a sophisticated communication token and surged his Qi into it.

"Luo Yuan, do you have a death wish, daring to lay a finger on my people!" he roared the moment the connection was established.

Li Yuanba watched the Sword Elder in a state of bewilderment; he realized that anyone capable of provoking such a fierce reaction from the elder must be a figure of immense power.

He had now learned the name of this Yuqing Sect powerhouse, a secret he suspected was known to only a select few within the entire Cultivation World.

Luo Yuan, the Great Power of the Yuqing Sect, picked up the Sword Elder’s transmission. Initially, he had intended to engage in a civil conversation.

Beings of their level are rare in the Cultivation World, and most recognize one another. Though they might not be close companions, their bonds are of a unique nature.

Given the vast lifespan of a Great Power, the only individuals they can truly relate to over the centuries are fellow cultivators who share their same lofty realm.

Since very few people can hold an equal dialogue with someone of such status, these Great Powers occasionally communicate to settle matters within the Cultivation World.

"Third Elder Jian, what has gotten into you? When exactly did I interfere with your people?" On the other end, Great Power Luo Yuan was equally confused—no one enjoys being insulted without provocation.

Had he not been wary of the Sword Elder's formidable strength, and if he hadn't recently lost the 'Shenxiao Thunder Pearl'—which left him slightly diminished—he might have truly considered a duel.

Even with the 'Shenxiao Thunder Pearl' in his possession, he would have proceeded with caution; sword cultivators like the Sword Elder are notorious for being sword maniacs.

In the Cultivation World, 'sword maniac' is the title given to those obsessed with the Sword Dao. To refine their Sword Intent, these cultivators frequently seek out the most dangerous opponents for the sake of battle.

Even when battered and broken, a sword cultivator will return to the fight; as long as breath remains in their body, the conflict never ends.

Combined with the devastating offensive capabilities inherent to their path, it is no wonder they are feared as sword maniacs across the lands.

At this moment, Li Yuanba found himself wishing he were elsewhere. He wasn't sure if he was hearing the Sword Elder's real name or a private nickname, but he knew such information was far beyond his station.

"Luo Xiaowu, you dispatched a Great Cultivator to abduct a core Nascent Soul Middle Stage cultivator of the Jian Family right at the gates of Sword Intent Chongxiao Pavilion. If you don't provide a satisfactory explanation, I will bring my sword to your doorstep!" Refusing to be outdone after being addressed by his own title, the Sword Elder retaliated by using Luo Yuan’s childhood nickname.

Li Yuanba held his breath, terrified. While the Sword Elder might overlook his presence as a junior, he feared the consequences if Great Power Luo Yuan found out.

If the Yuqing Sect’s Great Power discovered a junior had overheard his embarrassing nickname, Li Yuanba worried he might be silenced forever.

"When did I ever send a Great Cultivator to cause trouble in your territory?" Despite his denial, Luo Yuan knew the Sword Elder was not one for idle lies.

He immediately began contacting his intelligence network to uncover the truth of the situation.

The Yuqing Sect’s intelligence department acted with great efficiency. They reported that Great Cultivator Duan Zhang had accepted a contract from the White Emperor Sect—a fact that was not kept secret. They provided an answer almost instantly.

Reading the report, Great Power Luo Yuan’s brow furrowed. The White Emperor Sect had paid handsomely for favors from the Yuqing Sect, and its own Great Power, Yiyi, had even spoken to him personally about the matter.

Because Sword Intent Chongxiao Pavilion had been acting aggressively on the West Yan Continent, many felt they had gone too far. If their sword cultivators were allowed to continue unchecked, the West Yan Continent would become the laughing stock of the Cultivation World.

Outsiders wouldn't blame the White Emperor Sect; they would simply say that the sword cultivators from Sword Intent Chongxiao Pavilion had bullied the local forces of the West Yan Continent.

Furthermore, the White Emperor Sect and Yuqing Sect shared the same continent and had many overlapping interests; it was only natural for them to assist one another when the price was right.

However, Great Power Luo Yuan had not expected his Great Cultivator to take a mission that involved capturing a core disciple right in front of the Sword Intent Chongxiao Pavilion.

Capturing him was one thing, but allowing the Sect to find out was a massive failure.

Just then, Luo Yuan received another update that caused his face to turn ashen.

"Third Elder Jian, I did not send Great Cultivator Duan Zhang; he took a mission from the White Emperor Sect on his own. Your grievance lies with them. Furthermore... did you kill Duan Zhang?" Luo Yuan spoke while struggling to contain his rising fury.

The message he had just received confirmed that Great Cultivator Duan Zhang’s Life Lamp had gone out.

Since it had been many years since a Great Cultivator of the Yuqing Sect had fallen, the guardians of the Life Lamps had checked the flame repeatedly. Only after verifying the lamp wasn't faulty did they dare report the death.

"Luo Xiaowu, that brat Duan Zhang wasn't worth my personal attention, but if you want to blame me, then go right ahead!" The Sword Elder was internally shocked to hear that Duan Zhang was dead. He stole a quick glance at Li Yuanba, deciding to take the responsibility for the kill himself.

The Sword Elder was genuinely astonished; he knew of Duan Zhang. While not the strongest among Great Cultivators, he was a Thunder Cultivator, making him a very dangerous opponent.

It seemed the "friend" Li Yuanba mentioned possessed enough power to actually slay someone as formidable as Great Cultivator Duan Zhang.