Flower Stealing Master

Chapter 594: Alliance and Falling Out

Zhao Min couldn’t help but feel astonished. After all, Ren Yingying had been dead set on fighting and killing just the day before. Yet, in the span of a single night, she had transformed into a bashful young bride, quietly standing to the side, tacitly agreeing with Song Qingshu’s words. Such a drastic change was simply too shocking.

Suddenly, Zhao Min’s face flushed. Her imagination ran wild, and a peculiar thought surfaced in her mind: ‘Could it be that surnamed Song is especially skilled in certain… areas?’ As soon as the idea emerged, Zhao Min’s cheeks grew hot. She scolded herself inwardly, wondering what nonsense she was even thinking.

“This is good, this is good,” Ren Woxing said cheerfully, clearly pleased to hear that his daughter was finally willing to accept this marriage. He grinned and added, “Yingying, your father has matters to discuss with Qingshu. You can take these two young ladies for a stroll around Blackwood Cliff and get to know them better.”

Although Ren Woxing didn’t explicitly state it, he didn’t want any outsiders hearing about certain confidential matters.

Ren Yingying understood her father’s intentions. Though she was reluctant to associate with Song Qingshu’s women, she still approached Zhao Min and Li Mochou.

Li Mochou had no particular interest in the alliance between the Golden Serpent Camp and the Sun Moon Holy Cult, so she was happy to explore the famous Blackwood Cliff with Ren Yingying.

As for Zhao Min, she was curious about what Song Qingshu and Ren Woxing would discuss. However, she knew that given her status, Song Qingshu wouldn’t allow her to stay and listen. Moreover, she was more intrigued by how Song Qingshu had managed to win over Ren Yingying, the proud Saintess. After a brief moment of hesitation, she followed Ren Yingying with growing interest.

Watching his daughter’s retreating figure, Ren Woxing couldn’t help but sigh, “The younger generation truly surpasses the old. My daughter has always been spoiled and fixated on that brat Linghu Chong, yet she was won over by you in just one night.” There was a faint hint of jealousy in his tone. After all, any father would feel uneasy seeing his beloved daughter so easily swept away by another man.

Song Qingshu smiled awkwardly, choosing not to respond. He knew that anything he said at this moment would be inappropriate. Sure enough, before long, Ren Woxing’s expression turned sharp, shedding his fatherly demeanor and revealing the imposing leader of the Sun Moon Holy Cult.

The two quickly delved into discussions about the alliance between the Golden Serpent Camp and the Sun Moon Holy Cult. From strategic plans to intricate details, everything was thoroughly discussed. Time passed swiftly.
After several hours, though many specifics remained unresolved, the two had reached a general consensus. At this point, Ren Woxing’s expression grew hesitant. Tentatively, he asked, “My dear son-in-law, when you and Dongfang Bubai fell off that cliff together, you survived unscathed. Does that mean Dongfang Bubai is also… still alive?”

Dongfang Bubai had always been a thorn in Ren Woxing’s side. Upon learning that Song Qingshu was alive, Ren Woxing couldn’t help but suspect that Dongfang Bubai might still be alive as well. The thought gnawed at him, prompting his current strategy of using his daughter to win over Song Qingshu.

After all, Song Qingshu had once fought alongside Dongfang Bubai. With Song’s current martial prowess, if he continued to ally with Dongfang Bubai, Ren Woxing knew he would stand no chance. Thus, offering his daughter as leverage was a calculated move. In his mind, any alliance between Song Qingshu and Dongfang Bubai was purely one of convenience. Whatever Dongfang Bubai could offer, Ren Woxing, as the current leader, could provide just as well—if not more, considering the addition of a beautiful daughter. Surely, Song Qingshu wouldn’t choose Dongfang Bubai over him.

Song Qingshu smiled faintly. “That depends on whether Father-in-law wishes for Dongfang Bubai to still be alive.”

Ren Woxing’s eyes narrowed, sensing a deeper meaning behind the words. After a long pause, he laughed heartily. “That scoundrel fell off a cliff—he’s naturally dead.”

Song Qingshu nodded, as if pronouncing a verdict. “Then, he is naturally dead.”

Ren Woxing wore a satisfied expression. “You truly understand me, my dear son-in-law. Hahaha…”

Though Song Qingshu maintained his usual gentle smile, his thoughts ran deeper: ‘I didn’t lie to you. Dongfang Bubai is indeed dead. The one alive now is Dongfang Muxue.’

Of course, Song Qingshu wouldn’t be foolish enough to reveal his relationship with Dongfang Muxue to Ren Woxing. He had his reasons for caution—Dongfang Muxue was far too enigmatic.

His relationship with Dongfang Muxue was delicate. They weren’t enemies, nor were they merely friends. Yet, they were far from being lovers.

Even if they were lovers, Song Qingshu wouldn’t completely trust her. Dongfang Muxue was different from Ah Jiu or Xia Qingqing. She had once been the formidable leader of the Sun Moon Holy Cult, renowned as the number one martial artist in the unorthodox factions. She had her own ambitions and pursuits, and Song Qingshu doubted she would ever settle for being a mere consort in someone’s harem. Thus, he couldn’t help but maintain a certain level of vigilance toward her.

For now, their goals aligned, allowing for a cooperative “honeymoon” period. But who knew when their interests might conflict? When that time came, a split would be inevitable.

To avoid putting all his eggs in one basket, Song Qingshu planned to secure control of the Sun Moon Holy Cult through his marriage to Ren Yingying. That way, even if Dongfang Muxue returned, she would have lost her foundation within the sect and lack the means to oppose him, forcing her to align herself with him.

As Song Qingshu was deep in thought, Ren Woxing spoke again. “Thanks to you, my dear son-in-law, one of the three great threats in my heart has now been resolved.”  ᚱ

“Hmm?” Song Qingshu’s expression shifted, revealing his interest. “I wonder what the other two major threats are?”

“One, of course, is the Five Sacred Mountain Sword Sect. Over the years, the Sun Moon Holy Cult and the Five Sacred Mountain Sword Sect have clashed endlessly, fostering a deep-seated grudge that is irreconcilable. Previously, the Five Sacred Mountain Sword Sect was disorganized and not a significant threat. However, a few years ago, Zuo Lengchan of the Mount Song Sect emerged, and under his leadership, the Five Sacred Mountain Sword Sect’s influence has grown, gradually posing a threat to the Cult,” Ren Woxing snorted. “Still, Zuo Lengchan’s character is lowly, and there are many within the sect who refuse to submit to him. Thus, he cannot be considered a critical danger. The one giving me a headache is someone else entirely…”

Song Qingshu immediately understood and chuckled, “Is the one troubling you Zhang Wuji of the Ming Cult?”

“Exactly!” Ren Woxing gave a wry smile. “Last time, to reclaim my position as the leader, I had to ally with Zhang Wuji and rely on his strength to defeat Dongfang Bubai. But who would’ve thought that driving away a wolf at the front door would invite a tiger through the back? Zhang Wuji harbors malicious intent and actually tried to take the opportunity to annex the Sun Moon Holy Cult. Although the Cult originated from the Ming Cult two centuries ago, we have long since parted ways. Yet, he exploits this history, claiming authority as a sect master, and has won over a group of elders, hall leaders, and incense masters within the Cult who are unaware of the truth. Since I had only just regained my position as leader, my foundation wasn’t solid enough to stop him.”

Ren Woxing’s expression turned uneasy, partly because he had previously collaborated with Zhang Wuji to attack Song Qingshu and Dongfang Bubai, and partly due to his current state of powerlessness as a leader. He was concerned Song Qingshu might ridicule him.

If his alliance weren’t with Song Qingshu, Ren Woxing wouldn’t have admitted such weaknesses. But Zhang Wuji’s enmity with Song Qingshu was widely known in the martial world, making them mutual enemies. Hence, there was no need to hide anything.

“Why trouble yourself, Father-in-law? Just dismiss those disloyal elders and hall leaders,” Song Qingshu suggested with a gleam in his eye. This seemed like a perfect opportunity to intervene in the Sun Moon Holy Cult’s affairs. If he could gain control over more than half of the Cult’s ten elders, hall leaders, and incense masters, he would effectively hold power over the Cult.

“Easier said than done,” Ren Woxing sighed bitterly. “The elders, hall leaders, and incense masters in the Cult have longstanding reputations and achievements. I can’t simply replace them at will. More importantly, they are backed by Zhang Wuji. If I take action against them, it might force Zhang Wuji to act recklessly and openly break ties with me, leading to an internal conflict. Regardless of who wins or loses, the Cult would suffer devastating losses.”

“It all boils down to Zhang Wuji,” Song Qingshu said, his eyes glinting sharply. He continued in a firm tone, “Leave Zhang Wuji to me, Father-in-law. You focus on purging those disloyal elements within the Cult. I will also send experts to assist, ensuring we eliminate Zhang Wuji’s influence in the Cult as quickly as possible.”

Zhang Wuji had recently been forced to flee after Song Qingshu injured him, leaving him reliant on the Cosmic Absorption Technique to expel the innate sword Qi within his body. It was unlikely he could recover his martial arts in the short term. Song Qingshu would be a fool not to seize this opportunity.

Ren Woxing’s eyes sparkled. Though unaware of Zhang Wuji’s current condition, Song Qingshu’s assurance reassured him greatly. Given Song Qingshu’s growing reputation and martial prowess, which now rivaled Zhang Wuji’s, Ren Woxing felt confident in his capabilities.

As for Song Qingshu’s proposal to send reinforcements, Ren Woxing immediately saw through his ulterior motive. However, he didn’t mind. First, Song Qingshu’s assistance deserved some reciprocal benefits. Second, unlike Zhang Wuji, who was an outsider, Song Qingshu was his son-in-law. Even if Song Qingshu gained influence within the Cult, it would still be a case of “keeping the benefits within the family.”

An hour later, when the cleansing plan was nearly finalized, Song Qingshu spoke up, “I have an impolite request, and I hope Father-in-law can grant it.”

Ren Woxing, feeling a newfound sense of relief with Song Qingshu’s help resolving his internal and external troubles, was in high spirits. Laughing heartily, he replied, “There’s no need to be so formal between us as father-in-law and son-in-law. Just say it.”

“I would like an antidote for the Three Corpse Brain Holy Pill.”

Ren Woxing’s pupils constricted sharply, and a powerful aura erupted from his body upon hearing Song Qingshu’s request.

The Three Corpse Brain Holy Pill was a method Sun Moon Holy Cult leaders used to control their subordinates. It was even more symbolic of their authority than the Blackwood Order. It could be said that whoever possessed the antidote to the Three Corpse Brain Holy Pill essentially controlled the Sun Moon Holy Cult.

Ren Woxing could tolerate Song Qingshu placing his confidants within the Cult, but he would never allow him to touch the sacred and forbidden authority of the Three Corpse Brain Holy Pill.

Another chapter because I had some free time. This is 8/16 chapters sponsored by Sixth.

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