Chapter 949: Rao Senior Save Me...

Two people!

The first to catch the eye was a man in a white shirt standing in front. He was of average height and build, with an above-average appearance – what could be described as ordinarily handsome. In short, he had no memorable features whatsoever. The only striking thing about him was his extremely luxurious attire, indicative of immense wealth and status. In his hand, he held a small, square alchemy cauldron, no larger than his palm. Even from a mere glance, Yu Zhiwen could discern the sacred power emanating from it.

A sacred artifact... and one of near-perfect quality! Such a sacred artifact, akin to a small toy, was casually held by the man in white – an ultimate trump card that even a Grand Void Realm expert would typically conceal! Yu Zhiwen's first thought was: "He's richer than me!" Her second thought: "I'm doomed!"

This man had intruded into the spirit mirror control room of the Cloud Realm without any apparent difficulty, which must have involved unimaginable methods. Currently, Yu Zhiwen had no guards around her; they had all been taken away by Rao Yaoyao. Given her own cultivation level, she was utterly incapable of defending herself in such an unexpected situation!

“Don’t worry, I’m not a bad person.” The wealthy man in white, toying with the small cauldron in his hand, easily read the panic and helplessness displayed by the veiled woman with unique star-like pupils before him. His self-control was remarkable; he quickly averted his gaze from her truly stunning star-like pupils and introduced himself: “Saint Palace Emissary, Bai Lian.” After a pause, he praised her without reservation, saying, “With such beautiful eyes, young lady, you must be Yu Zhiwen, the genius from the Dao Department, I presume?”

A Saint Palace Emissary... Yu Zhiwen finally felt her heart settle. The 'Cloud Realm' developed by the Dao Department was originally created to complement the various royal city trials before the Saint Palace trials. Naturally, anyone possessing a Saint Palace emissary token could freely enter and exit the spirit mirror control room. Strictly speaking, the person currently occupying the spirit mirror control room should be this self-proclaimed Saint Palace Emissary, Bai Lian.

However, the Saint Palace didn't have much spare time to monitor the progress of minor royal city trial participants. Therefore, these miscellaneous tasks were uniformly handled by the mid-to-lower-level personnel of the Sacred Temple. Yu Zhiwen held a high position and was responsible for the spirit mirrors in the Cloudveil Mountains primarily because the 'Cloud Realm' here was not only used to monitor trial participants' progress but also had the function of pinpointing the location of trespassers. Otherwise, at most, it would be Cheng Ji, the head of a branch temple of the Sacred Temple, present here, let alone figures like Yu Zhiwen or Rao Yaoyao.

“Greetings, Emissary Bai Lian. This humble one is Yu Zhiwen.” Yu Zhiwen immediately rose and bowed respectfully and with restraint. During this exchange, Bai Lian produced a Saint Palace emissary token and handed it over. Yu Zhiwen merely glanced at it to verify and immediately returned it. There was no problem whatsoever.

Recovering from her initial panic of 'I'm doomed,' Yu Zhiwen's mind finally cleared enough to think. She immediately realized that the name 'Bai Lian' sounded somewhat familiar. Although she had never met the man before, with a moment's thought, Yu Zhiwen recalled information about him:

Bai Lian, the current steward of the Saint Palace's Burning Radiance lineage, was one of the Five Authorities of the Saint Palace. He served as the sole and direct liaison for the medicinal pill supply chain connecting the Saint Palace with the Sacred Temple, the major semi-saint families, and the Five Saint Emperor Secret Realms. Additionally, he held the title of honorary vice-president of the Continental Alchemist Association Headquarters in the Living Pagoda City.

“He has many other minor honorary titles, but even if all of them were removed, Bai Lian’s status would essentially be on par with Rao Jianxian, the Red-Robed Dao Master. Though their strength is not comparable... he isn’t particularly strong, being in the Dao Severing Realm with an unknown number of Nine Deaths Thunder Tribulations completed. But this only refers to his ‘cultivation strength.’ In terms of true combat power, he could easily crush a Grand Void Realm expert with his treasures alone, without even needing to personally act. And also... Bai Lian is the direct grand-disciple of Semi-Saint Burning Radiance, either Xu Xiaoshou's senior or junior brother... Hmm, according to the strict seniority system of the Burning Radiance lineage, which only considers lineage and not cultivation or status, he would be Xu Xiaoshou's junior brother…”

By this point, Yu Zhiwen's head was starting to spin. This was truly a major figure! At a relatively young age, he was already a continent-level super-expert, capable of being considered an equal to her master, and one with significant influence. Why would such a person personally come to the minor Cloudveil Mountains to serve as a 'Saint Palace Emissary'? The Saint Palace was practically his home; a single word from him could grant anyone entry. He should really be called the 'Saint Palace Boss,' Yu Zhiwen mused wildly.

At this moment, she finally noticed the other person who had remained silent in the background. Compared to the unremarkable Bai Lian, the tall, thin man behind him was exceptionally distinctive! He wore plain black cloth robes, appearing casual and uninhibited. He had thick, long black hair cascading over his shoulders, high cheekbones that hinted at ruthlessness, and sharp, eagle-like eyes set deep within his sockets. No eyebrows, dark circles under his eyes, thin lips... After just one glance, Yu Zhiwen felt a slight pain in her star-like pupils. She immediately averted her gaze, daring not to look further.

Another face she didn't recognize, but definitely the standard for a major figure... Yu Zhiwen instinctively turned to the more approachable Bai Lian, her eyes subtly revealing a hint of inquiry. It was quite clear that Bai Lian had registered her inquiry but made no attempt to explain. Instead, he pointed at Yu Zhiwen in front of him and turned to the person behind him, introducing her in great detail and with utmost respect: “Yu Zhiwen, Dao Xuanji’s beloved disciple, wielder of the Pearl Star Pupils, second on the Dao Department’s Heavenly Ranking, a future star among Diviners, and known as one of the Dao Department’s Twin Talents alongside Situ Yongren, Dao Qiongcang’s disciple... I have high hopes for her.”

Yu Zhiwen’s veiled red lips parted slightly, unable to close completely. Referring directly to her master Dao Xuanji, and Dao Qiongcang by name... Well, that was understandable, as he was Bai Lian, one of the Five Authorities of the Saint Palace... But his attitude toward the man without eyebrows seemed excessively respectful, didn't it? Yu Zhiwen was exceptionally astute; she knew that even if the Dao Temple Master were present, he wouldn't command such respect from Bai Lian. Therefore, the answer to who in the world could possibly warrant such reverence from Bai Lian was obvious: His master, or his grandmaster!

Semi-Saint Burning Radiance couldn't possibly be here in person. In that case, this person could only be 'Eyebrowless Mu Lin'? That's right, he really had no eyebrows... Yu Zhiwen deduced the man's identity, her heart trembling with fear. She wondered, shouldn't someone of Mu Lin's caliber be an old, ash-level expert with one foot already in the grave? After all, before Bai Lian rose to prominence, Mu Lin had intimidated the Saint Palace for an entire era. It was only later, when he partially withdrew, that he handed over all affairs to his disciple, Bai Lian. But then she reconsidered... Mu Lin was also the junior brother of Saint Slave Wu Xiu, which implied that he wasn’t very old and perhaps not highly cultivated, so he couldn't really be considered an elder? Yu Zhiwen pressed her hand to her head, feeling a headache coming on. It wasn't her fault for almost deifying 'Eyebrowless Mu Lin' in her mind. It was because ever since childhood, she had heard about the power of the Saint Palace's Burning Radiance lineage. Her impression of 'Eyebrowless Mu Lin,' a nearly legendary figure, was almost equivalent to how Central Region Spirit Refiners viewed the 'Dao Temple Master' or how Eastern Region Sword Cultivators viewed the 'Eighth Sword Immortal.' Thoughts swirled in her mind, all in an instant.

Seeing that Bai Lian had finished introducing herself but showed no intention of introducing 'Eyebrowless Mu Lin,' Yu Zhiwen knew that she currently didn't have the qualifications to bypass Bai Lian, one of the Five Authorities of the Saint Palace, to be introduced to Senior Mu Lin. Noticing the conversation had paused, she quickly bowed. “This humble one, Yu Zhiwen, greets Senior.” Mu Lin nodded slightly in acknowledgment, remaining silent. His aura was still exceedingly cold. After nodding, his gaze returned to the spirit mirror display, seemingly watching someone in particular.

Yu Zhiwen was somewhat overwhelmed to receive a response. Daring not to speak or look too much, she turned her eyes to Bai Lian and asked, “May I ask, Saint Palace Emissary, what brings you here?” Since the other party presented himself as a Saint Palace Emissary and they were currently within the royal city trial area, the best way to address him was to follow the lead he provided.

“An inspection, and to check on other matters,” Bai Lian said calmly, toying with the small cauldron in his hand. “I heard that a Saint Emperor intervened and almost harmed the trial participants in the Cloudveil Mountains?” Perhaps there were Saint Palace disciples among them, so upon hearing of danger, Bai Lian personally came? The Saint Palace truly protects its own, after all! Yu Zhiwen thought this, then felt something was amiss. After all, an inspection wouldn't require one of the Five Authorities of the Saint Palace to come in person, bringing Senior Mu Lin along... There must be other intentions! Yu Zhiwen dared not ponder further and replied, “The semi-saints knew their limits during their engagement; they did not harm the trial participants in the slightest. On the contrary, some sacred artifacts fell into the Cloudveil Mountains, which could be considered an additional gain for the participants.”

“Mm.” Bai Lian nodded dismissively, then after a moment of thought, in the chillingly quiet atmosphere, he added, “But those sacred artifacts were forcibly recovered by the ‘trial officials’?” ‘Trial officials’ was a specific term for the royal city trials, which Bai Lian naturally knew. Yu Zhiwen's palms involuntarily sweated. She resisted the urge to wipe her forehead and murmured, “Not forcibly. The trial participants... could exchange the treasures for trial points, to better climb the rankings and later enter the Saint Palace trials.” Bai Lian smiled. “That would be best.” ‘Senior Rao, save me...’ Yu Zhiwen maintained a calm expression, but inwardly, she was filled with panic. If the other party kept asking questions, she wouldn't be able to cover it up.

In the quiet atmosphere, Bai Lian took a step forward and surveyed the surrounding spirit mirrors. He discovered that the main display showed only a large image of Solitary Cliff. The secondary displays around the main one mostly showed spirit mirror feeds of law enforcement officers pursuing potential trespassers. As for the spirit mirror feeds that should have belonged to the trial participants, the main focus, they were all relegated to inconspicuous corners.

Oh no... Yu Zhiwen bit her lower lip beneath her veil. The Saint Palace Emissary had arrived too quickly, and startled as she was, she hadn't had time to switch the displays. Normally, the safety of the trial participants should be the primary concern of the controller at the spirit mirror's main console. However, due to unforeseen events like Sky City and the Cloudveil Mountains, the Cloud Realm had been primarily used by Rao Yaoyao for real-time surveillance, and Yu Zhiwen had continued this 'bad habit'. This was usually not an issue. But now the 'main person' was here, and he had seen it with his own eyes. If they decided to cause trouble, it would be over! ‘Sword Immortal Rao, save me...’ Yu Zhiwen again pretended to be calm on the surface, but inwardly, she was desperately calling for help.

Bai Lian stopped, turned around, and said with a half-smile, “There's a significant problem here. Will you explain it, or should I?” Yu Zhiwen felt immense pressure. Her lips parted slightly, but she dared not look directly at him, only averting her gaze.

“I'll explain.”

“Then speak!” Bai Lian waved his hand.

“There's a... minor issue here, which is... part of the 'Cloud Realm's' power has been used to locate trespassers, thus neglecting... well, the trial participants...” Yu Zhiwen could barely believe she had managed to finish that sentence. Her face flushed, and after composing herself, she added, “...their safety.”

“A part?” Bai Lian’s right eyebrow arched as he questioned her. Yu Zhiwen’s fingers curled into her palms, feeling a pressure akin to what one would experience facing a powerful master like her own. Yet, the man opposite seemed to be trying his best to appear amiable... However, what she had just said was indeed problematic. That so-called 'part' was a gross exaggeration! In truth, almost seventy percent of the spirit mirror displays were used to locate trespassers, and only a small 'part' was allocated to the trial participants, tucked away in obscure corners.

“A part…” Yu Zhiwen stammered, “Um, it was actually a part... er, used to locate trial participants... but this was just a coincidence, it just happened, just happened…” She had intended to say, “It just so happened that when you arrived, the spirit mirror display was switched.” But seeing Bai Lian’s half-smile, Yu Zhiwen decisively stopped herself. The man opposite wasn't a fool; daring to speak that way clearly showed an intent to reprimand.

“This is a serious mistake, and I will certainly correct it!” Yu Zhiwen promised, raising her hand.

“It's not your fault; you wouldn't have dared to do this if Rao Yaoyao hadn't requested it.” Bai Lian naturally wouldn't make things difficult for the young woman, offering her an out. However, he then changed his tone: “But a mistake is a mistake. Since I, as a Saint Palace Emissary, have witnessed it, I must report it…” Here, Bai Lian paused. He had originally intended to say 'report it up'. This was because his master, Mu Lin, was right behind him, and Bai Lian unconsciously lowered his posture, treating him with his former reverence. But then he reconsidered: even if he reported it, Master Mu Lin wouldn't concern himself with such trivial matters anymore. More likely, this information would be reported back to the Saint Palace, and he himself would still have to handle it upon his return – a true hassle! So, after his pause, Bai Lian chuckled, “I can resolve this right now.”

“How will you resolve it?” Yu Zhiwen asked nervously.

Bai Lian glanced at his master, Mu Lin, from the corner of his eye. Seeing no reaction, he revealed the true purpose of their visit: “Yu Zhiwen, right? I forgot to mention, please extend my greetings and my master’s greetings to Dao Xuanji.” Yu Zhiwen was startled, not understanding why but agreeing nonetheless. “I will certainly deliver your message.” So, what next? Her gaze was still filled with confusion.

Bai Lian continued, “There’s something I might need your help with... Please note, this isn’t a demand, nor a task, but merely my personal request.”

“I wouldn’t dare, Senior, please speak,” Yu Zhiwen immediately bowed, but didn't agree right away; she sensed something "terrible" in his words.

Bai Lian smiled and said, “It's nothing particularly difficult. It's just that some time ago, our Saint Palace wanted to request a person from your Sacred Temple, but to this day, that person hasn't been handed over. So, I'd like to ask you to speak with your master, and as a favor, let me have that person.” “Don't worry!” Without waiting for a response, Bai Lian immediately continued, “I, Bai Lian, will certainly remember this favor, concerning both you and your master, Dao Xuanji.” Yu Zhiwen's scalp tingled. Who could be so important as to warrant Bai Lian extending favors to two people at once? “Who does Senior want?” she asked.

“Saint Slave Wu Xiu!” Bai Lian secretly glanced at the person behind him. Seeing no reaction from his master, he declared impassionedly, “A traitor of the Saint Palace must be handled by the Saint Palace itself!” The atmosphere suddenly turned cold. Yu Zhiwen trembled slightly, feeling a chilling sense of lifelessness fill the space. Bai Lian’s demeanor became even more uneasy; he visibly shivered, completely daring not to look back at his master. He merely coughed lightly and said, “Cough, um... this is just a small matter, nothing else.” A small matter... Yu Zhiwen thought, this was a monumental issue! How could someone in the Dead Sea be retrieved just by her master's word?

“I can only say, I’ll try my best to speak on your behalf...” She was full of hesitation, unable to refuse, yet unable to directly agree.

“Thank you for your trouble. Whether this succeeds or not, I will certainly remember your contribution,” Bai Lian chuckled, then turned and waved his hand, preparing to leave. “Don’t worry, I won't mention these spirit mirror display matters to my... um, to our Saint Palace higher-ups.”

Yu Zhiwen: “...”

Trembling, she dared not say more, watching Bai Lian turn and leave, and Senior Mu Lin, who had remained silent throughout, also turned away. Suddenly, Mu Lin paused, then sharply turned his head back. Yu Zhiwen's heart stopped. That shadowed, cold, browless face stared at her, making her tremble all over.

“Senior?”

“Turn off the spirit mirror display for Solitary Cliff.” Mu Lin’s low, unequivocal voice rang out. He paused, then looked at Yu Zhiwen, who was too nervous to move. His voice softened slightly, but still remained chilling. “Protect your eyes.” With that, he turned and left.

What did he mean, 'protect my eyes'? Was he implying that the upcoming battle at Solitary Cliff would harm her Pearl Star Pupils if she watched through the spirit mirror display? Yu Zhiwen dared not disobey and could only comply, turning off the spirit mirror display for Solitary Cliff.

After doing so, she turned around and saw Bai Lian summoning a special spirit array, from which he conjured a majestic immortal crane. Then, Bai Lian led the crane, and Mu Lin gracefully leaped onto its back. The two men and one crane ascended into the clouds, heading north.

“Hoo~” Only then did Yu Zhiwen fully relax, feeling completely drained. So, this trip was actually Senior Mu Lin's intention, but some trivial matters had to be handled by others, so his disciple, Bai Lian, set aside all Saint Palace affairs to act as the crane handler?

“The Burning Radiance lineage truly is terrifying...” Yu Zhiwen looked back at the now-closed spirit mirror display, suddenly feeling very curious. What would happen next at Solitary Cliff? According to lineage, Xu Xiaoshou, Sword Immortal Rao's main target, should be considered Senior Mu Lin's grand-nephew, right? So, would the Saint Palace... choose to show favoritism?