Chapter 658 - 58: Xiaojiu Returns (Part 2)

No further plans were made.

Or perhaps, the scheme of Pure Essence Old Fiend inadvertently sparked the fire of succession at Funiu Mountain.

But none of this matters.

With his status and position at Funiu Mountain, unless Funiu Ascendant personally breaks ties with him, no one can force him to leave.

As long as he stays in Funiu Mountain, Pure Essence Old Fiend’s strength is insufficient to threaten him.

And now, he only has twenty more years at most before advancing to Core Formation Middle Stage. By then, he may be able to wield an Upper Three Grades Magical Treasure, and will not fear facing him in direct magical combat.

Feeling at ease, he ceased to concern himself with other matters.

Not until half a day later, when the assembly finally concluded amid a commotion.

In the end, the former Inner City Lord, True Man Fengyin, temporarily took the lead to investigate the matter concerning Xiaojiu. To ensure Xiaojiu’s matter is resolved promptly, and hoping for Xiaojiu’s safe return, the entire Funiu Mountain accepted True Man Fengyin’s leadership.

Meanwhile, the former Funiu Immortal City Lord, Qu Tianyang, temporarily avoided involvement in the investigation, refraining from participating, yet still needed to cooperate in accepting inquiries from several other senior brothers.

True Man Fengyin, after a brief contemplation, issued a series of orders on the spot.

However, five tributors, including Li Ji’an, remained uninvolved, greeted courteously by True Man Fengyin.

"Since this incident arose due to my intention to refine Lifespan Extension Pill, my conscience is unsettled, and I am willing to contribute my meager efforts,"

But just as the meeting was ending, Pure Essence Old Fiend stood up voluntarily.

This act once again drew the attention of others towards the lofty tributors.

"Shanyuan Ascendant is noble, on behalf of Funiu Mountain, on behalf of Xiaojiu, Liu expresses gratitude for the ascendant’s great virtue." True Man Fengyin was instantly grateful and paid homage to Shanyuan Ascendant.

"Little friend speaks too kindly. It is my first time witnessing such profound camaraderie in your sect, and I am quite moved. Regardless, I intend to make a contribution." Pure Essence Old Fiend said kindly.

The more noble, the more compassionate he appeared, even though he never mentioned Li Ji’an once or even glanced at him, which only heightened the attention of those present towards Li Ji’an.

As more and more eyes fell upon him, Li Ji’an remained unmoved, minding his own business.

Any rumors and gossip could never shake his willpower.

Fortunately, with his tributor status, no one truly dared to be rude to him.

Besides, True Man Fengyin, the only person, besides Funiu Ascendant, aware of his ascendant cultivation, deliberately protected him, avoiding any embarrassment.

After the meeting adjourned, Li Ji’an returned to his Dao Field as if isolated from anyone.

In the following period, Funiu Mountain almost all mobilized, primarily searching for Xiaojiu’s whereabouts, while tracking traces of the assailant incidentally, launching a massive operation.

A month later, an earth-shattering news once again shook Funiu Immortal City.

Someone accidentally discovered a hint of magical power left by Qu Tianyang during the investigation at Xiaojiu’s disappearance site.

Moreover, at a depth of ten yards underground, a Protective Seal gifted by third senior brother to Xiaojiu was found shattered, and the seal bore a complete aura of Funiu Ascendant’s unique secret technique "Qiankun Mistake."

This magic technique is only practiced by Funiu Ascendant and his nine disciples.

For a time, Qu Tianyang was pushed to the forefront.

Almost simultaneously, various versions spread throughout the Immortal City.

One of the most credible versions was that after observing for years, Funiu Ascendant had grown somewhat dissatisfied with Qu Tianyang and decided to fully cultivate Xiaojiu to form the Upper True Pill. Once the True Pill was completed, Xiaojiu would be appointed as the successor.

Qu Tianyang accidentally uncovered this intention of his master, plotted for a long time, and seized the opportunity to strike a foul blow.

The second version posited that Funiu Ascendant’s old companion, that Cyan Ox, favored Xiaojiu and wagered with Funiu Ascendant that if Xiaojiu could form the Upper True Pill, then the successor would be changed, prompting Qu Tianyang to act maliciously.

Regardless of the version, they were all extremely unfavorable to Qu Tianyang.

However, True Man Fengyin did not take any measures against Qu Tianyang because of this.

Even though there were continuous admonitions afterward, True Man Fengyin still refused to handle Qu Tianyang, citing waiting for his master’s emergence from seclusion before making a decision.

He also cited that facts were not yet fully clear and began a comprehensive capture of rumor-makers.

As Qu Tianyang’s suspicion erupted, discussions among Funiu Mountain’s direct lineage about Li Ji’an finally faded.

"Old man, could it be this isn’t the scheme of that old fiend?" Ning Sujin, after proactively sensing Xiaojiu again and confirming that he was safe and with a certain fortuity, asked with some confusion.

Li Ji’an shook his head with a smile: "It seems it’s not."

"The old fiend, though of Core Formation Late Period cultivation, entirely relied on the abundant spiritual talent and Pill Medicine from the Ten Thousand Laws Palace, and his combat strength is considered low at this level. Now, even though he associates with that man in the Central Region, it appears his courage doesn’t dare to confront Funiu Ascendant."

"Then who do you think it is?" Ning Sujin curiously asked.

"Who gains the benefit, who is most suspicious."

"Is it really Qu Tianyang?" Ning Sujin asked confusedly.

"Ha, do you see him gaining any benefit now?" Li Ji’an countered.

"This... right, judging by current objective facts, he is the most affected, so, is it True Man Fengyin?" Ning Sujin realized.

Li Ji’an smiled ambiguously, only considering the aspects of this power struggle that affected him, with no interest in the remaining matters.

Afterward, Li Ji’an no longer paid attention to the matter, immersing himself in cultivation.

Until two months later, in Funiu Mountain’s secret chamber, Xiaojiu’s Soul Lamp began to flicker, instantly setting everyone’s nerves on edge.

Once the Soul Lamp extinguishes, Xiaojiu’s life or death becomes certain.

That day, True Man Fengyin convened with his fellow senior brothers, ultimately deciding together to request their master to emerge from seclusion.

And that night, Qu Tianyang, who had been merely under house arrest, suddenly fled, whereabouts unknown.

The next day, instead of welcoming their master’s emergence as expected, the disciples kneeling in request, welcomed a Cyan Ox instead.

The Great Cyan Ox walked upright, with human-like manners, yet acted crudely.

Upon emerging, it sequentially knocked on each of the seven disciples present.

Ultimately, it took away a Magic Robe previously belonging to Xiaojiu, flying towards the western grasslands.

Returning to the Immortal City, upon discovering Qu Tianyang’s escape, True Man Fengyin immediately issued a wanted order. Qu Tianyang was to be pursued throughout the region, dead or alive, with a substantial reward, including a Core Formation Spirit Treasure.

Soon, the entire Yellow Heaven Domain was swept into a frenzy of pursuing Qu Tianyang.

Besides the bounty from Funiu Mountain, the most crucial insight was an unknown agent leaking that Qu Tianyang took away a prized treasure of Funiu Mountain along with Funiu Ascendant’s renowned magic technique when fleeing.

Following Qu Tianyang’s escape and Cyan Ox’s emergence, Funiu Mountain suddenly settled into tranquility.

True Man Fengyin fully assumed management of the entire Funiu Mountain, methodically implementing his reforms.

Firstly, he openly disclosed various tax profiles previously levied in secrecy.

Then, he gradually lifted geographic restrictions within different areas, even allowing open commerce between the Inner City he used to manage and other regions of the Funiu Mountain Range.

A series of reforms seemed to have been well-thought-out in advance, each measure precisely targeted, showing remarkable efficacy.

In merely half a year, apart from the core area, the whole Funiu Mountain Range underwent significant transformation.

The most ecstatic were those lower-level junior cultivators in the surrounding areas.

Since the hidden taxes were brought to the surface, they were cut by fifty percent, drastically reducing pressures on living and cultivation.

Moreover, due to the wide opening of the Immortal City, almost all trade within the domain was attracted, now showing signs of becoming a trade center.

Until that day, a cyan silhouette slowly descended from the skies above, precisely that Cyan Ox again, and on its back sat the restless Xiaojiu.

Xiaojiu looked rosy and cheerful, playfully teasing the Cyan Ox whom all other senior brothers feared.

The Great Cyan Ox, on the other hand, casually allowed Xiaojiu to tug its ears and poke its nostrils.

Upon recognizing the figure, the indigenous people of Funiu Mountain immediately exhibited profound respect, holding great reverence for the Cyan Ox.

After all, this was Funiu Ascendant’s old companion, also the greatest reliance allowing Funiu Ascendant to emerge from a loose cultivator to his current stature.

Within Li Ji’an’s Dao Field, Gugu immediately burrowed into the hidden stream in the courtyard, not daring to confront Cyan Ox directly. Li Ji’an and Ning Sujin also slightly narrowed their eyes, showing great fear towards the Great Cyan Ox.

Its demon power nearly reached Tier Four level, making it the most formidable demon beast Li Ji’an had encountered in his several lifetimes.