Chapter 1187 - 1187: Four Great Clans

Southwest of Star Sea.

The Four Symbols Sect is divided into four gates, but there are eight residences.

These eight places include inner and outer gates.

The outer gate is located by the coast, funded by the clan to build four small villa complexes, where the outer sect disciples and branch bloodline people of the Four Symbols Sect reside.

The inner gate is on the four small islands closest to the mainland, similar to villages, which are extremely simple and unadorned. However, those living here are all direct lineage members and family of elders from the Four Symbols Sect, holding very high status.

To put it simply, the outer gate serves the inner gate, buying everything from outside for daily needs and sending it to the inner gate. The people inside live as if isolated from the world, enjoying princely lifestyles.

Of course, outer sect disciples and those of branch bloodlines, if they win in sect contests or perform outstandingly, have a chance to enter the inner gate. There is quite some fairness in this regard.

Feeling the sea breeze and listening to the sound of seagulls, Liu Zixuan smiled and said, "Facing the sea, spring blossoms, it's really a beautiful scenery!"

Qiqi shook her head: "Still far from what the family has!"

"After hearing about your matters, I have some resistance to that family, but every time you mention it, I become very curious." Liu Zixuan scratched his head: "Honestly, I'm a bit hesitant."

"Brother, you must return to your family. There's mother there, your family, and many things that belong to you." Qiqi said seriously.

Liu Zixuan smiled and shook his head: "Let's talk about those things later; for now, let's handle the current situation!"

"Four villa complexes in total, which one should we choose?" Qiqi asked.

"I think I might need to make a phone call."

Regarding the Four Symbols Sect, Liu Zixuan had almost no insight. If he entered rashly, it would likely cause unnecessary trouble, so he took out his phone and called Gu Yu.

As early as when leaving the Jiang Family, Liu Zixuan instructed Gu Yu to gather information on the Four Symbols Sect. Two days have passed, and he believed that with Gu Yu and the Celestial Secret Pavilion's capabilities, they should provide a good report.

In a short while, the call was answered.

"Zixuan, have you arrived in the southwest?"

"How's the investigation I asked you to do?" Liu Zixuan asked.

"If I can't handle this, then I should rename myself and Qiu Lao's Celestial Secret Pavilion as well."

Gu Yu chuckled and began to explain: "The Four Symbols Sect is divided into four gates, corresponding to four Divine Beasts of the Star Sea's ancient period: Cyan Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise. Officially, it's said to be one sect with four gates, but after hundreds of years of evolution, it is essentially four clans."

"These four clans uphold certain rules and customs that are actually somewhat out of touch with modern times, and their rituals are particularly complex, so you should pay attention when interacting."

"Give a brief overview of these four clans, I feel rushing in may be inappropriate," Liu Zixuan said.

"Exactly, the four clans have different styles. Though they are close, their relationships aren't as good as outsiders think. Fortunately, we gathered information earlier; otherwise, if you went in rashly, you'd likely face a cold reception at best."

Listening to Gu Yu's words, Liu Zixuan raised an eyebrow: "Could it be they'll even hit me?"

"You're quite right; prior information from the Celestial Secret Pavilion indicates that the family behind Ripple's family doesn't seem to favor you," Gu Yu laughed.

Liu Zixuan rubbed his forehead: "I guessed as much, but they should have a change of view by now, right?"

"Why a change of view?" Gu Yu teased, "Due to your influence in the Martial Realm?"

"Speak up!" Liu Zixuan retorted irritably.

"Your battle with the Netherworld Emperor spread throughout the Martial Realm. However, most people, especially those old hidden families and sects, say it wasn't you who killed the Netherworld Emperor. They claim, when you were nearly beaten to death by him, Jiang Yifan intervened. Some witnesses even saw Jiang Yifan at the Yudou Mountain Range!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Zixuan's forehead immediately lined with frustration: "All credit stolen by him!"

"Indeed, and those hidden sects don't realize it was you who killed the Netherworld Emperor nor know you advanced to the Life and Death Realm. They think you're a lucky child of heaven; some even say you are..." Gu Yu paused.

"Say what?"

"Some think you're a pampered pretty boy living off the Jiang Family," Gu Yu held back laughter.

Liu Zixuan clenched his fist: "These people still act so arrogantly; they sent agents who all died, had any survived, none would say this!"

"Precisely because the witnesses present were our people, the rumors twisted you into a pretty boy,"

Gu Yu paused, returning to the main topic: "Ripple's family is very powerful, belonging to the Vermilion Bird Clan, ranked second previously. First was the Cyan Dragon Clan, the place Tiger once went. These two have always had secret friction, likely wanting to rise to the top."

"By the ranking, isn't the White Tiger Clan supposed to be second?" Liu Zixuan questioned.

"No, the Four Symbols Sect experienced changes; the White Tiger Clan fell from second to third, and because they were saved by the Vermilion Bird Clan before, their relations are now incredibly good. As for the lowest-ranked Black Tortoise Clan, they are known for staying low-key, never involving themselves, so with the White Tiger Clan's help, the Vermilion Bird Clan dares to contend with the Cyan Dragon Clan."

Gu Yu smiled: "Therefore, you can choose to go directly to the Cyan Dragon Clan; with Tiger's connection, they likely won't trouble you, since their relations with Ripple's family aren't great."

"I remember when the Netherworld Hall first targeted hidden sects, the White Tiger and Vermilion Bird Clans suffered losses. Do they still dare act so assertively?" Liu Zixuan asked.

"Don't underestimate their foundation; even with losses, they can quickly recover their primordial qi."

Liu Zixuan stroked his chin and pondered, "What about choosing the Black Tortoise Clan?"

"The Celestial Secret Pavilion sent news that the key is very likely with either the Cyan Dragon Clan or the Black Tortoise Clan. Thus, you could probe the Black Tortoise Clan; they are extremely low-profile, treat people amicably, and should be easy to get along with. You'd still need to climb their external gate to enter the inner one. In this aspect, the Cyan Dragon is more difficult than the Black Tortoise Clan."

Gu Yu's implication was clear: to minimize wasted time, the wiser choice should be the Black Tortoise Clan.