Chapter 823: The Unconventional Young Master Xu

Who was that?

Situ Yongren...

The name was unfamiliar; Xu Xiaoshou had never heard it before.

Liu Changqing smiled and casually mentioned, "Across the Five Domains of the continent, nearly all masters of Heaven's Mystery Art, apart from a unique existence like myself, are members of the Dao Division, one of the Holy Divine Palace's Six Divisions." As an old man, Liu Changqing naturally possessed a more comprehensive understanding of the world's situation.

Xu Xiaoshou's heart tensed. Was this person connected to Yu Zhiwen? He remembered Little Yu was from the Dao Division. Could this newcomer be someone Little Yu knew?

"He was tracking you?" Xu Xiaoshou turned to Liu Changqing.

"He is indeed formidable, but he couldn't track me," Liu Changqing replied with confidence. "In fact, I had already pinpointed his location and was wondering when I could eliminate this hidden operative from the Dao Division. I never expected him to show up personally; it must be a coincidence." Since becoming a ghost beast host, Liu Changqing had designated the Holy Divine Palace as his primary enemy, aiming to eliminate as many of its members as possible, preferably without drawing attention.

Upon hearing this, Xu Xiaoshou truly realized Ancestor Wuji's immense power. In just a few days, he had managed to enable a Zhandao, who was completely unfamiliar with Heaven's Mystery Art, to gain an overwhelming advantage over a Dao Division genius.

"Let's meet him," Xu Xiaoshou said, agreeing with a smile.

Xiao Wanfeng immediately scurried back outside and ushered Situ Yongren into the building.

"Young Master Xu," Situ Yongren began as he entered, a man of refined demeanor and humble expression. He cupped his fists and continued, "I have long admired your renowned reputation. I am Situ Yongren, and I hope my unexpected visit today is not an imposition."

As he spoke, Situ Yongren subtly assessed the young man before him. Xu Xiaoshou was handsome, but in the world of spirit refiners, his looks were unremarkable. Beyond a hint of cynicism at the corners of his mouth, Situ Yongren couldn't discern any of the expected gravitas or bearing of a Half-Saint's heir.

*He is Young Master Xu?* Situ Yongren mused inwardly. His visit this time was, in fact, at the instruction of Sword Immortal Rao.

For several days, the Red-Clad had deployed the vast majority of the Holy Divine Palace's resources to investigate the Xu family of Taixiang in the Northern Domain. However, their efforts yielded no results. Not only could they not locate the Xu family of Taixiang, but the Holy Divine Palace also failed to find even a single Half-Saint power that could be linked to them.

This situation puzzled the Red-Clad. Young Master Xu seemed to be exceptionally well-hidden. While some questioned the authenticity of his identity as a Half-Saint's heir, Sword Immortal Rao dismissed these doubts, stating that even Mr. Si Ren had interacted with Young Master Xu.

Thus, even if Young Master Xu wasn't the descendant of an openly recognized Half-Saint power, the force backing him had to be at least Half-Saint level. Given all these factors, Young Master Xu's identity as a Half-Saint's heir was beyond doubt, leading to the temporary suspension of all previous schemes targeting him.

The Red-Clad officially halted their investigation into Young Master Xu. However, despite the cessation, Rao Yaoyao still harbored some lingering doubts. Thus, Situ Yongren's mission was to feign a friendly visit while covertly probing Young Master Xu's identity and allegiances as a Half-Saint's descendant.

To conduct such a covert investigation, mere verbal probing would be useless against Young Master Xu's impenetrable defenses; Heaven's Mystery Art was the only effective method. This was precisely why Situ Yongren was the only one capable of undertaking this mission.

"Only you?" Xu Xiaoshou asked, also assessing Situ Yongren.

He recognized the man; he had been standing beside Yu Zhiwen during the night battle in Wangcheng. However, Xu Xiaoshou had no interest in this Dao Division genius.

After waiting a moment, Xu Xiaoshou frowned slightly when he saw no woman emerge from behind the Dao Division youth, contrary to his hopes. He had seen Yu Zhiwen during the night battle in Wangcheng. Although they hadn't met face-to-face, he had 'sensed' Little Yu and knew she had been observing him.

While their current stances were adversarial and it wasn't appropriate for them to acknowledge each other, leaving Xu Xiaoshou with many unasked questions, he was still quite willing to indulge in a pleasant encounter as Young Master Xu.

Yet, this man had come alone, without even a gift. How could he possibly show up empty-handed? Situ Yongren's expression faltered, bewildered by Young Master Xu's words. He replied, "It's just me. Is there a problem, Young Master Xu?"

Xu Xiaoshou immediately grinned, a hint of playful mockery on his face.

"I've heard there's a woman in the Holy Divine Palace's Dao Division who always wears a veil, her face unseen by anyone. Yet, with just her eyes, she's said to rank among the world's top ten beauties. Didn't she come with you?" he asked, raising an eyebrow with a 'we're both men, you understand' expression.

Situ Yongren's mouth twitched. He had long heard rumors of Young Master Xu's dissolute nature, but he hadn't expected it to be so brazenly displayed! To openly express desire for his junior sister, right in front of him?

Even with his usual good temper, Situ Yongren couldn't hold back. "Young Master Xu, please show some self-respect. My junior sister is currently stationed at the Holy Divine Palace on a mission. My visit here is simply to make your acquaintance..."

"Acquaintance?" Xu Xiaoshou interrupted with a look of disdain. "I don't like making acquaintances with men. If your junior sister isn't coming, then please leave. I have other matters to attend to, so I won't see you out."

Situ Yongren's face flushed purple with anger. What kind of person was this? What Half-Saint's descendant would utter such vulgarities? Did he truly lack the upbringing expected of a Half-Saint family?

"Young Master Xu..."

"Didn't you hear me clearly? I don't want to converse with you; please leave!" Xu Xiaoshou frowned, just as he would when rejecting the olive branches extended by other major powers.

Xiao Wanfeng, standing nearby, was dumbfounded. He had thought Situ Yongren's extraordinary demeanor indicated a significant figure. Upon hearing 'Dao Division' mentioned in their conversation, Xiao Wanfeng vaguely recognized the name 'Situ Yongren.' In a flash, he recalled that this person was, without a doubt, the Dao Hall Master's senior disciple.

But even for the Dao Hall Master's senior disciple, was Young Master Xu really this domineering? He was showing absolutely no respect!

Situ Yongren was stunned, reeling from the outright rejection. This was an unprecedented experience for him. In the past, if he deigned to visit any Half-Saint power, they would invariably extend the utmost courtesy, acknowledging him as the next leader of the Dao Division. Yet, this First Floor in the Sky utterly disregarded his status.

He didn't believe Young Master Xu was unaware of his identity; after all, the man even recognized his junior sister. But the fact that Young Master Xu knew, yet still maintained such an impolite demeanor, genuinely infuriated him.

*What an idiot!* Situ Yongren cursed inwardly. No Half-Saint's heir would dare to antagonize him, a favored prodigy of the Dao Division. However, with a mission at hand, he had to swallow his pride and try to remain. The 'Heart of Truth,' a secret Heaven's Mystery device from the Dao Division, hung as a pendant around his neck. Situ Yongren knew he absolutely had to extract some information through his conversation with Young Master Xu.

The Heart of Truth functioned like a lie detector. During any serious conversation, Situ Yongren could discern the true answers he sought by analyzing even the slightest fluctuations in Young Master Xu's words, emotions, and actions. But now, before their conversation could even begin, Young Master Xu wanted to send him away simply because he hadn't brought his junior sister?

What was this nonsense?! Situ Yongren felt a surge of exasperation but quickly composed himself. "I've long heard that Young Master Xu is a remarkable young hero, vibrant and unique in his conduct," he said gently. "Seeing you today, Young Master Xu, you truly are unlike ordinary people in your lack of sycophancy; you are a genuine gentleman worth befriending..."

Xu Xiaoshou was astonished by this. After all that, Situ Yongren was still lingering and even praising him? Something was definitely wrong!

He wouldn't have come without a reason. Xu Xiaoshou had no prior interaction with Situ Yongren, and he didn't believe the man had recognized him as Xu Xiaoshou. So this fellow was shamelessly trying to stay; surely he wasn't here on some kind of mission?

Initially, he simply didn't want to talk to this guy, but now Xu Xiaoshou was even more resistant to communicating with Situ Yongren. He had experienced Heaven's Mystery Art before; it was utterly enigmatic. While his 'Textile Proficiency' had reached the Sovereign level, making it exceptional for deciphering Heaven's Mystery Art, Xu Xiaoshou genuinely couldn't gain any new Heaven's Mystery Art abilities from it that he hadn't known before. He could only learn textile techniques from it...

A thought flashed through his mind, and Xu Xiaoshou had his answer. He waved his hand, turned, and walked away. "Xiao Wanfeng, see him out," he instructed.

"Huh?" Xiao Wanfeng was taken aback.

Situ Yongren was equally bewildered; he had flattered Xu Xiaoshou to such an extent, yet he still wouldn't let him stay?

"Mr. Situ, please!" Xiao Wanfeng quickly understood and, without hesitation, bowed to usher him out of the First Floor in the Sky.

Situ Yongren could no longer tolerate it. He angrily flicked his sleeve. "Young Master Xu, I came personally to make your acquaintance, and you show me such disrespect. Very well, then we shall meet again at the Royal City Trial!"

"Royal City Trial?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Xiaoshou paused, turned, and scrutinized him. "Your cultivation doesn't seem to be merely Grandmaster level?"

"Hmph!" Situ Yongren's expression turned haughty, and he refused to answer.

"Young Master Xu," Liu Changqing transmitted telepathically, "he is the champion of the Spirit Array Competition. Like you, he will likely participate in the Royal City Trial under a special identity."

"Champion of the Spirit Array Competition?"

Xu Xiaoshou was surprised, then after a moment, he burst into laughter. "You're quite something, a favored prodigy of the Dao Division, using Heaven's Mystery Art to bully Spirit Array Masters. That's truly impressive."

Situ Yongren, whose arrogance had been unparalleled moments before, turned grim-faced upon hearing this. If it weren't for other circumstances, why would he ever lower himself to participate in that Spirit Array Competition?

But with the two now clashing, Situ Yongren wasn't one to back down. "Isn't Young Master Xu the same?" he retorted. "A Grade Three Alchemy Sovereign, actually competing with those mere Grandmaster alchemists."

"Not so," Xu Xiaoshou said, waving his hand with a smile. "Alchemy is just a side hobby for me, something I dabble in occasionally. But Heaven's Mystery Art is your main expertise. These cannot be compared."

Situ Yongren was speechless. It had been a long time since he had been so thoroughly silenced. In fact, since his birth, no one had dared to mock him in such a persistent and varied manner. For a moment, he couldn't find a single appropriate word to refute Young Master Xu's remarks. He grew increasingly infuriated, finally flicking his sleeve and walking away.

"No need to see you off," Xu Xiaoshou said, waving and chuckling at Situ Yongren's retreating back.

Situ Yongren didn't even utter a single word in reply. With a dark, stony face, he departed, silently enduring the humiliation.

The mission? Young Master Xu lacked even the most basic respect; what mission could Situ Yongren possibly accomplish now? The fact that he hadn't immediately dismembered the man was already a testament to the basic etiquette expected from a major power. As for bringing his junior sister, as Young Master Xu demanded, to continue the mission?

What a ridiculous joke! Situ Yongren felt a wave of nausea recalling that fellow's leering eyes. How could he possibly bring his junior sister here just to be insulted?

"Interesting, truly interesting..."

Xu Xiaoshou watched Situ Yongren leave, a grin spreading across his lips.

"Young Master Xu, would you like me to help you... eliminate him directly?" Liu Changqing asked in a low voice, his expression surprisingly serious.

Xu Xiaoshou glanced at him and chuckled, refusing, "No need for that. He didn't do anything wrong; if anything, he was the one who got angry. He should be the one wanting to eliminate me."

Liu Changqing secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He had, of course, been joking.

Situ Yongren was the Dao Hall Master's senior disciple. Under normal circumstances, Liu Changqing certainly wouldn't wish to offend such a person. However, he knew that despite his seemingly dissolute appearance, Young Master Xu possessed profound wisdom and would undoubtedly understand the consequences of killing Situ Yongren. Since Young Master Xu wouldn't allow him to commit such an act, it posed no obstacle for Liu Changqing to express his loyalty.

"Did Young Master Xu say this person was interesting?" Liu Changqing asked, pondering Xu Xiaoshou's earlier words.

"Not exactly."

Xu Xiaoshou hadn't revealed anything to Situ Yongren, but their seemingly meaningless exchange had allowed him to discern some of the Holy Divine Palace's intentions. After a few exchanges, he also surmised that Situ Yongren was Dao Qiongcang's senior disciple.

Would someone of his caliber need to pass through the Royal City Trial and Holy Palace Trial to cultivate within the Holy Palace? Xu Xiaoshou found it impossible; the Holy Palace likely lacked anyone capable of teaching Heaven's Mystery Art to Situ Yongren. Yet, this man had actually participated in the Spirit Array Competition, clearly with the Royal City Trial as his ultimate goal...

"Interesting."

Even Xu Xiaoshou found Situ Yongren's actions beneath him, yet he had done it. Why?

"He said 'see you at the Royal City Trial,' meaning he will participate. But the Royal City Trial couldn't possibly entice the Dao Hall Master's senior disciple. What is he truly after?"

"The Void Island!"

"This guy's true focus is definitely on the Void Island."

"But the Holy Palace, at least officially, holds equal status with the Holy Divine Palace. They cannot permit a Sovereign-level expert to exploit the Royal City Trial's name and disrupt its rules on the eve of the Holy Palace Trial."

"Yet, the Holy Divine Palace still did it..."

Xu Xiaoshou fell into deep thought. Expanding on this, he wondered how many other Sovereigns would infiltrate this Royal City Trial under similar guises. Or rather, during the Royal City Trial, cultivators above the Innate stage were forbidden from interfering. So, how would the Holy Divine Palace enable more participants beyond the Sovereign level to infiltrate the trial and secure the Void Island they sought to protect?

"Interesting."

"Truly interesting!"

Xu Xiaoshou suddenly recalled something. In the past, his limited experience led him to believe there weren't many geniuses around who could participate in the Royal City Trial with Grandmaster or Sovereign cultivation. But after meeting Situ Yongren, he suddenly realized the truth. Perhaps across the Five Domains, there were quite a few individuals like himself who, despite having Grandmaster cultivation or Sovereign combat power, participated in the Royal City Trial through unconventional means. After all, across the Five Domains, geniuses were countless. As these thoughts ran through his mind, Xu Xiaoshou felt no additional fear for the future; instead, he became even more excited about the Royal City Trial in a few days.