Longevity Begins From Raising Disciples

Got it...

This asshole is quite cunning indeed.

However, Chen Ye could understand the Mao Family. Strictly speaking, the Mao Family wasn’t considered a power of the Lingyin Sect, with only one disciple practicing there.

Therefore, such behavior couldn’t be called a betrayal of the Lingyin Sect.

Just like Chen Ye,

Chen Ye never considered himself part of the Lingyin Sect.

The knowledge he gained at Lingyin Sect was merely an equivalent exchange.

One might even say Lingyin owed him; not to mention the Bai Family once sent him to Songyang Cave Heaven to die.

Even the Life and Death Profound Light Classics gifted by the Fourth Elder... she gifted it because it was an ancient classic, with a great consumption of resources and extreme difficulty to cultivate. No disciples in Lingyin were cultivating it, so it wasn’t important.

Later, Chen Ye saved Zhang Chuxi’s life, repaying the favor.

A realization dawned on Chen Ye, who couldn’t help but praise:

”Building the visible path while secretly crossing the dark warehouse. Senior Mao’s Blinding Technique is truly brilliant.”

”No matter how many illusion arrays the old man sets up, this trump card of yours has been revealed.”

Mao Cheng sighed,

”Well then, since we’re speaking this frankly, if I hide anything more, it would be petty of the Mao Family. Little friend, you are now esteemed as the Inner Sect Peak Master of Lingyin Sect, holding a revered status. But setting aside this identity, you are also the master of that girl Qing Jun.”

When mentioning Qing Jun, a trace of tenderness flashed across Mao Cheng’s gaunt face,

”Just for Qing Jun’s sake, my Mao Family will give you every support, without a second thought! You’ve come in simple guise, specially seeking the old man to uncover this secret trade route... Do you wish to use my Mao Family’s line to infiltrate the Qi Kingdom in secret?”

”Precisely.”

Chen Ye set down the tea cup, showing a solemn expression,

”Frankly speaking, I need to visit the Celestial Abyss in Qi Kingdom. The frontline battle is tense now. If I enter Qi suddenly, it will likely alert Duqing Sect’s watchers, causing unnecessary trouble. Thus, I wish to use Mao Family’s trade route to conceal my tracks.”

Upon hearing ”Celestial Abyss,” a hint of awe flickered in Mao Cheng’s eyes.

Going to Celestial Abyss!

That place is not only dangerous but also within Qi Kingdom!

No wonder Chen Ye sought him out...

”Fair enough.”

Mao Cheng nodded decisively,

”Although Celestial Abyss is perilous, the road to Qi is such that our Mao Family’s caravan can traverse it with their eyes closed. Conveniently, tomorrow morning there is a batch of Magical Artifacts to be sent down the Cang River, under the guise of going out to sea from Black Cliff City and transported to Qi Kingdom. You four masters and disciples may endure slightly and mix into the caravan as a steward and guards.”

”Thank you for making it possible, Senior.”

Chen Ye cupped his hands in gratitude.

He secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Since the Mao Family can help, he didn’t need to go to the Xu Family anymore.

The Xu Family is a major family with a mixed bag of people, including Xu Buhui’s faction, which bears ill will towards him.

If he went, the news was bound to leak.

Moreover, Xu Henshan is still in seclusion, making him unable to assist.

Thus, it’s better to follow the Mao Family caravan into Qi.

...

The scene shifted.

Two days later, on the Cang River.

A large merchant ship is speeding eastward, following the swift currents.

A trade flag embroidered with the word ”Mao” flutters on the towering mast.

On the deck.

Chen Ye has donned a gray-black steward’s tight outfit, with a withdrawn aura, appearing as an ordinary First-Layer Foundation Establishment caravan steward.

In this journey,

Even the Mao Family caravan cultivators do not know Chen Ye’s identity, merely assuming he is a Foundation Establishment steward sent by the Mao Family.

His three disciples also changed into the caravan’s attendants and servant’s attire.

Zhiwei hugged Canchen, wrapped in layers of coarse cloth, leaning against the ship’s rail;

Jin’er quietly kept busy inside the merchant ship, truly looking like a servant.

As for Qing Jun,

The girl was sitting openly in the shade on the deck, holding a pile of snack boxes that Mao Qingzhu had stuffed for her before the trip.

Left hand holding a piece of pastry, right hand holding a Spirit Fruit, eating with juice dripping from her mouth, her two small legs swinging leisurely.

”Boss Steward, this Mao Family’s merchant ship is much more spacious and comfortable than your flying boat! And my aunt gave me so many delicious things!”

The little girl swallowed a mouthful of fruit flesh, mumbling indistinctly.

Luckily.

Though Chen Ye is traveling low-key, he boarded the ship as a Foundation Establishment steward; it’s normal for Qing Jun to be somewhat casual as his attendant.

”Eat your fill, eating still won’t shut your mouth.”

Chen Ye glared at the little glutton without any conscience, yet didn’t stop her.

He turned around, gazing over the vast Cang River, towards the horizon where water and sky met.

One must admit, the trade route managed by the Mao Family over many years indeed saved him a lot of hassle.

Along the way, Cang River and Changqing Counties have tense situations due to recent warfare.

But thanks to the Mao Family caravan’s disguise and the checkpoints arranged along the way, their journey was smooth.

After all, this route to Black Cliff City is entirely within Lingyin Sect’s territory, naturally free of trouble.

The real challenge will be upon entering Black Cliff City.

”According to the current speed of the water...”

Chen Ye looked at the confidential sea chart obtained from Mao Cheng, calculating silently,

”In the most, two more days, we can cross Changqing County’s defense line and reach Black Cliff City.”

The merchant ship moved with the current, the force of Cang River growing mightier.

Standing on the deck, looking out, the river was vast, nearly beyond sight of the opposite shore.

”Everyone, be fully alert! Open the Concealing Array to its maximum, and attach all the Breath-Concealing Talismans!”

At the bow, an experienced, elderly Mao Family steward was lowering his voice, scolding several new caravan guards sternly,