Martial Dao: Peace by Force

Chapter 250: Chapter 169: I Know... You Are a Qi Refiner

According to Sun Beixi’s description, Wan Ze had acted twice. His Martial Dao Cultivation was extremely high, and his methods were ruthless, belying his age.

He had thought Wan Ze would be at least thirty, or perhaps even older. After all, the path of the Martial Dao required years of dedication to reach great heights.

But the young man before him looked even younger than his own nephew.

However, Feng Jiuchen showed no signs of displeasure or contempt.

He had seen too much of the world and knew that some people simply couldn’t be judged by common sense. A gentle smile appeared on his face as he clasped his hands, bowed slightly, and performed a rather formal, traditional salute. ”Feng Jiuchen. It’s an honor to meet you, Fellow Daoist Wan.”

The salute was executed perfectly.

Wan Ze was slightly taken aback but quickly returned the gesture. ”A pleasure.”

’Something about this feels strange,’ he thought.

Perhaps it was because Feng Jiuchen had spent too much time in this world. His speech and actions carried an archaic air, completely out of sync with the current era.

In fact, Feng Jiuchen was also subtly observing Wan Ze’s reaction.

He couldn’t be sure of the origins of Wan Ze’s Sect, his lineage, or his seniority, so he deliberately acted in accordance with ”the rules.”

After all, one can’t be faulted for being too polite. It was always best to start with the right attitude.

With a light gesture, he invited Wan Ze to take a seat.

The stone table was bare. There was no tea, nor any other amenities for a guest.

Wan Ze glanced at the tabletop but said nothing.

Feng Jiuchen didn’t offer an explanation, either.

He could have, of course, prepared tea in advance, or even a full, respectable tea set, to display his thoughtfulness and hospitality as a host.

But he knew all too well that even if he had prepared tea, Wan Ze would never drink it.

From the moment the young man had stepped into the pavilion, he had been discreetly observing his surroundings, his gaze sweeping over the pillars, the area outside, and even every single stone slab on the ground.

A person like that would never touch anything in an unfamiliar environment.

And Feng Jiuchen himself would never eat or drink anything in front of a stranger he was meeting for the first time.

They were... both equally cautious people.

”Regarding the Holy Fire Order... I thank you, Fellow Daoist Wan.” Feng Jiuchen was the first to speak, his tone sincere.

Wan Ze shook his head. ”There’s no need to thank me. Someone else had already gotten to the Holy Fire Order first. Saving Sun Beixi was just something I did along the way.”

”You can’t put it that way.” Feng Jiuchen waved his hand and said with a smile, ”Whether it was convenient or intentional, the result is that you saved him. That’s a fact. I, Feng Jiuchen, am not one to be ungrateful.”

He paused, leaned forward slightly, and lowered his voice. ”I won’t beat around the bush with you, Fellow Daoist Wan. I am from the Tongchen Pavilion. May I ask which Sect you hail from?”

The question was very direct.

In the Huangliang Realm, one’s Sect and lineage were the Core identity markers for a Qi Refiner.

Just like asking ”Where are you from?” or ”What do you do for a living?” in the real world, it was the most basic entry point to understanding someone.

But at the same time, it was also a rather sensitive question.

Because your Sect determined who stood behind you.

Wan Ze looked at him, silent for a few seconds, before slowly speaking. ”No Sect, no affiliation. I’m just a Loose Cultivator.”

”...”

The air itself seemed to freeze for a moment.

Feng Jiuchen froze, the smile stiff on his face. He blinked, as if he suspected he had misheard, or perhaps thought Wan Ze was joking with him.

”Fellow Daoist Wan... Are you quite sure you’re not joking?”

”There’s no need to lie to you.” Wan Ze met his gaze calmly, his eyes tranquil. ”I also entered this place by a stroke of luck.”

Feng Jiuchen was silent for a long while.

He stared at Wan Ze for some time, trying to find any trace of a facade in his expression.

But Wan Ze simply sat there, open and honest, meeting his gaze without flinching, his eyes clear and pure.

’For me,’ Wan Ze reflected, ’my only tie to this world is Stealing Celestial Secret.’

’But if I can’t Steal the Celestial Secret... will I ever have a chance to enter this realm again?’

Besides the Female Sword Immortal, he had now met Feng Jiuchen, a living person who could truly travel between the two realms. Naturally, he wanted to obtain some key information.

Besides, even if he did put on a disguise, he would definitely be exposed. Feng Jiuchen’s demeanor clearly showed that he had been navigating this world for a long time. He had probably seen more Qi Refiners than Wan Ze had seen living people. The man was an expert on the mannerisms of every Sect and the customs of every lineage.

Rather than put on an act and be seen through, it was better to be honest from the start.

Feng Jiuchen was clearly stunned by Wan Ze’s words. He was dazed for a good while before finally speaking slowly, his tone laced with a complex mix of emotions. ”I don’t know whether to call you fortunate or unfortunate, Fellow Daoist Wan...”

Wan Ze looked at him, seemingly understanding the deeper meaning behind his words, and smiled calmly. ”Fortune and misfortune are intertwined. It is up to man.”

Feng Jiuchen clearly paused, his gaze lingering on Wan Ze’s face for a few seconds.

There was no self-mockery in that smile, no bitterness, not even a forced sense of nonchalance.

Just the simple conviction of those four words: ”It is up to man.”

It was as if, for him, having a Sect or a lineage had never been an issue.

Feng Jiuchen nodded slowly, a new solemnity in his gaze. ”I think I understand why Beixi holds you in such high regard. That boy has always had a sharp eye for people, and he’s rarely been impressed by anyone. After meeting you today, Fellow Daoist Wan, I finally see why.”

He paused, choosing his words carefully. ”Since you are a Loose Cultivator, Fellow Daoist Wan, does that mean you don’t know much about this place?”

”I’ve been here for a while...” Wan Ze replied, measuring his words, ”but this is the first time I’ve met a Cultivator like you, Fellow Daoist Feng.”

’As for the Female Sword Immortal... her existence is too unique. She doesn’t seem like an ordinary Cultivator.’