Arriving at Fengling

The next morning, the cultivator teams from the three towns converged at the south gate of White Stone Town.

This expedition consisted of four people from White Stone Town, three from Willow Leaf Town, and five from Qinghe Town, totaling twelve cultivators.

Among them, the leaders from both White Stone and Willow Leaf were both at the Third Level of Qi Gathering.

Although Qinghe Town had the largest number of cultivators, their leader was only at the Second Level of Qi Gathering, with the remaining four at the First Level.

"Lin Yu from the Lin Family of Willow Leaf Town, greetings to fellow Daoist Lingrui."

Upon spotting Yang Lingrui, this Lin Family cultivator, who was in his early thirties, stepped forward to greet him.

More than three years ago, Yang Lingrui had successfully condensed his Qi Mansion, and the Yang Family held a banquet to celebrate, inviting the entire town.

He had attended the banquet with his elders and had met Yang Lingrui once then.

To reach the Third Level of Qi Gathering in just three years… although his Third Level aura is still a bit unstable, such talent is truly extraordinary, Lin Yu thought to himself.

Before leaving, his elders had instructed him that while exploring the ancient tomb was important, the primary objective was to foster good relations with the Yang Family, which would greatly benefit the family's future development.

Yang Lingrui smiled and nodded in response, "Greetings, fellow Daoist Lin. It has been a while. Your cultivation has become much more refined and profound. It seems the Fourth Level is not far off."

"Ah, it's just years of diligent effort. It can't compare to yours, fellow Daoist," Lin Yu said, waving his hand. Internally, however, he felt a jolt of surprise.

He had consciously suppressed his aura, yet he hadn't expected Yang Lingrui to perceive it so keenly, discerning his true level the moment he saw him.

"Lü Liang from the Lü Family of Qinghe Town, greetings to both seniors."

While they were talking, Lü Liang seized the opportunity to step forward and pay his respects.

He was the leader of Qinghe Town's contingent for this expedition. Though he appeared to be in his early forties, he had to address these two, who were younger than him, as seniors.

This was the way of cultivators; one's realm and cultivation mattered, not age.

In this circle, trying to rely on one's seniority simply wouldn't work.

"Is it only you from Qinghe this time? Is the Zhang Family still in seclusion?" Lin Yu asked.

Lü Liang quickly replied, "That's right. The Town Chief has also visited Sanglu Valley multiple times but has been unable to gain entry to the Zhang Family's residence."

"Strange. With the Zhang Family's strength, even without their Patriarch, having three cultivators should make them a top force in the region. Why are they acting like this?"

Lin Yu was very puzzled.

The Zhang Family's influence in Qinghe Town was comparable to the Yang Family's influence between the two towns.

Given the current situation, they should have been fully capable of expanding their influence, just like the Yang Family had done.

Why were they now stubbornly guarding that valley, even foregoing the opportunity to explore the ancient tomb?

Seeing that the two were discussing the Zhang Family, Yang Lingrui listened quietly from the side.

They were unaware that Zhang Chen had already died, which was why they were perplexed by the Zhang Family's actions.

The Yang Family had also discussed the matter internally and reached two conclusions.

One was based on Yang Lingrui killing Zhang Chen. This action might have made the Zhang Family feel threatened from the outside. Simultaneously, Zhang Tianqi had been ordered away, leading the Zhang Family to choose seclusion for self-preservation.

The other conclusion stemmed from the Jade Pendant that Zhang Chen had carried.

Elder Yu had examined it carefully. The forging technique of this treasure did not seem to be from recent times, but rather from antiquity, yet it was remarkably well-preserved.

This indicated that it was not an heirloom passed down through the Zhang Family, but something obtained from elsewhere.

Combining this with the Zhang Family's decision to close their valley, Yang Lingqing speculated that the valley might be hiding some other secret, which explained why the Zhang Family had remained secluded there for so many years, not expanding outwards even when faced with favorable opportunities.

At this moment, the two who were conversing simultaneously looked towards Yang Lingrui.

The Yang Family and the Zhang Family had some conflict regarding mining rights, and the surrounding families were more or less aware of this.

Therefore, when the Zhang Family closed their valley, everyone naturally thought of the Yang Family.

"You both don't need to look at me. We abandoned the distant mine to the north as soon as the bandit activity began. It remains unguarded to this day, and we have had no dealings with the Zhang Family for a long time."

Yang Lingrui smiled and shook his head, "So, regarding this matter, my family is just as clueless."

The two nodded, understanding. After all, the Yang Family's withdrawal of their mining workforce was not a secret.

Furthermore, when the mining convoy was ambushed by bandits on the way back, it was the forces from White Stone Town that provided rescue.

While the three were talking, Zhao Qi stood silently behind Yang Lingrui.

He kept his head slightly bowed, hands clasped, and absorbed the conversations of the other cultivators around him.

Elder Yu had specifically instructed him before they left that with his realm and cultivation, he would likely be of little help to Yang Lingrui in any conflict.

Therefore, his mission for this expedition had three parts: first, to protect himself; second, to listen and observe more, assisting Yang Lingrui by identifying any gaps or errors; and third, to broaden his horizons.

"Hahaha, my apologies for keeping everyone waiting."

After everyone had gotten acquainted, Gao Hui also made his appearance at the opportune moment. He distributed the maps to everyone and handed the handprint representing White Stone Town to Yang Lingrui.

"This journey is long, and I hope everyone will be extra cautious. I, Gao, wish you all good fortune and blessings from auspicious stars."

"Thank you for your kind words, Town Chief Gao."

The group then set off, heading in the direction of Fengling Town.

At the same time, cultivators from several other towns also set out from various locations towards Fengling Town.

Among them, the strongest were from Cuixi, the foremost town under Wangyue City's jurisdiction.

Cuixi Town was the closest to Wangyue City among the eight towns, the largest in scale, and had the most people.

These were secondary; more importantly, there was the Li Family within Cuixi's territory.

The Li Family had an Old Ancestor with peak perfected cultivation at the Twelfth Level of Qi Gathering, unrivaled by anyone below Essence Condensation.

When the Dynasty issued its decree this time, they were originally meant to be sent east to quell a rebellion. However, due to the Li Family's connections with a sect, through the operation of these relationships, they ultimately changed it to sending two cultivators in Late Qi Gathering, keeping their own Old Ancestor behind, thus stabilizing the family's foundation.

This time, the Li Family dispatched three cultivators: one in Qi Gathering Mid-stage and two in Qi Gathering Early-stage.

The one in Qi Gathering Mid-stage was Li Cheng, who was acquainted with Elder Yu and had previously purchased items from the Yang Family in the market.

His current cultivation had grown further compared to back then, having already reached the peak of the Sixth Level of Qi Gathering.

This journey to explore the ancient tomb was also to seek an opportunity for his own breakthrough.

Half a month later, cultivators from the seven towns arrived at Fengling one after another.

The Town Chief of Fengling Town, Duan Yong, specifically built a courtyard outside the town for them to rest.

"Young Master Li! Welcome, welcome!"

Cuixi Town's group arrived last, and Duan Yong personally came out of the town to greet them.

"Town Chief Duan, I trust you are well."

Li Cheng cupped his hands and teased, "After arriving in Fengling Town, have you gotten used to it? No signs of homesickness, I hope?"

"Hahahaha, Young Master Li, you still love to belittle me. What's there to get used to or not? Having a stable place to stay is better than anything. What could I possibly be dissatisfied with?" Duan Yong laughed heartily.

From this conversation, it was clear that the two were old acquaintances and had a very good personal relationship.

"Let's talk as we walk. What's the deal with that ancient tomb?"

"No problem, fellow Daoists, you've had a hard journey. Please follow me."

On the way to the courtyard, Duan Yong explained the situation of the ancient tomb to Li Cheng.

This ancient tomb was discovered a month ago. By the time Duan Yong went to inspect it, the entrance to the tomb had already appeared.

"I've interrogated those tomb robbers for several rounds and confirmed they have no significant background, but the restriction on the entrance is extremely powerful. Fengling Town alone cannot break it," Duan Yong said.

Li Cheng thought for a moment and asked, "This ancient tomb appeared here. Do the mountain sects have no interest?"

"Someone from Solitary Moon Mountain did come, and it was a cultivator in late Essence Condensation. However, uh..."

Duan Yong's expression turned somewhat awkward, and he hesitated to speak.

Seeing his expression, Li Cheng understood. "I get it. They looked down on it, right?"