165: Eastward hidden current

Inside the study, the sandalwood incense curled, dispersing some of the night's chill, but failing to dispel the coldness condensed between Situ Jun's brows.

He had not taken a seat, but stood with his hands behind his back by the window, his gaze piercing the deep night, seemingly fixed upon the treacherous and unpredictable Hundred Thousand Great Mountains of Southern Xinjiang.

Bai Yu stood silently to the side, like a statue merged into the Shadows.

“Is there any word back from Cao Guang regarding the news from Southern Xinjiang?”

Situ Jun's voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable weight, breaking the silence of the study.

“Reporting, Master,”

Bai Yu bowed, his voice flat and steady:

“Cao Guang's communication Jade Slip just arrived. He followed the official road deep into the outer perimeter of Southern Xinjiang for a hundred miles and found some abnormalities. The Spiritual Power fluctuations in several areas were chaotic, and there were residual traces of intense Contest of Techniques. Some small tribal villages were destroyed, with few survivors. When questioned about the reason, they were all terrified and vague, only mentioning 'Mountain God's Wrath' or 'Calamity from Heaven.' Upon inspection, these appear to be the remnants of Tu Xiong's subordinate contact points, but no survivors were found, nor... were there any traces or relics of Tu Xiong himself.”

Situ Jun gently tapped his fingertips on the window lattice, creating a rhythmic soft sound.

Tu Xiong was a rare Fierce General under him, possessing considerable strength and acting prudently. Yet, he ended up missing, presumed dead, his forces completely uprooted, without even a chance to send a Sound Transmission? This was definitely not something ordinary bandits or small Sect infighting could achieve.

“High-rank Cultivator Legacy Immortal Cave...”

Situ Jun repeated the tempting yet dangerous phrase in a low voice.

After pondering for a long time, he looked up at Bai Yu:

“Has the source of the news been investigated and clarified?”

“Still under investigation. Your subordinate learned from the Zhou Dynasty that the news initially spread quietly through several large Loose Cultivator markets and Black Markets in Southern Xinjiang. The source is extremely secretive, seeming to have been deliberately disseminated. Currently, several groups from different factions have poured into the peripheral areas of Southern Xinjiang, where the good and bad are mixed. Among them, there is no lack of Auras belonging to Half-step Nascent Soul Cultivators. East Lin City, as one of the important gateways into Southern Xinjiang, has seen a 30% surge in the number of Cultivators entering the city these past few days, many of whom are concealing their identities.”

Bai Yu reported.

“Legacy Immortal Cave...”

A cold arc curved Situ Jun's lips:

“What a brilliant Open Conspiracy. Whether true or false, it is enough to make the greedy flock to it like ducks, stirring up the muddy waters. The mastermind behind this scheme has significant ambitions. The Disciples of the Xuan Yin Sect stationed in various Dynasties jumping out now might be trying to take advantage of the chaos, or... perhaps they were already part of this muddy water?”

He turned around, his profound gaze falling upon Bai Yu:

“Inform Zhu Changpo, and have the 'Nightingale' of the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty head to Southern Xinjiang. Upon arrival, the primary mission is to ascertain Tu Xiong's whereabouts—if alive, bring the person; if dead, bring the body. Secondly, have the 'Shadow' of the Tianqi Dynasty secretly observe the movements of all factions, especially those attempting to block information or those that are overly active. If there is any unusual movement, send a message immediately. As for that 'Legacy Immortal Cave'... if there is an opportunity, investigate its veracity, but preserving yourself is paramount; do not lightly enter dangerous territory.”

“Yes, Master!”

Bai Yu accepted the order, his figure shifting slightly, ready to withdraw and send the message.

“Wait,”

Situ Jun called out to him:

“How is Wang Cheng's cleanup of the Xuan Yin Sect strongholds outside East Lin City progressing?”

“City Lord Wang's actions are acceptable; he has removed three Visible Sentry Posts. However, it seems that only information gathering strongholds were cleared, and the people captured weren't even Outer Sect Disciples of the Xuan Yin Sect. Your subordinate believes that such efforts cannot fundamentally eliminate the true underlying threats.”

Bai Yu added.

“Hmph, it seems he's been too comfortable as the City Lord! This is a substandard 'Nascent Condensing Pill.' After you consume it, breaking through to Half-step Nascent Soul shouldn't be a problem. After your Breakthrough, you will assist Wang Cheng in resolving these deeply hidden threats.”

As he spoke, a verdant Medicinal Pill wrapped in glowing light shot out from his hand.

Bai Yu took the Medicinal Pill, his aged face showing delight, and a golden light flashed in his eyes:

“Thank you, Master! Your subordinate will go make the Breakthrough immediately.”

Having finished speaking, his figure silently vanished outside the study door, like ink blending into the darkness.

Situ Jun looked out the window again.

East Lin City slept in the night, its scattered lights like fallen stars.

Beneath this surface tranquility lay the Xuan Yin Sect's machinations, the treachery of Southern Xinjiang, and the covetousness of various factions... As his Cultivation increased and the number of people he cared about grew, the burden on his shoulders also became heavier.

Sometimes, the operating laws of this world are just so strange: when you are mediocre, you live happily and safely. But once you are no longer mediocre, crises increase, and even if you remain content with the status quo, trouble will find you. You can only constantly grow stronger to overcome all crises and obstacles.

Situ Jun sighed, and Shen Xingwan's stunningly beautiful face, marked by distance and forced composure, appeared in his mind.

Wang Cheng offering beauty was nothing more than a desire to consolidate his position, or even advance further.

Was this woman willing, or was she forced? Was the distance in her eyes due to inherent nobility, or did she have another agenda?

...Inside the Rain Embroidery Courtyard Annex, the atmosphere was completely different from the cold solemnity of the study.

The Embroiderer pulled Shen Xingwan to sit on the soft couch and personally poured her a cup of warm Spiritual Tea.

Under the candlelight, the two women—one gentle and quiet like a secluded orchid in an empty valley, the other bright and charming like a blooming peony—had vastly different temperaments yet unexpectedly formed a harmonious picture.

“Sister Shen, no need to be formal. My Husband... although his Aura is intimidating, he treats his own people very well.” The Embroiderer gently comforted her, easing Shen Xingwan's initial nervousness.

Shen Xingwan lowered her head slightly, her long eyelashes casting a small Shadow beneath her eyes, concealing the complex expression within.

She took a deep breath, and when she looked up again, that forced composure reappeared on her face, though the persistent thread of melancholy deep in her eyes was exceptionally clear under the candlelight.

“Madam, you overstate the matter.”

Shen Xingwan's voice, like her person, carried a seductive magnetism:

“To receive the shelter of Senior and Madam is already an immense blessing for Xingwan. Xingwan dares not ask for anything else, only wishing to serve wholeheartedly and repay this kindness.”

The Embroiderer patted the back of her hand:

“Don't talk about kindness or favors. From now on, living together in the Manor, we are family. Are you proficient in music and dance?”

“I know a little bit; I dare not show off in front of Madam.”

Shen Xingwan said humbly.

“It's fine. When I have leisure another day, I must enjoy it.”

The Embroiderer smiled, then changed the subject, showing some concern:

“I see that Sister seems preoccupied? Do you have some difficulty? Since you have stayed, why not tell me about it?”

Shen Xingwan's body stiffened almost imperceptibly, and then she displayed a deeper smile—a breathtakingly beautiful smile that resembled a meticulously painted mask:

“Thank you, Madam, for your concern. It is just the nervousness of a newcomer. To receive such care from Madam, Xingwan is endlessly grateful. How could I have any difficulties?”

The Embroiderer looked deeply at her but did not press further.

Having met countless people, she naturally saw that Shen Xingwan was hiding something, but now was not the time to delve into it.

She thoughtfully changed the topic, discussing the local customs and traditions of East Lin City. Shen Xingwan gradually relaxed, responding appropriately, displaying good upbringing and insight in her conversation.

As the night deepened, a tired look appeared on the Embroiderer's face.

She gave a small yawn and said softly:

“Sister must be tired too? My Husband went to the study and probably won't be back anytime soon. There are many side rooms in the Manor; should I have someone take you to settle down and rest first?”

Shen Xingwan, however, gently shook her head, stood up, and gave the Embroiderer a graceful bow:

“Madam, please rest early. Senior... Senior Situ just agreed to let Xingwan stay and serve; Xingwan dares not be negligent. Senior is currently handling important business in the study, and Xingwan should rightfully wait outside, ready to be dispatched at any time. Madam need not worry about Xingwan.”

Her posture was extremely humble, yet her tone carried an undeniable persistence.

The Embroiderer watched her and understood her determination.

This woman was determined to fulfill her duty of “service” tonight.

The Embroiderer's eyes flickered slightly, and she finally just nodded gently:

“Very well. Sister is thoughtful. But my Husband dislikes being disturbed when handling affairs. You can wait in the Side Hall; there is a soft couch there where you can rest a little.”

“Thank you, Madam, for your consideration.” Shen Xingwan bowed again.

Just then, the door to the room was gently pushed open.