Chapter 937: The Mysterious Master

In the capital of the Li Xiao Empire, life carried on as usual. The commoners were unaware of the turbulence beyond their city walls and went on about their daily routines as if nothing had changed. The only difference was the murmurs spreading through the streets—news of a deceased royal prince.

Dignitaries from various factions arrived in the capital to pay their respects at the grand funeral. Many family members of the Yu family stood before the funeral hall in solemn silence with grief and sorrowful expressions.

Yu Qingzhi was the pride of the Yu family, a disciple of the Desolate Academy, and a genius in pill making. Despite having cultivated for only a few centuries, he had already reached the Fusion realm. His future held limitless potential. He had been expected to ascend to the Dao Union realm soon. Perhaps he could have even challenged the authority of the Profound Immortals.

Yet, such a rising star was gone too soon, dying in his prime. His death was not just a tragedy for the Yu family but a grievous loss for the entire Li Xiao Empire.

"This is too strange! Uncle Qingzhi's death makes no sense!"

"Exactly! He was a Fusion realm cultivator with a lifespan of two thousand years. He had barely lived for a few centuries. How could he have simply perished for no reason?"

"But... he died within the imperial palace. Could someone have assassinated him? Who would dare?"

"Li Xiao is protected by Ancestor Profound Immortal! The Desolate Academy that Uncle Qingzhi was a part of was enough to strike fear in the hearts of schemers. Who would be bold enough to make a move against him?"

In a side hall, the descendants of the Yu family's married daughters whispered among themselves, their faces filled with sorrow and suspicion. As they spoke, their eyes frequently darted toward one particular figure.

Many princesses of Li Xiao had been married off, but only Yu Qingmei had wedded Heavenly King Zhen of the Central Continent. Her son, Gai Wu, stood out among the gathered cousins with an imposing presence that made others hesitant to approach. Some wanted to establish ties with him but feared overstepping.

"I heard... that Uncle Qingzhi had obtained a strange Dao technique in the Desolate Academy. It was rumoured that he died cultivating the technique."

"Nonsense! What kind of Dao technique could cause a Fusion realm cultivator to die on the spot?"

"I'm not making this up! I have a distant relative who was lucky enough to join the Desolate Academy. He's Ning Tieniu, an immortal Seedling from the Central Continent Empire. You must have heard of him, right?"

"Ning Tieniu? Yes, I've heard of him. The Ning bloodline is rumored to be peculiar. Women in their family often carry children for centuries before giving birth. I heard he has already reached the Golden Core realm despite cultivating for only a short time."

"Exactly! And he also cultivates that very Dao technique. Legend has it that it allows one to walk the Path of Yin into the Underworld. I suspect Uncle Qingzhi encountered danger during such a journey, which led to his demise."

"The Path of Yin?! I've never heard of such a technique. Is the Underworld even real? You should lower your voice. If the elders hear you spouting wild theories, you'll be punished."

"Ridiculous! The Underworld is nothing but a myth that mortals comfort themselves with."

"That may not be entirely baseless."

All eyes turned toward Gai Wu, who spoke calmly. "The Desolate Academy recently welcomed a new master surnamed Fang. It's said he has deep ties with the Three Thousand Dao Sect and is the one who passed down the Path of Yin technique. Soon enough, all cultivators will have the chance to practice it. Whether it is real or not, you'll be able to judge for yourselves in time."

A young girl mustered her courage and asked, "Cousin, is that true? You are the crown prince of Heavenly King Zhen. Surely you must know more than we do. Can you share more details?"

"I don't know much. I have yet to cultivate this technique myself, " replied Gai Wu with a slight shake of his head.

The Path of Yin....

Though intrigued, Gai Wu remained cautious. With Yu Qingzhi's mysterious death, he knew that if he were to practice this technique, he had to be thoroughly prepared lest he follow in his uncle's tragic footsteps.

With Gai Wu taking the lead in conversation, the cousins gradually relaxed as they gathered around him closely. The discussion subtly revolved around him, with many fawning over him.

As they chatted, Gai Wu kept an ear on the main hall. Each time a notable figure arrived, their presence would be announced. Yet, strangely, no representatives from the Central Continent had appeared.

This was abnormal.

By all accounts, the Central Continent should have sent someone of significance. No matter how reluctant Ancestor Li Xiao might be, he would have had to personally make a visit.

Suddenly, someone announced, "Qin Hucheng of the Void Immortal Sword Sect has arrived!"

Qin Hucheng expressed, "Condolences to you all. I had the honor of meeting Brother Qingzhi once. As I happened to be passing by, I thought it was only right to pay my respects."

"You are too kind, Daoist Qin! Please, have a seat," said an elder

The Yu family's highest-ranking elders were three Dao Union realm cultivators, namely Yu Qingzhi's father, grandfather, and uncle. They personally received guests, yet the Ancestor Profound Immortal of Li Xiao remained absent.

When they saw Qin Hucheng, their expressions eased somewhat. The presence of a sword cultivator from the Void Immortal Sword Sect was a testament to Li Xiao's standing.

"Daoist Qin, I didn't know you had ties with my brother," remarked Yu Qingmei as she approached.

"You are too polite, Madam. As Heavenly King Zhen's consort, calling me 'Daoist' is far too formal," replied Qin Hucheng with a smile.

Yu Qingmei chuckled and asked, "Since when do sword cultivators concern themselves with such trivial courtesies?"

Qin Hucheng's eyes flickered and answered, "That matter was a misunderstanding, one that has long been resolved. Has Madam not let it go?"

She spewed coldly, "My husband and the Void Immortal Sword Sect may believe it to be settled, but as my son's mother, I will never forget the injustice he suffered. Today is not the time for disputes, but your sect owes my son and me an answer sooner or later."

With that, she turned and left.

The younger generation in the side hall watched Qin Hucheng with curiosity. He was a well-known figure, and they had long heard of him. Some discreetly observed Gai Wu and wondered how he would react to that matter.

To their surprise, Gai Wu remained indifferent and continued chatting casually as if nothing had happened. After half an hour, he quietly excused himself.

By the lakeside, Gai Wu stood with his hands clasped behind his back and gazed at the rising mist over the water.

"Something isn't right."

A voice drifted over.

Without turning, Gai Wu already knew who it was.

"There's been no word from Handan Empire. My father is furious, but there hasn't been much movement," reported Gai Wu.

"Then you'll have to rely on your Celestial Abyss Snake," replied the voice.

Gai Wu said, "That depends on whether I can meet the Ancestor. He is overly cautious and has yet to appear."

Qin Hucheng chimed in, "Soon, he will. At the current pace of pill refining, it wouldn't be long before the Ancestor is ready to consume the second-grade Blood Spiritt Pill. When that happens, the heavenly phenomenon will expose him. I'm curious to know if a second-grade pill can reduce the power of the heavenly tribulations to thirty percent."

Suddenly, a new figure emerged behind them and spoke, "No, but it would at least reduce to fifty percent."

Gai Wu and Qin Hucheng turned simultaneously, their expressions shifting subtly.

Qin Hucheng hesitated for a few breaths before clasping his hands in a deep bow.

He exclaimed, "Greetings to you, Master."