Chapter 133: The Culprit, Ji Yin Island?

When Yan Taibai and Yan Ruyan returned to the Miaoyin Sect, the entire Miaoyin Sect was draped in mourning.

Yet Zhou Yuan still held the not-yet-one-year-old "Xiao Ziling" in her arms to welcome them in person, then, with tear-filled eyes, she curtsied and pleaded.

"This concubine Zhou Yuan greets Brother Yan. I hope Brother Yan will avenge my late husband; this widow is willing to offer the entire Miaoyin Sect as a reward!"

"Sister Miaoyin, there is no need for this. My husband and I are already aware of this matter, and naturally, we will not sit idly by."

After receiving a signal from Yan Taibai, Yan Ruyan immediately stepped forward to help Zhou Yuan up and comforted her in a soft voice.

"Madam, rest assured. This matter has some connection to me, so I will naturally not ignore it. As for this Miaoyin Sect, Ruyan and I are accustomed to a life of leisure and do not enjoy managing such affairs; it shall remain under your management as before."

Yan Taibai's words caused the expressions of the other Golden Core Stage Cultivators of the Miaoyin Sect to shift; compared to Zhou Yuan, who was only at the peak of the Golden Core Initial Stage, they would have preferred for Yan Taibai to take charge of the entire Miaoyin Sect.

They had all come because of Yan Taibai, but at least Yan Taibai had not left, so it could be said they hadn't come in vain.

"This concubine thanks Brother Yan."

Hearing Yan Taibai's promise, Zhou Yuan finally felt a sense of relief, and she bowed again to thank him respectfully.

Before Yan Taibai arrived, the pain of losing her husband, coupled with the possibility that the Miaoyin Sect might change hands at any moment and that she and her daughter might be reduced to rogue cultivators, had left her nearly unable to bear the pressure.

Now, with these words from Yan Taibai, there would be no trouble for the Miaoyin Sect for the time being.

"Alright, let us head into the council hall first! This is not the place to talk."

Yan Taibai glanced at the other Golden Core Stage Cultivators who were hesitating to speak, and ordered in a flat tone.

"Yes! Great Elder."

Hearing this, the other Golden Core Stage Cultivators could only obey honestly, not daring to defy Yan Taibai's words.

A moment later, everyone took their seats in the Miaoyin Sect's council hall.

The seat of honor had not been Yan Taibai's, but Zhou Yuan's.

This meant that Yan Taibai had no intention of vying for power with Zhou Yuan, nor did he have any intention of seizing the entire Miaoyin Sect.

Yan Taibai simply could not bring himself to bully a widow and her orphan.

Moreover, a mere Miaoyin Sect was just a tool for him to collect materials and poisons; as long as he could use it, that was enough.

It was just that this tool had encountered some trouble, and he needed to resolve it.

Otherwise, it would be troublesome if he wanted to use it later.

At the same time, he needed to deter the entire Chaotic Star Sea; the deterrence caused by the Poison Dragon Association last time had almost worn off.

He had to do it again!

"Are there any clues?"

Although Zhou Yuan sat in the seat of honor, all the cultivators in the council hall, including Zhou Yuan, had their eyes on Yan Taibai.

"There were no traces left on Yellow Mist Island. Clearly, the other party had made all preparations specifically to avoid leaving any tracks behind."

A Golden Core Late Stage Cultivator of the Miaoyin Sect said in a deep voice.

The reason he came to the Miaoyin Sect, although also for Yan Taibai, was under orders from the Star Palace.

It was to monitor and probe Yan Taibai's situation, but most of the time he still helped the Miaoyin Sect handle many matters.

Therefore, his popularity in the Miaoyin Sect was second only to Yan Taibai, Yan Ruyan, Zhou Yuan, and Wang Heng.

His name was Ling Yun.

"No traces at all? They cleaned it up quite thoroughly. Could it be that there isn't even a single mark?"

Yan Taibai asked, disbelieving.

"If one must speak of traces, there are only slight remnants of a formation. But even Shi Zhenren of Red Moon Island was unable to investigate what kind of formation it was."

Elder Ling Yun said with a troubled expression.

This was a formation master he had called upon using his own favors, yet there were still no clues.

"Did he not find them, or was he unwilling to say?"

Hearing this, Yan Taibai chuckled softly, implying something.

"This... this old man is not sure."

Elder Ling Yun's expression stiffened, and he shook his head.

After all, whoever dared to strike at the current Miaoyin Sect Master Wang Heng, regardless of who they were, was certainly ruthless and unscrupulous.

Therefore, even if Shi Zhenren of Red Moon Island had discovered something, he might not have dared to speak.

To avoid bringing disaster upon himself—and furthermore, Red Moon Island Master had just had a daughter named Shi Die, making it even more impossible.

"Forget it. It seems I will have to invite other formation masters. Are there any other clues or traces?"

Yan Taibai asked again.

Wang Heng was, at the very least, a Golden Core Mid-stage peak cultivator; even if he encountered a Nascent Soul cultivator and knew he was doomed, he would have left some clues or traces.

"There really are none. The other party cleared everything on Yellow Mist Island. If it weren't for the fact that Yellow Mist Island is quite large, they might have even destroyed the entire island to wipe away all traces."

Elder Ling Yun gave a bitter smile and explained.

"In that case, there really are no useful clues. Very well, I will go to Yellow Mist Island myself tomorrow. Then, I will go to Red Cloud Island to ask that Shi Zhenren personally!"

"Very well, this old man will go and make arrangements."

Hearing Yan Taibai's words, Elder Ling Yun hurriedly agreed.

After all, he did not want to get too involved in this matter; in any case, it was just Wang Heng who had died, and the Star Palace would not care at all.

It was just a pity that Yan Taibai had no interest in the Miaoyin Sect; otherwise, things would have been easier to handle.

As for Elder Ling Yun's thoughts, Yan Taibai was naturally unaware. After comforting Zhou Yuan a few more times, he ended the council.

After letting Yan Ruyan accompany Zhou Yuan, Yan Taibai returned to his own cave dwelling to rest alone.

If Wang Heng's accidental death had not been related to him, he really would not have bothered to care.

"It is time to bring Xin Ruyin here."

Yan Taibai decided that if he still could not get an answer after personally asking Shi Zhenren of Red Cloud Island, he would return to Tiannan to invite Xin Ruyin over.

If all else fails, invite both the master and the disciple over.

With the attainments of the master and disciple, they should be able to discover some traces of the formation.

……

The next day, after Yan Taibai said a word to Ruyan and Zhou Yuan, he left the Miaoyin Sect for Yellow Mist Island without letting anyone follow him.

However, even so, Yellow Mist Island had become a forbidden area for the Miaoyin Sect.

Fortunately, it was just a deserted island, and it did not cause any stir.

After arriving at Yellow Mist Island, Yan Taibai did not find any useful traces, so he stopped wasting time and went directly to Red Cloud Island to ask Shi Zhenren about the situation.

He did not believe that such a famous formation master in the Chaotic Star Sea could have discovered nothing at all; who was he trying to fool!

Yet, facing Yan Taibai's arrival, the Red Moon Island Master, Shi Zhenren, actually chose to go into seclusion and refuse to see him.

"It seems he did indeed discover something, but he just doesn't dare to say it."

Although he was given the cold shoulder, Yan Taibai only chuckled and was not angry.

After all, this counted as a clue, and as for not wanting to see guests, it didn't really matter.

Yan Taibai naturally had a way!

……

Returning to Heavenly Star City, Yan Taibai did not go back to the Miaoyin Sect first, but instead headed to the Hongyun Chamber of Commerce to find Red Moon Fairy.

"Fellow Daoist Yan wants this concubine to go to Red Moon Island together?"

After hearing the purpose of Yan Taibai's request, Red Moon Fairy's delicate brows furrowed slightly, her jade face showing a hint of displeasure.

"That is correct. As a reward, I can offer the Fairy one thousand Spirit Stones. How about that?"

"It is just to accompany me on a trip to see Shi Zhenren of Red Moon Island and ask about a matter; it is not a difficult task."

Yan Taibai nodded and smiled.

"This... forget about the Spirit Stones, I will accompany you on this trip! However, if we cannot see him, you cannot blame me."

Facing Yan Taibai's request, even though she was reluctant in her heart, Red Moon Fairy still could not refuse.

Otherwise, who knew what methods Yan Taibai would use next.

"That is only natural."

Yan Taibai agreed with a smile.

"Then please wait a moment, Fellow Daoist Yan. Once I finish handling some matters at hand, I will accompany you to Red Moon Island." Red Moon Fairy nodded her head slightly and did not set off with Yan Taibai immediately.

"That is natural. Please go ahead and busy yourself, Fairy; I am not in a hurry."

Yan Taibai agreed as well.

"Many thanks, Fellow Daoist Yan."

Seeing this, Red Moon Fairy finally breathed a sigh of relief, then took out a Sound Transmission Talisman to methodically arrange her departure.

Although Red Moon Island was not too far from Heavenly Star City, a round trip would take at least half a month, not to mention how much time might be wasted in between.

Naturally, everything had to be arranged properly.

A quarter of an hour later, after arranging everything, Red Moon Fairy smiled charmingly.

"Fellow Daoist Yan, I have arranged everything; we can set off now."

"Good, please, Fairy."

Yan Taibai stood up and gestured.

Afterwards, Yan Taibai took out the Heavenly Moon Divine Boat and let Red Moon Fairy board it, and the two headed to Red Moon Island together.

"Fellow Daoist Yan, this spirit boat is worth at least ten thousand Spirit Stones, and the refining technique used here is even superior to those in the Star Sea, and it is not primarily refined from Demon Beast materials."

After leaving Heavenly Star City, Red Moon Fairy examined the Heavenly Moon Divine Boat and gave her assessment.

"That is indeed the case; the refining method and materials for this Heavenly Moon Divine Boat are indeed not primarily based on Demon Beasts."

Yan Taibai nodded in agreement.

He was not worried about Red Moon Fairy seeing through anything.

Subsequently, the two chatted idly, and the atmosphere improved significantly.

By the time they arrived at Red Moon Island, they were already addressing each other as sister and brother.

After all, Red Moon Fairy was at least over three hundred years old, while Yan Taibai was only twenty or thirty; even if his strength and divine abilities were above hers, calling her sister was no big deal.

Regarding the joint visit of Red Moon Fairy and Yan Taibai, even if Shi Zhenren of Red Moon Island was unwilling, he had to come out of seclusion to receive them.

And the appearance of the Red Moon Island Master, Shi Zhenren, truly exceeded Yan Taibai's expectations.

He had originally thought he would be an old man of seventy or eighty, which was why Red Moon Fairy didn't fancy him, but he hadn't expected him to be a young man in his early thirties, tall and imposing, with an elegant and refined demeanor that was in no way inferior to Wang Heng.

"I never imagined Shi Zhenren would have such an image; it truly exceeds my expectations."

Yan Taibai cupped his hands and smiled straightforwardly.

"You flatter me, Fellow Daoist Yan. I never thought you would be able to invite Sister Red Moon."

Shi Zhenren sighed softly and shook his head.

He did not seem to have much wariness toward Yan Taibai.

This was the confidence of a formation master!

"There was no other way; since the Master was unwilling to see me, I had to resort to this desperate measure. I hope the Master will forgive me."

Yan Taibai bowed slightly with an apologetic look.

"Forget it, come in and tell me what the matter is!"

Afterwards, Shi Zhenren personally led the way and brought the two into the guest hall of Red Moon Island.

Then, he ordered his disciple to personally pour tea for the two.

"Sister Red Moon, go and see Die'er! You haven't seen the child since she was born."

After the three of them had finished their tea, Shi Daoren spoke directly to Red Moon Fairy.

"Very well, this younger sister understands."

Upon hearing this, Red Moon Fairy stood up and agreed. She also understood that the matters to follow were not things she could involve herself in or listen to.

In any case, she had already fulfilled Yan Taibai's request, so there would be no issue even if she left Red Moon Island alone right now.

After Red Moon Fairy departed, Shi Daoren sighed softly, his face showing signs of difficulty as he continued to speak.

"I am already aware of the purpose of Fellow Daoist Yan's visit, but for the sake of the safety of my entire Red Moon Island, I truly cannot tell Fellow Daoist Yan."

"I hope Fellow Daoist Yan will not make things difficult for me."

"I must investigate the situation regarding this matter; this time it is I who have come, but next time it might be my Martial Uncle coming to inquire in my stead. His temper is not very good, and he will not be as polite as I am, so I hope Fellow Daoist Shi will reconsider!"

Hearing this, Yan Taibai smiled broadly and said in a calm tone.

Yet it still caused Shi Daoren's expression to change, and after hesitating for a long time, he finally nodded.

"The array related to Fellow Daoist Wang that was set up on Yellow Mist Island is called the Yin Ghost Soul Devouring Array, and there are only three forces in the entire Chaotic Star Sea capable of setting it up. They are Ji Yin Island, Ghost Mountain, and the Six Monster Evildoers, respectively."

"Among them, the possibility of it being Ghost Mountain is the lowest, because their entire sect has been closed for a hundred years, and the Six Monster Evildoers have also been missing for more than ten years and have always been wanted by the Star Palace, so the possibility is not great either."

"Therefore, the greatest possibility is Ji Yin Island. And the Island Master of this Ji Yin Island, Ji Yin Old Monster, is a Nascent Soul cultivator who is sinister, ruthless, and commits all kinds of evil. That is why I am worried, and I hope Fellow Daoist Yan will forgive me."

True Master Shi of Red Moon Island spoke in an orderly manner.

But the worry on his face could not be dispelled; neither Ji Yin Island nor Yan Taibai were existences he could afford to provoke, but since things had reached this point, he had no other choice but to tell the truth.

"It should be the Six Monster Evildoers; the possibility of it being Ji Yin Island is not great. Besides Fellow Daoist Wang, there were two other Golden Core Stage cultivators; unless Ji Yin Old Monster himself takes action, the possibility of keeping them all there even with the help of an array is not great."

Yan Taibai shook his head instead and said.

In fact, there was one thing he did not say, which was that Wang Heng possessed two Ancient Treasures he had gifted him, and his strength already far surpassed that of an ordinary Golden Core Late Stage cultivator.

And within Ji Yin Island, there were no such cultivators other than Ji Yin Old Monster; even with the help of an array, the possibility of keeping Wang Heng there was not very high.

As for Ji Yin Old Monster, he should still be in seclusion cultivating the Heavenly Capital Corpse Fire and would not do such a thing at all.

On the contrary, the Six Monster Evildoers, who had been missing for many years, were more likely.

This was an intuition, and his intuition had always been quite accurate.

Therefore, Yan Taibai felt that the most likely culprits were these Six Monster Evildoers!

His words caused Shi Daoren's expression to change slightly, and he immediately retorted.

"But they have been missing for many years!"

"That is not important; what is important is that I feel it is them." Yan Taibai's tone sank as he said coldly.

(End of this chapter)