"What kind of opportunity do you want to give me for the Sand Sovereign's Clan?"
Shitang Mountain's eyes narrowed into a slit, his forefinger lightly tapping the tabletop, and he calmly inspected Chen Mo with a composed expression.
Chen Mo faintly smiled, mysteriously saying, "I heard that the Sand Sovereign's Sand Swordsaint has not appeared in front of people for several years now……".
As soon as the words were uttered, the atmosphere of the hall suddenly became eerie.
The disciples of the Sand Sovereign's Clan are inherently arrogant, and they act flamboyantly when dealing with matters outside. If it weren't for the fame of the Sand Swordsaint, there would be no telling how many people would come to cause trouble; the primary reason why the Sand Sovereign's Clan can maintain an unbeatable position in the Tianlong Royal Court is also due to the Sand Swordsaint.
It can be said that the Sand Swordsaint is the pillar of the Sand Sovereign's Clan.
But since several years ago, the disciples of the Sand Sovereign's Clan suddenly became more restrained in their actions. At the same time, the Sand Swordsaint, using seclusion as an excuse, never appeared in public view. As a result, many people doubted whether this Sand Swordsaint had encountered any unforeseen incidents.
This matter remains a mystery to this day. Some are curious, but they dare not go to verify it personally. The reason is simple: the Sand Sovereign's Clan is too ruthless and the Sand Swordsaint is too powerful. A misstep could bring about perilous consequences.
Shitang Mountain kept his index finger hovering above the tea table, and his face suddenly turned serious. He vigilantly looked at Chen Mo, who in his understanding, had created the theoretical basis for thousands of paths and gained the admiration of many people. However, this alone would never make the Cloud Mountain Sect kneel before him.
The most significant reason is his limitless knowledge and expertise.
As a series of piercing gazes fixed on him, Chen Mo smiled instead of showing fear, "You all need not be too tense. I've said that I'm here to bring an opportunity. As for the matter of the Sand Swordsaint going astray, I won't be spreading it around; instead, I'll help you. I know you need a plant called Ice Soul Herb to treat the injuries of the Sand Swordsaint, and by my hand, there just happens to be such a spiritual herb……".
He indeed knows everything……Shitang Mountain was greatly shocked. At this moment, his attitude towards Chen Mo had long since disappeared the casualness he felt when they first met, and instead, he showed a great deal of respect.
The elders sitting in the hall were so excited that they got up directly, too excited to think anything over, and directly asked, "Is this true?"
Chen Mo smiled faintly, nodded, and said, "A few days ago, when I offered an opportunity to the Cloud Mountain Sect, I mentioned three conditions, and they agreed. For this opportunity I offer you now, there are also three conditions. If you can accept them, I will be more than happy to give you the Ice Soul Herb."
"Let's hear what they are."
Shitang Mountain did not allow excitement to cloud his judgment but instead asked rationally.
"The first condition is simple: do not interfere in the imperial disputes."
"Although our Sand Sovereign's Clan has the intention to do so, if it can ensure the safety of our teacher uncle, we can agree to your request. As for the other two conditions, what are they?"
"There's no need for me to explain that. Just bring the Swordsaint out, and I'll talk to him personally."
The atmosphere became eerie once again.
"The teacher uncle is in seclusion, and it's not appropriate for him to be seen at the moment. If the Lord God wishes to see him, wouldn't offering the Ice Soul Herb be more appropriate?"
"That's right. Just say it straight. If the teacher uncle can do it, we can do it too."
"Oh, you've mentioned one condition already, and you haven't said the other two? Don't you think we can't fulfill them?"
......
There was a flurry of chaos within the hall, with the elders in attendance calling out in worry. However, Chen Mo remained tight-lipped, and Shitang Mountain was hesitant as well. He pondered whether to allow Chen Mo to meet his teacher uncle.
Just as everyone was hesitating, a deep yet robust voice echoed from outside the hall, "Young friend, what difficulty do you have in seeing an old man? The old man will come directly."
"You don't see the person, but you can hear their voice."
As the voice faded, an old man in gray robes, with an ethereal and graceful demeanor, entered with his hands behind his back and light steps. His two aged eyes quickly fell upon Chen Mo.
"Teacher."
Shitang Mountain and the elders of the Sand Sovereign's Clan all stood up and showed respect.
The elder gently waved his hand, "No need for such formalities."
"Teacher, why did you come without listening to my words?"
Shitang Mountain asked with a helpless tone.
The Sand Swordsaint laughed heartily, "I heard that Chen Mo is here to treat my illness. How can I contain myself? This ailment has been plaguing me for several years. I am as good as a cripple. If I don't come out soon, I'm afraid the opportunity will slip away... Fine, this kind of agony won't make sense to you even if I explain it. Since Chen Mo is here for me, then it's none of your business. Go away all of you, let me talk things over with him properly."
Upon hearing this, the crowd hesitated, wanting to dissuade him but were deterred by the Sand Swordsaint's stern look. Helplessly, Shitang Mountain had to lead the elders away in discontent.
Looking at the departing figures, the Sand Swordsaint anxiously asked, "What are the remaining two conditions of Chen Mo's, and feel free to say."
Chen Mo shook his head and, before the Sand Swordsaint could react, he pulled something out of his bosom, revealing the Ice Soul Herb he had obtained from the Cloud Mountain Sect. "Please let the Sword Saint elder heal your illness first."
The Sand Swordsaint stared at the Ice Soul Herb Chen Mo had presented, feeling overjoyed in his heart. His hands almost reflexively reached out, but then they shrank back in an instant. "You've given me the Ice Soul Herb without mentioning any conditions. Don't you worry that I might change my mind or refuse?"
"I trust the Sand Swordsaint's character"
"Hah, hahaha, it's been a long time since I saw someone so amusing. People all call you the Sage of the Paths, and I thought it was just a name for show. But just by your breadth of mind, I see that you do deserve this reputation; still, you had better get on with it and say your conditions. If you don't, I'll be driven to despair, even if it's to cure an illness – one can't find peace in that."
Seeing that the other party refused to accept it, Chen Mo did not continue to hide it. He directly said, "I recall that there is a demon beast's nest behind the Sand Sovereign's Clan, where there is a red-colored spiritual herb called Dragon Blood Herb. I urgently need this thing. Please bring it for me, Swordsaint."
Before staying at home, Chen Mo had a feeling that the Dragon Blood Herb was somewhere familiar, but he couldn't remember at the moment. However, on his way to the Sand Sovereign's Clan, he suddenly recalled that it was in the demon beast's nest behind the clan. The place was treacherous and dangerous to the point that even Shitang Mountain dared not get close.
However, for the full-force Sand Swordsaint, this was nothing to fear.
"If my illness can be cured, it will be easy to get a spiritual herb from the demon beast's nest. What's the third condition?"
"I would like to ask the Swordsaint elder to take a disciple under his wing. Of course, you have the chance to refuse. However, even if you decline, I still want you to mentor him…"
"This is not a problem at all."
"And…"
"Isn't that just three conditions? Are you planning to add a fourth?"
"Not exactly. I just wanted to add something. This person has a great talent, and I believe you will be interested in him. If you agree to take him as a disciple and let him stay here, he may leave because I refuse to stay, but one day, he will come back to seek you out. I think by then, you should not refuse."
The Sand Swordsaint replied without hesitation, "I am Shi Tianjian, the Sand Swordsaint in the eyes of mortals. I won't refuse anyone who I find talented as my disciple. Your conditions are invalid; however, if he truly refuses to become my disciple, I will also abide by the promise. Whenever he comes to seek me out, I will not hesitate to accept him."
