Chapter 657 - 58: Xiaojiu Returns

Ignoring everyone’s gaze and attitude, Li Ji’an continued to meditate with his eyes closed.

Qu Tianyang also promptly admonished everyone to not be disrespectful to the Tributor.

He then recounted in detail the incident of accompanying Xiaojiu to search for the Tier Three Demon Beast.

At the time, both he and the Fourth Senior Brother accompanied Xiaojiu to the western grasslands.

The grasslands stretched as far as the eye could see, and the Tier Three Earth Dragon was particularly alert, so to obtain the Essence Blood sooner, the three split up.

He even gave Xiaojiu a Protective Magical Artifact specially designed to suppress the Earth Dragon Beast, ensuring her safety even if she encountered the Earth Dragon Beast alone.

However, on the third day after they split, he suddenly received a distress signal from Xiaojiu.

When he hurried over, his Divine Sense sensed from afar the presence of an unfamiliar True Man and a burst of Magical Power he had never sensed before.

The intruder was extremely adept at escape speed, vanishing into the horizon in the blink of an eye.

From then on, Xiaojiu disappeared without a trace, alive but unseen.

This statement was confirmed by the Fourth Senior Brother.

"Why did the thief only attack her, even though Xiaojiu was traveling with you two?" Nanny Yao, listening to Qu Tianyang’s account, suddenly asked sharply while staring at him.

"This..." Qu Tianyang frowned, momentarily speechless.

"Indeed, considering the importance to our Funiu Mountain, Lord Qu is not only currently in charge of the Immortal City in place of the Ascendant, but he is also exceptionally talented, being the future pillar of Funiu Mountain. If opposing forces truly aim to plot against Funiu Mountain, killing Lord Qu would be more beneficial..." Nanny Yao’s question brought many from the direct lineage of Funiu Mountain back to their senses.

Although Xiaojiu had not yet formed a core, she had more than enough Protective Cards.

It was widely known that Xiaojiu was doted upon by Funiu Ascendant and her Senior Brothers, targeting her was akin to dealing with a True Man with abundant protective measures.

And Qu Tianyang was only at the Early Period of Core Formation, though he possessed the Upper True Pill, he had yet to fully mature.

Dealing with Xiaojiu was as difficult as dealing with Qu Tianyang.

Yet the impact was far less than dealing with Qu Tianyang.

"Boom!" Three breaths later, a person on Qu Tianyang’s left slammed the table, a short stature exuding immense power.

It was the second disciple of Funiu Ascendant, originally a butcher, burly and straightforward.

"Wu, tell us, what exactly happened? Why didn’t the thief attack you but Xiaojiu?"

"I too am utterly baffled; I wish the thief had come for me!" Qu Tianyang felt clogged with frustration, unable to articulate a reason.

"In light of this, we probably had the wrong direction earlier!" The eldest brother, True Man Fengyin spoke again, his expression grave.

The other senior brothers all turned their attention to him.

"Wrong direction? Are you saying Xiaojiu’s incident wasn’t those people’s doing?"

True Man Fengyin slowly nodded, then closed his eyes in contemplation and said, "We were all influenced by Fifth Brother’s words, assuming this was those people’s handiwork, but upon deeper examination, if it were indeed those people, the target should have been Fifth Brother."

"With the protective artifacts we gave Xiaojiu, if outsiders are unaware, at least the Middle Stage strength would be needed to succeed swiftly.

If the opposition dispatched someone of Middle Stage strength, attacking Fifth Brother would make more sense.

This shows that almost certainly, targeting Funiu Mountain is unlikely." Third Senior Brother suddenly realized.

"Since it’s not targeting Funiu Mountain, whom else could it be against? Could it be targeting Xiaojiu personally?"

"Who would target Xiaojiu? Who benefits from Xiaojiu’s misfortune? To quickly attack Xiaojiu successfully, it must be someone very familiar with her, at least knowing the protective cards we gifted Xiaojiu!"

...

In an instant, a brainstorming session began among the crowd.

Soon, someone’s gaze shifted to Qu Tianyang.

Among the nine high disciples of Funiu Ascendant, only Xiaojiu’s talent could rival Qu Tianyang’s.

Moreover, Funiu Ascendant was even more affectionate towards Xiaojiu.

Especially, Xiaojiu’s popularity and prestige at Funiu Mountain surpass Qu Tianyang’s.

Even though Xiaojiu had not yet formed an Upper True Pill, once she did, her prestige would soar.

She was virtually the only one, and the most likely to challenge Qu Tianyang’s heir status.

"Hmm? You guys... are you implying suspicion on me? My affection for Xiaojiu is clear as day!" Qu Tianyang felt a subconscious unease from the people’s implicit gazes and hastily explained.

Initially, most people only dared to entertain such a thought within their minds, but his proactive claim piqued their curiosity.

"Wu, though I certainly believe you, there is indeed this suspicion and it’s quite significant." The eldest brother, True Man Fengyin scanned the crowd and cautiously stepped forward.

"Elder brother, what do you mean?" Qu Tianyang looked visibly troubled.

True Man Fengyin sighed: "According to my character, I truly disdain taking such action, but now that the master is in closed cultivation, and the accident involved Xiaojiu, your substantial suspicion obliges me to step forward."

"Right, Wu, even if this wasn’t your doing, under current circumstances, you’re indeed unsuitable to lead this investigation, let’s have the eldest brother take charge!" A Funiu Mountain elder timely pointed this out.

...

The situation below caused Li Ji’an, who had distanced himself initially, to briefly furrow his brow.

Originally thinking perhaps it was merely Pure Essence’s scheme against him, this moment allowed him to sense the scent of internal contention within Funiu Mountain.

"Did I overestimate Pure Essence?" Li Ji’an wondered if perhaps Pure Essence hadn’t anticipated Xiaojiu’s accidental involvement while offering the Tier Three Lifespan Extension Pill.