Chapter 105: Conspiring for the Great Cause

Seeing this, Xie Xin nodded with a smile, saying no more, though his gaze toward Tianming held a newfound favor.

"Brother Xie, you are too modest! Even though you are but a minor protector, you were once highly regarded by *that* person. Who would dare not give you face?" At this, the impatient Master Li spoke up with a booming laugh.

"…Ah! That is all in the past, is it not, Master Li?"

After a moment of contemplation, Xie Xin smiled faintly on the surface, appearing completely indifferent to Master Li's words.

"Indeed, indeed! Forgive my loose tongue, Brother Xie!"

Seeing Xie Xin’s demeanor, Master Li offered a sheepish smile to mask his embarrassment.

"What are you saying, Master Li? It is not as if I am blaming you, is it?" Xie Xin chuckled and shook his head.

"Absolutely not! Quite right!"

Under Xie Xin’s gaze, Master Li nodded repeatedly, in total agreement with his words.

...

Watching the theatrical exchange between Master Li and Xie Xin, Tianming remained silent, until a certain moment.

"By the way, Brother Chu, what brings you to the Li estate?" Seemingly struck by a thought, Xie Xin turned his inquisitive gaze toward him.

At the same time, Master Li, sitting across from them, also looked at Tianming with great curiosity, wondering about the purpose of his visit. Although he should have been furious, he could only remain silent, if for no other reason than the fact that Xie Xin was intentionally or unintentionally shielding him.

Even as the master of the estate, he could only swallow his resentment.

"It is nothing of great importance, hardly worth your attention, Brother Xie. Speaking of which, I am actually quite curious as to what brings you here?"

Glancing at the forced smile on Master Li’s face, Tianming turned his gaze back to Xie Xin. Although he was burning with curiosity about the person Master Li had alluded to, Tianming was clever enough not to ask, knowing it was not his place.

"Brother Chu is refreshingly direct. I shall be equally frank: this is a mission that could be considered either light or heavy."

Hearing this, Xie Xin looked at Tianming with a hint of surprise, then tightened his face in a show of mystery.

"And what makes it light or heavy?" Tianming pressed.

"…To the Southern Wilderness Continent and the Central Divine Continent, it is a matter of great significance, but for people like us, Brother Chu, it is a minor task. I wonder, would you care to join us in undertaking this mission?"

After a moment of heavy silence, Xie Xin stood up, his words filled with a sense of grand purpose, pouring out like a torrential rain.

*Trying to recruit me?*

Looking at the impassioned Xie Xin and the equally eager Master Li, a cold sneer flashed through Tianming’s heart. He had not expected that changing his identity would yield such an advantage—the ability to infiltrate the enemy’s ranks and sabotage them from within. It was, after all, a stroke of good fortune arranged by the former Lord of the Heavenly Star.

"Very well! To undertake such a great responsibility alongside Brother Xie and Master Li—it would be unreasonable for me to decline! But pray tell, what exactly is this mission?" With a hearty laugh, Tianming agreed without hesitation.

"Recently, the four great sects of the Central Divine Continent—Heavenly Sword, Heavenly Evolution, Water Dream, and Huahan—have gathered for a joint competition. *That person* intends to humble these great sects! While it is ostensibly a feint, the true objective is to seize the opportunity while they are distracted to infiltrate the Huahan Sect and secure their immortal treasures and other precious resources..."

"Brother Chu, although your strength is somewhat lacking, I observe that your aura is restrained and steady. You must have cultivated some technique to conceal your presence; this will surely be of great use when we infiltrate the Huahan Sect. How about a fifty-fifty split of the spoils?"

Xie Xin nodded, a flicker of dark light in his eyes, looking as confident as if he had already seen through Tianming completely.

*Hiss!*

"…Brother Xie, you are truly impressive. To think you could discern that. But I wonder..." Tianming gave a thumbs-up, secretly astonished.

He had not expected that in the short time they had been apart, Xie Xin had made such strides, becoming a prominent expert in the Southern Wilderness Continent. At the same time, Tianming felt fortunate that he hadn't acted impulsively earlier; otherwise, things would have been difficult to resolve.

"Brother Chu is worried about a lack of manpower? Heh, rest assured, you will be in for a surprise when the time comes!"

As if sensing Tianming’s concerns, Xie Xin cut him off, looking at him with a knowing, boastful glint. Master Li, sitting beside them, also watched Tianming with a chuckle, as if he were already privy to the entire plan.

"Hahaha, of course, I am reassured. Brother Xie, I look forward to that day. When shall we set out?" Tianming stood up and asked with a laugh.

On the surface, Tianming was carefree and jovial, but inside, he was quite pleased. How could he ever participate in such a scheme? If he were to do anything, it would be the exact opposite. He would use this opportunity to coordinate from within, relying on his breath-concealment technique to pose as one of them while acting as a double agent.

"At dawn tomorrow, we meet at this very spot!" Xie Xin nodded, speaking with utmost gravity.

Master Li also offered a respectful bow, clearly in total agreement with Xie Xin’s instructions.

"In that case, I shall take my leave. There are matters I must attend to at my own residence!" With a nod and a smile, Tianming made to depart.

It was already midday, the time for a meal. Besides, having asked all he needed to, Tianming felt it would be awkward to linger, especially since he had smashed Master Li’s plaque earlier.

Seeing this, Xie Xin said no more, vanishing into a swirl of dark, misty wind. Master Li glanced at the youth in fine silk robes before turning and walking away.

"…Vanished?"

Tianming frowned, watching the spot where Xie Xin had disappeared. He found himself unable to fathom the man; what kind of power was he relying on?

...

He did not linger, walking out of the estate with a casual air, ignoring the cold, piercing gaze of the gaunt old butler. He arrived at a tea stall, and upon seeing Xiao Ying waiting there, his heart softened instantly. He stepped forward, "Xiao Ying?"

"Brother!"

Seeing Tianming approach, Xiao Ying’s heart filled with joy. The dullness of her long wait vanished instantly, and she rushed forward to embrace the youth in fine silk robes tightly.

"…Silly girl, have you been waiting long?" Tianming asked with a moved smile.

Feeling the warmth of her embrace, the frustration he had felt earlier evaporated. He was touched by Xiao Ying’s sincerity and constancy—he had not expected her to be able to endure such a long wait.

"No! Not long at all," Xiao Ying whispered softly.

Seemingly realizing her lack of composure, she quickly released her small, fair hands from his shoulders, a shy, embarrassed smile blooming on her flushed face.

"How long is 'not long'?"

Tianming nodded and laughed, reaching out to pinch her delicate cheek. She dodged immediately, pouting, "Brother, everyone is looking!" She seemed dissatisfied with his public display of affection.

Hahaha!

"Alright, I won't tease you anymore. Let us head home!"

Glancing at the curious gazes of the onlookers, Tianming let out an awkward laugh and nodded.