Qin Xue Is Humiliated

The Wolf King had to admit, Ling Yao's words didn't scare Qin Yu, but they did startle him. He was just a rank four Wolf King, a ruler in the Land of Beast Burial, but outside, he was nothing. Hearing Ling Yao recount the Jade Pool Sect's history, he realized just how significant this woman was.

Killing Ling Yao was impossible. But if Ling Yao didn't leave, Qin Yu couldn't possibly abandon his cub. This put the Wolf King in a dilemma. After a moment's thought, he said, "Fellow Daoist, please leave first."

Ling Yao glanced at the Wolf King, a faint smile playing on her lips. She calmly replied, "Wolf King, why should I leave first? This is your territory, isn't it?"

Qin Yu stared coldly at Ling Yao, composed and serene. "I've heard that an Ancestor Ape of the Dao Realm died here. I originally wanted to see it for myself. Since you're accompanying me, that's even better." With that, Qin Yu walked deeper into the wilderness, carrying the wolf cub, his hand constantly resting on its neck.

If Ling Yao wanted to follow, let her. Qin Yu wanted to see how long she could keep it up.

The Azure Wolf King was reluctant, but with the cub in Qin Yu's hands, he had no choice.

"Fine, I'll leave. Let's see how long you can waste time here," Ling Yao said, glancing sideways at Qin Yu.

Meanwhile.

At the location Li Tianji pointed to.

The old man in black, Li Jujin, was stealthily observing the mountain ranges' trends from the spot Li Tianji indicated. Li Jujin had to admit, with his keen eyesight, this place was indeed a strong candidate for a Dao Mansion's location.

This wasn't because he blindly believed Li Tianji's words. Throughout his life, he had excavated countless Dao Mansions and tombs, and he had his own insights into such matters.

Generally speaking!

Cultivators would establish their Dao Mansions or tombs in areas with abundant spiritual energy, nestled between mountains. This was known as gathering spiritual energy. Many powerful cultivators, facing the end of their lifespans but unwilling to simply fade away, would seek places rich in spiritual energy, hoping for it to nourish them and perhaps grant them a second life. Though they knew it was absurd, the dying's desire for life would make them cling to any sliver of hope, even if it was impossible.

As for Dao Mansions, there was even less to say. Who wouldn't want their Dao Mansion to be filled with abundant spiritual energy?

Li Jujin believed he had already explored the other parts of the Land of Beast Burial. Aside from the peculiar nature of the northeastern region, this was the most likely location for a Dao Mansion.

He couldn't quite figure out the northeastern part of the Land of Beast Burial. He had circled it a few times and found it difficult to describe. It exuded a strange aura that he felt the moment he entered. This strangeness, however, reminded him of the dead Ancestor Ape.

Given that it was an Ancestor Ape of the Dao Realm, it likely possessed its own Dao Domain. Therefore, Li Jujin attributed the strangeness of the northeast to the Ancestor Ape's Dao Domain. Furthermore, he had also detected traces of a fierce battle here, which sparked his imagination.

Could it be that the Dao Mansion was here, the Ancestor Ape was severely injured here, and it perished after escaping to the northeast?

Of course, Li Jujin's reasoning was also influenced by Li Tianji. After all, he hadn't actively sought out Li Tianji, and Li Tianji hadn't known about the Dao Mansion's existence here before. Thus, Li Jujin truly believed Li Tianji this time. However, this was also because Li Jujin had encountered individuals who could foresee the past and future, and he held great respect for those who could divine.

"This place is already showing signs of disturbance, which will likely attract the attention of the major powers in the Azure Lotus Heavenly Domain. By then, this place will be swarming with experts. Heh heh, the thought of me, Li Jujin, suddenly bursting out from underground is quite thrilling... Heh heh, I, Li Jujin, love thrills the most. Kid, I'll trust you this once. I've set up teleportation arrays on the other side anyway." Li Jujin chuckled, took out a jade plate with a golden rim, examined it for a moment, and then plunged into the ground, disappearing without a trace.

Myriad Phenomena Pill Shop.

"Xun'er, why did you come all the way to this remote area? If you wanted to experience worldly life, my Tong family's shops are all over every heavenly domain. Any one of them would be more prosperous than this place." On the balcony of the pill shop's upper floor, a distinguished young man sat in a rattan chair, his gaze sharp and his admiration undisguised.

Zi Xun'er smiled charmingly, slowly sat up, picked up the teapot beside her, and poured a cup for the young man. She gently placed it down and, inhaling the wisps of white steam rising from the cup, glanced at the young man. She said calmly, "Tong Yunfei, how do you find this tea? It's the famous Spirit Spring Mountain Tea."

The young man had thick eyebrows and handsome features. His dark, deep eyes seemed like the endless void, filled with a peculiar charm. A golden diamond-shaped mark on his brow added a touch of mystery to him.

He was dressed in a white robe. Even while seated, his posture was straight, like a divine weapon, radiating youthful sharpness yet maintaining an approachable demeanor.

This person was none other than Tong Yunfei!

Tong Yunfei paused slightly upon hearing Zi Xun'er's words. A smile played on his lips as he picked up the teacup and took a small sip, his eyes closed as if savoring the tea's flavor. After a moment, he opened his eyes and said, "It's good. As expected of Spirit Spring Mountain Tea. It has an earthy aroma upon entering the mouth, neither too strong nor too weak. Despite the kneading and sun-drying, its spiritual energy remains intact. This tea is top-grade."

Zi Xun'er's beautiful eyes observed Tong Yunfei. She had to admit, Tong Yunfei was an outstanding figure in terms of background, appearance, and talent, the dream partner of countless young women.

"Spirit Spring Mountain Tea has a rich flavor and fragrance, but if cultivated with intent, it lacks that unique rustic charm. Only after enduring wind and rain can it be considered a superior tea," Zi Xun'er said calmly.

Tong Yunfei's gaze flickered, his admiration deepening. "As long as you wish it, Xun'er, I can abandon everything and travel through the heavenly domains with you."

Zi Xun'er smiled alluringly, her gaze sweeping over the busy crowd below. She said softly, "Look at the crowds below. Most of them are travel-worn, their faces displaying various emotions – anxiety, joy, or sorrow. Life's myriad forms are all displayed here."

Just as Tong Yunfei was about to reply, a voice called out from behind, "Alchemist Zi, Qin Xue of the Qin Family requests an audience."

Zi Xun'er said calmly, "Bring her up."

A moment later.

"Sister Zi." A timid voice rang out. The frail Qin Xue, looking haggard, walked to the balcony entrance.

Zi Xun'er slowly stood up and gracefully walked to Qin Xue, a gentle smile on her face. "Xue'er, what's wrong?"

"I... I... Sister Zi, can you tell me where my brother went? My brother hasn't returned for so long, and Xue'er is very worried." Qin Xue tightly clutched the hem of her clothes, afraid to meet Zi Xun'er's gaze. In front of Zi Xun'er, she couldn't help but feel a sense of inferiority.

It had been nearly four months, and there was still no news of Qin Yu, which made Qin Xue unbearable worried. The first month was fine, but as time passed, Qin Xue became increasingly restless, fearing that Qin Yu might have met with an accident, and even more so, fearing that the Cui Family might have secretly taken action.

Lost in her thoughts, Qin Xue couldn't focus on cultivating. After much deliberation, Qin Xue finally came to the Myriad Phenomena Pill Shop to seek Zi Xun'er, hoping to hear some news of Qin Yu.

"Xue'er, do you believe your sister? Your brother is fine. He'll be back in another month," Zi Xun'er comforted her.

"But... Sister Zi, I'm still worried... Can you tell me where my brother is? Xue'er wants to go find him." Qin Xue persisted. It wasn't that she didn't believe Zi Xun'er, but rather, she remembered the look in Cui Hong's eyes when she saw her father, Qin Zhan, kneeling before the Cui residence. Every time she recalled it, she became more worried, feeling more certain that Cui Hong wouldn't let Qin Yu go.

At her age, Qin Xue was prone to overthinking. She hadn't rested much in the past month. She desperately wanted to improve her cultivation quickly, but with her mind in turmoil, she couldn't even calm her heart, let alone cultivate.

Zi Xun'er's delicate brows furrowed, not out of impatience, but because she had been preoccupied with planning for the Dao Mansion these past few months and had no time to consider Qin Yu's whereabouts. Therefore, she didn't know where Qin Yu had gone.

"Where did this ill-mannered, lowly servant come from? Don't you believe Xun'er, why are you asking here? Get out!" Tong Yunfei, who was sitting nearby, noticed Zi Xun'er's frown and shouted coldly.

Being interrupted, Tong Yunfei was already displeased. Furthermore, Qin Xue, worried about Qin Yu, had rushed over without tidying her clothes and appeared plainly dressed, leading Tong Yunfei to mistake her for a maidservant from the mortal world. And a maidservant coming to ask about his brother?? This greatly displeased Tong Yunfei. Seeing Zi Xun'er frown, Tong Yunfei became furious.

Qin Xue trembled in fear and looked at Tong Yunfei with trepidation. She hadn't been resting well these past few days and was somewhat dazed. Hearing Tong Yunfei's harsh scolding, her heart quivered. Zi Xun'er's status was noble, otherwise, she wouldn't have hesitated for so long to come.

Tong Yunfei, having been pampered for a long time, had developed an imposing presence. Coupled with being with Zi Xun'er, Qin Xue understood that Tong Yunfei's status was also extraordinary. Frightened, her eyes turned red, almost to the point of tears. She desperately suppressed her tears from falling, bowed her head, and said, "I... I... I'm sorry, Sister Zi. I... I... Qin Xue doesn't disbelieve you." With that, Qin Xue turned and hurried away.

Zi Xun'er glanced at the glistening tear that fell from Qin Xue's eye as she turned, sighing inwardly. She didn't chase after her, but calmly said, "She's just a little girl. And you got so angry?"

"Xun'er, don't tell me you came to this remote place out of sheer kindness?" Tong Yunfei retorted.

"Not exactly. I encountered someone here whom I couldn't see through," Zi Xun'er said, slowly sitting down and taking a sip of tea.

"Oh?" Tong Yunfei's thick brows furrowed. After a moment of thought, he asked, "Is it this little girl's brother?"

Zi Xun'er's lips curved slightly, and she said calmly, "You'll know when the time comes."