Chapter 655 - 57: Firm Conviction

Li Ji’an gazed into the distance towards the western grasslands, feeling a slight stir in his heart.

Then he turned towards the direction of the Pure Essence Old Thief’s Dao Field, a doubt arising in his mind: "Could he be thinking that I will go to rescue Xiaojiu?"

Ning Sujin’s Primordial Spirit had been locked onto the Pure Essence Old Thief, and indeed, his true self had not left the core Dao Field.

Upon learning that Xiaojiu might be in distress on the western grasslands, she subconsciously felt worried. However, as many experts from Funiu Mountain headed towards the western grasslands, her anxiety eased slightly.

In truth, when Xiaojiu decided to strive for the Tier Three Lifespan Extension Pill for them, she passively sensed that his trip would be perilous yet without danger, and even come with an opportunity.

"Old man, in the region of Funiu Mountain, there are probably few who dare to act against Xiaojiu. Do you think it might be that old thief?"

Li Ji’an shook his head: "The various forces of the Yellow Heaven Domain covet Funiu Mountain; the Ice Soul Pavilion of the impoverished northern icefield lacks resources for trade,

while the Xiaoxiang Hall to the east is constrained by the Joyful Union Sect yet always seeks opportunities for external expansion.

The ancient Gu family by Canglang Lake with a legacy of a thousand years, and the renowned Medicine God Valley in the Yellow Heaven Domain,

as well as that Celestial Sword Sect—all are possibilities.

Of course, we must also consider the possibility that the old thief is deliberately creating karma for us."

"Does he want us to leave the city to rescue Xiaojiu?" Ning Sujin laughed.

Not to mention she had long since realized through seeking fortune and avoiding evil that Xiaojiu’s journey was both auspicious and dangerous,

but what’s more, the many strong individuals of Funiu Mountain would certainly be more anxious than them—it’s hardly their turn.

Li Ji’an pondered slightly: "It wouldn’t be so superficial, if it truly is the old thief’s plot, this is just one aspect.

If we do not go to the rescue, then he may have a backup plan to estrange us from Funiu Mountain."

"Indeed, Xiaojiu went for our sake, and if we do not go to rescue him in this time of peril,

with people fanning the flames, Funiu Mountain might truly come to resent us.

If we were forced to leave this place, wouldn’t that play directly into the hands of the old thief?" Ning Sujin suddenly realized.

"Rest assured. For now, Funiu Mountain is still under the control of the Funiu Ascendant." Li Ji’an smiled slightly, appearing confident.

A month later, many strong individuals of Funiu Mountain returned.

They also brought back news that cast a shadow over all of Funiu Mountain.

The beloved disciple of the Funiu Ascendant, the ninth junior sister of all Funiu Mountain’s strong individuals, had not been rescued.

She was attacked and separated from two senior brothers while searching for a Tier Three Demon Beast, and has had no contact since. Although the Soul Lamp of Funiu Mountain remains unextinguished to this day, concerns for her safety cannot be dismissed.

Half a month later, Qu Tianyang convened a meeting as the successor of Funiu Mountain.

Apart from the eight disciples of the Funiu Ascendant, all True Pill Masters of Funiu Mountain, along with the tributor of the core area and the combat Honored Guest Elders, were summoned.

When Li Ji’an arrived, quite a few people were already present in the hall.

They gathered in small groups, exchanging discussions.

"Daring to lay hands on the Nine Saintess, they truly do not know how to live!"

"Hmph, the Gu family is most suspicious. That young master from the Gu family, a toad wishing to eat swan flesh, shamelessly proposed marriage before.

After being rejected by the Saint, he must harbor malice in his heart."

"We must not jump to conclusions. It’s possible that those treacherous and cunning individuals from Xiaoxiang Hall have devised a plot to ignite conflict between us and the Gu family, thereby reaping the benefits as a third party."

The direct lineage individuals of Funiu Mountain were mostly filled with righteous indignation.

The tributor Honored Guest Elders were relatively indifferent, as strictly speaking, they were not truly of Funiu Mountain.

As for the so-called Nine Saintess, they held little emotional attachment.

Before long, the eight disciples of the Funiu Ascendant appeared together.

"Everyone, you must all be aware of the current situation."

"As our master is in seclusion, I, Qu Tianyang, will temporarily take charge of all affairs, and I hope for your assistance."

Qu Tianyang, the fifth disciple of Funiu Mountain, stepped forward and stood before the seven other senior and junior brothers, bowing to everyone around as he began.

After a chorus of polite responses, the crowd took their seats.

Qu Tianyang seated himself high on the Funiu Ascendant’s throne, with five tributors seated beside him, equal in status. The remaining seven senior and junior brothers occupied lower positions, bowing in respect.

"Everyone, the matter concerning Xiaojiu is not only a sect matter for us, but it also pertains to the honor and rise or fall of Funiu Mountain, and it is also closely related to your interests.

Those who dare to act against Xiaojiu today will dare to act against Funiu Mountain’s Dao Field tomorrow.

Therefore, after discussion among us senior and junior brothers, this matter must be resolved."

"What Lord Qu says is indeed right, it must be resolved!"

"A resolution must be achieved!"

"We must make the other party pay a heavy price, or else they would truly consider Funiu Mountain easy to bully."

A group of Funiu Mountain’s direct lineage was filled with agitated emotions.

"Everyone, please calm down." Qu Tianyang glanced around the hall, taking in everyone’s demeanor.

"Next, I will arrange tasks for each of you. Remember, we must be firm in this endeavor and demonstrate the strength of Funiu Mountain."

"We comply with Lord Qu’s order!" everyone responded in unison.

"Commander Zhang, from today onwards, your city guards must thoroughly investigate the recent whereabouts and actions of all True Men from other major forces within the Funiu Mountain region."

"I will follow orders!" Commander Zhang immediately accepted his orders.

"Mu Dharma Protector, I must trouble you to gather recent intelligence from various major forces."

"This old man will comply." An elderly man in the middle stage of Core Formation silently appeared behind everyone, his unremarkable appearance possessing no sense of presence, as if he had suddenly materialized.

...

Qu Tianyang assigned tasks one by one, methodically and efficiently.

Despite his young age, this demeanor indeed garnered the crowd’s trust.

"If anyone has any questions, feel free to speak up now," Qu Tianyang said, scanning the group after the tasks were assigned.

"May I ask Lord Qu, if the major forces within our Funiu Mountain region do not cooperate in this investigation, can force be used?" someone immediately asked.

"Hmm?" Qu Tianyang heard this and slightly frowned.