Dual Cultivation God Returns

Chapter 456 Coincidence... or not?

As Wu Long thought this over only a moment passed, and he then looked at the Grand Elder on the wall roof.

"I believe there's no wrongdoing on my part. But if that man wants to exacerbate the matter I will accept the challenge, just let's jump straight to that instead of wasting time"

He spoke in the direction he was originally going to take this conversation, though not in as light a tone as it originally would have happened.

His words caused the cold face of the Grand Elder Qu on the wall to frown, and a ridicule to appear in the eyes of the man he no longer bothered to look at.

"Bold words! See this, Grand Elder Qu? There is no respect for seniority or basic manners! Haa~ the young generation these days~...

Anyway, call out your delegation's leader, disciple. I am sure your Sect's Elders and the representative would have a word or two to say about your behavior.

It is a non-starter to be talking to a disciple who doesn't even have a Core Disciple status, let alone Prime Disciple"

Grand Elder Hu's composure seemed to have returned now that he had to speak more humbly and think before acting in the presence of authority figure, as he realized Wu Long was wearing simple disciple clothes.

He also started projecting that aura of benevolent seniority, chiding a disciple of another sect and giving him a piece of his 'wisdom'.

"Grand Elder Hu seems to misunderstand, Daoist Wu is the representative of his Sect, as no Sect Elders have arrived with him and his delegation. He has in his possession the Sect Master's token to prove his status"

Even though Grand Elder Qu did not seem to appreciate Wu Long's demeanor she nevertheless turned to the man to explain.

"What? Hah! No wonder he has no manners! What could one expect from such a nonsensical sect! Frankly I am surprised they have been allowed to participate in the Winter Forest Hunt at all!"

The middle-aged looking man loudly laughed as the audience consisting now of almost exclusively Cloud Piercing Continent's visitors also had murmurs go through it while the occasional Elders of local Sects who stayed to watch the situation progress a little sighed, shaking their heads.

"I don't appreciate statements questioning the judgement of our Sect, Grand Elder Hu"

The woman frowned yet again as the smile on the man's face faded, immediately replaced by a new, humbler one.

"Of course, Grand Elder Qu. I merely marveled at such an oddity, there was no intent to insult the Frozen Garden Palace in any way whatsoever"

"Daoist Wu, you do not seem very cooperative"

"I have already stated my position on the matter, Grand Elder Qu"

As Grand Elder Qu turned to Wu Long without reacting much to the middle-aged looking man's words any longer, getting a shrug from him in response.

Hua Ziyan who stood not that far behind Wu Long but within the courtyard had an urge to intervene and soften the situation by a more amicable approach to the conversation.

But she knew that her appearance would likely result in a worse outcome instead, since some heads might fly into the air in the very plausible event that any unfavorable remarks were addressed to her while Wu Long was in a sour mood.

As Grand Elder Qu's eyes slightly narrowed she opened her mouth again, but before she could say anything another figure appeared next to her, this one more familiar to Wu Long.

The one who appeared was Grand Elder Wen Mei, who took a quick look at the situation and turned to her fellow Grand Elder with a sigh.

"Grand Elder Qu, is Daoist Wu in some kind of trouble? He could be considered one of ours so..."

"One of ours? What nonsense are you speaking of, Grand Elder Wen?"

"Well, Luxiao was our disciple and he-..."

"Haa~... Grand Elder Wen. Former Disciple Sui has left the Sect years ago and has no relation to us. Besides, his debatable relationship with our Sect has no bearing on this situation"

Grand Elder Qu sighed, placing her hand on her forehead as she spoke with slight irritation.

"Then I will personally vouch for Daoist Wu"

"... Grand Elder Wen, this is a little problematic"

The eyes of the one who arrived first narrowed as her tone turned even more icy. She also revealed a little hostility in her glance toward Wu Long that instantly was concealed.

"Grand Elder Qu..."

The Grand Elder of the Phoenix Sword Sect became slightly lost, somewhat hesitatingly raising his voice.

"... Haa~, I am sorry, Grand Elder Hu. But this matter would have to be arbitrated by our Palace Master at a later time as at this moment it became impossible to resolve"

Grand Elder Qu sighed after giving one more look to her colleague, her tone containing some frustration.

"...I understand, Grand Elder Qu..."

The man who was completely blindsided by the outcome could only squeeze out a few words, before giving one last incinerating look to Wu Long and turning to leave, with the short "Let's go" thrown to his Sect members.

"We are going to have a conversation about this, Grand Elder Wen, with Palace Master as well"

Grand Elder Qu noted with an icy tone and turned on the spot, disappearing in the next moment while the one she spoke to lightly stepped down to the ground with a friendly smile.

"Please don't hold too much of a grudge against her, Daoist Wu. This sect's rules are quite strict in regard to those who decide to leave.

Especially, since Luxiao used to be a very promising disciple... there are some hard feelings left"

"I have no intention of holding a grudge, but thank you for making this quick"

Wu Long shook his head, and turned back to return into the courtyard, cutting this conversation short as well. He put his hand around Hua Ziyan and walked back to the buildings while Grand Elder Wen looked at his receding back with a sympathetic, and slightly regretful expression for a bit and then also left the rapidly emptying alley.

---

In the evening of that day, Wu Long took a walk with Hua Ziyan through the Sect, as the snow slowly fell around them.

On a particular snowy peak that they arrived to by the wooden bridge, they spotted a figure looking over the view of the Sect, who turned to them with icy turquoise eyes.

"Greetings, Prime Disciple Xue. A nice coincidence to meet you here"

"It is a pleasure to meet again, Prime Disciple Xue"

Wu Long chuckled as Hua Ziyan cupped her hands.

"The pleasure is mine, though it is not a coincidence"

She spoke, as Hua Ziyan raised her eyebrows in light surprise while Wu Long chuckled. The response was rather straightforward and very indiscreet.

"You came out to meet us?"

"Yes, I saw you two walking on this route from the Main Hall and arrived here first. Though more precisely, I came to meet Daoist Wu.

By that I do not mean any disrespect toward Prime Disciple Hua, simply that my goal was to speak with Daoist Wu. I must apologize for interrupting your time together"

Xue Bing spoke in a calm, rather monotone voice as Hua Ziyan first widened her eyes and then chuckled.

"Haha, please spend no effort to being so formal, Prime Disciple Xue. And I accept your apology, you must have had something important to discuss but did not have the opportunity, as it may be hard to find time to approach"

"Not exactly, I just saw you two walking so I had the thought of having a talk. But thank you for being so gracious"

The icy beauty's words caused Hua Ziyan to first slightly freeze again, and then lightly giggle.

There was a curiosity in Xue Bing's eyes as she looked at the wide, happy smile of the brunette beauty.

"I assume you did not have any particular discussion in mind then"

Wu Long also chuckled, receiving a blunt head nod in response.