After recognizing each other at Yuqing Hall, Gu Xi and the other two returned and entered seclusion.
Gu Hui, meanwhile, remained as he had always been.
A month later, Zhang Xiaofan returned, bringing back the third volume of the Heavenly Book.
By then, Gu Hui possessed all five volumes of the Heavenly Book. After comprehending them, his aura became even more profound and mysterious.
The Qingyun disciples had brought back more than just the Heavenly Book. They had also returned with news that the divine beast Yellow Bird had been captured by the Ghost King Sect.
The turmoil in Death Swamp had temporarily subsided, but the gloom hanging over Shenzhou Haotu only grew heavier.
After the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault incident, Shenzhou Haotu seemed to have fallen into an eerie calm.
Orthodox Dao sects such as the Qingyun Sect and Heavenly Sound Temple had suffered considerable losses and urgently needed time to recover.
Though the Demonic Cult had seized Yellow Bird, the Ghost King Sect was clearly plotting something greater and did not immediately stir up new trouble.
Yet beneath those calm waters, the undercurrents surged ever more fiercely.
On this day, at Shoujing Hall.
Aside from Tian Buyi and Su Ru, there was unexpectedly another guest in the hall—Zeng Shuchang, head of Fenghui Peak. His son, Zeng Shushu, stood at his side as well.
"Dongfang, Lin'er, Xiaofan, you're here." Tian Buyi's expression was grave. "We just received word that the Southern Border has been far from peaceful lately. Incense Valley has been making frequent moves, and something major appears to be happening.
"The sect leader and the other peak heads have discussed the matter and decided to send people to investigate.
"Senior Brother Zeng recommended Shushu. He is quick-witted, eloquent, and skilled at dealing with people.
"But the