Chapter Forty-One: Returning to the Sect with a Spirit Beast

Now the balance of power in the arena had already tilted toward Mo Bufan. The members of the other three great sects certainly dared not make a move. After a prolonged silence, it was Qian Yuanzi who spoke first.

Qian Yuanzi was straightforward; his goal had been achieved, and he saw no reason to linger any longer. “It seems that today the rest of us three sects won’t profit from this encounter, so I’ll take my leave. Farewell to you all,” he said.

With those words, Qian Yuanzi summoned a few disciples to help Zhao Wu up, and, with a wave, turned and left without so much as a backward glance.

Jian Wujie and Ling Kongzi had not expected matters to end this way. Exchanging glances, they finally led their disciples away as well, not even bothering to bid farewell to the Tianxuan Sect.

The other independent cultivators, having watched the drama unfold, now saw it abruptly conclude. Their faces betrayed disappointment, but each knew that staying here served no purpose, and might even prove dangerous. In the blink of an eye, they scattered like birds and beasts.

Where once the area before the Fufeng Pavilion had been lively and tumultuous, now only the Tianxuan Sect and the three dragon siblings remained.

Mo Bufan watched the members of the three great sects and the independent cultivators depart, still somewhat incredulous. He had come fully expecting a bloody battle!

It seemed he truly lacked the mindset of a protagonist. Foolishly, he had let things escalate to this point.

Other protagonists would choose to keep a low profile, making themselves appear humble, then emerge at a crucial moment to make a grand display and deliver a satisfying blow. He, however, had made himself the most conspicuous—and most dangerous—person in all of Eastern Divine Land.

He could almost predict that within two days, the entire Eastern Divine Land would know he had entered the Dragon Court, and that he had acquired the treasures of the Dragon Ancestor.

Even the legendary aristocrats of Central Continent would likely begin to stir.

He was, indeed, a most unsuccessful protagonist.

But truth be told, he had little desire to play that role. Though he did not yet know what the heavy target set for him as protagonist might be, he was certain it would not be easy to accomplish.

In years past, the venerable and powerful Warrior Emperor had failed and died in battle.

Even the Dustless Emperor, who had pierced a hole in the Heavenly Dao, had failed, and ended up turning himself into a cat.

Now he possessed two supreme treasures of heaven and earth, and held the cultivation manual of the Warrior Emperor. Clearly, the master of this world (the author) wanted him to raise the banner. He could not help but curse inwardly.

Ge Qingyang noticed Mo Bufan was lost in thought, and looked him up and down. “Are you alright?” he asked.

Mo Bufan quickly gathered himself and nodded, “I’m fine… Master, why are you here?”

Ge Qingyang replied, “I was worried about you, so I came to check on things.” A hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes as he regarded Mo Bufan. “Your trial this time was a failure. Ah… I should have thought it through before letting you participate.”

Mo Bufan scratched his head, fully aware of what his master meant. He had indeed caused a great catastrophe this time.

“Alright, Senior Brother, don’t blame him,” Wen Xuan interjected to smooth things over. “Perhaps we’ve spoiled him too much, shielding him from the dangers of the cultivation world. We’ll just have to let him gain more experience from now on.”

Ge Qingyang grunted in agreement and said nothing further.

At this moment, Mo Bufan walked up to the three dragons—Long Ling’er and her brothers—bowed respectfully, and said with sincerity, “Thank you for today. And about what happened before, I am truly sorry.”

The three dragons exchanged glances and returned his bow.

Long Ling’er said, “Now that the matter is settled, we will take our leave. Our time for tempering ourselves has come to an end, and it is time to return to the Dragon Palace and report.”

Mo Bufan frowned at her words. Returning to report would surely mean that his involvement would be known to the dragon clan—a whole new source of trouble.

While Mo Bufan was pondering this dilemma, the three dragons had already turned and left, leaving him standing there in anguish.

Meanwhile, several beasts and a dozen younglings brought by Ge Qingyang had rejoined the Blood-Scaled Python, and all the beasts were now gazing expectantly at Mo Bufan and his companions.

“Master, do you want to save these beasts, too?” Mo Bufan asked curiously.

Ge Qingyang looked at him and whispered, “Brat, do you think you’re the only one who has met the Dragon Ancestor? Many in Eastern Divine Land have seen that predecessor, but only you have made it so widely known.”

Mo Bufan was startled, then flushed with embarrassment. He had not considered this point.

Wen Xuan, unaware of Mo Bufan and Ge Qingyang’s private exchange, looked at the beasts with resignation and asked Mo Bufan, “Brat, how do you plan to deal with these beasts?”

Mo Bufan finally realized the situation, and looked at the nearly one hundred and twenty younglings, feeling overwhelmed.

Their protective shield had been largely destroyed by the outbreak of demonic energy. If any expert from the three great sects arrived, they could easily capture them; staying here was impossible.

But if they were to leave, he didn’t know if the adult beasts would be willing, and after leaving, how to settle them was a huge problem.

After some thought, Mo Bufan said, “I’d like to hear the beasts’ opinions. Let them decide what they want, and we’ll do as they wish.”

Wen Xuan shrugged. He had little desire to tame beasts as spiritual pets, preferring instead to focus on refining artifacts. “Do as you like, but remember—whatever you decide, you must take responsibility for it.”

Mo Bufan nodded, “Don’t worry.”

He then stepped up to the Blood-Scaled Python and the other beasts, saying, “You are temporarily safe now, but would you rather leave the younglings here, or have me take them away?”

Realizing he couldn’t understand beast speech, he added, “If you wish them to remain, nod; if you want me to take them, shake your heads.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the beasts all shook their heads in unison.

Mo Bufan looked at Wen Xuan and his master, hoping for guidance, but both turned their faces away, gazing into the distance, clearly intent on offering him no advice.

Mo Bufan pursed his lips and thought, “In that case, don’t blame me for being bold.”

“Very well, I’ll take everyone away from here. It will fulfill the Dragon Ancestor’s wish—let’s leave together,” Mo Bufan announced.

He glanced at Wen Xuan and his master, but the two still paid him no mind.

The beasts’ eyes now shone with hope. After so many years, this was their chance to escape this place—a great liberation and a new future.

In a flash, all the beasts bowed deeply to Mo Bufan.

Mo Bufan had spoken these words with some trepidation. With Wen Xuan and his master staying silent, and having already offended his own beloved, he could not guarantee what would happen if he brought the beasts back with him. But at this point, he had no path of retreat. Having made a promise, he had to follow through.

“But, everyone, you’ll need to stay at Tianxuan Sect for a while. That will likely be the safest place for you. Do not worry—I will do my utmost to ensure you are not forcibly taken as spiritual pets by the sect’s cultivators. Everything will be according to your wishes,” Mo Bufan said.

The beasts had no doubt about Mo Bufan, for they recognized the orange cat beside him; its status among them was unrivaled.

After finishing, Mo Bufan shamelessly approached Wen Xuan, coughed and said, “Senior Brother Wen, I’ve finished.”

“Oh, then let’s go,” Wen Xuan replied.

“And what about them?” Mo Bufan pointed to the beasts behind him.

“You said you’d take them, so of course we’ll take them all,” Wen Xuan said.

“But how will we get them back to Tianxuan Sect? We can’t just march them all the way back, can we?” Mo Bufan asked anxiously.

“Don’t worry, I’ll help you bring them back,” Wen Xuan assured him.

“And the promises I made to them…” Mo Bufan looked nervously at Wen Xuan.

“That’s not up to me. When we get to the sect, you’ll have to discuss it with the Sect Master or the Elder Master. Only they can decide such matters,” Wen Xuan said, then comforted him, “Relax, when we return, I’ll take you to them.”

Mo Bufan was surprised and somewhat touched, but quickly grew suspicious. “Senior Brother Wen, why are you being so kind to me?”

Wen Xuan snorted, “Nonsense. I just don’t want to waste time with you. Besides, bringing them to the sect isn’t a bad thing for us. And since it’s your decision, what does it have to do with me? Let’s go…”

With that, Wen Xuan strode off toward the exit.