Chapter 2413: In-depth Investigation

Having returned to his own Dong Fu, the disciples of the Heavenly Family who had gone out to gather information also returned at this time.

Ye Zhangqing, Huang Lao, the Heavenly Family Patriarch, and everyone sat around in the main hall, listening as the other side related the gathered information item by item.

Actually, there's nothing important; it's merely the anomalous change of the Azure Dragon Fish.

It didn't take long to finish speaking, and the Heavenly Family Patriarch spoke first.

"It seems they didn't really put in any effort before."

After several days, they've only uncovered this bit of information; obviously they weren't giving it their all, likely all lying in wait in the dark for an opportunity.

But this is also normal; it's not disappointing.

Meanwhile, while the Heavenly Family side was secretly discussing, on the other side, inside the Dong Fu of the Ultimate Bliss Palace.

He Yingqin also had an icy expression as he said to An Sheng Xin beside him.

"Sheng Xin, that brat Ye Zhangqing probably also wants to make a move on you; the surnamed Huang deliberately concealed his aura, likely he's headed where we thought."

"Patriarch, rest assured; at the same realm, I fear no one."

Upon hearing this, An Sheng Xin spoke in an icy tone, his words full of confidence.

Seeing this, He Yingqin nodded in satisfaction, but still reminded.

"Having confidence is good, but remember never to underestimate the enemy; also, no matter what, protecting one's own life comes first."

"Disciple understands."

An Sheng Xin nodded respectfully; he had many life-preserving items newly bestowed by He Yingqin, so he wasn't worried about his own safety.

At the same realm, even if he isn't a match for Ye Zhangqing, preserving his life is certainly no problem.

Moreover, An Sheng Xin simply refuses to admit that he could lose to Ye Zhangqing.

Compared to Tianlin and Miao Qianqian, An Sheng Xin looks down on Ye Zhangqing somewhat.

"A \"mud-leg\" from the lower realms—what right does he have to stand on equal footing? And what qualifies him to be this fifth Yāoniè?"

Back when Ye Zhangqing first showed his talent, what level of cultivation was he at?

Back then An Sheng Xin had said, "Such an ant, I could crush him with one hand; does he deserve the title of Yāoniè? It's ridiculous."

Although he initially looked down on him, unbeknownst to him, Ye Zhangqing's cultivation caught up, and they have reached the same level.

Even his current cultivation was achieved only because the Patriarch laid out a Blood Refining Grand Formation, risking the world's great taboo.

This further intensified An Sheng Xin's killing intent toward Ye Zhangqing by a notch.

Therefore, this time he will surely kill Ye Zhangqing; as for the other's thoughts coinciding with his, An Sheng Xin only wants to say, "Seek death."

Seeing An Sheng Xin's expression brimming with killing intent, He Yingqin didn't say anything more.

He knows An Sheng Xin's arrogant nature; for now, he'll first handle the matter of the Fairy Artifact.

Like the Heavenly Family, the Ultimate Bliss Palace, after learning those earlier pieces of information, felt no surprise.

They also didn't act immediately, but waited until the Wushen Palace people arrived before taking the lead to truly investigate the secret of the Fairy Artifact.

This early morning, at dawn, all the major forces gathered at the edge of the Golden Lake.

This was naturally led by the three houses: the Heavenly Family, the Ultimate Bliss Palace, and the Wushen Palace.

Faced with the demands of the three hegemonic powers, no one dared not to comply.

Moreover, everyone knows why they have gathered so early.

Previously, due to mutual wariness and restraint, their investigation of the Fairy Artifact could only be described as going through the motions, extremely superficial.

They basically found no useful clues at all.

But today, with the Heavenly Family and the other two major powers taking the lead, it's clear they mean business—no more casual perfunctory walks; they wouldn't even dip a toe in the water.

Looking at the Heavenly Family, Ultimate Bliss Palace, and Wushen Palace people ahead of the crowd, although no one spoke it aloud, everyone knew.

This competition likely comes down to Ye Zhangqing and An Sheng Xin.

The person from Myriad Stars Island didn't come, and Tianlin and Miao Qianqian are in closed-door cultivation, also not appearing.

Thus, if the rules for competing for the Fairy Artifact include an age limit, then the Ultimate Bliss Palace and the Wushen Palace would hardly have a chance.

Although both sides also brought some Heavenly Pride disciples from their sects, these people are obviously incomparable to Ye Zhangqing and An Sheng Xin.

They pose no threat at all, let alone competition.

So, the biggest contest this time will likely still be between Ye Zhangqing and An Sheng Xin.

As for what everyone is thinking, the Heavenly Family, Ultimate Bliss Palace, and Wushen Palace don't care.

Only see the leader, Huang Lao, the Heavenly Family Patriarch, and Miao Cuihua exchange a glance, ignoring He Yingqin completely, and speak directly.

"Everyone, the Fairy Artifact's emergence has been a while; we must not delay—today we will go deep into the lake and surely find its hidden secret."

According to their meaning, their three powers will take the lead, each dispatching an Elder-level figure to lead the team.

And each of the other major powers will also send one person to enter the lake together, seeking the true secret and rules of the Fairy Artifact.

This is a fair request, so naturally no one objected.

Moreover, with Elders from the Heavenly Family, Ultimate Bliss Palace, and Wushen Palace leading, safety is naturally greatly increased.

Only one person is displeased: He Yingqin.

Because before these three old-timers spoke, they hadn't paid him any attention at all, not even asking a question.

Resentful in his heart, upon hearing this, He Yingqin let out a cold snort and said.

"Hmph, when did my Ultimate Bliss Palace agree?"

He didn't nod; what gives you three the right to decide for us?

As for that, Miao Cuihua spoke bluntly.

"If you're unwilling, if you don't want to, then your Ultimate Bliss Palace can just withdraw—leave the Thousand Lakes Sect right now, and no one will stop you."

"You………………"

As soon as these words were spoken, He Yingqin's face immediately darkened; he turned his head and glared angrily at that old woman.

Just asking for death.

Miao Cuihua showed no sign of weakness at all, acting as if we had already decided this, and whether Bliss Palace wants to or not is your business.

If they're unwilling, that means they don't want to contribute; since they don't want to contribute, they should get lost—there's no way they'd still get a share.

Faced with Miao Cuihua's unyielding stance, He Yingqin also realized that he was now being targeted by them.

Once they start fighting, they will inevitably fall into a three-way siege.

A wise man doesn't suffer immediate losses; thus, after a cold snort, He Yingqin stopped talking and tacitly accepted the views of Huang Lao, the Heavenly Family Ancestor, and Miao Cuihua.

Afterward, each sect sent a representative, and since they were under the leadership of the three major powers—Heavenly Family, Bliss Palace, and Wushen Palace—no one dared to fish in troubled waters.

You can't say they're the strongest leader, but at least they're not just a good-for-nothing—they're genuinely capable.

Regarding the major powers' selections, Miao Cuihua, Huang Lao, and the Heavenly Family Ancestor were naturally satisfied, so they said no more; with a command, the strong ones from each power leapt into the water.

There was no trace of the earlier apprehension, fear, or slight desire to survive; it was as if the danger in the lake had vanished overnight, making it seem like they weren't jumping into the same lake at all.