Chen Ye shielded the petite Zhiwei behind him, smiling:
"Guardian Wei, what is the meaning of this? I am the manager of Lisong, here today entering Songyang Cave Heaven to seek out True Inheritor Bai. The second Elder believes I have a karmic connection with True Inheritor Bai... Could it be, Guardian Wei wishes to oppose the second Elder?"
The Inner Sect disciples behind Wei Shu looked slightly surprised:
"Hm? Is this the manager of Lisong? Why does he also want to enter Songyang Cave Heaven?"
These Inner Sect disciples were not from the Wei Family, nor were they Wei Shu’s people.
They were disciples from within the sect, voluntarily participating in this trip to the Grotto Heaven.
It was merely because Wei Shu was the leading Guardian that they followed Wei Cheng’s orders.
"Indeed, that’s me, gentlemen, do you recognize me, Chen Ye?" Chen Ye looked at these Inner Sect disciples.
One young disciple showed excitement on his face:
"Steward Chen, we heard long ago of your feat of surpassing Zhao Qing. That Zhao Qing relies on having a Guardian aunt to join the Inner Sect, usually arrogant and domineering, which was long displeasing!"
These words immediately opened the topic, and the other disciples started discussing.
"Zhao Qing? I wasn’t aware of this. But as a Herb Peak disciple, I’ve long admired Steward Chen’s Spirit Plant Technique! That Lisong Valley once made all Herb Peak disciples helpless!"
Another disciple’s eyes gleamed; if it weren’t for the unsuitable occasion, he would have long pulled Chen Ye aside to discuss the Spirit Plant Technique.
Moreover, there was a disciple with a suggestive smile:
"Oh, what of this? Did you forget, True Inheritor Bai used to protect Steward Chen back then... Tsk tsk tsk, what kind of person is True Inheritor Bai? All True Inheritors fear her somewhat, yet True Inheritor Bai only shows favor towards Steward Chen. And the second Elder says Steward Chen has karma with Bai Susu??"
"No, no, no, don’t speak nonsense."
Chen Ye coughed lightly.
Yet unknowingly, it seems he truly has done quite a few significant things?
The attitude of these disciples truly made Chen Ye feel both laughter and tears.
Honestly speaking, he thought these young disciples would follow Wei Shu’s intent, and come to suppress him wantonly.
Just moments ago, when these disciples drove away those Loose Cultivators, they were fierce and disdainful, clearly appeared as antagonistic types who enjoyed suppression...
But now, they seemed like his admirers.
Yet thinking about it, it was expected.
These Inner Sect disciples were not like the Outer Sect disciples from Lisong Valley who idle and await death.
Each of them was gifted and ambitious, now daring to enter the Grotto Heaven to seek fortunes. How could they be sycophantic?
However... Wei Shu’s expression was much unsightly.
His face was ashen, and the overwhelming pressure of a Foundation Establishment Cultivator swept towards those still discussing Inner Sect disciples!
"Silence, all of you!"
"A group of ignorant juniors! This trip is to the perilous and unpredictable Secret Realm, not a place for idle chatter! Dare to speak one more word, and don’t blame this Guardian for being ruthless!"
Those Inner Sect disciples were intimidated by his aura, instantly silent as cicadas in winter, each face turned pale, no longer daring to speak.
Although they wouldn’t curry favor with Wei Shu, ultimately, they were only in the Qi Cultivation Stage, how could they resist a truly enraged Foundation Establishment Guardian?
Seeing this, Wei Shu coldly snorted with satisfaction. His sinister gaze fell once more upon Chen Ye.
"Chen Ye, it seems you’re quite adept at winning hearts. Unfortunately... in this Cultivation Realm, ultimately, strength speaks."
Chen Ye knew that even if Wei Shu were terribly bold, he wouldn’t dare act against him outside the Grotto Heaven.
Ultimately, his trip did carry out the second Elder’s intention... albeit reluctantly.
With this in mind, why would he save face for Wei Shu, he said faintly: "But I, Chen, believe that even though Guardian Wei is at the Foundation Establishment Stage, might not be stronger than me..."
"You! Truly ignorant of the vast sky and earth..."
Wei Shu was infuriated but laughed. Ridiculous, a Qi Cultivation Cultivator dares mock a Foundation Establishment Cultivator?
He no longer gave Chen Ye any chance to speak, suddenly flicking his sleeve, and shouted sternly:
"Everyone, board the boat!"