As night fell and the rain continued to pour silently, a white crane descended gracefully by the banks of the Great Cang River outside the city.
"Little Crane, wait here for me," said a young man in a apricot-yellow daoist robe as he dismounted from the back of the white crane.
It was Ge Qian, the successor of Gelong, the Sea-Swallowing King.
Stretching his figure, the young daoist walked alone through the drizzling night, soon arriving at the Qingding Drill Grounds.
"The smell of blood is so heavy, though it has been washed away by the rain, it lingers in the air of this land, persistent..." Ge Qian observed for a moment before quietly sneaking into the Qingding Drill Grounds.
He walked to the center of the drill grounds, pausing to observe his surroundings.
It was evident that the area had been cleaned up, with the broken stones and blood long gone.
However, in Ge Qian's eyes, he seemed to see many things.
After a long while, he looked up at the sky, his brows furrowing, and pondered, "Old man, you said that Su Yi was not ordinary when we were at the Ghost Mother Peak. Now it seems that he is indeed an extremely dangerous fellow."
On his way to the Qingding Drill Grounds, he had learned about the events that had taken place here from a prominent figure in Yunhe County.
"Breaking through the clouds with his sword, controlling the rain to kill enemies. Such methods are not something a Qi Gathering stage young man can achieve on his own. But if it is done with external forces, it's not so surprising," a hoarse and old voice sounded in Ge Qian's soul.
"Is that so? Then it's highly likely that he has a Land Immortal backing him up?" Ge Qian pondered.
As the successor of the Sea-Swallowing King, he was well aware that only a handful of people had stepped onto the path of Yuan Dao cultivation in the entire Da Zhou Empire.
These few people were also known as "Land Immortals" by the secular warriors.
"No, with his initial Qi Gathering stage cultivation, he was able to make the Sword Master Mu Cangtu bow his head in admiration and easily kill Qin Wenyuan. This is too abnormal," Ge Qian frowned. "Even the core disciples of the Phoenix Qifeng Academy in Yujing City, if they go all out, they might barely achieve this level. It wouldn't be as effortless as Su Yi."
"Could it be that he is the successor of the Da Zhou Empire's number one holy land, the Hidden Dragon Sword Sect?" Ge Qian's mind suddenly jolted, and his expression became slightly grave.
The Hidden Dragon Sword Sect!
This was a true cultivation force, transcending the mundane world!
"The Hidden Dragon Sword Sect is nothing. I've told you before, the so-called number one holy land in Da Zhou Empire is nothing more than a mediocre cultivation force," the voice in Ge Qian's mind retorted.
The hoarse voice in his soul spoke.
Ge Qian sneered, "Old man, don't act so arrogant. When you encountered my master, the Innate Martial Ancestor, you were so scared that you didn't even dare to make a sound. And now you have the nerve to say that the Hidden Dragon Sword Sect is unworthy?"
Pausing for a moment, he continued, "Stop talking nonsense. Just tell me, what's the deal with this Su Yi?"
The hoarse voice in his soul sounded displeased, "With your attitude, do you really expect me to give you guidance?"
Ge Qian fell silent for a moment and said, "If you don't answer, I promise this time I will disobey my master's orders and refuse to meet Su Yi."
The reason he came to Yunhe County this time was also reluctantly.
Because the incident where Su Yi took three Fire Peaches had annoyed Ge Changling, the Sea-Swallowing King, and he had ordered Ge Qian to investigate Su Yi's background.
So, reluctantly, Ge Qian had come.
"Fine, I can't be bothered to argue with you."
The hoarse voice snorted coldly and said, "Do you remember the cultivation methods I told you about regarding the Qi Gathering stage?"
"I remember," Ge Qian replied without hesitation. Then he paused and said, "Are you saying that Su Yi has most likely opened 108 spiritual orifices?"
"Yes!" the hoarse voice exclaimed, "The martial practitioners in this mundane world cultivate ordinary techniques that are flawed and incomplete. They have no idea what it means to 'temper the orifices into spirits.' Even if they cultivate to the Furnace Nurturing stage, their foundations are full of defects. How could they possibly be a match for Su Yi?"
Ge Qian's face turned somewhat grim, and he said, "Old man, I remember you said that on this Azure Continent, no one besides you can master the technique of tempering 108 spiritual orifices. How is it possible that someone like that has appeared now?"
The hoarse voice fell silent for a moment and said, "That's why I believe you need to go and meet this young man. If any real danger arises, how could I just stand by and watch? At that time, we can capture him and the secrets on his body will be revealed. Who knows... we might even share in some great fortunes!"
As the voice spoke, it carried a seductive and tempting tone.
However, Ge Qian's face turned cold, and he shook his head firmly, saying, "No, I would rather live a humble life than touch such danger! You know, I have always been timid. When I walk, I'm afraid of stepping on ants on the ground."
The hoarse voice remained silent.
The "old man" was so exasperated that he felt like spitting blood. He had lived for countless years, but he had never seen such a timid and cautious person!
While others gained courage after feeling ashamed, this kid would rather live in shame than take a risk. What the hell was he cultivating for?
He didn't know that cultivators needed decisiveness, bravery, and constant progress?
Ge Qian didn't care about any of this. He turned and left, quickly departing from the Qingding Drill Grounds and arriving at the banks of the Great Cang River.
"What are you planning to do?" the hoarse voice couldn't help but ask.
"I'll go back and see my master. I'll tell him that I can't handle this Su Yi, and if he's unhappy, he can personally take action. I won't go see him anyway," Ge Qian replied without hesitation.
The "old man" in his soul was infuriated and thundered, "You don't even have the courage to meet him!?"
Ge Qian replied firmly, "Of course... not."
"One of these days, you're going to make me so angry that I'll die!" the hoarse voice roared in uncontrollable anger.
But Ge Qian no longer paid him any attention. He mounted the white crane and flew away on his own.
"It's not that I lack courage, but I know very well that once we meet, you, old man, won't be able to resist taking action. What if you end up dead?"
Until he flew up into the clouds, Ge Qian spoke softly.
The hoarse voice fell silent for a moment, and its attitude noticeably changed, sounding relieved, "So, you're worried about me..."
Ge Qian smiled faintly.
He liked to live a humble life and disliked danger. Was there anything wrong with that?
"Su Yi, we will definitely meet. If you've tempered 108 spiritual orifices, I have done the same. If you have secrets, so do I."
"The old man always says that I am the protagonist of this era, but I understand that only half of his words can be believed."
"I just hope... that you and I don't become enemies, or else..."
As he contemplated, the white crane's wings shimmered like knives, and it pierced through the air.
...
Under the same night sky.
Tianyuan Academy.
In front of a pavilion atop a mountain peak.
"Is Lingzhao here?"
A gentle and pleasant voice echoed, and in the darkness of the night, a graceful figure approached, a woman dressed in plain white robes.
Under the dim light of the lantern, the woman had long snowy hair and a temperament as gentle as water. Her beauty was extraordinary, a true beauty.
However, her temperament was extremely cold.
"Master, why have you come?" Lingzhao walked out of the pavilion, her stunningly beautiful face revealing a hint of surprise.
The white-haired woman was indeed her master, Zhu Guqing.
She was a renowned master of the sword, skilled in the Yuxia Sword Style, and her name shook the six counties of Gunzhou. She was also one of the nine elders of Tianyuan Academy.
Looking at Lingzhao, whose temperament and appearance were top-notch, Zhu Guqing's eyes softened, and she said, "The Yunlang Mountain Secret Realm is about to open. I managed to secure a spot for you. Prepare yourself well and strive to reach the pinnacle of the Qi Gathering Realm within a month. With that, you will be able to obtain greater benefits in the Yunlang Mountain Secret Realm."
A fleeting joy flickered in Lingzhao's brows, and she immediately bowed and said, "Thank you, Master!"
"As master and disciple, there is no need for such formalities," Zhu Guqing said softly. Then, after hesitating for a moment, she continued, "Someone from the Governor's Mansion has come again. If you are willing, the Governor, Xiang Tianqiu, is willing to personally help you resolve your marriage matters."
Lingzhao's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and she said, "Master, the Governor is a high-ranking official. He can't possibly be so kind-hearted, right? I know this must be Xiang Ming's idea. I understand his thoughts, but my affairs should be resolved by myself."
Zhu Guqing nodded, a hint of satisfaction appearing on her lips. "Do you know why I took you as my disciple? It's because you remind me of myself when I was young, never willing to let others control my fate. That's very good, and I support your decision."
Lingzhao was stunned, and ripples surged in her heart.
She took a deep breath and said, "Master, I will not let you down!"
After thinking for a moment, Zhu Guqing said, "In a few days, I will go to the Yunhe County City. If I have enough time, I will visit the Qinghe Sword Mansion and meet your younger sister. If her talent is as remarkable as you say, I will bring her back to Tianyuan Academy with me."
"That's wonderful!" Lingzhao's clear eyes brightened, and a rare expression of joy appeared on her cold and icy jade-like face. "I believe my sister will not disappoint you, Master."
"By the way, why is Master going to Yunhe County City?" Lingzhao asked curiously.
Zhu Guqing didn't conceal anything and said straightforwardly, "It's related to the Yinsha Sect. According to reliable information, three guardians from the Yinsha Sect's branch in Gunzhou have infiltrated Yunhe County City. Regardless of their intentions, such evil sect members should be killed without hesitation!"
As she spoke, a hint of icy killing intent appeared in her starry eyes, and her entire aura became as intimidating as a sword.
Lingzhao whispered, "Please be careful, Master."
"Don't worry, besides me, there are several other fellow cultivators joining this operation. It's getting late, so rest early," Zhu Guqing said before turning away.
Until she watched Zhu Guqing's figure disappear, Lingzhao took a deep breath. A smile from the depths of her heart appeared on her rosy lips. If her sister came, she would have someone to accompany her...
She turned and entered her room, intending to cultivate. However, she couldn't help but think of the words her master said about resolving the marriage contract. Naturally, her nominal husband, Su Yi, came to mind, and a trace of annoyance welled up in her heart.
Not long ago, she received a letter from the old lady, which informed her of Su Yi's performance in the Longmen Grand Competition in Guangling City. Although she felt surprised and unexpected, his achievements meant nothing to her in her current state.
"So what if his cultivation has recovered? So what if he ranked first in the Longmen Grand Competition? I don't like him, and I won't be forced into anything."
Lingzhao murmured to herself, and her clear eyes gradually regained their calmness, cold as snow.