69: Chapter 69 The Promise of Flowing Clouds, shrouded in mystery

Go immediately? If it is a trap, rushing in blindly could lead to disaster. Zhao Kun is cunning; he might be using Chu Yun.

Better to ask for the reason first before making a decision. If Chu Yun is evasive or vague, I need to be alert; if it is truly an urgent and credible matter, then going is not too late.

Lin Ye immediately took out his communication Talisman and replied to Chu Yun: "Senior Brother Chu, what matter is so urgent? Junior Brother is at a critical juncture of Cultivate. If it can be delayed, could you speak briefly via the Talisman?"

A moment later, Chu Yun's reply came, his tone sounding somewhat helpless and anxious: "Junior Brother Lin, this matter... relates to the flame aura you released at the Law Enforcement Hall that day, and... it may be related to the Legacy you obtained. Someone is investigating you in the shadows, and they seem to have a significant background. Revered Master (Elder Li) asked me to remind you to be careful and invited you to come for a detailed discussion to plan our strategy. There is a Restriction here, so we can speak freely."

Related to the Legacy? Someone is investigating in the shadows?

Lin Ye felt a chill in his heart. Sure enough, his display of the Great Sun Golden Flame aura had attracted the attention of certain people. Chu Yun's Revered Master, Elder Li, is at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage and is not on the same side as Elder Liu or Zhao Kun; his warning is worth taking seriously.

But Liuyun Pavilion is Chu Yun's territory after all, is it absolutely safe? Does Elder Li really want to help, or is there another motive?

He pondered for a moment and replied: "Many thanks to Senior Brother and Elder Li for the reminder. Who is this investigator? Are there any clues? Junior Brother will adjust his Qi slightly and then come to Liuyun Pavilion for a visit."

He deliberately said "adjust his Qi" as both a stalling tactic and a test. If the other party is eager for him to go immediately, it would be even more suspicious.

Chu Yun replied quickly: "The investigator's identity is hidden, appearing to be related to the Sect's Dark Hall, and it may involve a higher level. It is not convenient to say more in the message. Junior Brother, come quickly, Revered Master is already waiting."

Dark Hall? The organization responsible for the Sect's intelligence, assassinations, and handling secret affairs? It actually involves them?

Lin Ye's sense of crisis grew significantly. If he were truly targeted by the Dark Hall, the situation would be severe. Elder Li inviting him to discuss might be a way out, but it could also be an attempt to get something from him.

To go, or not to go?

After hesitating for a moment, Lin Ye made a decision.

Go! But he must be fully prepared.

He first checked his condition and equipment, tucking away vital items like the yan jun token, ancient ring, and bone ring, and prepared a few life-saving Talismans and Medicinal Pill. Then, instead of going directly to Liuyun Pavilion, he took a detour to the Hundred Herbs Garden to meet Elder Liu, briefly informing him about Chu Yun's message, saying only that he had some doubts about Alchemy he wanted to ask Elder Li about, and had been invited to Liuyun Pavilion, but felt a bit uneasy and came to report it.

Elder Liu frowned upon hearing this: "Elder Li? Although he is not of the same lineage as me, we have no grievances, and he is a man of integrity, so he should not harm you. However, the matter of the Dark Hall... is indeed tricky. You go, I will keep watch. If there are any changes, immediately send a distress signal."

With Elder Liu's words, Lin Ye felt slightly more at ease. He asked Elder Liu for a specially crafted jade pendant that would automatically trigger and alert Elder Liu in case of danger, hanging it on his waist before turning and heading towards Liuyun Pavilion.

Liuyun Pavilion was still elegant, but the atmosphere today seemed somewhat different. The Formation and Restrictions at the entrance were fully activated, appearing exceptionally solemn.

Lin Ye knocked on the door. Soon, Su Waner opened it. Seeing Lin Ye, a look of relief mixed with worry appeared on her face: "Junior Brother Lin, you are here, come in quickly."

Entering the pavilion, Chu Yun and Elder Li were waiting in the main hall. Elder Li was a thin, old man in green robes with profound eyes, his aura deep and vast, and his expression was grave.

"Disciple Lin Han greets Elder Li, Senior Brother Chu, and Senior Sister Su." Lin Ye bowed.

"No need for formalities, sit." Elder Li signaled for Lin Ye to sit, waved his hand to set up a sound-insulation Restriction, and then said in a deep voice: "Lin Han, I invited you here today because there is a matter that concerns your safety, and perhaps even the stability of our Danxia Peak and the entire Sect."

"Please enlighten me, Elder." Lin Ye's heart tightened.

"Do you know about the 'Dark Hall'?" Elder Li asked.

"I have heard a little."

"The Dark Hall is responsible for the Sect's secret affairs, reporting directly to the Sect Master and a few Grand Elders, and has immense power." Elder Li said slowly, "Three days ago, a Dark Hall Deacon secretly found me and inquired about you, especially the flame you used during the inner competition. They seem to have grasped some... clues about the 'Ancient Flame Dao Legacy', suspecting that what you obtained might be related to an ancient taboo."

Ancient Flame Dao Legacy? Taboo?

Lin Ye's expression remained unchanged: "Disciple does not understand. What I obtained is just some scattered Opportunity, luckily having fused with some Earth Fire essence, how could there be talk of a taboo?"

"You do not need to hide it." Elder Li's gaze was like a torch, staring at Lin Ye, "The flame aura on you is majestic and righteous, definitely not of the Evil Path. But precisely because its quality is so high and its origin so shocking, it has attracted suspicion. What the Dark Hall is investigating is not you yourself, but the... certain ancient existence you might be involved with, and the 'Karma' that might have been left behind."

Karma? Does it refer to Demon Lord Yinming? Lin Ye's heart was shaken. Did the Dark Hall even find out about this? Or are they investigating the Flame Lord himself?

"That Dark Hall Deacon did not state it clearly, but hinted that this matter is of great importance, involving some secret struggles among the Sect's high-level figures, and may even be related to... outside the territory." Elder Li said in a heavy tone, "They demanded that I cooperate and monitor you in secret, and if necessary... 'invite' you to the Dark Hall for questioning."

Monitor? Invite for questioning? How is that different from an arrest?

Chu Yun and Su Waner turned pale. They clearly did not expect the situation to be so serious.

"Revered Master, Junior Brother Lin..." Chu Yun said anxiously.

Elder Li raised his hand to stop him and looked at Lin Ye: "I do not have a deep friendship with you, but I see your Heart-Nature is resilient and your talent is exceptional; you are not a treacherous or evil person. Moreover, you have won honor for Danxia Peak, and I do not wish to see you suffer innocently, nor do I want Danxia Peak to be dragged into unnecessary conflict. Therefore, I am telling you this today so that you can be prepared."

"Many thanks for your frankness, Elder." Lin Ye stood up and bowed solemnly, "I wonder what the Elder wants me to do?"

"Two paths." Elder Li extended two fingers, "First, you leave the Lingyun Sword Sect immediately, go far away, change your name, and perhaps you can avoid this disaster. But from then on, you will be a traitor to the Sect, and the Dark Hall's influence spreads throughout Tianfeng, so whether you can escape is unknown."

"Second," Elder Li's gaze was piercing, "Proactively confess part of your 'Opportunity' to the Dark Hall, strive for their trust, or even... join the Dark Hall. With your talent and the Legacy you have obtained, perhaps you can gain a foothold in the Dark Hall, or even receive protection. But the Dark Hall is deep, and once involved, your life and death will be unpredictable, and you will need to hand over some of the Legacy's secrets."

Two paths, neither is an easy road.

Fleeing means becoming a fugitive and confirming the "suspicion." Confessing and joining means being controlled and unable to keep secrets.

"Is there no third path?" Lin Ye asked after a moment of silence.

"There is." Elder Li said slowly, "But it is even harder. Before the Dark Hall officially takes action against you, prove your value to be so great that the Sect's high-level figures, even the Sect Master, believe that it is not worth moving against you, and that it is even necessary to win you over. At the same time, find the source that is secretly pushing this matter and wants to harm you, and... resolve it."

Prove value, resolve the source.

This third path was exactly what Lin Ye was thinking. It's just that he didn't expect the opponent to potentially come from the Sect's most mysterious "Dark Hall," and the high-level power struggle that might be involved behind it.

"Disciple chooses the third path." Lin Ye did not hesitate at all.

A trace of approval flashed in Elder Li's eyes: "You have courage. But you must know that the one pushing this matter is very likely Zhao Kun, or perhaps there is someone behind him. As for the Dark Hall, I can only try my best to mediate for you and delay time. Whether you can prove your value and resolve the source depends on yourself."

"Disciple understands. May I ask Elder, how can one prove 'sufficient' value?" Lin Ye asked.

"Strength, potential, and... irreplaceable contributions to the Sect." Elder Li said, "For example, in the upcoming 'Seven Sects Martial Arts Tournament,' win a very high ranking for the Sect; or, make a Breakthrough contribution in Alchemy, Artifact Refining, Formation, etc., that benefits the entire Sect; or... resolve some unresolved Sect problems, such as the infiltration of the Yinkui Sect."

Seven Sects Martial Arts Tournament? That is the highest competition for young Disciples of the seven major Sects of Tianfeng Kingdom, held once every three years, with fierce competition, concerning the Sect's face and resource allocation. If he could shine in this tournament, his value would go without saying.

But there is nearly two years until the next Seven Sects Martial Arts Tournament. Will the Dark Hall give that much time?

As for resolving the Yinkui Sect's infiltration... this is indeed related to the "Karma" of the Flame Lord's Legacy, but the difficulty is even greater.

"Time is tight. Regarding the Dark Hall, I can delay them for at most three months." Elder Li stated the cruel reality, "Within three months, if you cannot show value that makes the Sect's high-level figures take notice, or find and resolve the source, I fear you will have to accept the Dark Hall's 'invitation'."

Three months!

Lin Ye felt immense pressure, but his fighting spirit became even more high-spirited.

"Disciple will do his utmost."

Leaving Liuyun Pavilion, Lin Ye felt heavy, but his thoughts were clear.

The primary goal is to demonstrate value that the Sect's high-level figures will take seriously within three months.

The Seven Sects Martial Arts Tournament is too far away, and the Yinkui Sect's infiltration is not a task that can be accomplished in a moment. Therefore, the easiest point to break through is — Alchemy!

He bears the Flame Lord's Alchemy Legacy and has the Great Sun Golden Flame seed, giving him an unparalleled advantage in the path of Alchemy. If he can refine some kind of Medicinal Pill of great significance to the Sect, or improve some important Pill Formula, his value will be immediately apparent.

Secondly, resolve the "source" that is Zhao Kun. But this requires evidence and timing.

Returning to Purple Bamboo Court, Lin Ye immediately took action.

He first went to the Scripture Pavilion and, with the authority of a newly promoted Inner Sect Disciple, reviewed a large number of ancient books regarding Alchemy, especially ancient Pill Formulas and lost techniques. At the same time, he also paid attention to records concerning the characteristics of Yinkui Sect's Cultivation Techniques and signs of their activities.

Relying on the insight of his "Fiery Golden Eyes" and the deep foundation of the Flame Lord's Legacy, he quickly found several possible directions in the vast sea of books.

One is an improvement to a pill called the "foundation establishment pill." The foundation establishment pill is key for Qi Refining Cultivators to break through to Foundation Establishment, with huge demand, but the main ingredient, "Jade Marrow Ganoderma," is hard to find, and the success rate is not high. In the Flame Lord's Legacy, there is an ancient formula called the "Red Sun foundation establishment pill," which uses several relatively easier-to-obtain fire-attribute main ingredients to replace Jade Marrow Ganoderma, combined with special techniques and the Great Sun Golden Flame to refine, which can increase the success rate of Foundation Establishment and is even more effective for fire-attribute and yang-attribute Cultivators. If this pill can be restored and improved, its value would be immeasurable.

The second is several residual formulas of ancient Spirit Pill that are effective even for Golden Core Cultivators; if they can be completed and refined, it will surely shock the entire Sect.

The third is the refining principles and counter-methods for the Yinkui Sect's "Blood Soul Puppet," which are briefly mentioned in the miscellaneous sections of the Flame Lord's Legacy. If he can research it deeply, he might find a way to identify and restrain the Yinkui Sect's infiltrators.

Lin Ye decided to pursue both paths. On the surface, he would try to research and improve the "Red Sun foundation establishment pill," which is the direction most likely to yield results and most valued by the Sect. Secretly, he would research methods to restrain the Yinkui Sect and keep an eye on the movements of Zhao Kun, his nephew, and that "Chi Yang."

In the following days, Lin Ye worked like a madman. He applied for the best Earth Fire Pill Furnace room in Danxia Peak (under the guise of researching new Pill Formulas) and began attempting to refine the "Red Sun foundation establishment pill."

Refining this pill is extremely difficult, requiring harsh demands on flame control, medicinal material purification, and the timing of Fusion. Although Lin Ye has the Legacy, his cultivation and experience are insufficient, and his first few attempts ended in failure, wasting quite a few precious medicinal materials.

But he was not discouraged. Every time he failed, he carefully reviewed it, combining his "Fiery Golden Eyes" to observe the changes inside the Pill Furnace, and made rapid progress.

At the same time, he was also investigating Zhao Kun in secret. Through Chu Yun, Su Waner, and some Disciples with connections in the Law Enforcement Hall and Task Hall, he collected some fragmented information:

In recent years, Zhao Kun has frequently been in contact with certain forces outside the Sect, and his nephew Zhao Wuji has become increasingly arrogant in his actions and has dealings with some Loose Cultivator of unknown origin.

That Chi Yang claims to be the descendant of an old friend of Zhao Kun, but no one knows his specific background. His fire spirit body is not fake, but the Cultivation Technique he practices does not seem to be the orthodox one of the Lingyun Sword Sect, carrying a trace of strange devouring characteristics.

What worried Lin Ye even more was that he discovered a clue in an old Sect mission file: about twenty years ago, a Sect expedition team went missing deep in the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range, and the leader was surnamed Zhao, one of Zhao Kun's cousins. The file recorded that the last location they appeared in seemed to be near Red Rock Valley! And before the team went missing, they had sent back a message mentioning that they had found clues to an "ancient fire ruin."

Could Zhao Kun's obsession with the Earth Fire Secret Realm be related to this? Did he know about the existence of the Flame Lord's Legacy long ago? Is Chi Yang's appearance also related to this?

The clues were fragmented and hard to connect, but Lin Ye felt that he was approaching the truth.

Just as he was studying Pill Formulas and investigating Zhao Kun, forgetting to eat and sleep, a sudden piece of news shattered his plans.

On this day, Elder Liu came to the Earth Fire Pill Furnace room in person, his expression unprecedentedly grave.

"Lin Han, stop everything you are doing immediately and come with me. The Sect Master... wants to see you."

Sect Master? The Sect Master of the Lingyun Sword Sect, Master Lingxiao, a Nascent Soul Stage great Cultivator, the supreme existence of the Sect!

Why would he want to see a small Inner Sect Disciple like him? Is it because the Dark Hall's investigation disturbed him? Or because his research on the Pill Formula attracted attention? Or perhaps... Zhao Kun used some tactics?

Countless thoughts flashed through Lin Ye's mind, but he remained calm on the surface.

"Yes, Elder."

He followed Elder Liu, left Danxia Peak, and flew on his sword towards the most core and mysterious Forbidden Ground of the Lingyun Sword Sect — the "Lingxiao Hall" at the peak of Lingyun Peak.

Along the way, Elder Liu was silent, his brows tightly locked.

Lingxiao Hall stood majestically above the sea of clouds, with a magnificent atmosphere and endless majesty.

Several people were already waiting in the square in front of the hall. Lin Ye swept his gaze across them, and his heart sank immediately.

Aside from Master Lingxiao (a phantom?), whose aura was like an abyss and whose face could not be seen, sitting in the main seat, several people were standing below:

Zhao Kun, with a gloomy expression and a hint of smugness in his eyes.

The Dark Hall Deacon (a Golden Core Early Stage Cultivator) with an obscure aura and sharp eyes.

And... a person Lin Ye did not expect — Chi Yang!

Chi Yang stood beside Zhao Kun, staring at Lin Ye with burning eyes, a strange smile on his lips.

And behind Chi Yang stood two expressionless old men in black robes, their auras cold and deep; they were both at the Golden Core Stage! And looking at their attire, they were not people from the Lingyun Sword Sect!

Is this... a joint trial? Or... the daggers are revealed?

Lin Ye took a deep breath, and at Elder Liu's signal, walked to the center of the hall, bowed to the phantom of Master Lingxiao in the main seat:

"Disciple Lin Han greets the Sect Master."

The phantom of Master Lingxiao spoke slowly, his voice flat but carrying a majesty that reached the Soul:

"Lin Han, Elder Zhao and the Dark Hall Deacon have jointly accused you of possessing the 'Great Sun Golden Flame' Legacy, which was left by the ancient taboo 'Flame Lord'. The Flame Lord and the outside-the-territory Devil Head 'Demon Lord Yinming' were mortal enemies, and the appearance of his Legacy might attract the attention of the Demonic Lord, bringing disaster to the Sect. Furthermore, Chi Yang has testified that you had contact with remnants of the Yinkui Sect in the Earth Fire Secret Realm. What do you have to say for yourself?"

Great Sun Golden Flame! Flame Lord! Demon Lord Yinming! Yinkui Sect!

Zhao Kun really found out! And he joined forces with Chi Yang to pour dirty water on him! He even brought in Golden Core Cultivators from outside the Sect?

Chi Yang dared to testify that he had contact with the Yinkui Sect? Is it slander, or... is there something wrong with him?

And those two outside-the-Sect Golden Core Cultivators, what force are they from?

The situation had instantly deteriorated to the extreme!