Demon Sword Sect’s Undercover
Chapter 381 - 381 380 In Shambles

381: Chapter 380: In Shambles 381: Chapter 380: In Shambles The Cang Pirates had collapsed.

Gu Xizhi was killed, Luo Guanyu was beheaded, Yu Daoguang’s cultivation withered away…

Five of the Cang Pirates’ leaders were cleanly slain in two separate conflicts.

Then, the remaining bandits actually, surrendered?

More than thirty Cang Pirates had been beheaded, and nearly twenty remaining; with such a fighting force, if united, they could have broken through and escaped, but they chose the utterly disgraceful path of surrender.

It was unexpected, yet somehow made perfect sense.

This was the nature of pirates: they lacked faith, strict organizational structure, unified Daoist constraints, state territory, or a sense of belonging to a mentorship.

When faced with an immense crisis they couldn’t endure, it was not surprising that they’d opt to surrender now.

Those who understand the times are deemed outstanding.

Cultivators have a keen grasp of the situation, and they knew the Cang Pirates were finished.

The collapse of the pirate leaders had pulled the rug out from under the group’s spirit, and there was no longer any reason to persist.

In the cultivation world, there’s no tradition of slaughtering those who surrender, because cultivators have many ways to control them and find uses for them.

Why create more karma by killing?

The key is that mass execution would only make everyone fight desperately against Quanzhen Sword Cultivators, leaving no room for retreat, which isn’t beneficial for the sects’ development.

Hou Niao felt a bit of regret because he didn’t witness the pinnacle duel between Duanmu Chai and Yu Daoguang.

That island master was genuinely strong.

As one of the two top figures on the outer sea approaching the Tongtian realm, such opportunities were rare; too bad the situation didn’t allow him to be a mere spectator.

The tour group was finally leaving, fulfilled and triumphant; the Bamboo Island incident began awkwardly and proceeded with difficulty, but the outcome was unexpectedly good, leaving an impressive feat to boast about on their study trip.

As for that sword cultivator in the tour group, their perception of him had gone from rejection to, hmm, understanding?

Though he was quite cunning, using them as bait and lurking behind the scenes, at least he was someone who could resolve the troubles he stirred up.

There weren’t many in the cultivation world who could do that.

Most people would simply cause trouble and leave without looking back.

This was also the overall assessment of the Shan Sect Sword Cultivators by other Daoist sects on the continent: not likable, acting on their own accord, utterly disregarding others’ feelings, yet when it really came down to it, they could be trusted.

Unity in purpose was impossible, but occasional cooperation was feasible.

Old Cai came to say goodbye, “Island Master Hou, Crab Claw Island isn’t on my route, so I’m a bit out of the loop.

We’re lucky to have you during the tour group incident, or who knows what might have happened…”

Hou Niao’s smile held a hint of irony, “Really?

If I hadn’t been there, maybe nothing would have happened at all, and you two could’ve continued leading your tours leisurely, right?”

Old Cai chuckled awkwardly, “It’s not that easy.

Once we ran into that pirate group, we lost all control.

This might not be the best outcome, but at least it’s not the worst.

For those who harbor aspirations for the Great Dao, it should still be acceptable, right?”

Hou Niao laughed, “What, you’re heading back to Mirage now?”

Old Cai shook his head, “No, they’ve requested to continue with the itinerary.

Well, since this is our last time as guides, we’ll let them have their way.”

Neither of them mentioned the pirates who surrendered.

The rules of the cultivation world were the same everywhere: the spoils went to those who contributed the most.

The Cang Pirates surrendered to the Shan Sect Sword Cultivators, not Jiedu Mansion, and certainly not the tour group.

Tan Xiao also came over, “Island Master of Crab Claw Island?

Good, I’ll visit when I have a chance to experience the style of Shan Sect Sword Cultivators.”

Hou Niao expressed his welcome, “Sure, just make sure to get your affairs in order first.”

Tan Xiao drifted away, “I’ll bring you a coffin.”

What’s the rarest thing on the path of cultivation?

Not fortuitous encounters, not treasures, not adventures, but a worthy opponent.

Tan Xiao intended to use Hou Niao’s sword to refine his own techniques, while Hou Niao was also keen to use this Daoist to hone his own sword edge.

They needed each other.

Did this Daoist have some connection to Lady of Bamboo Island?

But that wasn’t his concern.

If others didn’t bring it up, he wouldn’t ask.

…Phoenix Tail Bamboo approached with several junior sisters.

Just as she was about to speak, he interrupted her,

“Don’t ask me.

What you need to face is your own Dao Heart.

In this matter, no one can help you.”

The women exchanged glances, all seeing the determination in each other’s eyes, and it was Phoenix Tail Bamboo who spoke,

“With the downfall of the Cang Pirates, the master missing, and Jiedu Mansion’s reach too short, we don’t want Bamboo Island to become an isolated place.

So, we’ve decided not to leave.”

Hou Niao nodded, “I respect your choice, but remember, although it was the Shan Sect Sword Cultivators who came to your aid in the end, it doesn’t mean we have such an obligation.

You can certainly contact us in tight spots, but I can’t promise anything, and neither can the Shan Sect.

So, are you prepared to face things on your own?”

Phoenix Tail Bamboo exhaled a long breath and made a decision, “The eruption pattern of the northern volcano is changing, and we don’t know when the master will return, so we’ve decided to stop cultivating the bamboo forest on the island until she does, letting them grow freely.”

This was a very wise decision.

Without cultivation, Rouge Bamboo’s output would drastically decrease, maybe not immediately noticeable, but in a few years, Rouge Bamboo would likely become a rarity in the Cultivation World again, no longer available in bulk.

Without scarce resources, enticing benefits, or frequent business dealings, if it was just a scenically beautiful island, how many people would still care about this place?

Compared to evacuating, returning to the continent, or finding another island, this strategy was the most appropriate, also in tune with nature, giving the bamboo forest a chance to grow freely.

They were all smart cultivators; without reminders, they knew what to do.

He nodded with a smile, but his words were piercing, “If it were me, having the master return would be useless!”

Phoenix Tail Bamboo looked embarrassed, “After all, the master is the master.

Everything here was built by her hand.

We…”

Hou Niao seemed nonchalant, “No one is immune to making mistakes; not even the saints, much less your master.

If she doesn’t listen, sideline her or find an opportunity…”

The more she listened, the more alarmed she became.

These Demon Sect sword cultivators were truly audacious, ruthless to outsiders as well as their own people.

Phoenix Tail Bamboo hurriedly interrupted him, worried he would suggest something even more rebellious.

“Senior brother, senior brother, hold on!

We get your point.

If the master returns, we won’t keep silent as before.

We will reveal our feelings and try to persuade the master to change her mind…”

Hou Niao laughed heartily, “I was only suggesting you find a chance to marry off your master.

What were you thinking?”