Master, This Poor Disciple Died Again Today

Chapter 442: The Next Step

Hui returned to the pond. He glanced around, but everyone was asleep now, even the two flirtatious female cultivators. Settling down on the final open chair, Hui looked left and right, then closed his eyes and began to meditate.

Jin Xianor rather, Fang Hua is safe, Hui said.

Oh, good. What happened? Sectgoer asked.

Hui peeked an eye open, then sent a probe out toward Liu Guang.

Hes passed out, no doubt, Chen Wuya said. He burped, shifting his feathers around to get more comfortable in Huis robes. Speak as you wish.

Well, if Senior Chen Wuya says so Quickly, Hui passed what hed learned to the other clones.

Jin Xian has the ghouls, and Li Xiang has her vigilantes. What else do we need to do? Rogue asked.

Bring back the sect, for one. Besides, I think we could work to weaken the sect first. Ive barely started with my weapons-forging plan, Sectgoer pointed out.

Peak Lord cleared his throat. Isnt Fen Long the Patriarch? But no ones heard from him for years. We should investigate that. If he comes back, he might take our side, and then wed have a powerful ally and we might even be able to incite a civil war in the sect, depending on how many followers the Sect Master candidates have. Naturally, Gui Delun is the most powerful within the sect, from what I understand, but do his followers also recognize Fen Long? And the groups that back other Sect Masters, would they potentially change their minds in the face of Fen Longs return?

Hui glanced at the bird nestling in his robes. Right, but Fen Long is Chen Wuyas enemy. Starbound Sect is Chen Wuyas creation. Whats the chance that Fen Long takes our side?

Even if he doesnt, thats still strife within the sect that will weaken it for our attack, Peak Lord pointed out.

Unless hes a ninth-stage cultivator who can crush Starbound with his pinky finger, and he decides to end our long-planned attack in a single flick of his sleeve, Rogue argued, rolling his eyes.

Peak Lord shook his head. I think its worth looking into. No ones seen Fen Long for years. Even Chen Wuya hadnt seen him for a while before he was locked up. Hes supposed to be the Patriarch, but he isnt doing his duties. His disappearance is the whole reason the sect is looking for a Sect Master.

Something fishy is going on. After all, Gui Delun wouldnt even have a shot at being Sect Master if Fen Long was still around. Im not saying we should necessarily certainly involve him in our plan, but I think its worth a stab, Peak Lord argued.

Hmm, fair enough, Healer allowed. As for what we do from here Ill continue to heal cultivators and relieve them of their treasures.

Ill focus on draining the sects resources to forge weapons and armor for our army, Sectgoer said.

Ill investigate Fen Long, and what happened with him, Peak Lord said.

Rogue cracked his neck. Ill continue negotiating with the wolf Mountain Lord. I obviously cant take her directly to see her husband, but with a bit of conversation, I might be able to win her over to our side and if the Mountain Lord is on our side, we get the sects spirit beasts as well. Ah, a note, the sect doesnt have too many spirit beasts, but

But its something. The more we have on our side, the better. See if you can convince her to allow us to keep the rot spider on her peak somewhere. Itll be easier to launch our attack if the rot spider is already in the sect, Healer said. He nodded. Is that everyone?

First spoke up, his voice faint. Im almost done unlocking the secrets of the array. Theres only one final step and I know where to find that.

Oh? Healer asked.

First shook his head. I wont say anything. I dont want to attract attention, even on a infinitesimal chance someone can hear us. But I think if Im right about this, I think I can bring everyone back.

Healer nodded. Good! Then lets go.

Opening his eyes, Hui glanced around the ponds edge. Everyone around him slept soundly, including the crow. He stretched and sighed, settling back down. For it to be realistic Ill rest here until morning. Act like I, too, passed out from the alcohol. After all, theres nothing else I need Liu Guang to be distracted for.

He glanced over at Gui Yutong. I wonder if I could convince Elder Sister to join my side? After all, Bai Jingwen is well, Im counting her as one of my fighters, but I actually dont know.

Ah, well. Problems for the future. He closed his eyes again. In the morning, I should talk to Liu Guang about the sects healing practices. See if I can begin to gain some renown as a healer within the sect, and forge a good reputation while gaining more treasure from the sects various cultivators. After all based on my experiences in line for the life qi trial, it seems that my techniques are rather unique. Uniquely effective, I cant be sure of, but if nothing else, I might be able to more effectively treat certain illnesses than the standard healing practice. In any case whether its effective or not, I can certainly advertise that it is! needs only the loosest basis in reality! Thats a lesson my first world firmly taught me.

Time passed. The sun rose. Liu Guang startled awake as the first rays of dawn struck his face, instantly rebounding as his aura.

Across from him, Hui, too, jumped. He raised his hands to cover his poor, blinded eyes. Is Senior a man or a mirror? Dammit, that was way too bright! I wanted to continue to pretend to be asleep, but who could be asleep with that much light in their face?

Liu Guang looked around, brows furrowed. He caught sight of Hui and smiled. Good morning. I think I fell asleep halfway through I hope I didnt ruin the mood.

Hui waved his hands. No, no, Senior, not at all! Ruin the mood? The opposite! I wanted you to fall asleep!

Standing, Liu Guang stretched. Thank you for the fine liquor, but I think its time I was on my way. Theres business to attend to back on my peak, after all.

Yes, yes. Please, dont let me keep you, Hui said, bowing.

Liu Guang took to the skies. Hui cupped his hands after him until Liu Guang disappeared, then stood. Now, for my advertisement strategy

A beam of light circled his peak. Hui squinted, raising a hand to his eyes. Im not even open for business yet, so what do you want? All you people, coming and invading my peak!

The light stopped, then dropped down toward him. As it approached, it resolved from a beam into a small package. Hui held his hands out, and the package dropped into them. It folded open, revealing a letter.

He held it up. As he read it, his expression twisted from annoyed, to surprised, to amused, and finally back to annoyed. Crumpling the letter, he threw it into the pond. Peak Lord!

It wasnt me, it wasnt me! This was all her idea! She did this on her own! Peak Lord shouted.

Whats the problem? Isnt it a fine idea? And a great excuse to meet up! Rogue said enthusiastically.

Healer scowled. We dont need an excuse to meet up! In fact, its better if we dont meet up! Its the critical moment! Now isnt the time for

Oh, come on, Healer. Isnt this a great opportunity for you to advertise? Sectgoer suggested.

Healer paused. Well, thats true

Yes, yes. ! Networking! All things that we need to do, Rogue said, nodding.

But its that lascivious furnace. Her true intentions are obviously

Obviously beneficial, Rogue snorted, shaking his head. He waved his hand at Healer. Quit complaining. Ill see you at the party!

Oh, come on. No one else is opposed? Healer asked.

Silence greeted him.

Sighing, Healer shook his head. Ah, well. I guess its time to go get networking