187: Chapter 187 Invitation to Join

After his period of confinement ended, Li Changsheng returned to the Hundred Herb Garden.

The Spirit Tea Tree was still lush and green, its leaves shimmering with a vibrant emerald light in the morning sun.

The Jade Dew Ginseng nearby was growing well, having sprouted significantly taller since he left.

He crouched down and gently stroked the trunk of the tea tree, a wave of warmth rising in his heart.

No matter how turbulent the world outside became, this place would always be where his heart found peace.

"Senior Brother Li!"

A familiar voice came from behind him.

Li Changsheng turned around to see Zhao Qian standing not far away, his face full of pleasant surprise.

Behind him followed Wang Hai and several other familiar fellow Disciples.

"Senior Brother Li, you're back! That's wonderful!"

"We haven't seen you for six months; we were worried sick!"

"Senior Brother Li, are you alright?"

Li Changsheng stood up, smiled, and said, "I'm fine. I just guarded a mine for half a year, so I've tanned a bit."

Everyone gathered around, asking all sorts of questions at once. Li Changsheng handled them one by one, but his gaze drifted past them toward the distance.

There, a few unfamiliar faces were watching from afar.

They wore the robes of Inner Sect Disciples, but their expressions were cold and their gazes sharp; they clearly weren't ordinary Disciples.

People Ling Cang had sent to monitor him.

Li Changsheng withdrew his gaze and continued chatting with Zhao Qian and the others as if nothing were wrong.

From today on, he had to be even more careful.

In the days that followed, Li Changsheng lived an extremely disciplined life.

Every morning, he went to the spirit fields to tend to the Spirit Plants as usual, then went to the Martial Arts Field to practice his swordplay. He returned at noon to rest, continued his cultivation in the afternoon, and studied the Jade Slip and the runes found in the mine at night.

His every move was under the watchful eyes of those monitors.

But he didn't care.

He only needed them to see that he was a law-abiding Disciple.

As for what went on in secret...

He found Wang Hai and asked for his help in gathering news about Qin Hao.

Although Wang Hai was timid, he was reliable; three days later, he brought back news.

"Senior Brother Li, I have news about the person you asked me to look into."

Li Changsheng's heart tightened, but he remained calm on the surface, only nodding and saying:

"Let's hear it."

Wang Hai lowered his voice and said:

"They've fled to the western part of Yunzhou."

"There's a remote valley there that is rarely visited by people. It's said they found some residual ancient Restrictions; once activated, it's very difficult for outsiders to enter."

"They are living there in seclusion and are safe for the time being."

Li Changsheng breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as they were safe.

He pulled a small cloth bag from his robe and pressed it into Wang Hai's hand.

"Thank you."

Wang Hai waved his hands hurriedly.

"Senior Brother Li, what are you doing? With our relationship, there's no need for this."

Li Changsheng smiled and said nothing.

Wang Hai looked at him, hesitated for a moment, and then whispered:

"Senior Brother Li, you... take care of yourself."

He turned and left.

Li Changsheng stood there, watching his departing back for a long time without moving.

Wang Hai knew what he was doing.

But he didn't expose it.

That was what a friend was.

On the night of the fifth day, a familiar figure appeared outside the Hundred Herb Garden.

Su Qianxue.

She still had that same cold and aloof appearance, dressed in white with an ethereal aura.

The moonlight draped over her like an orchid under the moon.

Li Changsheng invited her into the Tool Storehouse, lit a lamp, and poured her a cup of tea.

They sat across from each other, silent for a moment.

Su Qianxue spoke first.

"You've changed quite a bit in the last six months."

Li Changsheng looked at her and said:

"You too. Foundation Establishment Late-Stage?"

Su Qianxue nodded and said, "I broke through not long ago."

She paused, took a Jade Slip from her robe, and placed it on the table.

"The Pavilion Master asked me to bring this to you."

Li Changsheng picked up the Jade Slip and injected his spiritual energy. Su Qinghan's voice reached his ears.

"Li Changsheng, I have heard about your situation."

"Defying military orders, saving the survivors of the Jinyang Sect, and being confined by Ling Cang."

"You are a man of character; I admire you."

"Although the Qingxin Pavilion's Origin Qi has been greatly damaged, its foundation remains."

"If you are willing to join us, I can provide you with cultivation resources to help you increase your cultivation level as quickly as possible."

"You only need to do one thing: join me in opposing Ling Cang and the Qinglan Sword Sect."

"Think it over carefully. I await your reply."

The voice faded, and the Jade Slip turned into specks of starlight.

Li Changsheng set down the Jade Slip and remained silent for a long time.

Su Qianxue looked at him and said:

"The Pavilion Master truly wants to invite you to join. She knows your potential and believes in your character."

Li Changsheng looked up at her.

"If I join, what will I need to do?"

Su Qianxue said:

"For now, you don't need to do anything."

"You only need to remain in the Qinglan Sword Sect, secretly observe Ling Cang's movements, and pass on information when necessary. When the time is right, the Pavilion Master will make arrangements."

Li Changsheng fell silent.

Joining the Qingxin Pavilion meant a complete break with the Qinglan Sword Sect.

Once discovered, it would be a path to certain death.

But if he stayed in the Qinglan Sword Sect, what else could he do?

"Watch helplessly as Ling Cang achieved his ambitions step by step, and more people died?

He thought of Zhou Yuan, Elder Li Ran, and those Jinyang Sect Disciples who had fallen in pools of blood.

He also thought of what True Lord Three Swords had said.

"Guard your own heart."

What was his heart telling him?

He looked up at Su Qianxue.

"I need time to consider."

Su Qianxue nodded and said:

"The Pavilion Master said there's no rush. Take your time."

She stood up, preparing to leave.

As she reached the door, she suddenly stopped and looked back at Li Changsheng.

"Li Changsheng, whatever decision you make, I will support you."

She turned and left, her white robes fluttering as she quickly disappeared into the night.

Li Changsheng sat there, watching her departing back for a long time.

After a long while, he stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the stars in the night sky.

Is it to join the Qingxin Pavilion, or to forge ahead alone?

Li Changsheng was lost in thought.

Meanwhile, in Ling Cang's palace on the Main Peak of the Qinglan Sword Sect.

Ling Cang sat in the high seat, with several Golden Core Elders standing before him.

"Sect Master, scouts report that the Qingxin Pavilion has been active lately, seemingly gathering their forces."

Ling Cang's brow furrowed slightly.

"That wench Su Qinghan really hasn't given up."

He stood up and walked to the window, looking out at the night.

"Send out the order: secretly assemble our forces and prepare to attack the Qingxin Pavilion."

One of the Elders hesitated.

"Sect Master, what about the Medicine King Valley..."

Ling Cang gave a cold laugh and said:

"Medicine King Valley?"

"Send someone to deliver a message. Say that I invite them to join our campaign against the Qingxin Pavilion."

"If they do not comply..."

He paused, a cold light flashing in his eyes.

"Then don't blame me for being ruthless."

The Elder bowed and said, "Yes."

Ling Cang turned back to gaze out the window.

In the night, there were faint glimmers of light.

Those were the flames of war, about to be ignited.