272: Xuanqiong Fairy Island!

A pin drop could be heard in the hall.

The envoys, looking at the clear image of the Second Rank expert that Li Shengyuan had conjured with his true essence, saw their respectful fawning instantly freeze, replaced by undisguised shock and panic.

They exchanged glances, their eyes filled with disarray and hesitation, their lips mumbling, stammering, and for a long time, no one dared to speak first.

How could they not recognize the person in that image?

Precisely because they recognized him, they deeply understood how immense the power he represented and the karma he was involved with were; one wrong word could lead to utter disaster.

Li Shengyuan took in their expressions, and the gentle smile on his face gradually receded, turning into a layer of frost.

He did not raise his voice, but the temperature in his tone plummeted to freezing point, carrying an undeniable sense of oppression:

"What? You, who have lived overseas for so long and are well-informed, are you really completely ignorant of such a figure? Or are you saying... you think this Marquis shouldn't ask, or isn't worthy to know?"

He gently stroked the rim of his teacup, his tone calm but with a hidden sharpness:

"This Marquis has always been clear about rewards and punishments. If friends come, there will naturally be fine wine. But if someone harbors ill intentions and doesn't wish to be a friend..."

He paused, his gaze, like a cold bolt of lightning, swept across the face of every envoy, making their bodies involuntarily tremble slightly.

"Though the scenery of Jiangnan is beautiful, staying in the guesthouse for too long can become tiresome. The seas overseas are rough and perilous. If one day news comes that an envoy's fleet has unfortunately capsized, this Marquis would also feel... deeply regretful."

This almost naked threat struck the hearts of the envoys like a heavy hammer.

Their faces instantly turned pale, and fine beads of cold sweat immediately appeared on their foreheads.

The curly-haired envoy, who was at the head, no longer dared to hesitate. He quickly stood up and bowed, his voice trembling:

"Marquis, please calm your anger! It's not that we are concealing anything, it's just... it's just that this person's background is extraordinary, and he is involved in something immense. We... we dare not speak rashly!"

"Speak!"

Li Shengyuan uttered only one word, yet it was as heavy as a thousand jun.

"Yes... yes..." The envoy bowed low, his voice trembling, "This person... is the Grand Elder of the First Immortal Island overseas, 'Xuanqiong Immortal Island', with the Daoist title 'Venerable Cangming'!"

Another envoy quickly added, fearing he would be a step too slow: "Marquis, please understand! Xuanqiong Immortal Island holds a transcendent position overseas. Legend has it that it is an orthodox lineage left by ancient immortals. It is rich in spiritual energy, full of experts, and is regarded as the leader of the overseas cultivation world!"

"Our island nations, whenever a new monarch ascends the throne, must send envoys to the Immortal Island to seek recognition before their national foundation can be stabilized. Its influence extends throughout the overseas nations."

"Oh? Xuanqiong Immortal Island... Venerable Cangming..." Li Shengyuan tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, deep in thought, "Continue."

"According to... according to what we know, Xuanqiong Immortal Island has two Grand Elders, both of whom are Second Rank land immortals. They usually live in seclusion and rarely show themselves in public for many years."

"One is Venerable Cangming, who has already been slain by the Marquis's divine might. The other is his senior brother, 'Venerable Xuanji', whose cultivation is said to be even more profound. He has been in secluded death meditation for sixty years and has not appeared in the world."

The bowing envoy dared not look up, pouring out all the information he knew: "Since... since the news of Venerable Cangming's demise reached us a few days ago, Xuanqiong Immortal Island has been completely sealed off."

"The island-protecting grand array, 'Grand Cycle Star Xuanqiong Array', has been activated, cutting off all contact with the outside world. Now, we don't know what the situation is like inside the island."

Upon hearing this, the chill on Li Shengyuan's face finally dissipated, replaced by a sense of understanding and... satisfaction.

He had been in seclusion for many years, no wonder he didn't know there was such a Second Rank expert!

He wasn't a lone rogue cultivator, but an elder of a sect with roots and power; this made things easier.

A Second Rank Grand Elder was also colluding with the Demonic Cult, so Xuanqiong Immortal Island was likely involved as well!

This was a perfect opportunity to uproot this last unstable factor overseas and thoroughly establish the unshakeable authority of Great Qian and Li Shengyuan overseas.

"So that's how it is..."

Li Shengyuan nodded slightly, and the gentle smile reappeared on his face, as if the previous sternness had never existed.

"It's very good that you all could speak frankly. This shows that you are sincere, abandoning darkness for light, and choosing to stand with our Great Qian."

His tone softened considerably, even carrying a hint of approval:

"Remember your choice today. Relying on Great Qian, basking in the grace of the Heavenly Dynasty, will be the wisest and most correct decision for your respective nations. As long as you remain loyal, there will be benefits for you in the future."

Upon hearing this, the envoys felt as if they had received a great pardon. They all quickly stood up and bowed:

"Thank you, Marquis! We will certainly be loyal and follow Great Qian's lead!"

If anyone else had said this, they would have been half-skeptical, but since Li Shengyuan said it, it must be true!

Li Shengyuan stood up with satisfaction, dusted off non-existent dust, and said in a relaxed tone:

"In that case, you all can rest well in Jiangnan for now. The tribute for the pilgrimage can be prepared slowly, ensuring it is exquisite and substantial, showcasing your sincerity."

He paused, a meaningful curve forming at the corner of his lips: "This Marquis recently found some leisure time and plans to travel overseas to experience the exotic scenery... I'll be back soon, I won't keep you waiting long."

As soon as these words were spoken, the envoys, who had just breathed a sigh of relief, instantly turned pale with fright. Their eyes widened, looking at Li Shengyuan in disbelief.

Go sightseeing overseas?

Right after asking about the whereabouts of Xuanqiong Immortal Island?

This was not going to sightsee; it was clearly going to annihilate a sect!

They seemed to already foresee that the holy land of the overseas cultivation world was about to face a monumental catastrophe.

The crowd exchanged glances, seeing immense fear in each other's eyes, but no one dared to speak up and dissuade him.

They could only force out smiles uglier than crying, bowing and responding:

"Yes... yes... We wish the Marquis... a smooth journey..."