Chapter 381: Encounter, Farewell to Luan Sheng and Lin You

Taishi Yu wore a plain white, wide-sleeved robe that flowed as lightly as clouds. A silver belt embroidered with a phoenix was tied around his waist. His expression was serious, but far from hostile.

Li Weiyi responded calmly, observing his surroundings.

"Stop looking. I came alone. If I truly wanted to capture you, I alone would be enough," Taishi Yu said, standing on the mountain path by the snow, emanating a distinct aura.

Song Lin reminded him, "My Song family has never produced an ingrate, Taishi Jiashou. Don't forget the condition you promised me."

Taishi Yu nodded gently. "You may go. I want to speak with him alone."

Song Lin bowed and departed, casting one last glance at Li Weiyi and sighing as he saluted.

The Song family had strict discipline for individuals of the Inheritor level. While treachery and deception were acceptable on the battlefield as ruthless tactics against enemies, in terms of personal character and conduct, they absolutely could not deviate onto an evil path. That would signify ruthlessness towards oneself and severing one's heroic spirit.

For this reason, Song Lin felt extremely guilty, burdened by a sense of "betraying a promise and selling out kindness."

Taishi Yu said, "What should I call you? Zuo Ning? Zhao Meng? A Divine Hidden from the Jiuli Hidden Gate? Or the Fourth Divine Son of the Evil Cult?"

Li Weiyi remained unaffected by his presence. "I admit I am a Divine Hidden from Jiuli. But would the Fourth Divine Son of the Evil Cult risk entering the West Sea Royal Manor multiple times to save someone? Would the Fourth Divine Son of the Evil Cult expose himself to save Taishi Bai and destroy the Dao Image Diagram? Does he not know how to stand idly by, or how to remain hidden? Or is he simply a fool?"

Li Weiyi had long ago told Taishi Bai about his identity as a "Jiuli tribesman."

In the past month, the magical duels at the West Sea Royal Manor's sixtieth birthday banquet—from the Demon Child's resounding defeat of Taishi Yu, Chen Huang, and Cao Shisan, to Li Weiyi immobilizing Xie Chucai and breaking two layers of the Dao Image Diagram—had already spread throughout the streets, alleys, brothels, and teahouses of Lingxiao City.

The Fusang Divine Tree Spirit and the Golden Crow Flames were recognized by Longevity Realm grandmasters and became legendary tales, bringing forth many stories from the Ancient Immortal era.

The young Heavenly Emperor of Due'Guan, who was blasted by a single spear strike from the second tier of the Dao Seed Realm, also became a major topic of discussion, with everyone agreeing that it was a manifestation of "Zuo Ning's" martial arts cultivation.

For the martial cultivators of Lingxiao Shengjing, this naturally led to relentless praise, almost to the point of over-the-top adulation.

Such martial achievements made many people think of Li Weiyi at the Hidden Dragon Lantern Festival. If Li Weiyi were to conceal it now, it would only arouse Taishi Yu's suspicion.

As for the claim about the Fourth Divine Son of the Evil Cult, it was merely speculative hearsay, with no one able to provide proof.

Taishi Yu gazed into Li Weiyi's eyes. "Taishi Bai said that the Evil Cult at Nanyan Pass was completely eradicated thanks to you."

"I asked him to keep it a secret for me, and this is how he keeps it a secret? Do any of you people in Lingxiao City know how to keep a secret?"

Li Weiyi immediately continued, "Everything concerning the Evil Cult at Nanyan Pass was discovered by Deputy Commander Zhou Bida. I dare not take credit. This matter must not be leaked again. The Evil Cult has already used a divisive plot, claiming I am their Divine Son, wishing to use the power of the Jiuli tribe to kill me and cleanse their ranks."

"The Jiuli Hidden Gate has dispatched many assassins, tracking me everywhere in Lingxiao City. They all believe I killed Zhou Bida and Yin Jun, betraying the Jiuli tribe. Ultimately, I am an outsider, and even with a thousand mouths, I couldn't explain myself clearly."

"I must uncover the truth and clear my name, otherwise... where in this world will I find a place to belong?"

Taishi Yu said, "Trapped in the underground immortal manor for a full year and still surviving, it is indeed difficult to prove your innocence."

Li Weiyi's lips moved, but he stopped short of speaking.

Taishi Yu observed keenly, "What are you hesitating about?"

"There are some secrets I cannot reveal for now. Someone can prove my innocence, but that person's identity is extremely noble, and I cannot expose her. I can only tell you that the great earthquake broke through many forbidden zones in the underground immortal manor, allowing us to escape," Li Weiyi said.

How shrewd Taishi Yu was. "The person of extremely noble identity you mentioned, is that Tang Wanzhou? The two of you entered the underground immortal manor together. Xuejian Tang Ting had long since spread word that Tang Wanzhou's purpose in entering the underground immortal manor was to find the Evil Cult's headquarters, for the sake of the world."

"No," Li Weiyi immediately denied.

Taishi Yu said, "Is Tang Wanzhou in Lingxiao City? That's why you dare not speak of it."

"Stop guessing. I won't tell you anything," Li Weiyi said.

Taishi Yu could practically confirm that Tang Wanzhou was in Lingxiao City, and she and Li Weiyi must have some unknown purpose.

He smiled, "Did you discover some secret in the underground immortal manor? You can trust me. If you have any plans, I can help you, as long as they are directed against the Evil Cult."

Li Weiyi said, "Jiashou, don't try to be clever! If you're not here to capture me, then please make way."

Taishi Yu's smile faded. "Your spiritual technique can purify the mind and break evil. Your Golden Crow Flame psychic power can refine ghost qi, which is key to resolving the Ghost Infant incident. Song Lin and Song Yulou are simply pedantic; they actually kept this matter hidden for you all this time."

"The Ghost Infant incident is of great importance. The Taishi family is deeply involved, the imperial court's reputation has suffered greatly, and countless innocent victims have been affected. You must come with me to the Grand Minister Temple!"

Li Weiyi frowned. "I was able to save Miss Song because her cultivation was high enough. I only needed to refine the ghost qi within her cultivation energy. She herself used her cultivation energy to expel the necrotic power from her flesh and blood."

Taishi Yu said, "I know about Miss Song's situation. But currently, the situation at the Grand Minister Temple is indeed very tricky, and everyone is at their wits' end. No one knows how far the situation might escalate."

"If it causes instability in the imperial court, can the Grand Palace Master be blamed?"

"My father might very well be made a scapegoat to quell public resentment."

"Li Weiyi, whether you agree or not, I will take you to the Grand Minister Temple."

"Help me, and my previous promise still stands. I guarantee your safe departure from Lingxiao City, at the very least!"

Li Weiyi sighed dramatically, looking up at the sky. "You people really... I came to Lingxiao City, and I've been delayed by all your troublesome affairs. You'll be the death of me eventually. Is this kind of major case something I can get involved in?"

"It won't kill you, and my word is absolute. Come on, let's go take care of something else first." Taishi Yu laughed heartily, pulled him along, and the awkwardness between them vanished instantly.

Only after Li Weiyi received thirty "Atonement Pills" from Song Lin did he walk out of the West Sea Royal Manor with Taishi Yu.

Outside the manor, the setting sun cast a dim, yellow glow.

Along both sides of the grand avenue, thousands of trees were laden with snow.

Taishi Yu's carriage was extraordinarily ornate and flashy, entirely crafted from thousand-year-old blue ice wood, resembling both wood and ice.

Adorned with carved dragons and rising sun motifs, it was as large as a house, five or six meters long and wide.

Bright pearls topped it, like a full moon hanging aloft.

The carriage was pulled by five exotic beasts with Qilin bloodlines, arranged in a formation of two in front and three behind.

What woman wouldn't be captivated by such a magnificent carriage? Taishi Yu's reputation as a romantic was clearly well-deserved.

As the two entered the carriage, a faint, enchanting fragrance filled the air.

Li Weiyi's gaze fell on the inner corner to the right, where Long Xiangcen sat serenely, like a jade-carved beauty, still, quiet, and elegant.

A one-inch-long rune pulsed on her brow, glowing softly.

Taishi Yu sat opposite Long Xiangcen and said with a smile, "How do you like my immobilization rune?"

"With Jiashou's Nine-Star Spiritual Nian Master realm, I cannot even begin to compare. Can she see or hear?" Li Weiyi asked.

Taishi Yu said, "She has been completely immobilized by me."

*Whoosh!*

The carriage moved away from the district.

The driver was one of Taishi Yu's trusted confidantes.

Li Weiyi sat beside Long Xiangcen, and carefully moved her white tail, which lay across the seat, to the side. The tail's fur was long, fluffy, and luxuriant. He was very curious about where the tail was attached, as he had never seen such a thing.

He said, "Jiashou, you finally made your move. How will you explain this to Taishi Bai?"

Taishi Yu said, "Originally, I didn't want to make a move. The Taishi family has been having bad luck recently, and there are many troublesome matters. I didn't want to turn brothers against each other over a woman."

"Given your reputation, if Taishi Bai knew that Long Xiangcen had been immobilized and captured by you, he would surely fight you to the death." Li Weiyi quipped with a smile, then continued, "Knowing the consequences, why did you still act?"

Taishi Yu said, "Because this woman has broken through to the sixth tier of the Dao Seed Realm! Previously, Taishi Bai could suppress her in terms of cultivation and keep her in check. Now, if I'm not in the ancestral manor, I'm afraid the manor would be hers to command. She comes from the demon faction; you should understand my concerns."

Li Weiyi nodded in deep agreement. "How do you plan to deal with her? Just throw her out of Lingxiao City like this? Aren't you afraid she'll come back?"

If Long Xiangcen was Taishi Bai's weakness, then Taishi Yu's weakness was Taishi Bai.

Taishi Yu, after all, valued brotherly affection and dared not kill her, fearing that if the matter came to light later, he would have no room for maneuver. He said, "Throwing her out is a warning. If she comes back, I can be certain she has ulterior motives. At that point, even if the Heavenly King himself came, I would kill her."

"Your carriage is too ostentatious. If Long Xiangcen goes missing, Taishi Bai only needs to check the exit records to suspect you. How about I handle this matter? Still for the price of twenty Star Day Pills."

Li Weiyi wanted to interrogate Long Xiangcen to obtain information.

Taishi Yu secretly pondered whether Li Weiyi's eagerness meant he was trying to seize an opportunity to escape.

Suddenly.

The carriage abruptly stopped.

Outside the carriage, the Taishi family expert driving let out a low, muffled groan of pain.

Taishi Yu and Li Weiyi's expressions instantly changed, and their brows simultaneously lit up, releasing their psychic energy fields.

Their spiritual light flared, and their senses intertwined with the world.

"The surrounding hundred-zhang area of the city is enveloped by a spiritual realm's black curtain. Eerie mist pervades, isolating it from the outside world. What a grand scheme; it must be for this wretched woman. There's a defensive array inside the carriage; don't go out yet."

Taishi Yu, with his profound cultivation, was fearless in Lingxiao City. His body flickered, and he instantly darted out of the carriage, standing upright in front of the five exotic beasts. His body glowed with brilliant spiritual light, radiating energy that soared to the heavens, and his aura was overwhelmingly powerful.

Li Weiyi, sitting inside the carriage, immediately pressed his palm against the carriage wall, injecting spiritual light.

*Whoosh!*

Dense array patterns appeared on the carriage walls, connecting to the carved dragon and rising sun motifs.

Through the fluttering curtains at the front, Li Weiyi saw.

The Taishi family expert who had been driving lay slumped on the driver's seat, a bloody hole in his brow. All five exotic beasts lay prostrate on the ground, trembling in fear, unable to take another step.

It was afternoon, not long after they had left Qingyun District.

But on the street outside, it was eerily silent, and the sky was dark and dim.

Eerie mist diffused from the darkness, flowing along the ground. The tendrils of mist resembled intelligent tentacles, attempting to surge through the carriage door but blocked by the glowing array patterns.

"What demon dares ambush a Taishi family Jiashou in Lingxiao City? How many lives do you have to squander?"

Taishi Yu stood proudly, vigilant on all sides.

He summoned a blue crystal staff and struck the ground heavily with it.

*Boom!*

Spiritual light spread out from beneath his feet, clashing with the eerie mist, like a surging blue tide that rapidly spread in all directions.

The power of this strike, had it been outside this area, would have caused strong vibrations within ten li.

However, the spiritual light, upon spreading a hundred zhang outward, seemed to hit something and immediately surged back. The entire world shook violently, the air boiled, tearing apart everything around it, yet the power fluctuations could not spread beyond.

*Bang! Bang...*

The five exotic beasts and the corpse of the Taishi family expert who had been driving all exploded into bloody mist and bone fragments.

From the darkness, a cold, calm voice sounded, "This black curtain was refined from the spiritual realm of a Saint Spirit King Nian Master, isolating it from the outside world. Taishi Yu, with your cultivation, you cannot break through it!"

Luansheng Lin You emerged from the darkness. His silver hair flowed like water, and he was handsome and elegant. He wore a flowing silver mask and a resplendent robe, like a sea of stars. The robe was a supreme treasure, its starlight illuminating the entire black curtain world.

*Whoosh!*

Behind him, two spectral figures emerged.

One scattered paper money, and the other held a gloomy banner.

Both wore ancient and magnificent artifact robes. Half their bodies were decayed, and through the rotted areas, gleaming golden bones could be seen. From their decaying flesh, four-colored immortal light emanated.

This indicated that in life, both had cultivated Longevity Bodies.

When alive, they were likely Longevity Realm grandmasters.

The corpses of Longevity Realm grandmasters, transformed into departed spirits, naturally possessed terrifying combat power.

Luansheng Lin You daring to appear meant he was confident in a swift battle to kill them.

"It's Luansheng Lin You," Li Weiyi shouted a warning, his gaze falling on Long Xiangcen, then he grabbed her, holding her hostage.

Almost the instant Li Weiyi called out, the spectral figure scattering paper money showed a stiff smile and vanished along with the scattered paper money.

Taishi Yu immediately became vigilant, conjuring an array as array seals appeared around his body.

*Whoosh!*

*Splish!*

The paper money on the ground eerily melted, turning the street into a yellow liquid substance, like murky Yellow Springs water.

Two hands reached out from beneath the liquid ground, seized Taishi Yu's legs, and violently dragged him into the liquid. Immediately after, the liquid substance vanished, and the ground returned to its normal state.

Everything happened in a flash!

Luansheng Lin You stepped forward, his footsteps clear and distinct, meeting Li Weiyi's gaze inside the carriage.

The spectral figure holding the gloomy banner followed closely behind him, radiating an imposing aura, carrying a trace of the pressure of a Longevity Realm grandmaster, like a colossal divine mountain moving towards them.

"Old Luan, if you take another step forward, I guarantee I will kill Long Xiangcen. You know I keep my word."

Li Weiyi pressed one hand against the carriage wall, while his other hand grasped Long Xiangcen's slender neck, pushing her down onto the floor.

With just a twist, he could sever her head.

Luansheng Lin You did not stop. "Do you think I came for her?"