The saying "A man grows cunning with age, a horse grows sly" fits perfectly to describe Qing Lao, Liu Zixuan felt.

Previously, Qing Lao himself admitted to knowing many secrets within the Profound Sword Sect that even the Sect Leader and Elders were unaware of. This suggests that he has been with the sect even longer than Sword Venerable Ling Xiao, likely being a figure from the time of the previous Sect Leader.

Therefore, no matter how deeply Liu Zixuan tries to hide, he cannot conceal anything from this old fox.

Through various inquiries about the Nether Fire Stone, if one thinks carefully, one can discern Liu Zixuan’s great interest in it.

Since he’s already been exposed by Qing Lao, Liu Zixuan decided it wasn’t worth hiding anymore.

Firstly, one lie requires countless others to cover it up, and he simply doesn’t have the time to make up so many lies.

Secondly, having too many thoughts in front of such an old fox is annoying. Liu Zixuan realized that Qing Lao isn’t the type to report him for every small mistake.

Thirdly, and most importantly, Liu Zixuan is aware that he lacks the ability to take the Nether Fire Stone with him; he needs someone who truly understands it to help him.

Right now, Qing Lao is undoubtedly the best candidate.

Before Qing Lao reached the door, Liu Zixuan suddenly stood up: "I can try these two conditions."

"It’s not about trying; you must accomplish them," Qing Lao paused and smiled.

"Treating the entity you mentioned isn’t too difficult, but defeating Sword Venerable Ling Xiao, who is the Sect Leader, is not an easy task, so..."

"You can rest assured. Though I’m merely a sweeper, I still have a few friends in the sect. I’ll have my friends mimic Sword Venerable Ling Xiao and spar with you, until you’re confident to defeat him." Qing Lao interrupted Liu Zixuan.

Liu Zixuan furrowed his brow: "Alright, but I have one question."

"Ask away." Qing Lao slowly turned around.

"Nether Fire Stone is a treasure of the Profound Sword Sect. You’re the most senior in the sect, so why entrust such a gem to an outsider like me?" Liu Zixuan inquired.

Qing Lao paused for a moment in silence: "Once you’ve accomplished those two conditions, I’ll explain it to you. Rest assured, today’s matter is known only by you and me; I won’t tell anyone else!"

Given Qing Lao’s assurance, Liu Zixuan had no reason to continue probing.

He nodded and said, "Alright, then take me to the person, or the thing, I need to treat."

"No rush." Qing Lao looked at the position of the sun and smiled, "In a little over ten minutes, the Sword Dao Hall on Profound Mountain will open. You can check out some sword dao texts there or comprehend some Sword Dao Profound Meanings at the Sword Stone."

"The Sword Dao Hall opens? It’s usually closed?" Liu Zixuan asked with a frown.

"Once a month for only two hours. During those hours, everyone must stay inside the hall. Meanwhile, I’ll make preparations so that when you return in the evening, you can help me treat that entity."

Qing Lao stepped close to Liu Zixuan and smiled meaningfully: "During the two hours that the Sword Dao Hall is open, nobody will know what happens inside."

Liu Zixuan paused before suddenly realizing.

He vaguely recalled that Elder Yang mentioned on the way to Profound Sword Sect that Gu Huaqiu is the Steward of the Sword Dao Hall. Once the doors close, Gu Huaqiu is the supreme authority within.

Qing Lao’s reminder meant to caution Liu Zixuan to be wary of Gu Huaqiu once inside!

Liu Zixuan grinned: "If I can defeat him once, I can do it two or three times. I’m curious about what trick Gu Huaqiu plans to play with me today!"

"There is a difference between inside the sect and outside it. If you fight him, the Punishment Hall won’t spare you, but if he fights you, he can simply accuse you with his status as Steward." Qing Lao chuckled sinisterly: "Don’t worry, I’ll have injury medicine ready for you when you return."

Liu Zixuan glared at Qing Lao irritably: "Keep your Peach Blossom Brew ready; I’m going to drink plenty when I get back!"

With that, Liu Zixuan turned and walked outside.

Watching Liu Zixuan from the yard of the Peach Blossom House, Qing Lao revealed a strange expression.

At that moment, a figure emerged from the house, respectfully nodding towards Qing Lao: "Are you really going to let Liu Zixuan attempt the treatment?"

"It’s like treating a dead horse as a living one; we can only try now." Qing Lao chuckled, "Besides, that young fellow Zixuan has many secrets. Who knows, maybe he’ll surprise me!"

The eerie figure hesitated momentarily: "Given your insight, he shouldn’t be a poor choice."

"Don’t use that tone trying to fish information out of this old man." Qing Lao snapped, "You heard the two conditions I gave him. No need for me to explain further!"

"I’ll make the arrangements!"

Moments later, the shadowy figure disappeared mysteriously, while Qing Lao sat in the pavilion sipping Peach Blossom Brew with a carefree attitude, as if nothing had happened.

...

Profound Mountain, Sword Dao Hall entrance.

At this time, more than twenty disciples of the Profound Sword Sect had gathered.

Each disciple’s face was filled with excitement, eager to enter the hall and comprehend the Sword Dao Profound Meaning.

Just then, a man dressed in black attire approached, and the surrounding disciples quickly showed respect.

"Brother Gu!"

"Brother Hua Qiu!"

The black-clad Gu Huaqiu wore an air of arrogance, seemingly relishing the feeling of worship, though he privately disdained their adulation.

Like a certain type of woman in ancient times acting chaste even while being promiscuous, it was quite nauseating.

Standing before the Sword Dao Hall’s door, Gu Huaqiu halted and turned to the crowd: "Under the decree of our Master, the Sword Dao Hall will soon open this month. I hope you all abide by the rules; if not, I’ll have no mercy and will send you to the Punishment Hall."

"Don’t worry, Brother. Everyone has been here before and will follow the rules!" a Martial Artist beside him shouted.

With a cold snicker, Gu Huaqiu slowly turned his gaze towards Liu Zixuan outside the crowd: "You may know, but I’m afraid some new brother doesn’t!"

He intentionally emphasized the phrase "new brother," as if reminding Liu Zixuan of his seniority and hierarchy!

Seeing his pretentious demeanor, Liu Zixuan mused silently: "I thought I’d have some peace for a few days, but trouble has come so quickly!"

The less Liu Zixuan paid attention to Gu Huaqiu, the more it incited Gu Huaqiu’s animosity towards him. With a sweeping gesture, he proclaimed: "Open the Sword Dao Hall."