Lu Chuanxin and Yang Shoucheng exchanged glances. Lu Chuanxin asked, "Brother Ye, did that monster die?"
Ye Tian replied, "If it were a peak Human Immortal, it would at least be severely injured, but whether it died, I cannot be certain."
Yang Shoucheng shook his head, "Having turned into that ghastly appearance, what use is it even if it were an Earth Immortal?"
Ye Tian explained, "If it could become an Earth Immortal, it would undergo a complete transformation and return to human form."
Yang Shoucheng inquired, "Brother Ye, you say Human Immortals are already immortals, how can they turn into monsters?"
Ye Tian elaborated, "Human Immortals are equivalent to a semi-immortal body. Their greatest characteristic is evolution. Humans took millions of years to show significant evolution. But Human Immortals are different. Human Immortals can undergo noticeable changes in just a few years or a decade or two. Some changes are negative, like the monster in the cave; others are positive, such as stronger physique, more handsome features, and longer lifespan."
Yang Shoucheng asked, "Are these negative changes unavoidable?"
Ye Tian answered, "Orthodox cultivators can avoid them, but that person took a crooked path. He solely pursued power, leading to very obvious side effects."
Lu Chuanxin then asked, "So, the monster in the cave was a peak Human Immortal. Why did the country send people to find it?"
Ye Tian replied, "That I do not know. If you have a chance later, you can ask Shi Hu."
He then looked at Yang Shoucheng and asked, "Old Yang, you didn't just come over to have a meal with me, did you?"
Yang Shoucheng chuckled, "Brother, I've run into some trouble and wanted to ask for your help."
Ye Tian said, "Tell me, what is it?"
Yang Shoucheng sighed deeply, "It's about your sister-in-law. As you know, she's part of the Qingmen sect. After defeating Liu Jinhai of the Outer Court last time, I thought he wouldn't dare to return. But unexpectedly, Liu Jinhai has invited another master. Although he said nothing, I know he definitely won't let your sister-in-law off."
Ye Tian asked, "Old Yang, I haven't asked about sister-in-law's situation. What is her position in Qingmen?"
Yang Shoucheng replied, "Your sister-in-law is an Incense Master in the Outer Court, her position is second only to the Outer Court Elders."
Ye Tian inquired, "What is the Outer Court?"
Yang Shoucheng explained, "It's like this. Qingmen is divided into Inner and Outer Courts. The Inner Court holds a higher status, equivalent to the decision-making body of the entire Qingmen. The Outer Court manages various regions. The Inner Court has few people, while the Outer Court has many and executes the orders of the Inner Court."
"The provincial government area was originally managed by a Hall Master. Later, that Hall Master died unexpectedly, and Qingning, along with several other Incense Masters, jointly governed it. Liu Jinhai is a Deputy Hall Master. He has a bad character, and all the Incense Masters did not want to elect him as the new Hall Master. So, he started using schemes, such as sending the Poison Hand Wuchang to assassinate Qingning some time ago."
After speaking, he said to Ye Tian, "If Liu Hai fails again this time, the higher-ups will no longer trust him and will directly appoint Qingning as the new Hall Master."
Ye Tian asked, "Why not appoint her directly now?"
Yang Shoucheng explained, "Actually, Qingmen is like a platform. Its management of local branch halls is very loose, usually only taking a share of the profits. This requires the local Hall Master to have strong power, enough to suppress all dissenters. The current struggle between Qingning and Liu Jinhai is actually a result of the Inner Court's inaction. They want to select the strongest person to be the Hall Master."
Ye Tian understood, "I see. You want me to help sister-in-law defeat Liu Jinhai?"
Yang Shoucheng nodded, "Brother, I know this request is a bit much, but besides you, I can't think of anyone else who can help her. Your sister-in-law is the woman I love most. If anything were to happen to her, I wouldn't be able to live either."
Ye Tian agreed, "I can help sister-in-law, but you cannot reveal my identity to anyone." He did not want to get involved in Qingmen's internal strife.
Yang Shoucheng was overjoyed, "Brother, I thank you! Let's toast to that!"
After drinking, he said, "Brother Ye, I've decided to transfer another ten percent of Kangjian Company's equity to you. Additionally, I'll give another ten percent to Ziyi. This way, you'll hold forty percent, Ziyi ten percent, and I'll hold fifty percent."