Li Xiaoyu's heart sank.
He did not want to believe that the senior uncle who had once stood as lofty as a mountain in his heart would harbor hostility toward him.
But his intuition told him that his guess was likely true.
He recalled the complicated look in Daoist Daoxuan's eyes before Jade Purity Hall.
He recalled the terrifying power his mysterious gourd had displayed during the battle in the Wilderness.
He recalled the soaring prestige he now enjoyed.
At last, he understood.
In Daoist Daoxuan's eyes, he had become an uncontrollable variable, a presence capable of threatening his position as Sect Leader.
A storm was coming.
Li Xiaoyu knew he could no longer sit and wait for death.
He had to raise his strength as quickly as possible.
Only by possessing power sufficient to contend against the entire world could he protect himself and those he loved in the coming storm.
And his greatest reliance was that mysterious gourd that had accompanied him for many years.
The Immortal-Slaying Gourd.
What changes had it undergone after devouring the immense energy of Asura and the Black Water Profound Snake's demon soul?
Just how terrifying had its power become now?
All of it remained unknown.
He had to thoroughly study it as soon as possible.
Thus, on a night when the moonlight flowed like water, Li Xiaoyu told Lu Xueqi of his decision.
"Xueqi, I'm preparing to enter seclusion again."
His voice was filled with gravity.
Lu Xueqi looked at him, concern flashing through her cool eyes.
"Is it because of Sect Leader Uncle?"
She was exceptionally intelligent. How could she fail to sense the oppressive atmosphere hanging over all of Green Cloud Mountain?
Hearing this, Li Xiaoyu fell silent for a long while before slowly nodding.
"I don't know."
"I just