Chapter 418

Kyoto, the bustling core area of the Imperial Capital, is where Yitian Pavilion's headquarters are located.

At this moment, in the Zong Ge Master's study deep within the headquarters, sandalwood incense curls in the air, and the atmosphere is solemn.

A middle‑aged man in a blue robe sits upright behind the desk, his aura restrained.

Yiqiusheng is the Zong Ge Master of Yitian Pavilion.

In front of the desk stands a woman in a purple battle outfit, who is Miao Linfeng, one of the Eight Great Elders of Yitian Pavilion.

Miao Linfeng is not only Yiqiusheng's direct disciple, but also his most trusted subordinate.

Without this relationship, a single woman could not outweigh the other seven elders and wield the real authority of Yitian Pavilion.

At this moment, Miao Linfeng stands respectfully before the desk, reporting daily work to Yiqiusheng.

"Zong Ge Master, the elixir business of the Beizhou Branch grew by thirty percent last month, already exceeding the quarterly target; the Nanjiang Branch…"

Yiqiusheng nods slightly, showing little expression on the face.

When Miao Linfeng mentions the situation of the Jiangnan Branch, her complexion changes slightly, and her words pause.

"Zong Ge Master, regarding the Jiangnan Branch, there is a matter to report to you."

"After the former Branch Master Duanmu Ya was dismissed by his family, the headquarters temporarily assigned Fengong Xu Congyang to go to Jiangnan to oversee branch affairs. However… I have just received news from Jiangnan that Fengong Xu Congyang was killed at Jiangnan Wangfu!"

"What?"

At those words, Yiqiusheng, who had been eyes closed in meditation, instantly opened his eyes, a cold murderous glint flashing within.

A terrifying heavenly aura bursts violently from his body, instantly filling the entire study.

But the aura flickers and disappears, and calm returns quickly.

Yiqiusheng sits upright behind the desk, fingers lightly tapping the surface, and speaks in a cold tone.

"Have you identified who did it? People of Yitian Pavilion are not some cats and dogs anyone can kill at will!"

Although Xu Congyang is not a top‑tier master in Yitian Pavilion, he still bears the Pavilion's name.

Being slain in the Jiangnan Territory is an insult to the whole Yitian Pavilion!

Miao Linfeng shakes her head, a hint of seriousness on her face.

"We have not yet identified the specific murderer. It is said that a terrifying battle occurred at Jiangnan Wangfu at that time."

"Our eyes in Jiangnan reported back; judging from the residual energy fluctuations and battle traces on site, a Martial Ancestor Level strongman may have intervened…"

"Martial Ancestor Strongman?"

At those words, Yiqiusheng's pupils contract sharply, and he momentarily loses his voice.

He jerks upright from the armchair, his face full of disbelief.

Across the entire martial world, Martial Ancestor Level strongmen are few, each capable of shaking a realm with a mere stomp!

Xu Congyang is merely a Grandmaster, never having reached the Heavenly Realm, so how could he have attracted a Martial Ancestor Level strongman to act?

This is simply unbelievable!

In Yiqiusheng's view, not only is Xu Congyang unworthy, even he himself, a Tianren Zhong (Heavenly Person Mid-stage) Zong Ge Master, is unfit to be personally dealt with by a Martial Ancestor Strongman!

Yiqiusheng remains silent for a long while, his brows tightly furrowed, lost in thought.

After a while, Yiqiusheng finally speaks slowly.

"Continue the investigation and be sure to uncover exactly what happened. If it truly was a Martial Ancestor Strongman who acted… then let Xu Congyang be responsible for his own death; Yitian Pavilion will take the bill!"

The power of a Martial Ancestor Strongman is too terrifying; even Yitian Pavilion does not wish to provoke him lightly.

Miao Linfeng nods, not surprised by this outcome.

In fact, she has never held a good impression of Xu Congyang.

Back then, in the Martial Ancestor Secret Realm, it was because Xu Congyang almost ruined Yitian Pavilion's relationship with Jiang Feng.

Although rumors later claimed Jiang Feng was beheaded by Jun Wuji, leaving no remains, Xu Congyang still remained unacceptable to Miao Linfeng.

Yiqiusheng immediately shifts the conversation.

"By the way, with Xu Congyang dead, the Jiangnan Branch affairs cannot remain idle. Who would be suitable to handle the Jiangnan Branch now?"

Miao Linfeng hears this and ponders for a moment.

"Zong Ge Master, perhaps… let Duanmu Ya return and try?"

Duanmu Ya previously served as Jiangnan Branch master for many years, with abundant experience and outstanding ability, managing the branch impeccably and enjoying high prestige.

Moreover, behind Duanmu Ya is that very person who could send her back; not only can she stabilize the Jiangnan Branch situation, but also preserve that person's face.

"No!"

Unexpectedly, Yiqiusheng shakes his head outright, rejecting Miao Linfeng's suggestion.

"Although Duanmu Ya is capable, she has offended the Jiangnan King. The Jiangnan King is backed by the Imperial Family, wielding overwhelming power."

"Although Yitian Pavilion does not fear the Jiangnan King, there is no need to completely sever ties with the Wang Clan over a branch master, lest we invite unnecessary trouble."

Miao Linfeng hears this and cannot help but let out a long sigh.

She also knows Yiqiusheng's reasoning, yet feels regretful about losing talent like Duanmu Ya.

"Bang!"

Just as Miao Linfeng prepares to continue reporting other tasks, the study's door is suddenly shoved open.

Yiqiusheng furrows his brows, a displeased expression appearing on his face.

At the doorway stands a middle‑aged man in a gray robe, who is Deputy Pavilion Master Yang Zan of Yitian Pavilion.

Yiqiusheng's complexion instantly darkens.

"Deputy Pavilion Master Yang, you are becoming more unruly! I am discussing official matters with Elder Miao; how could you barge in so casually?"

Yang Zan, at this moment, is drenched in sweat, panting as he speaks.

"Zong Ge Master! Please forgive my rashness! It is… it is a matter of colossal urgency; I had to rush in to report to you!"

Seeing his appearance, Yiqiusheng's displeasure eases slightly.

He knew Yang Zan wasn't the flustered type; if it weren't a real emergency, he would never have behaved so improperly.

"What on earth happened? Speak slowly, why are you so flustered? How unbecoming!"

"Yes! Yes!"

Yang Zan quickly nodded and took a deep breath.

"Pavilion Master! Just then, an urgent call came from the Jiangnan Yitian Pavilion; it was former Fen Ge Pavilion Master Duanmu Ya calling!"

"She was extremely arrogant on the phone, declaring firmly that the position of Jiangnan Branch Pavilion Master must be returned to her! Otherwise… otherwise, her backers will make it so our Jiangnan Yitian Pavilion has no place to stand in Jiangnan Territory!"

"What?"

As soon as those words were spoken, Yiqiusheng's face turned instantly ashen.

He slammed the table hard—bang! —a huge sound, and the sturdy sandalwood desk actually cracked a fine line from his strike!

"What audacity!"

Yiqiusheng roared in anger, his voice making the entire study hum.

"A former Pavilion Master dismissed by his clan dares to provoke our Yitian Pavilion like this! Who are her backers? How dare she spout such madness, claiming our Yitian Pavilion will have no place to stand in Jiangnan? She's practically begging for death!"

"Whoever her backers are, I'd like to see what gives her the right to be so arrogant!"

Hearing that, Yang Zan trembled all over before speaking.

"That person said, his name is Jiang Feng!"

"What?"

Miao Linfeng, standing beside Yang Zan, turned pale upon hearing it.