劍問蒼天 - 第61章 舊人 - 翰墨軒

A flash of anger crossed Cangsong's face. "Brother Tian, you had best make yourself clear. What do you mean, abandoned beneath the ancient cavern? After Qi Hao and the others returned, I questioned him closely myself. The truth is that Xue Qi of Xiaozhu Peak was so gravely wounded that we searched for days on end and could find no trace of your disciple. Down in the abyss of the dead, with all those dark spirits and demon beasts about, we were forced to give up the search. How is that any deliberate abandonment?" His voice had risen by the time he finished.

Tian Buhui showed not the slightest sign of backing down. He shot him a look and raised his voice as well. "Hmph! If it were your disciple left down there, fate unknown, you would have torn the heavens apart long ago!"

Their voices carried outside the cave, and the Canglan Sect disciples were instantly roused, every one of them craning their necks to peer inside. Tian Buhui and Cangsong were, after all, men of the Dao, and would never disgrace themselves before these juniors. With a faint "hmph," Tian Buhui turned and walked out without a backward glance.

After a moment, Qi Hao and Lin Jinghong came in. They were the disciples Cangyan Daoren valued most, and the only ones who dared approach him when his mood was less than gracious.

Qi Hao said carefully, "Master, how did you come to quarrel with Uncle Tian?"

Lin Jinghong spoke up indignantly from the side. "That man is the pettiest sort. He hasn't a shred of the dignity proper to a senior, not one bit..."

Cangsong suddenly barked, "Silence!"

Lin Jinghong started, lowered his head, and said, "Yes, Master."

Cangsong gave him a glance, then turned to Qi Hao. "He still holds against you the matter of abandoning the search for Zhang Qingyue."

Qi Hao was taken aback.

Cangsong snorted. "You may think he seems to place little value on that disciple of his day to day, but that is within his own sect. Out in the world, he is the most protective of his own. What is more, this time Zhang Qingyue brought him face before all at the Seven Branches Martial Contest, and I hear privately that in his heart he was exceedingly pleased." He paused there, then said to Qi Hao, "Do you realize that this time, Zhang Qingyue's narrow escape and safe return may prove greatly to your advantage?"

Qi Hao did not grasp his meaning at once. "How so?"

Cangsong gave a cold laugh. "Are you not on good terms with his daughter, Tian Lingsu?"

Qi Hao's face reddened.

Cangsong said, "I did ask our Sect Leader to speak on your behalf, and he reluctantly consented to let the two of you keep company. But from what I saw of his manner today, he clearly nurses a grudge over the matter. Had Zhang Qingyue not come back alive this time, I fear you would have had a bitter road ahead of you."

Qi Hao understood then, and nodded again and again. "Thank you, Master, for smoothing the way for your disciple."

Cangsong waved a hand and walked slowly to the mouth of the cave, gazing toward the cave where Tian Buhui lodged. His face was utterly expressionless, and he said nothing. Yet as Lin Jinghong and Qi Hao watched from the side, his eyes were bright and intent—plainly he was turning something over in his mind.