Chapter 268: Bowing Again to the Blue Sky!

The night breeze blew gently, the moon was bright and the stars were sparse.

Li Yuan slipped out quietly, vanishing into the shadows; rising and falling, he moved with flexible agility and without a sound.

Now, possessing fifty forms, including those of spiritual birds, he could perfectly unleash the enhancement of three pairs of Grade Five boots; appearing and disappearing within the shadows, he was truly like a ghost.

Li Yuan had scouted the layout of Hun Tian's thirteen peaks and even the various halls of Long Men not long after entering the sect; with his proficiency in lightness skill, he reached the foot of Hun Tian Peak with ease.

"Senior Brother Dou Yue has mastered blood replacement for many years; it is best not to approach too closely."

Although disguised with a masked face, Li Yuan remained very cautious; he stopped his steps from far away, then reached out to take a powerful bow.

He took advantage of the momentum to seize control of the 【Hundred-Year Wild Ox Bow (Grade Five)】.

Over the past half-year, he had not publicly practiced archery, but whenever he entered or exited the Shan Xuan Jing Mi Jing, he would practice a little; the 'Chuan Lin Yang Jian Fa' passed down to him by Jing Jing Shuhu had also reached perfection.

"Long Hu Temple is heavily guarded, especially the inner sect; the Yang Sheng Lu covers it, and without an inner sect token, outsiders cannot hide upon entering; I only need to send a warning, no need to reveal myself."

In the shadows of the mountain path, Li Yuan took out a written letter, tied it to an arrow, then drew the bow, aiming at the gate of Hun Tian Hall.

He only wanted to send a warning; changing into these clothes was merely a precaution, not to make Li Li Yuanba appear before others.

Bang!

With a thought, Li Yuan immediately drew the bow, shot an arrow without looking back, tapped his foot lightly, and retreated rapidly; after a few rises and falls, he had descended Hun Tian Peak.

In the shadows, he looked back and saw lights flickering on Hun Tian Peak, with dozens of figures rushing toward the mountain path; their reaction was fast, and the guard was strict.

He even saw more than ten golden eagles flying up from the dense forest, ascending to high places to overlook Hun Tian Peak.

"The guard is indeed strict."

Li Yuan muttered to himself; upon landing again, he darted into the bamboo forest, circled around a few times, returned to the courtyard, and quickly changed back into his clothes.

"Hun Tian Hall is the combat-focused hall among Long Men's three halls; given Senior Brother Dou Yue's temperament, regardless of whether that letter is true or false, he will become alert."

Blowing out the oil lamp, Li Yuan yawned, lay down without even taking off his clothes.

With Long Hu Temple's strength, even a Grand Master would not be able to sneak in silently under the circumstances of an advance warning; naturally, he could sleep peacefully.

Boom!

Boom!

Signal arrows exploded into the sky from all of Hun Tian's peaks.

The elite disciples of Hun Tian's various departments rushed out to patrol all areas, and disciples from Bai Shou Shan rode golden eagles to patrol the many peaks of the Long Hu inner sect.

"The arrow is the most common refined iron arrow; the archer's skill is average, and the longbow used was likely not a fine object either."

Hun Tian Hall was brightly lit; Monk Dou Yue sat behind the desk, and under the light, his figure appeared even more imposing; several inner sect disciples reported solemnly:

"This person shot the arrow and left immediately, leaving no traces or footprints; his lightness skill must be extremely high."

"Once the signal arrow sounded, the inner sect was sealed..."

"Long Yin Hall replied, saying the Yang Sheng Lu shows no irregularities and no traces of outsiders entering or leaving the inner sect have been found; this person is very likely an inner sect disciple."

"A disciple of the temple?"

Monk Dou Yue muttered to himself; his voice was deep and loud, and as soon as he spoke, everyone else in the hall fell silent.

"Go to Bai Shou Shan and invite Han Tong."

Monk Dou Yue gave the order, and a disciple quickly departed; he himself held the letter, his gaze slightly cold:

"A Guardian of the Xieshen Sect?"

Holding the letter, regardless of whether it was true or false, since it concerned a Guardian of the Xieshen Sect, he must get to the bottom of it.

However...

"This letter..."

Monk Dou Yue muttered to himself; the Yang Sheng Lu covers the inner sect, and without a token, even a Grand Master could not sneak in silently.

Could it truly be an inner sect disciple?

"Junior Brother Dou Yue."

Not long after, Han Tong arrived with his sword, stepping into Hun Tian Hall.

"Senior Brother Han."

Monk Dou Yue handed the letter over; the latter took it, frowned slightly; the writing on the letter was very messy, written very cautiously, containing only one sentence:

"Yesterday, a Guardian of the Xieshen Sect entered the city."

"A Guardian of the Xieshen Sect?"

Han Tong frowned: "What does Junior Brother Dou Yue think?"

"Regardless of whether it is true or false, we must investigate thoroughly."

Monk Dou Yue's expression was solemn; with the Sect Master and the heads of the various halls having gone down the mountain and not yet returned, the presence of a figure of Guardian level from the Xieshen Sect in Hengshan City left him no choice but to be cautious.

Such high-level experts would rarely move lightly; once they appear, it often means something major is about to happen.

"The Xieshen Sect has eight Guardians; if it were Huang Bai and others, it would be fine, but if it were Fang Chao Tong or Lin Dong Jun, that is something neither you nor I can investigate thoroughly."

Han Tong paced a few steps and sat down.

Among the eight Guardians of the Xieshen Sect, five have not yet penetrated Yin and Yang, but the other three have long since entered the Dao; compared to the Four Dharma Kings, they are only slightly inferior.

"Even if it is Fang Chao Tong or Lin Dong Jun, if they dare to sneak into Hengshan City at this time, they must be caught."

Monk Dou Yue stood up tall: "Afterwards, I will go to report to our Master; as for Senior Brother Han..."

"Within the mountain gates, I, Han, will guard."

Han Tong nodded: "Just now, I sent disciples to patrol the mountain; forty-three golden eagles are enough to cover the inner sect's mountain range."

"As for the other elders..."

Monk Dou Yue looked at him.

"Old Chu is severely injured; Long Yin Hall is temporarily under Lin Jia's responsibility; afterwards, I will go find him; as for the other elders..."

Speaking, Han Tong paused slightly, then raised his eyes to look at Monk Douyue:

"We will also arrange personnel."

The struggle between the Wudadao Sect and the Xieshen Sect has long existed; the two of them have experience dealing with such matters.

Nothing more than guarding the mountain gates, patrolling the Dao City, contacting the Commander of the Longhu Army, and, caring for the sect's elite disciples, as well as the elders who are old and frail, nearing the end of their lifespans, and have no family heirs.

Especially that last point...

"For safety's sake, do not make a grand display; everything, wait until the Dao Master and the Hall Masters return."

Han Tong also stood up: "This matter must also be reported to the Main Peak."

"Hmm."

Monk Douyue said no more, quickly left the room, and headed straight for the Longshan Main Peak; since it concerned the Xieshen Sect's Guardian, he naturally had to report it as well.

Early the next morning, Li Yuan woke from his dreams, stretched his limbs, and made a 'crackling' sound.

"Hah!"

He quickly dressed and washed, then picked up his heavy hammer and went out.

"It is said that last night assassins infiltrated the Hunlan Hall, attempting to assassinate Junior Uncle Monk Douyue."

"Where did these killers come from, to be so bold? The Star-Picking Tower?"

"It must be the Star-Picking Tower; those madmen dare even assassinate the Emperor..."

Li Yuan first went to the Pure Gang Peak; along the way, the number of patrolling disciples suddenly increased. He paid slight attention and heard much about last night's events.

He feigned surprise and asked many people, but in truth, he already knew the score.

Since it concerned the Xieshen Sect's Guardian, and with the Dao Master and all Hall Masters absent, if he were Monk Douyue, he would also prioritize stability.

Strictly guarding the sect, sending messages to the Dao Master and Hall Masters, and then secretly searching is the correct course.

"On the surface, the Longhu Temple now has only Master stationed there, and he is still seriously injured, but there may well be other experts lying in wait in secret."

Li Yuan's heart was crystal clear.

Even he knew to keep a trump card; how could the Longhu Temple possibly have truly sent out its entire force?

Judging others by himself, he felt that the Dao Master Senior Uncle, whom he had not yet met, was likely also a fisherman...

The Pure Gang Peak was bustling with activity, completely unaffected; many disciples came and went.

Li Yuan lit the fire to repair weapons, while also chatting with nearby disciples, talking from last night's events to the recent happenings at Hundred Beasts Mountain.

"What bad luck; a few days ago while patrolling the mountain, I don't know what spiritual beast darted out from the dense forest; it clawed my sword and broke it in one swipe."

A disciple from the Hundred Beasts Hall, his face full of heartache, spoke, then forced a smile: "Junior Uncle Li, you will have to work hard again."

"Hasn't this sword been broken twice already?"

This was still a familiar face; he had come twice in three months. Li Yuan had some impression of him; he took the sword and weighed it in his hand:

"It can be repaired, but you could also consider trading the old for a new one; provide the iron, and I will forge a new sword for you, charging nothing; the quality will surely be better than this one."

"This..."

The disciple was somewhat tempted, but still shook his head and politely refused: "This sword, this disciple has used it with affection; let us not exchange it. If repaired, it can still be used."

Disciples of the Longhu Temple naturally have some who are poor.

This poverty is not lacking a few dozen or a hundred taels of silver, but rather running about for spiritual pills, spiritual rice, Wu Gong, and weapons; silver is never enough to spend.

"Put it down; I will repair it when I have time."

Li Yuan accepted this commission, then feigned casualness and asked about the Golden-Eyed Angry Sunny Chicken; having just refused Zhang Adah yesterday, he would not go knocking on their door again today.

"Golden-Eyed Angry Sunny Chicken? Oh, oh, Old Master Jin's pair of spiritual chicken kings?"

The disciple was slightly stunned, then remembered.

"Correct."

Li Yuan put down the hammer.

On the Pure Gang Peak, besides the disciples of the Pure Gang Peak itself, the disciples of the Hundred Beasts Hall were the most numerous; they did not all come to repair weapons, but rather brought ores, spiritual herbs, and the like to sell.

The rules within the Longhu Temple are very strict, yet not set in stone; disciples of Hundred Beasts Mountain are forbidden from privately killing spiritual beasts or harvesting from the spiritual herb fields, but wild plants, or certain items, belong to them.

"The Yellow Dragon Manor is extremely protective of that Golden-Eyed Angry Sunny Chicken; it is said that the chicken king lays one egg every month, its effect comparable to a spiritual pill..."

"How is it every month? I heard it is every day."

"How is it possible every day? However, that Angry Sunny Chicken is indeed a golden chicken; although its ranking on the Ten Thousand Beasts List is not high, its value is priceless..."

Outside Li Yuan's forging station were not lacking disciples from various halls; hearing him ask about the Angry Sunny Chicken, many who knew something chimed in.

The crowd argued, while Li Yuan listened quietly.

Those who could enter the Longhu Inner Gate were, in any prefecture or commandery, the outstanding ones; each had their own channels of information, and many even spoke in more detail than Zhang Adah had yesterday.

Li Yuan did not even ask; amidst the crowd's discussion, he obtained the answer he wanted.

"Old Master Huang and Junior Uncle Ancestor Long have a very close personal friendship; it is said that every few years he sends some Angry Sunny Chicken eggs..."

'As expected...'

Li Yuan, without showing a trace of emotion, extinguished the furnace fire, picked up the forging hammer, and headed straight for the Longshan Main Peak.

Longshan Main Peak.

Inside the small temple, Long Xi Xiang lay on a rocking chair basking in the sun; he slightly narrowed his eyes, appearing half-asleep.

Monk Douyue bowed slightly, recounting the events of last night; he spoke very briefly, for no matter how detailed he spoke, he would forget it later anyway.

"Xieshen Sect Guardian?"

Long Xi Xiang opened his eyes: "Which Guardian?"

"This..."

Monk Dou Yue shook his head: "Disciple's meaning is that a Zunxieshen Sect guardian might be hidden within Hengshan City. Can Your Venerable Self drag him out?"

A Grandmaster of the Blood-Exchange Dachengzhi Sect is merely one step away, yet it represents two distinct realms of heaven and earth.

He considered his talent and bone structure absolutely excellent; among martial artists who might become Grandmasters, which one was not brilliant and extraordinary?

"Drag him out?"

Long Xi Xiang shook his head: "You have already reached the Blood-Exchange Dacheng stage for many years; how could you ask such a foolish question?"

"The key to a martial artist's form transformation lies in elevating the limits of the human body. Only upon reaching this does the martial artist embark on the path of the non-human. Upon reaching the Blood-Exchange Dacheng stage, the physique finally truly arrives at that limit..."

Monk Dou Yue bowed to listen. Seeing that he still wished to speak, he finally could not hold back: "You have said this many times before."

He came in the morning and reported until noon with no idea formed. Even with Monk Dou Yue's steady temperament, he felt he could not endure it.

"Oh? I have said it?"

Long Xi Xiang was somewhat displeased: "You know well that your master is forgetful; why did you not remind me? Letting me waste my words in vain."

"..."

Monk Dou Yue sighed in his heart:

"Just say it, Your Venerable Self. Is there a way?"

"No."

Long Xi Xiang shook his head: "A Grandmaster is like a dragon; in great times they can soar in the sky, in small times they can hide in the mud. If they truly wish to hide with all their heart, unless one is a Land Immortal, it is difficult to find their tracks..."

"This..."

Monk Dou Yue frowned slightly.

"If he truly wishes to hide with all his heart, whether he comes or not makes little difference. But if he has other purposes, he will naturally jump out."

Long Xi Xiang spoke slowly: "You are not as honest now as you were in childhood. What do you wish to borrow? Speak directly; why make a detour?"

"I knew I could not deceive Your Venerable Self."

Monk Dou Yue smiled bitterly: "Disciple wishes to borrow the Azure Dragon Kasaya and the Ancient Elephant Spirit Dragon Demon-Subduing Pestle."

"You are indeed bold, wishing to borrow two items?"

Long Xi Xiang glared and scolded, yet still waved his hand. A Jin Guang flowed from inside the room. With a point of his finger, it landed in Monk Dou Yue's hands; it was a pure golden kasaya.

It bore Azure Dragon patterns, lifelike and vivid.

"Thank you, Master..."

"Go."

Long Xi Xiang waved his hand, driving him out. Before long after Monk Dou Yue had left, Li Yuan also poked his head out from the doorway:

"Master?"

"Hmm?"

Long Xi Xiang yawned, somewhat suspicious:

"Who are you?"

"..."

The process of dealing with the cheap master was nothing special.

Declare identity, prove identity, undergo scrutiny, explain purpose...

With a single egg, Li Yuan borrowed it all afternoon. By the time he returned to the small courtyard, the sky had already grown dim.

"Finally, all complete!"

Closing the courtyard gate, closing the room door, tying up the little mouse that had returned at some unknown time and hanging it on the tree branch outside the door, Li Yuan took a deep breath, placing four blood altars,

and a golden egg upon the table.