"Senior Brother, why have you returned so soon?"
As soon as Zhong Shan stepped outside the main hall, he heard Tian Ling'er's question.
Standing outside the hall were ten people. Leading them was Tian Sha, with Yun Qian behind him, totaling eight people altogether.
As Zhong Shan and Bei Qingsi emerged, Tian Sha's gaze locked onto Bei Qingsi.
"Hao San is dead, so we had no choice but to return," a disciple of Kaiyang Sect immediately spoke up.
"Hao San is dead?" Bei Qingsi stepped forward and inquired.
"Indeed, he's dead. His lifespan ran out, and he died beneath a mountain at the hour of the pig," Tian Sha replied, his eyes fixed on Bei Qingsi the whole time.
Seeing Tian Sha's expression, Bei Qingsi furrowed her brows slightly.
"And what about Hao San's corpse? Didn't my father say that bringing it back to the sect could exchange it for fourth-grade elixirs?" Tian Ling'er asked promptly.
"Fourth-grade elixirs? Hao San's corpse is worth far more than that. At the time, there were more than just five people in the Yuanying stage," someone behind Tian Sha spoke up.
"Yuanying stage?" Tian Ling'er widened her eyes. Pursuing someone to the Yuanying stage for the sake of a Nascent stage cultivator?
At this moment, only Zhong Shan understood Hao San's significance, evident from the "Heavenly Court" he had just obtained.
"Qingsi, Master instructed me to accompany you to Bamen Mountain. Let's set off now," Tian Sha suddenly spoke up.
"No need for that. Bamen Mountain isn't dangerous. I can handle it alone," Bei Qingsi thought for a moment and said.
Hearing Bei Qingsi's words, Tian Sha furrowed his brows, but still insisted, "Since Master has instructed me to accompany you, there must be a reason. Besides, we're passing by Bamen Mountain on our mission this time, so having company would be beneficial."
Bei Qingsi pondered for a moment, then glanced at Zhong Shan, a hint of hesitation flashing in her eyes, but ultimately nodded.
The subtle change in Bei Qingsi didn't escape Tian Sha's notice. Why did she glance at that man? Tian Sha glanced at Zhong Shan, the newly promoted disciple of Kaiyang Sect. Why did Bei Qingsi look at him? A hint of coldness flashed in Tian Sha's eyes, but he concealed it well and nodded at Bei Qingsi.
However, that fleeting coldness was clearly seen by Zhong Shan. Though his expression remained unchanged, he stored Tian Sha's momentary hostility in his mind, remaining vigilant.
"Senior Brother," Tian Ling'er looked at Tian Sha, about to speak up.
At this moment, Tian Ling'er didn't know what had gotten into her. Normally, she would have eagerly wanted to accompany Tian Sha to Bamen Mountain, especially now that Zhong Shan had agreed, she should have immediately brought it up. But for some reason, Tian Ling'er hesitated. Casting a glance at Zhong Shan, she hesitated. Tian Ling'er didn't know what came over her, unsure if she hoped Zhong Shan would stop her or encourage her.
"Ling'er, do you want to go to Bamen Mountain too?" Yun Qian asked with a smile.
Upon Yun Qian's question, both Tian Ling'er and Tian Sha frowned.
Tian Sha didn't want Tian Ling'er to go, fearing that Bei Qingsi would notice Tian Ling'er's admiration for him. And just as Tian Ling'er frowned, she inexplicably glanced at Zhong Shan before nodding decisively, her expression resolute.
Zhong Shan made no attempt to stop her, his expression indifferent. However, suddenly, his pupils contracted, then returned to normal.
"Ling'er, you don't have to go. Stay and help me with something," Zhong Shan suddenly spoke up.
"Huh?" Tian Ling'er looked at Zhong Shan in confusion.
Everyone turned to look at Zhong Shan. Was he going to entice Tian Ling'er to stay again with osmanthus cake?
Upon hearing Zhong Shan's words, Tian Sha felt, for the first time, that this person wasn't bad, and he added, "Yes, Ling'er, stay and help Zhong Shan."
Bei Qingsi also looked at Zhong Shan in puzzlement.
"Is it very important?" Tian Ling'er looked at Zhong Shan in confusion.
"Yeah, I can't do it without you," Zhong Shan nodded solemnly.
Looking at Zhong Shan, Tian Ling'er nodded and said, "Okay."
If it were before meeting Zhong Shan, Tian Ling'er wouldn't have agreed even if her father scolded her to stay by Tian Sha's side. But at this moment, Tian Ling'er was willing, as if she had little interest in going with Tian Sha from the beginning. Now that Zhong Shan asked her to stay, and Tian Sha agreed, Tian Ling'er agreed without any hesitation.
Seeing Tian Ling'er agree so readily, Tian Sha, who had previously hoped she would stay, frowned. He felt puzzled and as if he had lost something, then looked at Zhong Shan beside him, unable to figure out what was going on.
"Well then, let's go," Tian Sha said to Bei Qingsi with a puzzled expression.
"Yeah," Bei Qingsi nodded. Then, she bid farewell to Tian Ling'er and Zhong Shan, and followed the others as they flew away on their flying swords.
Watching Tian Sha fly away, Tian Ling'er felt a bit reluctant, but it wasn't too heavy. Then, she turned her head to look at Zhong Shan.
"Zhong Shan, what's the matter?" Tian Ling'er asked naturally.
Seeing Tian Ling'er's calm attitude now, compared to her hysterical demeanor last time, Zhong Shan felt puzzled for a moment.
"There are a few experts who might cause trouble at my old home. I might not be able to handle them alone, so I need your help," Zhong Shan said after some thought.
"Don't worry, if they're causing trouble for you, they're causing trouble for me too. I'll definitely knock them down," Tian Ling'er said confidently immediately.
Watching Tian Ling'er, Zhong Shan smiled slightly. "Good. Let's set off now."
Meanwhile, inside the Zhong Mansion in Xuan City, during the encounter with Tian Sha and the others.
Hidden in his residence, Zhong Shan sat practicing cultivation when suddenly, a white dove flew into the courtyard.
Sensing the dove's arrival, Zhong Shan frowned, gently opened the door, and walked to the dovecote, retrieving a piece of paper from the dove's leg.
"The ancestors of the Zhao family, Qian family, and Sun family have arrived in Xuan City."
With just this short message, Zhong Shan sensed a foreboding sense of danger. Xuan City, although near the capital, was mostly under Zhong Shan's influence. There weren't many forces from the royal family or the four major families here. So, why would three ancestral figures simultaneously arrive in Xuan City? There was a high probability that it was related to plotting against the Zhong family.
Looking at the sky outside the courtyard, Zhong Shan narrowed his eyes, emitting a soft cold snort.
This was also the reason why he suddenly stopped Tian Ling'er earlier.
Three days later, in the evening, Zhong Shan, carrying a big sword on his back, arrived at the gate of the Zhong Mansion.
Seeing Zhong Shan, all the servants were first stunned, then incredibly respectful, bowing deeply as Zhong Shan entered the mansion.
Tian Ling'er followed behind Zhong Shan, watching the numerous servants of the Zhong family bowing respectfully to Zhong Shan, curiosity filling her eyes.
Not far away was a five-story high building, catching Tian Ling'er's eyes instantly.
"Zhong Shan, what's that tall building over there? I want to go see," Tian Ling'er immediately exclaimed.
"Yes," Zhong Shan nodded and accompanied Tian Ling'er towards the pagoda-like tower.
The servants were surprised to hear the young woman address Master Zhong by his name directly, but no one dared to comment.
The tower stood five stories high. When they reached the base, Zhong Shan waved his hand, and all the servants dispersed.
Tian Ling'er quickly ascended the tower, while Zhong Shan moved to a corner. There, a shadowy figure merged with his body in an instant. The shadow was none other than his hidden doppelgänger. Once the fusion was complete, Zhong Shan turned to a nearby steward.
"Clean up the Tianxiang Courtyard. We have an esteemed guest staying there," Zhong Shan instructed.
"Yes, sir," the steward replied promptly, bowing before hurrying off.
Zhong Shan then followed Tian Ling'er up the tower. By the time he caught up with her, she was already at the top, looking out over the entire city of Xuan. The bustling streets below filled her eyes with delight.
When she saw Zhong Shan arrive, Tian Ling'er immediately said, "Zhong Shan, where's your enemy? I'll go beat him up."
Zhong Shan shook his head with a smile. "In a few days, they'll come. It won't be as simple as just beating them up; it'll be a fight to the death."
"Oh," Tian Ling'er nodded, clearly understanding the gravity of a life-and-death struggle.
After dinner, Tian Ling'er once again tasted the local delicacies and was overjoyed. Compared to the food at Kaiyang Sect, the cuisine here was far superior. She thought about how wonderful it would be if the Kaiyang Sect were located here.
After seeing Tian Ling'er off, Zhong Shan returned to a small courtyard and quickly reviewed the latest information.
The three experts were of unknown cultivation levels but had entered the immortal gate fifty-two years ago, their power unfathomable.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.
Zhong Shan frowned and looked towards the large gate of the courtyard. "Who is it?" he asked.
"Master, a visitor with a golden token has arrived," the steward's voice came from outside.
A golden token? Zhong Shan had issued gold, silver, and bronze tokens to people based on their relationship with him. The golden token was the highest level. Who could it be?
Setting aside the documents, Zhong Shan walked across the courtyard and opened the gate. Outside stood a man wearing a conical hat and a black robe, standing behind the steward.
"You may leave," Zhong Shan instructed the steward.
"Yes, sir," the steward quickly replied and left.
"Dark Emperor, come in," Zhong Shan said to the robed man.
"Yes, Master," the man replied immediately.
Seeing the Dark Emperor still address him as "Master," Zhong Shan shook his head but said nothing more.
Once inside the courtyard, the man removed his hat.
"I never thought you'd one day walk out in the open," Zhong Shan said with a smile as he closed the door.
"The master's home is heavily guarded; I had no choice but to come openly," the Dark Emperor replied respectfully.
Seeing the Dark Emperor's serious demeanor, Zhong Shan sighed inwardly and led him to the hall.
"Master, I recently received information that the Zhao, Qian, and Sun families intend to harm you," the Dark Emperor said gravely as soon as they entered the hall.
"Naturally. If I hadn't reached the Innate stage, they would have let me die of old age. But now that I have, with a lifespan of two hundred years, these thousand-year-old families are naturally alarmed," Zhong Shan said, frowning.
"Master's prowess is unparalleled, which is why the three families are so anxious to act," the Dark Emperor said solemnly.
"The three families? It's not just them. This time, it won't be only the three families. The Li family and the royal Su family will certainly have people involved too," Zhong Shan said, his eyes gleaming with wisdom.
"Master, should we temporarily avoid their sharp edge?" the Dark Emperor suggested.
"Avoid their sharp edge? We'll see. I've invested a great deal in building the Zhong Mansion in Xuan City. I won't abandon it unless absolutely necessary," Zhong Shan said firmly.
"Understood," the Dark Emperor nodded.
"Since you're here, stay for a while. But don't provoke Tian Ling'er in the Tianxiang Courtyard," Zhong Shan instructed.
"Yes," the Dark Emperor nodded.
"Do we need to mobilize the Night Hall?" the Dark Emperor asked again.
"It's time for the Night Hall to act. In a few days, I'll compile a list and give it to you. Wait for my command. We're still missing a few pieces," Zhong Shan said, a cold light flashing in his eyes.
"Understood," the Dark Emperor nodded.