157: Carrying a sword, I plead guilty

"This Immortal is indeed she."

Cheng Sitian's gaze swept over the members of the Zhao Family. "Fellow Daoist Zhao, for what purpose have you come with such a large entourage?"

Zhao Xuanming squeezed out a smile and cupped his hands. "Your Majesty must already be aware of the matter regarding Zhao Qian in the Ruoshui Secret Realm!"

"We have come this time hoping Your Majesty could provide an introduction to the Wending Sect. Our Zhao Family wishes to go to the Wending Sect to apologize to Fairy Li Meng and Sect Master Lin to resolve this enmity..."

Empress Xuanji frowned. "Why don't you go yourselves?"

"Sigh..."

The Grand Elder sighed. "The misunderstanding runs deep. If we go abruptly, we fear we might be turned away at the door or even cause further misunderstandings."

"So you thought of This Immortal?"

"Indeed."

Zhao Xuanming said, "We heard that the Xuanji Immortal Kingdom and the Wending Sect have already formed an alliance. If Your Majesty can help convey the Zhao Family's goodwill to the Wending Sect, our Zhao Family will surely provide a generous reward!"

"Heh."

Empress Xuanji sneered. "Elder Zhao, how could this Empress not know the schemes of you Immortal Families with ten-thousand-year legacies?"

"Apologizing on the surface while harboring murderous intent?"

"Feigning reconciliation while actually wanting this Empress to be the stepping stone to induce the Wending Sect to lower their guard, so you can set up a lightning-fast killing trap?"

"Do you truly think this Empress is some three-year-old child to be manipulated at your whim?"

"Absolutely not! We wouldn't dare!" Zhao Xuanming's face turned pale with fright, and cold sweat instantly poured down. He hurriedly swore to the heavens, "My Zhao Family swears to the heavens that we are sincerely apologizing this time! There is not a single word of falsehood!"

"Our Old Ancestor is currently inside the Immortal Ship, preparing to personally go to the Wending Sect to seek forgiveness!"

"If there is a single word of deception, let my Zhao Family be destroyed by heaven and earth, and our clan's fortune collapse!"

His tone was anxious, and he didn't seem to be faking.

As his voice fell, a vast, sea-like True Immortal pressure faintly emanated from within the Immortal Ship, followed by an aged voice: "Fellow Daoist Xuanji, I am Zhao Shanhe. This time, I have indeed come with sincerity. I hope you can make it convenient for us."

Empress Xuanji felt that familiar True Immortal aura; it was indeed the Zhao Family's Old Ancestor, Zhao Shanhe, without a doubt.

The aura was peaceful, with no killing intent.

Empress Xuanji pondered for a moment, her expression softening slightly as she said calmly, "Since Fellow Daoist Zhao has come in person, This Immortal will believe you this once. I can pass on the message, but this Empress is only responsible for relaying your intentions to Sect Master Lin of the Wending Sect exactly as they are."

"As for whether Sect Master Lin chooses to see you or not, or whether he believes you or not, this Empress makes no guarantees!"

"All consequences shall be borne by your Zhao Family."

Zhao Xuanming was overjoyed upon hearing this and hurriedly bowed. "That is enough! That is enough! Thank you, Your Majesty, for fulfilling our request! Our Zhao Family will surely repay this kindness generously!"

Empress Xuanji said no more. She took out a specially made Communication Jade Talisman, infused it with her Divine Thought, and briefly explained the Zhao Family's arrival to apologize, emphasizing the personal arrival of the Zhao Family's Old Ancestor and her own neutral stance.

Then, she crushed the jade talisman... Inside the Sect Master's quiet room, the glow at Lin Chen's fingertips faded as he fully understood the message from Empress Xuanji.

The corners of his mouth curled up slightly, a faint, calm smile crossing his face.

"The Zhao Immortal Family, a True Immortal Old Ancestor? Personally coming to apologize... Heh, they are quite sensible. If they had dared to cling to the matter of Zhao Qian, This Sect Master wouldn't mind sending their entire clan to extinction."

With a slight thought, a Divine Thought was sent back to the Xuanji Immortal Kingdom: "Let them come."

A moment later, another message from Empress Xuanji arrived.

"Sect Master Lin, the Zhao Family has a long Legacy and deep foundations, and their Old Ancestor has been in the True Immortal Realm for many years. Since they have lowered their posture so much, I fear it might not be entirely sincere. You still need to be wary of their secret schemes."

Hearing this, Lin Chen's eyes remained calm and indifferent. He replied simply, "Ruler Cheng is thoughtful. However, a mere True Immortal is not enough to make This Sect Master wary. Just let them come."

...At the same time.

In the Forbidden Ground of the Sect's back mountain, before the Ascension Platform, there was a clamor of voices.

On the Ascension Platform, streaks of immortal light soared into the sky, resonating with the platform's own Law and emitting bursts of rumbling.

"Look! Senior Brother Shi Tian has already stepped onto the twentieth platform!"

"Senior Brother Shi Tian is too fierce! Do you think he has a chance to reach the top?"

"...That's hard to say!"

"The Ascension Platform has nine tiers, with nine platforms in each tier, totaling eighty-one levels! Legend says it contains the mystery of the 'Nine-Nine Returning to Truth.' Each tier is more difficult than the last, and the opportunities and trials contained within are worlds apart! Although Senior Brother Shi Tian is strong, the road to the top... is still long!"

"Look over there! Senior Brother Xiao Bufan has also stepped onto the eighteenth platform!"

"And Senior Sister Su Muhuang..."

"Senior Brother Yang Hao has actually reached the sixteenth platform!"

"Sigh... why are they all so strong!"

The Disciples were buzzing with discussion, their eyes filled with admiration for the strong.

The entire Ascension Platform area was boiling with Daoist resonance, a magnificent sight. Countless Disciples continuously stepped onto the Ascension Platform, each obtaining their own opportunities as their cultivation levels steadily rose... Half a month later.

Outside the Wending Sect's mountain gate, the Zhao Family's Immortal Ship slowly arrived.

"Halt! Who goes there? State your name!"

Just as the group landed before the mountain gate, a black shadow flashed by, and a Big Black Dog blocked the path, tilting its head and shouting the question.

Peak Earth Immortal?

A gate-keeping Spirit Beast has a Peak Earth Immortal cultivation?

Zhao Shanhe was stunned for a moment but quickly reacted, cupping his hands. "I am the Old Ancestor of the Zhao Family from Canglan Continent, Zhao Shanhe. I have brought precious gifts from my Family to visit Sect Master Lin of the Wending Sect and to seek forgiveness from Senior Fairy Li Meng for the actions of our unworthy junior, Zhao Qian!"

As he spoke, he raised his right hand, and a cold, glinting Immortal Sword appeared in his grasp.

"You, you, you... what are you trying to do? Pulling out a weapon? Do you want to start a fight?!"

The dog was startled, its fur bristling.

"No, no, no!"

"You've misunderstood! I have no such intention!"

Zhao Shanhe hurriedly explained, "The Zhao Family failed in its discipline, producing such a rebellious son who offended Senior Li Meng. His crime is unforgivable!"

"Today, I bear this sword to seek forgiveness, offering it to Senior Li Meng. No matter how many holes she stabs into me, I will have no complaints!"

"I only ask that the Senior appease her anger and forgive my Zhao Family's negligence!"

His tone was sincere, even carrying a hint of resolution.

Hearing this, the dog's eyes went wide, and it thought to itself, "Good heavens! This guy is ruthless! No wonder he's the head of the Family. This 'Self-harm Ruse'—no, this attitude of admitting mistakes—is sincere enough! Impressive, impressive!"

On the surface, it acted profound, waving a paw. "Hmm... your attitude is acceptable. The Sect Master already knows your purpose. Follow This Immortal! As for the rest of you, wait here!"

"Old Ancestor..."

The other members of the Zhao Family looked bitter.

Zhao Shanhe waved his hand. "Wait here; there's no need to follow."

Since the Old Ancestor had spoken, the others naturally had no further objections.

"I trouble the Immortal Beast to lead the way."

Zhao Shanhe sheathed the Immortal Sword, strapped it to his back, and followed the dog through the mountain gate.