Investigating in Secret, the Fox Shows Its Tail

Holding the "Jie" command token, Xuan Chuan did not immediately make a grand display of mobilizing resources or consulting ancient texts.

He knew well that before dealing with external threats, he had to first settle internal ones. The thorn that was Long-Eared Dingguang Immortal had to be removed as soon as possible, lest it bring endless future trouble.

Recalling how Long-Eared had slipped into his cave dwelling that night, only to flee in panic after suffering a backlash from the Creation Jade Disc Fragment, a cold glint flashed through Xuan Chuan's eyes.

That scoundrel still harbored evil intentions and had connections beyond the island. If he did not obtain solid proof soon, disaster would inevitably follow.

He did not make the matter public, nor did he inform Zhao Gongming or the Three Xiao Sisters.

This concerned Jiejiao's internal reputation and might even involve a contest at the level of Saints. The fewer people who knew, the better, and his actions had to remain secret.

With a thought, The One That Escaped within his sea of consciousness began to operate silently.

An ineffable aura spread around him, as though temporarily "peeling" him away from the current threads of heavenly secrets.

Any divinations or perceptions related to him became vague and difficult to trace.

At the same time, beneath the shroud of that power, his figure and aura became faintly discernible, nearly impossible to detect.

This was the marvelous use of The One That Escaped in concealing one's tracks, a top-tier stealth divine ability in the Primordial World.

Once he was prepared, Xuan Chuan silently left his cave dwelling like a ghost, alerting no one.

Relying on the faint trace of aura left behind that night, along with his own keen insight into karma and causality, he began searching the vast Golden Turtle Island for Long-Eared Dingguang Immortal's trail.

Golden Turtle Island was boundless, its disciples' cave dwellings scattered like stars. As one of the Seven Attendant Immortals, Long-Eared Dingguang Immortal held no low status, so his cave dwelling naturally lay within the spirit-energy-rich inner island.

Xuan Chuan carefully avoided the restrictions and patrolling disciples along the way, perfectly blending himself into his surroundings.

He did not head directly to Long-Eared's cave dwelling. Instead, he patiently lay in wait nearby, observing.

He knew that if Long-Eared truly had dealings with outsiders, he would never conduct such business within his own cave dwelling. He would surely do so beyond the island, or at least somewhere exceedingly secluded.

He waited for three days.

Like the most patient hunter, Xuan Chuan hid in the darkness, his aura merging with the rocks, trees, and forest. He did not move in the slightest.

Finally, late on the third night, the restrictions around Long-Eared Dingguang Immortal's cave dwelling trembled faintly. A short, fat, furtive figure slipped out in silence—it was Long-Eared himself.

He appeared extremely cautious, looking around for a long while. Only after confirming that no one was following him did he turn into an inconspicuous streak of gray light.

Rather than leaving the island directly, he flew toward a remote, desolate reef-lined shore on the outskirts of Golden Turtle Island, a place rarely visited by disciples.

Just as I thought, something is going on! Xuan Chuan sneered inwardly and immediately followed without a sound, driving the concealment effect of The One That Escaped to its utmost limit.

The reef-lined shore was filled with jagged rocks, and crashing waves battered the coast amid a clamor of noise. It truly was an excellent place to conceal one's actions.

Long-Eared Dingguang Immortal landed behind a massive black reef, seemingly waiting for someone.

After roughly the time it took for an incense stick to burn, another concealed aura swept in from the horizon and landed behind the reef as well.

The newcomer wore pale yellow monk's robes, with precept scars atop his head. His features were ordinary, but his eyes were lively and held a shrewdness that did not suit the purity of Buddhism.

Though he deliberately suppressed his aura, Xuan Chuan could still sense that his cultivation was formidable, at least at the peak of the True Immortal realm.

Someone from the Western Teachings!

Xuan Chuan's heart tightened. He further restrained his aura, becoming like a part of the reef's shadow as he listened in silence.

"Why are you only arriving now?" Long-Eared Dingguang Immortal asked, his tone carrying both displeasure and urgency.

The Yellow-Robbed Monk pressed his palms together, though there was little reverence on his face. In a low voice, he said, "Please forgive me, Fellow Daoist Long-Eared. The patrols around Golden Turtle Island seem to have become tighter lately, so this humble monk had to proceed carefully."

"Hmph!" Long-Eared Dingguang Immortal snorted coldly. "Isn't this all because of that brat Xuan Chuan? Reforming the sect's affairs?"

"I think he is simply purging dissidents! The entire sect is on edge now. Even we Seven Attendant Immortals must exercise far more caution in our actions!

"Master actually lets him run wild, and even bestowed the Purple Lightning Hammer and the 'Jie' command token upon him. This is... this is blatant favoritism!"

His voice was filled with resentment and unwillingness.

A barely noticeable flicker of mockery passed through the Yellow-Robbed Monk's eyes, but his expression remained comforting.

"Why should you be angered, Fellow Daoist? Master Tongtian has been deceived by him and cannot distinguish truth from falsehood. That is only natural. Our Western Paradise is vast and boundless, pure and free, and values karmic affinity above all else.

"For a true cultivator such as yourself, if you are willing to take refuge with us, our Buddhist sect will surely welcome you with open arms. It will never be like this place... filled with foul smoke and miasma, where you must endure the anger of that brat."

Long-Eared Dingguang Immortal's expression shifted. He seemed tempted, but he still had reservations. "That may be so... but..."

Seizing the moment, the Yellow-Robbed Monk took out a jade slip that emitted the fragrance of sandalwood and handed it over.

"This is a Mind-Calming Secret Mantra from our Western Teachings. It can steady the mind, calm the spirit, and dissolve Karmic Force, a small token of my regard.

"Also, this contains the intelligence you requested last time concerning the movements of Chanjiao disciples."

Long-Eared Dingguang Immortal accepted the jade slip and a jade talisman containing information, quickly putting them away. He said quietly, "Thank you.

"These are the recent deployment changes of some Golden Turtle Island disciples, as well as certain patterns in that brat Xuan Chuan's activities. Keep them safe."

The two swiftly completed their exchange of intelligence.

The Yellow-Robbed Monk gave a low laugh. "Put your mind at ease, Fellow Daoist, and endure for now.

"When the time comes, you will naturally have a chance to escape the sea of suffering and ascend to the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Only then will you understand what a true paradise of the Great Dao is!"

Long-Eared Dingguang Immortal nodded, and a trace of yearning and determination flashed through his eyes.

After whispering a few more words, the two prepared to depart separately.

From the shadows, Xuan Chuan saw everything clearly and heard every word!

Complaining that his master showed favoritism, longing for the Western Paradise, and secretly exchanging Jiejiao intelligence!

Long-Eared Dingguang Immortal's identity as a traitor had been completely confirmed. The evidence was irrefutable!

Killing intent surged within Xuan Chuan, but he forcibly suppressed his urge to strike immediately.

If he acted now, he could certainly capture Long-Eared, but the Western Teachings spy would likely seize the opportunity to escape, alerting the enemy.

He watched coldly as Long-Eared Dingguang Immortal and the Yellow-Robbed Monk separately transformed into streaks of light and fled, already forming a plan in his heart.

Next, it was time to cast the net. This ingrate's good days were over!