ATPnovel #378 - Your emperor is not worthy of my attention
#378 - Your emperor is not worthy of my attention
On Dragon Transformation Island, a majestic mountain range stretches from north to south like a giant dragon. Upon the mountain range, peaks rise one after another in various forms.
Green Peak is one of these many peaks.
Green Peak is the residence of Li Xueqing, an elder of the Dragon Transformation Sect.
A winding path slowly extends upwards from the foot of the mountain, leading all the way to the top of Green Peak.
At the summit, there is a spacious and flat training ground. Behind the training ground are several simply constructed rooms.
Judging solely from the simplicity of these rooms, it's hard to imagine that this is the residence of the Enforcement Elder, second only to the sect leader in the Dragon Transformation Sect.
Li Xueqing is naturally fond of tranquility and admires a simple life.
Therefore, she doesn't have a single servant by her side, and her residence is extremely ordinary. Moreover, she has always disliked having visitors to disturb her.
All of this is closely related to the toxic arts she cultivates.
Green Peak can be described as a forbidden area that few people in the sect dare to set foot in. Poisonous insects, poisonous herbs, poisonous flowers, and poisonous trees can be seen everywhere on the peak, covering the entire mountain.
Only at the foot of the mountain, a circle is formed with insect repellent to prevent poisonous insects from spreading indiscriminately.
These poisonous insects are extremely venomous. If one is accidentally bitten, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Of the few rooms in Li Xueqing's residence, only one is for her own living, one is for receiving visitors, and the remaining rooms are used for refining and creating Gu insects.
Below the rooms, there is also a deep underground chamber, where some Gu insects with extremely harsh requirements for their growth environment are raised.
It can be said that this place is filled with poison everywhere. Only the small path extending from the foot of the mountain to the top is safe.
This small path is a passage specifically left for disciples to come and report sect affairs.
If someone doesn't have enough understanding of toxicology, once they leave the range of this small path, they would probably be poisoned before they could walk ten zhang.
Every time the disciples came to Green Peak to report to Li Xueqing, they were always careful and apprehensive, fearing that they would accidentally step into the poisonous area.
At this moment, Li Xueqing was sitting cross-legged on a stone platform in the training ground. Her face was contorted, her eyes flickered with resentment, and she gnashed her teeth and cursed in a low voice:
Li Xueqing's voice echoed in this tranquil mountain, like the cry of a night owl, making people feel terrified.
Her words seemed to carry some kind of magic, causing a commotion among the poisonous insects.
Those poisonous insects hidden in the darkness, as if summoned by something, wriggled their bodies and made rustling sounds.
She was venting the anger in her heart to her heart's content.
Because in Hundred Flowers Hall, the sect leader once again refused to trust her for the sake of Liang Jin, which made the jealousy in her heart grow wildly like weeds.
Just then, a series of light and rapid footsteps came from the mountain path.
A disciple was seen running up the path in a hurry, his figure appearing somewhat flustered in the moonlight.
He came to Li Xueqing, knelt on one knee, and reported to Li Xueqing:
"Elder Li, according to the latest news, that Xiong Ba is actually able to get out of bed and is full of energy!"
"There are rumors in Hundred Flowers Hall that Xiong Ba's injuries have inexplicably healed. It's as if he was healed by some mysterious force, it's simply unbelievable."
"Now the sect leader is taking him to the seaside, preparing to resolve the grievances between him and the Divine Dragon."
Upon hearing this, a flash of anger suddenly appeared on Li Xueqing's face, and her originally contorted face now looked even more distorted.
But soon, the corners of her mouth slowly curled up, revealing a strange smile.
That smile was like a will-o'-the-wisp flickering in the night sky, filled with gloom and coldness.
She stared at the reporting disciple and asked meaningfully:
"I remember, you are the disciple from the Department of Expenditures who is responsible for purchasing goods outside the island, right?"
"You just returned to the island by boat yesterday and are responsible for reporting the purchasing situation to the Department of Expenditures."
The disciple was taken aback when he heard this, and then he replied:
"It's truly flattering for this disciple that Elder Li actually has an impression of me!"
"It's this disciple's great honor to receive the elder's attention."
Li Xueqing sneered, her laughter filled with disdain and ridicule:
"As a former Enforcement Elder, I have always strictly reviewed the situation of sect disciples entering and leaving the island."
"Even though I no longer hold the position of Enforcement Elder, the sect disciples still habitually hand over these materials to me for review. This is everyone's trust in me, and it is also the prestige I have established in the sect over the years."
"I wouldn't dare to say that I can remember the names of every disciple entering and leaving Dragon Transformation Island, but I basically remember the appearance and hall of every disciple."
"Especially here with me, even if there are disciples who come to report affairs, it shouldn't be the turn of a disciple who purchases goods outside the island to come and report."
The kneeling disciple hurriedly replied:
"This disciple wholeheartedly wants to join Elder Li's sect and work for Elder Li. My admiration for the elder is like a torrential river, endless."
"So, upon receiving the news, I immediately rushed over, hoping to share the elder's worries."
Li Xueqing snorted coldly, the coldness in her eyes even more intense:
"Stop pretending in front of me!"
"Speak, who exactly are you?"
In the next moment, a rustling sound rang out around them.
Many poisonous insects, as if receiving an order, crawled out of the forest one after another.
They were colorful and varied in shape, some as small as fingers, and some as thick as fists.
These poisonous insects quickly surrounded the disciple, their eyes flickering with a strange light, as if waiting for their master's order to launch a deadly attack on the disciple.
Seeing the surrounding situation, the disciple knew that he could no longer continue to disguise himself, so he slowly stood up.
His eyes were level with Li Xueqing's, and where was there any trace of the previous panic in his eyes?
He said:
"I just feel that it's not worth it for Elder Li."
"Elder Li has devoted herself to the Dragon Transformation Sect, even unto death, and has made countless contributions."
"Whether it's the daily affairs of the sect or the struggle against foreign enemies, the elder has always been at the forefront, paying too much for the development and stability of the sect."
"But a person of unknown origin is instead trusted by that Yu Linglong."
"That Yu Linglong is young and ignorant, and has no qualities of a great leader at all. She actually betrayed Elder Li's loyalty for the sake of that Xiong Ba."
"This is really chilling, and it makes many people like me who admire the elder feel injustice."
"Has Elder Li ever thought about whether your loyalty is ultimately misplaced? Perhaps, you should reconsider your future."
Li Xueqing listened quietly, her face without any fluctuation, like a cold statue.
Only after the disciple finished speaking did Li Xueqing slowly ask, her voice as sharp as an ice blade:
“What qualifications does a person who doesn't even dare to reveal their origins have to say such things to me?”
As she finished speaking, Li Xueqing's aura suddenly burst forth, a powerful and icy presence like an invisible tide, firmly enveloping the disciple.
The disciple's expression changed, his body trembling slightly under the pressure of this terrifying aura, but he still raised his head and replied, trying not to lose ground in terms of momentum:
“What is there to be afraid of revealing about our origins? Because we are upright and just! We represent justice and fairness, and we are here to maintain peace and order in the martial world.”
“On the contrary, it is the Dragon Transformation Sect that has been hiding overseas, secretly engaging in clandestine activities. Such a sect is simply not worthy of Elder Li's presence.”
“It is our Six Doors that is in urgent need of talents like Elder Li.”
“If Elder Li is willing to join us, he will surely obtain ten times more power and wealth than a Dragon Transformation Sect Elder! He will become an existence revered by everyone in the martial world.”
Hearing this, Li Xueqing waved her hand slightly, the movement seemingly gentle, yet carrying an unquestionable majesty.
The swarming poisonous insects retreated rapidly like a tide, disappearing into the darkness.
Seeing this scene, a look of triumph couldn't help but emerge in the disciple's eyes.
He thought that the reputation of the Six Doors had already moved Li Xueqing.
After all, the weight of just those three words, Six Doors, was enough to make all the martial sects in the world tremble.
This was the imperial court's suppression of the common people's bloodline, an irresistible force.
Li Xueqing asked, her voice still icy, as if devoid of any emotion:
“Who is your superior?”
“Besides you, how many other people from the Six Doors have come to Dragon Transformation Island?”
“What exactly is your purpose?”
Faced with Li Xueqing's series of questions, the disciple did not answer any of them.
He simply spoke on his own, trying to continue persuading Li Xueqing:
“Our Six Doors constable, Sima Nian, disappeared in the Dragon Transformation Sect some time ago. I imagine Elder Li must be aware of this matter. Constable Sima is an important elite of our Six Doors, and his disappearance has caused our entire Six Doors to feel无比痛心.”
“If Elder Li can help me rescue Sima Nian, our Six Doors will definitely be willing to stand on Elder Li's side with all our strength.”
“With the assistance of our Six Doors' many experts and resources, Elder Li, not to mention regaining a mere position as an Enforcement Elder, even ascending to the position of Sect Leader would be easy.”
“With a person of Elder Li's foresight becoming the Sect Leader of the Dragon Transformation Sect, it would be a great blessing for the Dragon Transformation Sect. Under the leadership of the Elder, the Dragon Transformation Sect will surely move towards a bright future.”
“And the Dragon Transformation Sect can also avoid a disaster and calamity. This is a blessing that benefits all the disciples of the Dragon Transformation Sect! Elder, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I hope you will consider it carefully.”
The disciple spoke with impassioned fervor, as if painting a beautiful picture of the future.
Li Xueqing listened very carefully, but her eyes were still full of coldness.
After the disciple finished speaking, Li Xueqing finally spoke with contempt, her voice filled with mockery and disdain:
“I thought the Six Doors was as powerful as the legends say, but now it seems that it is nothing more than this.”
“Although you were able to infiltrate Dragon Transformation Island, it seems that you know nothing about my Dragon Transformation Sect.”
A hint of doubt flashed across the disciple's eyes.
He didn't quite understand why Li Xueqing would say such a thing.
Li Xueqing slowly stood up from the stone platform, her figure tall and straight, like a towering mountain, looking down coldly at the disciple.
The sleeves of her clothes moved without wind, fluttering and rustling, her aura becoming increasingly icy, as if the surrounding air was freezing into frost under this aura.
She said in an incomparably cold tone:
“Ignorant junior!”
“In the Dragon Transformation Sect, anyone may betray the sect, but I, Li Xueqing, will never!”
“Especially a mere Six Doors, how dare you try to recruit me? This is simply a great insult to me!”
“Not only do I not think highly of the Six Doors, but even Zhao's imperial emperor of your Great Qian Dynasty is not worthy of entering my eyes.”
The disciple was shocked upon hearing this.
He really couldn't understand where Li Xueqing's confidence came from.
Not only did she look down on the Six Doors, but she even dared to say that she looked down on the Emperor?
This was already a crime of great disrespect, and once it was spread, it would surely lead to a death sentence.
Although the disciple did not understand the reason, he had already sensed the cold killing intent emanating from Li Xueqing.
Under the diffusion of this killing intent, even the surrounding air seemed to freeze, making it difficult to breathe.
He knew that the negotiations had broken down.
Now, Li Xueqing was about to make a move!
Sure enough!
Li Xueqing suddenly clawed out, fiercely grabbing towards the disciple.
Her palm instantly turned as black as ink, as if containing endless toxins.
With this grab, it was as if an invisible hand with the power of destruction wanted to grab this disciple, like catching an insignificant insect.
The disciple would naturally not sit idly by and wait for death!
Immediately, he moved, and a cloud of thick smoke emerged from his clothes.
The thick smoke instantly spread out, completely enveloping the disciple, making his figure no longer visible.
And the large hand formed by Li Xueqing's profound inner strength had already fiercely enveloped the area where the disciple was located.
“Bang!!!!”
After the ground was fiercely grabbed by the invisible hand, several deep gullies were left behind. Even the hard bluestone was instantly shattered under this powerful force, and countless gravel splashed out.
And a large mass of mud, mixed with the thick smoke that was spreading, was instantly squeezed into a ball by this terrifying force.
Under the immense pressure, this ball of mud and smoke kept twisting and deforming, making a muffled sound.
As Li Xueqing released her hand.
The mud and smoke that had been squeezed together instantly disintegrated.
The mud fell like raindrops, and the thick smoke gradually dissipated.
However, among these mud and smoke, there was actually only a set of Dragon Transformation Sect uniforms, and the disciple had completely disappeared.
Seeing this scene, Li Xueqing sneered, her laughter filled with disdain:
“So it's those rat-like bastards from the Shadow Gate of the Six Doors who like to hide like rats.”
“But it's just a trivial skill, how can it enter my eyes?!”
“I only need to count to three, and you will definitely show yourself.”
“One, two, three!”
As Li Xueqing finished counting the last number.
The ground next to her suddenly trembled.
A miserable scream followed, coming from under the ground.
This scream was full of pain and fear, as if the owner of the voice was suffering endless pain.