Before Setting Out

"I arrived a few days late and missed that most sensational meeting of the younger generation."

Lu Jingchen continued, "Later, I visited the Dao Mother Pagoda, where the Immortal Tomb is located, but I didn't see her true form. I only knew that her cultivation was extremely high, reaching the heavens. I know what Brother Li is wondering about. Judging from her cultivation level, she is definitely not the person you are looking for."

Since Lu Jingchen had investigated Li Weiyi, he naturally knew that the Jiang family patriarch of Lingxiao Shengjing was the former master of the Heavenly World Hall of the Rice Sect. He would also know about the friendship between Li Weiyi and Jiang Ning.

With just a casual question, the other party saw through his intentions.

The Lu Brothers were truly different in character and temperament. Li Weiyi looked puzzled and asked again, "The greatest conflict in the world is the struggle between life and death. For all living beings, the greatest threat is the Netherworld of the Departed, a matter of survival, a sharp blade hanging over their heads at all times."

"I'm very curious. Since the Taiyin Sect serves the Netherworld of the Departed, it should logically be an enemy of all living beings, and even more so, the enemy most hated by the human race."

"What gives Chu Yutian the audacity to appear so brazenly in Dragon City?"

Lu Jingchen said, "There are many conflicting opinions, and it's hard to discern the truth. Currently, there are two versions of the story that I think are quite plausible."

"The first theory is that Dao Palace's two successive disciples both failed miserably, making a huge fool of themselves. The third appointment of a disciple must be a decisive battle to make a name for himself and restore his prestige. Therefore, he chose Chu Yutian his opponent, luring him to Dragon City in exchange for the Dragon Soul Origin Light, intending to kill him."

"But it failed!"

"The second theory is that when Dao Palace Shinden and Chu Yutian were trading Dragon Soul Origin Light in Dragon City, Inamiya Shinden was completely unaware of Chu Yutian's identity. However, he quickly figured it out, and Chu Yutian's true appearance spread Various Life Realms within a few days, making it impossible for him to openly show his true face again."

Lu Jingchen continued, "Only those involved probably know the specific truth. But in this duel between the Dao Palace Shinden and Chu Yutian, each side had its winners and losers."

"Chu Yutian definitely obtained the Dragon Soul Origin Light, but he revealed his true identity."

"Since Dao Palace's true disciple failed to kill the opponent in Dragon City, and Chu Yutian, who obtained the Dragon Soul Origin Light, will undoubtedly make a significant leap in his cultivation. Of course, given the methods of the Taiyin Sect's true disciple, obtaining the Dragon Soul Origin Light from elsewhere should not be difficult for me."

The excavation of the Ancient Immortal Dragon Skeleton has allowed many Longevity Realm Martial Cultivators to obtain the Dragon Soul Origin Light.

Li Weiyi killed Yao Qian and obtained a bundle of items; with Chu Yutian's cultivation level, obtaining them would be even easier.

In Li Weiyi's view, Dao Palace's failure to kill Chu Yutian in Dragon City was the biggest failure. Of course, this is on the premise that Dao Palace truly had the courage to do so.

After all, killing Chu Yutian would only bring him fame and restore Dao Palace's image; otherwise, it would be entirely detrimental.

Suddenly, a brilliant idea flashed through Li Weiyi's mind.

Could the Secret Treasure Qin Zhengyang sent be the reason Chu Yutian was able to escape from Dragon City?

Lu Jingchen was obviously unaware of the secret that "Qin Zhengyang and Dao Palace traded a Secret Treasure on the Lantern Festival," because this news was relayed by a highly confidential expert from the Sentinel Spirit Army who had infiltrated the Taiyin Sect.

It was the fourth quarter of the Xu hour, two hours before midnight.

Li Weiyi rode his carriage away from the Heavenly Pavilion and headed towards the Demon Race's territory in Dragon City.

Upon reaching the Saint Mind Master Realm, even without releasing mental power, one's perception is significantly enhanced. With eyes closed, pedestrians, monsters, plants, and buildings on the surrounding streets appear in one's mind.

Their conversation flowed like a tide, their breaths stirred the air, and even their eyes and emotions could be sensed.

Li Weiyi did not release Second Phoenix to search for Tang Wanzhou. Instead, he took out a map of the East China Sea and carefully observed and pondered it.

There are different ways to treat friends.

There are methods for dealing with enemies.

He promised Lu Jingchen, but secretly leaked the secret, putting him in danger. Who would dare to Zhen Xin befriend Li Weiyi in the future?

This is one point.

Secondly, the western coast of the East China Sea, including parts of the sea area, was shrouded in darkness by the Netherworld.

According to the map, the area is characterized by towering mountains, complex terrain, and dense, dark vegetation, making it a paradise for demons and spirits. No one knows whether any powerful spirits came with Qin Zhengyang.

Even if Tang Wanzhou succeeds in killing Qin Zhengyang by making a move there, he won't be able to escape.

The vehicle drove into the desolate area of Dragon City. There were no lights or human voices, only silence and ancient ruins. Giant stone pillars stood tall, and dragon nests resembled hills.

"Swish! Swish..."

A dozen or so demonic beasts suddenly appeared from all directions, blocking Li Weiyi's path.

"Humans, this is off-limits. Anywhere beyond this lies our Demon Race's core territory."

Some of them had shrimp tails, some had crab claws, and some were eight-legged fish, wielding spears and halberds, with arrogant expressions.

"I'm here to find the Water Ferret Immortal! Tell it it's Brother Ren." Li Weiyi's calm voice drifted from the vehicle.

"You think you can just see the Immortal Prince whenever you want?"

"We don't care Brother Ren you are, you dog, you cat, or anyone else. If you don't leave, don't blame us for cutting your head off."

The two Shrimp Demon brandished their magical halberds to drive away the departed beast spirits pulling the cart.

"This is really troublesome! Without showing our strength, we can't move an inch."

Li Weiyi unleashed a beam of spiritual light, sending the two Shrimp Demon flying more than ten feet away. The remaining demonic beasts were all repelled by the light waves emanating from the carriage.

All the demons were greatly alarmed, realizing they had encountered a formidable opponent.

"You, with that surname, just you wait. Don't you dare leave."

An Octopus Demon, its body emanating a jet-black mist, moved all eight of its legs in unison, rushing off along the downward-extending city streets and into the sea, heading towards the newly built underwater Jellyfish Palace.

Before long, the Water Ferret Immortal and the Octopus Demon arrived at top speed and looked at the car parked in the middle of the street. "Is that Brother Ren?"

"I will keep my promise."

Li Weiyi spoke in her own voice.

Hearing this, the Water Ferret Immortal was thrilled. She then used her tiny claws to smack the Octopus Demon's head hard. "Don't you guys have eyes? That's Brother Ren! Even Prince Baba and Princess Baba, and even... they would all be treated as honored guests. Brother Ren, don't lower yourself to the level of a bunch of lowly creatures. Who do you think you are? Come, come, please come into the water!"

"I'm in a hurry, I won't go any further, I'll stay here!" Li Weiyi said.

After driving away all the demonic beasts, the Water Ferret Immortal darted into the carriage and, with utmost respect, asked Li Weiyi, who was studying a map inside, "Yu'er... is the Great Palace Master not here?"

"Do you think you can easily see the Great Palace Master again?"

Li Weiyi glanced at it, then extended a finger and extracted the Death Spirit Light from its body.

"What a regret! If only I had known she was the Great Palace Master... Ah, when my Old Ancestor went to Lingxiao City to pay his respects to the Great Palace Master, he stood at the foot of the Phoenix Pavilion Mountain all night, only to be met by a palace maid before being dismissed."

As the Water Ferret Immortal sighed in amazement, she suddenly noticed an unusual fluctuation of spiritual light emanating from Li Weiyi and exclaimed in surprise, "Brother Ren, you have become a Holy Spirit?"

"Knowing too much won't do you any good. My coming to Longcheng must not be publicized," Li Weiyi said.

"Clear."

After examining the body, the Water Ferret Immortal found that the Death Spirit Light had completely dissipated, and she felt relieved. Then, she said with emotion, "Brother Ren came all this way to remove the Death Spirit Fire from me?"

"Just doing it, go ahead!" Li Weiyi said.

The Water Ferret Immortal lifted the carriage curtain, preparing to leave. Confirming that Li Weiyi had truly only come specifically to remove the Death Spirit Fire from its body, she was deeply moved and couldn't help but utter a concerned remark. "Brother Ren, if you ever get to Huangjiang, just mention my name, it'll definitely work. By the way, something big is about to happen on Dragon Island, you should leave quickly, lest you get caught up in it!"

"What's the big deal?" Li Weiyi asked.

Water Ferret Immortal returned to the carriage, surprised, and said, "Didn't you know? Dao Palace has invited a powerful figure from the Taiyin Sect to assassinate the extraordinary Zhuang Shiyan, who is in charge of Du'e Temple."

Li Weiyi looked away from the map, pondered for a moment, and said, "This is impossible! Where did Dao Palace get the audacity to stand against the entire world on a life-or-death standpoint? Where did you get this information?"

Water Ferret Immortal plopped down opposite Li Weiyi: "This matter has been making headlines these past few days. It's said that if Dao Palace wants to gain greater benefits from the East Sea, he must eliminate the power of the Du'e Temple."

"There's also talk that the Taiyin Sect has already mobilized the five Ghost Kings of the Seven Grievances Plain, making this assassination attempt a certainty. Haven't you noticed that the entire Dragon Island is under martial law right now? The atmosphere is very strange."

"Whether it's true or not, the old guard from all the major powers has been alarmed."

"You're the son-in-law of Zuoqiu Courtyard, so you must live at the Dragon Island Dojo of Du'e Temple, right? This rivalry is terrifying. Leave immediately."

Li Weiyi simply didn't believe it.

Even if Dao Palace really wanted to use the Taiyin Sect to kill Zhuang Shiyan, this secret could never be revealed.

A thought struck him, and he asked, "How long ago did this news get out?"

"About two or three days ago!" Water Ferret Immortal.

Li Weiyi pondered for a moment, then smiled.

He was at least 70% certain that Tang Wanzhou had leaked the news.

The Dongxu Camp has weaknesses, Taiyin Sect has even greater weaknesses.

Tang Wanzhou is using the influence of the old men from all sides on Dragon Island to bind those who might be traveling with Qin Zhengyang, as well as the hidden Taiyin Sect and the older generation of powerful figures from the Shiling Sect.

In the atmosphere she created, those old guys would likely meet a gruesome end if they showed up in the nearby waters.

At this moment, Li Weiyi completely understood why she was able to boldly deduce that the meeting place between Qin Zhengyang and Dao Palace was very likely at the West Ferry.

First of all, the entire city is now under martial law and the Taiyin Sect is being thoroughly investigated, which forces Qin Zhengyang to not dare to set foot on the island at all.

Secondly, Dao Palace Shinden was afraid of being plotted against by the Taiyin Sect, so he dared not go too far from Dragon Island.

Qin Zhengyang, fearing being tricked by the Dao Palace and dying without knowing why, would definitely choose a crowded spot near Dragon Island. That way, even if Dao Palace resorts to underhanded tactics, the Taiyin Sect would know who to seek revenge against.

It won't become a complete mess.

Thirdly, the West Ferry Crossing is the closest to the Netherworld of the Departed, only two thousand miles from the west coast. If anything is amiss, evacuation can be carried out as quickly as possible.

Qin Zhengyang had no idea that someone wanted to assassinate him, nor did he realize that his whereabouts had already been exposed.

Finding someone is the hardest part of assassinating them.

Li Weiyi guessed that this was why Tang Wanzhou had chosen the western ferry crossing as the location. He deduced that the Dao Palace and the Taiyin Sect distrusted each other.

Tang Wanzhou must have other plans. Right now, her only worry is that Qin Zhengyang will be scared off!

Li Weiyi put away the map, looked at the Water Ferret Immortal, and asked, "Is Her Highness the Princess on Dragon Island?"

"Yes! Her Highness has broken through to the Immortal Realm and successfully transformed into human form. Would you like to go and see her true form?" the Water Ferret Immortal said with a smile.

Li Weiyi gently shook his head. "Please pass on a message for me: if anything happens at sea tonight, I hope Her Highness will repay the favor. Also tell her that I don't have high hopes for this matter, but if she lends a helping hand, I will definitely reciprocate in the future."

He said this simply to add an extra layer of protection in case of unpredictable dangers.