Chapter 853: Demon Disciple

Li Jiangqian's shout made Qian Lizi, who was beside him, falter slightly. As if waking from a dream, she lifted her head, her face pale, and stopped amidst the wind. She turned back and said, "Someone killed a cultivator from the Huaihun Temple!"

Li Jiangqian had feared that the Purple Smoke Sect Leader would immediately flee north on the wind. Seeing that she was still conscious, he breathed a sigh of relief. He then understood her words and asked in a low, questioning tone, "Someone?"

Qian Lizi had said "someone," not "the Lord," implying that the Huaihun Temple cultivator might not have been killed by Lin Feng! But among the current cultivators of Huaihun Temple, who could be killed? Who would dare to kill them? Li Jiangqian looked at her pale face. Qian Lizi, a mix of fear and shock, replied, "Not this early… It's too early. At this point, a Qi Refinement cultivator should be escaping from a Foundation Establishment cultivator! How could they have died? And more than one… Someone intervened…"

The stage in Jiangbei was set by the Solar Orthodox Lineage and other forces from both banks. For such an incident to occur now, especially with Ding Lan away, causing trouble, was not a good sign! 'Indeed, one link followed another. Inactivity was one thing, but once set in motion, it created a monstrous wave.'

Li Jiangqian's expression immediately turned grim. He asked in a low voice, "Daring to act against a Huaihun Temple cultivator… will the North… be displeased?" Qian Lizi shook her head, her face still pale, and pursed her lips. "This… is not a big deal for the North. The Huaihun Temple… is our arrangement. As long as the Lord is present, the stage will always be there, whether it's one on the east or one on the west, whether the jester is this one or that one… If other families are unhappy with the stage we've set, they can dismantle it…" "After all, whenever the Lord's celestial carriage tours the world, it always leaves behind some grotto-heavens and secret realms for us to use, providing benefits before and after. Right now… someone is fanning the flames and tearing down the corner of the stage."

Li Jiangqian looked at her gravely, understanding that the previous benefit was the grotto-heaven of Mount Dongli. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "Senior Han… what should we do now?"

The matters in Jiangbei were simply too significant. With Ding Lan gone, Li Jiangqian desperately did not want Qian Lizi to meddle in affairs. After all, this woman was, in all likelihood, one left behind by the True Monarch, and who knew what hidden dangers she harbored? She was practically a ticking time bomb! He was unsure what confidence Ding Lan had in letting Qian Lizi control Purple Smoke. A thick cloud of doubt rose in his mind: "It's strange. True Immortal Ding Lan is quite a calculating individual. Does she truly have the assurance that the True Monarch will not meet Qian Lizi?"

While he pondered, Qian Lizi quickly composed herself and said in a low voice, "The immediate priority is to clarify the situation in the North. Please have your esteemed family contact the Du Xiandao sect. I will go to Salty Lake to investigate." As soon as she finished speaking, the woman shifted her spiritual wind and softly said, "Regarding the True Immortal's matter, please make your decision quickly. Once I reach Salty Lake, I must first return to the blessed land to consult with the elders. If there is any news, simply send a message to Purple Smoke."

After she bid farewell, several Purple Smoke disciples on the continent also moved forward, riding the wind eastward. Only then did the Li family members gather, finally seeing Qu Bushi arrive before them, his head bowed slightly, looking somewhat disheveled.

Li Jiangqian told him to rise and asked, "What news? Have you found out who died in the North?" Qu Bushi's expression was grave. He stepped forward and said in a low voice, "Not yet, but your subordinate received other news: the monk Yaosa Chengmi, under Yun's rule, has crossed the Chuan River and reached the territory of Xuanmiao Temple, where he is extensively promoting the Buddhist cultivation method." "The Du Xiandao sect did not stop them, allowing this group of Buddhist cultivators to pass through their territory to Baihaixi. It seems there's some disorder in the territory."

Li Jiangqian's last glimmer of hope extinguished. If Yaosa Chengmi had reached Xuanmiao Temple's territory, it would be separated from Huaihun Temple by the entire Du Xiandao sect. Naturally, it couldn't be those two factions fighting. 'It's highly likely someone else intervened.'

Li Jiangqian waved him away and returned to the hall in silence, relaying the news. A hushed silence fell on both sides, until Li Minggong was the first to speak, whispering, "The two True Immortals are fighting in the North, something our family didn't even know about, yet Chijiao Island could deliberately ambush us to test us. This shows their stance. And since True Immortal Zhugong went north to rescue, it doesn't necessarily mean she deliberately let them come." "Chijiao Island…"

Li Jiangqian shook his head and replied, "Guo Hongjian cultivates conjoined fire, so he cannot be viewed with ordinary eyes. Without the impetus of Violet Palace divine abilities, Guo Hongjian's attack should have been an unexpected opportunity for all families to test their defenses." "As for Mujuan Sect, even if True Immortal Zhugong stands with the Purple Smoke Sect, it's understandable for her to let Guo Hongjian come and probe for our True Immortal's whereabouts… This matter… is too troublesome. The Luoxia, Solar, and Zhao Shi families are involved, with layers upon layers of Violet Palace forces below them. Without a clear background, it's impossible to see through it. I don't think it's convenient for the True Immortal to return."

Although Li Xuanxuan's face was filled with worry, he understood priorities. After listening for a while, he stroked his beard and said, "Indeed. Originally, True Immortal Ding Lan was in charge of the overall situation. She, a dignified figure of the Solar Orthodox Lineage and Purple Smoke Blessed Land, was harmed and went missing. Since several factions refused to take this position, they thought of our family." "As for the situation in the North, although extremely dangerous, our family currently has a first-mover advantage…"

The sky to the north was already pouring down rain, and Wangyue Lake was also experiencing heavy rainfall. Li Jiangqian had already sensed the danger. Li Quewan, beside him, said softly, "I'm afraid this is a struggle between major powers. Whether it's the Solar Orthodox Lineage or the forces targeting the Solar, none are something our family can touch. Just give her a reply."

"Indeed." Li Jiangqian seemed to have drifted off for a moment before he dared to speak, pondering, "First, let's observe the situation. I will send someone to Purple Smoke to reply, saying that our family has already issued a warning, but when the True Immortal can arrive and whether she will be intercepted by Changxiao Sect on the way are separate matters." "That's the first thing. The second thing is… once the True Immortal leaves, news from Jiangbei will be shrouded in mist. The North is constantly changing, and waiting for news to arrive could take forever. We must appease the Du Xiandao sect and use them to observe Jiangbei, as Ye Gui is too selfish to even leave a single piece of news… Currently, Du Xiandao's trust and reliance on our family are very strong."

"But what about Chijiao Island…?" "No matter." Li Jiangqian picked up his brush, pondered for a moment, and wrote: "The previous matter has been resolved. It was caused by Guo Hongjian of the Guo family, intended to create discord between our two families and plot against the North Bank. Therefore, we fear that the Huaihun Temple incident may lead to unforeseen changes. Should you have any news, please write back to me." Li Jiangqian read it twice, ensuring that others receiving the letter wouldn't discern their family's internal affairs. Only then did he say, "Du Xiandao and Chijiao Island have been on good terms for many years. The message cannot be too obvious, lest they think we're sowing discord and become unnecessarily wary. I'll just link the two events and let Guan Gongxiao figure it out himself…"

Someone from Du Xiandao was staying at the Li family, so he could simply send the letter back with them. Now, folding the letter, Li Jiangqian immediately had someone deliver it, then looked at the people around him and said earnestly, "I ask everyone to keep a close watch on all four shores. This is not the time to be careless. Should some figure appear on the shore, driven by destiny, eliminate them early!" "Especially the East Shore and the wilderness." Since someone in Jiangbei was disrupting things, there was no telling what else might happen next. The lake was relatively safer, but the East Shore was more prone to incidents.

Everyone nodded. After a little less than half a day, Li Jiangqian finally awaited the belated arrival of someone from Du Xiandao. Footsteps echoed outside the hall. The messenger entered, removed the covering from his face, and said in a low voice, "Greetings, Family Head!" Li Jiangqian raised an eyebrow and said, "Rise." This man had thick eyebrows and large eyes, an experienced demeanor, and a saber at his waist. It was precisely Gongsun Baifan of Du Xiandao!

He dutifully knelt on one knee and bowed, saying, "My lord has received your letter, Family Head, and deeply feels Guo Hongjian's treachery… he utterly detests him…" He spoke a string of polite words, but it was merely lip service. Li Jiangqian remained noncommittal, instead carefully observing the man before him. He noticed the man's eyes were dull, his face pale, and faint scars were visible on his face and neck, revealing shades of gray, as if he had fought a life-and-death battle and barely escaped with his life.

Li Jiangqian inwardly thought, 'This is not good,' and said gravely, "Guest Elder Gongsun… what happened?" Gongsun Baifan was so severely injured, yet Du Xiandao didn't let him recover properly, instead sending him to deliver a message to the lake. This immediately made Li Jiangqian sense a strong feeling of danger. Indeed, the swordsman's face was full of bitterness as he replied, "I was wounded by someone…" "Reporting, my Lord, regarding your inquiry, my own lord is also deeply puzzled. The killing of the Huaihun Temple cultivators was extremely sudden and occurred in the very heart of the Huaihun Temple. Our sect is overwhelmed and has no energy to investigate." "As for the river… there are very few people left. I ask that your esteemed family does not issue challenges, to avoid awkward situations."

Li Jiangqian feigned shock and anger, asking, "How could it come to this?!" Gongsun Baifan was always a steady individual, even earning praise from Li Zhouwei back in the day. Yet, even as composed as he was, he spoke of this matter with both fear and lingering apprehension, replying, "Reporting, Family Head, within our territory… a demonic disciple has appeared. He somehow acquired an unknown inheritance, rising up among minor families, suddenly breaking through to Foundation Establishment. He first killed the city lord, slaughtered the guards, and plundered spiritual artifacts…" "Not all of our cultivators were on the river; several were garrisoning our territory. When arrays shattered and talismans flashed, they immediately went to reinforce, but who would have thought… they were actually killed by this demonic disciple who had just broken through to Foundation Establishment!"

Li Jiangqian heard him clearly and couldn't help but be taken aback, asking, "And then?" Gongsun Baifan shook his head, a look of lingering fear on his face, and said in a low voice, "I was the first to arrive… I never expected him to throw out three talismans right in front of me. Their power was terrifying. If I hadn't diligently practiced spells and cultivated deeply over the years, I might not have even kept my life!" "Such ancient talismans are treasured as heirlooms even by my own family's main lineage. Yet, he seemed to throw these three like common, mass-produced goods, without any regret… allowing him to escape." "Currently, our cultivators have spread out, digging three feet deep throughout the entire Baiye Creek, just to find this person. Our sect leader is short-staffed, which is why he sent me here."

Li Jiangqian was secretly alarmed: 'This must be an important figure awakened by the True Monarch, already at Foundation Establishment level when discovered… Back then, a single Qi Refinement cultivator, Xu Xiao, could put our family in such a dire state. For this one to only emerge after reaching Foundation Establishment, it's truly deadly!' 'Moreover, this figure's true nature is unknown. If they are to form a bond with the True Monarch… the Du Xiandao sect will undoubtedly suffer severe losses and be thoroughly drained!' Seeing Gongsun Baifan's grim face, Li Jiangqian secretly clicked his tongue. Although he knew the Du Xiandao sect was in Jiangbei and would certainly have more troubles than his own family, he hadn't expected them to be so fierce and embarrassing. He replied, "Then your lord's meaning is…"

Gongsun Baifan's face showed a hint of determination as he said gravely, "My lord said that this person will certainly not go far; they must still be in Jiangbei. If there's an opportunity, he hopes your esteemed family can offer timely help and lend us a hand!" No wonder Guan Gongxiao had utterly denounced Guo Hongjian in his message. It turned out that the Du Xiandao sect had also encountered this sensitive moment: a demonic disciple emerged internally, the river was empty and undefended, and Guo Hongjian was still provoking the Li family on the other side! If the Li family truly got angry, crossed the river, and attacked from both inside and outside… Only Guan Gongxiao, with his consistently good temperament, could still write several letters. If Guan Gongxiao had a worse temper, he would have surely been so enraged he'd spit blood! As a result of all this commotion, Guan Gongxiao's request for help seemed awkward. Why would Li Jiangqian want to get involved in this mess? His face showed a mix of anger and disappointment as he sighed, "I understand the principle of 'when lips are gone, teeth are cold' and mutual assistance, but how could Guo Hongjian understand that your sect and Chijiao are of one mind? Now that he possesses a set of hidden artifacts, how dare our family let anyone go out!"

Gongsun Baifan, not being thick-skinned, appeared somewhat ashamed. Li Jiangqian gave him no chance to interrupt, lamenting, "When the Guo family could emerge from the East Sea into the wilderness, I already suspected something would happen in Jiangbei. This letter was meant to warn, but I didn't expect it to be too late after all!" He shook his head and said, "But rest assured, our family also has many troubles to deal with and will not take this opportunity to cross the river. You should return first. Keep the news from Jiangbei flowing more frequently, so our two families can assist each other at any time." Gongsun Baifan nodded repeatedly as he listened, then bowed and said, "Thank you, Family Head, for your understanding…" With that, he departed.

Li Jiangqian saw him off outside the hall, watching him disappear into the distance, pondering. In truth, Guan Gongxiao wasn't afraid of the Li family crossing the river and seizing territory at this moment. Jiangbei was currently being roasted over a fire; what benefit could there be? What he feared was that Li Jiangqian, out of spite, might genuinely launch an attack, leading to casualties on both sides, which could bring about unpredictable changes. 'As for sending the severely wounded Gongsun Baifan to deliver the message… I don't think it's because they lacked manpower. It's using his severely injured state to travel back and forth, to lure out the escaped demonic disciple… a calculated move.' 'Fortunately… Du Xiandao still has Guan Gongxiao… he's someone who knows how to yield and can maintain some control over the situation. Without Guan Gongxiao, both families would be in great trouble right now.'

Just as he turned around, a black-clad youth landed before the hall amidst the downpour, his expression grim. He knelt on one knee and reported, "Family Head, Huaihun Temple has crossed the river." Li Jiangqian suddenly looked up, sighed deeply in his heart, and mused, 'As expected, there's no escaping it! The trouble has arrived!' He then raised an eyebrow and urgently asked, "How many forces? Did Daoist Bo personally lead them?"

Chen Yang's expression was grave. He nodded and said, "Daoist Bo led them across the river, and they are now in the wilderness territory!"