Flower Stealing Master

Chapter 963: The Hardship of the Maid

Seeing that the daoist priests in the main hall had his gaze fixed entirely on Daiqisi, looking dazed, Ouyang Feng let out a cold snort: “The disciples of Wang Chongyang truly are a generation worse than the last. They should be cultivating immortality and seeking the Dao, yet all I see now are lustful and flower-chasing individuals.”

Yin Zhiping’s face flushed, and the unparalleled beauty of Xiao Longnu floated in his mind. He thought to himself, if only she could smile at me, what more could I ask for in seeking immortality or the Dao?

The other disciples, feeling embarrassed and ashamed, couldn’t help but grow angry, shouting in unison: “You bold madman, how dare you insult the Grandmaster Chongyang!”

Only then did Yin Zhiping clearly see Ouyang Feng’s appearance, and he was taken aback, exclaiming, “Western Poison Ouyang Feng!” He had witnessed Ouyang Feng’s rampage at Chongyang Palace back in the day, so how could he not recognize this great demon?

Upon hearing his words, a gasp of cold air filled the hall. Many of them had not seen him in person, but the reputation of Western Poison was well-known; everyone knew he was a figure on par with Grandmaster Chongyang. Who would dare to speak recklessly now? Especially considering that he had always been at odds with Chongyang Palace, it seemed unlikely that today would end peacefully.

Song Qingshu smiled faintly and stepped forward, saying, “There’s no need for all the daoists to be nervous. We are here today representing the Jin court to confer a title upon your esteemed sect, not to cause trouble.” He then exchanged a glance with Qiu Qianren.

Qiu Qianren nodded, stepping forward to stand in the center of the hall. He took out a roll of yellow satin, unfolded it with both hands, and proclaimed: “We confer upon the leader of the Quanzhen Sect the title of: Specially Appointed Grand Master of Immortal Dao, Head of the Xuanmen, and Great True Immortal of Broad and Profound Virtue, overseeing all Daoist teachings…”

As the Hall of the Three Pure Ones served as the main hall of the Quanzhen Sect, it was grand and spacious, capable of accommodating hundreds of people at once. Yet, in such a vast space, without any visible effort from Qiu Qianren, his voice echoed throughout every corner of the hall, clear for all to hear. With such profound cultivation, there were likely very few in the hall who could match him.

Some of the older disciples among the third generation exchanged glances, having recognized that this unassuming old man was the legendary Iron Palm Floating on Water. They were immediately filled with great concern; with Ouyang Feng and Qiu Qianren joining forces, who in the entire Chongyang Sect could withstand them?

Among the third-generation disciples, Song Defang, who was usually quite clever, sensed the situation was dire and quietly slipped out of the hall, planning to inform Qiu Chuji and the others who were in seclusion. With so many daoists in the hall, his movements went unnoticed thanks to the cover of his companions.

At this moment, Qiu Qianren was nearly finished with his proclamation. Seeing that no one had knelt to receive the decree, he called out loudly, “The leader of the Quanzhen Sect, receive the decree!”

At this point, Yin Zhiping had no choice but to steel himself and step forward to bow, saying, “Our sect’s leader, True Immortal Qiu, is currently in seclusion. I, as a minor daoist, am taking over the leadership. The decree from the Jin Emperor is not meant for me, and I dare not accept it.”

Qiu Qianren replied with a half-smile, “This decree was not necessarily meant for True Immortal Qiu. Whoever is the leader of the Quanzhen Sect shall rightfully receive it.”

Yin Zhiping insisted, “I am unworthy and incapable, truly I dare not accept it.”

Qiu Qianren’s smile grew even stranger: “No need for such politeness, quickly accept the decree.” After so many years in the martial world, how could he not know of the ties between Wang Chongyang and the Jin Dynasty? As disciples of Wang Chongyang, how could these daoists accept a decree from the Jin court? Wouldn’t that be betraying their master and ancestors?

In fact, he would prefer for the Chongyang Sect to refuse, as that would give him a legitimate reason to unleash a massacre. With three thousand elite soldiers waiting below the mountain, once he received the signal, they would storm the mountain, erasing Chongyang Palace from the martial world to avenge the grievances of being wronged by them in the past.

Yin Zhiping was anxious, but as the most outstanding figure among the third generation disciples, he quickly thought of a way to cope: the delaying tactic. “The honor has come suddenly and unexpectedly. Please, esteemed guests, let us serve tea in the back hall while I discuss matters with my fellow brothers.”

Qiu Qianren immediately sneered, “I wonder what there is to discuss.”

Song Qingshu smiled slightly, “Since they wish to discuss, let them have a proper discussion and weigh the pros and cons. However, I must remind all daoists that the discussion should not take too long; we have three thousand elite soldiers waiting below the mountain. If it drags on, they may come up to your esteemed sect looking for some rice, flour, or vegetables.”

His tone was calm, but the threat was evident, causing the daoists in the hall to change color.

“Naturally, we won’t keep you waiting long,” Yin Zhiping forced a smile and quickly sent four daoists responsible for receiving guests to invite them to the back hall for tea.

Song Qingshu felt secretly pleased; it was quite satisfying to pressure others with force. No wonder many protagonists in those time-travel novels wished to become a wealthy young master, to bully others outside.

Once everyone arrived in the back hall and had just taken their seats, Daiqisi lightly coughed and looked at Pucha Qiucao with a smile that was neither a smile nor a frown: “Miss Qiucao, since you promised to be my maid, why aren’t you bringing me tea?”

“You!” Pucha Qiucao glared at her resentfully, but in the end, she bit her lip and took the tea from the daoist, bringing it to Daiqisi. “Here, the tea you wanted.”

Daiqisi shook her head: “Is this the attitude a maid should have? Can’t you even say a single ‘please’?”

Pucha Qiucao’s chest heaved rapidly, and even Song Qingshu thought she would lose her temper. Yet, she managed to calm herself and said blandly, “Please, madam, have some tea!”

“That’s more like it,” Daiqisi smiled in satisfaction, but she did not reach out to take the cup of tea. Instead, she gestured to Song Qingshu, “Serve the young master first.”

Pucha Qiucao was nearly so angry that she wanted to splash the tea in her hand onto Daiqisi’s face. However, she quickly remembered that if it weren’t for Song Qingshu’s help, she would have to be a maid for the rest of her life. In that case, it was only right to offer him a cup of tea.

Thinking this way, Pucha Qiucao felt much more balanced and presented the tea in front of Song Qingshu: “Young master, please have some tea.”

Daiqisi’s teasing voice rang out again: “Shouldn’t a maid kneel while serving tea to her master?”

Pucha Qiucao could no longer hold back, angrily retorting, “Daiqisi, don’t go too far!” Throughout this journey, she had naturally learned the other’s name. However, she was not from the martial world and did not know that Daiqisi was the former Purple-robed Dragon King. Even if she were from the martial world, aside from a few people from the Ming Cult, it would be difficult for others to connect Daiqisi with the Purple-robed Dragon King.

Daiqisi remained unperturbed, smiling as she said, “Actually, if you just admit in front of all the soldiers that you are a person of no integrity, you wouldn’t have to be this maid anymore.”

Pucha Qiucao’s chest rose and fell again, causing Song Qingshu to look at her with a strange expression: ‘I used to think this girl was flat-che$ted and had no curves, but now it seems she has quite a figure after all.’