In a small, tranquil town in Yongzhou.
On the An River at the edge of the town, a double-decked boat was slowly drifting by.
The boat was painted purple with silver patterns, carved and painted with grandeur. Dim lanterns in the night light cast a soft, hazy glow, and streams of white smoke gently floated out from the cabin.
Zhong Baihua’s tall figure sat on the second-floor deck, holding a wine jug in one hand, sipping slightly as he tilted his head back.
His gaze was set on the distance, where the crescent moon reflected on the water, shimring with waves, silver fish dancing beneath.
"Master, the senior brother has returned from Zouchuan Dao."
Zhong Baihua turned his head to look at the two figures standing behind him, focusing on the middle-aged man dressed in all white.
"Tell about the investigation."
The middle-aged man, with a cold expression, spoke imdiately upon hearing Zhong Baihua’s command.
"In this past month, the disciple entered Zouchuan Dao from Linchuan Prefecture. Xu Guang is quite famous. Based on inquiries from so top experts in both the Underworld and the known paths of Zouchuan Dao, opinions are divided. So say Xu Guang values sentint and loyalty, while others accuse him of betraying his master and ancestors. I intended to visit Master Fuqing of Jiufeng Mountain, Xu Guang’s senior sister in the past, but it seems so matters have occurred at Jiufeng Mountain and I was not received."
"It’s said that when leaving Zouchuan Dao, he called the Dragon Gate Sect Leader the Master Nanxuan of the Celestial Destiny Sect. This hasn’t been verified..."
"Is there sothing hidden?"
Zhong Baihua frowned, not seeing Xu Guang’s usual vulgar deanor that day, instead, he pondered.
The middle-aged man nodded, hesitatingly saying, "The current Sect Leader of Dragon Gate has been operating in Dragon Gate for over thirty years, far exceeding the stipulated duration for a Dragon Gate Sect Leader. After Xu Guang made his remarks, soone in Zouchuan Dao questioned it, and the Dragon Gate Sect Leader personally acted, using the most authentic Celestial Dragon True Skill to defeat the opponent."
Zhong Baihua chuckled, finally understanding why Xu Guang’s reputation in Jianghu has beco so tarnished.
"You said sothing happened at Jiufeng Mountain in Zouchuan Dao?"
"I don’t know the specifics, only that people from Wanhua Institute seem to have lost soone, and there’s a conflict with Sword Seal Peak over there, possibly involving... a sect split."
Zhong Baihua was finally surprised.
Jiufeng Mountain is considered a major Daoist sect; though not as prestigious as Ten Thousand Laws Sect, it’s quite remarkable.
For such a significant sect to have internal conflicts severe enough to consider splitting, it’s clearly no trivial matter.
"Master, should I go back to Zouchuan Dao, the disciple vaguely discovered so signs of barbarian activity while passing through a forested area..."
Coming from Ten Thousand Laws Sect, it’s impossible not to have been to Iron Dragon Pass, especially as a disciple of Zhong Baihua.
Even though Wei Xuan looks young, he’s actually fifty-three years old and is imnsely familiar with the barbarians.
"No need, the matters of Zouchuan Dao are theirs to handle. Our people shouldn’t have to clean up their sses."
Zhong Baihua said indifferently.
...
In Zouchuan Dao, at Wanhua Institute.
Du Shizhen paced anxiously around the courtyard, occasionally looking up into the distance, as if expecting sothing.
His father, Old Du, sat silently beside him, not looking any better.
Thud, thud, thud.
Footsteps echoed.
It was Tang Yuming, with raindrops from the spring rain hanging on him, but not wearing a bamboo hat, his expression was heavy.
"Did you find him?"
Du Shizhen stepped forward to ask.
Tang Yuming shook his head slightly, "The people at the main peak said they saw Elder Li leaving the mountain two days ago at the hour of Chen. He wasn’t riding a horse, and the Outer Sect people thought he was just going out for a stroll."
"But it’s been two days already! Elder Li..."
Du Shizhen was visibly anxious. Since coming to Chuannan Prefecture, Elder Li had taken good care of him and was respected by his master. In addition, Old Li and his father, Old Du, shared professional connections, one raising pigs and the other breeding horses. They got along quite well.
Since entering Jiufeng Mountain, he had almost daily interaction with Old Li; they were quite close.
Tang Yuming looked at Du Shizhen and silently sighed in his heart.
Actually, Elder Li’s traces weren’t completely gone from the mont he left the mountain gate. Soone saw him being carried onto a carriage, without resistance, from start to finish.
This suggests...
Elder Li might have been tampered with while still at Jiufeng Mountain.
Leaving the mountain gate might not have been his own will.
Master Fuqing has gone to Sword Seal Peak to hold them accountable, no doubt...
But these matters, he had no intention of telling Du Shizhen.
The reason is simple, Du Shizhen is too young and has a sowhat impulsive temperant. He’s worried the young one might do sothing irreparable in a mont of rashness.
Master holds Du Shizhen in high regard. He indeed has great potential, having reached Eighth Grade before the age of fourteen without much use of Treasure dicine.
In three years, he could potentially beco Seventh Grade.
Such a cultivation talent, though not as profound as his master Xu Guang, is qualified to compete for the top position in Jiufeng Mountain’s Inner Sect.
"And the master? Have you managed to contact the master? He surely knows, right?"
...
In a dark valley in Zouchuan Dao.
Several barbarians stood, led by an elderly barbarian with graying hair. His body bore vivid Barbaric Patterns, seemingly alive.
Upon careful examination, there were four distinct patterns.
Simultaneously, his presence seed ethereal and elusive, as if about to vanish at any mont.
"Spiritual Light inheritance? Nan Xuan, are you really sure about this? Don’t let make this trip for nothing,"
Master Nanxuan’s expression was serious, nodding firmly, "Rest assured, Barbarian King. Without the Spiritual Light inheritance, how could Xu Guang have reached his current state in just five years?"
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