Chapter 368 - 196: You Jin’Er (3)

Xuzhuang had first killed Yang Lian, then later severely wounded Yang Huai Venerable outside the Yuxiao Sect. His name now shook the Divine Continent, and his feud with Yang Huai Venerable was known to all. Li Changfeng had his suspicions from the very beginning.

"I may not know the full extent of the conspiracy, but it is certainly aimed at you, Master. And if the cultivators of the Celestial Fire Sect could ambush me today, there's no telling they won't ambush my junior brothers tomorrow. That is why I felt I had to report this to you."

Xuzhuang's eyes narrowed slightly, his fingertips tapping gently on the table. He replied coolly, "I understand. You've done well in this matter."

After reporting the important matter, Li Changfeng breathed a sigh of relief. The master and disciple chatted casually for a while before Xuzhuang said, "You must be weary from your journey. Go and rest for now."

Li Changfeng respectfully agreed, and after bowing with You Jin'Er, they exited the cavern abode and departed.

Xuzhuang sat alone on the main seat, pondering for a long while. Suddenly, he said, "Yu Ren, bring me Hao'Er's and Dengxiao's Life Lamps."

Hearing this, Xue Yuren gave a slight bow, walked gracefully into the corridor, and returned a moment later holding two green lamps. He said, "Master, the Life Lamps of Yuan Hao and Qin Dengxiao are both here."

Xuzhuang nodded slightly and had him place them on the table. He gazed at the flames of the lamps, his sight seemingly piercing into the far distance, and said to himself, 'So that little monkey has long since returned to the sect.'

He pondered for a moment, then suddenly plucked a wisp of aura from one of the green lamps. With a wave of his sleeve, he vanished without a trace.

***

Li Changfeng and You Jin'Er exited the cavern abode. Gazing out at the vast sea of clouds below the summit of Chongyun Peak, he suddenly let out a soft sigh of relief.

You Jin'Er's expression tightened slightly. Then she heard Li Changfeng say, "In that case, you must have been lying to me about forming a Middle Grade Golden Core."

You Jin'Er squeezed Li Changfeng's hand and said softly, "I knew that sooner or later, Li Lang, you would form a Top-grade Golden Core. I wanted to give you a surprise then…"

Li Changfeng turned back and smiled. "Jin'Er, you knew my ambition was to form a Top-grade Golden Core, and you were afraid of discouraging me. But have you considered this? If something so small could discourage me, how could I, Li Changfeng, even speak of aiming for a Top-grade Golden Core?"

You Jin'Er's eyes curved into a smile. "I knew you would be like this, Li Lang…"

Li Changfeng shot her a playful glare, but You Jin'Er paid it no mind and nestled into his embrace. They stood quietly by the Celestial Pool for a while before Li Changfeng suddenly said, "I came back this time for Junior Brother Zhou's Golden Core ceremony. I should go and pay him a visit."

You Jin'Er naturally had no objection. The two of them mounted a cloud and, in a mere moment, landed on the summit of Chaoyuan Peak. Seeing the cavern abode's entrance wide open, Li Changfeng didn't barge in. Instead, he took out a talisman and sent it inside.

A moment later, Yuan Hao appeared at the entrance. He first exclaimed with delight, "Eldest Senior Brother!" Only then did he notice You Jin'Er and asked in surprise, "Is… is this our sister-in-law?"

Before Li Changfeng could answer, You Jin'Er was already smiling radiantly. She said, "You must be Yuan Hao. I've often heard Li Lang mention you."

Though Li Changfeng had never revealed his origins, he had often spoken of his revered Master and the little monkey he had watched grow up and begin to cultivate…

You Jin'Er was thus no stranger to Yuan Hao. Hearing her words, Yuan Hao raised a hand as if to scratch the back of his head, then awkwardly lowered it. He led the two inside, saying as he walked, "Eldest Senior Brother, Sister-in-law, your timing is perfect. Senior Brother Zhou is currently hosting Senior Brother Qiao, a True Disciple from the Taixuan Sect…"

You Jin'Er's delicate brows furrowed. She looked up and saw two Daoists sitting in the main hall. One wore a Five Jade Pearl Crown and a Daoist Robe, his bearing one of profound composure. The other had his hair tied up with a star crown; his features were sharp, and he made no effort to hide the arrogance in his expression.