“No choice, at the time we heard the Heavenly Ghost lineage had resurfaced, so we also went into seclusion, hiding in Chinatown and continuously practicing martial arts. Lianxue really wanted to find you, but I kept stopping her. Because if the Heavenly Ghost lineage noticed us, given our strength back then, Lianxue and I wouldn't stand a chance against them. They could wipe us out in under three moves, especially with the Heavenly Ghost Sect Master in England back then,” Murong Liantian explained.

“Is the Heavenly Ghost Sect Master Ye Han?” Yang Yi asked, frowning, his mind racing with conjecture.

“Yes. The Heavenly Ghost lineage’s strength rivals that of the Heavenly Dragon lineage, and these two great factions have always been sworn enemies. I recently heard that the Heavenly Ghost Sect Master has already sought you out, which is why Lianxue and I came together—to offer you a helping hand,” Murong Liantian continued. “Consider this me repaying a favor. Although the people in Chinatown aren’t overwhelmingly powerful, they can help you navigate some minor challenges. Because within the Heavenly Ghost lineage, there’s nothing they lack more than Grandmaster-level experts!”

“Wait, I have one point of confusion. Why would you say that as long as the Heavenly Ghost Sect Master, Ye Han, was there, you didn’t dare to come out?” Yang Yi inquired.

“About that…!” Murong Liantian glanced at Murong Lianxue, as if seeking her approval.

But Murong Lianxue felt it was better for her to speak, so she opened her mouth. “Brother Yi, do you know what the martial arts system of the Heavenly Ghost lineage is?”

“Mmm, mmm!” Yang Yi shook his head. It wasn't just him; everyone else was listening intently. Although what they had heard so far was shocking enough, it seemed what was coming next was the true crux of the matter, especially concerning Ye Han—after all, he was the ultimate enemy, wasn't he?

“Their martial arts system is: Qi!” Murong Lianxue stated calmly.

“Qi? Qigong?” Yang Yi asked.

“No, not Qigong. It is the art of guiding the natural winds of all things using Qi, much like an elemental in the wind affinity. However, the Qi used in this art differs from that of an elemental. This martial art is called 'Ao Qi' (Arrogant Qi). This isn't arrogance in terms of personality, but a cultivation derived from the Qi accumulated within the body. It is passed down through each generation, meaning it is a martial art only the Sect Master of the Heavenly Ghost lineage can cultivate.” Murong Lianxue suddenly turned her face toward Xuanyuan Bing. “For example, she is an ice-elemental user, and a Rank S-level one at that.”

The crowd was astonished, most of all Xuanyuan Bing, who hadn't expected Murong Lianxue to expose her cultivation level in a single sentence. She was deeply surprised. Murong Lianxue smiled, then continued, “The Qi cultivated by the Heavenly Ghost Sect Master is divided into three tiers. The first tier begins by ranking up from S-level elementals. The former patriarch of the Heavenly Ghost lineage had already reached the second layer of Ao Qi, putting him borderline between a Mid-stage Grandmaster—a strength that is almost at the apex of this world. If we were to clash head-on, it would be a path to certain death.”

“Then…!” Yang Yi looked toward Murong Liantian.

The latter immediately understood. “I am only at the Early-stage Grandmaster level. I have spent these years focusing on cultivation theory, so my actual strength hasn't increased much. Most of the people in the Heavenly characters of the Dragon Ranking are at this level too. To break through to the Mid-stage Grandmaster, one must first perfect the Six Paths Domain. You, however, are quite exceptional; although your power is still only Mid-stage Grandmaster, your Domains have already reached the fifth path. One must say your cultivation method is rather peculiar.”

“Don't use your standards to describe my Brother Yi; he is…!”

“Lianxue!” Yang Yi was reluctant to let her mention his only master, the elder who had passed down sixty years of power to him. He felt that memory should remain solely in his heart, belonging to his era, and speaking of him now felt like a desecration.

“Mmm!” Murong Lianxue stuck out her tongue, burying herself back into Yang Yi’s embrace. She adored Yang Yi, loved his arms around her. Though she was young, she knew he was her only elder brother, the only person in this world with whom she shared a soulful, painful connection.

“There is another person currently with Ye Han that you need to be mindful of,” Murong Liantian suddenly changed his demeanor.

“Who?”

“A woman rumored to have once massacred the Ruonan family in Vietnam. She is the number one expert among the Heavenly characters on the Dragon Ranking!”

“Tianyi?” Yang Yi trembled upon hearing the name.

“Correct. The Ruonan family was the number one arms dealing clan in Vietnam, their influence spanning the entire country. For some unknown reason, this woman, hailed as the 'Heavenly Pride,' Tianyi, forced the slaughter of the entire Ruonan family—not a single soul left!”

“Hiss!” A collective sharp intake of breath swept through the group. Who was this person? Though they didn't know the size of the Ruonan clan, hearing Murong Liantian say ‘not a single soul left’ made them realize just how formidable Tianyi must be.

“What an incredibly fierce woman!” Lin Pangzi and the others exclaimed in unison.

“She is not only fierce but also deeply mysterious, because no one in this world has ever seen her face!” Murong Liantian smiled faintly. “Perhaps she is a peerless beauty, just one whose power is immense.”

Yang Yi remained lost in thought from beginning to end. Tonight he had learned a great deal more, yet many questions still lingered. He realized that his greatest adversary, Ye Han, possessed superior strength. So, what was he to do? How was he to handle the impending conflict with the Northern Underworld? Moreover, he believed the state authorities would soon make a move; where would he stand when that happened?

Confusion, doubt, and anxiety gnawed at Yang Yi. He felt utterly lost and overwhelmed by the sheer volume of unfolding events.

Meanwhile, in a remote mountain village, an old man, as usual, rose early to tend to his potted plants. Pruning, watering, fertilizing—not a single step was missed. He glanced with satisfaction at the rows of plants arranged in his courtyard, a faint smile gracing his lips. Just then, the smile vanished, replaced by a deeply furrowed brow.

“Old Yang, twenty years without seeing you, and you look quite well!” A white-haired elder sat on a stone bench, watching Yang Yitian with a smile.

“Yang Xuan?” Yang Yitian slowly turned around to face the visitor, a cold sneer touching his lips. “A friend comes from afar, what a delight. Old friend, you wouldn't have come empty-handed today, would you?”

“Of course not. I bring news for you. Whether it is good or bad depends on how you choose to see it,” Yang Xuan said mildly.

Yang Yitian walked over and sat on the stone bench, feeling a surge of emotion looking at his friend unseen for two decades. However, he didn't believe this visit held anything positive. He brewed a pot of tea, poured a cup, and took a slow, unhurried sip. His calm expression was noted by Yang Xuan.

He said, “Old Yang, aren’t you curious what news I’ve brought?”

“No news is important, only that the news you bring has never been good.”

“Haha, you haven’t changed a bit. Do you still hate me, in-law?”

“Hmph!” Yang Yitian scoffed. “Don’t try to get familiar with me. Who doesn't know that you, Yang Xuan, are the Grand Sect Master of the Heavenly Dragon lineage? A small fry like me isn’t worthy!”

“Alas, it seems you still can’t let it go. You lost your daughter, and I lost my son. We are both pitiful souls; why must we remain so stubborn over old history…!”

“Yang Xuan, I think you’ve misunderstood. I am not obsessed with that event; it’s long past. If I were steeped in old ways, I wouldn't be alive today. Don't think I don't know your purpose in seeking me out today!” Yang Yitian cut him off, intensely unwilling to discuss his daughter. Though she was only his adopted daughter, he had treated her as his own. Therefore, anything she left behind, especially her son, he absolutely would not allow the events of twenty years ago to repeat.

“Old Yang, can you just listen to me calmly?” Yang Xuan took a deep breath. “I can largely guess, and I’ve even used certain means to confirm that kid is the son of Ling Feng and Shishi. I also know you desperately don't want him involved in the struggle between the Heavenly Ghost and Heavenly Dragon lineages. But have you considered that today’s developments are beyond your control, and beyond mine too? Because that boy from the Heavenly Ghost lineage has been targeting him for a long time!”

“What?” Yang Yitian was truly unaware that Yang Yi was already being targeted, and by the Heavenly Ghost Sect Master no less. He shook his head and let out a bitter laugh. “Karmic retribution, karmic retribution!”

“No, Old Yang, this isn't about karma. The situation dictates our actions. In fact, I came here today to hear your opinion!” Seeing Yang Yitian calm down, Yang Xuan stated quietly.

“What opinion?”

“Well, you also know that Ling Feng and Shishi left behind a pair of dragon and phoenix twins back then.”

“Could it be…?”

“Exactly. Rong’er was saved by me, and she has also grown into a young woman now. She looks very much like your daughter, Shishi!” Yang Xuan took a sip of his tea.

Yang Yitian truly didn’t know whether to be overjoyed or weep in sorrow. He had searched extensively for Yang Rong’s whereabouts years ago, and her disappearance had become a major affliction for the old man. This affliction had severely damaged his health over the years; if not for his remaining foundational cultivation and something to hold onto, he might have already met the King of Hell.

“Does she really look like Shishi?”

“Yes!”

Yang Xuan seemed to read Yang Yitian’s expression perfectly, a smile blooming on his face. He thought to himself, It looks like the matter I’m about to bring up has a chance now.