Chapter 932: Seeing the View

Green Pond Peak.

The night was deep, and mist gathered, as a cold wind blew. The dark silhouettes of pines and cypresses swayed on the steps. A man in brown-yellow clothing hurried up the mountain, reaching the summit where a fairy in white robes stood, holding a sword.

“Greetings, Master!”

Although the man’s cultivation was high, his foundation seemed unstable, as if he had just achieved a breakthrough. He adjusted his robes, stepped forward, and bowed. Ning Wan slightly turned her face and said softly, “Wu Ning has arrived.” This was none other than Lin Wu Ning, a high-ranking and rising figure within the Green Pond Sect!

Although Lin Wu Ning came from a prominent background—his parents were Foundation Establishment cultivators, and his father was a peak master—he was not considered among the top tier in the Green Pond Sect at that time. His parents were rogue cultivators, not even ranking among the top ten families outside the four great clans. He himself wasn’t regarded as particularly talented, merely cultivating on Moon Lake Peak. Yet, like trees ravaged by a storm, Green Pond Sect cultivators died in waves over the years, one after another. The four great clans either perished or went into seclusion. Lin Wu Ning, leveraging Ning Wan’s influence and his own untainted background, unexpectedly found himself, an otherwise unremarkable figure, in charge of a venerable immortal sect!

Lin Wu Ning bowed again, then stood up and moved to the side. Ning Wan’s gaze rested on the clouds below, stained by the night, ever-changing with the wind. A fierce gust blew, yet it only stirred a few strands of her hair. When Chi Wei achieved his breakthrough years ago, it was also a night of cool moonlight, lasting from dusk till dawn, only then, Chi Zhiyun had been by his side. She waited a long time before asking, “Is there any news?”

Lin Wu Ning replied softly, “It’s been confirmed. The individual is named Yang Zhuo, someone who appeared out of nowhere. He has always operated as a wandering hero in Simin. They say he is extremely powerful. This time, he couldn’t stand the array-guarding cultivator bullying the common people, so he killed him and left.”

Ning Wan remained silent for a long time before replying, “Another one named Yang.” After speaking, she irritably tapped the spirit sword in her hand, then immediately asked, “What cultivation lineage does he practice?”

Lin Wu Ning lowered his head slightly, “It is suspected to be one of the Twelve Qi lineages, such as Purple Qi, True Qi, or Pure Qi.”

Ning Wan exhaled and continued, “There’s also a new development with Purple Mist Sect in the East Sea. It’s the second seismic tremor. Changxiao Gate has sealed their mountain, but Hengzhu Dao is silent, which surely means something has changed. Send someone to Purple Mist to inquire about assistance.”

“Understood…” Lin Wu Ning looked up again and said softly, “News arrived from Red Reef Island earlier, hoping Master could make a trip. True Person Tian Wan wishes to meet with Master.” True Person Tian Wan possessed considerable divine abilities; she was a Grand True Person of the Cold Qi lineage and also Ning Wan’s senior. For her to inquire this way showed great respect. However, the Autumn Lake Fairy seemed troubled and replied reluctantly, “Just tell her that I sustained injuries in the north that have not yet healed. Once I recover, I will personally visit the island.”

The Ning family held no major enmity with Red Reef Island. In fact, the only peak in Green Pond Sect with a blood feud against Red Reef Island, Yuanwu Peak, now existed in name only, having lost its Purple Mansion cultivator and even its lineage inheritance. Yet, unwarranted solicitude often signals ulterior motives. Ning Wan grew even warier. ‘Either it concerns Li Quantao, or they are still plotting to forcibly open the Snowlands mountain gate. In any case, it’s trouble... In this eventful autumn, delay as much as possible…’

She remained silent for a long time. Then, a person ascended from down the mountain, clad in a black robe, holding a jade box in both hands. The figure quietly approached her, knelt on the ground, and respectfully reported, “Reporting to True Person, the item has been secured.” As he looked up, the cool moonlight illuminated his sharp features, which held a hint of sinister intent. It was Li Yuanqin, who had long disappeared without a trace. He presented the jade box with both hands and respectfully reported, “I tracked clues and sought out individuals, eventually tracing it to Chi Xuxiao, the last Chi family head. I found the last testament of his former confidant, which led me to retrieve this item. Based on the preceding and subsequent clues, as well as fragmented phrases in the letter, I have gradually come to understand this matter…”

Ning Wan naturally approved of Li Yuanqin’s methods. She nodded, signaling him to continue. “This person was not widely known for his intelligence. During the chaos in Green Pond back then, everyone was waiting for Si Yuanli’s return. Yet, he quietly snuck into the main hall, using his father Chi Ziyan’s secret seal and a hidden passage beneath the main hall, to immediately enter the secret chamber. It was he who took the *Moon-Gazing Curse of Bright Tranquility*, the *Grand Yin Breathing Cultivation Art*, and the *Lapis Lazuli Heart Manual* from that time. After leaving the secret chamber, he traversed the mountain, placed the items in a concealed jade box, buried it on the spot within the mountain, and then returned to his own courtyard.”

As he spoke, Lin Wu Ning quietly closed his eyes, the face of the young sect master from years ago appearing before him. He remained silent, lowering his head even further. Ning Wan’s expression was profound, “I know of him. It seems Chi Ziyan must have secretly told him, but this child’s decisiveness was extraordinary!”

Li Yuanqin said softly, “He made arrangements early on, but unfortunately, he was later monitored everywhere and never dared to touch the box. Chi Fubo never imagined this young one could do such a thing, merely thinking the items in the secret chamber weren’t valuable enough, or perhaps Chi Zhiyun had hidden them, and thus never suspected him…” At this point, he paused, somewhat incredibly, and whispered, “It is said that although he feared his uncle would usurp his position, and even more so feared the jade box being lost, yet also dreaded that handing it over would surely lead to his death, he secretly instructed a trusted confidant left by his father: should he ever be harmed by his uncle, this jade box was to be unearthed and presented to his uncle, ensuring it remained in the Chi family’s possession.”

“Oh?” Ning Wan frowned. Li Yuanqin continued, “Later, during the Reef Sea upheaval, news spread back. The main hall was surrounded, all peaks were sealed, and aerial movement and magic were forbidden. Qin Xian, holding a long spear, hesitated three times before entering the hall. Upon seeing him, the young master cried out: ‘Did my uncle harm me?!’ This caused the windows to rattle and all candles to extinguish. Qin Xian then pierced his chest with the long spear, ending his life on the spot.” The Si family, in doing this, would surely involve the Ning family. Lin Wu Ning was present at the time and knew everything clearly; he couldn’t help but close his eyes. Li Yuanqin continued, “Now, looking back, he truly believed Chi Fubo intended to harm him, and secretly warned his confidant... But perhaps that one sentence left the confidant at a loss, leading them to ultimately deliver it into the hands of the remaining Chi family members. After all these years, the trail was finally revealed, allowing us to obtain it.”

Ning Wan gazed silently at the jade box before her, a momentary look of bewilderment in her eyes, “He was only a twelve-year-old child then... Such cunning, and at the Second Level of Qi Condensation at twelve years old. If the Chi clan’s second generation continued, their brilliance today would surely be unprecedented and unrivaled.” She hesitated, her gentle eyes showing a touch of unease and regret. She recalled how Ning Heyuan had been arrogant and overbearing when he fought Li Qinghong at the Li family years ago, and she had chastised him then. She never imagined that with Ning Heyuan’s demise, events would unfold even more tragically than she had foreseen. Her expression was confused as she remembered the events of recent years, lamenting, “The world has countless talents, yet they often rise only to fall.”

Both remained silent. Having received her answer, Lin Wu Ning quickly withdrew. Ning Wan took the jade box, and upon closer inspection, found three small, fist-sized light-green jade slips and a two-finger-wide white jade stone inside. Her spiritual sense swept over them, and she immediately delved into their contents.

‘The *Moon-Gazing Curse of Bright Tranquility* and the *Lapis Lazuli Heart Manual*…’

These two were top-tier items, but unfortunately, they were restricted, requiring a cultivation path of Three Yin. Not to mention the rare treasures consumed during cultivation and the extremely high natural talent required. Ning Wan sighed inwardly with regret but still put them away with joy, finally shifting her gaze to the jade stone.

‘The legendary *Grand Yin Breathing Cultivation Art*’

Ning Wan was no stranger to this name. True Person Element knew even more and had imparted much knowledge to her. She had heard that this art was a top-tier Qi cultivation method of the Grand Yin path. If cultivated successfully to Foundation Establishment, it would lead to the achievement of "Instrumental Reflection."

‘Rumor had it that this art was even more profound than Xiuyue’s *Form-Crossing Pathway*. Once it became a divine ability, the practitioner's main body could enter secluded cultivation in a cave dwelling, and immediately manifest a "reflection body" to roam the world. Unlike *Form-Crossing Pathway*'s illusory body, which had fixed cultivation and free spiritual consciousness, Li Jiangqun's reflection body was a Moon-Glazed Body cultivated from scratch... Although it had limitations in spiritual consciousness and cultivation speed, it was extremely formidable!’

Ning Wan quietly looked at the *Grand Yin Breathing Cultivation Art* in her hand, her heart filled with endless envy, and sighed softly, “It's a pity no one can use this item. Not only is it unreadable and uncopyable by anyone without great divine abilities, it's even impossible to cultivate even if acquired. It is said that it requires the Grand Yin Six Wheels as a foundation, which are achieved by consuming Grand Yin Moonlight with Pure Yin Mother Herb and cultivating a special technique... And who knows what kind of great fortune is needed to cultivate that…”

Ning Wan stood in the wind for a while, finding no way to use the jade stone. She placed it back in the box, finally letting her slightly puzzled gaze fall upon the last jade slip.

‘*Qi Li Art*’

She slowly closed her eyes, read carefully, then flipped her hand and proceeded into the cave dwelling. Her expression seemed hesitant. The aura of clear water already wafted towards her, but she bypassed it, instead venturing deeper into the cavern, following the direction faced by the main seat at the highest point of the Green Pond. In a corner, she found a deep pool.

Though a deep pool, it was remarkably clear, situated beneath a rock wall. From this vantage point, looking back, one could clearly see the Clear Mallow Pool, the six jade thrones on its banks, and their six reflections in the water. Especially the tall main seat, which perfectly overlooked the deep pool.

Ning Wan gazed at it intently, then subtly formed a magic incantation. Immediately, patterns lit up on the cave wall, like silver-white vines growing from the stone, spreading out, cascading down a sheet of silver light, making the clear pond even brighter.

After a quarter of an hour, a reflection slowly emerged in the originally pitch-black pool water, sparkling with silver. White branches with delicate leaves continuously extended, and clear, gentle moonlight emanated, illuminating the woman's face. A warm, white luminous pearl, like a tiny moon, hung gleaming silvery on the branches.

Ning Wan extended her slender hand, palm upwards, as if holding something, yet making no visible movement. The reflection in the pool gradually dimmed, and a gleaming silver object materialized from mid-air, suddenly landing in her hand, suspended steadily by the power of her Cold Qi divine ability.

‘The Moonlit Lapis Lazuli Tree! Its Purple Mansion spiritual root has borne fruit!’

Her expression was complex as she silently stared at the priceless fruit in her palm, an item even Purple Mansion cultivators would vie for. For a moment, she was at a loss for words. From Ning Wan's perspective, such a fruit would greatly aid her current perfect divine ability. Moreover, if she kept it, it would have an extraordinary auxiliary effect in achieving her next divine ability. The Chi family's frequent appearance of Purple Mansion cultivators and effortless divine abilities over the years was not without reason! The Moonlit Lapis Lazuli Tree was one such factor! And Chi Zhiyun, who had undergone secluded cultivation for a breakthrough back then, had also consumed this item; had it not been for the two children opening the door and killing him, he would likely have achieved divine ability as well! The reputation of the Green Pond Demonic Sect was not new; at least since Chi Rui's generation, Green Pond's methods had not been upright. The three Yuan figures were all ruthless in their means, and in earlier years, acts of tyranny were common. Under such influence, Ning Wan was actually not an overly scrupulous person, and her own methods were likely not gentle. As long as it was beneficial, she wouldn't be constrained by many conventions. However, it was widely believed that the Moonlit Lapis Lazuli Tree was grown from the flesh and blood of Li Jiangqun's body, and Li Jiangqun was a close friend of her elder, True Person Element. Furthermore, True Person Element had clearly sided with Li Jiangqun back then.

As Element's sole successor, Ning Wan knew even more: ‘I heard from the clan elders that in his early years, the Master's actions were even more extreme than Yuanwu or Yuanxiu. Yuanxiu was actually the most righteous of the three, but his temper and conduct slowly improved after spending more time with Li Jiangqun…’ Yet, how could Ning Wan easily accept such a spiritual object? She could only take out the jade box from her embrace, carefully put it away, sighing inwardly, and then turned her head, her gaze lowered.

But just as she turned and lowered her gaze, a chill shot from her heart to her brows, startling her so much she nearly recoiled instantly! From this spot, looking back, one could see the exceptionally majestic and massive main seat at the highest point. On that main seat, which had always been empty and cold—a man in green robes was now seated, she knew not when.

The man leaned back against the seat, his figure slender, appearing extremely languid. His face held a hint of malevolence, particularly his narrow, elongated eye corners, like those of a serpent or dragon. His dark green hair was fastened with a jade-like hairpin, revealing his elegantly sharp yet smooth profile. He wore the green robes of a Green Pond Sect Purple Mansion cultivator, with the golden tassel symbolizing status swaying at his waist in the wind. His expression was one of keen interest, a faint smile playing on his lips, and his eyes, a bluish-purple hue, loosely and casually stared at the silver patterns still lingering on the wall directly below him.

‘When did he enter?! How long has he been here?! Why did I not detect anything?! My spiritual sense swept over, why was this place empty?!’ Ning Wan's mind went blank for a moment, then a name slowly, bit by bit, emerged: It felt like an instant, yet also like a very long time. Ning Wan's bloodless lips parted slightly, and she spoke, trembling with fear and utterly pale, “Greetings, Senior Sui Guan.”

After speaking, she finally lowered her head and quietly bowed, her gaze demurely falling upon the Clear Mallow Pool before her. The surface of the greenish Clear Mallow Pool remained serene, reflecting the greenish-black water patterns illuminating the immortal seat above—which was empty.

‘The Clear Mallow Pool does not reflect him.’

Her voice, like a kite with a broken string, swayed weakly in the air. Yet, the man on the seat above continued to gaze at the wall, pausing for several breaths before casually shifting his eyes to her, speaking condescendingly, “Oh? Si Boxiu is dead as well.”