Another maid asked, "Then why did Her Highness the Saintess appoint him as a Guest Elder and even arrange for him to stay so close by?"
Liu Ruyan's lips curved into a cold, alluring smile. "Precisely because he is mysterious. That is why I have to keep him right under my nose."
"The more he wants to hide, the more I want to dig out everything about him."
"Besides, a man who can make Li Ao suffer a loss, while possessing considerable strength and a mysterious background—isn't he exactly what I need?"
"Whether as a pawn or as a cauldron, he is immensely valuable."
She licked her red lips, eerie light flickering in her eyes.
"Pass down the order. Spread the news that Yang Lingtian has become the Guest Elder of Yanxia Peak—but do it casually, as if by accident."
"I want to see just what kind of waves this will stir up throughout the Xuanba Sword Sect."
"Yes, Her Highness the Saintess." The maids answered respectfully.
The news from Yanxia Peak sprouted wings.
It spread throughout the entire Xuanba Sword Sect at an astonishing speed.
"Have you heard? That Rogue Cultivator Her Highness the Saintess brought back from outside has actually been appointed Guest Elder of Yanxia Peak."
"What? Guest Elder? That status is second only to that of a sect elder!"
"How can a Rogue Cultivator of unknown origins rise to the heavens in a single step?"
"I heard his name is Yang Lingtian, and he's no ordinary man. Even Holy Son Li Ao suffered a loss at his hands."
"Seriously? What kind of person is Holy Son Li Ao? How could he be suppressed by a Rogue Cultivator?"
"It's absolutely true. A lot of people saw it. Holy Son Li Ao stormed off to Yanxia Peak, only