Chapter 651: Tan Yun

Li Qinghong flew over Salt Lake, entered the sea, and crossed the line drawn by the True Monarch years ago. The sky above immediately became overcast with dark clouds, and the purple hues in the sea were no longer clearly visible. The golden mountain in Kong Tingyun's hand shimmered as it moved across the sea, while streaks of light flew by in the air. The two stopped at Fenkuai Island, where disciples of Xuanyue Sect immediately came to greet them.

Fenkuai Island was the center of the near-sea region, originally a stronghold of the Moon Essence Immortal Estate. After the Immortal Estate went into seclusion, the various immortal sects and schools of Jiangnan occupied this place. Early sects like Hengzhu and Qingchi secured good positions, while Xuanyue Sect, being a less powerful latecomer, naturally had to establish itself on the periphery. Li Xizhi governed the Qingchi forces in this area, so Kong Tingyun made a special stop to allow the aunt and niece to meet, also using the opportunity to get better acquainted with Li Xizhi.

However, after sending someone to inquire and hearing the reply, Kong Tingyun's expression immediately changed slightly. "Ning Hejing is already guarding this place?" Kong Tingyun felt a sense of unease. She didn't have a deep understanding of Qingchi's internal affairs, so she turned and explained it to Li Qinghong, who showed no surprise. "Ever since Chi Buzi's message returned and Si Yuanli began his seclusion, this was bound to happen sooner or later."

"Removing Si Yuanli's partisans was inevitable." Li Qinghong, hearing that Li Xizhi had entered the Abyssal Lands ahead of schedule and knowing he had a plan, saw this as part of it. The Xuanyue disciple, however, hesitated slightly and whispered, "It's just that the timing is unfortunate. Peak Master Changtian went to the Abyssal Lands, many sect documents haven't been handed over, and the seals are missing. This Lord Ning has been sitting on the peak for several days, sending several letters back to the sect."

"Pfft." Kong Tingyun, being such a perceptive person, understood the implications at once. She chuckled, thinking to herself, "No need to guess. The Qingchi strongholds throughout the East Sea reefs are now either controlled by the Yang family, the Si family, or Li Xizhi's people. Ning Hejing... Hmph..."

Li Qinghong, listening, her thoughts drifted to Chi Buzi, the Zifu from the Chi family. She had met this 'Chi family treasure tree,' and though she couldn't fully understand his words, she knew one thing: Chi Buzi likely harbored considerable resentment towards Lushui, and his ambition was even greater. "He probably genuinely doesn't care about Qingchi anymore!"

Kong Tingyun glanced at her and then asked, "Did Ning Hejing bring anyone with him?" The person respectfully replied, "Most of the Ning family members are still within the sect. He brought back a few guest cultivators... all recalled from Yishan City... and even a Shan Yue person..."

"A Shan Yue person?" Li Qinghong was surprised and raised an eyebrow. "Do you know his background? Or his name?" The person quickly pulled out a jade slip from his sleeve, hesitated awkwardly for a moment, and whispered, "This person is from Moon Lake. He once cultivated on the lake, and it's said... it's said... that his territory was seized, and he was captured by Lord Xuanfeng, then brought back to Yishan City..."

"He's a shrewd person... he joined the Ning family... supposedly named Feiluo Ya..." The person spoke vaguely in front of her, but Kong Tingyun understood clearly. Since the Li family now controlled Moon Lake, who else could have seized this Shan Yue's territory? She lowered her gaze and said, "So there was an old feud... no wonder he joined Ning Hejing! Qinghong..."

Her probing gaze fell upon her, and Li Qinghong was secretly stunned. "Who? Feiluo Ya?!" How could Li Qinghong not recognize this person? This fellow was a veteran Shan Yue with some tricks up his sleeve. Li Qinghong had seen him many times, and each time, this old Shan Yue eagerly sought connections. Later, when Li Xuanfeng returned, he brought him south to serve under the Ning family. She never expected him to end up here after all this time.

"Feud?" Li Qinghong fell silent. Feiluo Ya and the Li family probably had no feud, nor any great favor owed. The so-called feud was likely the old man's trick to gain influence. As for what this old Shan Yue truly thought, it was hard to guess. "However, this old man has a devious mind and still possesses abilities; Ning Hejing will probably heavily rely on him." She naturally wouldn't undermine Feiluo Ya without reason, only sighing, "That is indeed true!"

Kong Tingyun looked thoughtful. Inspired by this piece of information, Li Qinghong suddenly understood the arrangements between the Si and Chi factions, feeling more settled in her heart. The Xuanyue disciple then spoke, "There is one more matter to report to the Sect Master."

"Speak," Kong Tingyun prompted. The person whispered, "News from a few days ago says that the sixteenth son of Tangjin Sect broke through his cultivation, mastering several advanced spell techniques. He requested the Sect Master to abdicate... and took the position himself... The entire Tangjin Sect has seemingly fallen under his control."

Kong Tingyun shook her head and said softly, "That's an old tradition... Tangjin Sect has an annual tradition of coups, murder, and usurpation... During the matter of Li Xia, Qingchi flourished, and the pro-Qingchi faction of Tangjin Sect was in power. Now that Qingchi is in decline, they naturally have to lean towards the Jinyu side."

She pondered for a moment and then said, "I recall that long ago, Jinyu Sect supported Situ Nu in killing his brother to ascend to power. Later, Qingchi supported the restoration of the Elder Lineage. Now, this newly ascended sixteenth son should be a descendant of Situ Nu..."

"Sect Master, your insight is clear!" The person respectfully said, "This person is the orphan from back then, named Situ Mo, born of a maidservant..."

"Situ Mo?" Kong Tingyun was truly stunned. She turned to look at Li Qinghong, who also had a complex expression. Kong Tingyun sighed softly, shaking her head, "It's actually him... When I fought him back then, I already felt he wasn't simple. I never expected him to have such a background!"

Li Qinghong sighed inwardly. She did indeed know this Situ Mo. His mother was the Ji family woman from back then, who had harbored resentment and ambushed her own junior relatives. Her family had once set an ambush with Xuanyue but failed to capture him. Li Qinghong only said softly, "This person is extremely cautious and quick-witted... not easy to deal with."

"Indeed," Kong Tingyun said, feeling a headache coming on. She had faced this person during her first offshore deployment and knew him well. Although he was a formidable enemy, she had to admit his capabilities: "I tried to scheme against him several times, but he evaded them all... His caution and cunning are among the best I've ever seen."

Li Qinghong even kept something to herself: "Second Uncle, with his bow, came to the East Sea twice. This fellow was like a tortoise, refusing to leave his island. Once, he sent Moutuo, and another time, Situ Chen, both of whom blocked certain death for him, allowing him to hold out until now."

Kong Tingyun read the news, then once again flew out of the island with her. This time, they could take Xuanyue Sect's spirit boat, which was fast and stable. The two sat comfortably in the cabin. Kong Tingyun said softly, "Sister, you needn't worry. The Situ family has survived until now entirely because their Zifu cultivators have been staying in the South Sea, occasionally showing their faces but never daring to return to Jiangnan... Situ Mo won't dare to make any moves."

Li Qinghong nodded. She had some understanding of Tangjin Sect's Zifu cultivators being constantly abroad, but ultimately, she didn't know as much as Xuanyue, which had intermarried with Tangjin. She whispered, "I wonder which families have a grudge against Tangjin."

"It still goes back to Situ Tang," Kong Tingyun said softly. "Tangjin Sect was founded by Situ Tang... This person possessed exceptionally high talent; some even suspected he was blessed by fate... and his personality was extremely domineering."

"When Elemental True Man was stationed at sea, gathering qi, Situ Tang once broke into Elemental True Man's residence, killed the Three-Eyed Tiaoshan Beast, took its eye, and left triumphantly. True Man Qiushui was also injured by him at that time..."

"He also incurred the enmity of True Man Yuming of the Shen family, snatching True Man Yuanxiu's treasure... He had no choice but to move south, where he then fought with Hengzhu... In short... he never considered the consequences of his actions, making enemies everywhere, which is why Tangjin Sect is in such an awkward position..."

Li Qinghong felt her heart gradually settle as she listened. Kong Tingyun smiled, shaking her head, "It wasn't until he went into the sea and provoked a Dragon King, nearly dying, that he became much more subdued upon his return. Unfortunately, his lifespan was greatly reduced, and he never had the chance to reach the Golden Core stage before he died."

As the two conversed in detail, the spirit boat sped away, heading south.

The ocean waves surged. After traveling for most of the day, the two passed an island spewing black flames. The entire spirit boat vibrated violently. Kong Tingyun looked up, frowned slightly, lifted the curtain, and stepped out. Li Qinghong also looked out, seeing roaring flames beneath them and a devastated market on the sea, where several families seemed to be fighting each other amidst sulfurous fires and thick smoke.

Just now, a few spells had accidentally struck the spirit boat, causing Kong Tingyun to appear. Her late Foundation Establishment cultivation aura, combined with the vibrant glow of her spiritual robes, instantly terrified a group of cultivators, sending them sprawling to their knees. "Mercy, my lord! Mercy, my lord!" "What is this place?! Do you have a death wish?!"

As soon as Kong Tingyun spoke, the faces of those who had jointly cast the spells turned pale with extreme terror, and they stammered out cries. From a distance, a Foundation Establishment cultivator immediately flew over on the wind. This cultivator recognized her at a glance, quickly bowed his head, and very humbly said, "Greetings... greetings, Immortal of the Immortal Sect... I will apologize for this matter!" He grabbed the few individuals, about to strike them down with a palm, but Kong Tingyun waved her hand, stopping him. She paused to question them carefully for a while but couldn't find any significant clues.

Kong Tingyun frowned as she watched for a moment, confirming that these people had only accidentally caused damage. She sighed softly. Li Qinghong, however, found the island familiar. She lowered her gaze, turned around, and re-entered the cabin. After a few breaths, Kong Tingyun entered and sat at the other end, saying softly, "This is East Sulfur Island. It seems to have been a rather well-off aristocratic family before... Their old ancestor failed in his breakthrough and passed away... and several of their family elders also died... Consequently, they lost control of this vast territory."

"It's a pity, really... My True Man said their old ancestor had a relatively high chance of breaking through, but unfortunately, he encountered a 'water descent, thunder ascent' phenomenon... which washed him away and killed him..." She poured tea for Li Qinghong and said softly, "Just now, several surrounding families were besieging this place... The Han family, after all, has a solid foundation and isn't so easily taken down. It seems they've been fighting for about a year and a half."

Li Qinghong listened in silence, simply gazing at her teacup. She took a sip and asked, "How much longer until we reach Zongquan?" Kong Tingyun estimated for a moment and said softly, "It should be another three or four days' journey." "Alright," Li Qinghong nodded, saying nothing more, quietly sipping her tea, forming a plan in her mind.

***

Red Reef Island.

Red Reef Island is the largest island in the near-sea region after Fenkuai Island, yet it has many differences. Fenkuai Island is a single complete large island, while Red Reef is more like five or six large islands pieced together. This island is divided into East Reef and West Reef, not just by institutional separation but also by geographical distance. The entire cluster of reefs is split into two major sections by a central marine abyss over a thousand li long. The sea here is windless, and even ordinary Qi Refinement cultivators cannot fly across it.

On the surging, wave-strewn sea, dotted with reefs, a woman in white stood on a reef. Her face was obscured by a misty coldness, making her features indistinct, and her arms were crossed over her chest. Tian Wan had been waiting here for several days. She wasn't wasting time; Chi Buzi's probing had forced True Man Tanyun out, and Tian Wan felt no pride but rather increased vigilance.

"Tulong Jian..." Ever since the Six Ding Blazing Fire Token was lost, Tian Wan had been paying attention to Tulong Jian, suspecting that True Man Tanyun, the Tanyun Rat, had secretly broken through to the Zifu realm on West Reef. Chi Buzi's disturbance confirmed that True Man Tanyun was indeed already a Zifu, leaving her deeply suspicious. "The loss of the Six Ding Blazing Fire Token was no accident; Tanyun must have done it!" Thus, doubt resurfaced in her mind: Was Tulong Jian truly just a pretender to benevolence and righteousness? The True Man pondered this, slowly shaking her head.

"Tulong Jian has always had the shadow of West Reef behind him... Li Xijun definitely wants to protect him. However, the importance of the Six Ding Blazing Fire Token is enough for him to cross his bottom line... he would rather lose face than lose it." Combining this with the process of its loss, she nodded slightly and murmured, "The Six Ding Blazing Fire Token is not simple... it's not just an ancient spirit artifact; it contains something, perhaps a hidden treasure, a cultivation technique... traces of an ancient Grotto-Heaven... or even—Golden Quintessence!"

"Husband..." Tian Wan crossed her arms over her chest, seemingly speaking across space to Guo Shentong, who had disappeared years ago. Her voice was slightly lower: "The Six Ding Blazing Fire Token was given to you by the Dragon Clan... What kind of agreement did you form with them, and what secrets did you hide in this spirit artifact... Tulong Jian... what a fitting name!"

She stood quietly for a moment. From a distance, a current of sandalwood wind swept forth, settling nearby and transforming into a man in sandalwood robes. His eyebrows were slightly raised, his eyes somewhat narrow, and he was hunched over, staring at her intently. Tian Wan lowered her gaze. "Tanyun..."

"This old servant greets the Mistress!" True Man Tanyun Rat chuckled, though his gaze held little respect. True Man Tian Wan said softly, "Since your spiritual essence is in his hands, why don't you tell me... how is my husband now?"

"Alas..." True Man Tanyun shook his head and said playfully, "We've long lost contact! Begging your pardon, Mistress... There are so many grotto-heavens and secret realms in this world... What use is a mere wisp of spiritual essence..." True Man Tian Wan stared gravely at him. True Man Tanyun chuckled, "Mistress, why don't you ask Jinyu Sect? That immortal sect is quite powerful... with long-term plans, they must know something!"

True Man Tian Wan remained silent, then replied, "You don't need to hide it. You gave the Six Ding Blazing Fire Token to Tulong Jian... Xu Xiao is also certainly going to die..."

"Why didn't you keep this spirit artifact in your own hands... and instead handed it to someone destined by fate? Could my husband be trapped within a grotto-heaven... needing him to hold the token and enter to rescue him?" True Man Tian Wan spoke softly, carefully observing the other's expression, and continued, "Or perhaps..." Her words were suddenly interrupted by the demon. Tanyun's tone grew cold as he replied, "You've been using their lives to test me and Master, Guo Hongyao, Guo Hongkang, Guo Hong'er... How many direct descendants have died already, Tian Wan! They are your own children, after all!"