Lei Jun and the others had no objections.
Fire Yao felt a bit perplexed. "Uh, I just want to ask who everyone is. Will you tell ?"
Shuiyao’s voice carried a hint of amusent. "Honestly, we cannot. By the way, I’ve heard that we can have private conversations. If you’re really so interested, we can chat in private later."
It was hard to say whether Shuiyao’s credibility was lacking or if Fire Yao was finally catching on to everyone’s rhythm. Although Fire Yao’s tone of voice didn’t change, his words clearly conveyed disdain, "I don’t want to! You’re the most likely to deceive !"
Shuiyao said, "How so? It’s just that I prefer to speak unpleasant truths upfront, which makes seem like the bad guy. Frankly, the more grandiose soone’s words are, the more you should be on your guard against them—HEHE, just like how I actually find you the least trustworthy."
Fire Yao retorted, "You’re talking nonsense!"
Riyao cut in, "If you want to chit-chat, do it in private. Don’t waste everyone else’s ti."
Fire Yao huffed. Only after a good while did he recover. "...I’ve got it! I’ve thought of a question!"
He asked, "The remnants of the previous Sheng Kang dynasty have kept a low profile since the turmoil in the Southwest. I’m curious if there’s any further news of them?"
Lei Jun, Riyao, Yueyao, Mu Yao, and Shuiyao remained silent.
Tu Yao then spoke, "There are only so unconfird rumors. I’m afraid they aren’t very credible."
Fire Yao hastily inquired, "It’s fine, any information is good."
He suddenly realized, "Oh, you ant a private discussion? Then let’s talk privately later."
Tu Yao replied, "Good."
Yueyao said, "Next, shall we all discuss what we need? Does anyone have any leads on the mysterious individuals who attacked Taoists Li Qingfeng and Li Hongyu of the Celestial Master Mansion?"
Mu Yao said, "I’m also curious, but my knowledge is limited. I only know that soone within the Yellow Sky Sect seems to have a connection with them, but the specifics are unclear."
Riyao replied succinctly, "Wei Ancheng of the Blood River Sect."
Tu Yao then asked, "Does anyone have clues to the whereabouts of the Earthshaking Serpent King? Any information would be appreciated."
Lei Jun was slightly surprised upon hearing this. Because this Earthshaking Serpent King was actually the sa Great Serpent Demon that Tang Xiaotang, along with Li Song, Tian Linlong, and others, had unexpectedly encountered when they were searching for her secluded cultivation spot. This demon possessed Ancient Ba Serpent bloodline and was exceptionally ferocious, equivalent to a Human Race cultivator of the Eighth Heavenly Layer realm. When it first burst forth from the ground, it directly devoured Celestial Master Mansion disciples like Li Zhusheng. Elder Liang Chen was also gravely injured by it, ultimately leading to his death. Subsequently, Li Song, an Elder of the Taoist Talisman Sect at the Eighth Heavenly Layer realm, was also injured during the chaotic battle due to this Earthshaking Serpent King. Li Song’s injuries never fully healed, which directly impacted the subsequent internal power struggle within the Celestial Master Mansion. As for that Earthshaking Serpent King, it was said to have been injured at the ti as well. It later rampaged south of the Grand River for a period, then road north of the Grand River, causing many major disturbances.
"The current whereabouts of this demon are not yet certain," Yueyao stated. "The last I heard, this Earthshaking Serpent King was causing trouble in the Huai Mountain region."
Tu Yao said, "Yes, the last I heard, it had also appeared in the Huai Mountain area."
Not getting the answer he wanted, Tu Yao didn’t seem disappointed and simply remained quiet.
Shuiyao then spoke up, "I’d like to ask everyone about the whereabouts of the Phoenix Bloodstone."
Phoenix Bloodstone is an exceptionally rare treasure, almost impossible to find in the world, and has been unheard of for many years.
However, cultivators of many different paths could benefit from it, so it was impossible to deduce Shuiyao’s origins based on this request alone.
Riyao inquired, "I have so clues, but what will you offer in exchange?"
Shuiyao pondered for a mont. "I will contact you privately later."
Lei Jun was the last to speak. "This ti, I’d like to inquire about information regarding the Xiao Clan of Longwai."
His gaze fell upon Mu Yao and Yueyao. These two had previously exchanged intelligence regarding the Xiao Clan of Longwai and the Vajra Temple of the Western Regions.
"I require more detailed inside information. In exchange, I have so intelligence regarding one of Buddhism’s Four Sacred Grounds, the Vajra Temple of the Western Regions."
Yueyao asked, "What kind of information?"
Lei Jun said, "It concerns the new Abbot of the Vajra Temple. Anyone interested can speak with privately."
This was a trump card Lei Jun had specifically prepared.
It ca from his master, Yuan Mobai.
Before this gathering of the Seven Luminaries, Yuan Mobai had provided him with this piece of intelligence to utilize.
Lei Jun did not know where Yuan Mobai had acquired this intelligence, nor did he inquire.
He had long known that his Master had other acquaintances and sources of support outside Dragon Tiger Mountain. The previously revealed information about Prince Wu, as well as the help in arranging Tang Xiaotang’s concealed cultivation, all demonstrated the extensive reach of Yuan Mobai’s network.
As for why he was inquiring about the Vajra Temple, a Buddhist Sacred Land in the Western Regions, it was naturally because of Master Longjia’s interference when the Celestial Master Seal was returned to the mountain.
Yuan Mobai was not one to nurse grudges.
At present, the Celestial Master Mansion was not in a position to make more enemies.
But possessing more information could be useful when needed.
The wheel of fortune turns; who knew when an opportunity to ’repay’ the eminent Buddhist monks might arise?
On the other hand, Yuan Mobai was curious as to why Master Longjia had information related to the Celestial Master Seal and wanted to determine whether it was out of coincidence.
Ultimately, they didn’t learn much about the Celestial Master Seal clues, but Yuan Mobai did obtain another piece of information.
It was about the Abbot of the Vajra Temple.
The Vajra Temple’s tradition was different from the other three great Buddhist Sacred Lands, being both quite mysterious and profound.
Its successive Abbots possessed so of the qualities that, in Lei Jun’s understanding, resembled living Buddhas, hinting at the mysteries of reincarnation and rebirth.
Therefore, after each Abbot passed away, the Vajra Temple would search for their reincarnated successor, bring them back to the temple to be nurtured, and have them eventually take over the position.
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