Chapter 563: The Reunion of the Two Yu Nanhong Zongzhu

"He is at Banshan Sect."

The cold woman in the white robe slowly put away her Dao token, looked back, and said, "I will take you there first."

She saw that the six Dao Sons of Yu Nanhong, including Lin You, had gathered together, accompanied by Luo Changchun, the Dao Son of Yunhe Sect, and several elders of Bai Yu Jing.

Ji Jingxi waved her sleeve slightly, and the group vanished from their spot.

When they reappeared, a magnificent heavenly pillar stood before them.

She raised her gaze, a hint of curiosity stirring in her eyes.

Since the request for aid was split into two routes, Ji Jingxi naturally knew how hard the Dao Sons had worked; there was absolutely no laziness involved, but the situations encountered on both sides differed far too much.

Compared to Zhong Xiu and Dai Jianshu, who met with rejection wherever they went, nearly fell into an ambush by the Western Long Gong, and only managed to secure aid from a Dao-Integration Realm cultivator thanks to Lin You,

Wei Yuanzhou's side was simply too smooth; Banshan Sect didn't even set any conditions or ask for specific details about the Seven Sons of Yu Nanhong, but readily agreed to offer full assistance.

Even with Ji Jingxi's calm nature, it felt a bit unreal.

Just as that Weixiaoshen Sect Zongzhu was also at Banshan Sect, it was a perfect chance to go in and take a look.

Thinking this, she released her aura, bowed slightly, and was about to be polite, but saw a flash of golden light from the heavenly pillar; immediately, a steady-looking middle-aged man stepped out and performed a deep, respectful bow.

"Dao Son of Banshan Sect, Yan Chongzhang, greets Senior Ji."

Having spoken, Yan Chongzhang added a serious explanation: "My master was busy earlier; it was not a deliberate slight against Senior Ji. He will arrive shortly."

"..."

Seeing his respectful demeanor, Bai Wu rubbed her brow, recalled the small misunderstanding that arose when they first arrived, and couldn't help but smile helplessly.

Indeed, talk of Yu Nanhong and Western Hong being equal was false; in this land of Hongze, one must look at hard power.

Before the true Zongzhu of the Seven Sons of Yu Nanhong, there was no need to prove anything, and no one would mention the term "Southern Barbarian."

"No need for such ceremony; I also wished to thank Huang Zongzhu in person."

Ji Jingxi nodded slightly, then, led by Yan Chongzhang, entered the sacred grounds of Banshan Sect.

"These martial men never acted this way before; it must be because your Zongzhu Ji has such great influence."

In the crowd, Luo Changchun smiled softly at Lin You; Yunhe Sect, also a Western Hong faction, was far inferior in strength to Banshan Sect and thus knew these people better.

Before Lin You could reply, Su Hongxiu glanced over coldly.

She did not quite agree with that statement.

Perhaps Zongzhu Ji could make Banshan Sect treat them with the highest courtesy, but to truly persuade these martial men to leave Western Hong and travel to Yu Nanhong to assist, it relied on Shen Zongzhu's personal value, which had drawn Banshan Sect's attention.

Influence does not necessarily translate into real benefits.

"By the way, who are you here to pick up? Let me guess, is it the last Dao Son... that one from General Nanyang Sect?"

Luo Changchun, having his first chance to leave Western Hong, was naturally somewhat excited.

"Half right."

Lin You withdrew her gaze and looked toward the magnificent main hall ahead.

They had parted in such a hurry last time that she hadn't even had a chance to greet Shen Zongzhu... He probably didn't even know her, but she had many things she wanted to ask him.

Ji Jingxi glanced sideways at the elders of Banshan Sect standing respectfully on both sides; such a grand display was reasonable enough, yet for some reason, apart from respect, she vaguely saw a trace of relief after surviving a calamity on their faces.

That was strange; if Banshan Sect was already in trouble, how could they spare the strength to aid Yu Nanhong?

Could it be that these young ones misunderstood the other party's intentions... or perhaps Banshan Sect was hiding some other motive?

"Senior Ji, please."

Yan Chongzhang gestured toward the main hall: "Shen Qianbei is waiting for you inside."

Upon hearing this, Ji Jingxi was slightly stunned, and the other Dao Sons exchanged bewildered glances.

If everything before could be explained by Qingyue Sect Zongzhu's identity, what was the meaning of this "Shen Qianbei"?

"Why are you looking at me..."

Wei Yuanzhou's jaw twitched; he had not exposed Shen Yi's identity, and based on his understanding of Shen Zongzhu, the other would not recklessly flaunt his Zongzhu status without cause.

Moreover,

judging by what they saw upon their first visit to Banshan Sect, these people did not care about status; otherwise, they would not have sent several elders' direct disciples out to provoke their Dao Sons.

Ji Jingxi composed herself and stepped into the great hall.

Once she saw the situation inside, her doubts finally surfaced in her eyes.

She saw that in the empty hall, only one person was seated, and he occupied the main seat.

The other was still wearing that black robe; who else could it be but Shen Yi?

Beside Shen Yi, an old man with some cultivation, whose aura was weak and who was likely still bearing serious injuries, was beaming with a smile, asking after his health, pouring tea, and bowing repeatedly, looking exactly like a sycophant.

Shen Yi, meanwhile, lowered his eyes and rubbed his temples with a rather headache-inducing expression.

"That is the Great Elder of Banshan Sect." Wei Yuanzhou, equally shocked, spoke up to introduce him to Zongzhu Ji.

"..."

Ji Jingxi stood silently in place; this hardly looked like her own Zongzhu of General Nanyang. If someone else hadn't said so, just looking at the scene, she would have thought she was visiting the Zongzhu of Banshan Sect.

Wait, what exactly happened here after we parted?

Compared to the other Dao Sons, Luo Changchun, hailing from Western Hong, was already stunned on the spot; it was hard to imagine that the humble old man ahead was the powerful and influential Elder Yang he had seen at banquets before.

Has Yu Nanhong's power reached such a level now that asking for help comes with such treatment?

He had thought Yunhe Sect was already generous enough, and that he was half a benefactor to Daoist Lin You; now seeing this, he realized they fell far short compared to Banshan Sect, which explained why Daoist Lin had always been lukewarm toward him...

"Hah."

Shen Yi finally couldn't take it anymore and pushed away the old face of Yang Yunheng leaning in.

He was now truly beginning to regret saving the other.

Who is this annoying?

"Oh! Oh!"

Yang Yunheng straightened up and finally saw the crowd at the hall entrance, hurriedly putting on a smiling face to apologize: "It was my negligence, I didn't realize Senior Ji had already arrived, apologies, apologies. You all chat, I'll step back first."

Having said that, he quickly escorted the Qingyue Sect Master to the secondary seat.

Being a shrewd man, how could Yang Yunheng fail to guess that although the Yu Nanhong Seven were said to share life and death, there must still be subtle distinctions among them.

Now that Banshan Sect and General Nanyang Sect had together suppressed Situ Junrui of Liangdaohuang Sect, they were already on the same boat and could no longer throw in their lot with another house.

At this moment, of course, General Nanyang Sect had to be placed in a more important position, to avoid Shen Zongzhu taking it amiss.

As for the Qingyue Sect Master having higher cultivation… don't be ridiculous. Every time Shen Zongzhu came, the strength he displayed was far beyond what was seen last time; who knew what fraction of his true power this visit would reveal.

"Please, please."

Yang Yunheng smiled and cupped his fists at the remaining few, then left the great hall without looking back, even channeling his Qi to help everyone close the hall doors. Though clearly within the Banshan treasure-ground, he acted entirely as if he were an outsider, and didn't mind it in the slightest.

Taking in this scene, Ji Jingxi finally shook her head with a helpless light laugh.

Of course she wouldn't mind the matter of seating order; she merely glanced sideways at Shen Yi: "What exactly is going on here? Can they be trusted?"

Although Shen Yi looked about the same age as the several Dao children, even younger.

But for some reason, it just made Ji Jingxi feel he was more reliable.

"Yes."

Shen Yi nodded. Having sent off that Grand Elder, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

After all, he had just taken Wuming Mountain from these people without asking, and added quite a bit of trouble for them; naturally his attitude couldn't be too stiff.

But he truly wasn't used to being coddled like this.

"That's good then."

Seeing Shen Yi so certain, Ji Jingxi didn't press further. The other party was already a Sect Master; though a bit young and temporarily unable to fully shoulder the duties of one, he still needed to have basic judgment on these matters.

"Thank you for your hard work, this trip was fortunate to have you."

A trace of a gratified smile appeared on her Bai Xi cool and aloof face; this remark was no mere pleasantry. This young Weixiaoshen Sect Master had genuinely protected Zhong Xiu and the others' lives.

"Mm?" Shen Yi looked over with slight puzzlement, somehow feeling there was a second half to come.

Sure enough, Ji Jingxi took out a small, exquisite treasure ship from her thumb ring and placed it on the table:

"There's one more thing to trouble you with. I still need to make a trip to Lady Yushan in the water; could you escort these few back to the Sect? I've already sent word to the Sect — Deng Xiangjun of Wushuang Sect will come to Xihong to rendezvous, and we've arranged to meet here. When he arrives, he'll contact you via a Dao tablet."

Ji Jingxi didn't know Shen Yi that well, but judging from what she'd seen so far, she figured just saying "Deng Xiangjun" would most likely mean nothing to him.

Mm… to be honest, she wasn't even sure this young Weixiaoshen Sect Master knew her own name.

"My surname is Ji, just call me Jingxi."

"Shen Yi."

Shen Yi nodded and politely cupped his fists.

Seeing this, the several Dao children below instantly turned awkward, instinctively glancing to the side.

Sure enough, the cultivators of Yunhe Sect led by Luo Changchun were already staring dumbfounded.

Yu Nanhong Seven, sharing life and death… what a distant "sharing life and death."

"…"

Ji Jingxi lightly covered her lips with a smile, increasingly finding this young man interesting. Ever since Qin Shixiong had his accident, the senior brothers and sisters had grown increasingly silent, rarely having the joy they once did.

The next moment, she heard Shen Yi ask: "What happened?"

"Mm?"

Ji Jingxi composed her smile; she hadn't expected the other party to be so perceptive. After a moment's thought: "Senior Zi Xian, that is Lady Yushan Dragon Consort — you should have met her. She quite admires you."

"She sent word to me that lately Xihong has seen many upheavals, various outside forces trying to muddy the waters — Liangdaohuang Sect, Wan Yao Dian and the like. There have even been Xian Sects destroyed, and Wanxiang Pavilion's nest occupied by a cuckoo. You may not be familiar with these, but they are all major powers with established names; compared to them, even Yu Nanhong seems safe."

Saying this, a trace of worry appeared between Ji Jingxi's brows: "For you all… for these juniors, this place has already become somewhat too dangerous. I'm only one person and truly can't be everywhere at once. Fortunately, calling for reinforcements has yielded some results, so I still have to trouble you to escort them back."

Her words fell.

The several Dao children all looked slightly downcast.

With Yu Nanhong's scarce resources, they had achieved Bai Yujing cultivation of three cities; among them, the outstanding ones — Su Hongxiu and Zhong Xiu, for instance — if they could leave Yu Nanhong, had hope of opening four cities.

In terms of natural talent alone, it would not be amiss to call them the equal of the heavenly prodigies of the great clans of the North.

Who wouldn't want to, like Xue Yan, enter the top seat of the Dao Soldier Register, then inherit a treasure-ground and become a Combined Dao realm giant renowned throughout all of Hongze.

But the situation had turned chaotic too quickly; they hadn't had enough time to grow.

When it came to matters involving the Long Gong, they still appeared too green — even beings who needed protection.

Bai Wu let out a sigh.

Forget them — even Shen Zongzhu, whose talent was so outstanding that even Banshan Sect couldn't resist trying to poach him, wasn't his own master, however politely she phrased it, still wanting to send him back to Yu Nanhong?

If they truly intended to have Shen Zongzhu escort them, why bother having Uncle Deng come to rendezvous.

"Understood."

Shen Yi didn't stand up like some fool and say that he actually knew all those forces, and quite well at that.

This was actually good news.

It proved that even with Lady Yushan Dragon Consort's control over Xihong, she couldn't confirm any connection between these matters and the Yu Nanhong Seven; then the even more distant forces of the North would find it all the harder to investigate.

What Shen Yi needed most right now was time.

"That's good then."

Seeing Shen Yi agree so readily, the smile on Ji Jingxi's face grew richer.

She now felt her senior brothers' judgment might be mistaken. Shen Yi might not be the arrogant, troublemaking type at all; rather, these few encounters made her feel he was becoming increasingly reminiscent of Qin Shixiong.

Under this young Weixiaoshen Sect Master's lead, General Nanyang Sect might truly return to its former standing — perhaps even higher.

"Senior Zi Xian still has things to discuss with me, so I'll head over first. Be very careful… don't let anything happen to you."

Ji Jingxi slowly rose to her feet, lightly rubbing her brow with a touch of weariness.

For her, meeting with Senior Zi Xian was even more exhausting than crossing swords with another Heavenly Realm cultivator.

But for the current Nanhong Seven, having a sufficiently reliable channel of information was a very necessary matter.

"Don't worry, I'll do my best to keep an eye on them." Shen Yi rose to see her off.

"I…" Ji Jingxi's voice faltered slightly. She sighed, and finally couldn't help but reveal a bit of an elder's manner, giving him a helpless, reproachful glance: "Sigh, and you yourself as well."

Having said that, she smiled and shook her head, then finally stepped toward the outside of the hall.

Just then, the hall doors slowly opened.

An old man in hemp clothing stood smiling at the doorway, cupping his fists: "Greetings, Sect Master Ji."

Ji Jingxi was stunned for a moment before she reacted—this seemingly harmless old man was actually the true Sect Master of Banshan Sect…placing him together with Shen Yi, whether in bearing or in the treatment he received, the latter seemed more like the master of Banshan's treasured land.

"Sect Master Huang, Jingxi has yet to properly thank your sect, and discuss matters concerning Nanhong…"

"What's there to discuss, nothing to discuss."

Huang Xinyi waved his hand, feeling somewhat emotional inside. They all said the Nanhong Seven had fallen on hard times, yet here one could casually produce a Heavenly Realm expert, looking so ethereal in temperament—wasn't he more like a reclusive senior who had long dwelled at the side of an immortal than Situ Junrui?

As the faces of the several Daozi changed drastically and Ji Jingxi slightly raised an eyebrow.

He laughed freely and heartily: "My Banshan Sect's two Dao-Comprehending treasured lands, and all the cultivators above and below, will obey Sect Master Shen's orders and dispatch."

This time, let alone Luo Changchun and the group of Yunhe Sect cultivators, even Su Hongxiu and Wei Yuanzhou, who had been prepared, couldn't help the shock and astonishment in their eyes.

This wasn't trying to poach Sect Master Shen over and thus treating him like a dear son.

Listening to that tone, it was completely treating him like a dear father.

"……"

For a moment, Ji Jingxi actually didn't know how to respond.

She turned slightly, looked deeply at Shen Yi, and suddenly realized that perhaps he wasn't as immature as she had imagined.

Only Ji Jingxi didn't quite understand how, without taking action, one could make a cultivator from distant West Hong display such a sincerely convinced attitude toward the sects of South Hong.

It didn't look like coercion either—at the very least, Sect Master Huang was smiling quite happily.

According to her thoughts before coming, no matter what, Ji Jingxi should have asked Shen Yi why, without informing her, he had revealed his identity as sect master in the unfamiliar West Hong.

But now, she didn't want to ask anymore.

No matter what methods Shen Yi had used, as long as Banshan Sect's attitude wasn't feigned, then he was already fully capable of shouldering the responsibilities of sect master.

"Since that is the case, Jingxi won't disturb you all any longer."

This Qingyue Sect Master withdrew her gaze with somewhat complicated feelings, and bid farewell with a bow.

Then her figure vanished from the spot.

"Sect Master Shen?"

Only then did Old Man Huang look toward Shen Yi.

"It's fine, stay a few more days."

Urgent as time was, Shen Yi didn't mind escorting these people back. After all, setting everything else aside, when the South Long Gong wanted to move against his own vassals back then, Wei Yuanzhou and the others had stepped forward to help hold the line without a second thought.

But it happened that he was waiting for that Wushuang Sect Master to come over, and he also wanted to take advantage of these days to borrow the hands of Banshan Sect, this local power, to search a bit for news about the Haoyue Shuanghu clan leader.

Without a Heavenly Realm expert by his side, he ultimately didn't feel entirely at ease.

Moreover, he also needed to ponder further the usage of this Divine Mountain Suppressing the Clear Sky.

……

West Hong, the peak of Lady Yushan.

In the inner chambers.

Senior Zi Xian flipped through jade slip after jade slip. Though her expression was as usual, her movements lacked some of her former composure.

Her marriage into West Hong had been for the purpose of carrying out her father king's mission.

The Dragon Kings of the Four Dragon Palaces basically needed to spend most of their time helping immortals suppress fortune with dragon blood, so the true power-holders of the Dragon Palaces were usually the Crown Prince.

Marginalize Qi Da, help him ascend to the position of Crown Prince, take control of the West Palace Dragon Seal, prepare for the East Long Gong's scheme, and finally use East and West Hong to shield North Hong's sight, slowly plotting against the South Long Gong.

At this point, the grand plan would be considered half accomplished.

As early as a hundred thousand years ago, her father king had already discovered that in this land of Hongze, no matter how much strength they gathered, they could never be a match for the immortals.

To possess the strength to flip the table, one needed to borrow power.

The power capable of restraining an immortal naturally had to be borrowed from the heavens as well.

As a purple-maned white dragon, what she lacked least was time. With the strong support of the East Long Gong, wanting to control West Hong was actually a sure thing.

Qi Da would certainly play petty tricks.

But whatever price he could pay, Senior Zi Xian could easily pay more.

For instance, An Tingfeng, whom he had always wanted to win over—that fierce tiger's most desired soul-sustaining item could only be provided by the East Long Gong.

Therefore, Senior Zi Xian rarely felt any obstacles.

As long as things weren't blown out of proportion and woke the West Long Wang, that was fine.

But now, she had genuinely sensed the entire situation developing toward losing control. Forces upon forces were inexplicably sticking their noses in. From the news obtained from her niece, aside from the others, now the East Long Gong even had to help shield the Yue family's sight…

"Hah."

She let out a long breath, and immediately a smile quickly spread across her face. She raised her eyes to look ahead: "You're here?"

In the lavishly decorated boudoir, a figure in plain white slowly materialized.

Ji Jingxi, without waiting for the other to invite her to speak, first took a seat at the side position, then said softly: "I went to see Shen Yi."

"Shen Yi?"

Senior Zi Xian's eyebrows rose almost imperceptibly—how did she even drop the two words "sect master"?

"Pretty good." Ji Jingxi nodded.

"Is that so?"

Senior Zi Xian tugged at her rosy lips, her palm covering the letter sent by her niece. This "pretty good" Sect Master Shen had just, on behalf of the Nanhong Seven, forged a deadly feud with the Yue family.

After a moment's thought, she withdrew her palm.

Very well, considering that boy earned me face last time, I won't speak ill of him behind his back this time.

Besides, given Jingxi's personality, she probably wouldn't like such a gesture anyway.

"Look at this."

Zi Xian, taking advantage of the situation, picked out another jade slip and tossed it lightly over: "I do need your help, but my thoughts are on you all as well."

"Hmm?" Ji Jingxi took the jade slip, scanned it carefully, then furrowed her brows slightly.

"My subordinates received word that the old phoenix of West Hong has set its sights on the new reinforcements you just hired." Zi Xian smiled lightly; with her control over West Hong, she could warn the Seven of South Hong of many troubles in advance.

"How about it? Shall I send someone over to warn it?"

"No need, I'll go myself."

Ji Jingxi slowly rose to her feet. The Cloud River Sect had just dispatched numerous cultivators to South Hong to assess the situation; at such a time, there could be no mishaps.

It would be more reassuring if I went personally.

"Thank you."

"I said, no need to be polite with me; after all, you stayed behind to help me."

This time Zi Xian did not try to detain the other; rather than words, she only needed to continually demonstrate her value to the Seven of South Hong, and Jingxi would keep returning to her side.

It also happened to send that boy surnamed Shen back to South Hong.

Zi Xian was now in high spirits; her earlier anxiety had vanished completely.

"..."

Though Ji Jingxi looked young and possessed the beauty of sinking fish and falling geese, having served as Shen Zongzhu for so many years, how could she not see through Zi Xian's intentions?

She just couldn't understand... why the people of Donglong Palace, though clearly well-meaning, always had some incomprehensible quirks that made it truly hard to feel at ease getting close to them.

Indeed, indeed, judging from that rhetorical question just now, it seemed she was even getting jealous over Shen Zongzhu.

Just thinking that thought made Ji Jingxi feel it was absurd; what exactly was filling Zi Xian's mind?

Her smile carried even more helplessness: "Then I shall take my leave first."

(End of this chapter)