Volume One: Tempest in a Small Town Chapter 37: Arrangements by the System

The guard led Zhang Heng to a refined, exquisite courtyard and stopped outside, then said, “Young Master Zhang, the Saintess and the powerful elders of the Sacred Land are inside.” With that, he departed.

Zhang Heng approached the door, about to knock, when he heard Qian Muyun’s alluring voice float out: “Little brother Zhang Heng, you’ve finally arrived. I’ve been waiting for you a long time! Come in quickly.”

This voice could easily captivate countless male cultivators in the world, but Zhang Heng had long since developed an immunity to such charms.

He pushed open the door and entered, only to see Murong Qingxue sitting cross-legged on a prayer cushion, deep in cultivation.

In this meditative state, layers of spiritual energy gathered around Murong Qingxue, accentuating her pure and ethereal grace. Every move she made was the epitome of elegance, each gesture tugging at Zhang Heng’s nerves, drawing him in so deeply that he took a long time to recover.

“Little brother Zhang Heng, isn’t my disciple beautiful?” Qian Muyun teased.

“She’s beautiful,” Zhang Heng blurted out without thinking.

At his words, Murong Qingxue’s cultivation paused noticeably. Though her mind was already quite strong, she was only seventeen and could not truly remain unaffected by the outside world.

Only then did Zhang Heng realize what he’d said, and seeing Qian Muyun’s amused expression, he felt thoroughly embarrassed. How mortifying—he had lived two lifetimes, yet still failed to keep his composure.

Qian Muyun, seeing that Zhang Heng had collected himself, continued, “It’s a pity that Qingxue is cultivating the Exquisite Sacred Law. Otherwise, I could have made the decision for you two.”

Zhang Heng steadied his emotions and replied with a serious tone, “Miss Qingxue is truly a woman of rare beauty and extraordinary temperament. She is so diligent as well—she is a remarkable woman, and I admire her greatly, but I harbor no romantic feelings for her.”

Truth be told, this girl was indeed exceptional, and as the Saintess, she fit perfectly into his life’s ambitions. What did it matter if there was affection or not? Sooner or later, he would win her over. For now, however, it was best to restrain himself.

While Zhang Heng’s thoughts ran wild, Qian Muyun had already risen and come to stand before him. She leaned in close to his ear and whispered, “Little brother Zhang Heng, then what do you think of me?”

Zhang Heng hurriedly stepped back five paces, and only after confirming he was safe did he reply leisurely.

“Elder Sister Muyun, you possess an aloof grace, like a goddess from the heavens above. Your figure is exquisite, enough to dazzle countless men. Your temperament is approachable and kind, your heart is compassionate, you care for the people, and your cultivation is profound—second to none. Among all the women I have met, you are by far the most outstanding.”

Compliments—now, that was Zhang Heng’s specialty.

In all honesty, though Qian Muyun was already 680 years old, at her level of cultivation, her lifespan could well reach a thousand or two thousand years. If placed in the modern world, she would be equivalent to a woman in her thirties, at the height of her charm.

Hearing this, Qian Muyun turned away with a laugh. “Not bad, not bad, you do know how to talk.”

But just as Zhang Heng was secretly pleased with himself, Qian Muyun’s attitude made a sudden shift. Her face turned cold. “Now explain what happened at the Dragon Burial Abyss.”

Zhang Heng was speechless. Women truly could turn faster than the pages of a book.

Seeing that Qian Muyun was serious, Zhang Heng wiped the smile off his face, knelt down, and recited to her the same story he’d told Dugu Bai.

When he finished, Qian Muyun’s face was still dark as she said, “You dare to lie to me?”

Seeing that she was angry, Zhang Heng could only answer solemnly, “Elder Sister Muyun, the matter of the Dragon Burial Abyss concerns the fate of the world. I dare not and cannot speak carelessly of it. Even if I had a hundred lives, I would not dare lie to you.”

Qian Muyun’s expression softened somewhat, though her tone remained cold. “Then why are you telling me now? Do you mean to use us to solve your Zhang family’s troubles?”

Ah! No wonder she was a seasoned veteran of the world—she was not so easily deceived. Perhaps he hadn’t looked pitiful enough...

Forcing out two tears, Zhang Heng said plaintively, “Elder Sister Muyun, the secret of the Dragon Burial Abyss was brought out by my parents only after enduring countless hardships. Because of it, they are still being hunted by powerful enemies to this day, wandering in exile, unable to return home.

“When they left, they told me again and again never to let the sacred artifact fall into the hands of the wicked, but to entrust it to a person of righteousness and a heart for the world. I have always remembered their words. So, for these three years, no matter how much I suffered or how others tried to force me, I never spoke a single word.

“When I first met you, Elder Sister Muyun, although I knew you were from the Exquisite Sacred Land, I could not be sure of your character, so I only gave you half of the scripture.

“When my family was in peril, you stood by, and I believe that even if I had not returned, you would have saved my uncle and the others. You, a great figure of the Exquisite Sacred Land, still cared for the fate of a small, weak family. Even knowing those besieging my family were mere petty villains, you were still willing to spare them and give them a chance. Such kindness and breadth of mind marks you as a true sage—just the kind of person worthy of knowing the secret of the Dragon Burial Abyss.”

To have said all this in one breath left Zhang Heng thoroughly exhausted. Surely, she would relent now, he thought.

Qian Muyun shook her head, lifted Zhang Heng off the ground with a flick of her sleeve, and said helplessly, “Enough, little brother Zhang Heng, who you are, I know all too well.”

She paused, then continued, “I am very interested in the Dragon Burial Abyss. This time, I will accompany you on your journey.”

Ah, the wiles of the old guard ran deep indeed. So, Qian Muyun hadn’t been angry at all—she’d just been intimidating him. How pitiful! He’d wasted so much breath for nothing.

At last, the matter was resolved. Zhang Heng breathed a sigh of relief; another step in the system’s plan was completed.

He walked toward the door and said, “Then, Elder Sister Muyun, three days from now, bring Miss Qingxue to the Zhang estate. In three days, we’ll head to the Dragon Burial Abyss.”

“Oh? You’re not waiting for the spatial turbulence to subside? Are you sure?” Even as experienced as Qian Muyun was, she couldn’t help but question him.

After all, entering the Dragon Burial Abyss while the spatial turbulence remained was tantamount to courting death. This was common knowledge among all cultivators across the continent.

“Elder Sister Muyun, have you forgotten? I have a map of the Dragon Burial Abyss. So there’s no need to wait for the turbulence to dissipate. In any case, only by following my arrangements will you obtain the rest of the scripture.”

“Very well, I’ll go prepare,” Zhang Heng said from the doorway.

As if afraid she would forget, Zhang Heng called out loudly once he was outside, “Elder Sister Muyun, don’t forget to bring Miss Qingxue!”

Walking along the bustling streets of Liunan City, Zhang Heng was lost in thought.

Hey, System, do I really have to go through with this?

Ding. The Host may choose not to proceed, but there will never be another opportunity.

After being silent for so long, the system spoke again.

Very well, then I’ll go all out this time. Zhang Heng finally made up his mind.

For now, his only support was this rather unreliable “Supreme Patron System.” With no other options, he decided to follow its lead.