The next morning.
It was the third day of Su Yi's arrival in Yu Jingcheng, on April 17th.
Song Feng Manor.
Su Yi stood under a pine tree and performed the Songhe Body Tempering Technique.
As his cultivation deepened, while practicing this martial foundation-building technique, known as the world's number one martial arts method created by the "Supreme Martial Emperor" of the Great Wilderness, Su Yi had reached an extraordinary level.
No longer bound by specific moves, each action he executed followed his heart's desire, naturally and effortlessly, with an unfathomable charm and rhythm flowing within.
Turning decay into magic, seizing all opportunities!
By now, even the Supreme Martial Emperor himself would probably be amazed if he saw it.
This achievement was the result of accumulated efforts over a long period and couldn't be accomplished overnight.
After practicing the Songhe Body Tempering Technique, Su Yi lay back in the rattan chair and took out some spiritual materials to nourish the Xuanwu Sword.
The Xuanwu Sword possessed the "Soul Devouring Command" and sealed a wisp of the soul of a Dark Flame Demon Sparrow. Whenever he had spare time, Su Yi would use the spiritual materials on his person to "feed" the sword.
By now, the appearance and power of the Xuanwu Sword had significantly improved. The dark and sharp blade emanated an aura that was enough to make even Yuan Dao cultivators feel fearful.
This treasure was no weaker than top-tier Yuan Dao spirit weapons!
Knock, knock, knock!
As a series of knocking sounds echoed, a respectful voice came from outside the courtyard, "Sir Su, I am Fang Yuan. I have been sent by Master Hongji to deliver a message to you."
Su Yi lay still in the rattan chair and waved his hand. The courtyard gate, more than ten zhang away, opened. "Come in."
Outside the gate stood a gray-robed young man, around seventeen or eighteen years old, slightly slender and delicate-looking, with a handsome face and lively, spirited eyes.
The young man who identified himself as Fang Yuan respectfully clasped his fists and bowed before lowering his head, walking into the Song Feng Manor and closing the courtyard gate. He then approached Su Yi directly.
"Sir Su, the message is here. Please have a look."
Fang Yuan took out a sealed jade box and presented it with both hands.
Su Yi took the jade box, opened it, and saw a jade talisman inside. With his divine sense, he immediately read the message recorded within it.
The message came from Monk Hongji and was related to the delegation from Da Qin.
A few days ago, this Da Qin delegation, led by the Chief Elder of the Luohan Hall in Shanglin Temple, Jihe, arrived in Yu Jingcheng.
Apart from Jihe of Shanglin Temple, this delegation consists of nine other distinguished individuals, totaling over a hundred people.
The prominent figure mentioned in Monk Hongji's message is a person named "You Tianhong."
He hails from the foremost clan of Da Qin, the "You Clan," and is the younger brother of You Yuandu, the head of the You Clan.
You Tianhong is the younger brother of You Qingzhi, the wife of Su Hongli.
The nephew of You Tianhong is none other than You Xinglin, whom Su Yi had killed.
According to the information obtained by the Ten-Fold Pavilion, You Tianhong's purpose for coming with the Da Qin delegation is to avenge You Xinglin!
You Tianhong is an extraordinary individual. During his youth, he entered the Xuan Yue Sect for cultivation and became the junior brother of Cang Hong Zhenren, the sect master of Xuan Yue Sect, and the senior brother of Elder Li Changning.
Eighteen years ago, You Tianhong embarked on the path of Yuan Dao, and his proficiency in swordsmanship reached an astonishing level, earning him the title of "Sword Sovereign Tianhong."
Nine years ago, You Tianhong journeyed eastward with his sword and ventured into the most dangerous place in Da Qin, the "Chaotic Spirit Sea." From an ancient ruins site, he obtained a great fortune.
Upon returning from the Chaotic Spirit Sea, he went into seclusion and has remained secluded for the past eight years.
And now, You Tianhong has appeared within this delegation from Da Qin!
Even the Ten-Fold Pavilion had not anticipated that such a formidable figure would arrive in Yu Jingcheng!
Therefore, Monk Hongji immediately transmitted this message, urging Su Yi to be cautious.
After reading this message, Su Yi didn't pay much attention to it. Instead, he became interested in the great fortune that You Tianhong obtained from the Chaotic Spirit Sea.
Just as the Great Zhou Dynasty has the Eight Great Demon Mountains and the Great Wei Dynasty has the Four Forbidden Grounds, Da Qin has the Chaotic Spirit Sea!
By now, Su Yi has learned that a long time ago, on the Cyan Continent, many ancient Dao lineages disappeared from the river of time due to certain circumstances.
According to legend, deep within the Chaotic Spirit Sea, there are remnants of these ancient Dao lineages!
Undoubtedly, the fortune obtained by You Tianhong is highly likely to be related to one of these vanished ancient Dao lineages.
How could one not be curious about this?
So far, Su Yi only knows that there was once a Buddhist Dao lineage called the "Prajna Zen Court" existing on the Cyan Continent.
"Sir Su."
Seeing Su Yi finish reading the message, Fang Yuan respectfully spoke, "Master Hongji said that if you lack someone to handle matters by your side, let me stay and serve you."
"Although my cultivation is ordinary, I have been mingling in Yu Jingcheng for many years. Whatever you wish to know, I will provide you with all the information I have, and if there is something I don't know, I will do my utmost to find out for you."
"Furthermore, if you wish to contact the Ten-Fold Pavilion, I can also act as your intermediary."
Su Yi looked up at the young man and said, "Staying by my side is extremely dangerous. Others would avoid it at all costs. Why would you choose to do so? Did Monk Hongji force you to come?"
Fang Yuan quickly shook his head and said, "Sir, you misunderstand. I have been striving for the opportunity to serve you for a long time. I was fortunate enough to persuade Master Hongji, which finally gave me the chance to meet you."
As he spoke, his gaze toward Su Yi carried hope and anticipation.
"Why would you do this? I want to hear the truth."
Su Yi said with interest.
Fang Yuan took a deep breath and bowed, "Since childhood, I have been an orphan. I am not afraid of death, but I fear the lack of opportunities to change my fate. While staying by your side may pose great dangers to others, for me, if I can gain your appreciation, it would be enough to change my destiny!"
Su Yi nodded and said, "I can see that you are very clever. However, I won't make any promises to you, do you understand?"
Fang Yuan showed a hint of excitement on his face but suppressed his inner emotions. He grinned and said, "I won't hide it from you, sir. As long as I can stay and serve you, it is no different from changing my fate. At the very least, Master Hongji will certainly not treat me unfairly."
Su Yi said, "From today onwards, you shall stay. You will be responsible for the daily meals and various trivial matters."
This young man had ambition, knew his limits, and seemed clever. It wouldn't be bad to have him around as an errand runner.
"Yes!"
Fang Yuan solemnly clasped his fists, his eyebrows filled with joy.
At this moment, a knocking sound came from the door again.
Su Yi furrowed his brows. It had only been two days since he moved into this Pine Wind Courtyard, and people kept coming one after another, which was truly annoying.
"It's up to you."
Su Yi looked at Fang Yuan.
Fang Yuan understood and turned to leave.
Not long after, Fang Yuan hurriedly returned and quickly said, "Sir, it's a messenger, a person without cultivation. Probably running errands for someone else."
As he spoke, he handed over a sealed letter with both hands.
Su Yi opened the letter and raised an eyebrow, saying, "What is the Flowing Cup Tower?"
Without hesitation, Fang Yuan replied, "Reporting to you, sir, Yu Jingcheng has four top-tier restaurants, regarded as a gathering place for wealthy and influential individuals. The Flowing Cup Tower is one of them. It is said that the power behind the Flowing Cup Tower is the Golden Stone Pavilion."
Su Yi nodded.
The Ten-Fold Pavilion was renowned for its well-informed network, while the Golden Stone Pavilion was a mysterious business that operated across Da Zhou, Da Wei, and Da Qin.
With the Golden Stone Pavilion backing the Flowing Cup Tower, it was unlikely that anyone would dare to cause trouble there in Yu Jingcheng.
Su Yi instructed, "Prepare the carriage. We will go to the Flowing Cup Tower later."
"Yes!"
...
Flowing Cup Tower.
It had nine floors, with flying eaves and arches, exuding an ancient and elegant charm.
When Su Yi and Fang Yuan arrived, they saw a beautiful young woman waiting in front of the main hall of the Flowing Cup Tower, smiling as she approached them.
The woman appeared to be in her early twenties, dressed in a soft blue gown, with a light and delicate makeup. The well-fitted gown outlined her curvaceous figure, showcasing her slender and flawless legs. She had an excellent physique.
Surprised, Su Yi exclaimed, "Why is it you?"
It was Hua Yan!
Su Yi had seen her at the Golden Stone Pavilion in Gunzhou City before.
The woman blinked her beautiful eyes and smiled, pursing her lips. "Sir Su remembers this humble lady?"
Su Yi paused for a moment, took another look at the woman, and then smiled, saying, "I understand now. Your name is Qiao Yu, isn't it?"
The woman's glossy red lips curved slightly as she gave a captivating smile. "It seems my sister was right. Nothing can escape Sir Su's discerning eyes."
It was clearly flattery, but being praised by such a seductive and beautiful woman was still enjoyable.
Immediately, the woman curiously asked, "Sir Su, do you think there is any difference between me and my sister?"
Su Yi smiled and said, "In the eyes of men, twin sisters are naturally interesting because they look the same. What's the point of discussing their differences?"
The woman paused for a moment, feeling a hint of being flirted with, but Su Yi's natural and casual response made it awkward for anyone to delve deeper.
"Please, Sir Su, come in."
The woman tactfully didn't say much more, smiling as she gestured to invite them and took the lead.
Su Yi and Fang Yuan followed behind her.
Just as they entered the Flowing Cup Tower, not long after.
In the distance, a carriage arrived and stopped in front of the Flowing Cup Tower.
"Mother, we've arrived at the Flowing Cup Tower."
A handsome young man stepped down from the carriage, turned around, and reached out his hand to assist an elegant lady in Huashang clothing as she got off.
"Has your uncle arrived yet?"
The Huashang lady asked.
The handsome young man nodded and said, "According to the messenger's attendant, Uncle is waiting for us in the 'Wenyuan Hall' on the ninth floor."
"Good."
The Huashang lady took a deep breath and said with a sigh, "Since marrying your father all those years ago, I haven't seen your uncle for a long time..."
As she spoke, she looked at the handsome young man beside her and gently advised, "Bonian, when you meet your uncle later, remember to keep your composure, so as not to make him underestimate you."
The handsome young man nodded with a smile, "Mother, you can rest assured."
Immediately, the two of them walked into the Flowing Cup Tower.