Xuan Yang Peak, Ji Yunliang's residence.
The ancient pine in the courtyard looked even more vigorous in winter, its needles covered by a thin layer of frost and snow.
Inside the study, charcoal burned quietly in the brazier.
Ji Yunliang sat upright in a rosewood chair, holding a yellowed ancient book in his hands.
His expression was calm, as though he were deep in thought.
Opposite him, Transmission Elder Gongyang Ming set down his teacup and said quietly, "The Sect Leader has chosen a candidate for the matter of Lingxiao Supreme Sect."
Ji Yunliang raised his eyes. "Oh? Has Senior Brother Nan emerged from seclusion?"
"Not yet."
Gongyang Ming shook his head. "Nan Zhuoran is in seclusion attempting his tenth tempering. He is at a critical juncture and cannot afford distraction."
Ji Yunliang said nothing, waiting for him to continue.
Looking at him, Gongyang Ming slowly said, "The Sect Leader discussed it with several lineage masters and decided to send Chen Qing."
The study fell silent.
Only after a moment did Ji Yunliang gently close the book in his hand and place it on the table.
"Send Chen Qing?" His tone was flat, revealing neither pleasure nor anger.
Gongyang Ming nodded. "For now, this matter remains top secret. Only the sect's upper ranks know of it, and it will not be announced to the outside world for the time being."
Ji Yunliang was silent.
He had long heard of the matter concerning Lingxiao Supreme Sect.
The situation in the Eight Paths Region was complex. Dragons and tigers contended there, outside forces watched like tigers eyeing their prey, and the Huan Yuan Cult stirred up wind and cloud from the shadows.
This was by no means an easy matter. It required not only sufficient strength to deter petty scoundrels, but also