The Sword God of the Universe

Chapter 2227: Chapter 2227: Ao Hong Is Stunned

As soon as he stepped out of the hall, Jing Yan saw two people standing ahead; one with a long beard, the other with a dark face, looking somewhat younger. Behind them, Inspector Ao Hong was leading a group of people.

“Haha, Elder Kuo Lian, Elder Yu Hui, it’s an honor to have you visit; please forgive my lackluster welcome!” Yuantong Immortal Venerable smiled as he greeted the two.

“Yuantong Immortal Venerable, you are too kind. We came uninvited, so please don’t take offense.” Elder Kuo Lian said with a smile.

The two elders from the Mystic Moon Trading House were equally courteous towards Yuantong Immortal Venerable.

Yuantong Immortal Venerable, as the ruler of a region, was not an Immortal Venerable acting independently. Strictly speaking, Yuantong Immortal Venerable could be considered part of Faro Heaven Heavenly Lord’s circle. However, the relationship between Yuantong Immortal Venerable and Faro Heaven Heavenly Lord was more of a partnership than that of master and subordinate.

In fact, the relationship between Yuantong Immortal Venerable and the Shen Zhou Heavenly Monarchs was also not purely one of master and subordinate. Each Shen Zhou Heavenly Monarch governed a region, enjoying substantial autonomy. Yuantong Immortal Venerable generally did not interfere in the areas governed by the Shen Zhou Heavenly Monarchs.

Moreover, the Shen Zhou Heavenly Monarchs are only at the Immortal Rhythm Level, while Yuantong Immortal Venerable is an Immortal Venerate. Faro Heaven’s Heavenly Lord is also not an Immortal Emperor, but is of the Immortal Venerate Realm.

Of course, as a Heavenly Lord of the Heavenly Domain, Faro Heaven Heavenly Lord’s strength is certainly at the pinnacle among Immortal Rhythm Cultivators. There is no shortage of cultivators eyeing the position of Heavenly Lord; maintaining the position without immense power is clearly impossible.

Because Yuantong Immortal Venerable was not acting independently, he could control the Yellow Spring Cave within his region. Otherwise, forces like the Mystic Moon Trading House would likely harbor thoughts of seizing the Yellow Spring Cave. Whenever the cave opened, they might vie for a few measly slots, but how could that compare to the pleasure of possession?

The relationships are intricately intertwined, and various forces keep pulling at each other, maintaining a relatively stable balance. Breaking the balance could lead to outright conflict, which is harmful to everyone. Even a force like Mystic Moon Trading House, at the Immortal Domain Level, cannot act entirely as it pleases.

“Two elders from Mystic Moon Trading House are here.”

“Yes, they are Elder Kuo Lian and Elder Yu Hui. Elder Kuo Lian’s strength is unfathomable, and Elder Yu Hui is one of the most prestigious elders in the Mystic Moon Trading House.”

“If these two elders were to act, Yuantong Immortal Venerable might not be able to stop them.”

“Yuantong Immortal Venerate wouldn’t truly fall out with Mystic Moon Trading House, would he?”

“…”

In some distant areas, many eyes were fixed on the area in front of Yuantong Immortal Venerable’s residence. They were speculating whether these two elders from Mystic Moon Trading House might target Jing Yan, and wondering whether Jing Yan could withstand them.

“Elder, that person is Jing Yan. He killed Lu Chun in the Yellow Spring Cave and seized half of Lu Chun’s ore veins.” Inspector Ao Hong stepped forward, speaking in a low voice to Elder Kuo Lian.

He extended his hand, pointing a finger at Jing Yan standing beside Yuantong Immortal Venerable.

Elder Kuo Lian spoke, “Yuantong Immortal Venerable, we came this time partly to see you, my old friend, and secondly to meet Fellow Daoist Jing Yan.”

Fellow Daoist Jing Yan?

Inspector Ao Hong was slightly taken aback.

What did this mean? Addressing Jing Yan as Fellow Daoist Jing Yan? Elder Kuo Lian actually addressed Jing Yan this way?

This was clearly not right!

Inspector Ao Hong frowned, glancing back at the group behind him, each looking equally bewildered.

Those surprised weren’t just Ao Hong and his people. Even Yuantong Immortal Venerable and Jing Yan himself were taken aback upon hearing Elder Kuo Lian’s words.

“Aren’t these elders from the Mystic Moon Trading House here to settle scores with me? Why are they being so polite? Or is it that they’re planning to offer terms first and if I refuse, they’ll take action against me?” Jing Yan’s mind raced with thoughts.

“Two elders, this here is my young friend Jing Yan. Jing Yan, let me introduce you; this is Elder Kuo Lian of Mystic Moon Trading House, and this is Elder Yu Hui.” Yuantong Immortal Venerable, after a slight pause, introduced both parties.

“Haha, in the Law diagram I saw Fellow Daoist Jing Yan’s youth; seeing him now, he appears even younger than imagined. To possess the strength to defeat the Black River at such a young age is truly unimaginable.” Elder Yu Hui said with a smile, looking at Jing Yan.

“Elder Yu Hui praises too much, I was merely fortunate.” Jing Yan was unsure of the elders’ intentions, so he decided to respond calmly for now.

“Fellow Daoist Jing Yan is truly modest!” Elder Kuo Lian remarked.

Jing Yan smiled and asked, “The two elders said they wished to see me; is there something on your mind?”

Jing Yan’s question was probing the intentions of the two elders from the Mystic Moon Trading House.

“No major matter. We mainly came to express our apologies to Fellow Daoist Jing Yan. Earlier, there was a misunderstanding between Ao Hong and Fellow Daoist Jing Yan. When Ao Hong relayed this matter to me, I was unable to rest easy. That’s why Elder Yu Hui and I came specially to apologize on behalf of Mystic Moon Trading House, hoping Fellow Daoist Jing Yan would forgive Ao Hong’s previous indiscretions.” Elder Kuo Lian spoke very politely.

Though expressing an apology, it was not servile in tone. Yet, the words were so pleasantly spoken, deeply conveying Kuo Lian’s sincere attitude while maintaining the dignity of Mystic Moon Trading House.

When Elder Kuo Lian uttered these words, everyone present was somewhat stunned.

Initially, it was still plausible that the two elders from Mystic Moon Trading House would adopt a strategy of diplomacy followed by force, but after Kuo Lian’s words, that seemed unlikely. Because, if the two truly intended to act against Jing Yan, there would be no need to apologize.

“Elder, this…” Ao Hong widened his eyes in disbelief; he’d hoped the elder would make a move to kill Jing Yan, yet unexpectedly, they came to apologize instead.

“Ao Hong, aren’t you going to apologize to Fellow Daoist Jing Yan?” Elder Kuo Lian interrupted Ao Hong’s words, ordering in a low tone.

Inspector Ao Hong’s face flushed red; apologizing to Jing Yan? In his heart, he wished to flay Jing Yan alive, yet he was to apologize? Due to Jing Yan, his area of Mystic Moon Trading House had suffered terribly this time.

Ao Hong stared dumbfoundedly at Elder Kuo Lian.

“Ao Hong, are you deaf? Didn’t you hear Elder Kuo Lian’s words?” Elder Yu Hui rebuked Ao Hong: “Hmm, if you can’t gain the forgiveness of Fellow Daoist Jing Yan, not only will he not tolerate you, but neither will Mystic Moon Trading House!”