Chapter 1241: Turmoil Arises

Chapter 1241: Chapter 1241: Turmoil Arises

"So Mr. Pei is asking me to speak frankly?" Lu Heguang tentatively asked after hearing Pei Yan’s stance.

"Naturally."

Upon receiving a definite answer, a fleeting look of disappointment crossed Lu Heguang’s face, then he shook his head with a helpless bitter smile and said, "Mr. Pei, if you want me to report truthfully, it might disappoint you! Under the current high-profile investigation of Immortal Palace spies, all major sects are terrified of making mistakes that would give them away. Each sect is cautious, if not outright going into seclusion, forbidding any disciples from moving about or meeting outsiders. Even the White Deer Institute, which usually accepts various cultivators from the Daoist Plane, has unprecedentedly closed the Outer Courtyard under the guise of organizing sect archives and disciplining the Inner Courtyard Disciples. No non-sect Disciples are allowed entry in the short term, and we haven’t found any suspicious flaws during this period of surveillance."

"Oh!" Pei Yan nodded upon hearing this, pondered for a moment, and asked again, "Then, Mr. Lu, I have two more questions. The first one is whether White Deer Institute might collect the Hongjun Sword Furnace’s sword techniques, Heart Methods, or sword manuals?"

"Uh...!" Lu Heguang hesitated at this, realizing that Pei Yan indeed harbors considerable suspicion towards White Deer Institute. This question essentially solidified in Pei Yan’s mind that White Deer Institute is the prime suspect. He thought it necessary to report this matter to the commander-in-chief upon his return. After considering, Lu Heguang opened his mouth and said, "I cannot say for certain. Although the introductory sword manuals and techniques of the Hongjun Sword Furnace aren’t as ubiquitous as to be found in everyone’s hands, any major sect intent enough would have some records, not just to teach disciples but also to know their rivals well! Naturally, the White Deer Institute is no exception. As for advanced Cultivation Techniques, those are foundational secrets of any sect, not for transmission. However, given the complex interactions between sects over the years, there are often renegades who bring bits and pieces of these skills out, and sometimes sects exchange secrets of the same level for mutual benefit. These events are mostly internal secrets unknown to outsiders like us."

"I see. Then the second question is, during the rise of White Deer Institute amid the power transition between Immortal Palace and the Garden of the Immortals, could they have admitted those escaping from the Garden of the Immortals and acquired their secret techniques?"

Upon hearing this question, Lu Heguang shook his head like a rattle drum and said repeatedly, "Absolutely not! Mr. Pei, if the remnants of the Garden of the Immortals could be admitted, there wouldn’t be the current Underworld Eighteen Halls. The Immortal Palace and the Garden of the Immortals were in a fight to the death due to power struggles, and many sects took advantage by attacking while others were down. So no one would take in the Garden of the Immortals’ people, nor would anyone dare. If any sect were found doing so, it would undoubtedly lead to annihilation and doom."

Having gathered the information he wanted from Lu Heguang, Pei Yan felt satisfied and wasn’t worried about Lu Heguang guessing his suspicions. Regardless of the reason, at least in the matter of rooting out internal threats, their goals aligned. The Embroidered Robe Envoys were even more proactive than himself. They would seize on any hint like sharks smelling blood, looking for an opening. This approach would undoubtedly significantly reduce his investigation time.

"I’m very satisfied with Mr. Lu’s answers. Oh, and do you know about White Deer Institute’s beast taming techniques?" Having asked all his questions, Pei Yan casually asked while taking another sip of tea.

"Beast taming?" Lu Heguang was stunned, not understanding why Pei Yan suddenly asked about this, but after thinking it over, he responded truthfully, "Yes, I know. Beast taming at White Deer Institute is an obscure legacy. Since the various Demon Race mystical beasts ascended to the Spirit Monster Plane from the Daoist Plane, the remaining Demon Race in this plane, both in number and strength, have greatly diminished. Plus, with the alliance between Immortal Palace and Dragon Realm to protect what’s left of the Demon Race, although some still capture Demon Race creatures, it’s heavily regulated, and no sect dares to go overboard. This led to the complete decline of the once-prosperous Beast Taming Sects, and White Deer Institute is no exception. As of today, it seems there are only a few dozen people, and despite this long heritage, it hasn’t produced any remarkable figures, remaining obscure. In my view, this lineage persists mostly because White Deer Institute doesn’t want such unique skills to die out; they hold little practical value."

By this point, Pei Yan had a clear understanding. He stood by the chair back with a laugh and said, "Today’s conversation was quite pleasant, I would say we’ve reconciled past grudges! Go back and tell your commander that I’ve received his gift. Pei Yan is ever grateful to Lord Mao for the timely gift during the investigation hall’s crucial moments. As for the cooperation mentioned, I’ll consider it carefully! Also, everyone should understand the rules about today’s conversation, right?"

Xiang Zixiong and the others immediately understood, cupping their hands towards Pei Yan in unison and saying, "Mr. Pei can rest assured; today’s matters will not be spoken of by us to outsiders, not a single word."

"Good!" Pei Yan exclaimed in approval, then retrieved a pen from his spatial ring, intending to write a letter back. But recalling his limited understanding of the Daoist Plane’s script, he shook his head with a helpless bitter smile, abandoning the notion. Instead, he conjured a Nanomechanical Insect from his fingertips, retrieved a wooden box, placed it inside, and handed it to Xiang Zixiong. "Take this item..."

"Pei Yan! Come out quickly; something’s happened!"

Xiang Zixiong had just taken the box when, before Pei Yan could finish giving instructions, a loud shout came from outside the courtyard! Pei Yan and the others inside were startled and looked out to see Zheng Jia Ru and Jiang Donghu each supporting a bloodied person, rushing in from the courtyard in a hurry while shouting.

Upon seeing who they were supporting, Pei Yan’s sealed eyes swelled up, and with his emotions flaring, his internal energy became imbalanced, causing a violent surge of energy to attack his eyes, bringing intense pain, causing Pei Yan to stumble backward into his chair with dizziness.

"Pei Yan!" Sister Pei Jin rushed over in concern to check on him. But as soon as her hand touched his forehead, which Pei Yan was clutching, the hand recoiled, as if electrocuted, by a burst of volatile energy.

"I’m fine!" Pei Yan gritted through his teeth, then adjusted his breathing to forcibly suppress the raging energy, taking several deep breaths to eventually restore the two Power of Origin forces to balance. By then, Zheng Jia Ru had already supported the injured person into the hall.