As the three watched with bated breath, a ball of light condensed out of thin air in Qu Qizhong’s raised hands.

After appearing, the ball of light floated in front of Qu Qizhong, slowly elongating until it gradually took the form of Elder Huang.

"Hiss... Is this really an Outer Body Incarnation Technique of Tier Four or higher? Or is it a descent via Dao Mark Positioning... This..."

Watching the human figure materialize, Ji Xing and Zhou Zhicheng both gasped.

The Summoning God Skill was gone, and summoning members of the Human Race was strictly forbidden. Only an Outer Body Incarnation could still call forth a humanoid Summoning Object.

Although there were many versions of the technique, even the most basic ones were Tier Four, Law Level Techniques.

They were typically cultivated by major figures from a Blessed Holy Land to protect the younger generation.

This was a powerhouse they could not afford to offend; even their own families’ Duality Ancestors might not dare to cross such a figure.

After appearing, Zhang Deming glanced around. With a wave of his hand, a nimble stream of water materialized.

He flicked it toward the Water Dragon in the sky. The Water Dragon’s aura swelled once more, and it instantly tore the wind dragon to shreds.

On the ground, Ji Xing and Zhou Zhicheng dared not make a move.

Having done this, Zhang Deming turned to look at Qu Qizhong and asked, "You activated the emergency protocol. What’s the matter?"

"Elder Huang..."

Seeing that it was Elder Huang who had arrived, Qu Qizhong’s lips quivered nervously. But just as he began to speak, he was cut off.

"Senior, my ancestor wishes to invite you to our estate for a discussion," Zhou Zhicheng said with a sincere smile.

"Silence," Zhang Deming said coldly.

With that, he waved his hand.

The Water Dragon in the sky had clearly been created by Qu Qingxian. Yet, with a wave from Zhang Deming, it swung its tail, catching Zhou Zhicheng off guard and sending him flying as he coughed up blood.

Ji Xing’s and Qu Qingxian’s pupils contracted. ’An energy body, presumably formed through an Outer Body Incarnation Technique, just instantly seized control of someone else’s Skill. What level of existence is this?’

’A Duality Ancestor shouldn’t possess such an ability, right?’

Zhang Deming frowned slightly, turned to Qu Qingxian, and said, "You. Explain."

Hearing this, Ji Xing shot Qu Qingxian a nervous glance.

Upon hearing the command, Qu Qingxian quickly bowed and said, "Elder Huang, these two gentlemen came to see Steward Zhang. They wish to have a meeting with him."

Ji Xing gave Qu Qingxian a grateful look. He did not speak rashly, but simply met Elder Huang’s gaze with a humble smile.

Zhang Deming’s frown deepened. "You activated the emergency protocol for a trivial matter like this?"

Qu Qingxian’s expression stiffened, and he looked over at Qu Qizhong.

Qu Qizhong had been in a daze ever since Elder Huang appeared. Now that the topic had shifted to him, he stammered,

"Um, I... I didn’t know. When Steward Zhang gave this to me, I thought it was just a ritual to conveniently notify him if something came up..."

Elder Huang’s face darkened. "That kid, Zhang Wu, is as unreliable as ever. Reciting the Command Spell in your mind is for simple contact. Speaking it aloud while performing the ritual is a call for help.

If you make a blunder like this again, I won’t let you off so easily."

With that said, Zhang Deming prepared to depart.

He paused mid-departure, turning back to look at Ji Xing. "That kid, Zhang Wu, he’s a decent fellow.

Back home, several of the old-timers think highly of him, so we sent him out to get some experience.

We respect the domain of the Celestial Spirit Sect and have always shown proper deference. You would be wise to act accordingly."

With that, Zhang Deming’s form disintegrated, dissolving into countless motes of light that scattered into the air.

"COUGH, COUGH..."

Only then did Zhou Zhicheng, who had been sent flying, dare to make a sound. He coughed up several mouthfuls of blood as he struggled back to his feet.

Ji Xing looked at Qu Qingxian. "Thanks."

Qu Qingxian gave a self-deprecating laugh. "Don’t thank me. I didn’t do it for you. If this situation had escalated, I wouldn’t have gained anything from it.

It’s better for it to be settled peacefully like this.

You can laugh if you want, but right now, my position isn’t much better than a common soldier’s. If that weren’t the case, do you think I’d have wanted to confront you two head-on like this?"

Ji Xing’s expression turned grim. "It seems we were reckless. The backing of any Spirit Nurturing Master is never simple."

Qu Qingxian smiled bitterly. "Indeed."

"Can you tell me about that man from before?" Ji Xing asked. "I have to report back, and I’m sure you don’t want this matter to drag on endlessly."

Qu Qingxian continued to smile bitterly. "Judging by my reaction, did it look like I know much?

Don’t laugh, but I know even less than this grandson of mine.

I’ve only met that person twice, and there’s nothing I’d dare say. The first time, I was so terrified I didn’t dare ask a single question."

Ji Xing glanced at Qu Qingxian, then up at Qu Qizhong on the roof. "It seems the Qu Family’s Blessed Fortune has arrived."

Just then, Zhou Zhicheng struggled over, his expression extremely grim.

He didn’t say a word, merely staring at Qu Qingxian.

Qu Qingxian gave another bitter smile. "Whether it’s a blessing or a curse, it’s truly hard to say."

Ji Xing instantly understood what Qu Qingxian was referring to. "You’d best think of a solution," he said.

"The only reason the Sect hasn’t been notified about the Spirit Nurturing Bead is that the Zhou Family’s ancestor is personally keeping it under wraps.

Once he gets back tonight and learns there’s no hope for a private arrangement,

by tomorrow, the higher-ups in the Celestial Spirit Sect will likely know everything.

I don’t know what faction you’ve gotten involved with, but nominally, the Qu Family is still one of the Sect’s Peripheral Noble Families."

Qu Qingxian threw up his hands. "I’d like to, but do I look like I have a solution?

If I had a way to get a message to them, would I have needed to fight you tonight?"

Ji Xing paused for a moment. "That’s true. Still, judging by that man’s bearing and attitude tonight, this might not be a bad thing. The Sect won’t necessarily take action.