He had to maintain this persona.
After all, he had never revealed any direct malice toward Xu Qing and the Seven Blood Eyes.
Hence, maintaining gentleness was his basic plan.
This was also a manifestation of human nature.
In truth, much of the evil in this world resided within the heart. How long it could stay hidden depended on the external circumstances that provided opportunities for release.
Some individuals could conceal their darkness for years, while others might manage to conceal it for a lifetime, perhaps even until death.
It was just uncertain how long this Alliance Leader could keep his hidden intentions concealed.
At that moment, in the Seven Blood Eyes, Xu Qing was pouring tea for the ancestor, Xue Lianzi.
Xue Lianzi's injuries hadn't completely recovered. The emotional fluctuations today caused his face to be flushed red from joy. Although he would occasionally cough, it had been a long time since he was so excited.
"Good, good, good!"
Faced with Xu Qing pouring the tea, Xue Lianzi laughed loudly and took it. He finished it in one gulp, leaving not a drop behind. His eyes revealed dense relief and admiration as he spoke loudly.
"Little Seven, you've taken in a good disciple. If it wasn't for your disciple, you wouldn't have been able to become the deputy governor. You're borrowing the light of your disciple."
Old Master Seventh stood at the side and was proud when he heard this.
"So, I advise you to quickly expel the others from your apprenticeship. Just Fourth and Second are enough."
"The useless Eldest and Third are an eyesore."
Xu Qing lowered his head and didn't speak. He had heard these words from Xue Lianzi several times.
"Ancestor, what you said makes sense. I'll think about it later." Old Master Seventh nodded and smiled.
"Ancestor, about what I told you earlier?"
"I won't go, but I support you in moving the Seven Blood Eyes to the county capital." Xue Lianzi put down his teacup and looked at Old Master Seventh with a rueful expression.
"It's not easy for the Seven Blood Eyes to develop to this point, , but over the years, I've witnessed both peaks and declines. There are many things we have to plan ahead and be vigilant about ."
"The Nanhuang Continent is our first foundation. With your second disciple around, I'm relieved."
"However, we can't leave the Yinghuang Province unguarded. This is the second foundation of our Seven Blood Eyes and also a layer of protection."
"The county capital is the third foundation you and your disciple went to establish."
"This way, if anything happens in the future, the Yinghuang Province will be your retreat path and the Nanhuang Continent will also be your retreat path."
"Only then can we protect the foundation of my Seven Blood Eyes and allow it to exist forever."
Xue Lianzi's gaze was deep. His age and experience allowed him to view problems with stability as the first element.
Old Master Seventh both agreed and disagreed with this.
Seeing that the two elders were about to continue discussing, Xu Qing stood up and bade farewell. After he left the hall, he walked through the familiar sect territory and encountered some fellow disciples from the past.
Everyone who saw him would excitedly cup their fists in greeting from afar.
Looking at these, Xu Qing turned his head and looked behind him.
1000 feet behind him, the little mute was standing there, staring fixedly at Xu Qing. Just like before, every time Xu Qing returned, he would appear and silently guard him.
Xu Qing nodded and walked toward Lord Sixth's grave. He arrived very soon. Looking at Lord Sixth's tombstone, Lord Sixth's voice and appearance appeared in Xu Qing's mind.
A long time later, he took out a flask of wine and poured it on the soil.
"Lord Sixth, Night Dove is dead."
Xu Qing spoke softly.
"It's a pity that his head was smashed into pieces and I couldn't bring it back."
"But it's fine. I'll definitely take good care of Purple Green's head and try to bring it back intact."
Xu Qing mumbled. He stayed in front of Lord Sixth's grave for a long time. The little white snake also crawled out of his sleeve and climbed onto Xu Qing's neck. It gently stroked Xu Qing's cheek, as though it was comforting him.
When dusk arrived, Xu Qing stood up and bowed before leaving.
Walking on the mountain steps of the sect, he saw a familiar face.
It was a woman in her twenties. She wore an orange-yellow Daoist robe and had a beautiful appearance. Her body emitted waves of pill fragrance. However, her expression was a little desolate, as though many emotions were piled up in her heart and couldn't dissipate.
After seeing Xu Qing, she clearly felt a little uneasy.
"Senior… Senior Brother Xu Qing."
"Junior Sister Gu, long time no see." Xu Qing smiled calmly.
This woman was Gu Muqing.
Upon hearing Xu Qing's voice, Gu Muqing was a little dazed, as though she didn't know what to say.
Seeing the other party standing there foolishly, Xu Qing was a little surprised. After waiting for a while, he chose to leave.
After Xu Qing had walked far away, Gu Muqing lowered her head. There were some things she didn't have the courage to say in the end.
In the distance, Ling'er crawled out of Xu Qing's collar and looked at Gu Muqing's figure with curiosity in her eyes.
"Brother Xu Qing, I feel that that young miss seemed to be very nervous just now and wanted to say something. What's wrong with her? Should we go and ask?"
Xu Qing shook his head.
"It shouldn't be a big deal. I'll ask Master later."
"Yes, yes. If there's really trouble, Brother Xu Qing, we can help."
Ling'er nodded.
Xu Qing had experienced Ling'er's warm-heartedness during this period of time. Hence, he smiled and agreed. He walked further and further away and left the sect.
When Xu Qing's figure completely disappeared, a sigh rang out from beside Gu Muqing. Her master walked out and silently hugged Gu Muqing.
"Master."
Looking at her master who was like a mother, Gu Muqing's eyes turned red.
"Silly girl, you still have a chance. Work hard!" Gu Muqing's master looked at her disciple and could only comfort her.
