Realistic acting

As Li Tan entered the Li Family residence, Li Yasi's identity naturally drew attention, and more and more Li Family disciples gathered around, as if observing a rare treasure.

The gazes of the crowd annoyed Li Tan, so he gestured for Li Lanfeng to clear the way and disperse the people.

In a short while, silence returned to the surroundings, and Li Tan seemed to greatly enjoy this feeling.

"It's so quiet. Only in silence can one truly think deeply."

Li Tan also reorganized his thoughts, considering where to place his next move on the chessboard.

To deal with the sudden situations that would arise, he had to remain vigilant at all times and prepare for the questioning from Second Elder Li Yong, as this matter could not be concealed.

At the same time, he had to display Li Yasi's usual style, including her demeanor, expressions, and hobbies, so that no one would find any flaws!

His original plan to visit the Mortal disciples' cemetery was forcefully suppressed.

He had to do things that fit Li Yasi's identity, but the problem was that he only knew Li Yasi superficially, let alone how to impersonate her.

At this moment, Li Tan suddenly remembered that Li Yasi's storage ring contained notes he had written.

"Fortunately, Li Yasi had a habit of keeping records. Li Yasi, you've truly helped me with another big favor."

The red-covered notebook recorded snippets of Li Yasi's life.

And records of beautiful moments. Even though Li Tan had no interest in them, he still read through them carefully.

It recorded that Li Yasi liked to wear dresses, occasionally wrote poems, and in her leisure time, would gather with a few "sisters" for afternoon tea.

Her favorite foods included Yao Beast meat, fruit wine....

Her life was quite enjoyable, but her usual movements and words always exuded the Aura of a young lady.

If Li Tan were to imitate this, he would probably feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Li Yasi loved to confide her grievances and unhappy things to Pan'er and her grandfather.

Of course, he didn't need to completely imitate Li Yasi. After all, after this accident and Pan'er's death, it was normal for Li Yasi's temperament to change drastically.

The outside world would not suspect anything, only thinking that Li Yasi was a deeply emotional person who couldn't let go of Pan'er.

"In that case, I should even thank Pan'er."

"As for the reason for this peril? Pan'er's betrayal? No, no, no, that would likely leave a handle."

"Cultivators killing and seizing treasures? But Li Lanfeng was by my side. If Li Lanfeng was lured away and Pan'er died, how could I still be alive?"

One assumption after another was gradually discarded by Li Tan.

However, Li Tan quickly had an idea. Since he couldn't refuse, he would tell half-truths....

The thoughts in Li Tan's mind settled. At this moment, only less than half an incense stick's time had passed in the outside world.

"Rather than being passive, it's better to be proactive."

"After all, I don't have the ability to foretell the future." Li Tan no longer hesitated; he had already made up his mind.

"Wind Guard, take me to grandfather's residence."

Li Tan had taken on Li Yasi's skin at noon, and now it was only early afternoon, a difference of merely two hours.

At such a speed, the outside world naturally wouldn't know what had happened. Although Li Tan had ordered the traces at the scene to be dealt with, if someone with intent investigated, it naturally couldn't be hidden.

And who was the true master behind the merchant? Li Tan was currently unaware.

In this situation, Li Tan had to take the first step. If he were to be caught with a handle, his situation would truly become precarious.

....

Before long, the two arrived at a courtyard.

"We've arrived, Young Master Yasi. This is Second Elder's residence!"

Li Tan carefully observed the scene before him. It was an exquisite private courtyard.

It was clearly composed of several small courtyards, with a very spacious interior featuring many scenes: a training ground, a study, a chess pavilion....

The overall appearance was clean and simple, without grand and luxurious buildings, and without servants coming and going.

The scene before him indeed matched the persona of the Li Family's Second Elder, living a leisurely life of retirement in the Li Family, carefree and happy, unconcerned with worldly affairs.

But who would have thought that this was a mighty Cultivator at the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment!

If he stamped his foot, the Li Family would tremble a few times. Although the Second Elder didn't concern himself with worldly affairs, this absolutely didn't mean that the Second Elder's authority was below that of the other Elders.

Among the ten Elders, the Second Elder was the only one whose cultivation was on par with the Grand Elder, which destined the Second Elder's position in the Li Family to be by no means low.

Perhaps hearing the movement from their direction, an old servant slowly walked over.

Upon seeing Li Yasi, the old servant's back unconsciously bent even lower, and his attitude was extremely respectful.

"So it is Young Master Yasi who has come to visit. This old servant will now go and inform the Second Elder."

After saying this, the old servant respectfully bowed to Li Yasi again, then, not daring to delay, quickly walked towards the courtyard.

Li Tan's eyes flashed with a sharp gleam. From these small details, he could observe much useful information.

"It seems this Second Elder is truly a low-key person. Even the servants in his courtyard are merely aged Mortals."

"Moreover, from the attitude of this old servant, Li Yasi is indeed very favored by the Second Elder, and might even visit here frequently."

"Now that I've just infiltrated the Li Family, the main purpose of this visit is to eliminate suspicion, with disrupting the Li Family's situation as secondary."

Before long, the old servant came out in a hurry, performing another standard bow: "Young Master Yasi, the Second Elder requests your presence!"

"Please follow this old servant...."

Li Lanfeng, outside the courtyard, was also very perceptive, stopping in his tracks and having no intention of entering the garden.

Finally, guided by the old servant, Li Tan arrived at a tidy study. The study was overall simple and warm, without any sense of luxury.

At a desk sat a kind-faced old man. This old man was thin and dressed simply. Although he was in his twilight years, he exuded an Aura of standing firm like a mountain.

His dignified sitting posture highlighted a certain immortal and Daoist demeanor.

This person was none other than Li Yasi's grandfather!

"Li Yong."

A powerful Cultivator at the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment!

Li Yong, seated in his chair, slowly opened his mouth upon seeing the newcomer.

"It's Si'er. Come, sit down."

His voice was not loud, yet it seemed to possess a magical quality. A strange sense of intimacy filled Li Tan's mind. Although it was their first meeting, it felt like a close relative he had known for years.

As Li Yong's words fell, Li Tan's first thought was not that the old man before him was so kind!

Instead, it was that this old monster must possess a demonic art that could bewitch people's hearts!

Li Yong put down the book in his hand and slowly raised his eyes.

Li Tan admitted that not being nervous was a lie. Being stared at by this old fellow! He felt as if his entire being was seen through!

However, Li Tan was not afraid of his cultivation being exposed. Only powerful Cultivators with a Spiritual Sense were qualified to examine another's cultivation!

Cultivators at the Qi Condensation Stage and Foundation Establishment Stage could only use their thoughts to perceive, but could not examine another's cultivation. Only Cultivators at the Golden Core Stage could Awaken their Spiritual Sense!

And Spiritual Sense was linked to Soul strength. Unless one's Soul strength was exceptionally powerful, a Building Foundation Cultivator could absolutely not Awaken Spiritual Sense.

At the same time, Li Tan also knew it was his turn to perform.

"If not now, then when?"

The atmosphere in the room suddenly became subtle. Li Tan's eyes unexpectedly reddened, and his lips trembled uncontrollably.

When his gaze met Li Yong's, his nose tingled even more, and he felt on the verge of collapse, like the last straw that broke the camel's back.

Li Tan's movements also became frantic and flustered. For a moment, he didn't know where to put his hands. The next second, he burst into heart-wrenching sobs.

He cried out incoherently, "Grandpa, Pan'er was killed! She! She... she was killed!"

Li Tan became more and more agitated, as if he himself was the one who had lost Pan'er and was heartbroken.

Li Tan below was tear-streaked, completely dissolved in tears. He even prostrated himself on the ground, frantically pounding the floor with his hands, looking utterly disheveled, like a shrew throwing a tantrum.

To make the act more convincing, Li Tan even trembled and cried out in sorrow: "Grandpa, you... you must uphold justice for Si'er! Si'er is wronged. Pan... Pan'er was poisoned to death right in front of me!"

"That culprit is still living a carefree life. I wish I could eat his flesh and drink his blood!"

As soon as these words fell, Li Tan let out an even greater wail of sorrow, and the entire study was filled with his desolate cries.

Seeing his grandson in such a disheveled state, Li Yong felt as if his heart was being cut, and even his breathing became difficult.

This old man disregarded his status and dignity, and quickly embraced his beloved little grandson.

"At this moment, Li Yong was no longer the powerful and influential Second Elder, but rather more like a child who was so flustered he didn't know what to do."

Li Yong gently used his long sleeve to continuously wipe away Li Tan's tears.

After a long while, Li Tan's emotions in his embrace finally stabilized a little.

Seeing Li Tan stop crying, Li Yong quickly asked with concern: "Si'er, what exactly happened? Tell your grievances to grandpa! Grandpa will uphold justice for you!"

With the idea of going all out with the act, Li Tan's face revealed immense sorrow, followed by an expression of intense hatred and malice.

"Grandpa, it was Ninth Elder Li Man! He forced Pan'er to eat a poisonous pill, using that to threaten Pan'er into killing Si'er."

"Grandpa, you know Pan'er is my relative! How could she bear to kill me?"

"Finally, Pan'er died from the poison right in front of me!! Your grandson hates it!!"

Li Tan spoke, his hands never stopping, feigning pounding the floor.

As for why he said it was Ninth Elder Li Man, Li Tan wasn't just talking nonsense. Among the ten Elders, only the Grand Elder and Li Yong had comparable cultivation, so it was impossible for there to be no connection between them.

The Ninth Elder and Ten Elder were both Puppets supported by the Grand Elder. Dirty and tiring work naturally didn't require the Grand Elder to act personally.

If Li Yong had previously made a deal with the Grand Elder not to inquire about Family affairs, then this situation would be even more chaotic....

And intelligent people like to overthink, especially figures like the Elders. In any case, the Grand Elder was definitely going to take the blame!

The more chaotic the Family was internally, the easier it would be to obtain resources. Thinking of this, Li Tan felt even more pleased.

As expected, Li Yong was now seething with rage, his entire being like a sharp sword about to be unsheathed, radiating killing intent.

But perhaps he thought of something else, and a troubled expression appeared on Li Yong's face. Yet, he saw his grandson's heartbroken appearance.

The next moment, he no longer hesitated, clearly having made up his mind!

The old man before him gave his word, stating resolutely: "Si'er, don't worry, Grandpa will definitely help you get justice!"

At this moment, Li Yong's tone carried an unquestionable resolve!

Even Li Tan hadn't expected the process to go so smoothly. He had originally thought this was merely planting a seed.

To produce a continuous effect next time, he hadn't expected it to succeed directly!

"It seems I underestimated Li Yong's affection for Li Yasi, and also that there was already a rift between Li Yong and the Grand Elder."

And I was like the fuse....