128: Purple clouds linger, a phantom in the dark night.

The aroma of tea from Quiet Heart Studio had not fully dissipated, but no one had the leisure to savor the tranquility. The news about the “Ancient Demon Sealing Site” brought by Gu Qingqing was like a giant stone thrown into a lake, stirring up huge waves in the hearts of the four.

“The Ancient Demon Sealing Site… there are only scattered records in the Sect’s secret texts. It is said to be related to a great ancient secret, passed down verbally by successive Sect Masters and Mountain Guardian Elders. Even I don’t know its specific location or details.” Su Wanqing’s icy eyes were solemn. This core secret, which even she, a True Disciple, had not been privy to, was now known and coveted by the Guixu Cult, indicating the depth of their infiltration.

“It seems we must return to the Sect as soon as possible. Not only to deal with the oppression from the Grand Elder’s faction, but also to uncover the truth of this Ancient Demon Sealing Site. We absolutely cannot let the Guixu Cult succeed,” Lin Xuan said in a deep voice, his gaze sharp. He felt that the internal struggles of the Qinglan Sect were already closely intertwined with the main objective of confronting the Guixu Cult.

Gu Qingqing nodded slightly, “What I know is limited to this. Deeper secrets will probably require you to investigate personally upon returning to the Sect. Before that, a stable and hidden stronghold is crucial.”

The destination was clear once again—Ziyun Valley.

After bidding farewell to Quiet Heart Studio, the group wasted no time. Led by Gongsun Yu, they deliberately chose to travel through remote, deep mountains and old forests. Lin Xuan kept his Divine Sense fully open, cooperating with the System’s scan to avoid potential scouts and dangers. Su Wanqing’s cultivation had greatly advanced, her aura became more restrained, and her perception of her surroundings grew sharper. Qu Feiyan maintained her usual languid posture, but the vigilance in the depths of her eyes had not diminished in the slightest.

After more than half a day of travel, they finally arrived at the Ziyun Valley that Gongsun Yu had spoken of, just as the sun was setting.

This valley was indeed hidden. The entrance was concealed by layers of vines and natural illusion Formations. If not for Gongsun Yu’s familiarity with the path, it would have been extremely difficult to find. Upon entering the valley, their vision suddenly opened up. The valley floor was not too large, but Spiritual Qi was quite abundant. In the center, a clear emerald pond reflected the splendid sunset in the sky, and many rare spiritual plants grew around it, creating a serene and pleasant environment.

“This place is really nice!” Gongsun Yu seemed very happy to be back in a familiar place, her small face beaming with a smile.

“Indeed, it’s a good place.” Qu Feiyan surveyed her surroundings, nodding in satisfaction. “It’s easy to defend and difficult to attack, and the Spiritual Qi is abundant. It’s perfect for us to temporarily settle down.”

Su Wanqing swept her Divine Sense across the entire valley, confirming there were no anomalies, and then nodded slightly, “This place is very good.”

Lin Xuan quickly acted, joining forces with the Three women to set up several layers of concealment, defense, and early warning Formations at the valley entrance and around the valley, making the place as secure as an iron barrel.

Night fell, and a bonfire was lit by the pond, dispelling the chill of the mountains. The four sat around the fire, discussing their next steps.

“The most urgent task is to gather intelligence.” Lin Xuan poked the fire with a branch. “We need to understand three things: First, the latest developments within the Qinglan Sect, especially the movements of the Grand Elder’s faction and the Law Enforcement Hall; second, the specific situation of the Gongsun Family being controlled by the Guixu Cult, and the details of their so-called ‘sacrifice’ ritual; and third, any clues regarding the ‘Ancient Demon Sealing Site’.”

He looked at Su Wanqing, “Wanqing, do you still have absolutely trustworthy people within the Sect? Can you find a way to contact them?”

Su Wanqing pondered for a moment, a flicker of determination in her icy eyes. “Yes. Junior Martial Uncle Li Qingfeng of the Transmission Hall is upright and was a staunch supporter of Revered Master. I can try to contact him using Revered Master’s secret ‘Ice Butterfly Communication Technique.’ This method is extremely covert and should be able to avoid the Grand Elder’s ears and eyes.”

“Good! This matter should not be delayed.” Lin Xuan nodded, then looked at Gongsun Yu. “Xiaoyu, you are familiar with your Family’s interior. Can you draw a detailed map of the Family’s stronghold, especially the areas where those Black-Robed Figures might be active?”

“I can try!” Gongsun Yu nodded vigorously. “Although there are some places I rarely visit, I remember the general layout and a few secret passages!”

“As for investigating the Gongsun Family and gathering clues about the Ancient Demon Sealing Site…” Lin Xuan turned his gaze to Senior Sister Qu. “Senior Sister Qu, I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you to come with me. Your illusion techniques and concealment methods are perfect for covert investigation.”

Qu Feiyan smiled charmingly, her eyes shimmering. “Finally remembered my good points, did you? No problem, accompanying Junior Martial Brother to venture into a Dragon’s Den is my pleasure~”

With the plan decided, everyone rested to conserve their energy.

Late at night, Lin Xuan was on watch. He sat cross-legged on a bluestone, his Divine Sense like an invisible net, enveloping the entire valley. Ziyun Valley under the moonlight was utterly silent, with only the occasional ripple of the pond water and the low chirping of unknown insects in the distance.

Suddenly, he frowned slightly as the System issued a faint warning:

[Warning: Detecting faint spatial fluctuations three miles southeast of the valley, accompanied by a rapidly approaching concealed aura. Target: One person. Cultivation: Late Golden Core Stage. Intent: Unknown.]

Someone had come! And their methods were strange, capable of causing spatial fluctuations?

Lin Xuan instantly became alert, secretly notifying Su Wanqing and Qu Feiyan. The two women immediately woke up, their auras restrained, and quietly came to Lin Xuan’s side.

“What is it?” Su Wanqing asked via sound transmission.

“We have an uninvited guest,” Lin Xuan said, his gaze sharp as he looked towards the depths of the forest in the southeast.

A moment later, a blurry black shadow, almost merging with the night, like a phantom, passed through layers of Formations (without triggering the strong attack alarm, seemingly very familiar with the Formations and finding a weak point to infiltrate) and silently landed on a large tree at the edge of the valley.

The moonlight barely outlined the silhouette of the black shadow, which appeared to be a slender woman. Her face was hidden in shadow, with only a pair of eyes sparkling with calm and probing light in the darkness, gazing from afar at the bonfire—mainly at Lin Xuan.

Who was she? Friend or foe? How could she have found this newly established secret stronghold?

Lin Xuan slowly stood up, his inner magic surging, and spoke loudly, breaking the silence of the night:

“Since Your Excellency has arrived, why not show yourself?”