Zhang Sui hadn’t expected that when Jian Chou saw him, she would walk over.

He was stunned for a moment before hastily returning the greeting, saying: “Thank you for Sister Jian Chou’s concern, everything is well.”

After Jian Chou returned to Yashan, both Zhang Sui and Nie Xiaowan had sent her messages, reporting their recent situations to her. To this day, she could still recall every word in those wind messages—people of humble status carry little weight in their words…

A faint smile graced her face: “I originally thought I’d have to wait until the Left Three Thousand Minor Assembly to meet Brother Zhang again, never imagining it would come so quickly.”

“What brings Sister here?”

Glancing at the several people not far away, Zhang Sui grew somewhat curious.

Carrying a crimson treasure sword on his back, Zhang Sui wore the dark red robes of the Fengmo Sword Sect. Standing before several fellow disciples, though silent, his presence alongside Jian Chou now attracted far too much attention.

Even several disciples from the Fengmo Sword Sect traveling with him couldn’t help but steal glances.

Jian Chou noticed the gazes of others, but she was already somewhat accustomed to this feeling.

She didn’t hide anything, saying directly: “My master is an enforcement elder of the Central Domain’s Left Three Thousand. Some minor matters have arisen here, so he sent me to run errands. What about Brother Zhang?”

“Accompanying junior brothers from the sect for training.” Zhang Sui smiled, looking toward the others.

Jian Chou’s gaze followed his.

Those few immediately became somewhat nervous, hastily bowing to Jian Chou: “We pay respects to Senior Jian Chou.”

Slightly startled, seeing their trembling appearance, Jian Chou quickly said: “Everyone is too kind.”

Only then did they rise, still looking at her with curious eyes: They had long heard that Yashan’s disciples were all difficult to get along with, but unexpectedly, this Yashan senior sister was so approachable, truly winning their favor.

“Last time I sent a message to Yashan, I wonder if Sister Jian Chou received it?” Zhang Sui suddenly remembered and asked.

Jian Chou replied: “I saw the wind message. Later, the Jianzhu Sect sent Xu Lan’er’s fellow disciple to Yashan to apologize, but… he returned in disgrace. Is there any follow-up?”

“I don’t know about the aftermath, but recently I heard that Junior Sister Xiao Wan is now safe, currently in post-injury seclusion, and should be able to make it to the Left Three Thousand Minor Assembly.” Zhang Sui paused, frowning: “There’s one matter, I don’t know if I should speak of it. It’s related to Xu Lan’er, and I’ve always had doubts…”

Jian Chou’s brow furrowed: “Related to Xu Lan’er?”

Zhang Sui laughed at himself, seemingly finding his hesitation and suspicion amusing.

“It’s about the Qingfeng Nunnery hidden realm incident. The Jianzhu Sect isn’t large, not even comparable to our Fengmo Sword Sect. When we entered, Xu Lan’er was keeping her tail between her legs, but when we came out, she became somewhat arrogant and domineering. She was with us almost the entire time, except for leaving midway to seize something and return, after which she attracted the monster that Sister saw outside the hidden realm. I’m thinking, for her to dare attack Junior Sister Nie Xiaowan on the road, even disregarding that Sister was nearby, she must have obtained something.”

Indeed.

Xu Lan’er’s behavior at the time did seem somewhat unscrupulous.

Regarding their experiences in the Qingfeng Nunnery’s hidden realm, Jian Chou had heard some details. Now, after Zhang Sui’s explanation, she couldn’t help but ponder.

“You mean this item led to her later arrogance?”

“Far more than that.” Zhang Sui said, “I don’t know if I’m being paranoid, but I always feel it’s also connected to the Jianzhu Sect’s recent actions. Word in the Central Domain is that someone from the Jianzhu Sect wants to compete with Elder Fudao for the enforcement elder position.”

Jian Chou was surprised.

“Brother Qu also mentioned this matter, but we don’t all know why…”

“This is just my speculation.”

Hearing her say “Brother Qu,” Zhang Sui looked back at the person standing there. Qu Zhengfeng, in black robes, was looking this way, seemingly also sizing him up.

A “Brother Qu” at Nascent Soul Peak?

Zhang Sui smiled bitterly to himself: “I’m telling you this only to give Sister a reference, so you can be vigilant. As for whether it’s true or not, I can’t distinguish. Sister has matters to attend to now, so I suppose I shouldn’t disturb you further.”

Hearing this, Jian Chou looked back and indeed found everyone waiting for her.

She smiled and didn’t linger, only saying to Zhang Sui: “Brother Zhang’s kind intentions, Jian Chou keeps in mind. At the future Left Three Thousand Minor Assembly, I hope to fight alongside Brother Zhang and avenge our past shame.”

“…”

Zhang Sui raised his head, this time truly surprised.

After a long while, he finally returned the courtesy: “I hope to fight alongside Sister Jian Chou and avenge our past shame.”

The two cupped their hands in farewell, and Jian Chou turned to walk back.

Qu Zhengfeng withdrew his gaze from Zhang Sui: “Fengmo Sword Sect?”

“A friend I traveled with when coming to Shijiu Zhou. He’s very kind-hearted—without them, I probably would have died at sea.” Jian Chou didn’t deny it. Remembering something, she looked toward Mo Yuanxing: “I’ve delayed everyone’s time. Shall we depart immediately?”

“Since Senior Jian Chou has no issues, this old man will lead the way, and everyone follow behind me.”

Mo Yuanxing quickly stepped forward to respond.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Thus, Mo Yuanxing again took the lead, with several people following on their swords.

Zhang Sui stood in place, watching those few rays of light fly away, feeling his heart heavy and complex.

After a long while, he gave a nearly self-mocking smile and turned to the others: “Let’s go too.”

On Deng Tiandao, people gradually became sparse.

Jian Chou and the others followed Mo Yuanxing northward, leaving Deng Tiandao and flying over the shallow sea near the island.

The color of the seawater, under the sunlight’s illumination, had different layers—from near to far, from light blue to deep blue to ink blue. Finally, at the horizon, it formed a line connecting with the sky.

The undulating waves were like scales covering the deep sea’s surface, making it appear like a fierce beast sleeping in the sunlight.

The reef Mo Yuanxing mentioned was finally reached after they had flown for about half a quarter-hour.

In a stretch of deep blue waters, a patch of dark reef protruded from the sea surface like a scar on the ocean. Seawater crashed against it, creating patches of snow-white foam.

“This is the Great Dream Reef, named since ancient times. Three days ago, my disciple passed by and discovered a strange light flashing beneath this reef, so they agreed to investigate. Unexpectedly, diving deep beneath the reef, they discovered passages between the rocks, with a great door inside the passage, and this person—”

Mo Yuanxing pointed at Tao Zhang with a cold laugh.

“Stood before the door, using strange arts to open it and enter.”

“Yes, then your hypocritical disciples wanted to tail—”

The origin of the matter was quite clear to Jian Chou.

These two disciples of Wangjiang Tower had also committed a grave taboo, but it seemed there was an unspoken agreement among Central Domain sects that they shouldn’t have such open confrontations.

Yashan’s principle was roughly not to interfere in sectarian disputes, so even hearing their argument, Qu Zhengfeng made no indication.

Jian Chou was naturally tactful, standing and saying nothing.

The Great Dream Reef wasn’t large, but sufficient to accommodate twenty-odd people standing loosely on it.

At this time, there were already ten-odd Wangjiang Tower disciples standing on the reef, all in identical deep blue robes embroidered with a river-encircling emblem. At the front stood a woman who immediately became excited upon seeing the several rays of light flying from a distance.

“Xiang’er pays respects to Master!”

The others also hastily bowed: “We pay respects to Elder Mo.”

“Alright, no need for excessive courtesy.” Mo Yuanxing led the way, landing directly, and beckoned to the female cultivator called “Xiang’er”: “Xiang’er, come here.”

The female cultivator quickly approached.

Mo Yuanxing introduced to everyone: “Senior Jian Chou, this is the disciple you asked about earlier who came out alive—she’s my beloved disciple, called Wei Xiang.”

Everyone couldn’t help but turn to examine Wei Xiang.

Wearing a goose-yellow long dress with a light green sash at her waist, paired with a deep blue delicate ornament, petite in stature with an oval face and cherry lips, she was a beauty in the making. She walked over with some liveliness, unconsciously sizing up Jian Chou with her eyes.

Then Wei Xiang’s gaze naturally shifted to Jian Chou’s side—to Qu Zhengfeng.

In that instant, her gaze became somewhat entranced.

“Xiang’er?”

Mo Yuanxing called once but didn’t get her attention.

Seeing Wei Xiang’s gaze fixed on Qu Zhengfeng’s face, unable to pull away for a long moment, while Qu Zhengfeng had already pursed his lips, his eyes showing some displeasure, Mo Yuanxing immediately felt embarrassed and couldn’t help but speak coldly.

“Xiang’er!”

“Disciple is here!”

This voice finally shocked Wei Xiang back to her senses, hastily bowing.

Seeing her like this, Mo Yuanxing inevitably felt somewhat displeased, his tone unfriendly: “These are several seniors from Yashan—Senior Jian Chou, Senior Qu Zhengfeng, Senior Jiang, Senior Jiang.”

Introducing Jian Chou was fine, after all, she was a genius; introducing Qu Zhengfeng was fine, after all, he was at Nascent Soul Peak; but when it came to introducing Jiang He, even Mo Yuanxing himself felt speechless.

What was Fudao Shanren doing being an enforcement elder?

This batch of disciples—anyone would respectfully call them “senior” out of deference to him. This group sent out on business, any one of them randomly pulled out would be frightening in terms of actual seniority!

Damn it, did people still want to live?

Of course, all these complaints were kept in Mo Yuanxing’s heart and not spoken aloud.

Wei Xiang hadn’t expected that all three before her would need to be called “senior.”

She hastily bowed: “Xiang’er pays respects to the three Yashan seniors…”

Pausing, she quickly lifted her eyes to glance at Qu Zhengfeng again, her cheeks flushing red with added shyness: “Pays respects to Senior Qu.”

Oh my.

Hearing this, seeing this, what was there not to understand?

Little fatty Jiang He wore the expression of someone experienced in such matters, chuckling twice without any regard for the occasion. Jian Chou could still maintain a straight face, but when she glanced at Qu Zhengfeng from the corner of her eye, she found him completely indifferent, seemingly too lazy to pay any attention to Wei Xiang.

Jian Chou coughed: “No need for excessive courtesy. Since everyone has arrived…”

“Cut the nonsense. Tao only asks—the passage hasn’t collapsed, has it?”

Tao Zhang looked at Wei Xiang with cold eyes, disgust clear in his expression.

Hearing this voice and turning to see Tao Zhang standing behind the Yashan group, Wei Xiang immediately drew her sword with a cold stare: “You treacherous villain, dare to come here!”

“Hmph.”

Tao Zhang snorted coldly, truly having the urge to chop up this disgusting woman and feed her to the fish.

Mo Yuanxing also knew this wasn’t the time for conflicts, pulling Wei Xiang back and scolding coldly: “In front of Yashan seniors, where is your place to draw swords?”

“Master!”

Wei Xiang was shocked.

Mo Yuanxing showed no wavering: “Sheathe your sword!”

“…”

Wei Xiang remained silent for a long time, her eyes suddenly turning red, forcibly suppressing her anger and sheathing her sword.

Seeing the situation under control, Mo Yuanxing said to Jian Chou: “Now at this place, in all matters great and small, we listen entirely to Senior Jian Chou’s guidance.”

“I wouldn’t call it guidance.” Jian Chou surveyed the area and only asked: “Where is the passage?”

“My Wangjiang Tower disciples have already investigated this place thoroughly. The passage is beneath the reef, but the outside has indeed been covered by fallen rocks. We’ve only cleared half, but during the clearing, blood has been seeping out.”

As he spoke, Mo Yuanxing frowned deeply.

Wei Xiang said indignantly: “That must all be my two senior brothers’ blood!”

After speaking, she glared fiercely at Tao Zhang.

Tao Zhang paid no attention, his expression utterly mocking.

Whether Tao Zhang had killed anyone, Jian Chou actually couldn’t say for certain, only feeling there were hidden circumstances.

Tao Zhang was unwilling to open the passage door.

Wangjiang Tower came to the reef to seek treasure, but encountered Tao Zhang opening the door. However, besides Tao Zhang, the Wangjiang Tower people couldn’t open the door—there were many suspicious points here.

However, what Jian Chou and the others sought were only those two disciples. Once they found them, they could let Tao Zhang and Wangjiang Tower, or Wuyi Sect and Wangjiang Tower, make whatever mess they wanted.

Jian Chou thought very clearly and turned to look at Qu Zhengfeng.

“Why don’t we go down and take a look? What does Brother Qu think?”

Qu Zhengfeng nodded: “Exactly, my thoughts.”

Mo Yuanxing then said, “Then this old man will make the trip with everyone. Xiang’er will come down with me, the others guard the reef above, just in case.”

“Yes.”

The others quickly cupped their hands in response.

At the reef’s edge, waves crashed, but the spray wasn’t large—this stretch of deep sea was relatively calm.

With Mo Yuanxing at the Nascent Soul middle stage in the Wangjiang Tower, and Qu Zhengfeng at Nascent Soul Peak in their group, there shouldn’t be any concerns about accidents when diving.

Jian Chou had never gone underwater since beginning cultivation.

When cultivators reached a certain level, besides being able to avoid eating, they could also avoid water and fire for certain periods. Thus, when the group descended, they needed no additional protection, diving directly on their swords.

Jiang He was most excited, his eyes practically glowing.

He stood beside Qu Zhengfeng, quite eager.

Mo Yuanxing led Wei Xiang down first.

Qu Zhengfeng then said, “Sister Jian Chou, Eighth Junior Brother, you go down first. Sound transmission works underwater, too. Be careful, I’ll bring up the rear.”

With his highest cultivation, this was natural.

Thus, Jiang He cheered and jumped down directly.

Seeing this, Jian Chou smiled and summoned her Liwai Mirror before slowly sinking to the seabed.

The last remaining were Tao Zhang and Qu Zhengfeng. Qu Zhengfeng looked at him, and he shrugged: “Understood, I’ll go first.”

With that, Tao Zhang also summoned his sword and dove into the water.

Qu Zhengfeng, last standing on the reef, only looked around once.

Continuous dark clouds gradually surged from where sea met sky, swallowing the brilliant sun.

A storm seemed to be brewing.

This weather inexplicably gave him an uncomfortable feeling.

Looking once more at the sea surface around the reef, he finally followed down.

Once underwater, they couldn’t speak normally, only communicating through sound transmission between them.

For cultivators, this was a simple skill, no different from normal conversation. Jian Chou had also learned it, so he felt no discomfort.

Going down all the way, the brightness from the sea surface gradually dimmed.

The darkness of the deep sea finally surged up.

Though the portion of this reef remaining above sea level was small, it was merely the tip of the iceberg—the part hidden beneath the surface was massive, like a small mountain.

The glazed golden light of Jian Chou’s Liwai Mirror, interweaving with the deep blue of the seawater, actually presented a strange dark green color.

Wei Xiang in front noticed this and turned back, transmitting to Jian Chou: “Isn’t Senior Jian Chou a Yashan disciple? Why don’t you use a sword?”

In that instant, Jian Chou had the urge to slap the Liwai Mirror into her face.

Still maintaining a calm expression, she smiled slightly and replied: “Who said Yashan disciples must use swords?”

Wei Xiang became somewhat embarrassed, but from her expression, she clearly thought Jian Chou was an oddity.

Jian Chou was too lazy to engage, seeing Mo Yuanxing stop ahead, she looked over.

At this depth, some red coral appeared on the reef.

In the reef’s crevices ahead, a passage was indeed revealed. Mo Yuanxing continued forward, reminding everyone to follow.

Little fatty Jiang He jumped forward, the crimson light making his small body appear even fatter. That jump was particularly comical, and Wei Xiang beside him laughed again.

Jian Chou walked directly past her, following Mo Yuanxing.

Not far ahead in the passage, a large pile of fallen rocks indeed appeared, clearly looking like a passage collapse.

Jian Chou approached to examine them and vaguely saw traces of a door tightly closed beyond the rubble. With cultivator strength, moving these stones shouldn’t be very difficult, should it?

Jian Chou casually waved her hand, sending a ray of spiritual light onto the stones.

Unexpectedly, the stones didn’t budge at all.

Mo Yuanxing seemed to have anticipated this scene: “These stones aren’t so simple. Senior Jian Chou, please look.”

He pointed casually, and there was an array symbol on the huge boulder.

“This is a Thousand Jin Array, specifically used to stabilize the foundations of surface buildings. Wangjiang Tower has no one skilled in arrays present, so we find moving them quite difficult.”

“I see.”

Jian Chou frowned—this was troublesome.

“Let me try.”

A voice suddenly entered Jian Chou’s mind.

She quickly looked up and noticed that somehow, Qu Zhengfeng had already appeared beside her.

The Sea Light Sword beneath his feet seemed to emit no light, but the flowing seawater around had distorted traces. The Sea Light Sword’s light was deep blue, naturally leaving no trace in the seawater, no wonder she had no awareness of it.

Qu Zhengfeng walked past Jian Chou to the boulder, reaching out to touch it.

He pondered for a moment, switched his sword to his left hand, extended his right hand, and a small diamond-shaped knife appeared between his fingers. He made a stroke toward the array in the air. This blade was quite sharp, though seemingly soundless, Jian Chou felt as if the seawater itself was split by this stroke!

“Pop.”

As if there was a soft sound, the Thousand Jin Array immediately shattered, becoming flying smoke that scattered into the seawater.

Afterward, Qu Zhengfeng casually lifted his hand, and the boulder was directly swept aside.

Mo Yuanxing’s eyes immediately showed surprise.

Jian Chou couldn’t help but glance at him.

Mo Yuanxing explained: “This is the somewhat famous Array-Breaking Knife, a quite interesting magical artifact… but I never expected Senior Qu would use it for breaking arrays…”

His words carried sighs, as if he felt Qu Zhengfeng was wasting something precious.

Jian Chou didn’t know the origins of this “Array-Breaking Knife,” only feeling that…

The name “Array-Breaking” seemed quite good.

Seeing this method worked, Qu Zhengfeng in front followed the same pattern, resolving all the stone blocks in a few moves.

Thus, a stone door two men high and circular finally appeared before everyone.

Now, Tao Zhang, standing behind, turned green.

Qu Zhengfeng stood before the door, turning to look at him; Jian Chou also smiled and turned around, looking at him.

Poor Tao Zhang had thought he was completely useless, never expecting it would be his turn to open this door.

His heart held a thousand, ten thousand reluctances…

Unfortunately, he still had to step forward.

Otherwise, he would certainly face being dismembered by Qu Zhengfeng!

When strength was inferior, he could only bow his head now.

Tao Zhang approached, standing before the door. Without hesitation, he flipped his hand, and a green jade small seal appeared, radiating a misty green light in all directions.

In that moment, everyone felt its extraordinariness, as if the surrounding seawater had gained vitality, flowing around this small seal.

Qu Zhengfeng couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow, looking at this seal.

Tao Zhang said, “This is my sect’s secret. You can have me open the door, but you must step back.”

They weren’t even allowed to watch?

Wei Xiang immediately objected: “No way! Who knows what tricks you might play!”

“If you don’t let me, I won’t open it. Choose for yourselves.”

Tao Zhang laughed coldly again, his single eye looking at Wei Xiang quite provocatively.

Wei Xiang was stumped, truly unable to speak.

Tao Zhang looked at the silent Qu Zhengfeng, then at Jian Chou, smiling meaningfully: “Anyway, with Yashan experts here, could I possibly escape?”

Honestly, Jian Chou found these words unconvincing.

She didn’t want to step back, only wanting to put a sword to Tao Zhang’s neck and force him to open the door.

Unexpectedly, Qu Zhengfeng directly said, “You open the door, we’ll step back.”

“Good!”

Tao Zhang immediately laughed loudly: “Worthy of Yashan, such boldness! Then I’ll open the door.”

Mo Yuanxing didn’t understand, thinking Qu Zhengfeng was being arrogant. He frowned but didn’t dare contradict, only following the retreat.

Jian Chou also didn’t quite understand, looking at Qu Zhengfeng suspiciously.

Qu Zhengfeng turned back to smile at her, seemingly with deep meaning.

They kept stepping back, with Tao Zhang watching.

“Alright, stop there.”

Having said this, he held the green jade small seal and turned around.

Releasing the green jade small seal with both hands, the seal floated without falling, spinning rapidly and projecting rays of vitality-filled emerald light, illuminating the entire passage in green.

From a distance, Jian Chou and the others saw the green jade small seal’s light reach its peak, then suddenly pause. All the green light was absorbed back into the small seal like a whale drinking water, the light fading.

Tao Zhang faced the door with his back to them, his hands seeming to make some movements they couldn’t see clearly.

Just then, they could feel trembling beneath their feet—the entire passage was shaking!

The seawater surged, and Jian Chou could feel their flow speed accelerating.

“Rumble…”

The sound transmission underwater wasn’t good, but everyone still heard this muffled sound.

The stone door cracked open, splitting from the middle, finally revealing a gap as seawater continuously poured inside.

Seeing this, Mo Yuanxing’s eyes flashed with brilliant light, his figure moving as he immediately wanted to rush forward.

However, Tao Zhang was faster!

Originally standing at the doorway, when the gap became large enough for one person to pass through, Tao Zhang laughed loudly.

“Play outside!”

As his words fell, he had already transformed into a flowing light and flashed inside!

How could Jian Chou and the others, standing far away, match his speed?

They couldn’t catch up at all!

This person indeed had treachery!

They continuously chased toward the passage entrance, but unexpectedly, that gap stopped opening further, and the two doors closed inward again!

Mo Yuanxing immediately began cursing loudly.

Jian Chou was also surprised.

They’d been calculated against?

At the critical moment, Jian Chou only felt the seawater beside her become warm for an instant. When she turned to look, Qu Zhengfeng, who had been standing beside her, had disappeared, transforming into a dark blue afterimage that seemed to merge with the seawater, barely managing to dive inside just in the nick of time!

Boom…

The great door thunderously closed after Qu Zhengfeng entered!

The four people outside were all dumbfounded!

Never expected this!

What performance was this exactly?

Before they could sort out the cause and effect, changes occurred again within the passage.

Just as the great door closed, the boulders from which Qu Zhengfeng had broken the Thousand Jin Arrays suddenly flared with dazzling golden light again, flying up horizontally toward everyone!

The huge stone blocks flew with tremendous force and surprisingly fast speed!

Wei Xiang, standing furthest left, was closest, completely unable to react in time, only managing to scream once.

A boulder howled toward her!

The surrounding seawater seemed to boil from such speed!

Mo Yuanxing was still immersed in the shock of “how did people just disappear,” and when he saw this scene, he also didn’t manage to act in time!

Only Jian Chou—

She gritted her teeth inwardly, already cursing silently!

She knew going out would involve fighting!

In the split second, she reached directly to her ancestral aperture at the center of her brow and pulled!

Everyone only saw a thick black shadow pulled out by her and flung outward!

Whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh!

They could almost hear the sound of that black shadow flying and spinning outward like lightning!

Wei Xiang stood stunned, staring blankly at the boulder that had reached her eyes.

Boom!

A tremendous crash!

A huge black shadow, arriving from behind but reaching first, suddenly chopped over, directly striking the passage wall beside her!

The axe handle, cast with ancient fierce ghost patterns, trembled from the vibration in the seawater!

This axe stroke, neither too far nor too close, happened to block the boulder’s path!

Clang!

The seawater shook.

The boulder, blocked by the hard axe body, finally fell to the ground.

The danger was resolved.

Wei Xiang blinked, staring dazedly at the axe just three inches from her nose tip.

So… so big…

Such a big axe!

She stiffly turned her face to look at the three people not far from her—little fatty Jiang He, her master Mo Yuanxing, Yashan senior sister Jian Chou…

This… this, whose magical artifact was this exactly?

Jian Chou’s expression was cold. She directly extended her hand, and the Ghost Axe, already bound by blood recognition, automatically pulled from the passage stone wall and flew neatly back into her hand.

She didn’t even glance at Wei Xiang, shouting coldly: “What are you standing there for? Dodge!”

From front, back, left, and right, more boulders flew up!

Wei Xiang felt like someone had slammed her head into a door—she felt somewhat dazed.

But seeing that Yashan’s senior sister, who had previously held a mirror, now held a mirror in her left hand and an axe in her right, with the huge axe hanging downward, immediately making her appear delicate and petite by contrast, her expression fierce and cold…

So…

So domineering!

In that instant, Wei Xiang’s eyes flashed with brilliant light!