Chapter 375: Revelation

Qingyun Ward.

It was late at night, a cold winter in the twelfth lunar month.

At the West Sea Prince's Mansion, guests had not yet fully dispersed. Laughter and conversation drifted from the main gate, a sign of festive farewells as carriages and beast-drawn vehicles departed. Elsewhere, women wept, bidding tearful goodbyes to their husbands who, clad in armor, mounted their steeds and rode off into the night towards the West Sea military camp, their return uncertain as war was about to begin.

Li Weiyi, disguised as a young man of about twenty, walked along the ten-mile main street of the ward towards Minglun District in the southwestern corner.

Minglun District, an area one square mile in size, contained a thousand residential houses. All were two or three-story pitched-roof buildings, predominantly in shades of blue and green. To the south of the district flowed a spiritual stream, over a hundred feet wide, its waters murmuring and spiritual mist swirling. This stream, fed by an underground spring, connected to the Lingxiao Palace.

Within the ward stood boundary markers. Inside the district, jade pillars of array formations were erected. Both were connected to a network of thirty-six underground earth veins. Every residence was equipped with defensive arrays, surrounded by walls approximately ten feet high, with precious medicinal plants and ancient trees planted within.

"Knock, knock!"

Li Weiyi arrived at the address Zhuang Yue had given him and gently knocked on the door. The ripples of the array dissipated, and the door opened.

The person who opened the door was Zhuang Yue, her face filled with anger. She wasn't wearing the official robes of a Luan Platform female officer, but rather a dark red cloth outfit with a fabric belt around her slender waist and a green hairpin in her hair bun. Were it not for her glowing, pure celestial skin, she would have looked like a modest, sheltered young woman.

Li Weiyi had used this disguise in Lizhou before and hadn't hidden his eyes, so she recognized him instantly.

"Get in quickly," Zhuang Yue urged.

After Li Weiyi entered, she immediately reactivated the courtyard's array, acting like a thief, afraid of being discovered.

Zhuang Yue's pretty face was clouded with distress, her brow furrowed with unyielding worry. She complained in a low voice, "What exactly do you Nine Li Hidden Sect members want to do? I heard today that you even became a cult's divine son? You've ruined me! Why would you do this to me?"

"You owe me a life, and you owe me a lot of money," Li Weiyi replied.

As was his habit, Li Weiyi first observed his surroundings. Inside the door was a small courtyard, equipped with a stove and a weapon rack. Over ten luminous red treasure trees were planted there, and men's clothes were hanging to dry. Beneath the trees stood a stone table with four stone stools, and a tea set on the table.

Li Weiyi was surprised. "This isn't your home, is it? Are there elders or a husband here? Wouldn't that be inconvenient?"

"This is my grandfather's place... Just don't ask so many questions. Answer me, are you planning to do bad things in Lingxiao City? The Zhuang family has been loyal for generations. If you intend to harm the imperial court, I will absolutely not give you the list." Zhuang Yue's tone was firm and sharp.

Li Weiyi glanced at her chest, noticing the bulging shape of the list booklet. "Aren't you carrying it? If you won't give it to me, I can take it by force."

Zhuang Yue quickly hid the booklet in her dimensional pouch.

Li Weiyi walked over to a stone stool, poured himself a full cup of tea, and took a sip. "It's a bit cold. Could you heat it up for me? Also, could you make a few side dishes? I've been busy all night and haven't had a bite to eat."

From inside the room, an aged voice responded, "You two talk; I'll prepare the food."

Li Weiyi suddenly stood up, momentarily stunned. He hadn't released his psychic perception earlier, as that would have been rude. However, he channeled his vital energy into his ears and listened carefully, but heard no breathing from within the room. He looked at Zhuang Yue. "Grandpa Zhuang? I should go pay my respects!"

Zhuang Yue grabbed his sleeve, urgently transmitting her voice with vital energy. "Don't go! My grandfather knows who you are, and he'll kill you. Don't spout that nonsense anymore. Those Luan Platform people have already laughed me to death, and even my grandfather somehow found out and interrogated me for over an hour."

Li Weiyi said, "As a junior, it would be too impolite not to pay my respects."

"Knock, knock!"

Another knock sounded at the door.

Li Weiyi's eyes narrowed, listening intently. There was only one person outside the door, which made him subtly relax. It was inadvisable to use spiritual or psychic perception carelessly, as probing others also exposed oneself, unless there was a significant disparity in cultivation levels.

Zhuang Yue peered through the door crack and, seeing the person outside, was on the verge of tears, feeling the panic and fear of being caught red-handed. "It's Miss! What do we do now? Quickly, hide!"

Li Weiyi sat back down on the stone stool. "She must have been hiding somewhere in Minglun District, and only came to intercept me when she saw me enter. What good would hiding do?"

"This is all your fault," Zhuang Yue accused.

Li Weiyi said, "You were collecting the list, she noticed, and then you deliberately came home tonight. Given her vigilance, it would be strange if she weren't suspicious. Open the door; I'll take responsibility for everything."

"You've completely ruined me!"

The knocking sounded again. Zhuang Yue had no choice; she steeled herself and opened the door and the array.

Jiang Ning, cloaked in a black magical night-traveling robe with a hooded head covering and a veil, entered the door. Her star-bright eyes naturally fell upon the figure sitting under the tree.

With a thud, Zhuang Yue immediately knelt beside her, wailing, "Miss, I lied to you. I shouldn't have lied to you. It's all my fault. But he saved my life, and I had to repay him. I didn't betray the imperial court... I have my limits..."

Li Weiyi looked over. "Don't falsely accuse me. When did I ever ask you to betray the imperial court?"

"Just shut up!" Zhuang Yue snapped.

Jiang Ning scrutinized him, then removed her outer magical night-traveling robe, walked over, and sat on the stone stool opposite him. "Return to your true appearance. I've been waiting for you outside for a long time tonight."

"Aren't you still wearing a veil? Get up, this has nothing to do with you; it's my responsibility alone," Li Weiyi called out to the distance.

Jiang Ning gazed at him, then removed her veil. "He says it has nothing to do with you, so get up. I'll settle this with him alone."

Zhuang Yue stood up and was pulled into the room by a limping, white-haired old man. Soon, the sounds of fire being lit and cooking began in the kitchen.

Li Weiyi dispelled his disguise, sitting upright across from her, appreciating the captivating beauty of the Feathered Immortal Lady up close. Two years had passed, and with her improved cultivation, every inch of her skin seemed to be a confluence of heaven's and earth's spiritual essence, emanating a unique celestial charm. The feeling was as if this ordinary small courtyard had become much brighter due to her presence, the air sweet and intoxicating, the entire world transforming into a celestial realm. Despite being a government official and wearing official robes, her sheer beauty transcended these worldly constraints and roles.

After a long silence, Jiang Ning spoke first: "Zhuang Yue says you saved her life, and she needs to repay that kindness. You also saved my life, and I will definitely repay you too. Tell me your purpose—why are you in Lingxiao City?"

Zhuang Yue hurried over, took the teapot, and then quickly left.

Li Weiyi said, "After Zhuang Yue helps me, I can take her with me, concluding this affair properly. But this matter has involved you; can I take you with me?"

Jiang Ning pondered for a moment: "I thought about it for a long time outside, reflecting on what has happened to you over these past two years. I wondered how you emerged from the darkness and despair after your ancestral field was ruined, how you regrouped and found success in psychic cultivation. I wondered what you encountered in the underground immortal mansion, how you survived, and why you dared not face me, your old friend. After returning from Due Monastery, I went to the underground immortal mansion, collected a lot of information about you, and questioned Chen Chuan. All clues point to the Lingtai Yanxing Stone you were searching for before entering the underground immortal mansion, which has a close connection to the cult and is a supreme treasure for psychic cultivation. So, what is the truth about Nanyan Pass? The Fourth Divine Son of the cult, that shouldn't be baseless, should it?"

Li Weiyi could feel her genuine concern and care; otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to do so much in such a short time since returning from Due Monastery. A warm current flowed through his heart.

"I'm sorry... There are many things I cannot tell you yet," Li Weiyi said.

Jiang Ning asked, "You can trust Zhuang Yue, but you can't trust me?"

Li Weiyi replied, "Because I don't know where the next Jiang Xin is positioned."

Jiang Ning said, "Li Weiyi, I trust you because I know what kind of person you are, and I believe you must have your reasons. So, even if everyone outside says you're a cult's divine son, I came here alone tonight, not with the Luan Platform's army. Between the imperial court and the cult, I will choose the imperial court, because I have seen the cult's most bloody and extreme side. But I don't believe you are that bloody and extreme side. Even if people change, and one day you become a stranger, no longer the person you once were, the youth who could fight to the death for the lives of others—that youth in the Five Seas Realm of Buried Immortal Town, on the ship in Zhizhou, on the sea of Bingzu Marsh—he had ideals, responsibility, and kindness. If that day truly comes, I will do my utmost to bring you back. So, why can't you speak freely with me? Is it because you were implanted with the Death Spirit Fire? Or do you think I can't keep a secret?"

Jiang Ning's words were too sharp; nothing could pierce the heart more effectively than genuine emotion. Meeting her gaze, Li Weiyi found it impossible to smile, wishing he could pour out everything in his heart.

Long silence.

Zhuang Yue brought over the warmed tea, pouring a full cup for each of them. Sensing the strange atmosphere, she was terrified, fearing they might suddenly start fighting.

Jiang Ning asked, "Was it you who delivered the letter exposing Jiang Xin, an elder of the cult's headquarters, to the General's Office?"

"No, it was discovered by the Luan Platform," Li Weiyi replied.

Li Weiyi picked up his teacup, took a sip, gradually calming the ripples Jiang Ning had stirred in his heart, and then said, "Jiang Ning, I've thought about it for a long time, and I do believe I need your help. But you must promise me not to tell anyone, including the Luan Platform and the Jiang family."

"Understood," she replied.

Jiang Ning said, "Tell me everything. I must have the right to know. Zhuang Yue, give me the list."

Zhuang Yue took out the list and handed it to her with both hands.

Holding the list, Jiang Ning said, "Tell me your purpose for coming to Lingxiao City, and we'll exchange information."

Facing Jiang Ning, Li Weiyi felt an intensity greater than any enemy could impose; a single misstep could pierce his innermost being. Now composed, he said, "Yes, I am the Fourth Divine Son of the Dao Cult, and the Death Spirit Fire has been implanted in me."

Jiang Ning said, "I can ask the Second Palace Master to help you dissolve it."

Li Weiyi waved his hand. "The Death Spirit Fire in my body was planted by the Dao Ancestor; no one can dissolve it. I came to Lingxiao City to monitor Suizong and Yao Qian."

Jiang Ning asked, "What do you mean?"

Li Weiyi glanced towards the kitchen and transmitted his voice with vital energy: "Suizong is a force supported by the Dao Cult. Yang Shenjing is the Deputy Head of the World Hall, one of the Dao Cult's four halls. The Sheng family patriarch is a Qizhou elder, and Yang Qingxi is the Dao Cult's Sixth Divine Daughter."

Jiang Ning was truly stunned by this information. It was nothing short of earth-shattering.

One must understand that after Yao Qian broke through to the Longevity realm, he was promoted by the Second Palace Master to Deputy Minister of the Luan Platform. The Luan Platform, besides the Second Palace Master, also included powerful figures like the Minister and the Head of the Attendant Hall. However, the real work was handled by the two Deputy Ministers, left and right. Sitting in the position of Deputy Minister meant immediate access to the most crucial intelligence, both top-down and bottom-up, within the imperial court. The impact was so immense it could shake the very foundations of the nation. Even more impactful was that after Suizong pledged allegiance to the imperial court, they gained vast resources and could operate freely throughout the entire Lingxiao Sheng Realm, rapidly expanding their influence.

Li Weiyi continued: "Suizong secretly embezzled a great deal of wealth from the Dao Cult, and even sold disabled Dao Cult members to the Three-Island Barbarian Pirates to feed their mounts. The main headquarters decided to monitor them, but due to Jiang Xin, the information leaked, leading to the events at Nanyan Pass and the internal conflicts and false accusations within the Dao Cult."

"Killing Heavenly Envoys and imperial envoys?" Jiang Ning asked.

Li Weiyi said, "That's roughly the meaning."

Zhuang Yue brought out several dishes, steaming hot and richly fragrant with meat.