Daoist Jin Lian had always arranged for his disciples to observe and gather intelligence about the Earth Sect’s headquarters from the outskirts.

This didn’t require his disciples to take unnecessary risks – they could gauge the activities of the evil Daoists inside by simply monitoring the living conditions of civilians in the surrounding areas.

First, the Earth Sect’s evil Daoists needed to eat, so they would inevitably purchase food and supplies from the surrounding communities.

Second, when Daoists fell into demonic cultivation, they needed to vent their desires within a certain timeframe – this included both physical urges and bloodlust.

Regarding killing, the evil Daoists wouldn’t slaughter civilians in the neighboring areas – after all, one doesn’t foul their own nest.

However, when it came to physical desires, the evil Daoists frequently descended from the mountain to abduct and violate women from common families.

They avoided brothels and pleasure houses because submissive courtesans couldn’t satisfy their malicious intent – they preferred to violate virtuous women.

“I lurked near the headquarters for several days but didn’t encounter any evil Daoists out ‘hunting,’ which seemed strange,” Qiu Chan Yi said with furrowed brows. “After inquiring among the local civilians, I learned that the Earth Sect’s evil Daoists haven’t caused trouble for quite some time.”

Upon hearing this, Daoist Jin Lian’s brows deeply furrowed.

“When was their last activity outside?” he asked contemplatively.

Qiu Chan Yi’s bright eyes glanced upward in recollection before responding, “Nearly a month ago.”

Daoist Jin Lian considered this carefully. “Those of weaker cultivation need to vent their malicious intent every ten days. Even Fourth-Rank cultivators can only endure the corruption of evil thoughts for half a month, but not for an entire month.”

What had happened half a month ago?

Daoist Jin Lian pondered briefly before understanding the truth – it coincided with when the Imperial Censor was sealed.

He maintained a calm expression and said, “I know where they’re hiding now. There’s no need to worry.”

Daoist Bai Lian nodded slightly, glancing at the orange cat before saying, “Then I won’t disturb Elder Brother Jin Lian’s cultivation.”

With that, he left with the Earth Sect’s beauty, Qiu Chan Yi.

After the two beauties left the thatched cottage, Daoist Bai Lian turned to look at his disciple’s lovely profile and smiled, “Chan Yi, the power of merit on you has grown increasingly profound.”

Qiu Chan Yi’s beautiful face bloomed with a sweet smile: “Uncle Master Bai Lian, I can now project my Yin Spirit!”

Sixth-Rank in the Dao School – the Yin Spirit Realm!

It must be said that chaotic times were excellent opportunities for Earth Sect cultivation, as there were many chances to accumulate merit. However, it was also the most dangerous period, as everyone committed evil acts in times of chaos.

You might save someone today, only for them to commit arson, murder, and robbery tomorrow, creating karmic obstacles.

Part of this karma would transfer to Earth Sect Daoists, requiring them to expend merit to dispel it.

Of course, some karma couldn’t be dispelled, such as that of a certain Daoist who fell in love with an orange cat, bewitched the emperor, and brought chaos to the court.

“By the way, why does Uncle Master Jin Lian have a cat in his cottage? He was possessing the cat’s body earlier, wasn’t he?”

Qiu Chan Yi hadn’t dared to ask before.

Daoist Bai Lian sighed, “Since returning from the capital, Elder Brother Jin Lian has developed this strange habit of possessing orange cats, and he only likes orange ones. Just pretend you don’t know – everyone has their quirks, even some of the great figures and heroes you look up to.”

She thought for a moment and gave examples, “Without going too far, let’s mention some you’re familiar with. The Heaven Sect’s Holy Maiden Li Miao Zhen has a passion for playing hero. The Holy Son Li Ling Su falls in love with every woman he meets, enjoying toying with their bodies and feelings – he angered one woman so much he was placed under house arrest for half a year.”

“And Xu Qi An, whom you all revere so much – before his rise to prominence, he visited brothels daily and the teaching quarters nightly, without paying.”

She had learned about the personalities and hobbies of the Heaven and Earth Society members during casual conversations with Elder Brother Jin Lian.

If asked about that specific time, it was when she had searched everywhere for Elder Brother Jin Lian, only to finally find an orange cat happily mingling among a group of cats, teaching its underlings the “Turtle Fist” technique.

That was back in Sword Prefecture.

After hearing all this, Bai Lian thought that Uncle Master Jin Lian’s habit of possessing cats wasn’t such a big problem after all.

Qiu Chan Yi sighed admiringly, “Young Master Xu was quite the romantic in his youth – it’s truly admirable!”

Daoist Bai Lian’s mind filled with question marks.

By this time, Qiu Chan Yi had already run off with light steps, her girlish figure graceful, slender waist and legs, and a small bottom as delicate as fresh willow sprouts.

…

In the mountain stronghold.

Late at night, the Holy Son quietly tucked away the fragment of the Earth Book, placing it under his pillow, then moved the long leg resting on his stomach to the left side. This belonged to Lan Lan, who liked wearing black dresses.

Next, he moved the delicate head pillowed on his right shoulder onto the soft pillow, then lifted the blanket, crossed over Lan Lan and Ding Han Xiu, and successfully got out of bed.

The Holy Son quickly found his clothes among the scattered dresses, undergarments, and pants on the floor and swiftly dressed himself.

“Indeed, after incorporating martial arts training, my physical constitution has become much stronger than before,” he remarked, patting his completely unstrained kidneys.

After being thoroughly drained by the East Phoenix sisters, Dong Fang Wan Rong and Dong Fang Wan Qing, Li Ling Su had learned his lesson and began practicing martial arts. As a Fourth-Rank expert himself, he had a strong foundation and progressed very quickly.

He first abstained from women for half a month, focusing daily on tempering his physique, then supplemented his training with pills for Qi cultivation, breaking through to the Eighth-Rank Qi Cultivation realm within a month.

The next realm was Spirit Refinement, which posed no difficulty for Dao practitioners who specialized in spiritual cultivation, but the Holy Son was currently stuck in the Qi Cultivation realm.

From early-stage Qi Cultivation to Grand Completion, even with his level of cultivation, it would take half a year.

Beyond that was the Sixth-Rank Bronze Skin Iron Bones, where the difficulty increased dramatically, and the Fifth-Rank Energy Transformation depended entirely on talent.

Of course, the Holy Son’s purpose in practicing martial arts alongside his Fourth-Rank Dao cultivation wasn’t to advance boldly in the martial path, but because martial artists could be more vigorous.

Therefore, he had no plans to challenge the Fourth Rank in martial arts – that would be too difficult.

After leaving the room, he went to the small courtyard several hundred meters away where Yang Qian Huan and Chu Cai Wei resided.

The master and disciple siblings lived in separate rooms – one in the east room, one in the west.

As soon as Li Ling Su entered the courtyard, the door of the east room opened automatically, and Yang Qian Huan’s voice came from within:

“Brother Li, what brings you here so late at night?”

There was a hint of wariness in his tone.

Brothers we may be, but you can’t have designs on my junior sister.

Li Ling Su was unaware of Yang Qian Huan’s internal monologue as he crossed the courtyard and entered the east room.

Candlelight immediately flickered to life, dispelling the darkness.

Yang Qian Huan sat cross-legged on the bed, his back to the door.

“Brother Yang is still cultivating?”

Li Ling Su noticed he was fully dressed, not looking like he had been sleeping.

“Attempting to break through to Third-Rank,” Yang Qian Huan said flatly.

“How is it going?” Li Ling Su’s eyes lit up.

“Transcendence is the path for mortals to ascend to heaven. Once crossed, one no longer belongs to the mortal realm. Throughout history, in every era, Fourth-Rank experts are as numerous as cattle, but transcendent beings can be counted on one’s fingers. Even a genius like myself cannot advance to the third rank in a short time.”

Yang Qian Huan sighed.

His tone suggested: Even I can only be invincible in the mortal realm.

After the Imperial Censor was sealed, Yang Qian Huan had become more dedicated to cultivation… Li Ling Su was already used to his way of speaking and said:

“I’ve come late at night to request Brother Yang’s help. This matter requires your specific expertise.”

Yang Qian Huan enjoyed dealing with Li Ling Su because he was talented and knew how to speak well.

“Please, go ahead!”

“In the coming days, I plan to hunt a powerful enemy with several companions, and I hope Brother Yang can lend his assistance,” Li Ling Su added, “You won’t need to face the risks directly, just provide support with your formation techniques when necessary.”

Li Ling Su felt that although Luo Yu Heng was Second, Jin Lian was no weakling either, and with transcendent allies like Xu Ping Feng, she wasn’t an enemy they could easily dispose of.

Therefore, a versatile technique that could both enable escape and pursuit is teleportation! – would be crucial for ensuring the safety of Heaven and Earth Society members.

“No problem!”

Yang Qian Huan nodded in agreement, then asked, “May I know who the opponent is?”

“One of the transcendent beings who surrounded and attacked the Imperial Censor that day,” Li Ling Su answered.

“When will we act?” Yang Qian Huan’s demeanor suddenly changed.

“There’s no rush, the operation is still being prepared,” Li Ling Su placated him before mentioning the second purpose of his visit today.

After pondering for a moment, he said with a grave expression:

“I have some bad news to tell Brother Yang about Xu Qi An. Well, you can choose whether to hear it or not.”

Yang Qian Huan’s ears twitched, but his tone remained indifferent, even somewhat disdainful:

“Did that fellow Xu Qi An do some more showing off in public?”

Li Ling Su gathered his thoughts:

“Huai Qing has ascended the throne as Emperor.”

Yang Qian Huan responded in surprise:

“What business does a woman have being emperor? Though it is quite interesting – in Great Feng’s six hundred years of history, there’s never been a female emperor. Princess Huai Qing will certainly go down in history for this.”

This made Yang Qian Huan somewhat envious.

“But what does this have to do with Xu Qi An?” Yang Qian Huan thought to himself, if that scoundrel Xu dared to ascend the throne, I would lead troops to overthrow him.

That way, we’d both go down in history – a win-win situation!

Li Ling Su quietly said:

“That scoundrel Xu helped her ascend to power.”

After he finished speaking, he saw Yang Qian Huan slump sideways, leaning weakly against the wall like someone who had fainted after hearing terrible news.

“Brother Yang, are you alright?!”

Li Ling Su was startled, but seeing this reaction, he felt quite satisfied inside.

After a long while, Yang Qian Huan mumbled:

“Tell me, if I hadn’t been driven out by Master Imperial Censor if I were still in the capital…”

He imagined himself in the capital, imposing his authority over the officials, and helping the female emperor ascend to power…

Yang Qian Huan banged his head against the wall, his regret turning his intestines green: “That old thief Imperial Censor, even when sealed he still ruins my chances!!”

Seeing this, Li Ling Su knew it was time to leave, and cupped his hands saying:

“Brother Yang, I’ll go rest now. You should rest early too – too much anger is bad for your health.”

As he turned to leave, closing the door, he heard Yang Qian Huan muttering:

“I could have helped Lin An ascend instead… hmm, she has something going on with that scoundrel Xu, I doubt he would suppress her…”

…

[Nine: There’s something I need to inform everyone about. I just received word from my disciples that the Earth Sect headquarters is empty – the evil Daoists have relocated.]

The Heaven and Earth Society members’ hearts sank upon seeing Daoist Jin Lian’s message.

[One: This is within expectations. Xu Ning Yan’s rapid advancement forced Black Lotus to ally with Xu Ping Feng, which shows how much Black Lotus fears him.]

So relocating wasn’t surprising – did anyone expect them to foolishly wait at home for their enemies to arrive?

[Nine: This poor Daoist believes they must be in either Qing Province or Cloud Province.]

The amateur detective Xu Qi An offered a more detailed conclusion:

[Three: I believe they’re in Qing Province. The Earth Sect’s evil Daoists are not weak in cultivation and represent a considerable force. Xu Ping Feng wouldn’t leave them idle in his Cloud Province headquarters. Moreover, regions filled with killing and chaos are paradise for these evil Daoists.]

The message transmission is quite fast… Chu Yuan Jin silently erased his deduction, which matched Xu Qi An’s.

Oh right, they definitely wouldn’t be in Cloud Province… Li Miao Zhen also erased her “I’m very familiar with Cloud Province” message and changed it to:

[Two: This is troublesome. Qing Province is so vast, that finding them will be extremely difficult. Moreover, our ‘besieging Wei to rescue Zhao’ strategy won’t work anymore.]

[One: No, this doesn’t hinder our plan, though it will require Xu Ning Yan to take risks.]

This woman… Li Miao Zhen ground her teeth, holding the Earth Book fragment while quietly observing the subsequent messages.

Daoist Jin Lian asked: [Nine: What do you mean?]

[One: I can locate the Earth Sect evil Daoists quickly, it won’t take long. Once we find their whereabouts, we’ll continue with the plan. As for the transcendent experts in Cloud Province, Xu Ning Yan will need to actively contain them.

[This will be extremely dangerous, with the two First-Rank experts Garuda Tree and White Emperor, and Xu Ping Feng likely already refining Qing Province’s fortune. Even if he hasn’t completely refined it, he’ll still receive its enhancement. Against these three working together, anyone below the Transcendent Rank is practically helpless. So you’ll need allies.]

[Two: How can you guarantee to find the Earth Sect evil Daoists’ hideout so quickly?]

Daoist Jin Lian and Chu Yuan Jin also wanted to ask this question.

[One: The sleeper agents left by Minister Wei are under my control.]

This single sentence dispelled Daoist Jin Lian’s last concerns.

[Four: I have a decent plan. Infiltrating enemy territory is too dangerous – why not use the Cloud Province delegation to provoke their army, making them actively attack Yong Province? Draw the snake out of its hole.]

Chu Yuan Jin began elaborating on his thoughts at length, letting Xu Qi An and Huai Qing check for any oversights.

…

The sun hung tepidly in the sky.

At the Administrative Office of Qing Province, in the main hall.

Qi Guang Bo, dressed in full military attire, strode into the hall, removed his helmet, and placed it beside the table, his gaze calmly sweeping across the seats on both sides.

Ji Xuan, Ge Wen Xuan, Zhuo Hao Ran, and nearly twenty other military leaders were gathered.

“Speed up the takeover and recruitment in all regions of Qing Province, prepare to attack Yong Province.”

Qi Guang Bo’s first words startled everyone present.

On Ji Xuan’s side, Yang Chuan Nan, who sat in the second position, was the first to react:

“Did the peace talks fail?”

Qi Guang Bo didn’t answer, looking instead at Ge Wen Xuan, who exhaled and said gravely:

“I’ve lost contact with Young Master Ji Yuan, whether he’s alive or dead is currently unknown.”

Qi Guang Bo delivered the final verdict:

“Last night, I sent the Vermillion Bird Army to infiltrate Yong Province and received news from the capital – the peace negotiations have failed.”

Between Qing Province and the capital lay Yong Province.

It wasn’t too far, but neither was it close, and news couldn’t travel that quickly. Magical tools like sound-transmitting conch shells were extremely rare – the Heaven’s Mechanism Palace’s spies couldn’t possibly have them.

Therefore, the Vermillion Bird Army infiltrated Yong Province to contact the Heaven’s Mechanism Palace’s spies stationed there. After waiting just two hours, the news from the capital, having traveled day and night, arrived precisely in Yong Province.

Zhuo Hao Ran slammed the table in anger:

“Damn it! Great Feng is being unreasonable. Do they think their handful of transcendent experts can match up against the State Preceptor, against Bodhisattva Garuda Tree?

“Can they match up against the White Emperor Divine Beast?”