Proactively Revealing My Hand

A hundred miles into the journey, ninety is half.

Li Ping'an continued to probe the path ahead with his spiritual sense. The last few hundred miles were not a time for relaxation, but for increased caution.

Until the familiar forest came into view.

Li Ping'an stopped on the ridge, gazing across the lush valley at the small Daoist temple nestled halfway up the opposite mountain, his heart filled with emotion.

The mountains were quiet after the rain, shrouded in a hazy white mist.

Five years ago, on a summer day, armed with only a woodcutter's axe and a hunting bow, and guided by a few woodcutters, he had drunk mountain spring water and eaten wild game. After much hardship, he had found this Daoist temple.

It was here that he had knocked on the two tightly shut doors and found the "turning point" of this life.

Li Ping'an felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Daoist Priest Chen Gongmin.

Glancing at the clouds in the sky through the glass mirror in his palm, Li Ping'an took out the disciple's robe he had prepared earlier. He tied his hair with a Daoist circlet, put on cloth boots, and inserted a bamboo hairpin through the circlet. Two long green ribbons hung from either side of the hairpin.

Then, Li Ping'an fumbled with his face for a moment. In front of the Immortals in the clouds, he removed a mask as thin as a cicada's wing, restoring his original face.

Li Ping'an pondered in his heart:

That female cultivator who disguised herself as an old woman knows the transformation technique. That's a rare art.

If she's also a disciple of the Myriad Cloud Sect, I can ask her where she learned the transformation technique if I get the chance.

His figure drifted with the mountain wind, letting a bit of his magic power leak out as an identifier.

Daoist Priest Chen Gongmin was already one hundred and twenty years old, yet he still looked like a middle-aged man. His cultivation had stopped at the Void Refining Realm, still a distance from the True Unity Realm, and his ascension to immortality was remote.

Daoist Priest Chen was an outer disciple of the Myriad Cloud Sect stationed in the mortal Immortal Dynasty. His main duty was to look after Wan'an City and its surrounding towns. If any demons caused trouble, he would eliminate them on the spot if he could; if not, he would report it to the sect.

There were two to three thousand Qi cultivators like Daoist Priest Chen stationed in various locations within the Linzheng Immortal Dynasty, most of them in the Void Refining and True Unity Realms, and mostly in the capitals and border regions.

In the border areas where conflicts frequently occurred within the Linzheng Immortal Dynasty, there were also Immortals from the Myriad Cloud Sect stationed.

If nothing unexpected happened, Daoist Priest Chen would continue to cultivate here for the next few decades. If his cultivation could break through to the True Unity Realm, he could return to the sect to gain seniority. With some guidance, he could become a low-ranking steward of the outer sect, like Wei Yanzi was originally.

When he witnessed Wei Yanzi's ascension back then, Li Ping'an had a question.

[Why is there no heavenly tribulation for ascension in this world?]

It was only after consulting numerous ancient texts that he discovered that there had never been a concept of heavenly tribulation in this world since ancient times.

The Heavenly Dao was not manifest, and order arose naturally.

The Heavenly Dao in this world referred to the 'way of the heavens' movement,' not the 'manifestation of the will of Heaven and Earth.' The so-called order was constructed by sentient beings themselves.

This left Li Ping'an feeling a bit helpless.

Whether he wanted to curry favor with the 'Lord of the Heavenly Dao' or curse the heavens, it was all meaningless.

A moment later, a young disciple from the Myriad Cloud Sect arrived at the gate of the Daoist temple.

Li Ping'an collected his thoughts, lowered his head to adjust the hem of his Daoist robe, smoothed the hairband in front of him, and lightly knocked on the wooden door.

Knock, knock!

He stood tall and straight, intentionally wanting to show off in front of Daoist Priest Chen. He playfully thought to himself:

'I guess this is what they call returning home in glory.'

Just then, white mist began to gather outside the Daoist temple.

A faint magic formation light barrier lit up, completely enveloping the courtyard. The gate of the formation was this temple gate.

'Why is Daoist Priest Chen so extravagant?'

Li Ping'an chuckled at first, then became wary.

The Qi cultivators of the sect stationed in the mortal world did not have access to many cultivation resources. To reduce the consumption of spirit stones, Daoist Priest Chen usually only activated the formation when he was in closed-door cultivation.

Li Ping'an took two steps back and said loudly: "Disciple Ping'an, sent here with a letter. Is my old friend cultivating?"

He used a bit of magic power to ensure his voice could be heard inside.

The formation barrier of the Daoist temple trembled two or three times and then closed.

Li Ping'an's guard instantly went up.

The moment the formation closed, he sensed a strange aura and Dao charm. Although it was also of the Myriad Cloud Sect lineage, it was quite different from Daoist Priest Chen's aura.

Li Ping'an's right palm immediately clutched a homemade magic artifact the size of a jujube pit.

Squeak—creak—

The door hinges let out a sigh of impending doom.

A small head poked out from the door, with two conspicuous pink hair buns.

Double buns?

The female cultivator who had used the transformation technique to disguise herself as that old woman had the same hairstyle.

The young female cultivator peeked out. Upon seeing Li Ping'an, she blinked her large, watery eyes and whispered in a soft, gentle voice:

"Who are you looking for? My Master is out."

Li Ping'an frowned tightly, his expression growing cold.

Did Daoist Priest Chen fall into a trap set by these people?

Seeing Li Ping'an now, the female cultivator's Dao heart also wavered.

It wasn't that she was scared by Li Ping'an's earlier talk of cremation, but rather...

'This is his true face? So handsome.'

Wen Ling'er pulled open the two wooden doors and continued to play the part of an innocent and harmless young girl. Her short skirt was just above her knees, and her fair, jade-like legs were unadorned.

Slightly different from the usual attire of female cultivators, her delicate feet wore 'straw sandals' woven from jade strips, with a noticeable thick heel.

Wen Ling'er's apricot eyes sparkled as she said softly, "Judging by your aura, are you also a disciple of the Myriad Cloud Sect?"

"I come from the Myriad Cloud Sect," Li Ping'an frowned. "Is Daoist Priest Chen your Master?"

"Mm-hmm!"

"I am on very good terms with Daoist Priest Chen. It's only been three years since we parted, and I never expected him to have a disciple in the Light Condensation Realm!"

Li Ping'an's gaze was slightly piercing.

Wen Ling'er calmly explained:

"Please don't misunderstand, I only became his disciple in the last two years.

"Before that, I was cultivating in a market town by the coast of the Eastern Sea, working at our Myriad Cloud Sect's pill shop. I obtained an outer disciple cultivation technique, and after decades of cultivation, I only achieved this much Dao fruit.

"I heard my Master had a chance to ascend to immortality, and was also cultivating within the sect. Therefore, I pulled many strings to become my Master's disciple.

"As soon as Master returns to the sect, I can return with him and be registered in the immortal rolls...

"It's all for a better future."

After speaking, Wen Ling'er lowered her delicate eyebrows, her small body trembling slightly, and she sighed softly.

Li Ping'an's thoughts raced, and his expression gradually softened.

He said, "What you've said doesn't seem like a lie, but do you have any proof?"

"Of course."

Wen Ling'er produced several items – a few pages of account books from a Myriad Cloud Sect pill shop in a market town, some empty jade bottles with the Myriad Cloud Sect's mark, and an identity jade slip from the pill shop.

Li Ping'an decided to test her intentions, a smile appearing on his lips.

He said, "I seem to have misjudged you, fellow Daoist. Do you know where Daoist Priest Chen has gone, and when he might return?"

Wen Ling'er quickly replied, "My Master recently received an urgent message stating that a group of evil cultivators has targeted a spirit mine nearby. The spirit mine is guarded by over a thousand mortals and only four Qi cultivators from the sect, so he was asked to go and provide support... Let's not chat here. If Master finds out, he'll scold me for being impolite again. Please, come inside."

"Thank you."

Li Ping'an's spiritual sense had already scoured the Taoist temple inside and out several times. He cupped his fists and followed the woman into the temple gate.

The small courtyard of the Taoist temple was clean and tidy. The bluestone-paved ground was dotted with moss. In the center of the courtyard was a fish pond, seven feet square, with more than ten koi leisurely swimming under the lotus leaves.

Li Ping'an smiled, "This courtyard hasn't changed at all since my last visit."

Wen Ling'er quickly went to the side room to make tea.

Li Ping'an, familiar with the place, sat down on the stone chair in front of the door and turned to watch Wen Ling'er's retreating figure.

She was indeed not tall, but her petite and lovely frame was perfectly proportioned.

Li Ping'an suddenly asked, "Did Daoist Priest Chen never mention me to you?"

Wen Ling'er, who was tending to the magic artifact stone stove, did not stop her movements. She smiled and said, "I only recently became his disciple, and Master rarely mentioned his friends to me. What should I call you?"

"Li Ping'an. Like you, fellow Daoist, I haven't formally joined the outer sect yet."

Li Ping'an smiled:

"I'm currently undertaking an outer sect trial mission. I was lucky enough to draw a very simple trial mission: delivering a letter to Daoist Priest Chen.

"If I complete it successfully, I will also be considered a disciple of the Myriad Cloud Sect."

"That's truly enviable."

Wen Ling'er approached gracefully with the tea tray, her laughter interspersed with pleasantries:

"I see that you're quite young, Daoist. Do you already have the cultivation of the Light Condensation Realm? You've used some techniques to conceal yourself, so I can't quite tell.

"Logically speaking, someone as young and promising as you should have been taken in as a disciple by an Immortal. Why do you still need to go through the outer sect trials?"

Li Ping'an's gaze flickered slightly. "The situation here is quite complicated. It's partly due to my father."

"Due to your father?"

Wen Ling'er bowed to pour tea, asking curiously, "What do you mean by that?"

Li Ping'an calmly stated, "My father took Daoist Master Kongming, the Founding Ancestor of the sect, as his Master. His generation became disciples of the Founding Ancestor, and my generation was also elevated. Perhaps the Immortals in the sect are wary of such things. I suppose my opportunity hasn't arrived yet."

After speaking, he picked up the cup of tea and brought it directly to his lips.

Wen Ling'er's smile froze on her face.

A disciple's disciple – a grandchild of the Founding Ancestor!

A grandchild of a Golden Immortal ancestor within the sect!

The person I'm about to harm is a descendant of the sect's Founding Ancestor!

Li Ping'an made a move as if to drink.

"Hey! Sir!"

Wen Ling'er raised her hand to snatch the teacup, but her movement stopped abruptly. Her whole body seemed to tremble, and her delicate voice also became shaky:

"F-Fellow Daoist! This tea is from last night!"

"Oh?"

Li Ping'an looked up at Wen Ling'er, but only brought the teacup to his nose, fanning it gently with his other hand.

He seemed to be sniffing the aroma, but in reality, he had already sealed his nose and mouth with his magic power. He put down the teacup with a smile and looked up at Wen Ling'er.

At this moment, Wen Ling'er felt as if she were standing under the scorching sun, her Dao heart becoming somewhat hazy.

Was she getting caught up in the highest-level power struggle within the sect?

Li Ping'an asked again, "What is Fellow Daoist's name?"

"Ling'er... My name is Wen Ling'er."

Wen Ling'er responded quite well. Although her mind was disturbed by Li Ping'an, she immediately showed a slight smile: "I never expected you to have such a background."

"It's all thanks to my father,"

Li Ping'an said:

"I also encountered something amusing on my way here. I met an old woman who claimed to be the mother of a disciple within our Myriad Cloud Sect.

"The old woman wanted to take her own life, saying her son was unfilial and unwilling to live.

"I found it very interesting, so I deliberately teased her.

"The old woman thought her disguise was excellent, but in reality, she didn't even get the most basic details right, and I saw through her at a glance.

"If her son were unfilial at her age, how could her complexion be so ruddy, her physique so agile, and even the tea she brewed so unpleasant to smell."

Li Ping'an looked up at Wen Ling'er: "What do you think, Fellow Daoist?"

Wen Ling'er subconsciously took half a step back, clenched her delicate fists, and glared at Li Ping'an. Her handsome little face was filled with conflict and confusion.

If Li Ping'an hadn't revealed his 'father's virtue' earlier, Wen Ling'er would have exploded in anger right now.

But now, she didn't dare.

"Fellow Daoist Wen Ling'er, don't you want to tell me something?"

Li Ping'an maintained his gentle smile, his voice still unhurried:

"If what you said outside the Daoist temple was true, then you have lived for several decades in this world and should understand the meaning of assessing the situation and acting accordingly.

"You said you came from the coast of the Eastern Sea. The coast of the Eastern Sea is quite long and narrow, with over twelve hundred large and small market towns. Our Myriad Cloud Sect has hundreds of shops, mostly concentrated in dozens of market towns in the central section of the Eastern Sea coast.

"The footwear you're wearing is not common in the Eastern Continent, but it's quite fashionable on the overseas immortal mountain of Yingzhou. Among the market towns and large cities closest to Yingzhou, there are several large market towns jointly controlled by our Myriad Cloud Sect and a few other sects.

"If I'm not mistaken, you cultivate there?"

Wen Ling'er forced a stiff smile: "You are truly knowledgeable. Cultivating within the sect, yet you can see things thousands of miles away."

"I just like to read some miscellaneous books,"

Li Ping'an sighed softly:

"Since you haven't denied it, I roughly know who the Immortal on the cloud above is.

"The person in charge of those shops is Elder Xiao Yue, an outer disciple. She is known as Manager Xiao within the sect. She is a disciple of a Golden Immortal and is not afraid of offending my father.

"I imagine that today's events are most likely orchestrated by those high-ranking members of the sect who have believed the rumors and believe my father will be the next Sect Master. They invited her to come and add a little difficulty to my trial.

"Whether this outer disciple trial is successful or not doesn't have a significant impact on me. The worst outcome is just causing my father to lose a little face.

"But what about you? Fellow Daoist Wen."

Wen Ling'er's small face turned pale.

She subconsciously looked up at the sky and said in a low voice, "Fellow Daoist seems to be talking nonsense... I, I don't know any of these things."

Li Ping'an suddenly asked, "Is Daoist Priest Chen unharmed?"

"He's unharmed! He must be unharmed! He's at the spirit mine!"

"Then let's go."

Li Ping'an stood up, looked into Wen Ling'er's eyes, and suddenly smiled again:

"You are also a member of our Myriad Cloud Sect. You were just following orders today, so I don't need to make things too difficult for you.

"Where you were originally going to lead me, take me there now.

"I suppose this is just Elder Xiao wanting to test me, her little disciple."

With that, Li Ping'an took out the jade token and placed it on the table in front of him.

"This is a letter from the sect given to me. If I leave it here, it counts as delivering it to Daoist Priest Chen. If Daoist Priest Chen doesn't see it, I will request a thorough investigation by the sect."

Wen Ling'er blinked gently.

She suddenly snapped back to reality.

This fellow in front of her had gone through all this trouble, seemingly just to ensure Chen Gongmin's safety?

Li Ping'an looked up at the cloud where Xiao Yue was hiding, cupped his hands from afar, and said no more.

On the cloud, Xiao Yue frowned deeply.

She had actually been seen through by this Li Ping'an?

This brat had actually brought up the Golden Immortal ancestor behind his father, and with just a few words, he had cornered her, rendering all her schemes meaningless...

Xiao Yue suddenly heard a transmission. It was Elder Yan Sheng, who was actively calling her to join him in flying on the clouds to observe the ceremony.