134: A gentle breeze stirs, and undercurrents surge before the ceremony.

The moonlight gradually faded, and the east began to pale. A scent unlike any other permeated Ziyun Valley, carrying both the vitality of dawn and the grim atmosphere of an impending great battle.

Lin Xuan and Su Wanqing returned from the side of the pool, the relationship between them having undergone a qualitative change. Though there were no further words, the tacit understanding and affection flowing between their intersecting gazes were incomparable to days past. A hint of indescribable soft light graced Su Wanqing's cold, aloof face, and her Qi became increasingly restrained and profound; clearly, the benefits brought by last night's "spiritual communion" had already stabilized.

Qu Feiyan was sharp; she immediately sensed the "magnetic field of affection" that was practically overflowing between the two. She pouted her red lips and let out a sour huff, but deep in her eyes, there was little surprise. Instead, a flash of realization—a "just as I thought"—passed through, along with a trace of loneliness she herself hadn't even noticed. She swayed her waist as she walked up to Lin Xuan, pinched his waist with her jade fingers—not too hard, not too soft—and transmitted her voice: "Junior Martial Brother, how was... last night?"

Lin Xuan winced from the pain but remained composed on the surface, replying: "Senior Sister, with a formidable enemy ahead, serious matters are of the utmost importance."

"Hmph, you fake prude." Qu Feiyan rolled her eyes at him but did not persist. She knew how to distinguish between what was important and what was urgent.

Gongsun Yu also felt that Big Brother Lin and Senior Sister Su seemed more... intimate? But she was simple-minded and only thought this was a good thing. She skipped over, showing off the progress she had made in controlling the Purple Lightning Pendant.

After the brief morning interlude, the four gathered once again to conduct their final deductions and confirmations.

"The Ancestral Worship Ceremony officially begins at the Hour of the Dragon, held at the Heaven-Offering Platform on the Sect's main peak, 'Qingyun Peak'." Su Wanqing spread out a crude map of Qingyun Peak, which she had drawn from memory. "The ceremony's procedures are cumbersome; the core segment is the 'Ancestral Offering' at the exact Hour of the Horse. At that time, all Elders, Core Disciples, and important guests will gather at the Heaven-Offering Platform. I judge that if the Grand Elder and his cohorts want to make a move, this segment is the most likely moment, taking advantage of the gathering crowd and the distraction of the guards."

Lin Xuan nodded in agreement: "Activating the Restriction-Breaking Talisman requires time and creates quite a commotion. The Heaven-Offering Platform is still some distance from the entrance of the Ancient Demon Sealing Site; they must choose a time that allows them to conceal their actions while quickly reaching the site. The noon offering is indeed the best choice."

"How much time can the interference with the core spiritual energy, promised by Luo Li, buy us?" Qu Feiyan asked.

"According to her, ten breaths at most." Su Wanqing's tone was solemn. "Within those ten breaths, the Formation and Restriction in the core area will experience a brief disturbance and a decrease in power. We must complete our key actions within these ten breaths."

Ten breaths! In the blink of an eye! This placed extremely high demands on the grasp of timing and the speed of action.

"It is enough." A sharp glint flashed in Lin Xuan's eyes. "Ten breaths is enough for you, Wanqing, to approach the core of the Heaven-Offering Platform, enough for you, Senior Sister Qu, to create sufficient chaos, and more than enough for me to... lock onto the target."

He looked at the group, his voice firm and resolute: "Remember our tasks. Wanqing, destroying the talisman is the priority; if things become impossible, prioritize your own safety. Senior Sister Qu, create chaos as a secondary objective, focus on containment, and do not get drawn into prolonged combat. Little Yu, your eyes are our retreat path; once the signal is given, provide support immediately."

"Understood!" the three women replied in unison, their eyes firm.

"As for those from the Guixu Cult who have infiltrated..." Lin Xuan sneered. "The System has already recorded some of the suspicious Qi characteristics provided by Luo Li. At the ceremony, if they dare to show their faces, the sin-slaying sword will show them what it means to be restrained!"

Everything was ready; they were just waiting for the east wind.

"Move out!" Lin Xuan commanded.

The four hesitated no longer, turning into four streaks of light. They left Ziyun Valley, where they had operated for several days, without a sound, like a sharp sword unsheathed, pointing directly at the core of the Qinglan Sect—Qingyun Peak!

The closer they got to Qingyun Peak, the more the atmosphere became a blend of liveliness and tension. Streaks of light frequently flashed across the sky, all guests from various places arriving to watch the ceremony or Sect Disciples returning. The mountain gates of the Qinglan Sect were wide open, decorated with lanterns and festoons, presenting a grand spectacle. Yet, in the shadows, the number of patrolling Law Enforcement Hall Disciples had clearly increased, their sharp eyes scanning the crowds passing by.

Lin Xuan and the others blended into the flow of people entering the mountain, and thanks to their superb concealment methods, they did not attract any attention. Looking at the familiar yet strange mountain gate, a flash of complexity crossed Su Wanqing's icy eyes; this was her home, yet now she had to return in this manner, her heart filled with a mixture of emotions.

Lin Xuan gently squeezed her hand, conveying silent support.

Su Wanqing took a deep breath, and her eyes became firm once more. For the future of the Sect, some growing pains must be endured.

The Hour of the Dragon was approaching, and Qingyun Peak was already bustling with noise. The Heaven-Offering Platform soared into the clouds, surrounded by waving banners and gathered guests. The Grand Elder, dressed in grand ceremonial attire, stood atop the high platform with a solemn expression, though deep within his eyes hid a trace of imperceptible fervor and sinister intent. Beside him stood several Elders with obscure auras, clearly all his trusted confidants.

Lin Xuan and the other three dispersed to infiltrate, each seeking their best position according to the plan.

Relying on her familiarity with the terrain, Su Wanqing silently approached the core area below the Heaven-Offering Platform, her gaze locked onto an old man in grey robes standing beside the Grand Elder, holding an ancient wooden box—inside that box must be the Restriction-Breaking Talisman!

Qu Feiyan was like a phantom of the dark night, merging into the shadows of the crowd and buildings, her Phantom Blood Silk already prepared.

Gongsun Yu climbed a pavilion not far from the Heaven-Offering Platform, providing a wide view; the Purple Lightning Pendant flickered slightly as she fully unleashed her spiritual sense.

Lin Xuan chose a position that allowed him to overlook the entire situation while being convenient for a sudden charge. Standing with his hands behind his back, he appeared to be admiring the scenery, but in reality, his magic power was surging within him, the sin-severing sword was coiled and ready to strike, and the System was scanning the entire venue at full power, searching for that nauseating aura of the Guixu Cult.

The sunlight grew stronger, and the exact Hour of the Dragon was approaching.

The Grand Elder stepped forward and loudly announced: "The auspicious hour has arrived! The Ancestral Worship Ceremony, officially begins—!"

A resounding bell chime rang out, spreading across the entirety of Qingyun Peak.

The storm was about to arrive!