[Vol. 6] Chapter 189: The Leader of the Ink Sect
“You’re really sticking to your guns, huh?”
Violet wasn’t particularly opposed to going along with the guards. She had nothing to hide and wasn’t afraid of baseless accusations. When she stepped in to help Yu Dan’er, she had already anticipated this outcome. After all, a few [Eastern Origin Guards] posed no real threat to her, and she wasn’t worried about being wrongfully accused.
However, at its core, this issue stemmed from the [Eastern Origin Holy Sect] Alliance’s own mishandling. The staff and guards alike seemed to prefer shortcuts, using a one-size-fits-all approach to deal with situations, which led to such unnecessary conflicts.
True, the [Holy Sect] was undeniably the ruling power in Xingyuan City, and its dominance meant that most people had no choice but to quietly endure any injustices caused by its bureaucracy.
But Violet? She loved challenging those who thought they were always right.
“Let’s be fair here,” Violet said, her tone calm but with a hint of mockery. “Sure, this little girl causing a scene in public wasn’t the best behavior, but don’t you think the way your review team handled this was a bit too rash? When faced with something you don’t understand, shouldn’t you pass it on to someone more qualified instead of forcing the weaker party to pay for your incompetence?”
One of the staff members quickly tried to explain.
“We don’t want things to be this way either, but there are just too many people registering. We can’t consult a senior every time an issue comes up. Even with the commotion, we didn’t disqualify her from registering. She can come back tomorrow according to the rules…”
Before he could finish, Yu Dan’er, emboldened by the presence of someone standing up for her, immediately shot back.
“Are you kidding me? Then wouldn’t that mean my money was wasted? It’s not even my fault, so why should I have to pay for this? Do you know how much delicious food ten silver coins can buy?”
“…?”
Violet glanced at the girl beside her, her expression slightly strange.
So, she wasn’t insisting on staying to prove her abilities but because she couldn’t let go of the money? Despite her fine clothes and apparent wealth, this girl seemed oddly stingy…
Violet cleared her throat and maintained her calm demeanor.
“Anyway, she does have genuine talent. If you don’t believe me, just hand her answer sheet to someone who truly knows the field. You’ll see for yourself. We’ll wait here. We’re not going to run or disrupt the registration process.”
"As for this talk of arrests... let's skip that, shall we? Both sides share responsibility for this issue. And all I did just now was gently push a few of you. There’s no way I could’ve caused even the slightest scratch. If that’s enough to qualify as 'violent resistance,' then perhaps the [Eastern Origin Holy Sect] is being a bit too heavy-handed."
"Frankly, I don’t want to escalate a small matter into a real conflict. But let me make one thing clear. I’m not afraid of anyone or any organization. If you insist on pushing me, I’ll have no choice but to push back."
The [Eastern Origin Guard] captain furrowed his brows but didn’t lower his weapon. Instead, his expression turned colder, brimming with hostility.
"Let me reiterate. Xingyuan City belongs to the [Holy Sect] Alliance. No matter how powerful you might be in your own world, here you will follow the rules and respect the order. I am not here to negotiate. Surrender peacefully, or prepare to face the consequences—"
"Ahem, ahem! Alright, alright, there’s no need to make such a big deal out of a minor dispute."
Just as the situation teetered on the edge of full-blown conflict, an elderly man emerged from the crowd, which had been retreating to avoid the commotion. Walking slowly but purposefully, he entered the center of the scene, smiling as he addressed the [Eastern Origin Guards].
"This young lady has a point. At its core, this situation arose due to a shortage of review resources, so the organizers bear some responsibility. Why not take a step back and let this small matter be resolved peacefully?"
"Hm? You… how did you...?"
The ordinary guards and bystanders exchanged confused glances, clearly unsure who this plainly dressed, silver-haired old man was. But the captain, clearly recognizing him, immediately stiffened.
He opened his mouth to speak, but the old man merely smiled and shook his head, cutting him off before he could say a word.
"I just happened to be out for a walk. No need to make a big fuss over it. Here’s the deal. I’ll vouch for these young ladies. Would that satisfy the [Holy Sect]’s rules, my young friend?"
"Uh… Of course, you have the authority… Fine, if that’s what you wish, we’ll end it here. Disperse!"
With a decisive wave of his hand, the captain ordered his men to stand down. Although the guards didn’t seem to fully understand what had just transpired, they quickly sheathed their weapons and retreated to their positions in the distance.
The captain, however, didn’t leave. Instead, he exchanged a series of gestures with the reviewing staff member. The latter’s expression instantly shifted, and he hurriedly nodded before returning to his station.
"?"
While the mysterious old man, who had unexpectedly resolved the situation, quietly conversed with the [Eastern Origin Guard] captain in the distance, Violet turned her head toward the silver-haired girl beside her. The latter immediately understood and leaned in to whisper a concise explanation.
“Leader of one of the [Five Great Sects], Mo Ziqing, leader of the [Ink Sect].”
“Oh… no wonder.”
As a respected Western Origin Spirit Maiden, Hen naturally had some exposure to the influential figures of the Ancient Spirit Realm’s various nations. Coupled with her [Heavenly Secrets] ability, recognizing the man’s identity at a glance wasn’t surprising.
Eastern Kingdom’s unique structure positioned the leaders of the [Five Great Sects] at the top of its hierarchy. Figures equivalent to chancellors or grand tutors in more conventional nations, wielding true power. Though the [Eastern Origin Guard] was directly under the [Holy Sect], the [Five Great Sects] and the [Holy Sect] were closely aligned. If the captain had identified Mo Ziqing, his deference made perfect sense.
Of course, this old man wasn’t likely to have stepped in for no reason. He had probably discerned the identities of certain individuals from the start.
Knowing some matters weren’t suitable for outsiders to hear, Violet gently nudged the still-dazed Yu Dan’er, signaling her to go complete the registration process herself.
Meanwhile, the plainly dressed old man, having finished his conversation, casually walked over to them with a smile and greeted Violet.
“Your Holiness the Spirit Maiden, I didn’t expect to meet you again here, three years after our parting in Kaiyuan City. Your elegance and grace have only grown since then.”
Hen responded with a polite but indifferent nod.
“Master Mo, you’re as healthy as ever, truly a blessing for the Eastern Kingdom. Thank you for stepping in earlier.”
Mo Ziqing laughed heartily.
“It was nothing, truly nothing. These young guards are a bit hot-headed and rigid in their ways, but they meant no harm. I hope you won’t take it to heart.”
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Mo Ziqing, still smiling warmly, turned his attention to the black-haired girl who had remained silent throughout.
“And this must be the renowned Miss Violet? I am Mo Ziqing, an unworthy servant holding the humble position of [Ink Sect]’s leader. Forgive me for my lack of ceremony.”
“Oh? You know me?”
The old man chuckled, shaking his head before pointing toward a nearby rest area.
“Standing and talking isn’t very comfortable. If you don’t mind, could I trouble the two of you to join me for a chat?”
The two young women exchanged a glance, and the priestess couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Sure, let’s chat then~”
Compared to the bustling registration area, the designated rest zone was much quieter. Violet and the others found a secluded spot and sat down face-to-face. Soon, a young girl appeared out of nowhere, serving hot tea and snacks before quickly retreating, leaving the space entirely to the three of them.
The old man, Mo Ziqing, poured tea for both women without wasting time on pleasantries, diving straight into the matter at hand.
“A few days ago, I heard how much care you’ve shown. I want to thank you on his behalf.”
“Oh…”
So it was news from that [Black Scaled Army] general. That wasn’t surprising. After all, even if Wen Zhengyang had kept quiet, there were plenty of [Black Scaled Army] soldiers present who would’ve talked.
What Violet wasn’t sure about, however, was the extent of Mo Ziqing’s knowledge. Had that General Wen kept his promise to her?
Without betraying any emotion, Violet shook her head lightly.
“It was nothing. We were just helping each other and meeting our own needs. I wouldn’t call it ‘care’.”
“Haha~ Miss Violet, you’re too modest. Zhengyang is someone I’ve watched grow up. He’s highly capable but also has a sharp eye. If it weren’t for the rule that outsiders can’t practice our sect’s advanced techniques, he might’ve even been a candidate for the next sect leader.”
The old man stroked his neatly groomed beard, a hint of nostalgia in his tone.
“I’ve mentored him for over thirty years, and this is the first time I’ve ever seen Zhengyang speak about someone with such respect and admiration. It’s clear he holds you in high regard, Miss Violet, even going so far as to… Oh, pardon me, I got carried away.”
He paused briefly, then gestured toward the tea.
“Miss Violet, Your Holiness the Spirit Maiden, please try the tea. This is one of the [Ink Sect]’s most treasured teas, only brought out for esteemed guests. We have plenty of time, so let’s take it slow and enjoy our conversation.”