Demon Sword Sect’s Undercover
Chapter 374 - 374 373 Discussing the Tao in the Bamboo Forest

374: Chapter 373 Discussing the Tao in the Bamboo Forest 374: Chapter 373 Discussing the Tao in the Bamboo Forest I have to admit, even though this sword cultivator speaks without tact, completely disregarding everyone’s feelings, the idea is very good, taking into account everyone’s sentiments.

After the travel group finishes its journey and returns, at least there will be an excuse; it won’t amount to being labeled cowards who fear death and retreat in the face of difficulty.

The right and wrong in the cultivation world, including verbal and written criticism, are very important to those who cherish their reputation.

Everyone’s gaze turned to the two guides again, and Lao Peng knew what everyone wanted to hear.

Although he was reluctant, he still had to tell the truth,

“The actions of the Lizhi Sea pirates always follow a principle of ‘one strike and drag out the time if they miss.’

This is because the pirates are scattered, each with their territory, each with their activity area, and it’s not that simple to gather them.

It’s certain that they will return to Bamboo Island, but when exactly is hard to say; they always drag their victims out until they are in a wretched state and exhausted before striking.

So, in the short term, they won’t be coming back, which is a high probability event.”

The two guides were helpless; they only served these guests and couldn’t entirely decide their comings and goings.

Under the current circumstances, if they still considered face-saving issues, then waiting for half a month before leaving with the cultivators of Bamboo Island would not be a bad solution that everyone could accept.

Some cultivators were already tempted, but still no one spoke up, still because of that ridiculous sense of shame in their hearts; it’s the peculiar nature of humanity, where someone like Hou Niao can say such things because no one would think he is afraid; but others can’t, because if you say it, it means you’re a coward.

Lao Cai sighed.

These hypocritical fellows; if the team members won’t speak up, then the two guides must, and that’s their purpose, to take all the blame onto themselves.

After all, who made you take other people’s money?

Still the same old trick, the counter-question as proof, “So, does anyone object to staying on Bamboo Island for half a month?”

Still nobody spoke up, so Lao Cai shouldered the responsibility, “We will wait here for half a month, and then leave together with the cultivators of Bamboo Island.”

From beginning to end, whether it was Lady Bamboo or the two guides, or the travel group members, no one mentioned returning to Jiedu Mansion, which also implied everyone’s opinion of Jiedu Mansion: not very effective at bandit-suppression, but first-rate at fighting for territory.

Why bother with such trouble?

Moreover, with Jiedu Mansion’s usual style, by the time the message is sent out and support arrives, it would be at least a month later—what good could that do?

Lady Bamboo bowed to everyone, “If so, during this half-month, all of you Daoist friends will enjoy the most prestigious hospitality our Bamboo Island has to offer, and I hope everyone will be satisfied.”

Two members of the travel group were led by the young cultivators of Bamboo Island, gradually dispersing into the bamboo forests everywhere on the island.

They were allowed to take away any of the Rouge Bamboo they fancied, a benefit of battle.

Hou Niao declined the guidance of the young cultivator and wandered off to a secluded spot.

Not far behind him, a figure slowly approached.

“You must have ulterior motives!

Don’t think you can fool everyone!”

Hou Niao smiled faintly, “Shan Sect’s Hou Niao.

How should I address you, Daoist friend?”

The Daoist kept a cautious distance, “Chu Sect’s Tan Xiao, I have seen Daoist friend.”

Hou Niao chuckled, “You’re standing so far from me, are you afraid I’m going to eat you?”

Tan Xiao remained unmoved, “I’m afraid of being unexpectedly stabbed with a sword.

Why don’t you come here?”

Hou Niao naturally responded, “I’m afraid if I get too close, someone might throw a flaming ball into my mouth as I talk.”

Tan Xiao got straight to the point, “Why do you want to stay on Bamboo Island?

Don’t fob me off with your ghost stories.”

“That’s not a ghost story; it’s to give everyone a common way out, including me; hmm, I want to run as well, but I want to do so openly and honorably, which is rather challenging.”

“You’re not an official member of the travel group; you are a native of Lizhi Sea, am I wrong?”

“Who decided that mixing here can’t be part of a travel group?

You’re traveling from out of region, I’m traveling within the region, it’s essentially the same thing; why are you so worried about me, why don’t you leave yourself?”

“I want to see what medicine you’re really selling in your gourd!”

After saying this, Tan Xiao left.

Hou Niao knew this was a warning, cautioning him not to have any improper thoughts; as for the reason, perhaps it was connected to old issues with Bamboo Island?

Or maybe there was another mission?

Who knows.

Chu Sect, a venerable Daoist nation, is located in the southeast region of Jinxiu Continent.

The overall division on Jinxiu Continent is rather broad, and the divisions are not neatly portioned but are complexly differentiated based on topography, rivers, climate, customs, and ethnicities, which over millions of years has led to the current division of the entire continent.

In these divisions, the Southwest Region under the jurisdiction of Shan Country is relatively small, comparable in size to the Northeast Region.

Among all regions of Jinxiu Continent, the Northern Region is the largest in terms of area, but when it comes to cultivation strength, the Southeast Region is the strongest because it is the most prosperous place for Daoism on the entire continent.

In the Southeast, there are several Great Dao Sects, similar to the Wu Sect in the Southwest, including Qi Sect, Zhou Sect, and Chu Sect; this Tan Xiao is an elite from Chu Sect, much more capable than his peers.

Normally, a cultivator of such strength would be an important figure nurtured by their sect, enjoying superior treatment and bearing an air of arrogance, unlikely to follow the crowd to join some so-called travel group, for only by being independent could they show their distinctness.

Yet, who knows why this Tan Xiao managed to join the Red Falcon Conquest Team, which believed in strength in numbers?

He didn’t believe it was intentional to show off among a group of ordinary disciples, as someone strong enough wouldn’t behave so disdainfully.

But it’s hard to guess because he does the same.

However, when one reaches the Tongxuan Realm and steps beyond the borders of their country, entering the vast Jianghu of cultivation, such strong individuals will encounter many more; Tan Xiao is just the beginning.

There’s no need to overcomplicate others; just like Tan Xiao is wary of him, he himself knows why he appeared here, joining the travel group by mere chance.

He had no ulterior motives, but to everyone else, he appeared to have a purpose, and there was no way to explain it.

Walking a few more steps, ahead in the depths of the bamboo forest, stood a beautiful figure, silently waiting.

Even though she was facing away from him, he knew she was waiting for him.

“Madam has been waiting here, may I ask for what purpose?”

Lady Bamboo turned around, scrutinizing him carefully, but asked the same question as Tan Xiao,

“Hou Daoist friend, do you appear here with a purpose?”

Hou Niao sighed, “If I said I simply love these bamboo forests and don’t wish to leave them to villains who only know how to plunder and not to cultivate, would you believe me?”

Lady Bamboo smiled, “A sword cultivator who loves nature?

It’s somewhat unexpected, but I’d rather choose to believe.

But I wonder why Daoist friend insists on waiting here for half a month?”

Hou Niao didn’t answer her question, instead asking, “If I’m not mistaken, Madam has not actually made up her mind to leave here, has she?”