But he did not know that at this moment, inside the Cave Mansion, that concubine, affected by his pessimistic mood, was also somewhat absent-minded. As she played with a fragrant flower, she inadvertently glanced up and saw a lifelike red paper crane on the window lattice. Her expression changed slightly, and she said to the Maid behind her, "You all go ahead and leave."

She looked at the paper crane with complex eyes, took it with trembling hands, unfolded it for a glance, and then tightly closed it again. Frowning, she paced back and forth in the room, sat down and stood up several times, finally bit her lip, went to the inner room to take a pass talisman, and then placed a lotus-shaped flying escape magic tool into a sachet. Afterward, she went to the outer room and instructed the maid, "If the master returns, say that I’m feeling stifled in the mansion and went out for a walk."

The maid simply said, "Madam, please return early, lest the master worries if it’s too late."

The concubine snapped, "Why do you need to meddle?"

She threw the Magic Artifact on the ground, stepped on it with her feet, silently recited a spell, and shortly after, rose into the air, flying out of the mountain.

Nowadays, the Han Yuan Sect has expanded over a hundred miles, and the sect is no longer as cramped as before. Thus, after descending the mountain, she still had to walk a stretch before she could exit the Mountain Gate,

Despite holding Chu Muran’s token, she remained extremely cautious. Several times encountering Patrol Disciples, she managed to avoid them. After more than an hour, she left the Han Yuan Territory and headed west into a maple forest.

After circling a few times, she saw under the bright moonlight a young cultivator standing atop a treetop. She also settled on the Magic Artifact and slowly descended, coldly saying, "Gao Zhongyuan, didn’t you leave? What do you want from me again?"

Gao Zhongyuan chuckled and said, "Lady Xin, you stuck with that loser Chu Muran, and your airs have increased quite a bit. Have you forgotten what you did for me?"

"You..." Lady Xin seemed somewhat panicked, "You said that after I did that for you, you wouldn’t disturb me anymore."

Gao Zhongyuan sneered, "That’s then, this is now. If you believed it, it only shows how foolish you are. Besides, I painstakingly planted you as a covert piece, so naturally I have to make good use of it."

Lady Xin pleaded, "I just want to live a peaceful life, Junior Brother Gao, please let me go."

"Peaceful?" Gao Zhongyuan snorted, "Han Yuan Sect is on the brink of destruction. Where do you find a peaceful life to live?"

Lady Xin shook her head frantically, her voice trembling, "No, no, with True Master Zhang here, he’s Master Shen’s nephew, how could anything happen to Han Yuan Sect? Impossible, impossible..."

"True Master Zhang?"

Gao Zhongyuan said mockingly, "Don’t be afraid when I tell you, my mentor is now at E Mountain, and my senior uncle Qu Changzhi will also arrive shortly. We’re planning to take over the immortal city, and I’m afraid Daoist Zhang will not be able to protect himself by then. Who knows who will control the Han Yuan Sect then."

Lady Xin’s face turned pale, "What exactly do you want me to do?"

Gao Zhongyuan smiled and said, "That’s better. Listen, it’s very simple. Chu Muran has a Supreme Treasure left by Shen Baishuang years ago, its power is extraordinary. I want you to steal it so Daoist Zhang can’t use it."

Lady Xin looked distressed and urgently said, "The master’s Dharma Treasure is kept close to him, how can I get it?"

Gao Zhongyuan gave her a deep look and said leisurely, "I know you will find a way."

After finishing, he laughed loudly, ignored the woman, and soared into the sky on a smoke cloud, disappearing.

Zhao Ge, having returned from Xuyi Sect to the sect, heard that Zhang Yan summoned him. Without bothering to tidy his clothes, he hurriedly came to pay respects. Upon reaching the mountaintop, he saw Zhang Yan standing with hands behind him at the cliff edge. Zhao Ge cautiously approached, saluting, "Greetings, Pavilion Master."

Zhang Yan turned around, smiling, "Junior Brother Zhao, no need to be formal. I’ve called you here to inquire about something. You recently went to Chu Kingdom; do you know of any changes?"

Zhao Ge thought for a moment, hesitating slightly, "There is indeed a major event, but I’m not sure if it counts."

Zhang Yan said, "Tell me about it."

Zhao Ge organized his thoughts briefly before replying, "This matter has a long history. Going further east from Chu Kingdom is Great Qi Country. These two countries, whether in territory or boundaries, are almost identical. However, over a hundred years ago, due to a minor issue, they started having conflicts, repeatedly waging wars. Many cultivators on both sides have fought dozens of times, with many casualties. This time while visiting Chu Kingdom, I heard these two countries are fighting again."

Qi Country is where the Xuanyue Sect, another Great Sect, is located. The war between the two countries is essentially a battle between the Zhongtai Sect and the Xuanyue Sect.

Zhang Yan pondered to himself, "Xuanyue Sect can contend evenly with Zhongtai Sect, which means their strength is close. If so, how does Zhongtai Sect have the leisure to involve itself in the northern affairs of Divine House Mountain? There must be more to this."

At this moment, Zhang Boyant entered from outside. Zhang Yan looked up, his gaze conveying inquiry.

Zhang Boyant immediately said a few words by transmitting sound.

A flash of sharp light passed through Zhang Yan’s eyes. He first walked a few steps, then pointed to a nearby bell pavilion and said, "Junior Brother Zhao, go ring that copper bell."

Zhao Ge was momentarily stunned, then responded, "Yes."

He bowed, entered the bell pavilion, and pushed a large wooden beam. Soon after, the deep sound of the gong spread throughout the mountain gate.

Once this gong is sounded, it is the Sect Leader gathering the disciples. Any disciple who hears it must arrive at the main hall within a quarter of an hour; otherwise, they will be dealt with according to sect rules.

Zhang Yan nodded, "Junior Brother, I shall step out for a moment."

Zhao Ge, puzzled, asked, "Isn’t the Pavilion Master gathering the disciples? Where are you going now?"

Zhang Yan nonchalantly said, "I’ve heard that there’s a rogue disciple of the Han Yuan Sect in the E Mountain Sect. I’ll go take his head first, then see the disciples; there’s still plenty of time."

...

...(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)