Chapter 480: Hard to Say, Must Fight to See (5K)

"..."

Xuan Qing sat quietly in the Ancestral Master Hall, gazing out at the Nanyang Sect with a hint of a smile on his face.

The so-called geniuses possess the Hongmeng Purple Qi upon their bodies.

The path ahead is fraught with a thousand dangers and ten thousand perils, inviting the jealousy of petty men, yet it never lacks capable people to offer assistance.

It is not some ethereal luck.

When one shines brightly enough, others are not blind.

This elder of the Qingyue Sect, though unable to directly protect Shen Zongzhu due to his status, could still make the Nanlong Palace hesitate before acting if the Yan family were recovered.

Killing a Return to Emptiness cultivator might be done silently, but a magical duel involving Bai Yujing would shake the entire Yu Nanhong.

It would absolutely not escape the ears and eyes of the Seven Sons of Yu Nanhong, and they could not even pretend not to know.

By then, even if the six Great Masters of the Dao-Integration Realm were reluctant, they would have to consider how the Young Sect Master of their own sect was ambushed outside, observed by numerous forces in Yu Nanhong, while the Seven Sons turned a blind eye, and how they could possibly maintain their standing in Yu Nanhong afterwards.

This is the meaning of a protector from Bai Yujing.

"No need to enter the sect; another day when I have leisure, I, Shiqian, will prepare a congratulatory gift and visit the Nanyang Xian Sect again."

Liu Shiqian declined slightly: "I will wait here until Shen Zongzhu is finished, then we shall depart together."

As a cultivator of Bai Yujing, stepping onto a Dao-Integration treasure land that is temporarily unowned is far too presumptuous.

A gentleman does not stand beneath a dangerous wall.

Liu Shiqian was unwilling to use such temptation to test his Dao heart.

"Then we shall wait for next time."

Shen Yi saw the other's concern, said nothing more, and nodded lightly: "We can depart now."

As he spoke, he activated the Nanyang Sect formation and summoned a dark-glowing flying sword.

Liu Shiqian likewise summoned a Qingyue Treasure Ship, took Liu Qianyun and Yan Wencheng aboard, and then led the way ahead.

The group plunged straight into the clouds and mist.

For an Xian Sect, choosing the location of a vassal actually has its reasoning.

For instance, the four major powers initially cultivated by the Nanyang Sect were placed in the four corners of east, south, west, and north; no matter from where the Water Clan invaded, the Xian Sect would have time to react.

The Yan family, located to the east of the Nanyang Sect, is called Ya Jiao Shan.

The mountain range is steep and rugged, with few inhabitants.

The moment the Qingyue Treasure Ship emerged from the clouds, the mist on the entire Ya Jiao Shan suddenly dispersed, revealing layers upon layers of pavilions within.

Facing the Qingyue Xian Sect that had cared for them for the past hundred thousand years.

The Yan family showed nothing but utmost respect.

Figures walked out from the pavilions, gathering in front of the Guest Reception Hall, and bowed their hands together toward the sky, momentarily ignoring the figure standing on a flying sword beside the treasure ship.

"After all, so many long years have passed; please do not take it amiss."

Liu Shiqian retracted the treasure ship and silently hovered behind Shen Yi.

"I understand."

Shen Yi felt no dissatisfaction.

Even if the Yan family was initially raised with the support of the Nanyang Sect, for a full hundred thousand years, it was the Qingyue Sect that protected them.

To put it harshly, which is heavier: the grace of upbringing or the grace of birth?

Moreover, the current Nanyang Sect is not the same group of cultivators as before.

This subtle gesture by Liu Shiqian.

Clearly caused the Yan family members below to pause in surprise, and then all turned their gaze to the young man wearing the Nanyang white robe.

Soon, a familiar face stepped forward first.

It was Yan Xingyuan, whom they had met briefly at the Shuiyueshang Alliance.

He clearly recognized Shen Yi and led everyone in bowing deeply: "Welcome, Shen Zongzhu, to the Yan family!"

The other members of the Yan family were somewhat unfamiliar with this title.

But out of respect for the Qingyue Treasure Ship that had arrived earlier, they all echoed in unison, at least making it impossible to find fault with their manners.

When the four descended to Ya Jiao Shan.

It was still Yan Xingyuan who came forward to greet them: "Shen Zongzhu, this way please."

He then secretly observed Liu Shiqian, who was dressed in plain clothes; his pupils contracted slightly, as if sensing the other's aura that had ascended to a higher level.

"You are... Elder Liu of the Qingyue Sect?"

Before Liu Shiqian could respond, he hurriedly called out to another elder: "Go quickly and invite the Clan Leader to meet us."

"..."

Shen Yi stepped forward calmly; if Elder Liu had not come, he might not have seen the Yan Clan Leader at all.

Many things only become clear when one truly comes into contact with such great powers.

My status as Sect Master is, whether among the Meng Sects or outside, somewhat excessively watered down.

Liu Shiqian, however, furrowed his brows slightly.

He sensed something was amiss.

The Yan family's Bai Yujing Clan Leader is not of an arrogant disposition.

At the very least, he would not cause Shen Zongzhu to lose face in public.

"Did you not send a message to the family?" Liu Qianyun secretly glanced at Yan Wencheng beside her.

"I did..." Yan Wencheng was equally suspicious; perhaps his praise of Shen Zongzhu in the letter was not strong enough?

With different thoughts in their hearts, the group headed toward the great hall on Ya Jiao Shanfeng.

The elders of the Yan family had already lined up neatly, waiting respectfully outside the hall.

Their expressions were all somewhat complex.

The one at the very front, an old man also dressed in plain clothes, with white beard and hair, his qi contained, looked no different from a mortal.

He stood with his eyes lowered, then stepped forward slowly: "Yan Xianqing pays respects to Elder Liu."

Immediately, he bowed in exactly the same manner to Shen Yi: "Pays respects to Shen Zongzhu."

"Long time no see, Daoist Yan."

Liu Shiqian narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze somewhat cold.

By all rights, a cultivator of Bai Yujing proactively bowing to a Killed Fanxu cultivator was already a great respect.

It sounded like there was no problem.

But the order was reversed by the other party.

Liu Shiqian did not believe that a cultivator capable of ascending to Bai Yujing would overlook such a serious detail.

It must have been intentional.

In this simple greeting, there was already a flavor of wanting to return to Qingyue Sect.

"Please."

Yan Xianqing seemed not to have heard Liu Shiqian's reminder; he respectfully turned aside and ushered the two into the main hall.

As for the remaining two, they could only wait outside.

In other places, Liu Qianyun could still rely on her title as an official of Qingyue Sect to act arrogantly, but it was different at the Yan family.

With a Bai Yujing cultivator stationed here, it meant holding a certain amount of influence in Yu Nanhong; they were no longer simple vassals, but had a hint of partnership.

As for Yan Wencheng, he quickly walked over to Yan Xingyuan's side, trying hard to raise his eyebrows and wiggle his eyes, wanting to know exactly what was going on.

This was only because Shen Zongzhu had magnanimity; otherwise, if it were someone more arrogant, just based on the Yan family's sarcastic attitude, they would have already overturned the table and broken relations.

Could it be that the clan members misunderstood, thinking Elder Liu had come to show off to Nanyang Sect?

That didn't make sense; he had written it very clearly in his letter.

"The matter is somewhat complicated; you are still young, do not ask too many questions." Yan Xingyuan watched Shen Yi enter the hall in silence, then quietly reminded Yan Wencheng.

"Last time..." Yan Wencheng instinctively refuted; when they were outside the Shuiyueshang Alliance before, Elder Xingyuan had not been of this attitude.

"Shut up." Yan Xingyuan withdrew his gaze and did not explain further.

Inside the hall.

A new chair had been added beside the main seat; the two stood side by side. This strange layout clearly did not come from the handiwork of a great power.

Shen Yi sat down quietly.

Liu Shiqian stood in the middle of the hall, his expression unchanged, only a few sparks of anger surging in his eyes.

"Elder Liu, please."

Under the gaze of many Yan family elders, Yan Xianqing extended his hand to invite, a faint look of expectation appearing on his face.

Liu Shiqian glanced at him, then stepped forward to sit in the lower seat beside Shen Yi.

Upon seeing this, Yan Xianqing's expression froze for an instant; the expectation on his face turned to desolation, then he quickly adjusted his emotions and stepped forward to sit as well.

He looked at the two: "I wonder what orders Qingyue and Nanyang Xian Sect have for the Yan family today?"

Liu Shiqian spoke slowly, his voice carrying a bit more indifference, not as polite as before: "The imperial decree of the Seven Sages of Yu Nanhong should have reached the Yan family long ago, but I heard that to this day, you have not sent anyone to Nanyang Sect to request an audience."

"Since you cling to your status, and Shen Zongzhu is relatively unfamiliar with Yu Nanhong, then I, Liu, must come to guide the way and see your grandeur."

Among those present, except for the youth on the main seat.

No one else was below the realm of Killed Fanxu Perfection; each was a shrewd person, so how could they not hear the warning in Elder Liu's words?

"Xianqing dares not show off before the Xian Sect, nor has he ever had such thoughts."

Yan Xianqing rose again and bowed to the two once more.

"Is that so?"

Liu Shiqian smiled, then suddenly spoke harshly: "I thought Ya Jiao Mountain was about to become a Nanyang Baodi of Harmony with the Dao; next time I see you, I will have to address you as an elder."

If Liu Qianyun were present, she would realize that for her rigid father to say such things was already a manifestation of extreme anger.

"..."

Shen Yi watched thoughtfully; it seemed that even among those of Bai Yujing, the gap was quite large.

After all, even with the background of an Xian Sect, they were cultivators of the same realm; speaking only of status, it should not have made this Yan family patriarch so humble, being scolded to his face without daring to retort.

Otherwise, wouldn't my status as Zongzhu be even higher?

There must also be reasons of strength.

"I..."

Yan Xianqing opened his mouth, suddenly glanced at Shen Yi again, then withdrew his gaze and lowered his head: "Elder Liu is right to scold; Xianqing knows his mistake."

Upon hearing these words, a look of grievance surged on the faces of the Yan family members in the hall; they wanted to explain, yet had no way to defend themselves.

But hindered by Elder Liu's authority, they could only shift their gaze elsewhere.

"I wonder what orders Shen Zongzhu has for today."

Yan Xianqing seemed to have resigned himself, looking at Shen Yi again.

Only then did everyone turn their gaze back to the young man on the main seat; their understanding of this Shen Zongzhu was actually already considerable.

Not long ago, a message from a junior of the clan arrived; Yan Xingyuan had also personally witnessed that terrifying Heavenly Palace of his, just like the rumors, and had even personally slain General Dao Hai, who was comparable to the eighth layer of Killed Fanxu.

Such strength should not be unknown throughout Yu Nanhong.

But... the scale of the Yan family was truly too large.

What was needed was not a so-called genius, but the protection of a true great sect.

Their talent is astonishing, but for now, their shoulders are too narrow to bear the Yan family's affairs.

"It is not a command."

Shen Yi shook his head lightly, lifting his gaze: "But I have a suggestion."

"Shen Zongzhu, please speak; Xian Qing listens with both ears."

Yan Xianqing stepped into the hall and stood straight, making the scene appear slightly ridiculous.

A cultivator of Bai Yujing, who has experienced so much, likely knows more than that young man would in ten lifetimes.

Yet that young cultivator dares to speak arrogantly and offer him suggestions.

"I suggest speaking directly; we are all quite busy."

Shen Yi straightened his posture slightly and swept his gaze toward the hall below.

Since entering the Yan family, this group has maintained this attitude; even if he does not care about such things, he truly does not have time to play riddles with them.

Whatever the thought is, just say it directly.

If it works, it works; if not, it does not.

Leaving the Yan family, there are still other ways.

Hearing this, Yan Xianqing paused, then re-examined the young man. After a long silence, he suddenly laughed: "Can you really speak? Will what you hear be useful?"

Crack.

Liu Shiqian's hand rested on the arm of the chair; the place he gripped instantly turned to dust.

His gaze, cold and fierce, fixed upon Yan Xianqing.

The formidable momentum of Bai Yujing quietly enveloped the entire hall, causing everyone present to feel their breathing constrict.

"..."

Shen Yi's expression faltered slightly; he glanced at Elder Liu.

"..."

Liu Shiqian hurriedly withdrew his aura from him.

He almost forgot there was still a Mid-stage Return to Emptiness present.

"Huff."

Yan Xianqing exhaled; the two questioning sentences just spoken already counted as great disrespect.

He turned and walked toward the hall entrance: "Shen Zongzhu, Elder Liu, over these years, the Yan family has never lacked half a tribute for the Seven Sons of Yu Nanhong, never disobeyed any decree of the Xian Sect, and each time we have done our utmost, handling the task to the best."

"The loyalty of my Yan family over these tens of thousands of years is witnessed by heaven and earth; guarding a region for the Tixian Sect, countless disciples have perished."

"Why... discard us so easily?"

Yan Xianqing's bitter words seemed to voice the thoughts of the Yan family members present.

In an instant, they all retreated toward the hall entrance, then gestured with their hands to indicate the direction.

The meaning expressed was very clear.

If you truly wish to know what has happened, do you dare to move?

"Shen Zongzhu?"

Liu Shiqian rose and looked toward the main seat.

Clearly, the Yan family has encountered a matter that even a cultivator of Bai Yujing finds difficult.

Perhaps bringing Shen Yi here so hastily was somewhat ill-timed; it should have been investigated clearly beforehand.

"Let us see first."

Shen Yi rose and followed.

"This..."

Liu Shiqian paused, then helplessly shook his head.

This is not something one can simply look at.

If one looks but does not act, it would be better to leave now; at least the surface would not be too embarrassing.

It could be seen that Shen Yi perhaps did not place much importance on the empty title of Zongzhu; so young, how could he be more open-minded than those old veterans?

Outside Ya Jiao Mountain, clouds piled up, thick enough to be fearsome.

Only with extremely keen vision could one part the clouds and see the situation below.

It was a lake bay like green jade.

Various great arrays were layered upon layer, complex to an unimaginable degree.

And the purpose of all this was to mobilize spiritual energy to achieve communication with heaven and earth.

Besides guarding demons and monsters, the greatest duty of these vassal forces is to open new places of Dao-Union treasure grounds.

Of course, this is a arduous task that, even after immense effort, has a high probability of being reduced to ashes in the end.

But regardless, the great array, built over generations with human and material resources,

at least provides a tangible benefit to cultivation.

This position should have belonged to Yan Xianqing.

Now it is occupied by another figure.

"After the decree of the Seven Sons of Yu Nanhong spread, it came."

Yan Xianqing stared calmly at the scene below, his lips carrying a heavy tone of self-mockery: "Two Immortals, if I say I do not care about this, that is certainly false, but aside from this selfish heart of mine, I really wish to ask..."

"Exhausting the power of my Yan family to support a Dragon Grandson."

"Then is the Yan family a vassal of the Seven Sons of Yu Nanhong, or a vassal of the Southern Long Gong?"

He slowly turned, looking at Liu Shiqian: "Actually, you should know the answer; continuing thus, no matter how stubborn the Yan family's words, in reality, they have simply boarded the Long Gong's ship."

"Regardless of how the Seven Sons of Southern Hong are considering it, can you give the Yan family another way to survive?"

Upon saying this, Yan Xianqing bowed deeply to Liu Shiqian again: "Please, Elder Liu and Shen Zongzhu, show mercy. In the name of Qingyue Sect, negotiate with the Long Gong. We guarantee that as soon as Nanyang Sect deems the time ripe, we will sincerely support Nanyang forever, unchanging through ten thousand ages."

The so-called 'time ripe' means waiting until Nanyang Sect truly possesses the strength of an Xian Sect, not merely an empty name.

"..."

Liu Shiqian suddenly fell silent.

He had never imagined that among the one hundred and eighty-two families returned to Nanyang's hands, the one oppressed most cruelly was actually one of the four greatest powers.

If he guessed correctly,

the Long Gong knew the internal affairs of the Seven Sons of Southern Hong inside out.

They had long seen that the minds of the Seven Sons were now divided.

That was why they acted so directly and without concealment, forcibly seizing the vassal factions.

Yan Xianqing was not acting on impulse; on the contrary, he had considered things even more clearly than they had.

The method proposed by the other side was probably the only way to keep the Yan family under the name of the Seven Sons of Southern Hong.

But...

it cannot be done.

Liu Shiqian sighed.

Qingyue Sect was not his Liu Shiqian's Qingyue Sect.

To protect a Bai Yujing faction and negotiate with the Long Gong, the entire sect must step forward.

But where in the world is there so much giving without expecting a return?

Qingyue Sect helps bear the burden, and then the Yan family continues to support Nanyang Sect?

That is certainly impossible.

Unless the Yan family returns to the banner of Qingyue Sect.

But if they set this precedent for the Yan family, then among the remaining hundred-plus families, who does not have some difficulty?

That would simply return everything to the previous situation.

Nanyang Sect would once again become an empty shell with no control over the land and water of Southern Hong, and on top of that, it would become the joke of all Southern Hong.

"Give Shen Zongzhu some time."

Liu Shiqian closed his eyes; with the other's supreme talent, he would surely reclaim the Yan family.

"How long will it take?"

Yan Xianqing's face turned ashen; in the game of great powers, vassal factions like theirs were forever merely pawns.

Many members of the Yan family also stood there with faces as dead as ashes.

"Hard to say; we must fight to see."

Shen Yi gazed calmly at the situation below, stepped slowly past the crowd, and in full view of all, transformed into a purple-white long rainbow that darted into the clouds and mist!

"Ah?"

Liu Shiqian hurriedly opened his eyes, a rare look of shock appearing on his face.

That was not what I meant!

The Yan family members also stood frozen in place, utterly dumbfounded.

Fight to see?

Dare he strike at the Dragon Grandsons?!

(End of this chapter)