Chapter 146: Truly No Impulse

My home is in Azure Dragon Commandery, right at the easternmost edge! Further east lies the Endless Forest!

Standing atop the flying boat, the five of them watched as the towns and cities vanished rapidly behind them.

Chi Xiangdong spoke slowly, a look of nostalgic reminiscence washing over his features.

Su Yizhao and the others did not interrupt him!

Others might not know, but Su Yizhao was acutely aware of the truth!

For a cultivator to travel all the way from the eastern regions to the remote southwestern borders and spend more than a decade lingering in a place so barren of resources, this Chi Xiangdong undoubtedly had a story to tell!

It was only a pity that he had no wine on hand!

And so, Chi Xiangdong's tale unfolded at a very leisurely pace!

There are fierce demonic beasts within the Endless Forest, as well as countless heavenly treasures! Chi Xiangdong's tone grew somewhat eager. My family is not a particularly large one, but because we were intimately familiar with the forest, we cultivated a certain degree of familiarity with the demonic cultivators residing within!

Su Yizhao closed his eyes!

Deep within his mind, he admonished the Divine Deer: Lord Deer, you must keep a sharp eye out! We are moving at such a blistering speed, might we miss it?

The Divine Deer's lazy, unhurried voice echoed in his head: We won't miss it. Keep flying east!

Though worried, Su Yizhao assumed the beast was paying attention since it replied so promptly.

He hastily reiterated, The moment you spot it, notify me immediately!

Naturally! the Divine Deer replied, before adding a warning: Kid, don't disturb my sleep so easily!

Su Yizhao was instantly rendered speechless!

What the hell!

So it had been sleeping all along?

Was this supposed to be the proper attitude for scouting a profound stone mine?

Yet he had no other recourse!

He could only continue listening to Chi Xiangdong's story!

Engaging in covert trade with the demonic cultivators—that was my family's secret enterprise!

Chi Xiangdong spat out these words with a heavy air of gravity!

Qin Hongyi and the others wore equally solemn expressions!

Trading with demonic beasts!

That was aiding the enemy!

At least, according to the conventional mindset of orthodox cultivators from the profound sects, it was treason!

During the invasion of the Spirit-Devouring Clan, the human and demonic races of the entire continent had stood shoulder to shoulder in defense, resulting in near-total annihilation for both sides!

Ever since that era, a deeply ingrained belief had taken root among humanity!

Those not of our race will surely harbor different intentions!

These "different intentions" were not merely about competing for cultivation resources; they aimed at the complete eradication of the alien race!

Therefore, after the bloody and grueling war was won, that mighty human paragon carved out the territories.

The aquatic demons of the waters were driven into the deep seas, while the beasts of feather and fur were banished into the forests!

From that day onward, the river water did not mingle with the well water, and all interactions ceased entirely!

Su Yizhao and his companions listened in silence!

The more they heard, the heavier their hearts sank!

As the family's influence and power gradually grew—after all, the forest was overflowing with rare treasures—Chi Xiangdong continued, naturally, secrets could not be kept hidden forever as time passed!

Su Yizhao and the others nodded inwardly!

If you do not want anyone to know, the only way is to never do it in the first place!

Where in this world was there an airtight wall?

Besides, how could the rise of a family's power happen overnight?

Yet within the family, only the direct bloodline descendants were privy to this secret. The only ones capable of leaking the information were that handful of individuals!

Su Yizhao couldn't help but be taken aback!

Damn it!

Could they have mistaken you for the whistleblower?

Though Su Yizhao did not voice the question, Chi Xiangdong guessed what he was thinking!

He offered a bitter smile and said, My father is the clan head. Although he doted on me, I happened to be a child born out of wedlock, enduring cold glares and disdain since childhood. Naturally, I received no cultivation resources whatsoever. Thus, everyone assumed I harbored deep resentment and therefore leaked the secret!

Gou Haitian wore a sympathetic expression!

Feng Manyin, possessing a forthright and impulsive personality, had already been emotionally swayed and angrily demanded, Then what? Did they just kill you like that?

Everyone froze in shock!

My dear beauty!

How on earth did you plan to survive the cultivation world relying solely on a large chest?

Realizing her slip, Feng Manyin flushed and apologized, Ah well, I suppose I got a bit too worked up!

Chi Xiangdong bore her no ill will. The Young Master is my eldest half-brother and has always despised me. In that situation, he naturally seized the opportunity to expel me from the clan! Furthermore, I was forced to change my surname and forbidden from ever returning home again!

"So, what is your real name?"

Su Yizhao looked at him with keen interest.

Chi Xiangdong smiled bitterly. Returning this time under the guise of a Profound Heaven Sect disciple, I hope they might rescind their previous decree and clear my name of this grievance. Once that is settled, I will gladly reveal my true identity to everyone!

Qin Hongyi immediately objected, That won't do! How can we help you if we don't even know your real name?

Gou Haitian chimed in as well, So, your name isn't actually Elder Chi?

Everyone turned their gazes toward Su Yizhao, who remained noncommittal!

Chi Xiangdong lowered his voice and said, Very well! My greatest wish is to restore my innocence. With Fellow Daoist Su, the foremost expert of the continent, here to vouch for me this time, there should be no problem at all! My given name is Murong Beast-Tamer!

Su Yizhao felt an immense wave of pressure crashing down upon him!

How on earth was he supposed to vouch for this?

There was no way to prove it!

Judging by the look in his eyes, the man expected him to use brute force to establish his innocence!

Overwhelming martial might had always been history's sole witness—from antiquity to the present day, without a single exception!

Murong Beast-Tamer? Gou Haitian remarked, What a strange name!

Feng Manyin asked quite bluntly, Could it be that you excel at taming beasts?

Murong Beast-Tamer burst into a hearty laugh, confidence radiating from him as he declared, Correct! In the heavens and upon the earth, there is no creature of feather or fur that I cannot tame!

The group was stunned into silence!

They were completely captivated by his aura of unshakeable self-assurance!

Every person possessed their own shining attribute!

And this very attribute was the wellspring of his boundless confidence!

How about I tame a demonic beast for each of you when the time comes?

Qin Hongyi and Feng Manyin were the first to react with excitement!

Gou Haitian's eyes were practically sparkling with stars!

Demonic beasts!

They could serve as loyal pets and formidable assistants in battle!

Because they were exceedingly rare, they were naturally uncommon in the central heartland of the continent!

And the profession of a beast-taming cultivator was rarer still!

Never had any of them imagined that Chi Xiangdong was actually a supreme master of this craft!

Fellow Daoist Su, what do you think...? Murong Beast-Tamer asked, looking rather unconfident.

Su Yizhao was well aware of what was troubling him!

Everyone knew the truth of it!

This matter truly defied ordinary proof!

Unless the person who originally leaked the secret could be captured, how else could his innocence be established?

Besides, with so much time having elapsed, could they even be found?

Su Yizhao replied calmly, It is completely fine!

His demeanor was genuinely serene!

Since he had come this far, he would naturally do his utmost to resolve the issue!

Having started his journey as a golden-badge enforcement disciple of the Law Enforcement Hall, investigating cases and tracking down individuals was second nature to him!

If even he failed to unearth the truth, then he would simply resort to brute force!

A remote commandery city like this topped out at having a Ninth-Void Realm cultivator holding down the fort at most.

As far as he was concerned, he could easily handle ordinary Ninth-Void Realm experts!

Murong Beast-Tamer cupped his fists and bowed deeply, Many thanks, Fellow Daoist Su!

Su Yizhao waved a hand to signal that no formal courtesies were necessary!

A brother's affairs!

Were his own affairs!

Just at that moment, the Divine Deer piped up in his mind: Kid, it seems you really have a fondness for brawling!

Su Yizhao was left speechless once more!

Your old man didn't like fighting; he preferred forbearance! Only when forbearance reached its absolute limit would he rise up in fury to slaughter his foes! Shouldn't you learn a thing or two from that?

Su Yizhao shook his head. If cultivation doesn't allow one to enact quick justice and express grievances freely, then cultivation is pointless! I won't learn it!

Impulsiveness is a demon, and the price it extracts is heavy. Won't you reconsider? The Divine Deer felt a twinge of regret, suddenly sensing that it had failed in its duty of guidance.

Su Yizhao replied, I understand that much, which is why I am never impulsive!

The Divine Deer was overjoyed!

But immediately afterward, Su Yizhao added, Every single time I fight and kill, it is meticulously planned out. I truly am never impulsive!

Divine Deer: ......!

Enough. That virtual treasure of yours is not quite suitable for current use anymore. What your old man left behind...

Su Yizhao was ecstatic. What did he leave behind? You lazy deer, why didn't you pull it out earlier?

The Divine Deer roared in anger: He left behind the forging method for a complete set of flying swords! Take it and get lost!

Su Yizhao: ......!