Yang Yue’s brow suddenly furrowed as she gazed intently at Ji Changkong. She spoke in a low voice, “The Han Yuan Valley is one of the main pillars of our Shuiyun Kingdom. Why would I ever wish for its destruction, Island Master Ding? To suggest such a thing in my presence is indeed audacious!”

Ji Changkong froze for a moment, then broke into a disbelieving laugh. “Haha, it seems I was mistaken. My apologies. I had presumed the Huangfu family intended to eliminate the Xuanyuan Valley, which is why I went to such lengths to come to the Imperial Palace. Since Her Majesty has no such intentions, I shall not overstay my welcome!”

The words were barely out when Ji Changkong turned without a backward glance and strode towards the exit.

As he lifted his foot, he instantly sensed two immensely potent auras surging from behind Huangfu Yue. Two other Bagua Heavenly Masters, concealed within the palace, simultaneously focused their attention on him. He was certain that at the slightest gesture from Huangfu Yue, those two masters would launch a thunderous assault upon him.

If Huangfu Yue were to attack as well, the combined force of three Bagua Heavenly Masters would compel him to unleash his full capabilities, inevitably exposing his true identity.

The auras of the two figures behind Huangfu Yue were distant yet poised. Huangfu Yue herself stood transfixed, watching the retreating figure of Ji Changkong. Only when he was almost out of sight did she speak, her voice lingering, “Island Master Ding, I wonder what enmity you harbor toward the Xuanyuan Valley? To my knowledge, no one within the Valley has made enemies in the East Sea. I genuinely do not comprehend the source of your hatred for them.”

“The Ji family!” Ji Changkong spun around abruptly, fixing his gaze on Huangfu Yue. “The previous generation of Xuanyuan wreaked havoc in the East Sea, nearly annihilating the ancestors of my Ding family. This vengeance is etched into every corner of Flowing Sand Island; every soul there has not forgotten!”

“Why did Island Master Ding not seek revenge against the Ji family earlier?” Huangfu Yue’s expression remained placid. “From what I know, the Ji family in Qingyan City back then were utterly insignificant. Had you struck against them then, the Ji family would not exist in this world today.”

Ji Changkong’s heart skipped a beat, a flash of light traversing his mind, suddenly sparking an idea.

Shaking his head with a wry smile, Ji Changkong displayed a look of helpless resignation. “Do you truly believe I never made a move against the Ji family? Many years ago, I went alone to Qingyan Mountain intending to wipe them out. However, just as I was about to strike, I was intercepted by a mysterious Bagua Heavenly Master—a powerhouse, I estimate, near the peak of the Bagua realm. To be honest, I suffered a crushing defeat in that battle! If not for sheer luck, I might never have escaped back to the East Sea alive. Since then, I knew the Ji family was not simple. It was only upon hearing that your Huangfu family intended to deal with the Ji family this time that I dared to approach them with trouble.”

His words were intentionally vague; though much of it was fabricated, he knew Li Hentian was constantly near him, making the tale credible in certain respects.

Indeed, Huangfu Yue paused for a moment before suddenly waving her hand. “Island Master Ding, I believe we should converse properly. If you can recount the specifics of that battle in detail, I might be able to inform you exactly who your opponent was.”

“Who was it?” Ji Changkong exclaimed in feigned surprise, then quickly spun a fabrication. He knew Li Hentian’s power intimately; weaving this lie was effortless.

Huangfu Yue, as expected, fell for it. After listening to his narrative, a faint smile touched the corner of her lips. “The master Island Master Ding encountered was a notorious fiend of our Shuiyun Kingdom. Managing to survive by a thread amply demonstrates the profound level of your own cultivation. In the Shuiyun Kingdom, few can truly stand against that fiend.”

“Who is he?” Ji Changkong’s spirit jolted, affecting astonishment.

“Li Hentian!” Huangfu Yue uttered the name sharply, then gave a slight cough.

With that cough, Ji Changkong suddenly sensed layers upon layers of spiritual barriers forming around the palace—barriers so dense and heavy they resembled mountains, utterly impenetrable to the soul.

“Island Master Ding, perhaps you seek revenge? Heh heh, an opportunity presents itself now.” Huangfu Yue’s lips finally curved into a gentle smile.

Slowly emerging from the palace, Huangfu Zhu, who had been waiting anxiously outside, rushed forward upon seeing him. “Island Master Ding, how did the discussion go? Heh heh, what did you and my aunt discuss?”

“My apologies, Young Prince. The Empress has stipulated that I must not disclose the content of our conversation to anyone.” Ji Changkong forced a bitter smile, casting a glance back at the palace. He then lowered his voice conspiratorially. “However, Young Prince has shown me kindness, so I can reveal a tiny fraction…”

“No, no!” Huangfu Zhu waved his hands repeatedly, his face paling slightly. “Since my aunt said it must be kept secret, Island Master Ding, please keep it confidential from everyone!” As he spoke, Huangfu Zhu couldn’t help but glance toward the palace, a subtle tremor of fear in his expression.

“Thank you this time for your recommendation, Young Prince. Should opportunity arise in the future, I shall certainly repay your kindness…” Ji Changkong straightened his expression, then slapped his head with a laugh. “Oh, right, Her Majesty the Empress just mentioned—she requested you come inside shortly.”

“Very well, I’ll go at once. Island Master Ding, if you need anything, remember to contact me. The location of the Prince’s Residence is well-known; you can find it easily.” Huangfu Zhu, clearly eager to avoid lingering near Huangfu Yue’s palace, quickly finished speaking with Ji Changkong and hurried toward the Empress’s residence.

Leaving the palace unimpeded, Ji Changkong wove through the busiest thoroughfares of Tianshui City, releasing his consciousness to probe for any unidentified individuals. In mere moments, amidst the vibrant, crowded streets, he shed his current guise, successfully evading all pursuers.

Changing his appearance, Ji Changkong emerged from a secluded side street. Without attracting any notice, he suddenly reverted to his true form and began to swagger openly through Tianshui City.

“Brother Changkong…” A rough voice, deliberately kept low, emerged from the shadows of a street corner, where Duan Haoshan stood waiting.

Duan Haoshan beckoned with his hand, looking furtive, as if engaged in something clandestine. Behind him, Duan Lingyue stood with a look of sheer delight, waving vigorously toward him.

“Brother Duan, what are you doing here?” Ji Changkong let out a hearty, unrestrained laugh and strode toward Duan Haoshan, gripping his shoulder. “Come on, today we drink until we drop!”

Duan Haoshan wore a look of bitter resignation. “Brother, keep your voice down! Don’t you know the top experts in all of Tianshui City are looking for you right now? Lingyue and I are here precisely because of you. My Duan family has had ties established here for years. As soon as my subordinates spotted your tracks, I rushed over, hoping to make you understand the current situation!”

“Stop talking, we need to figure out how to get Brother Changkong out quickly! From what I know, Tianshui City has mobilized numerous experts, preparing to ensure you don’t leave alive. Everyone knows that the Ghost Sect and the Xiao family of Xuanyuan Valley remain loyal because of you, Ji Changkong. You are the new generation of Xuanyuan—once you die, the Xuanyuan Valley will truly crumble!” Duan Lingyue explained anxiously.

Over this period, the Duan family had been relaying intelligence regarding the Huangfu family’s affairs. Like the Chen family, the Duan family was secretly allied with the Xuanyuan Valley. Though they hadn't openly declared support, their actions indicated a clear preference for the Xuanyuan Valley. This was partly due to the inherent strength of the Valley, and partly because Ji Changkong had once saved Duan Lingyue and her two younger sisters in the Gloomy Mountain Range. The three girls were deeply favored by the Duan elders. Furthermore, the Duan family had extensive business dealings with the Xuanyuan Valley, trading rare spirit stones and treasures from the Gloomy Mountain Range via the Ghost Sect for scarce materials.

“Since I dared to enter Tianshui City, I have no intention of leaving immediately. Brother Duan, Little Yueyue, please do not try to persuade me. Pretend you know nothing about this and get far away from me quickly. We don't want to bring trouble upon the Duan family prematurely,” Ji Changkong said, his face serious. “Hurry, someone is approaching this way. You must leave now, or if the Huangfu family discovers you contacted me, your Duan family will be in jeopardy!”

“Brother Changkong, let’s leave together, we can hide from them first! We have something very important to discuss with you!” Duan Lingyue’s eyes darted around as she spoke, constantly looking over her shoulder.

“Brother, even if you don’t plan to leave Tianshui City, you must hear what we have to say. Truly, we received word that the Huangfu family’s operation this time is far from simple,” Duan Haoshan urged.

Ji Changkong paused. Seeing the urgency in their expressions, he knew they must have vital information. With people rapidly closing in, he knew delay was impossible, so he nodded. “Fine, I’ll go with you first to find a place to talk.”

“Follow me!” Duan Lingyue didn’t hesitate and immediately took the lead, weaving through the alleys.

The Duan family’s influence in Tianshui City was considerable. After navigating a labyrinth of turns through the backstreets, Duan Lingyue led them through several hidden passages within walls. In just a short time, via a remarkably long secret tunnel, she and Duan Haoshan brought him directly into a chaotic, teeming marketplace.

Before them were bare-chested men and greasy-faced women hawking their wares and shouting in argument…

Duan Lingyue and Duan Haoshan stopped with Ji Changkong in the backyard of an oil shop. Their expressions turned grave, and they fell silent, seemingly organizing their thoughts.

“Say what you need to say,” Ji Changkong frowned, an uneasy feeling suddenly creeping into his heart.

“Huangfu Yue intends to use you to lure the Tianshan Ancient Scroll into Tianshui City. The person they truly want dead, besides you, is the Tianshan Ancient Scroll itself!” Duan Lingyue sighed. (To be continued)