Chapter 594 448: Two Arrows

Li Yuanjiao unfolded the letter and glanced at it. His eyes relaxed, the corners of his mouth lifted, and he appeared much more at ease. Tucking the letter into his robe, he did not say much, but turned to Zong Yan and asked in a low voice:

"How have the island's revenues and expenditures been these past years?"

"After deducting various expenses, there's a surplus of two Spirit Stones… As for the construction of formations and rewards… that's even more…"

Zong Yan pulled out the records, looking a bit ashamed. Sect Spring Island was remote, and naturally had little income these years, only an increase in the population. If the cost of formations and spirit rice was counted, it was actually a loss.

The Li Family never expected much profit here, just a foothold in the East Sea. Li Yuanjiao nodded slightly and replied:

"No matter."

As they talked, the dark clouds outside the island dissipated, and a crowd of fish and turtles swam past. Down fell a creature, fish-faced and bird-winged, stopping at the formation perimeter and called out:

"Mortals below, open the formation quickly!"

"It's Hui Yao."

Zong Yan answered nervously. Li Yuanjiao waved his hand and said:

"Let him in."

With that, he returned to the hall and sat at the head seat. Soon, a green fish entered; it was Hui Yao, who in the past had been bribed and threatened by the Li Family, keeping silent about their tribute.

At once, he shifted his form: a fish face, human body, a pair of scaled wings beneath his ribs, and immediately spoke out:

"Li Yuanjiao! So you've emerged from seclusion! Something serious has happened!"

Li Yuanjiao, having read Li Qinghong's letter, had some grasp of the situation. He sipped his tea and said:

"So? Does the Manor Lord Dragon Son of your Zhu Nanshui Mansion have kinship with that fallen Demon King?"

Hui Yao paused, recalling that this one too had a background, rubbed his hands and shook his head:

"Not kinship, but the Dragon Son's faction has always been at odds with the Demon King's—never on friendly terms. Master, you've been in this desolate corner for so many years; finally it seems there's a chance to return."

Li Yuanjiao cared little for the internal Dragon Kind changes. He just frowned and said:

"You mean… this will affect my place here? Are you following the Dragon Son back?"

Hui Yao shook his head, showing envy, and only said:

"I'm not even a Foundation Establishment cultivator, where would I get such fortune! I merely have to bring a few Masters from the Mansion back. By then… I fear a new owner will take over here."

Li Yuanjiao nodded slightly. Hui Yao continued in a low voice:

"Only, in these days, the sea domain is left unguarded; it's just the time for us to annex and expand… I hope, Taoist Fellow… you'll lend a hand…"

He spoke with a hint of ingratiation:

"If our status rises in the Mansion… we can be of service to the brothers as well… isn't that so?"

Li Yuanjiao understood at once, but he was unwilling to be used as this demon's pawn, shook his head and sighed:

"For now, I have tasks at hand and likely can't join you."

"Oh… it's still early… So far it's just rumors; when the time comes, Taoist Fellow only needs to help me slay a few demons together, and the matter will be done… My Hui Clan… will present generous thanks."

Li Yuanjiao glanced at him, perfunctorily agreed, thinking inwardly:

"When the clan needs Talisman Qi at that time, it's worth a try."

Hui Yao nodded, delighted, bade farewell and rode the wind away. Only then did Li Yuanjiao look to Kongheng:

"May I trouble Mage to guard the island for a few days? I must go out for a while."

He intended to travel to Fenkui Island, but did not explain further. After arrangements were made, he stepped out from the island, riding the wind northward.

...

Heshui Sea.

At Li Xuanfeng's words, Zhong Qian immediately showed joy, nodded, and knelt in salute. The youth's shock gradually faded, but he wondered:

"Could it be that there are such orthodox ways even within the Demon Sect? They don't want my Precious Medicine, nor my compensation! And now they even aim to shoot that demon beast…"

Growing up in the East Sea, he was wary by nature, ever ready to throw away dignity and bow his head, could be humble and respectful, but had always found it hard to trust any orthodox path. Secretly he thought:

"But the demeanor of this man is truly astonishing, and he means me no harm. I'll just take it one step at a time… see what he does next… As long as I'm not caught off guard… wielding this ancient Talisman in my hand, I'll have a chance to escape yet."

As he mulled this over, Li Xuanfeng finally spoke, his voice soft:

"Come with me to meet them."

"Yes!"

Zhong Qian had no room to refuse. Leaving the Great Formation, he looked up—outside, dark clouds gathered, but nothing covered them, and a chill ran through him. He spoke, alarmed:

"Senior, the island's protective great formation isn't open. That demon beast can sense my Qi, it's likely already on its way here."

"I want it to come."

Li Xuanfeng replied casually, stepping down the stone stairs. Yuan Huye and several others were waiting respectfully at the foot of the hill; seeing an unfamiliar face behind Li Xuanfeng, they dared not ask, only murmured:

"Greetings, Taoist!"

Zhong Qian saw that several managers of the market were all showing utmost respect, realizing that this person was not only formidable but held great prestige in Green Pond, and high status. He wondered inwardly:

"Could his surname be Chi…?"

He paused briefly. Li Xuanfeng had already stepped forward and addressed the managers, shaking his head:

"This demon beast's target is him. When the fighting starts, your only duty is to protect him."

Yuan Huye was baffled, but knowing Li Xuanfeng was here by order of the Perfected Person, he didn't dare ask questions, and replied respectfully:

"Understood!"

Only then did Li Xuanfeng turn to Zhong Qian, speaking softly:

"That demon beast must hate you deeply. Stay with these lords, and do not leave the formation."

At this, Zhong Qian finally believed; there was no way Li Xuanfeng would go through all these troubles just to play games with him. He cupped his hands and replied:

"May I ask senior's name?"

"Under Yuansu Perfected Person's command, Li Xuanfeng."

As his words fell, a tremendous storm rose in the distance, rolling near. One could faintly hear thunderous roars, and Li Xuanfeng looked into the distance, hands folded behind his back, with meaning in his tone, spoke: