Chapter Forty-Nine: Discussion and Departure

At that moment, Huoyu suddenly leaped out from Li Xingyu’s backpack and landed on his lap, curiously sizing up the seven people. Its abrupt appearance startled everyone once again; instantly, their senses focused on the little creature. Huoyu shuddered, evidently feeling the pressure from the group. With a low growl, Li Xingyu sensed that it was about to release an aura nearly as formidable as those seven, but he quickly projected his own presence to envelop and protect Huoyu. He certainly didn’t want these people to discover how extraordinary the creature was. After a careful glance, the seven concluded it was nothing more than an ordinary puppy—likely Li Xingyu’s pet—and shifted their attention back to him. The exchange of auras had occurred in a mere instant; thus, they simply assumed Li Xingyu had shielded his oddly-colored pet with his own energy.

Once their attention moved away from Huoyu, Li Xingyu breathed a subtle sigh of relief. Sensing his protection, Huoyu withdrew the aura it had been about to unleash and nudged Li Xingyu with its head in a gesture of gratitude. Li Xingyu himself had been deeply shocked—the little beast, newborn as it was, had withstood the pressure from seven innate masters and even seemed capable of mounting a counteroffensive. This only further proved that it was likely the descendant of an exceptionally powerful spirit beast.

“Gentlemen, this little fellow is something I found on the road. I thought it was adorable and decided to bring it along; there’s no need for concern,” Li Xingyu said with a smile, his own aura withdrawn once he saw the others do the same. “I see everyone has arrived. Previously, Chief Mu only informed me of the general purpose of this journey. Perhaps now would be a good time to introduce the specifics so we can discuss the plan in detail and how we might respond to unforeseen events?”

The other six turned their gazes to Mu Chenhua—not only because Li Xingyu was his guest, but also because Mu Chenhua, at the peak of late-stage innate cultivation, was the strongest among them. Moreover, the Mu family he represented was the most powerful among the factions present. It was clear that the others tacitly acknowledged his leadership. As for Huoyu, though they found its appearance odd, they dismissed it as a peculiarly marked puppy and, since it was Li Xingyu’s companion, had no reason to request a closer examination.

After a moment of consideration, Mu Chenhua spoke. “Master Li is quite right. Since the heads of the Ouyang and Qin families, the Mistress of Linglong Sect, and I have invited you all here, we are naturally prepared to share everything in detail for the sake of our cooperation. Let me introduce everyone first. This is Li Xingyu, Master Li, whom I invited according to our prior agreement. Though young, his cultivation is on par with, if not beyond, my own—he has truly reached the pinnacle of innate cultivation.”

As he spoke, Mu Chenhua gestured to the three other family heads, introducing them to Li Xingyu in turn, and then presented Li Xingyu to the assembled group. In response to the flattering introduction, Li Xingyu modestly insisted that his abilities did not compare to the esteemed elders present. He knew well that, in a group where no one truly knew the others’ depths, concealing one’s real strength and maintaining a low profile was vital for survival.

The others, having sensed Li Xingyu’s aura earlier, had already guessed at his strength, but to hear Mu Chenhua—himself ranked among the top ten masters of the Heavenly Gift Empire—give such high praise still came as a surprise. Mu Chenhua then introduced the three men standing beside the heads of families: beside the Ouyang patriarch stood a reclusive cultivator known as Hermit Jinglong; beside the Qin head, an elder from a branch of their clan; and beside the Mistress of Linglong Sect was her sister’s husband, Ling Tianyao. The Linglong Sect itself was a unique blend between family and sect, founded by the legendary Lady Linglong and passed down only through the female line—typically to the daughter of the previous mistress or a niece. The sect also took in disciples and accepted husbands of female clan members, making it as much a family as a martial order.

As Mu Chenhua spoke, Li Xingyu studied the three additional members. His eyes lingered on the Qin clan elder, and after the introductions, he asked, “Elder Qin, do you know me?” He asked because the elder’s surprise had shown not at the mention of Li Xingyu’s cultivation, but at his name.

All eyes turned to Elder Qin, who, impressed by the young man’s perceptiveness, considered for a moment before replying, “Master Li, you may remember Qin Xiaotian? He is my grandnephew, and it was from him that I heard of your exploits in the Method Gate.” Satisfied with this explanation, the others asked no further. Li Xingyu nodded, outwardly accepting the response, though none could guess his true thoughts.

With the introductions complete, Mu Chenhua began to detail the mission’s purpose and the plan devised by the four family heads. The other two heads occasionally interjected, while the Mistress of Linglong Sect—a woman of stunning beauty who appeared to be around thirty—remained silent. Her true age and marital status were mysteries even within the Heavenly Gift Empire. The rest of the group betrayed no great surprise at the account, indicating they were already aware of the general situation. The three additional members occasionally asked questions, but Li Xingyu simply listened, smiling quietly. His composure intrigued the Mistress of Linglong Sect, who stole frequent glances at him; her gaze was enough to leave any ordinary man haunted for a lifetime.

The story matched Li Xingyu’s expectations: during a joint journey, the four heads had stumbled upon what appeared to be the hidden abode of an ancient cultivator. They tried to enter, but despite the passage of years and some deterioration in its defenses, the formation remained too formidable for even four innate masters to breach. After repeated attempts, they concluded it would take at least seven or eight mid-stage innate experts working together to break through. Swearing strict secrecy and vowing neither to reveal the location nor approach it alone, they agreed to each bring an expert three years hence for another attempt.

Their observations suggested this was an untouched, undiscovered stronghold, and given the strength of its defenses, it was unlikely to be an abandoned lair. Perhaps the owner had left in haste due to some emergency and never returned, or else perished unexpectedly within. The group was not concerned that the owner might still be inside: the era of those ancient cultivators was long past—none could possibly have survived so many years—and their previous assault on the defenses had drawn no response. Whatever treasures might lie within represented a rare opportunity, which explained why even the mighty leaders of the Heavenly Gift Empire’s foremost factions were willing to risk the venture personally.

After Mu Chenhua finished his account, the group deliberated over the details of the stronghold and their plan, devising responses to possible contingencies. They unanimously agreed that Mu Chenhua would command the expedition, and unless unusual circumstances arose, all would follow his lead. With the arrangements made, they left the secret hideout and set off for the Heavenly Gift Mountains.

Dear friends, Crystal has finally revised chapters forty-seven through forty-nine. Please revisit them if you wish. As an apology, Crystal will strive to release another chapter tonight. Thank you all for your continued support, collections, and recommendations!

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