The previously relaxed and harmonious tea gathering descended into solemnity as Chi Xiyue recounted the ambush at the Azure Wood Divine Forest three years prior. Outside the hall, the sea of clouds slowly churned, and the evening breeze drifted through the half-open hall doors, stirring the rising steam from the teacups on the table and causing the fine white mist to slant slightly.
Qin Yu remained seated, his fingertips lightly tracing the cool rim of the teacup, all the gentle smile in his eyes vanishing. After a moment's hesitation, he looked up at Chi Xiyue, his tone steady and cutting to the chase. "Senior, how are Qingchen and Qingyuan doing now?"
She paused briefly, then continued, "Fortunately, after three years of continuous nurturing, and with the clan's spiritual herbs and resources never ceasing to provide care, the two have now fully recovered, and their Fate Soul essence is no longer at risk."
Qin Yu's tense brows relaxed slightly.
Chi Xiyue picked up her teacup and added, "Since that incident, the clan has never allowed the two of them to go out on duty alone again. Whenever they go out on clan business, a strong person will accompany them to protect them and prevent any danger."
"That's good then." Qin Yu nodded slightly.
With Shen Qingchen and Su Qingyuan Anran, the biggest worry about this matter was gone. He lowered his eyes, silently reviewing all the details in his mind: seven Primordial Dao Clan cultivators, six surrounding and killing them, and one coordinating and leading the team;
With a clear objective, they captured the two women and killed their fellow disciples; in the end, all six perished, except for their leader, who escaped. The Chi Lineage conducted a secret investigation for three years, but found nothing; the man seemed to have vanished into thin air.
After a moment of silence, Qin Yu gently placed the teacup on the table, raised his eyes, and said solemnly, "Thank you for telling me the truth, Senior. I will investigate this matter." A slight smile appeared on his lips, his solemnity fading and replaced by a touch of indifference. "Having spent three years in seclusion at the Life Source Pool, I have also been away from the mortal world for quite some time. This is a good opportunity to go out and travel."
Sitting in the main seat, Chi Boqian's eyes flickered slightly. He knew Qin Yu was calm and meticulous in his actions; since he had taken the initiative to take on this task, it was definitely not an ordinary training trip. "Young friend Qin," Chi Boqian said earnestly, his voice filled with concern, "Would you like me to arrange for an elder from my clan to secretly accompany you and assist you in investigating the clues?"
Qin Yu shook his head slightly, his posture humble and respectful, showing no arrogance despite reaching the Supreme of Eternal Silence: "Senior, there's no need for you to trouble yourself. I alone am sufficient. This matter has remained unresolved for three years, and the connections must be secretive. Too many people around would only create unnecessary complications and disrupt the clues."
Chi Boqian gazed at him intently for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Since you have made your decision, I will not interfere."
His expression suddenly turned serious, and he solemnly instructed, "But if you encounter any difficult or dangerous situations that require my intervention, immediately inform me via the telepathic jade pendant. The Chi Lineage will always be your support."
"This junior will remember." Qin Yu rose and bowed, his posture upright. "Then this junior will take his leave to investigate the matter further. After three years of seclusion, it is indeed time to go out and get some fresh air."
Chi Boqian and Chi Xiyue did not try to stop him. Qin Yu bowed respectfully to the two of them, his robes fluttering, and turned to leave the main hall. He walked further and further away along the long steps outside the palace, his tall figure finally disappearing at the end of the mountain path.
Only after Qin Yu's figure completely disappeared did Chi Xiyue withdraw her gaze. She sat silently for a moment, her gentle demeanor vanishing, her expression becoming utterly solemn, before slowly speaking, "Clan leader, I have always suspected that the ambush at the Azure Wood Divine Forest was orchestrated by Hua Yin of the Hua Lineage."
There was no surprise in Chi Boqian's eyes.
"However, our clan has never been able to obtain conclusive evidence." Chi Xiyue's gaze turned serious. "Just now, with Young Master Qin present, I did not rashly voice this speculation."
Chi Boqian stroked his long beard, gazing in the direction Qin Yu had left, his eyes holding a deep meaning. "You were right not to say anything. In my opinion, he already knew most of it."
Chi Xiyue's eyes brightened slightly as she waited for what was to come.
"Chi Qianyuan, the former traitor within the clan, knew very well the deep friendship between Qingchen, Qingyuan, and Qin Xiaoyou," Chi Boqian slowly analyzed, each word clear and distinct. "If Hua Yin wanted to use the two to manipulate Qin Xiaoyou, it would be very easy for him to obtain information. Furthermore, the Primordial Dao Clan cultivators went to great lengths to capture the two women alive, their targeting was too deliberate, and all clues pointed to Hua Yin as the most suspicious."
He tapped the table lightly and sighed softly, "Unfortunately, after three years of secret investigation, we still haven't obtained even a single piece of evidence to definitively convict him."
Silence fell once more within the hall.
Chi Boqian picked up the slightly cooled tea, but before taking a sip, his eyes darkened. "Now that young friend Qin has emerged from seclusion and volunteered to take over the investigation, let him make his own decisions and explore on his own."
He paused, his tone suddenly becoming firm, a sharp edge hidden beneath. "But the bottom line remains unchanged. Young friend Qin is merely investigating the case independently, Chi Lineage will absolutely not interfere with his judgment and choices; however, if the Hua Lineage dares to use their clan power to secretly harm him—our Chi Lineage will certainly do everything in our power to help him and protect him completely."
The Stele Forest Imperial City, three years have passed, yet this ancient main city remains prosperous and thriving. Wide ancient roads crisscross the city, with cultivators from all directions constantly coming and going. Towering ancient steles stand in the streets and alleys, and layer upon layer of pavilions unfold along the main road. Trade in rare treasures, natural materials, and primordial crystals from all over the world is incessant, and the entire city is always teeming with the vibrant energy of cultivation.
In the heart of the bustling city, a pavilion stands prominently, its plaque bearing ancient patterns and vigorous calligraphy— Heavenly Secrets Dao Pavilion).
A tall, imposing figure slowly stopped at the entrance; it was Qin Yu, who had emerged from seclusion and entered the world. He looked up at the familiar plaque, the memory of his visit three years ago vivid in his mind. After a moment's hesitation, he stepped into the pavilion.
The interior of the Heavenly Secrets Dao Pavilion is spacious and magnificent, with multiple trading areas extending upwards. All kinds of rare treasures are securely protected by independent Daoist aura restrictions. Guests and attendants chat quietly, maintaining order and displaying the composed atmosphere of a top-tier trading sanctuary.
Qin Yu stepped across the threshold, an elderly man on duty not far away looked up at him.
The old man abruptly stopped, his welcoming smile vanishing instantly as his gaze fixed on Qin Yu, his expression changing drastically. Before Qin Yu could move, he had already strode forward, bowing deeply with utmost respect. "Welcome, Shopkeeper Qin!"
Qin Yu paused slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. The shopkeeper? He scrutinized the old man before him, finding his face familiar, but couldn't immediately recall why the man addressed him that way. He asked gently, "Do you know me?"
The old man raised his eyes, his brows still lowered, his respect as before. "Shopkeeper Qin is too kind. When you visited the Heart-Questioning Ancient Forest, it was I who personally received you."
Memories surged back instantly, and long-forgotten fragments in Qin Yu's mind suddenly became clear.
The old man continued with a smile, "Later, you went out on business with our head manager, Qian Wenwan. After Manager Shopkeeper Qian returned, she personally informed us stewards that you were also a registered manager of the Heavenly Secrets Dao Pavilion. With such a status, I would never dare to mistake you."
A hint of genuine admiration appeared in his eyes. "Moreover, Shopkeeper Qin's name has already resounded throughout the entire Eternal Nonexistence Limitless Domain. He won first place in the martial arts competition among the Lineage; who doesn't know him now?"
Just as Qin Yu was about to reply, a Wenwan and familiar female voice came from the third floor. "Young Master Qin." Qin Yu looked up.
Standing by the railing on the third floor, Qian Wenwan immediately recognized his elegant and upright figure, and a genuine smile immediately spread across her face, "Long time no see."
The old man downstairs quickly stepped aside to make way, bowing and raising his hand: "Shopkeeper Qin, please come upstairs." "Thank you for your trouble." Qin Yu nodded slightly and stepped up the stairs. His purpose in coming to the Heavenly Secrets Dao Pavilion before entering the mortal world was specifically to find Qian Wenwan.
... a private room on the third floor.
As Qin Yu stepped onto the last step, Qian Wenwan's gaze remained fixed on him, scrutinizing him closely. Her initial surprise layered upon him, ultimately transforming into undisguised admiration and praise, her eyes shining brightly. "Congratulations, Young Master Qin. In just a few short years, you have already reached the Eternal Silence Realm · Supreme."
Qin Yu smiled and nodded, composed and modest. "You flatter me." Qian Wenwan shook her head and smiled, abandoning the pleasantries, and pushed open the door to the elegant room: "Come in, Young Master Qin. You've come all this way today, you must have something to ask me." "Indeed, I have something to ask you." Qin Yu nodded and followed her into the room.
This is Qian Wenwan's private reception room. The layout is spacious, the floor is paved with warm, ancient jade, and the furnishings are simple yet each piece has an extraordinary cultural significance. The windows are wide open, offering a panoramic view of the entire Stele Forest Imperial City. Layers of barriers and restrictions firmly lock in the sounds from inside and outside, completely isolating the outside world from noise and creating a tranquil and dust-free environment.
Qian Wenwan gestured for Qin Yu to sit down, then personally prepared tea. The clear, refreshing spring water was poured into the pot, and the tea leaves, imbued with Daoist charm, slowly unfurled, filling the entire room with a delicate and invigorating aroma.
She poured Qin Yu a full cup of tea and said softly, "Young Master Qin, please." "Thank you." Qin Yu picked up the teacup and took a small sip.
Qian Wenwan sat down opposite him, her gaze slightly narrowed. After a moment's thought, she spoke first, asking, "Young Master Qin, is your visit today about the 'Holy Clan'?"
Qin Yu's hand holding the teacup remained unchanged, but a faint doubt flickered in his heart. His expression remained impassive as he slowly set down the teacup. "The Holy Clan? What does the Holy Clan that Shopkeeper Qian speaks of have to do with me?"
Now it was Qian Wenwan's turn to be stunned. She stared at Qin Yu's calm and expressionless face, speechless for a moment, a cloud of doubt rising in her eyes. "You... don't know about this?"