The sea wind still howled. "Perhaps Xuanji True Person was preparing to break through to the Nascent Soul True Lord realm. But without the three souls seven apertures spirit embryo fruit in my hands, his chances probably aren't very good."
Qing Chen frowned slightly, an almost imperceptible curve lifting the corner of his mouth.
"Even if he took a Third-Tier Longevity Fruit before, by my reckoning, he has only a little over ten years of lifespan left. Once he dies, war will break out again, and the plan will begin."
Although a Third-Tier Longevity Fruit could extend one's lifespan, it was no more than a cup of water thrown on a blazing cart of firewood, hardly enough to turn heaven and earth around.
Just as Qing Chen was calculating his next move, an Inner Sect disciple hurried over to report.
His expression was respectful, and he held a faintly glowing Jade Slip in his hands, precisely the sort used with a Communication Array.
"Reporting to the Hall Master, Tianshu Hall has issued an order."
The disciple stopped several dozen paces before Qing Chen and dropped heavily to one knee. Raising the Jade Slip high in both hands, he offered it to Qing Chen with utmost deference.
Qing Chen lifted his hand slightly, and the Jade Slip floated into his palm as though drawn by an invisible force.
His gaze settled steadily on the Jade Slip, a trace of scrutiny flashing through his eyes.
Then Qing Chen circulated his divine sense, undid the seal, and probed inside.
In an instant, a line of writing appeared within his sea of consciousness:
"By decree of Tianshu Hall: Qing Chen, Deputy Hall Vice Lord of Tianshu Hall and Battle Hall Master, is to suspend offensive operations, pull back his personnel, and depart immediately aboard