Chapter 1158: Inquiries Before And After

Floating South.

There were far fewer people atop the main mountain of Floating South. A young man in black robes and silver armor stood at the peak, six ancient silver command tokens hanging at his waist. His long spear was planted in the ground, faint sparks of lightning flickering along its shaft from time to time.

A woman in crimson palace robes soon ascended up to him, holding a hexagonal lantern whose feathery flames flickered gently. The young man lifted his weary gaze, set aside the paper in his hand, and spoke, "Elder sister, you're here... Is Situ Mo coming? What word from Weizeng's side?"

"No." Li Minggong shook her head, her expression shadowed with concern as she replied softly, "There's no need to worry about Weizeng. Taking him in back then was truly a wise decision. He's now a loyal and steadfast man who can stand on his own. With him keeping watch, and the two of us holding the rear, Situ Mo won't act rashly. I came this time because I received news from the family..."

She handed the letter to Li Chenghui. The young man read it calmly, though surprise soon colored his face as he said, "Fu Jie has been killed..."

The two exchanged glances. Li Minggong closed the hall doors and said quietly, "Whether this was a deliberate move by one of the young masters to undermine Profound Peak Gate's standing or not, it hardly matters. What's important is that Crimson Reef Island’s Guo Hongjian appeared in person. That's a significant development."

Li Chenghui read the letter twice over before responding, "Jiangqian is ruthless and decisive with vicious methods. He's clearly prepared to sacrifice Profound Peak Gate if needed. Jiangxia may be proud, but he favors straightforward action and has compassion for the common people. This arrangement suits the situation well; no need to alter it.

"As for Crimson Reef Island... let Guo Hongjian move as he pleases. The man seems dull-witted, but he follows Ye Hui's instructions to the letter. All we can do now is wait."

Li Chenghui paused in thought, puzzled, then continued, "Yet the Capital Immortal Dao has been far too courteous toward our family. They've shown little interest in pursuing their grudge against Profound Peak Gate or Kong Haiying since taking the mountain gate. Otherwise, how could there still be no response even now?"

Li Minggong was just about to answer when sudden silence fell outside the hall. The great formation trembled faintly, and the tightly shut doors began to shake violently, as if struck by an unseen force.

Creak...

The doors swung open from within as if of their own accord. A chill wind rushed inside, icy enough to bite through bone. Li Chenghui rose sharply from his seat, his heart sinking as a single thought flashed through his mind,

Purple Mansion!

The mountain's defensive formations made no difference to a Purple Mansion Realm cultivator. The one who entered the hall even made a point of pushing the door open gently, a gesture that almost seemed courteous. Whoever this visitor was, neither sibling had the right to remain standing.

They stepped aside and bowed deeply in greeting as Li Minggong respectfully said, "We do not know which revered Daoist Master graces us with their presence. The younger generation of the Li Family humbly welcomes you."

A figure in plain brown robes appeared before them, yet faint divine radiance shimmered subtly from the fabric. Neither of them dared raise their heads as Li Minggong said reverently, "We pay our respects, Daoist Master."

The Daoist Master's voice was calm, unhurried, and carried the weight of deep power. "No need for excessive formality. I am Sumian, Master of Xuanmiao Temple. I searched the seas several times without finding the Daoist Master's[1] trace, so I came here instead to question the two of you."

The siblings quickly led him to the main seat and stood respectfully to one side. Only then did they dare glance at his appearance. He was dressed simply, like a lay cultivator, with the features of a man in middle age, showing little sign of decay, though his voice carried a deep, weighty tone.

"The situation grows turbulent, and traveling to the lake is troublesome. Seeing you both stationed here, I came instead to ask, has Daoist Zhaojing returned?"

Li Minggong hesitated, yet with the Daoist Master before her, she dared not exchange glances with her brother. That brief moment was enough for Sumian to sigh and say, "There's no need to conceal it. The seas are in turmoil, and I have heard the news. He was driven away by Changxiao. I only wish to know his whereabouts. Even the slightest trace will do, so that we need not live in constant unease."

Li Chenghui remained silent, unable to coordinate with his sister. Li Minggong spoke instead, voice filled with worry, "Daoist Master, we have not returned to the lake for several days, and still have to receive word of our lord's return. We know nothing of his current state."

Sumian studied Li Minggong for a long moment, as though discerning something in her expression, before asking doubtfully, "And where is Li Zhouwei? The situation is already in chaos, and still he refuses to emerge to steady the realm? Does he mean to wait until the Capital Immortal Dao strikes? Without his presence to hold the line, how can a handful like you withstand any intrigue?"

Faced with his rebuke, Li Minggong looked uneasy and could only answer, "The family head has gone into seclusion..."

Sumian brushed his sleeve impatiently. "Of all times to enter seclusion, he chooses now! And that lake of yours has no abundance of spiritual energy, he may be stuck there even longer!"

Li Minggong hesitated and murmured, "Yes... the time required for a Foundation Establishment Realm breakthrough can vary greatly. This junior cannot be certain... As for us, the direct descendants..."

"Enough!" Sumian cut her off with a flick of his sleeve and said curtly, "Just hold your post here at Floating South. Do not concern yourselves with the Wilderness. I'll meet with Ye Hui and inquire into the full details myself."

Both of them hurriedly gave thanks. When they rose from their bows, the Daoist Master before them had already vanished. Li Chenghui stood there, unsettled, hesitating twice. The question he wanted to ask was still caught in his throat.

Li Minggong's worry only deepened. She paced twice within the hall before speaking, "Daoist Master Sumian usually takes no heed of mundane affairs, yet in times of crisis he suddenly becomes—"

Li Minggong abruptly stopped mid-sentence. Li Chenghui also looked up in thought, only to scent a strange floral fragrance wafting through the air. A gentle breeze swept in from the courtyard, circling uncertainly before condensing into the form of a person before the hall.

A woman appeared, dressed in a golden-yellow silk gown embroidered with butterflies. Her features were elegant and refined, her brows thin, and the corners of her eyes marked with twin strokes of jade-green pigment.

The moment she manifested, she raised her hand to halt their movement and said with a faint frown, "Chenghui... Minggong... it's the two of you, isn't it?"

Realizing that another Daoist Master had already arrived as the last departed, both siblings stepped aside respectfully and said in unison, "We pay our respects, Daoist Master."

The female Daoist Master furrowed her brows slightly, her voice gentle and melodic as she spoke, "Rise... I am Daoist Master Tinglan of Purple Smoke Blessed Land. I have come merely to ask you a few questions; there's no need for such formality."

She cast a quick glance across the hall's furnishings and asked, "Did a Daoist Master with willow-shaped eyes, carrying a bright lantern, come looking for you?"

After a brief hesitation, she continued, "Never mind... has any Daoist Master visited you recently?"

Li Minggong answered respectfully, "Daoist Master Sumian from Xuanmiao Temple was here just now."

She recounted all that had transpired earlier. The female Daoist Master paced once across the hall, then seated herself at the main seat, saying nothing for a long while.

Her makeup was immaculate, showcasing every exquisitely refined feature. Sitting quietly upon the seat of honor, she seemed almost like a divine statue, faint rings of multicolored light radiating behind her head under the morning glow. Yet Daoist Master Tinglan's expression was far from serene; her gaze had turned dark and heavy.

The Daoist Master in the silk gown narrowed her eyes slightly and spoke each word with deliberate weight, "I just came from Xuanmiao Temple. Old Daoist Master Qi[2] is still within the temple and he hasn't left."

1. Should be referring to Li Ximing. ☜

2. Referring to Sumian. ☜