Li Yuanjiao wasn't particularly interested in the internal politics of the dragon clan. Frowning, he asked, "Are you saying... this situation will affect us here? You are planning to return with the Dragon Son?"
Huiyao shook his head, a trace of envy flashing across his face. "I have not even reached the Foundation Establishment Realm, where would I get that kind of good fortune? I am just accompanying a few higher-ups from the palace back. When we leave... there may well be a new master appointed here."
Li Yuanjiao gave a slight nod. Huiyao then lowered his voice and continued, "But for now, with no one governing the seas, it is a prime opportunity for us to expand... I hope you could lend a hand..."
He added in a fawning tone, "If we gain higher status within the palace... it will be easier to help our allies, will it not?"
Li Yuanjiao understood immediately, but he had no desire to be used as a pawn by this demon. Shaking his head, he sighed, "I have an assignment at the moment, so I fear I will not be able to assist."
Huiyao added, "Oh, there is still plenty of time... It is only a rumor for now. When the time comes, all you need to do is join forces with me to kill a few demons, and that will be the end of it... My Hui clan... will certainly offer generous thanks."
Li Yuanjiao glanced at him, nodding noncommittally as he thought, When the family needs talisman qi, perhaps it will be worth considering.
Pleased, Huiyao took his leave, riding the wind in high spirits. Li Yuanjiao then turned to Kongheng. "Master Monk, could I trouble you to guard the island for a few days? I need to travel outside."
He planned to visit Splitreed Island but didn't give specific details. With arrangements made, he stepped off the island and flew northward on the wind.
————
Converging Sea.
When Li Xuanfeng spoke, Zhong Qian's face lit up with joy, and he nodded, bowing deeply. The initial shock he felt gradually eased, replaced by a sense of confusion, "Could it be that even the Devil Gate has such righteous individuals? Not only does he not want my precious herbs, but he also does not ask for compensation! And he is going to slay that demon..."
Having grown up in the Eastern Sea, Zhong Qian was naturally wary, always prepared to humble himself or bow if needed, but rarely trusting anyone as truly honorable. He thought to himself, But this man's aura is overwhelming, and he doesn't seem to mean me any harm. I'll just have to wait and see what he does... as long as he doesn't catch me off guard... I still have a chance to escape with this ancient talisman in my hand."
While he pondered, Li Xuanfeng finally spoke, his voice calm, "Come with me. Let us go meet them."
"Yes!" Zhong Qian had no choice but to obey. As he exited the formation and looked up, he saw that the dark clouds overhead were spreading out unimpeded, and he couldn't help but exclaim in alarm, "Senior, the island's protective formation is not active. That demon can sense my aura—it is likely already on its way."
"That is exactly what I want." Li Xuanfeng replied casually, stepping down the stone stairs.
Yuan Huo'e and several others waited respectfully at the foot of the mountain. Seeing the additional figure behind Li Xuanfeng, they dared not ask questions and instead greeted him in low voices, "Greetings, Daoist."
Zhong Qian noticed the respectful expressions on the faces of the market's attendants and realized that the man beside him was not only powerful but also held a high reputation within Azure Pond, with a prestigious status. He silently wondered, Could he be from the Chi Family?
Before he could think further, Li Xuanfeng approached the attendants, shook his head, and said, "This demon is coming for him. When the fighting begins, protect him."
.bg-ssp-10081{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} Yuan Huo'e didn't fully understand, but as Li Xuanfeng had come on the Daoist Master's orders, there was undoubtedly a reason. He didn't dare question it, only nodding and respectfully replying, "Understood!"
Li Xuanfeng then looked back at Zhong Qian and said quietly, "This demon must hate you deeply. Stay with these men, and do not leave the formation." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦
Hearing this, Zhong Qian finally believed him. There was no way Li Xuanfeng would go to such lengths just to play games with him. Cupping his fist, he said, "May I know Senior's name?"
"I am Li Xuanfeng, under Daoist Master Yuan Su." As soon as he finished speaking, a massive wave surged in the distance, moving closer with the sound of thunderous roars.
Li Xuanfeng looked toward it, standing with his hands behind his back, and remarked pointedly, "The domain of Azure Pond is vast; it is not like the Eastern Sea where one claims land by occupying islands. The structure differs greatly from that of the Eastern Sea—there are distinctions between family clans, immortal peaks, and Daoist Masters that should not be generalized."
Zhong Qian responded thoughtfully, "It sounds similar to the Dragon Palace's structure... I am enlightened, Senior."
Rain began to fall in a light drizzle. Nearby, Yuan Huo'e appeared increasingly uneasy. This water ape was a late Foundation Establishment Realm demon, and if Li Xuanfeng struggled or, worse, perished here, it would spell disaster for him.
The pressure from Yuan Su, the Ning Family, and the Li Family was no small matter. After a moment's hesitation, he finally steeled himself and sent a message through a secret technique, "Daoist... this demon is no small threat... Why not return what it seeks, make peace with both sides, and let the matter pass?"
Li Xuanfeng shook his head. He appreciated Yuan Huo'e's cautious suggestion, as the two clans had some rapport, and he replied kindly through the same secret technique, "The Daoist Master sent me to eliminate this demon."
Yuan Huo'e immediately understood, nodding as he retreated and respectfully saying, "If the Daoist needs anything, a call will bring us to the fight."
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