Ye Wen asked again, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. He suspected he might have misheard, though the possibility felt infinitesimally small. Then, a different thought struck him: had his fourth apprentice truly mastered his legacy? Even so, naming his own daughter that seemed too on the nose. Had the man played computer games?

Seeing Liu Mengli nod, Ye Wen casually continued, "Nice name. Did your father give it to you?" Liu Mengli nodded again, though that was all she knew. Zhou Guan, standing nearby, offered the explanation: "When Lord Liu named Mengli, he happened to glimpse a painting left behind by Sect Master Ye years ago, and so he chose this name for her!"

"A painting?"

Ye Wen was puzzled. He didn't recall ever painting a portrait of Liu Mengli. But then, a memory surfaced: while he hadn't painted her, he had named a girl 'Mengli' in one of the four-panel comics he’d drawn out of boredom. He’d forgotten about it instantly after finishing, never imagining Liu Muyan would see it, remember it, and perhaps find the name appealing.

Regardless, his apprentice naming his only descendant Liu Mengli had served to strengthen the Shushan CPS contingent by one. Ye Wen inwardly exclaimed, "Are we Shushan folks actually FOC-ing Klingons?" before dismissing the thought.

He then pulled out an elixir pill and handed it to Zhou Guan. "Your health is failing. Take this immediately before we discuss anything else!" Zhou Guan wasn't afraid of being poisoned; besides, at his age, he had nothing worth coveting. Was it power? He had relinquished all authority over a decade ago, allowing him to enjoy a peaceful retirement.

Tossing the pill into his mouth, Zhou Guan immediately felt a cool energy flow down his throat, settling in his Dantian before dispersing into his meridians, diligently soothing his gravely weakened body.

"This..."

His eyes widened in shock. How potent was this pill? And what astonished him further was that the elixir required no cultivation effort for digestion; its properties were gentle and actively regulated his body on their own accord.

Ye Wen remained silent. The pills he gave were still supplies taken from the South Sea Immortal Palace, relics left behind by the Kunlun Sect. They weren't rare—Kunlun had originally refined them for disciples with very weak cultivation, making them highly convenient. While their effects were modest, they were perfectly suited for Zhou Guan in his current state; anything too potent right now would be too much for him to handle.

Having settled Zhou Guan's issue, Ye Wen didn't converse further with him, nor did he mention taking him to the Immortal Realm. He left all that arrangement to Wei Hong.

Turning back to Liu Mengli, she seemed to have grasped the situation: this young man, who looked scarcely older than herself, was in fact her father's master—meaning he was of her grandfather's generation.

"But... how can he be so young?" She had often heard family mention that her father’s master was a legendary expert in the Jianghu, reaching heights most people never achieved in a lifetime before the age of thirty, before ascending to the void with his two wives. The Shushan Sect, which he had championed, became the foremost sect in the world under his leadership. Her father had only managed to join the sect through a fortunate twist of fate. In terms of cultivation and comprehension, her father was the weakest among his peers, yet even so, Liu Mengli frequently saw highly renowned figures in the Jianghu treat her father with profound respect.

Fifty years had passed since Ye Wen shattered the void. By age calculation, this elder should be at least eighty, truly a figure of the grandfather generation. Yet, his current appearance made it impossible to reconcile that status with the man before her.

"Could it be... he truly became one of the legendary Immortals?" Seeing her curiosity, Ye Wen smiled and asked, "Have you studied any Shushan Sect martial arts?"

Liu Mengli nodded.

"What have you learned?" Ye Wen already knew that Liu Mengli’s father had lost his official post shortly after her birth and retired home. Logically, Liu Muyan would have had ample time to instruct his child then, but he had also heard that his health deteriorated rapidly upon returning home, leaving the extent of his teaching uncertain.

Liu Mengli, unaware of Ye Wen’s internal musings, answered his question: "I practiced the Complete Heart Method and the Violet Cloud Skill. I only learned the basics of weapon handling and unarmed combat; I never mastered my father's Iron Scrawl and Silver Hook technique..." Upon hearing this, Ye Wen immediately understood Liu Muyan's intention: cultivating internal energy was primarily to ensure her physical health and allow her to live a few more years soundly. The lack of detailed instruction in combat arts was likely because he didn't wish his daughter to wield weapons.

"What level have you reached with the Violet Cloud Skill?" Liu Mengli respectfully replied, "A few months ago, I just reached Minor Achievement!"

Minor Achievement meant the skill only activated when deliberately channeling energy; the internal qi remained ordinary internal energy, not fully transformed into Violet Cloud True Qi. Its power was merely adequate. Naturally, by the current standards of Ye Wen, it was beneath his notice.

However, considering the girl had no extraordinary encounters, achieving this by her early twenties showed considerable talent. Given she started training early, even without his arrival, her future achievements would likely surpass her father’s. With his presence now, surpassing her father was a certainty.

"Hmm."

Ye Wen nodded, projecting an air of mild satisfaction. This left Liu Mengli uncertain about the Grand Ancestor’s true intentions. She assumed her summons to the palace today was due to him, but why specifically to question her progress in cultivation? Surely not just for that.

"Is he taking me to Shushan?" Normally, going to Shushan would be natural; since her father was a Shushan disciple, she was one too. By seniority, she ranked quite high in the sect, perhaps equivalent to the current sect leader (as the news of Yue Hai's death hadn't spread, and Zhou Guan was knowledgeable about Shushan affairs).

She considered that going to Shushan wouldn't be a bad thing. After her father’s passing, her household declined. Her mother and concubine mother had also passed away sequentially, leaving Liu Mengli entirely alone. She was currently residing with Uncle Zhou. But staying as a guest was never a permanent solution. Moreover, Shushan was, by right, her family; Uncle Zhou's home was truly that of outsiders. She had expected to leave the Zhou household upon finding a suitable husband, but now that she had found her kin, perhaps marrying off wasn't the only path.

With this decision made, she asked, "Grand Ancestor... are you taking this disciple to Shushan?" Ye Wen nodded. "If there is anything you need to pack, prepare it over the next few days. I will take you all back to Shushan in a few days..."

Liu Mengli blinked, keenly noticing Ye Wen said "you all" instead of "you." This meant she wouldn't be the only one going to Shushan. Who else?

Ye Wen clearly saw her contemplation but found it easier not to elaborate now. It would be time enough to explain once preparations were complete. More importantly, explaining would require a lengthy discussion, and he detested bother.

Placing his now empty teacup aside, Ye Wen stood up and addressed Zhou Guan and Liu Mengli. "I came today to discuss these matters. I have words for you both at the banquet later, so please wait here for a moment!"

"Sect Master Ye is going to...?"

Ye Wen smiled. "I have some matters to attend to, but it won't take many days—perhaps two or three. If I'm quick, I might be back in one day... Brother Zhou, I will trouble you to inform the Emperor!" Zhou Guan opened his mouth but said nothing. It wasn't his lack of deference toward the current Emperor, but the fact that as Ye Wen spoke, his figure was gradually fading until, by the end of the sentence, he had completely vanished.

Watching a living person slowly disappear before one's eyes was staggering enough to render a person utterly stupefied. Fortunately, Zhou Guan had already suspected Ye Wen was an Immortal; moments later, he realized his reaction was excessive—a true Immortal employing esoteric arts was entirely normal.

He turned and saw Liu Mengli still staring fixedly at the spot where Ye Wen had vanished, evidently shocked by the display.

However, with that demonstration, neither he nor Liu Mengli would doubt Ye Wen's identity any longer. He was undoubtedly the Ye Wen who shattered the void fifty years ago. If he was indeed that person, he wouldn't harm them.

Firstly, Zhou Guan generally understood Ye Wen’s temperament: be polite, and Ye Wen returned the courtesy; cross him or slight him, and there would be no leniency. Zhou Guan felt he had never offended Ye Wen or the Shushan Sect. On the contrary, due to certain opportunities, he had gotten along well with the Shushan disciples, even developing a deep friendship with Ye Wen’s fourth apprentice, Liu Muyan, in the court—otherwise, Liu Muyan wouldn't have entrusted him with caring for his only daughter. Thus, Ye Wen had no reason to harm him. He had no cause for worry. As for Liu Mengli? What grandfather would mistreat his granddaughter? Although Ye Wen and Liu Mengli weren't related by blood, the bond was functionally the same.

After sitting for a moment, Wei Hong, who had been settling various trivial matters, arrived at the side hall. He wasted no time, immediately asking them upon sight if they had met Ye Wen.

Upon receiving confirmation, Wei Hong informed Zhou Guan that he had already passed the throne to his grandson and intended to accompany his master to the Immortal Realm to cultivate, hoping Zhou Guan would join them.

It was only then that Zhou Guan realized Wei Hong had long ago accepted Ye Wen as his master. The last lingering question in his mind vanished. He had originally wondered why Ye Wen waited for him in the Imperial Palace, assuming Ye Wen had met the Emperor years ago and used him to locate Liu Mengli, which seemed logical since few knew she was staying with Zhou Guan. He hadn't anticipated this other layer of connection. This meant Ye Wen came to the palace specifically to see the Emperor!

Simultaneously, Zhou Guan finally understood the purpose of Ye Wen's return to this world.

"There really is an Immortal Realm?" Thinking he might step into a world he had only heard of in legends, Zhou Guan felt a surge of excitement. Furthermore, judging by the Emperor's tone, accompanying Sect Master Ye to the Immortal Realm could significantly extend his own lifespan, which was nearing its end. No one willingly waits for death.

Considering the Zhou family’s excellent current standing meant his absence wouldn't cause disruption, and because he was genuinely tempted, with Wei Hong sincerely inviting him, Zhou Guan had no reason to refuse. He decided to go home, make arrangements, and then return to wait for Ye Wen with the Emperor in the palace.

As for Liu Mengli, she had little to pack. She would stay in the palace quietly awaiting Ye Wen’s return. When the Liu family fell, all their possessions were lost, and neither parent left behind any mementos. Thus, Liu Mengli truly had nothing significant to gather.

However, the days spent waiting in the palace would not be idle. Wei Hong, who had already mastered the Violet Cloud Divine Skill and forced open several energy barriers using Violet Cloud True Qi, could guide his niece in her internal energy cultivation.

It was only then that Liu Mengli learned the current Emperor was not only her father's martial brother but that her father had also taught the Emperor many of his skills! This realization momentarily overwhelmed her, but her steadfast temperament allowed her to quickly regain composure. She then humbly sought clarification from Wei Hong on many points she previously couldn't grasp. After her parents died, her martial arts progress relied solely on self-study. Her father could guide her in the early stages of the Complete Heart Method, but the Violet Cloud Skill had been entirely self-explored. Now, with guidance, many obscure points became immediately clear. She expected a further refinement of her skills in the coming period.

Wei Hong spent his days processing the abdication, which caused the court officials to erupt into renewed factional strife—some opposing the transfer, others supporting it. Wei Hong knew exactly what motivated these men, but since these matters would no longer concern him, he bothered little with them. He simply pushed the succession through with resolute purpose, then withdrew from all court affairs, disappearing from public view, officially announcing that the Old Emperor was ailing. This was preparation for his final departure. As the Emperor, he couldn't simply vanish, especially with the rather unbelievable reason of pursuing the immortal path. Thus, the best method was to announce the Emperor's death to the world. In a sense, this announcement was not entirely inaccurate.

While undercurrents surged within the palace and battle raged in the courts, Ye Wen, now far from the capital, felt another wave of emotion looking at the old man before him.

The two sat in a pavilion; the stone table and chairs were carved from the finest material, and the surrounding plum blossoms bloomed year-round, set against the perpetual white snow atop the mountain peak—truly a scene of exquisite beauty.

Ye Wen drained his cup of wine, gazing at the scenery. "No wonder you were willing to put everything aside to enjoy this place... It really is a superb location!" He was currently at a highly secluded spot in the back mountains of Mount Kunlun, the private sanctuary of the former leader of the Kunlun Sect, who lived here in seclusion.

The old man opposite Ye Wen, though his hair and beard were white, had relatively few wrinkles on his face. Were it not for the silvered strands, one might mistake him for someone just entering old age. He narrowed his eyes, sipped his wine, and smiled faintly towards the blooming plum blossoms nearby. "Willing? Li has never been willing!" But as he raised his glass, noticing his slightly trembling right hand, he sighed helplessly, "It's just that unwillingness is useless now!"

Ye Wen silently observed Li Xuan's hand. He remembered how spirited Li Xuan was when he was the Kunlun Sect Master, his Ice Soul Chill Skill nearly unmatched. Ye Wen himself only managed to subdue Li Xuan by relying on that freakishly potent fruit, which granted him a sudden surge of power. But now? He couldn't even hold a wine cup steady. Time truly spared no one.

Li Xuan sighed, then adopted a look of sudden detachment. "Talking about this is pointless. It's Sect Master Ye who is astonishing; to return after shattering the void is truly unheard of!" As he spoke, he murmured almost inaudibly, "I wonder what kind of world lies beyond the shattered void!"

"A world that isn't particularly great," Ye Wen replied casually upon hearing Li Xuan's whisper. "However, I have already located the Immortal Realm. This time, my departure will be for cultivation there!"

"The Immortal Realm..." Li Xuan had never felt so distant from Ye Wen. Even when Ye Wen shattered the void, he had only felt they were a single step apart—though that step meant heaven and earth apart, he could at least see Ye Wen’s retreating silhouette. But now? He couldn't even see a path to shattering the void, while Ye Wen had already touched the Dao of Immortality! If nothing else, Ye Wen’s face looked almost identical to how it did fifty years ago, which was far beyond his comparison. One aged, one young—their appearances represented a vast chasm, almost impossible to bridge.

But the Kunlun disciples knew nothing of this. Two disciples stationed far off, ready to heed Li Xuan's commands, looked on from a distance, bored and curious. One turned to the other. "Senior Sister, who do you think that boy is? He gets to sit and converse with the Grand Ancestor!" The one called Senior Sister was also a young woman, quite attractive. She looked equally bewildered. "I don't know. Perhaps a new disciple from a major sect, or maybe a descendant of the Grand Ancestor's old friends?" They were too far and not strong enough in cultivation to hear the conversation. If they could hear, they would immediately rush to report that someone was trying to abduct their Grand Ancestor.

Thankfully, they couldn't hear, or they would surely run off to inform the current sect leader: someone was attempting to lure away their Grand Ancestor.