"That’s understandable after all," Xian Tiandi said simply. "I saved her life."
The convoy resud moving toward their arranged accommodations.
The Xian Clan had rented a large courtyard compound in the city’s eastern district. It was a spacious property with multiple buildings, suitable for housing their entire group plus servants.
When they arrived, they found the Zhou Clan’s convoy already settled in a similar compound next door.
Zhou Kang had sent word ahead, and the two clans had coordinated their lodgings to be adjacent.
Elder Feng and Elder Qiu stepped down from the lead carriage. Two figures erged from the Zhou Clan compound to greet them. Both wore the deep blue robes of the Zhou Clan and carried themselves with the dignity of Golden Core cultivators.
"Elder Feng, Elder Qiu," the taller of the two Zhou elders said with a respectful bow. "Your journey was successful, I see. We received word from Young Master Zhou Kang about the trouble in Bluestone City."
"The situation was handled," Elder Feng replied, returning the bow. "Though it was more dangerous than anticipated."
The Zhou elder nodded gravely. "Co. Let us discuss the details inside. We have much to share with each other."
The group moved into the Xian Clan compound. Servants imdiately began unpacking luggage and directing people to their assigned quarters. The atmosphere was efficient, organized.
Xian Tiandi followed the elders into a eting hall. Zhou Kang walked beside him, his expression more serious than usual.
"The elders from my clan were already here making preparations," Zhou Kang explained quietly. "I sent word ahead using a communication talisman. One of my Uncles is an elder in the Four Symbols Sect. He helped arrange so things for both our clans."
Xian Tiandi nodded, filing away that information. Having connections within the sect would be useful.
Inside the eting hall, the elders settled around a large wooden table. Tea was brought in, and for a mont, there was only the quiet sound of cups being filled.
Then the discussion began.
Elder Feng and Elder Qiu recounted the journey. The ambush in Bluestone City. The Moon God Cult’s attack. Xian Tiandi’s role in eliminating the threat.
The Zhou elders listened intently, their expressions growing more grave with each detail.
When the story concluded, one of the Zhou elders spoke. "The situation in this region is more dangerous than we initially believed. If the Moon God Cult is bold enough to attack a major city, their forces must be substantial."
"Have there been other incidents?" Elder Qiu asked.
"Several," the other Zhou elder confird. "Disappearances. Strange spiritual fluctuations in the surrounding wilderness. The local authorities are investigating, but they lack the strength to confront a major evil sect."
The conversation continued, flowing between tactical assessnts and political considerations. Xian Tiandi listened quietly, absorbing information without comnt.
After so ti, the discussion shifted to logistics. Living arrangents. Security asures. Preparation for the sect selection in two days.
Xian Tiandi waited for an appropriate pause, then spoke. "Elder Feng, I have a question."
The elder looked at him. "Yes, Young Master?"
"My sister, Xian Yu. Has there been any word from her?"
Elder Feng’s expression shifted slightly. He exchanged a glance with Elder Qiu before responding.
"We were going to inform you after you settled in," Elder Feng said carefully. "Your sister went on a mission for the Four Symbols Sect approximately a week ago. She was expected to return to this city three days ago."
Xian Tiandi’s golden eyes narrowed fractionally. "But she hasn’t returned."
"No." Elder Qiu shook his head. "We made inquiries when we arrived. The sect has not received any communication from her group since they departed for the mission site."
"What kind of mission?" Xian Tiandi asked, his voice calm but carrying an edge.
"A hunting mission," one of the Zhou elders answered. "The sect received reports of evil cultivators operating in the Crimson Ruins area, about an hour west of the city. They sent a group of disciples to investigate and eliminate the threat if possible."
Xian Tiandi’s hand moved unconsciously to his chest, where the tracking imprint rested beneath his robes. It was faint but present. Still active.
Which ant Yu’er was alive.
But the fact that she hadn’t returned on schedule was troubling.
"Where exactly is this mission site?" Xian Tiandi asked.
Elder Feng studied him. "The Crimson Ruins. An ancient site with many collapsed structures. It’s normally a safe training area for young cultivators, but recently..."
"Recently there have been reports of unusual activity," the Zhou elder continued. "Spiritual fluctuations. Sightings of suspicious individuals. That’s why the sect sent disciples to investigate."
Xian Tiandi’s mind worked rapidly, processing the information. In his past life, he’d been weak at this ti. Too weak to even begin cultivating. He’d heard about an incident involving sect disciples and a mission that went wrong, but the details had always been vague.
Yu’er had died during that incident. An "accident" during a sect mission. That’s what they’d called it.
The news had devastated Xian Long, her blood brother. It had driven him to cultivate desperately, fueled by grief and rage.
But Xian Tiandi had been too weak then to know the truth. Too insignificant to be told the real story.
Now, with his knowledge from a lifeti of reaching the peak, the pieces were falling into place.
’This is it,’ he realized. ’This is the mont. The mission where Yu’er dies in the original tiline.’
’But not this ti.’
He stood abruptly. "I need to go to the Crimson Ruins."
Elder Feng blinked. "Young Master?"
"Sothing is wrong," Xian Tiandi said simply. His voice carried absolute certainty. "Yu’er should have returned by now. The fact that she hasn’t ans there’s trouble."
"The sect will send reinforcents if the disciples don’t report back soon," Elder Qiu said reasonably. "There’s no need for you to..."
"There is need." Xian Tiandi’s golden eyes t the elder’s gaze. "I can feel it. Sothing is happening right now."
The elders exchanged glances. They’d witnessed Xian Tiandi’s abilities during the cult attack. His instincts had proven accurate before.
But this was different. This was asking them to abandon their primary mission of keeping him safe to chase a vague feeling.
Xian Tiandi pressed forward. "Elder Feng, Elder Qiu. The Patriarch gave you instructions to protect and follow my judgnts when appropriate. I’m asking you now to trust my instinct on this."
Elder Feng stroked his beard thoughtfully. "You believe your sister is in imdiate danger?"
"I know she is."
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