At Li Jiangqian's shout, Qianli Zi beside him wavered slightly. As if awakening from a dream, she lifted her head, coming to a halt in the wind with a pale face, and turned back to say:
"Someone has killed cultivators of Huaihun Palace!"
Li Jiangqian had feared this Ziyan Sect Master would ride the wind and rush straight north. Seeing that she was still lucid, he breathed a sigh of relief. Then, processing her words, he muttered in doubt:
"Someone?"
Qianli Zi had said "someone," not "His Excellency"—perhaps the cultivators of Huaihun Palace had not been killed by Lin Feng!
Yet given the present circumstances, who could kill the cultivators of Huaihun Palace? Who would dare to?
Looking at her pale face, Li Jiangqian saw Qianli Zi reply in a mixture of terror and shock:
"It shouldn't be so early… It's far too early! Right now, Qi Refinement ought to be escaping from Foundation Establishment! How could someone have fallen already! And more than one, at that… Someone has intervened in this…"
The stage in Jiangbei had been erected jointly by the Taiyang orthodox lineage and the other powers along both banks. For such an incident to occur now—stirring up trouble while Tinglan was absent—boded nothing good!
'Truly, one scheme follows another. Once the waters stir, they surge into heaven-shaking billows.'
Li Jiangqian's expression darkened at once. He asked in a low voice:
"To dare strike against the cultivators of Huaihun Palace… will the north… harbor any displeasure?"
Qianli Zi shook her pale face and pursed her lips:
"This… is nothing to the north. Huaihun Palace… was our arrangement. So long as His Excellency remains, there will always be a stage. It merely amounts to whether it stands in the east or the west, whether the clown is this one or that… If another party is unsatisfied with the stage we erected, they can come and tear it down as well…
"After all, whenever His Excellency's celestial carriage tours the realm, some grotto-heavens and mystic realms will always fall down for us to share and use. There are benefits to be had throughout. But right now… someone has added fuel to the fire and dismantled a corner of the stage."
Li Jiangqian gave her a somber look, realizing that the benefit from the previous occasion had been the grotto-heaven of Mount Dongli. He raised his brows and said:
"Senior Han… how should we respond now?"
The affairs in Jiangbei were simply too momentous. With Tinglan gone, Li Jiangqian was extremely loath to have Qianli Zi meddling in these matters. Nine times out of ten, this woman had been left behind by that True Monarch of the past. Who knew what hidden dangers she harbored? She was practically a ticking time bomb!
He did not know what confidence Tinglan had that allowed Qianli Zi to control Ziyan. Dense doubts rose in his heart:
'Strange. Master Tinglan is quite a calculating figure herself. Could she truly be certain that the True Monarch would never see Qianli Zi?'
As he pondered, Qianli Zi quickly composed herself and whispered:
"The urgent priority is to get to the bottom of what happened in the north. I must trouble your esteemed clan to contact Duxian Dao. I will go to Salt Lake to take a look."
Having uttered merely this, the woman turned her dharma wind and murmured:
"As for the matter regarding the Master, your noble clan had best make a swift decision. After visiting Salt Lake, I must first return to the blessed land to confer with the elders. If there is news, simply send a letter to Ziyan."
Taking her leave, she and several Ziyan disciples on the isle flew eastward on the wind. Only then did the members of the Li family gather around. Qu Bushi finally came before them, lowering his head in slight dishevelment.
Li Jiangqian bade him rise and asked:
"What news is there? Have you found out which figure has fallen in the north?"
Qu Bushi's expression was grave. Stepping forward, he whispered:
"Not yet. But your subordinate received other news: Yaosa Chengmi, a monk under Chengyun's domain, has crossed Chengshui Marsh into Xuanmiao Abbey's territory and is vigorously preaching Shakya cultivation methods there.
"Duxian Dao did not stop them, allowing this group of Shakya cultivators to pass through their territory toward Baihai Creek. There seems to be some turmoil across the region."
The last trace of hope in Li Jiangqian's heart was extinguished. If Yaosa Chengmi had reached Xuanmiao Abbey's domain, an entire Duxian Dao separated him from Huaihun Palace, so it was impossible that the two sides had clashed.
'It's very likely someone else intervened.'
Li Jiangqian waved him away, returning to the hall in silence. When he relayed the developments, silence fell over both sides of the hall. It was Li Minggong who spoke first, saying softly:
"Two Masters clashed in the north, an event even our family was unaware of, yet Chijiao Island deliberately ambushed us to probe our response. This makes their stance clear. And since Master Zhugong has gone north to provide aid, it might not have been her intention to let them through."
"Chijiao Island…"
Li Jiangqian shook his head and replied:
"Guo Hongjian cultivates Combined Fire; he cannot be judged by ordinary standards. If Violet Palace divine abilities were not driving him, Guo Hongjian would merely be an unexpected opportunity for the various factions to probe us…
"As for Muquan Gate, even if Master Zhugong stands on Ziyan Gate's side, it is understandable that she would let Guo Hongjian come test for our Master's whereabouts… This affair is far too troublesome. With Luoxia, Taiyang, and Zhao Shakya involved, beneath them lie layers upon layers of Violet Palace forces. Without deep background, one cannot see through it all. I don't think it wise to summon our Master back."
Though Li Xuanxuan was filled with worry, he understood the priorities. After listening for a moment, he stroked his beard and said:
"Indeed. Originally, Master Tinglan presided over the overall situation. Yet she, an esteemed figure of the Taiyang orthodox lineage and Ziyan Blessed Land, was harmed to the point of disappearing. Now that the various powers refuse to sit in that seat, they suddenly think of our family.
"As for the events in the north, perilous as they are, our family still holds the advantage of having moved first…"
The sky to the north was already pouring torrents of rain, and downpours were likewise falling over Lake Wangyue. Li Jiangqian could already smell the scent of danger. Beside him, Li Quewan said softly:
"I fear this is a clash between titans. Whether it is the Taiyang lineage or the forces opposing Taiyang, neither is something our family can afford to meddle with. Giving her an answer will suffice."
"Indeed."
Li Jiangqian seemed to space out for a moment before gathering his thoughts. Pondering, he said:
"Let us observe the situation first. I will send someone to reply to Ziyan, stating that our family has sent a warning, but when the Master will arrive and whether he might be intercepted by Changxiao Gate en route is another matter.
"That is the first point. The second point… once the Master left, news from Jiangbei was shrouded in fog. The north changes in the blink of an eye, and who knows how long it would take for word to reach us. Duxian Dao must be placated so we can observe Jiangbei through them. After all, Ye Gui is so selfish that he dared not leave behind a single scrap of news… Currently, Duxian places great trust and reliance upon our family."
"But regarding Chijiao Island…"
"No matter."
Li Jiangqian picked up a brush, pondered briefly, and wrote:
"The previous incident has been accounted for: it was caused by Guo Hongjian of the Guo clan, aiming to sow discord between our two houses and plot against the north bank. We fear that complications will arise regarding Huaihun Palace. Should there be any news, please reply by letter."
Li Jiangqian read it twice. Confirming that anyone who obtained the letter would not deduce his clan's private situation, he said:
"Duxian Dao has been on good terms with Chijiao Island for many years. We cannot put it too bluntly, lest they think we are driving a wedge between them and grow wary for no reason. I have merely linked the two matters together; Guan Gongxiao can ponder the rest himself…"
Duxian Dao had personnel stationed at the Li residence; sending it back through them was simple enough. Folding the letter, Li Jiangqian immediately had someone deliver it, then turned to the others with a solemn look:
"Please keep a close watch on the surrounding shores. Now is the worst time for carelessness. If fate is stirred and some notable figure appears along the banks, we must nip them in the bud as early as possible!
"Especially the eastern bank and the wilderness."
Since someone was tearing down the stage in Jiangbei, there was no telling what else might follow. The lake was relatively safe; the eastern bank was far more prone to mishaps.
Everyone nodded. Nearly half a day passed before Li Jiangqian finally received the belated courier from Duxian Dao. Footsteps echoed outside the hall, and the messenger stepped inside, dispersing the concealment over his face and speaking in a low voice:
"Greetings, Clan Head!"
Li Jiangqian raised his brows and said:
"Rise."
The man had thick brows, large eyes, and a seasoned bearing, with a saber at his waist—none other than Gongsun Baifan of Duxian Dao!
He dutifully knelt on one knee and bowed:
"My master has received Clan Head's letter and is deeply cognizant of Guo Hongjian's malice… He detests him to the core…"
He poured out a string of pleasantries, but they were mere lip service. Li Jiangqian remained noncommittal, instead scrutinizing the man before him.
The man's eyes were dull, his complexion pallid. Faint scars ran across his face and neck, tinged with a grayish hue as if he had just survived a desperate, mortal battle where he nearly lost his life.
Li Jiangqian thought to himself that this boded ill. With a darkened face, he asked:
"Guest Elder Gongsun… what happened to you!"
For Gongsun Baifan to suffer such grievous injuries, yet instead of letting him recuperate, Duxian Dao sent him to the lake to deliver a letter—this instantly caused Li Jiangqian to smell a thick scent of danger. Sure enough, the saber practitioner replied with a bitter face:
"Wounded by another…
"To report to Your Excellency: regarding the matter you inquired about, my master is also deeply bewildered. The murder of the Huaihun Palace cultivators was extremely sudden, taking place in the very heart of Huaihun Palace. My lineage is overwhelmed and has no energy left to investigate.
"As for the river… there are hardly any men left. We ask that your noble clan refrain from issuing challenges, lest it lead to awkwardness."
Li Jiangqian feigned shock and fury, asking:
"How could things come to this?!"
Gongsun Baifan had always been a steady character, once even earning praise from Li Zhouwei. Yet composed as he was, mentioning this affair now brought dread and lingering fear into his voice:
"To report to Clan Head: within our domain… a demonic disciple has emerged. We know not what legacy he stumbled upon, but rising from an obscure, humble background, he abruptly broke through to Foundation Establishment, slew a city lord, slaughtered the guards, and plundered spiritual items…
"Our cultivators were not all stationed on the river; several were guarding our territory. When the formation broke and talismans flared, they rushed to reinforce the area. Who would have thought… that they would be slain… by this demonic disciple who had only just reached Foundation Establishment!"
Li Jiangqian heard every word clearly and could not help freezing for a moment. He asked:
"And then?"
Gongsun Baifan shook his head, lingering fear showing on his face as he whispered:
"I was the first to arrive… Who could have expected that he would fling three talismans right in my face? Their power was terrifyingly great. Had I not practiced spells diligently over the years with profound cultivation, I might not have even kept my life!
"Such ancient talismans are treasured trump cards reserved for the direct lineage even in my master's clan, yet he hurled these three as if discarding ordinary cheap goods, showing not the slightest regret… and thus he managed to escape.
"Right now, our cultivators have dispersed, turning all of Baiye Creek upside down just to hunt this person down. My sect master was short on hands, so he sent me here."
Li Jiangqian was secretly astounded:
'He must be an important figure drawn forth by the True Monarch, already at the Foundation Establishment level by the time he was discovered… Back then, a mere Qi Refinement Xu Xiao threw our family into utter disarray. For this one to reveal himself only after reaching Foundation Establishment is truly lethal!'
'What is more, it is unknown whether this figure brings fortune or calamity. If he is meant to forge a karmic bond with the True Monarch… Duxian Dao will certainly suffer severe wounds and have a bitter pill to swallow!'
Seeing Gongsun Baifan's somber, ashen look, Li Jiangqian clicked his tongue inwardly. Though he knew Duxian Dao's location in Jiangbei meant they would face far more trouble than his own family, he had not expected it to be so ferocious and humiliating. He replied:
"Then what are your master's intentions…?"
Gongsun Baifan's face hardened with resolve. He said somberly:
"My master stated that this person will certainly not have fled far; he must still be in Jiangbei. If there is an opportunity, he hopes your noble clan can provide timely help and lend our house a hand!"
No wonder Guan Gongxiao's message had torn into Guo Hongjian without holding back. It turned out Duxian Dao had also hit this precarious juncture: a demonic disciple had emerged from within, leaving their defenses along the river practically empty, yet Guo Hongjian was stirring up trouble with the Li family on the other side! Had the Li family truly flown into a rage and charged across the river to strike them from both inside and out…
Only someone of Guan Gongxiao's consistently steady temperament could manage to write several letters in a row. Had his temper been any worse, he would have been coughing up blood from sheer fury!
Now, after such a stir, even Guan Gongxiao's plea for help had become awkward. Why would Li Jiangqian want to wade into these murky waters? Feigning a mixture of anger and disappointment, he sighed:
"I understand the truth of teeth freezing when the lips are gone, and of aiding one another. But your sect and Chijiao are linked as one—how could Guo Hongjian understand that? Now that he wields a set of stealth magical artifacts, how could our family dare allow anyone to venture outside!"
Gongsun Baifan was not a thick-skinned man by nature, and he looked somewhat ashamed. Giving him no chance to interject, Li Jiangqian said with regret:
"When the Guo clan managed to crop up all the way from the East Sea to the wilderness, I already reckoned something would happen in Jiangbei. My letter was sent as a warning; who would have thought it was a step too late after all!"
He shook his head:
"Rest assured, however. Our family also has plenty of trouble brewing over our heads and will not seize the chance to cross the river. Go on back for now, and let us exchange news from Jiangbei more frequently so our houses may assist each other at any moment."
Swayed by his words, Gongsun Baifan nodded repeatedly and bowed:
"Many thanks for Clan Head's understanding…"
With that, he withdrew.
Li Jiangqian escorted him out of the hall and watched him depart into the distance, pondering internally.
In truth, Guan Gongxiao was not afraid that the Li clan would cross the river right now to seize territory; Jiangbei was being roasted over the flames, offering no spoils to reap. What he feared was that Li Jiangqian might strike out in anger just to vent his indignation; if casualties occurred on both sides, it could easily trigger unpredictable changes.
'As for sending the severely wounded Gongsun Baifan to deliver the letter… I doubt it was because they lacked hands. Rather, they're having him scurry back and forth while heavily wounded to bait that fleeing demonic disciple… Quite a calculated move.'
'Fortunately… Duxian still has Guan Gongxiao—a man willing to bow his head who can maintain some control over the situation. Without him, both houses would be in deep trouble right now.'
He had just turned around when, amidst the torrential rain, a youth clad in black landed before the hall. Looking grim, he dropped to one knee and reported:
"Clan Head, Huaihun Palace has crossed the river."
Li Jiangqian snapped his head up. With a heavy sigh in his heart, he thought:
'Sure enough, there's no escaping it! Trouble has arrived this soon!'
Raising his brows, he asked urgently:
"How many men? Is Daoist Bai leading them in person?"
Chen Yang's expression was grave as he nodded:
"Daoist Bai is leading the crossing in person. They are now in the wilderness!"
Chapter 853