Hidden Moth-Chapter 581 - 333: Sitting Together Before the Artifact Pavilion

Later on, Yu Pingzhou secretly orchestrated a plan against Wu Yanjun, but it was discovered by the Sect Law Hall and dealt with. In the Xiao Alliance's view, this was Yu Pingzhou failing at dirty work, but at least his identity and Qi Nansheng were not exposed.

After Yu Pingzhou's death, the direct communication channel between the Xiao Alliance and Qi Nansheng was once again severed...

He Kao was speechless upon hearing this, not only because of the complex internal affairs but also marveling at how insidious the elders' machinations were!

Li Xiuyuan spoke slowly, "The situation of Qi Nansheng is only known to the elders of the Sect Law Hall. As you're considered the Hidden Moth Sect Leader, I've shared some with you, but you must not tell others.

Another point I must remind you of is that although Qi Nansheng swore never to betray the Magic Sect, it doesn't mean he will listen to me, nor does it mean he will acknowledge the Hidden Moth.

To my knowledge, Grandmaster Qi does not wish for the return of the Hidden Moth, and does not even want the Hidden Moth Sect to reemerge. He harbors a deep wariness and hostility towards the Hidden Moth, and would likely prevent it if given the chance."

He Kao was puzzled, "Why? I haven't offended him!"

Li Xiuyuan replied, "He doesn't know you're the Hidden Moth. It's not about you personally, but about this matter.

Besides Elder Jiang, he is the one most interested in researching the history of the Magic Sect. The internal chaos and split of the Magic Sect a thousand years ago started with the Hidden Moth Sect. He does not want history to repeat itself.

I have personally heard him say — since the extinction of the Hidden Moth Lineage a thousand years ago, with the reorganization and peace within the Magic Sect, evidence shows it's better without the Hidden Moth Sect, so why let hidden risks reappear?"

He Kao retorted, "This makes no sense!"

Li Xiuyuan continued, "You have your reasons, and he has his. Unless he realizes that the appearance of the Hidden Moth and the return of the Hidden Moth Sect pose no threat to the Magic Sect and its techniques.

Since the Hidden Moth returned to Jianghu, internal disputes within the Magic Sect and conflicts between the Xiao Alliance and the Magic Sect have not ceased. This seems to be a fact, and the losses are considerable, depending on who suffers them."

He Kao said, "It's not my fault, these problems existed before. It's like someone committing a crime that the police didn't discover, but someone reports it, should the reporter be responsible?"

Li Xiuyuan chuckled bitterly, "I understand, and so do Elder Jiang and Elder Gu. The Sect Law Hall shouldn't have refused the return of the Hidden Moth Sect, and should have encouraged it instead.

But Qi Nansheng doesn't think so, and he doesn't know the identity of the Hidden Moth or witness your experiences as we did.

Just like how you resented Wan Zhongle, even though you heard some things I said earlier, you probably won't go out of your way to target him, but you still won't like him.

I also never liked Qi Nansheng, even as a child, but he is who he is, regardless of whether I like him or not.

Fortunately, he's long since retired, otherwise, when the Hidden Moth Sect is capable of returning, the Sect Law Hall's vote might still face trouble, as he would probably not agree..."

According to the Sect Law Hall's discussion rules, under normal circumstances, instructions can be issued by one elder as long as the other elders do not disagree.

However, in major decisions involving all members of the Magic Sect, unanimous consent of all seven elders is required. The matter of the Hidden Moth Sect's return to the Magic Sect undoubtedly falls under this category of major decisions.

After the Qi Yuan chaos, the Sect Law Hall issued an announcement inviting the Hidden Moth to return to the Magic Sect and rebuild the Hidden Moth Lineage, with all elders at that time unanimously agreeing.

But that was an invitation to the individual, hoping that upon his return to the Magic Sect, he would explain the secrets of the legacy, then under the supervision, support, and help of the Sect Law Hall, restore the Hidden Moth Lineage.

This process was entirely controllable from the perspective of the Magic Sect.

However, He Kao rejected this invitation, and the three elders supported this decision because it was too risky for He Kao.

There were problems both internally and externally in the Magic Sect. Many with ill intentions covet the Invisibility Ability, while the Xiao Alliance is eagerly watching. Careless handling could not only cost He Kao, but also destroy the hope of restoring the Hidden Moth Lineage.

As time passed, the nature of the situation today is entirely different. He Kao has acquired the scrolls, broken through to high-tier cultivation, and opened the Floating Colors Grotto Heaven, already on the path to rebuilding the Hidden Moth Sect.

When conditions mature in the future, it means directly rejoining the Magic Sect as an independent sect, with He Kao, as the Sect Leader, directly becoming an elder of the Sect Law Hall.

What does it mean for conditions to mature? At the very least, He Kao must have the ability to protect himself, and the Hidden Moth Sect, under his leadership, must have the capital to establish itself.

By then, the matter will still require unanimous agreement from the seven current elders of the Sect Law Hall. Elder Jiang, Elder Li, and Elder Gu are definitely not problems, but the issue lies with the fact that only these three elders are confirmed to support He Kao.

As for the Alchemy Sect's Elder Mei Guyu, he's He Kao's colleague and comrade-in-arms, He Kao will have to find a way to handle that.

For the Observing Body Sect's Elder Wild Phoenix, He Kao has a good personal relationship with Lin Qingshuang, and through cooperation on the Peony refinement matter, he has significantly helped the Observing Body Sect, so there can be good communication.

But the remaining two elders are hard to say.

Li Xiuyuan finally said, "Kang Rulin, the Elder of the Micro Realm Sect, has an unclear attitude. His situation is the opposite of Qi Nansheng. He might not target this affair, but he may not have a favorable opinion of you as a person. We'll see what happens then.

Zong Zheng, the Elder of the Qi Observation Sect, is often said to be absent-minded, but he actually understands very well. He definitely needs to understand you as a person, and thus the entire Hidden Moth Sect, before he makes a decision.

I suggest you show up more often at his place, get familiar first. The best way is to find opportunities to ask for his advice, and try to leave a good impression…"

He Kao quickly said, "I plan to attend his lecture this time. I heard that Elder Zong gives a lecture every year, and this year's is scheduled for this Saturday afternoon."

Li Xiuyuan laughed, "Yes, that's true. It's rare for you to have such an intention. Just go there directly when the time comes. As for the Hidden Moth Sect, manage it well. As long as you don't court death, there shouldn't be too much danger for now."

At this point, he suddenly sighed deeply, "Anything that arises now, Elder Gu is handling it for you."

He Kao was just about to ask what he meant by that, what Elder Gu was handling for him, when he suddenly turned his head to look towards the forest outside Dragon Scale Slope. His divine sense followed, and the steel ruler on the outside of his backpack emitted a clear hum.

"You've made some progress lately, kid. I just got close and wanted to hear a few more words, and you already discovered me!" With the sound of the voice, Gu Chun walked out of the forest and ascended Dragon Scale Slope.

This Earth Master was excellent at stealth, able to hide his Divine Qi almost without a trace. Earlier, he did not deliberately conceal or reveal himself. Li Xiuyuan knew he had arrived but didn't inform He Kao.

Gu Chun had just reached the base of Dragon Scale Slope, still quite a distance away, yet He Kao had already discovered him, proving recent progress had indeed been substantial.

He Kao hurriedly saluted, "Master Gu, what brings you here?"

Gu Chun: "First tell me what you're doing here?"

He Kao briefly reported on the introductions made earlier. Gu Chun nodded and said, "Well done! Since you're here, take me to Qihuang Spirit Garden first. Bring me back around this time tomorrow, and remember to keep it a secret."

Oh, it turned out he was going to find Lin Qingshuang to take the Pure Yang Pill together, something that was agreed upon long ago. Elder Lin was quite particular about many choices yet specifically sought out Elder Gu, who surprisingly agreed.

He Kao dared not say much. He used his skills to quietly transport Elder Gu, and before leaving, politely asked, "I'll take Master Gu there now. Master Li, any further instructions?"

Li Xiuyuan thought for a moment, "After attending Elder Zong's forum on Saturday, don't forget to come back here once more. I'd like to visit the Floating Colors Grotto Heaven… Elder Gu, could you accompany me?" 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

This request was quite strange. Why did he need to bring Elder Gu to the Floating Colors Grotto Heaven? Not sure if there was some Divine Thought exchange, but Elder Gu nodded, "Alright, we'll go together."

He Kao transported Gu Chun near Qihuang Spirit Garden as requested, watching in the early morning light as he gracefully entered the wilderness, likely having already arranged to meet with Lin Qingshuang.

Jiang Daozhen had actually advised Gu Chun and Li Xiuyuan to refrain from frequently utilizing He Kao's Invisibility Ability and using the Floating Colors Grotto Heaven for transit.

Such actions could potentially alert others, possibly exposing He Kao's secret.

But Elder Gu seemed not to heed this warning. Last time from the Everest camp back to Phoenix Tail Town, acting in authority was one thing, but why use this method to reach Qihuang Spirit Garden for taking pills with Lin Qingshuang as well?

His Elder had a Flying Divine Artifact, A Cloud, and could also take the high-speed train for long journeys… Perhaps he did not want others to know this time.

He Kao was careful, always leaving traceable public itineraries. Quickly it turned to the weekend, and in the afternoon he took the high-speed train first to Han Ning City's Shanping County, staying overnight in the town. The next day, he took a bus to Phoenix Tail Town.

After lunch in the town, he finally walked over to the gate of the Ancestral Hall, also known as Sect Law Hall. The Qi Observation Sect disciple Lu Xiaoji, whom he had met last time, was sitting inside the gate with a chair, smilingly greeting him as he entered, "Junior Brother He, here to listen?"

He Kao also smiled and nodded, saluting, "Senior Brother Lu, is it your turn today?"

Lu Xiaoji: "I need to be on duty at the Sect Law Hall for two months, the time is not up yet… Why didn't you bring a mat? I'll lend you one." With that, he pulled a mat from under himself to hand to He Kao.

Only then did He Kao realize that during each of Zong Zheng's forums, the venue was set in front of the Artifact Pavilion at the northwest corner of the Sect Law Hall. Everyone sat on the ground, and he did not refuse after thanking him, taking the mat.

He Kao had visited the Artifact Pavilion at the Ancestral Hall in Flower Shocking Grotto Heaven, and the layout of the Sect Law Hall was basically the same. It faced a three-story building with a vertical plaque hanging under the eaves of the third floor, inscribed with the characters "Artifact".

The courtyard in front of the pavilion was as large as three basketball courts, and when He Kao entered, there were already fifty or sixty people sitting there, each carrying a mat.

Zong Zheng sat under the eaves on the first floor, with a small table in front of him holding a teapot and cups. Upon seeing He Kao enter, he nodded with a smile. He Kao saluted from a distance and found a place to sit down.

At two in the afternoon, Elder Zong started his lecture on time—

**