Jian Xuzi Takes the Blame

However, the Thirteenth Elder had not forgotten the main matter. While tracking down Yiting's murderer was important, the most pressing issue was the whereabouts of the missing Innate Dao Body.

That Innate Dao Body was tied to the rise and fall of the entire Li Clan Ancient Clan, far beyond what Li Yiting could compare to.

"Manager Li, Yiting once promised you two Pine Crane Pills if you found the Innate Dao Body."

"This Seat promises: if you can locate that Innate Dao Body or provide useful leads, This Seat will not only give you two Pine Crane Pills but also gift the Great Li Imperial Family a Secret Realm."

After all, this was unfamiliar territory. To track down the Innate Dao Body, he had to rely on the Great Li Imperial Family's power.

The value of the Innate Dao Body was immeasurable. To spur the Great Li Imperial Family into action, the Thirteenth Elder did not hesitate to make heavy promises.

Sure enough, upon hearing the Thirteenth Elder's pledge, a hint of joy appeared on Li Lianying's face.

He had originally thought that with Li Yiting dead and the Innate Dao Body missing, the matter had failed, and the Pine Crane Pills would be out of reach.

He never expected that the Thirteenth Elder would not only promise the Pine Crane Pills but also gift a Secret Realm to the Great Li Imperial Family.

A flicker of urgency shone in Li Lianying's eyes. Though the Imperial Lord had cultivated the Myriad Demon Blood Prison Scripture, his condition was growing worse.

Without the Pine Crane Pills to extend his life, he might not last a few more years. This opportunity had to be seized.

"Rest assured, Thirteenth Elder. The Great Li Imperial Family is at your command."

Seeing Li Lianying's tactfulness, the Thirteenth Elder immediately instructed, "Manager Li, has there been any Sword Dao expert active in the Imperial Capital recently?"

The murderer had acted with extreme caution. When the Thirteenth Elder arrived at the scene, aside from traces of rampant Sword Qi, there were no other clues.

The Thirteenth Elder could only start from this angle, hoping to find some trace of the Innate Dao Body.

"Sword Dao expert!"

Li Lianying murmured to himself, a look of confusion in his eyes.

Seeing this, the Thirteenth Elder had no choice but to lay out his full reasoning to Li Lianying.

After listening to the Thirteenth Elder's account, Li Lianying's eyes lit up with sudden realization. From the scene's traces, Li Yiting had likely been killed by a Sword Dao master.

Li Lianying pondered for a moment, then a gleam flashed in his eyes, as if he had uncovered the truth.

"Thirteenth Elder, if we're talking about Sword Dao experts, there is indeed one in the Imperial Capital who can be called a Sword Dao Great Grandmaster."

"Oh, speak quickly to This Seat!"

Hearing this, the Thirteenth Elder grew excited. His earlier speculation had been correct, and he urged Li Lianying eagerly.

After organizing his thoughts, Li Lianying continued, "Thirteenth Elder, I've spent some time with Young Master Li and have a fair understanding of his strength."

"Young Master Li became a Great Grandmaster at a young age, with combat power far exceeding his peers. Even an ordinary Sword Dao master might not be able to capture him, let alone kill him instantly."

"But this person in the Imperial Capital is a peerless sword prodigy unseen in Great Li's Sword Dao for three hundred years. Moreover, he hails from the Sword Sect."

"The Sword Sect is the strongest Sword Dao sect in Great Li. This man's Sword Dao cultivation is unfathomable. With his strength, Young Master Li indeed stood no chance."

Relying on the might of the Grand Void Li Clan Ancient Clan, the Thirteenth Elder had always been overbearing, never putting the Great Li Imperial Family in his eyes.

But he had never underestimated Manager Li's strength. Even he, having cut his own cultivation and fallen from the Divine Realm, could still sense a dangerous aura from Li Lianying.

Since Li Lianying held this person in such high regard, his Sword Dao skill must be extraordinary.

"Speak quickly—who is this man, and where is he in the Imperial Capital now? This Seat will apprehend him at once."

The Thirteenth Elder could hardly wait, eager to seize the Sword Dao Great Grandmaster Li Lianying had mentioned and interrogate him under torture.

After a moment's thought, Li Lianying added, "Thirteenth Elder, this man's sword name is Jian Xuzi, one of the Seven Sons of the Sword Sect. He is fond of fine wine and currently resides at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion."

"If the Thirteenth Elder wishes to apprehend him, I can lead the way."

"Quickly, Manager Li, take This Seat to the Drunken Immortal Pavilion at once."

"Yes, Thirteenth Elder."

Li Lianying led the Thirteenth Elder through the air, and they soon arrived at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion.

After inquiring with the innkeeper, they learned that Jian Xuzi had left the Drunken Immortal Pavilion seven days ago, his whereabouts unknown.

"Indeed, this Jian Xuzi is suspicious. Yiting died without cause seven days ago, and this man left the Drunken Immortal Pavilion for no reason seven days ago—too much of a coincidence!"

The more he thought about it, the more the Thirteenth Elder believed Jian Xuzi was responsible. The Innate Dao Body was the supreme physique for cultivation; Jian Xuzi, with an eye for talent, would have clear motive.

The timing and motive aligned. No matter what, Jian Xuzi had to be captured and questioned.

"Manager Li, quickly, seize Jian Xuzi. He is surely connected to Yiting's death. The Innate Dao Body was likely taken by him."

Seeing Li Lianying's hesitation, the Thirteenth Elder frowned in displeasure. "What, are you unwilling?"

Li Lianying's face showed difficulty. "Thirteenth Elder, it's not that I'm unwilling, but I truly cannot do it!"

Cannot do it! The Thirteenth Elder was taken aback, never expecting to hear such words from Manager Li.

From Li Lianying's earlier remarks, the Sword Sect was merely the strongest Sword Dao sect in Great Li, far inferior to the vast Great Li Dynasty.

Yet the Great Li Imperial Family couldn't handle the Sword Sect? Could the Sword Sect be hiding something unusual?

Meeting the Thirteenth Elder's astonished gaze, Li Lianying continued, "The Sword Sect is a new sect founded only three hundred years ago. Over those centuries, though talents emerged, none matched the glory of the Sword Sect Ancestor in his prime."

"It wasn't until this generation's Sword Sect Master that the sect finally welcomed a figure of earth-shattering ability."

Unexpectedly, the Li Lianying before him held the Sword Sect Master in such high regard. A flicker of gravity passed through the Thirteenth Elder's eyes.

He dared not underestimate Manager Li's strength in the slightest. Yet even a figure of such caliber was in awe of the Sword Sect Master—surely, that man must be an extraordinary being.

"Manager Li, what exactly makes the Sword Sect Master so remarkable that you revere him like this?"

Li Lianying's face was solemn. Finally, he slowly uttered a few words: "That man has already stepped into the realm of 'Dao Attainment.'"

"What did you say? He has entered the realm of 'Dao Attainment'?"

Hearing Li Lianying's words, the Thirteenth Elder's expression shifted drastically. He stood frozen like a wooden stake, unable to speak for a long time, clearly numbed by the shock.