The other Black Iron forces like Dark Asura Hall, Seven Fiends Valley, Dark Shadow Tower, Purple Mist Sea, and Cloud Sky Mountain were only the vassals of these two humongous Copper forces. Out of all five Black Iron forces, even the strongest warrior was only at the latter stage of the Netherpassage Realm. No one had been able to step into the Fulfillment Realm.
Those who could step into the Fulfillment Realm had long been pocketed by the two great Copper rank forces, and they have long since went to the true Copper rank forces to cultivate.
“The sect master had planned to retire a long time ago and let Elder Mo Hai become the new sect master.” Tang Siqi explained softly, “But Elder Mo Hai’s ambition does not lie here. He has expressed a long time ago that if he did forge an Earth Grade spirit artifact, then he would leave Armament Sect and journey abroad.”
“He refuses even the position of sect master?” Qin Lie was shocked.
“Yeah. Since he does not want to inherit the position of sect master, left with no choice, the sect master came to discuss the matter with me and hoped that I would be able to take over in the future.” Tang Siqi nodded and continued saying, “Originally, I was the only candidate, but now there is another, Liang Shaoyang, and he’s a male as well. If his talent is truly great, then he may be an even more suitable candidate than me.”
When she said this, Tang Siqi’s eyes were filled with mixed emotions. She didn’t know whether to feel lucky or worried about this.
While the duo talked as they walked along, they soon arrived at the back of Flame Volcano. The back of the mountain had beautiful scenery, craggy rocks, and cliffs like swords.
A few elegant bamboo buildings were located beside a gushing waterfall at the back of the mountain. There were a number of herb gardens at the front of the bamboo buildings, and there were many spirit herbs grown inside.
An average-looking, but quiet and elegant matron was gathering herbs inside the herb garden.
The matron looked about forty years old and appeared kind and benign. The corner of her lips were curled into a thin smile, and when she saw Tang Siqi and Qin Lie walking over, she asked smilingly, “Oh, it’s Siqi. Are you here for A’Hai?”
“Yeah.” Tang Siqi smiled sweetly, “Auntie, is the Great Elder free right now?”
“A’Hai is helping Shaoyang by explaining the path of artifact forging. He left me here to stop visitors.” The matron smiled lightly and pointed at a few bamboo chairs. “Go there and rest for a bit. It’ll be done in two to four hours.”
“Okay.” Tang Siqi nodded obediently before bringing Qin Lie to the bamboo chair beside an herb garden and sat down.
“Liang Shaoyang…”
Qin Lie’s eyebrows were locked with each other. He coldly gazed at the bamboo building and thought that enemies do meet on a narrow road.
“Don’t clash with him. Right now, he has the high regard of the sect master and three great reverends. Forget that you’re an outer sect disciple, even if you were an inner sect disciple, you would still be the one to run out of luck if you have a dispute with him,” Tang Siqi reminded with a soft voice.
Qin Lie kept his cold expression and stayed quiet.
It was only after a full four hours that Liang Shaoyang finally walked out of the bamboo building. After greeting the matron, he walked outside the herb garden and saw Qin Lie and Tang Siqi at first glance.
Liang Shaoyang was wearing a luxurious artificer robe. There were a lot of gold patterns sewn into it, and the arrogance in his eyes was even stronger than before. When he saw Qin Lie, his expression had darkened and his gaze became chilly, but when he saw Tang Siqi beside him, he then withdrew his arrogance and said respectfully, “Greetings, Senior Sister Tang.”
Tang Siqi only nodded slightly, barely a sign that she had returned the courtesy.
Since she learned of this man’s character, knowing that he had plotted against Qin Lie from the shadow and murdered Yin Hao, Tang Siqi had lost all traces of good will towards him. When she saw him Tang Siqi could only feel disgust.
That was why nodding her head in return was her limit already.
“Senior Sister Tang, both Sect Master and Elder Mo Hai have said that your talents are extraordinary and that I should learn more from you in the future.” Staring directly into Tang Siqi’s eyes, he said very impudently, “May Senior Sister Tang not hesitate to enlighten me in the future!”
“I can’t teach you anything.” Tang Siqi frowned and impatiently said, “With Sect Master and Great Elder assisting you, there is no need at all for you to learn from anyone else. Alright, please step aside, I have business with Great Elder.”
The small path leading towards the bamboo building was not wide. With Liang Shaoyang blocking the way, it would not be easy for either Qin Lie or Tang Siqi to pass through.
—Unless they stepped on the spirit herbs of course.