The various sects training within the Sacred Realm knew nothing of the outside world, while the sects outside knew almost nothing of how the training inside the Sacred Realm was going.
But one thing had spread: Niu Youdao had left the Sacred Realm and returned to Purple Gold Cave. The news caused quite a stir, though some people still had not heard it.
In a secluded farmhouse courtyard enclosed by earthen walls, Zhao Dengxuan pushed open the gate and entered. The yard was quiet, and melon and vegetable vines in one corner were lush and green.
Seeing no movement, Zhao Dengxuan called out, "Jinhuan, Jinhuan..."
After shouting several times with no response, he ran into the house and called again. He searched every room, even the kitchen, but did not find a single soul.
The furnishings inside were clearly the everyday belongings of ordinary commoners, nothing like what cultivators used.
Alerted, Zhao Dengxuan quickly came back outside and saw Wu Shaohuan, the Liuxian Sect Elder who had accompanied him here, standing in the courtyard.
Wu Shaohuan, missing one arm, still wore the same smile.
"Where is she?" Zhao Dengxuan stepped forward, his face darkening. "Elder Wu, didn't you say she was here? Where is she? I advise you not to play any tricks!"
It had not been easy for him to make this trip. Xiaoyao Palace was a long way from here, and he did not have the standing to use Xiaoyao Palace's large flying beasts whenever he wished. Nor could he keep coming here often; as a disciple of Xiaoyao Palace, he had his own duties to fulfill.
Wu Shaohuan's smile was somewhat strange. "Please wait a moment, Mister Zhao. She will be here shortly. It will not take long."
Zhao Dengxuan took a deep breath. "Wouldn't it have