"I t him, naturally."
Reflecting on the brief eting earlier today, the other party’s eloquence, bearing, and cultivation level—even the well-traveled Moyun Cave Lord had to admit his admiration privately.
"Though rely a rogue cultivator, Demon King Qingyang’s presence is no less commanding than that of a regional overlord. He is on par with Daoist Huangfu, if not more impressive!"
This remark was spoken with genuine sincerity.
However, falling upon Huangfu Song’s ears, it sounded utterly grating.
"My Huangfu Clan is the descendant of the royal bloodline of the most illustrious dynasty in North Sea’s history! A re rogue cultivator, despite the so-called title of ’Demon King,’ dares to compare himself to ?"
"Oh?"
Moyun Cave Lord glanced at him with a faint smile and spoke slowly:
"If he does not rit your regard, then why bother praising his abilities so elaborately before ?"
"Could it be, Daoist Huangfu, that you are deliberately sowing discord? Hmm?"
The drawn-out "Hmm" at the end turned the light humor into sothing subtly nacing.
Huangfu Song’s expression shifted slightly.
This master, who had gained fa among the independent cultivators of the Ten Thousand Immortals Gathering through tool casting, had not displayed such verbal finesse in the past. But now, here they were, locked in a ticulous battle of words.
Just what had transpired in that brief half-day eting in Penghu between him and Demon King Qingyang?
Unbeknownst to Huangfu Song, individuals like Moyun Cave Lord—who had clawed their way up from the ranks of rogue cultivators using sheer skill—were not incapable of verbal sparring; they simply considered it tireso once they reached a certain level of mastery.
Yet it seed Moyun Cave Lord, after so reflection on the return journey, had realized Huangfu Song might have been trying to use him as a pawn.
To kill with a borrowed blade?
Under Moyun Cave Lord’s penetrating gaze, Huangfu Song reluctantly defended himself: "My intentions are honorable! Daoist, you have truly misunderstood ."
"Heh."
Moyun Cave Lord responded with a faint chuckle, while Huangfu Song hurried to salvage the situation.
"It’s just that I’ve heard of this man’s knack for manipulating public opinion. First, there’s suspicion of exaggerating his titles and reputation. Then, within a few short years, he managed to establish himself as the Tool Casting Master Qingyang Zi."
"If he manages to cent his position, the honorary title of the foremost tool casting crafter at the Ten Thousand Immortals Gathering will surely be usurped by him."
"Of course, for soone like the Cave Lord, such trivial renown matters little. But for cultivators like us, reputation is a golden seal—it touches upon nurous interests and profoundly affects our journey on the Great Dao Path."
"That’s precisely why I’ve repeatedly cautioned you, Daoist, to prevent this man’s unchecked rise."
The more he spoke, the smoother his rhetoric beca.
Even Huangfu Song himself started to believe what he was saying.
Moyun Cave Lord’s smile faded as he studied the man before him—a figure clad in regal purple robes.
Although Huangfu Song appeared calm and composed, there was little indication of deceit.
Still, Moyun Cave Lord understood well that cultivators of their age rarely failed to control their expressions and deanor unless confronted with a life-altering event. He was not so naive as to fully trust Huangfu Song’s words.
After a long silence.
"Let’s leave it at that for now!"
With that, he started walking deeper into the swirling mists.
Unwilling to concede, Huangfu Song hurried to follow behind.
"Daoist, are you truly unafraid that Demon King Qingyang’s rising influence might affect your tool-crafting business at the Ten Thousand Immortals Gathering? Let’s not forget that dozens of cultivators in your Moyun Cave rely on you for survival. Even if you personally aren’t concerned, what about those individuals?"
Moyun Cave Lord raised his right hand, cutting off Huangfu Song’s words.
"You are overthinking. I rely had a brief exchange with Qingyang Zi about tool-crafting insights. Though his foundation is solid, his knowledge is embarrassingly eclectic and lacks any defining style. How can soone without his own hallmark even begin to call himself a master?"
"If he is not a master, how could he possibly threaten my standing at the Ten Thousand Immortals Gathering?"
"But what if he is rely hiding his true abilities?"
"Heh, words spoken with the lips may deceive, but the creations birthed by his hands cannot escape my discerning eyes."
Moyun Cave Lord’s confidence shone through, infused with an air of dominance.
"The most renowned magic tool Qingyang Zi has produced so far is a re Ascendant Grade Nine Yang Energy Shield. After extensive simulations, I’ve realized that this treasure is no more than a variation of the Second Order Array, the Nine Turns Fla Dragon Array."
"This person is quite skilled in arrays, reverse-engineering this pinnacle attack formation into a defensive magic tool."
"Though ingenious, it ultimately loses the essence of true formation principles."
"With his current level of mastery in tool casting, he will pose no threat to for at least another century."
"Daoist Huangfu, you are unduly apprehensive."
Huangfu Song opened his mouth to speak but found himself montarily at a loss.
Or perhaps, as soone unfamiliar with the Path of Tool Casting, he simply had no idea how to respond.
Just then, Moyun Cave Lord halted, turning his head to look at him.
"I’ve heard that over the years, you’ve been tirelessly rallying the remnants of the Great Zhou Dynasty, hoping to restore its forr glory. Presumably, you have gathered quite a sizable force under your command and are in urgent need of a large spiritual vein land to support their cultivation, correct?"
Huangfu Song’s heart sank slightly, his lips tightening involuntarily.
Moyun Cave Lord caught this subtle change in his expression.
Shaking his head, he let out a sigh.
"The model of a royal dynasty is ill-suited for us cultivators. The Great Zhou persisted in the past only because of Yuan Mo Sect’s support. But its success was also its downfall—what Yuan Mo Sect can create with a snap of their fingers, others can easily destroy."
"In my humble opinion, Daoist Huangfu, instead of fixating on such trivial matters, you should focus entirely on your cultivation."
"With your talents, the Great Zhou legacy, and the backing of Daoist Zi Hou, you may hold greater promise for achieving the Nascent Soul Dao than most of us."
With that, he clasped his hands in salute.
"I’ve said all there is to say. Daoist, please refrain from visiting Moyun Cave anyti soon. I’ve accepted an order from an old acquaintance, and I won’t be free for the ti being."
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