549: Chapter 549 To be continued

Deep within the Jinwu Tower, there was a large courtyard.

With grey bricks and tiles and devoid of carvings, the courtyard was planted with only a few old pine trees, their fallen needles blanketing the ground without anyone sweeping them up.

On the table sat a pot of clear tea and two coarse porcelain cups. Zhu Huan and Ma Xiangwan sat facing each other at a stone table beneath the pine shade, discussing the Dao.

Zhu Huan had a withered and emaciated face, and a scarlet-gold robe hung loosely on his body, as if it could not support his frame.

Holding a teacup with a smile plastered on his face, his words and tone were entirely flattering the middle-aged man opposite him:

"Supreme Xuanshui truly possesses profound Dao techniques, and your understanding of the Law of Water is truly breathtaking."

Ma Xiangwan picked up his teacup, took a sip, merely smiled faintly, and did not take up the conversation.

He was of medium build with a refined and lean face, wearing a dark Taoist robe embroidered with mysterious tortoise dark patterns on the cuffs. He looked to be in his early forties, with an aura restrained and deep throughout his body, like an unfathomable deep pool.

Footsteps came from outside the courtyard gate.

The Golden Crow Holy Son, dressed in a golden-red robe, walked to the stone table and slightly bowed:

"Greetings, Grand Elder Zhu, greetings, Supreme Xuanshui."

Zhu Huan waved his hand: "The Saint need not be so courteous."

Who throughout the Golden Crow Holy Land did not know that the Saint was the Old Ancestor's apple of his eye?

Even though he was only at the Void Refinement Stage, the necessary formalities still had to be observed.

Ma Xiangwan put down his teacup, looked at Saint Son Yang Ritian with a smile, and asked:

"The Saint has arrived.

In less than half a year, the Dingding Ceremony will be held. How is the collection of the secondary cauldrons coming along?"

Saint Son Yang Ritian cupped his fists and said:

"Aside from the li tripod taken to Cangwu Prefecture by the remnants of the Linglong Blessed Land and the kan cauldron in the hands of Young Master Liu, I have already collected five secondary cauldrons.

There is still one zhen cauldron whose whereabouts are unknown, and I will focus on searching for it in the coming period."

Ma Xiangwan picked up his teacup and leisurely blew away the tea scum:

"If you need help, the Saint can just say the word.

I also hope the Dingding Ceremony can be successfully completed.

After all, we all share a common enemy—the Moon Shadow Holy Land.

This is also the reason Lord Taosha sent me over."

He put down his teacup, revealing a trace of apology,

"However, as for the kan cauldron with Young Master Liu, there is nothing I can do."

Saint Son Yang Ritian looked respectful on the surface, but sneered inwardly in his heart.

Talking about helping, they simply wanted to come and reap the fruits of others' labor.

Maintaining his composure, he cupped his fists and asked:

"Has Supreme Xuanshui ever met that Young Master Liu?"

Ma Xiangwan nodded:

"I have met him.

On the day he moved into the Four Seasons Heaven and Earth Courtyard, I caught a glimpse of him from afar; he was truly handsome, dashing, and elegant, fully deserving of being a Young Master from the Dongming Liu Family."

His tone paused slightly,

"However, when I looked at him, I always felt as though someone was peeping in secret.

He must have a protector following by his side, but unfortunately, with my Divine Sense, I was unable to discover that protector."

Zhu Huan on the side also chimed in:

"Indeed.

That Young Master Liu is truly a dragon and phoenix among men.

The strength of the Liu Family is truly unfathomable."

Turning his gaze to Saint Son Yang Ritian, Zhu Huan said:

"I heard that the Saint plans to take the Golden Crow Saintess to pay him a visit.

I know the Saint dotes on the Saintess on usual days, but being able to make this decision is exceptionally good."

"Although women are fine, they are merely tools after all.

If we can use this to gain Young Master Liu's favor, with just a word from him, perhaps the Moon Shadow Holy Land would surrender without a fight.

Saint, what do you think?"

Saint Son Yang Ritian nodded slightly,

"That is precisely what I think."

Seeing that the Saint shared his views, Zhu Huan continued with a smile.

"As for the Taoist nun mentioned by Young Master Liu—that would be Grand Elder Zhu, right, your maternal aunt, Saint?

Few people up and down the Sect like wearing Taoist robes, and recently you even had her protect the Saintess, Saint.

If you can bring her along as well, that is an opportunity to get even closer.

Presumably the Old Ancestor will also agree.

If you can win Young Master Liu's favor... the Saint should understand."

"Grand Elder Zhu, I understand."

Saint Son Yang Ritian still looked respectful on the surface, but the fists inside his sleeves were already clenched tight, his knuckles turning white, yet not a shred of abnormality could be heard in his voice,

"I plan to take the Saintess and my aunt to visit him together tomorrow."

"Good."

Ma Xiangwan clapped his hands and smiled,

"Actually, I went to visit before as well, but I was rejected."

Zhu Huan nodded along beside him, showing no resentment on his face, but instead carrying a taken-for-granted calmness.

That was the Dongming Liu Family, after all; being rejected was only logical.

In the center of the Jinwu Tower, there was another courtyard, which was a residence exclusively belonging to the Golden Crow Holy Son.

Completely different from the plain large courtyard just now, luxury was spread out everywhere here.

The pillars were edged with scarlet gold, and wind chimes strung with spiritual pearls hung from the eaves, chiming melodiously as the wind passed, their spiritual light twinkling like shattered stars.

The rockery in the courtyard was carved from a single piece of fire-patterned Spirit Stone, and several red spirit carp swam in the pond, spiritual light flowing finely across their scales.

Even the bluestones beneath their feet were carved with intricate Gathering Spirit Formation patterns, and walking upon them made one feel Spiritual Qi surging from the soles of their feet.

Saint Son Yang Ritian walked into the courtyard, stopped at the stone table, and said in a deep voice:

"Elder Hong."

A grey shadow silently emerged from the shadows of the pillars.

The grey-haired old man had a withered and emaciated face, his eyes half-closed, and his aura restrained like an ancient well.

Elder Hong bowed slightly, his voice hoarse:

"Saint."

Saint Son Yang Ritian did not turn back,

"Have you discovered anything?"

"After the last auction, I had you investigate the true capabilities of that Young Master Liu.

So much time has passed, there should be some results."

Elder Hong was silent for a moment before saying in a low voice:

"This old man is incompetent.

That Young Master Liu has a protector at the Mahayana Stage by his side, so this old man did not dare to get too close at all."

Saint Son Yang Ritian's expression turned gloomy, but he did not flare up.

Elder Hong was only at the Undergoing Tribulation Middle Stage, and facing the Mahayana Stage without daring to get close, he could not really be blamed.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, thoughts spinning rapidly in his mind.

A protector who could make Supreme Xuanshui, a second-layer Mahayana, feel a palpitation in his heart must be at least at the third or fourth layer of Mahayana.

Even his own Old Ancestor was only at the third layer of Mahayana; aside from the Dongming Liu Family, who else could pull off such a display?

Originally, he had even suspected whether this Young Master Liu was someone impersonating him, but with all the signs piling together, he could no longer afford not to believe it.

"After that Young Master Liu came to Fusang Main City, what has he done?"

Elder Hong replied:

"When Young Master Liu moved into the Four Seasons Heaven and Earth Courtyard, the Young Master of the East Sea Chamber of Commerce personally received him, and their actions were quite ambiguous."

"The daughter of the former Sect Master of Qingmu Cliff also frequently visits, and it seems she has also caught Young Master Liu's eye.

Over the following days, these two frequently entered and left the Four Seasons Heaven and Earth Courtyard.

There were also many Sects that wanted to visit, but all were turned away outside the door."

Saint Son Yang Ritian sneered:

"Overestimating capabilities."

Even Grand Elder Zhu had been rejected, let alone those minor Sects.

However, judging from all this, this Young Master Liu was indeed a debauchee.

This should be a breach that could be utilized.

And the East Sea Chamber of Commerce... has it established a connection with the Dongming Liu Family?

Perhaps... we need to re-evaluate the pros and cons.

He turned around and instructed:

"Send someone to notify the Saintess to accompany me tomorrow to pay a visit.

As for Aunt Ni... I will go speak with her myself."

"Also, send a message to the Giant Clan; I have arrived, and regarding the Fusang tree spirit, they should give me an answer."

Elder Hong acknowledged: "Yes."

Saint Son Yang Ritian waved his hand: "There is nothing else, you go make arrangements."

Elder Hong's figure silently retreated into the shadows.

Only Saint Son Yang Ritian remained alone in the courtyard.

He picked up the teapot on the stone table and poured himself a cup. The tea was slightly cool when it entered his mouth. He downed it in one gulp and slammed the teacup heavily onto the table.

The moment he thought about visiting that Young Master Liu tomorrow, he felt a tightness in his chest.

The Golden Crow Saintess was merely a vessel; once she was sent over and Young Master Liu grew tired of playing with her, she would be sent back.

This was based on the understanding of himself and numerous high-level male cultivators.

But Aunt Ni—was he going to send his own Aunt Ni to someone's doorstep for them to view and appreciate?

His fingers suddenly tightened, and the teacup shattered in his palm. Porcelain shards pierced into his palm, and fresh blood dripped down between his fingers onto the stone table.

"Lord Saint—"

A delicate voice came from under the veranda.

Mu Yunqing was holding a bowl of soup, walking over with small, hurried steps. Seeing Saint Son Yang Ritian's gloomy expression, he hurriedly stepped forward,

"What has made the Saint so angry..."

Saint Son Yang Ritian responded with a backhand slap.

"This deity is full of anger. Kneel down and stick it out."

The slap mark on Mu Yunqing's face was still fresh, yet he smiled, obediently kneeling down and supporting the ground with both hands.

In Mu Yunqing's view, the Saint being willing to lay a hand on him was a manifestation of the Saint caring about him.

The night grew deeper, and the continuous complex of buildings near the Jinwu Tower stood silent under the moonlight.

Formation patterns flowed over the courtyard, concealing the sights within tightly.

Only the bronze statue of the three-legged Golden Crow on top of the building emitted a dim glow in the moonlight, overlooking the entire encampment.

A figure silently landed on a rooftop on the outskirts of the Jinwu Tower.

Ling Hao stood under the moon, his green robe gently stirred by the night wind.

He swept his gaze around, passing over those courtyards.

The protective Formation outside the building flowed with fine spiritual light, yet showed not the slightest reaction to Ling Hao.

Ling Hao tilted his head slightly, his gaze crossing several layers of eaves to lock onto a courtyard where the lights had already gone out.

The corners of his mouth curved slightly as Ling Hao's figure turned into a faint shadow, disappearing from where he stood.

The wind chimes under the veranda still chimed melodiously, and a crimson spirit carp flicked its tail at the bottom of the pond before quieting down again.