Li An often engages in such matters.

So, would he be unclear about it?

In fact, from the start of this task, Li An already had an idea; if Leng Rufeng really obtained the lid of the Heaven-Devouring Demon Pot, then the fates of Li An, Su Yebai, Yuan Province, and others were already sealed...

Destruction!

The lid of the Heaven-Devouring Demon Pot is such a thing that, if others were to know it fell into Leng Rufeng’s hands, he would be hunted by the world, with no escape in either heaven or earth.

However, Zhao Qingtong, Yuan Province, and others have followed Leng Rufeng for many years, trusting him deeply, and being esteemed figures of Purple Cloud Mountain, they likely have not experienced much betrayal or deadly strife. Thus, they may not see through the intricacies, but Li An and Su Yebai are different; both are truly insightful people who can glimpse the whole picture with the slightest sign.

Therefore, Su Yebai made the most correct decision.

Escape.

Moreover, he shamelessly chose the same escape strategy as Li An — exploiting the situation first, profiting from it handsomely.

In reality, Li An also considered escaping; however, he now knows more than Su Yebai — the demon pot lid is not in Shangguan Shengxian’s hands!

Hence, according to Li An’s prediction, even if Shangguan Shengxian really has been tricked by Leng Rufeng, Leng Rufeng wouldn’t be able to get the demon pot lid, and so, naturally, he has no reason to kill all the informed disciples.

Otherwise, Li An and Su Yebai would both escape, and likely shave Zhao Qingtong’s wool thoroughly, leaving her utterly bare.

"If that’s the case... let it be."

Given Gu Fan’s disregard for others, Su Yebai can’t force the issue either, since he’s planning to escape now; demanding might backfire and expose his scheme, which wouldn’t be wise.

"I’ll rely on you two for the upcoming matters —"

Su Yebai bowed to the two and then turned to leave.

"Junior Brother Gu, as I know, you’re also from the Spirit Realm. You should help each other more with Junior Brother Su Yebai... But why are you acting like this?"

Zhao Qingtong couldn’t help but ask in confusion.

Li An said, "Reporting, Senior Sister, Su Yebai was originally from the Dao Sect, while I came from the demon cultivators; we are adversaries—"

"Moreover, this person is extremely cunning. In my opinion, Senior Sister shouldn’t trust him too much..."

Zhao Qingtong suddenly understood, but she couldn’t help but smile at Li An’s subsequent words. This Gu Fan truly measures a noble heart with a petty man’s mind.

...

Su Yebai departs.

Li An also ponders.

Although he has a clear grasp on the situation, there are still dangers.

He has now received much information about Shangguan Shengxian. She entered the Eleventh Heaven and first went to the Gong Clan. Later, due to Li An’s scheme, she was hunted.

Back when she was with the Gong Clan, she had refined the Source of Strange Demons.

She still remains in the Purple Cloud Province area; could she be searching for the demon pot lid too?

Why did she come to the Gong Clan?

Could Yi Lingwei be hiding in the Gong Clan? It shouldn’t be... Perhaps it’s just because the Gong Clan once led an attack on Lady Yi’s tomb, so she wants to find more clues here?

In this regard, Li An can’t figure it out.

He begins to deduce the possible scenarios.

Shangguan Shengxian reaches the Gong Clan, Li An and Zhao Qingtong trigger the Demon Summoning Array, Shangguan Shengxian would be scared away, and then Leng Rufeng would descend...

The whole process should be flawless.

But, everything must still be prepared thoroughly.

Li An thought for a while, then summoned Gongshan Xiu at night.

The Gong Clan was stunned upon receiving this command.

"What is he... this man is quite arrogant."

Gong Tianxiong spoke deeply, "After all, Xiu is our clan’s heir; even if he fancies Xiu, he should provide an explanation, becoming Dao companions. Summoning her at night like this, what decorum is there?"

"Forget it, given this person’s extraordinary status, Xiu can only make some sacrifice!"

An elder sighed, saying, "Xiu, once you go there, serve well, even if you can’t truly become Dao companions, you must establish a good relationship; it will benefit our Gong Clan in the future!"

Gongshan Xiu remained silent for a long time but eventually nodded.

That night, she quietly arrived at Li An’s residence.

Entering Li An’s room, her skirt slowly dropped...

"Xiu comes to serve Gu master."

Li An smiled slightly, saying, "Kneel down, don’t waste time—"

...

Next morning.

Li An had turned Gongshan Xiu into a puppet, storing her in his ring, yet he sent a message to the Gong Clan that he was very fond of Gongshan Xiu, and she would stay to accompany him for some time, with no disturbances from outsiders permitted.

...

A few days later.

"Junior Brother Gu, the master has sent word; it’s time to act—"

Zhao Qingtong sought out Li An, her expression serious as she spoke.

...

Simultaneously.

Outside the Gong Clan, at a mountain gate.

"Li An, is it you?"

Shangguan Shengxian murmured.

—after Lady Yi’s tomb was excavated, she inexplicably became a wanted person, forced to flee all around, and later captured by a mighty demon...

That demon was beyond powerful, accepted her as a disciple, yet let her wander throughout Purple Cloud Province.

According to the demon, the demon wanted to find someone, but who that person was or where they were hidden, the demon itself did not know; however, Shangguan Shengxian was obviously framed by someone related to that person, so since there was a connection with Shangguan Shengxian, he starts there...

For years, Shangguan Shengxian has been investigating.

Meanwhile, she occasionally refines some Source of Strange Demons to hand over to the demon.

Over the years, the answer has gradually surfaced in her mind...

The hairpin she suspects fell into her sister Shangguan Xiaoxiao’s hands.

But later, Shangguan Xiaoxiao also fled, and she seems incapable of setting her up...

It must be Li An, who has been a thorn in her side since the start in the Emperor Origin Realm...

With a quick thought, she steps towards the Gong Clan.

...

Good night.