The Forbidden Path to Immortality - Chapter 92

Chapter 2 Exposed

The listener may not mean it, but the listener may take it seriously.

Li Xun’s eyes twitched, and he quickly glanced at Yin Sanren, but received no response.

Yin Sanren placed his palm lightly on Madam Yu’s forehead, and a hint of Qi came out: “For the time being, let’s not let her wake up and use the “Entering the Spirit Method” to maintain the state of spiritual extinction. Do you know what to do?”

Qin Wanru was obviously not in a good mood. She only responded softly and lowered her eyes. But in the end, she couldn’t help asking: “Master, mother…”

“Unless Gu Zhixuan is willing to let go, or…” Yin Sanren’s expression was like water, but his eyes glanced at Li Xun, extremely subtle.

Of course, Qin Wanru didn’t see this, and only heard her say in a deep voice: “Or, go to Qianfan City to ask for the “Soul-Fixing Blue Star”. The mutual restraint of things is also a method. “

Qin Wanru’s eyes flashed, then dimmed again: “The Soul-Fixing Blue Star? Wasn’t it destroyed seven hundred years ago?”

Yin Sanren replied slowly: “It can always be made again, but it seems that there are still a few materials that need to be found.”

Then, her eyes swept across Li Xun’s face again.

Li Xun was still wondering, but when he saw this, he immediately understood.

He sneered in his heart. These words were not said to Qin Wanru, but were clearly a way to beg him. Without his consent, even if Yin Sanren had other ways, it would be nothing but mirages and would not be realized.

But why should he agree?

He had never heard of the name of the Soul-Fixing Blue Star, but looking at Qin Wanru’s expression, he knew that this treasure was also extraordinary.

Once he’d “agree,” simply searching for the materials would take who knows how much time. In that case, it would be hard to tell whether he was commanding the puppet, or the puppet was commanding him…

So, he maintained a cold demeanor, ignoring the glance.

Seeing him in this state, Yin Sanren wasn’t impatient or annoyed. Instead, he suddenly smiled and changed the subject: “You did well this time.”

Li Xun was stunned for a moment before realizing it was Yin Sanren speaking to him.

He had to admit, Yin Sanren’s acting skills were top-notch. Hearing his tone, Li Xun felt a tightness in his chest. Fortunately, he had gradually grown accustomed to this feeling recently, so he smiled and lowered his head in time, “Not at all. Working for Uncle-Master is my duty.”

“It’s kind of you to have such a heart. However, as you said, people can’t be ordered around for nothing. After all, your status is different now. It’s only right for you to give and take. What do you want?”

“Uh, I don’t deserve it…”

Li Xun was only halfway through when he suddenly realized that this wasn’t a compliment, but a sarcasm, a plea in disguise.

The previous sentence should have been: “Even if I’m a puppet, you should give me this little bit of face!”

Li Xun blinked and said respectfully, “Uncle-Master, don’t say that. Today’s matter was not perfect, and I am already deeply ashamed.”

The implication was: Where’s the cat? You didn’t do what I asked you to do, so what right do you have to negotiate with me?

“That’s nothing…” Yin Sanren replied calmly, but his eyes glanced at Qin Wanru again.

It’s unclear what Qin Wanru interpreted this as, but she wore a knowing expression. After glancing at Li Xun, she carefully protected Madam Yu as she descended.

Meanwhile, the Yin-Yang Sect cultivators who had fled far away also returned. Seeing Yin Sanren and Li Xun, they didn’t dare approach, simply bowing from a distance before following Qin Wanru down to clean up the mess.

Soon, only the two men with their strange relationship remained in the sky.

Seeing no one around, Li Xun relaxed completely, folding his arms across his chest, remaining silent and sneering.

Yin Sanren, observing his demeanor, lowered his gaze, his expression expressionless. Even Li Xun, his master, couldn’t fathom her thoughts for a moment; he could only vaguely sense that she seemed to be calculating something.

“After the resurrection of the spiritual consciousness, the interference with the mind-body connection has reached this level!”

Li Xun disliked this feeling, even though he had become increasingly aware that this was, in fact, a form of spiritual practice.

Of the three branches of cultivation—Exorcising the Soul, Refining the Soul, and Opening the Mind—Exorcising the Soul and Refining the Soul are merely applied methods. At their peak, they are merely opportunistic, relying on external forces. Only Opening the Mind is the true path to achieving supreme netherworldly powers.

But then again, if Li Xun’s interest truly lay in cultivation, why had he endured such toil and risked countless lives for over sixty years? Wouldn’t he have simply practiced in seclusion in the mountains?

Li Xun certainly yearned for the supreme path, but if this ethereal goal conflicted with reality, he would choose the latter without hesitation.

Putting this truth into context, it boils down to one simple question: “Why would I have thought of causing myself this much trouble in the first place?”

Putting aside the regrets in his heart, Yin Sanren spoke softly after a brief silence, “To craft the Soul-Fixing Blue Star, we need the materials: the Black Silk Clam Treasure, the Golden Hammer, and the Azure Light Sky Net. Rumor has it that the Azure Light Sky Net still exists within Qianfan City, but only the Black Silk Clam Treasure and the Golden Hammer need to be collected…”

Li Xun raised an eyebrow and smiled, “Very good! I don’t know what the Black Silk Clam Treasure is, but the Golden Hammer is a top-grade material for Hui Xuanzong’s alchemy and talisman making. The sect’s mines only produce one or two taels of silver each year, and most of that is used up, leaving less than one-hundredth. How much do you want?”

Yin Sanren’s gaze was solemn, and he said calmly, “At least two taels.”

“At least three hundred years of collection!” Li Xun clapped his hands and asked with a forced smile, “What is that Black Silk Clam Treasure?”

Yin Sanren simply replied, “It’s a specialty of the East China Sea and a very rare item.”

Li Xun said nothing more, just glanced over.

Yin Sanren, of course, knew what he was thinking. His brows furrowed slightly, and he said, “Chongyu knows a lot about the Arctic. If he could remove the Soul-Destroying Silk, it would be beneficial to you.”

“Of course I know that, and I’m tempted too.” Li Xun smiled. “It’s a pity, no matter how delicious it is, it’s meaningless if you can’t eat it. Uncle, you know Yu Sanren better than I do. Do you think he would use such an easily removable thing on Madam Yu?”

Yin Sanren was silent for a long moment before saying, “That’s not Gu Zhixuan’s style. Gu Yin is more likely.”

“That’s out of the question!”

Li Xun thought of his limited interactions with Gu Yin, and his scalp tightened.

Gu Yin’s scheming was unfathomable, her true colors elusive. Li Xun had been used as a pawn by her several times over the past few decades, suffering considerable losses. Now he was truly afraid.

Yin Sanren looked up at him, his eyes dark but also shimmering with pressure.

Li Xun was almost used to it, and though he felt a slight trepidation in his heart, he maintained a smile on his face.

Yin Sanren finally sighed softly, “Actually, this isn’t a difficult task for you.”

Given her usual personality, such words were practically no different from soft pleas.

Unfortunately, it still wasn’t enough!

Li Xun let out a laugh and was about to speak when the expressions of the two men shifted simultaneously.

A faint vibration of vital energy reached them from afar, the message contained within startling them: “Who are they fighting again?”

Since something unexpected had occurred, the two could no longer linger. Li Xun signaled, and Yin Sanren, expressionless, took the lead. Li Xun’s form vanished and followed silently.

The epicenter of the vital energy vibration was somewhere on the surface, on a sunny hillside.

When Li Xun and the other two sneaked in, they saw the Yin Yang Sect’s tents, only half-completed, slumped to the ground. A group of several men, guarding the sleeping Madam Yu, stood in the center, facing off against another group of five cultivators. In

the center, cultivators from both sides engaged in a fierce battle, sending clouds of dust and explosions of energy.

“What’s all this nonsense?”

Yin Sanren was clearly in a bad mood, and he had no good words to say about this unexpected incident.

Judging from her expression, she was about to kill someone.

Li Xun had originally intended to watch the show, but when he saw the other cultivator’s face, his eyes twitched.

“Thunderbeak? Succubus Sect?”

The face had a hooked nose, deep-set eyes, and a rather bird-like appearance. His gaze was sharp and cold, and it was clear at a glance that he was no simple character.

Li Xun had seen this person before. He was none other than the direct disciple of the Succubus Sect’s leader, Ramash. He was known as Thunderbeak Eagle and was one of the few who had not only fought against Li Xun but also “dealt with” the Hundred Ghosts.

Li Xun was deeply impressed by him. He believed that before the Yin Fire Outer Sparkle, he was no match for Qin Wanru in terms of pure cultivation.

This was interesting. This Thunderbeak Eagle was a man of deep scheming and had the demeanor of a great general. He would never go against a famous cultivator like Qin Wanru for no reason, as this would likely offend the entire Yin-Yang Sect.

So, what was his motive?

Reminded by this, Li Xun took a closer look. Sure enough, at Qin Wanru’s feet lay a slovenly-looking male cultivator, clad in a rough-hewn animal hide robe. While seemingly rough, it held a faint, ethereal sheen, a truly eerie presence.

He seemed gravely wounded, his breath faint, and he was clearly dead.

This, he thought, was the source of the conflict.

At this moment, Li Xun sensed something and turned to see Yin Sanren’s lips moving slightly, clearly trying to communicate with Qin Wanru.

Li Xun grinned, his mind transmitting. Yin Sanren frowned slightly, but without resisting, his mind resonated with him, relaying the details of their conversation.

“The Hundred Beasts Sect?”

Li Xun was astonished. The half-dead beast-skinned figure at Qin Wanru’s feet was actually Qi Feixiong, a former Hundred Beasts Sect cultivator who had been disbanded from the sect. Furthermore, he was a renowned spirit beast protector, a status equivalent to that of an elder of the Bright Heart Sword Sect.

Ten years ago, the Loose Cultivators Alliance breached Xuanling Cave, destroyed the sect’s artifacts, and declared the Hundred Beasts Sect’s demise.

In fact, aside from the sect leader, Lion King, and a few diehards who sacrificed their lives, the majority of the sect’s cultivators dispersed, becoming independent cultivators without any sect or faction.

This was the slack the Loose Cultivators Alliance had left for the Hundred Beasts Sect. Qi Feixiong had no desire to return to his roots, and certainly wouldn’t waste his life on such an illusory goal. For the past ten years, he had wandered this world, a truly free and unfettered cultivator, leading a relatively comfortable life.

Just a month ago, several Succubus sect cultivators approached him, claiming that several renowned guardians and beastmasters of the Hundred Beasts Sect, with the financial backing of Ramash, were preparing to revitalize the sect and revive it, inviting him to join them.

Qi Feixiong, however, was no fool and unwilling to be used as a pawn. He refused, but the cultivators immediately turned hostile, saying he could not join in exchange for the “Hundred Beasts Soul-Binding Robe”

he wore.

Only then did he realize the Succubus sect’s goal was one of the Hundred Beasts Sect’s few remaining magical artifacts. Of course, he refused, and a fight ensued. He

fled, and the situation had been relatively stable until Thunderbeak Eagle joined in, beating him so hard he vomited three liters of blood and fled for his life.

As luck would have it, he ran into a group from the Yin-Yang Sect. He and Qin Wanru were old acquaintances, and desperately, he cried out for help. He only briefly explained the situation before collapsing from his old injuries.

Qin Wanru hadn’t originally wanted to intervene, but the Succubus Sect was pressing too hard, and someone on her side, more impatient than usual, had jumped in. Fortunately, the Thunderbeak Eagle was also cautious, sending only one person out to fight. Both sides took the opportunity to quickly gather their thoughts, hoping to minimize the impact of this unexpected incident.

The arrival of Yin Sanren naturally emboldened Qin Wanru. With Yin Sanren’s support, the Succubus Sect couldn’t possibly cause any trouble unless Ramash himself arrived.

However, the Thunderbeak Eagle nearby was incredibly perceptive. Its face twitched, and it glanced over, clearly sensing Qin Wanru’s actions and growing suspicious.

Yin Sanren praised her, “A fine disciple of Master Luo’s Demon Sect.”

After that compliment, she gave Li Xun a wink, signaling him to leave.

Li Xun felt a slight dissatisfaction, but he also understood that Yin Sanren’s status was different from others’. In this situation, if Thunderbeak Eagle were to be the first to expose the situation, Yin Sanren would be in a difficult position. However, if he left early, it would seem he was afraid of him.

In comparison, while his own status was somewhat awkward, a cautious approach would likely yield better results.

Having mentally calculated this, Li Xun no longer dwelled on the issue. With a quiet snort, a smile crossed his face. He strode gracefully from behind the shadows of the trees, instantly attracting everyone’s attention.

“Brother Baigui?”

Thunderbeak Eagle’s surprise was clearly not feigned, but what caught Li Xun’s attention even more was the unusual honorific. Their “friendship” was entirely earned; with Thunderbeak Eagle’s status and position, there was no need for such pretense.

Li Xun’s mind raced, but his expression remained relaxed. With his hands behind his back, he smiled and said, “What’s going on? Brother Ying and Fairy Qin are fighting over some treasure in this desolate wilderness?

I, Baigui, am not so talented, but would you mind watching from the side?”

With that remark, both sides looked peculiar.

Li Xun watched with a smile, his eyes fixed squarely on Qi Feixiong, standing at Qin Wanru’s feet.

“Yes, it’s a treasure, a living treasure!” Thunderbeak Eagle’s voice was slightly shrill, with a distinctive sound of metal, but then his tone softened.

“After several years, Brother Baigui is even more impressive than before. I believe your cultivation has improved further, which is truly a joy. It’s quite a coincidence that we meet today. I have some matters to discuss with you. I hope you will stand aside for now and will inform me of the details once this matter is resolved. Okay?”

His words were gentle yet firm, and quite frank, the demeanor expected of a disciple of a major sect, demonstrating his true cultivation.

However, the so-called “matter” made Li Xun’s heart skip a beat. For some reason, he felt a slight unease.

His face remained expressionless, and he automatically ignored the words related to “matters”. He just smiled and said, “Brother Ying Dao is an acquaintance, and Fairy Qin and I also have some friendship. I can’t just stand by and watch.

“How about this? If you all think highly of me, why don’t you tell me the whole story and let me mediate?”

Thunderbeak Eagle glared at him, but Li Xun responded with a steady smile.

Thunderbeak Eagle, with his wit, was naturally aware of the “ambiguity” between him and the Yin-Yang Sect, but actually pointing it out wouldn’t do any good.

Now, Thunderbeak Eagle should carefully consider the serious consequences of their actions if a powerful force like Bai Gui were added to the mix.

Thunderbeak Eagle’s eyes flickered for a moment, then suddenly smiled.

“Actually, Fairy Qin and I have no grudges. Today’s incident shouldn’t have happened… Well, for Brother Bai Gui’s sake, I can let this traitor who stole the sect’s magical artifacts for his own benefit go for now. I doubt Fairy Qin and Brother Bai Gui, once they know the truth, will defend such a coward.”

His words were veiled in a threat, but neither Li Xun nor Qin Wanru paid any attention.

Thunderbeak Eagle knew his own limitations. With a faint smile, he said no more. He simply called his men back, cast another deep glance at Qi Feixiong, and then said with a smile, “Brother Baigui, do you have time to chat?”

Li Xun nodded casually, but his heart was heavy. He could not overestimate the importance of the matter that could have caused Thunderbeak Eagle and even the Succubus Sect to compromise.

And of all his recent activities, the only one that had crossed paths with the Succubus Sect was…

He said nothing more, following Thunderbeak Eagle to a sheltered area several dozen feet away. He watched with a cold eye as the man set up numerous barriers, his suspicions growing more certain.

After carefully completing all of this, Thunderbeak Eagle spoke, “Frankness is the most important aspect of any relationship. I will not beat around the bush. Brother Baigui, our sect leader, Master Moshi, has asked me to pass on a message for him… As the saying goes, a man is innocent, but he is guilty of possessing a treasure. With your wisdom, you should understand this principle.”

Even though Li Xun had been prepared, his eyebrows twitched at this remark. However, he quickly raised his eyebrows and adopted a questioning expression, his expression shifting seamlessly.

Thunderbeak Eagle’s sharp eyes tracked his expression intently, but he could not glean any information from it. Finally, he could only sigh and laugh.

“Brother Baigui, my master thinks highly of your scheming and tactics, but you underestimate the wisdom of my master and even the immortal masters of the Five Sects Alliance…”

Li Xun finally confirmed the purpose of Leihuiying’s visit. He was shocked in his heart, but the doubt on his face turned into understanding: “Wuyinxuan?”

Leihuiying didn’t expect him to “admit” so frankly. Overjoyed, he hurriedly said: “It is Wuyinxuan, Brother…”

Li Xun laughed dumbly and said: “Brother Ying, you asked the wrong person. That day in the Southeast Forest, I was beaten by this so-called Five Sects Alliance and fled for my life. I have been depressed ever since. And now, you are looking for me to ask for Wuyinxuan? Ha, ridiculous!”

Without waiting for Leihuiying to speak, he raised his eyebrows and said: “Looking at Brother Ying’s appearance, has the matter of Wuyinxuan been settled? Your alliance has gathered the strength of several sects and countless masters, but it has not gained any benefits? Or are you just throwing smokescreens here and distracting people’s sight?”

As he said that, his face showed a very real suspicion.

Thunderbeak Eagle was bitten back, and he didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. But this man was indeed a remarkable person, and he quickly adjusted his composure. Regardless of Li Xun’s attempts to change the subject, he just stuck to the basics and smiled calmly.

“Brother, you’re using a good trick. Unfortunately, you’re using the wrong person. Brother, you should know what kind of person Xiao Chongzi is. If even that kind of loser can snatch the treasure away under the noses of Sect Master Mo and his men, then our Five Sects Alliance should simply disband.”

As he spoke, he pulled something from his bosom and placed it in his palm.

It was a piece of iron or stone, only the size of a fingernail, but it looked like it had been scorched by fire, so charred that the original material could not be seen.

Li Xun’s eyes jumped again when he saw this.

This change could not be hidden from anyone. Thunderbeak Eagle saw it clearly and chuckled softly, “If it were ordinary clothing, it would have been reduced to ash long ago under the “Red Blood Chaos” of Master Fugu.

“The ‘Mist Pine Iron’ produced by your clan is indeed of exceptional quality. It’s just that the poison has corroded a layer, fused with the poison, leaving a small residue.”

As he spoke, he glanced at the Taoist robe Li Xun was wearing.

This robe was also woven from the same ‘Mist Pine Iron’. Li Xun had never expected such a mistake to occur, and his brows furrowed.

Still unwilling to let go, Thunderbeak Eagle continued, “This was discovered by Master Rotten Bones while sorting poisons a few days ago. He said this poison was only used once recently, at the bottom of a lake in the Southeast Forest Sea. Therefore, Brother Dao, you shouldn’t deny that Master Rotten Bones was at the bottom of a lake when he administered the poison.”

Li Xun’s eyes flickered, and he said sullenly, “Bottom of a lake? I’ve never been to the bottom of a lake, Brother Dao, don’t lie to me. Mist Pine Iron is certainly a specialty of our sect, but due to its excellent quality, various sects request a considerable amount of it each year. How can you prove that this Mist Pine Iron was scraped from my body?

” “According to this theory, if the Mist Pine Iron robe was left there when the Hundred Beasts Sect was exterminated, then the murderer would be our sect?”

This was clearly a bit far-fetched, but for some reason, Thunderbeak Eagle couldn’t take it seriously. He could only say, “Brother Dao, it’s only natural that you don’t want to admit it…”

“Brother Eagle!” Li Xun interrupted him with a smile, and said slowly: “In my opinion, your preconceived ideas are probably not good.”

Leihuiying was not in a hurry either, and said with the same smile: “Brother, don’t worry, let’s start from the beginning. Brother will not deny that when we were clearing the area that day, we had a conflict with several disciples of the alliance. At that time, Brother took the underground waterway, which should be correct!”

Seeing Li Xun’s admission, Leihuiying nodded, broke off a branch, and drew several vertical and horizontal lines on the ground.

Looking up and seeing Li Xun’s slightly questioning eyes, he said slowly, “This is the route map that was recalled and restored by the parties involved after that day. According to the parties involved, Brother Baigui seemed to be quite familiar with the underground waterway, and he should still remember it. Look, this is the place where those disciples chased Brother and Shui Dielan and lost them.”

He drew a small circle on the simple map, and then drew a big circle at a distance: “This is the bottom of the lake, only three or five miles away from where Brother disappeared, and there is a waterway directly connected in the middle…”

He drew another circle between the two circles, and kept talking: “Of course, in addition to this direct waterway, there are four other waterways. Brother could indeed choose any one to escape. However, please also note that two of the waterways were completely under our control at the time, and the other two were explored separately by the disciples who caught up from behind. Of course, in the end, nothing was found.

“The only way they overlooked was the one that leads to the lake bottom, due to its many twists and turns and its extreme secrecy. I’d like to ask, given your situation, how did you manage to escape?”

Li Xun’s expression remained unchanged. His understanding of the underground rivers of the Southeast Forest Sea was unparalleled, and in a flash, he came up with a good idea.

However, Thunderbeak Eagle didn’t give him a chance to answer. After a pause, he continued, “According to what you said, we were with the Water Butterfly Orchid all along the way?”

Li Xun’s thoughts raced, and he muttered, “That’s right.”

“Very good!”

Thunderbeak Eagle clapped his hands and laughed, “At the bottom of the lake, we’ve found an explanation for the death of Monk Wuji. Wuji was a master, but his throat was slashed by a palm strike. The method of death was too ordinary, and although there are no traces, it’s clear that he has returned to his roots. In the Southeast Forest at that time, there was only one person who was proficient in assassination and had such strength, and that was Water Butterfly Orchid.”

“Monk Wuji?”

Li Xun’s face showed a puzzled look, and he was secretly annoyed.

This guy was clearly determined to stick to his target and not let go. He really couldn’t think of a good countermeasure for this difficult method. So, he could only sneer.

“You’re getting more and more ridiculous. I’ve heard of Wu Ji, but he’s definitely not from your Five Sects Alliance. You’re rambling on this and that, trying to pin the blame on me. Even if I try to defend myself, there’s no point.

” “Brother Eagle, just state your intentions directly. Even if you don’t want to give Brother Eagle face, you should give Master Moshi face, right?”

His words were unkind, but Thunderbeak Eagle was determined to fight him to the end this time. He even smiled and said, “Brother, you’re underestimating Master’s magnanimity again. Such a blessed place should belong to those destined for it. Since Brother Dao has a destiny, how can we go against the will of Heaven? Master Moshi’s intention is actually to make some contact with Brother Dao. To put it bluntly, he just wants to test your abilities.

” “If Brother Dao is open-minded, this matter will come naturally. Otherwise, there’s no need to talk about it!”

Why hadn’t he noticed before that this Thunderbird was such a clingy creature? Li Xun’s last bit of patience was finally exhausted.

He slowly shook his head, staring into Thunderbeak Eagle’s eyes, and said sternly, “Thunderbird, you’re being shameless! Don’t think others will protect you just because you put on a smile.

I’ve been chatting with you about this for quite some time, and I’m already doing you a great favor. Do you understand?”

Leibeak Eagle hadn’t expected Li Xun to turn so suddenly. Before he could react, Baigui, amidst a chuckle, lifted the front of his Taoist robe and assumed a stance.

“Last time we met, we fought to the bitter end, and now, you’re acting like this. Humph, you’re being unkind to me—you’re either a traitor or a thief. I’ve been in a foul mood these past few days and don’t have the energy to play tricks with you. Whatever you’re planning, tell me clearly, or I’ll show you the ropes!”

Leibeak Eagle was proud to have provoked such a usually gloomy and intelligent man into this state.

However, the situation before him was definitely not what he wanted.

He stepped back, frowning. “Brother Daoist, although we’re not close friends, I know that Ghost Hundred Ghosts are known in this world for their composure, never showing their emotions. Why are you acting so pretentiously?”

Li Xun sneered, “Since we’re not close friends, there’s no need for you, Thunderbird, to speculate. In other words, either you speak frankly or we’ll strike now!”

A faint blush crept across Thunderbeak Eagle’s pale face, clearly irritated.

It was remarkable how he managed to suppress his anger under such circumstances. He forced a smile and said, “Well, let me simply say this: our Five Sects Alliance truly wishes to do business with you, Brother Daoist.”

He took the opportunity to catch his breath, his tone less stiff than before.

“Business, of course, requires an exchange of equal value. On behalf of Master Moshi, I can guarantee that our offer will absolutely satisfy you, Daoist Brother. Daoist Brother, please consider whether you are willing to show your sincerity and complete this deal!”

Li Xun laughed heartily. His previous constant talk of “fate” and “divine will” now smacked of commercialism. This Thunderbird had truly gone to great lengths to reassure him…

From this point of view, the Succubus Sect seemed quite sincere.

As he spoke, the Thunderbeak Eagle pulled out a jade talisman from his bosom and handed it over.

“Daoist Brother, you clearly don’t wish to discuss this further today. Well, here is our sect’s unique ‘Fei Ba Xun Method.’ If you change your mind, you can use it to contact me, and I’ll pass on the message directly to Master. Is that okay?”

Li Xun pursed his lips, making no move to take it.

Thunderbeak Eagle’s hand froze in mid-air, his expression unwavering.

“Brother Daoist, even if things truly aren’t as we imagined, how can anything in this world remain constant? If you don’t have leverage today, will you still have it tomorrow? You’re a brilliant man, and you should be well aware of this.”

Li Xun pondered for a moment, then, amidst a hearty laugh, he took the jade talisman. A quick glance at it, he memorized the incantations, then casually crushed the talisman. “In that case, I’ll keep a channel for contact with you. There will always be opportunities to do business in the future!”

“That’s right!” Thunderbeak Eagle nodded and smiled, then suddenly lowered his voice slightly and said, “Brother Daoist, you’d better be careful recently…”

“Hmm?”

“Brother, you probably don’t know yet. Just yesterday, Shui Die Lan rebelled!”

Thunder Beaked Eagle’s gaze swept across Li Xun’s face before sighing, “This Water Fairy is truly volatile. Yesterday, she openly broke with the Zhu Gou Sect. With the combined efforts of Eclipse God Blade, Little Zhu Gou, and others, she escaped with ease. Now, she’s a troublesome figure that the Zhu Gou Sect has ordered to be hunted down.”

Li Xun’s expression brightened, and Thunder Beaked Eagle let out a wry smile as he spoke.

“It hasn’t been long since she defected from the Luoyu Sect, and now she’s fallen out with the Zhu Gou Sect again. She’s offended both assassin sects. I’m afraid no sect would dare to take her in anymore.”

Li Xun smiled too. After his initial surprise, he was able to accept this change of events with greater composure.

Think about it, who is Shui Die Lan? She’s the most powerful demon in the Tongxuan Realm, on par with the likes of Ramash.

By comparison, although the old monster Qianji and Su Huaiyu of the Zhu Gou and Luoyu sects were also sect masters, they were still a level lower than Ramash.

Considering Shui Die Lan’s temperament, rebellion was inevitable, it was just a matter of time. But… Shui Die Lan’s rebellion was none of his business.

Seeing that he still hadn’t grasped the situation, Lei Huiying reminded him, “Brother, the rumors of your relationship with Shui Die Lan are spreading like wildfire in the Tongxuan Realm right now. Rumors are terrifying. Who knows what will happen if the Zhu Gou sect hears about it…”

Li Xun’s eyelids twitched, but he still pretended to be interested and said, “What are the rumors? Tell me.”

Lei Huiying laughed heartily. He naturally wouldn’t take such a joke seriously.

“There’s one more thing… well, I’m not in a position to butt in on your sect’s affairs, but a while ago, there was a rumor that your sect’s Lord Bishui seemed to be suspected of colluding with outsiders and was severely reprimanded by your sect leader. Is this true?”

Li Xun was genuinely surprised this time.

He knew that although Leihuiying’s words were full of uncertainty, since he dared to speak out here, there must be a certain degree of truth in what he said.

Thinking back to the information Yan Caier revealed that day, could the sect have already reached such a state of chaos?

Leihuiying misunderstood his expression this time, thinking that Li Xun was simply surprised by the Succubus Sect’s intelligence methods.

He now diligently promoted his sincerity, unconcerned with Li Xun’s thoughts. After a dry cough, he said, “I cannot comment on your sect’s affairs, but it’s said that the party that Bishui Jun is colluding with is the Luoyu Sect.

“This sect is known for its ‘no regrets’ approach. Even if Bishui Jun encounters problems, the Luoyu Sect will not give up. Furthermore, and more importantly, Luoyu Sect masters have recently been converging northward in large numbers. Perhaps it would be more prudent for Brother Dao to focus more of his attention there than on the Zhugou Sect.”

Li Xun, knowing exactly what Leihuiying was thinking, simply thanked him. The two of them, without further pretense, exchanged a smile and left the woods together, as if nothing had happened. Leihuiying

was a man of few words, leaving no stone unturned. He left without a second glance at Qi Feixiong, leading the sect’s cultivators into a distant flight.

Li Xun greeted Qin Wanru calmly, though his attention was somewhat absent. His mind was now preoccupied with the information revealed by Thunderbeak Eagle.

It had to be said that the Wuyinxuan incident had so quickly drawn suspicion, even becoming a target, far exceeded his expectations.

Analyzing how it came to light was pointless now. The crucial question was: what exactly did the Five Sects Alliance intend?

Clearly, for Ramash to condescend to contact him was no small feat, and the difficulty they faced in making such a move was probably more than Li Xun could handle.

And then there was the Ghostly Shadow Devouring Sect. Having not been back for a while, their information was so delayed. This was truly troubling. However, compared to the previous incident, which was completely clueless, this incident offered someone he could contact.

Having one thing hanging over his head was painful enough, but having two hanging over his head simultaneously was undoubtedly torture. No matter how resilient Li Xun’s willpower was, he found it difficult to bear. After a moment’s reflection, he simply offered his farewell to Qin Wanru.

Following his wishes, Yin Sanren slowly emerged from the side.

Li Xun hurriedly and respectfully explained his intention to her. Yin Sanren curled his lips slightly and said calmly, “Going to the Pole?”

Li Xun coughed and glanced at the surrounding Yin Yang Sect cultivators. Qin Wanru, seeing his expression, knew what was going on. After a moment

‘s thought, she spoke up to Li Xun, “Junior Brother has a lot of things to do, and it’s not convenient to keep him here. Master, what do you mean…”

Yin Sanren flicked his whisk and smiled, “Of course I won’t keep him… I’ll go with him.”

“Go with him?”

Qin Wanru was startled, and Li Xun also looked at her with surprise.

“Gu Zhixuan, that fellow, is so despicable. How can I let him go? Besides, there’s the Loose Cultivator Alliance… I also want to see how he can unite the millions of scattered cultivators who have been scattered for thousands of years!”

Yin Sanren’s words were so confident that even Li Xun almost thought he was serious, let alone Qin Wanru.

“Master, Gu Zhixuan is no longer the Yu Sanren he was sixty years ago. He now has tens of thousands of cultivators under his command, protecting the polar regions impenetrably…” He

paused mid-sentence. Li Xun chuckled to himself. This was Qin Wanru’s mistake. With Yin Sanren’s arrogant temperament, wouldn’t he be provoking her by saying this?

Qin Wanru had obviously thought of this and quickly changed her words, “What’s more, my mother is now under the control of the Lingmie Silk. She is currently collecting materials and preparing the Soul-Fixing Blue Star in an attempt to save her. These materials are extremely rare. Without Master’s guidance, how can I, a disciple, find a way?”

Yin Sanren’s eyes swept across Li Xun’s face, and then he sneered softly.

“It’s precisely because it’s so difficult to find that we must first seek out Gu Zhixuan’s misfortune. If this method fails, it’s not too late to look for

him later. My decision is made. You should escort your mother back to the sect to recuperate. From now on, focus on your efforts within the sect and don’t leave unless absolutely necessary!” Li Xun thought to himself, “Brilliant!” This convenient statement minimized the possibility of Qin Wanru “forcibly summoning” him.

It seemed that Yin Sanren had something to ask of him, hence her cooperation.

Seeing this, Li Xun became increasingly reluctant to make a promise. He thought leaving her hanging in the balance might yield him greater benefits.

He chuckled inwardly, but a look of hesitation crossed his face, perfectly portraying the expression of reluctance and deep fear.

Qin Wanru knew her master’s personality well. Seeing Yin Sanren’s reaction, she knew there was no way to change her mind, so she had to agree. Then, looking at Li Xun, she instructed, “Junior brother, please serve Master well on this journey…” “

She’s serving me better than I do! ” Li Xun sneered inwardly, but his face was filled with acknowledgment.

Yin Sanren suddenly chuckled from the side, “You’re right to call him Junior Brother. From today on, he’ll be my second disciple. You two, senior and junior, must support and help each other.”

Li Xun’s smile faltered, and Qin Wanru let out a soft “Ah.”

This awkward display was quickly overcome by the two men and women in the same mental group. Li Xun’s smile grew even brighter, and Qin Wanru’s face was filled with joy.

“Congratulations, Junior Brother! And congratulations to Master, too. After all, talents like Junior Brother are rare in this world,”

Li Xun agreed, but a certain doubt lingered within him.

After all, Yin Sanren’s words legally incorporated him into the Yin-Yang Sect’s fold, paving the way for his future control of the sect.

Crucially, influenced by her fixed mindset, Qin Wanru simply saw Yin Sanren’s tactics as a coercion and readily accepted them, unknowingly smoothing over any potential problems.

This was exactly what Li Xun wanted her to do, but hadn’t told her yet. Was she so self-conscious just because of her sister?

Even though he had doubts in his heart, under the circumstances, Li Xun had no reason to refuse such temptation. Looking into Yin Sanren’s calm eyes, the smile on his face grew more genuine.