Chapter 1985: Unrest

Zu'an recalled how they were trapped in that strange theater within the mystic realm. Although their opponents weren't particularly strong, everyone felt a sense of powerlessness, almost leading to their complete annihilation.

However, by a stroke of luck, he had grown closer to Jing Teng.

If the people from the Demonic Sect's Pear Garden possessed the same abilities as those in the mystic realm, it would indeed be quite troublesome.

At that moment, Yan Xuehen's voice chimed in, "Of course, with your current cultivation, as long as you're prepared, I doubt even the most dangerous Demonic Sect headquarters could pose a threat to you."

"Master, you'll make him arrogant saying that," Chu Chuyan said, hugging Yan Xuehen's arm. Usually reserved and cool, she only revealed this childlike side when with her master.

Yan Xuehen gazed at Zu'an with a complicated expression. "This guy is a freak of nature. His cultivation speed is unprecedented and likely unsurpassed. I'm just stating the truth: as long as he avoids being ambushed, he can navigate any perilous place in the world."

Zu'an looked at her, "Not necessarily. I wouldn't dare propose marriage in White Jade Capital."

"Ah Zu!" Chu Chuyan exclaimed reproachfully, wondering why he would bring that up in front of her master.

Although they were once married, they currently had no formal status. She wondered if they should formalize their relationship again.

Yan Xuehen's heart pounded wildly. She thought, *This fellow is too brazen. How could he say such a thing in front of Chuyan? If he were to come to White Jade Capital and propose to me, the situation would be mortifying to imagine. How would the world see me then, and how would Chuyan see me?*

She quickly glared at Zu'an. "Alright, I've told you everything I need to. I'm turning off the scrying mirror. Our White Jade Capital isn't as wealthy as your organization, and the elemental stone consumption is too high."

"Don't!" Zu'an quickly interjected. "You haven't told me where Qiuchi is yet!"

Yan Xuehen reluctantly stopped. "I can only give you a general vicinity. Due to the special concealing formation of that fellow from the Ghostly Concealment Sect, no one can pinpoint its exact location. However, I'm confident that with your abilities, you'll find a way."

She then told her disciple and Zu'an to talk, while she began drawing a map on the side.

Chu Chuyan's face flushed slightly. With her master nearby, she felt too shy to say many things to her beloved.

Gazing at her clear and beautiful face, Zu'an couldn't help but sigh, "Chuyan, you've lost weight."

"Have I?" Chu Chuyan instinctively touched her cheek. "I actually thought I gained weight."

Zu'an sighed. "Oh, I thought you'd say you lost weight because you were so preoccupied with missing me that you couldn't eat or drink."

"You're annoying!" Chu Chuyan's cheeks flushed crimson. Startled, she secretly glanced at her master nearby. Seeing her diligently drawing and seemingly not listening, Chu Chuyan breathed a sigh of relief.

Little did she know, Yan Xuehen, who had been secretly listening, cursed him as shameless under her breath. *Is this how he usually deceives young girls?* she thought. *And those girls are foolish enough to fall for his tricks.*

As she thought about it, she suddenly paused, realizing that even she, a mature woman, seemed to be susceptible to his charm...

While the two young lovers were engaging in sweet talk beside her, Yan Xuehen found it increasingly odd as she drew. Soon, she finished the map and displayed it in front of the mirror. "Hurry and look. My elemental stone reserves really can't handle this consumption much longer."

Zu'an put away his playful demeanor and focused intently on the map, occasionally asking about the meaning of certain markings.

Yan Xuehen explained them to him in detail.

Zu'an committed each detail to memory. When it was time to say goodbye, he saw a hint of reluctance on Chu Chuyan's face, clearly wishing to chat longer. He said in a deep voice, "I've recently been researching a communication jade slip. Its elemental stone consumption rate is far less than that of the current scrying mirror. When it's ready, we'll be able to talk for as long as we want."

"Really?" Chu Chuyan was both surprised and delighted.

"Such a miraculous item exists?" Yan Xuehen exclaimed, marveling at the prospect. If it truly came to fruition, it would likely cause a huge stir among cultivators.

*Speaking of which, he'll probably send one to me too, right? Hmph, if he only sends one to Chuyan, I'll never speak to him again.*

*But if he really does send one, how would I explain it to Chuyan? After all, from others' perspectives, what would I need to talk to him about?*

*Ugh, this is so annoying!*

"Of course it's true," Zu'an replied. "There were similar records in the *Baopu True Scripture*, but some materials were missing, which caused various issues with the current prototypes. Once I solve the distance problem, I'll send them to you."

Yan Xuehen's heart raced. *Oh, I'm going to die! He actually said he'd send one to 'us'?*

Fortunately, Chu Chuyan didn't notice anything amiss; instead, her eyes sparkled brightly. "I truly look forward to that day."

The scrying mirror conversation eventually concluded. While Zu'an could utilize the imperial court's resources, White Jade Capital simply couldn't sustain such a high consumption rate.

After it ended, Zu'an thought for a moment, then dialed the runic coordinates for the Azure Palace's scrying mirror.

Pei Mianman was currently cultivating in the Azure Palace and did not have her own dedicated scrying mirror, so contact could only be made through the palace's general one.

Watery ripples unfurled in the mirror, and soon Wan Tongtian and Abbess Huoling appeared within it, both looking solemn.

Zu'an was startled. The two were sitting closely together, looking remarkably like a couple in the mirror. He couldn't help but think, *Wan Tongtian's wife must be growing quite a pair of horns.*

The two had initially looked stern, but upon seeing him, they also paused. Abbess Huoling's expression subtly changed. "It's you? What do you want?"

She always sensed that this fellow harbored improper intentions towards her precious disciple, which made her particularly wary.

"Please get Manman for me. I have something important to tell her," Zu'an replied.

"Hmph, what do you think this is?" Abbess Huoling's face darkened with fury. "The scrying mirror is not to be activated unless it's an urgent matter of utmost importance, yet you're using public resources for a personal pursuit of a girl?"

Zu'an frowned. "I certainly have an extremely urgent matter, one that concerns the very survival of your Azure Palace. I had intended to tell both of you, but given your attitude now, I've decided to only speak with Manman. You can ask her about it later." Zu'an said coldly.

"You brat, are you playing games with us?" Abbess Huoling leaped from her chair like a lit firecracker.

Zu'an's face darkened. "Are you clear on who you're speaking to?"

As Abbess Huoling was about to retort, Wan Tongtian quickly pulled her back, then cupped his hands towards Zu'an. "Please forgive her, Regent. My junior sister simply has that temper; she didn't mean to offend you."

Abbess Huoling's expression shifted slightly. Only then did she recall the news she had received not long ago.

After all, he had become the Regent at such a young age and even killed the Earth Immortal in the capital—it was so outlandish it seemed like a fabrication. She had subconsciously still regarded him as a young junior, and coupled with her concern about any ill intentions he might have towards Manman, her reaction was naturally a bit intense.

"For Manman's sake, I naturally won't dwell on it," Zu'an said indifferently. "Can you please bring her over now?"

"Alright, we'll notify her to come over immediately." Wan Tongtian quickly pulled Abbess Huoling away.

After they left the room, Abbess Huoling expressed some dissatisfaction. "Senior Brother, aren't you being a bit too subservient?"

"He can kill an Earth Immortal. Shouldn't we be a bit more respectful?" Wan Tongtian urged, worried she might cause more trouble.

"I still feel this whole thing is too absurd. Perhaps after Zhao Hao's death, the court created the image of an unparalleled master to stabilize public sentiment," Abbess Huoling huffed. "You've seen him in action in Mount Zi, haven't you?"

Wan Tongtian fell into contemplation. The power Zu'an displayed then was indeed formidable, but to instantly kill an Earth Immortal seemed far beyond his capabilities.

"Regardless, his position as Regent isn't fake. The fact that he can openly use the imperial court's scrying mirror is proof. Let's not offend him for now and see what he tells Manman."

"What else could he say? He's just a young man suddenly elevated to a high position, wanting to show off in front of a pretty girl," Abbess Huoling grumbled. "It's also outrageous that he's using the imperial court's public resources to flirt with women, and even our Azure Palace has to cooperate."

Wan Tongtian, however, couldn't help but sigh. "Which man doesn't wish for such a thing? Unfortunately, many who are capable of achieving it are often older and no longer possess the impulses and passion of their youth."

"You're not allowed to learn from him. I don't like that kind of behavior," Abbess Huoling said, her expression softening as she recalled their youth.

Soon, Pei Mianman hurried over upon hearing the news. "Greetings, Sect Master, Master!"

Abbess Huoling nodded. "That boy surnamed Zu is looking for you through the scrying mirror. Go talk to him, then tell us everything he says, without omitting a single detail. And don't be fooled by his sweet words."

"Huh?" Pei Mianman had been overjoyed to hear Zu'an was looking for her, but the thought of causing such a stir just for a chat, using the sect's scrying mirror, made her blush. And how could she relay her private conversation with Ah Zu to them?

Seeing her expression, Wan Tongtian knew she had misunderstood and quickly explained, "Just now, Zu'an said he had an important matter concerning our sect's survival, but he wouldn't let us listen. You just need to tell us about that specific matter."

As he spoke, he couldn't help but glance at Abbess Huoling. Given Manman's expression, her relationship with Zu'an seemed to be far from ordinary. His junior sister had needlessly played the villain this time.

"Yes!" Pei Mianman was also startled and quickly entered the room.

Watching the door close, Wan Tongtian said, "I'd rather he actually be deceiving us."

Abbess Huoling was about to retort, but suddenly realized that if it truly concerned the Azure Palace's life and death, it wouldn't be good news at all.

The two looked at the closed door, a subtle sense of unease growing in their hearts.