Li Ximing frowned. The situation back then had indeed been chaotic. It had not been unreasonable for Tinglan and the others to choose to return to Mount Tangdao first. His own heir's breakthrough had prevented the matter from becoming a major disaster, and he had never found it appropriate to bring it up. As for whether Kan Ziyu had been present or would have acted, that was a separate matter entirely.

In just a few steps, they arrived at Shanji Prefecture and entered the mountain gate. Tinglan continued, "When she returned, her injuries were still under control. I gave her pills and told her to recuperate properly. But now it seems that amidst the chaos, she must have been struck by Wei Xuanyin's spirit treasure as well. [Veiled Yin] is hard to detect, so she must not have known she was struck by some divine ability."

Li Ximing felt a chill inwardly, There were many Daoist Masters present at that time. Why target someone like Zhugong instead of a core member of the Supreme Yang Dao lineage? Only striking at their direct lineage would have real impact. Targeting an obscure figure like her must have been a warning, a display meant to intimidate others!

He could tell from their expressions that the injuries were clearly severe. As Li Ximing entered the cave dwelling, he indeed heard the faint rustling of rodents, much like Kuiqi's condition back then. His expression grew more serious as he said, "Given the taboo surrounding Senior Kuiqi's condition back then... may I still go in to see her?"

Tinglan replied, "It is fine. Senior Shanbai has already stabilized her condition. We are just discussing how to resolve it."

The two entered together and pushed open the stone door. Inside, they saw a white-haired elder working at the side, using divine ability to grind medicine with a small green jade mortar. A faint glow accompanied his movements. He was at the mid-stage of the Purple Mansion Realm.

It must be Daoist Master Shanbai, a rare cultivator of the [Horn Wood] Dao.

Li Ximing greeted him, and the old man responded cheerfully. Tinglan then led him inside, her expression full of concern.

At the raised section of the main hall stood a jade bed. Beneath it, piles of red stones of varying sizes were stacked like a mountain, glowing with a vivid crimson hue. Countless red petals were packed into the gaps between the stones, forming a sea of flowers that stretched from the bedside all the way down the steps, almost burying the jade bed itself.

A young girl of sixteen or seventeen was leaning against the jade bed. Her eyes were half-lowered, her skin delicate and pale. She wore only a thin layer of red gauze, tied snugly at the collar, with the fabric draping down on both sides and resting lightly over the red flowers. Her jade-like legs extended from beneath the gauze, her bare feet resting among the petals.

Her cheeks carried a faint flush from her injuries, while her eyes remained dark. Upon seeing them enter, she forced a smile. "Greetings, Fellow Daoist Zhaojing!"

Li Ximing recognized Zhugong. Compared to her former boldness and unrestrained vigor, she now appeared somewhat fragile. In the dim cave dwelling, her eyes even carried a trace of unease.

"Fellow Daoist Zhugong..."

Li Ximing cupped his hands. Though the girl's flushed cheeks did not suggest imminent death, he could still keenly sense the fluctuating surges of divine ability within her.

Tinglan sighed and said, "Zhaojing, could you take a look?"

Li Ximing excused himself and took her wrist, which burned like hot coals. As his divine ability stirred slightly, a chill rose in his heart.

He could sense a damp and cold force of divine ability, rising and falling unpredictably, lingering within her body. It hid beneath the surface of her skin, faintly resonating with the great void as it coursed through her many profound acupoints. Whenever suppressed, it would immediately dissipate, only to reappear elsewhere.

What a vicious Veiled Yin technique...

Li Ximing frowned deeply. He was not unfamiliar with this type of lingering injury and said in a low voice, "I once suffered greatly from Changxiao’s [Mulberry Concord Ninefold Profound Method]. Techniques like this are the most insidious. Either it takes ten or twenty years to resolve, or it completely destroys the dharma body."

A flash of hatred crossed the girl's eyes, but it quickly faded as she replied, "What can be done? Wei Xuanyin is the National Preceptor of Zhao, a Grand Daoist Master. He took advantage of my weakened state and secretly struck me with a spirit treasure. Of course he could deceive me. From the look of it, he intends to destroy my dharma body and force me to retreat to the outer-sea to recover."

After she spoke, Tinglan fell silent. Li Ximing shook his head awkwardly, while Zhugong studied him carefully. Her gaze shifted as she thought, From what I heard about him and Changxi, I thought he was rigid and easy to scheme against. But he has gained the most in these past few years. As expected of someone who attained the Dao in the mainland, he cannot be underestimated.

After examining her condition, Li Ximing seemed thoughtful and said, "I once refined a pill that uses Valley Water to treat internal injuries. I am not sure how effective it will be, but let me discuss it with the senior first. He can diagnose and prescribe, and I will find a way to refine it." 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

He appeared fully committed, which caused a flicker of gratitude to pass through Zhugong's eyes. She thanked him softly as he stepped back.

Tinglan let out a breath of relief and sat beside her. "With him here, things are much easier. Having a suitable pill makes all the difference, especially one refined by a Bright Yang cultivator. If it truly cannot be cured, Hengxing has better methods. At worst, I will go and ask her for help!"

Zhugong looked somewhat troubled as she replied, "She has always treated me coldly... The outer-sea has always been like that. I grew up there. It was always kill or be killed. I hated that world where the strong devour the weak. After my master fell, I only managed to break through to the Purple Mansion Realm with that lord's help. I even cleared out one sea region, yet somehow I ended up the one at fault."

Tinglan shook her head silently and avoided the topic. "Just focus on recovering... Something has happened at sea again..."

Zhugong's expression immediately turned serious as she said, "The sea? The New Rain Scattered Reefs?"

Tinglan nodded and sighed. "Ever since someone deliberately created strange phenomena nearby, I have already recalled the important disciples and examined the earth veins in depth. This is no small matter. Whatever is beneath is constantly stirring. If this continues, others will inevitably find out."

Zhugong's expression shifted repeatedly before she finally let out a heavy breath, as if resigned. "If it truly cannot be controlled, then release it. Matters of the two Sheji[1] Daos are not something you and I can safeguard at our current level. My master told me long ago that if there is no other choice, it is better to let it go."

Tinglan's expression darkened as she said, "How can we release it? The consequences would be endless. Focus on your recovery first. Once things settle, we will discuss it again. Wenqing has now broken through. As long as we can disengage from the northern mire, sending someone to suppress it should be enough."

A complex emotion flashed through Zhugong's eyes. She murmured to herself, but ultimately did not speak aloud. How could there still be time... They have been at this for so long, leaving no gaps... Their schemes against you did not begin yesterday... In the end, those involved are always blind to it.

1. 社 (Shè) is the Earth God, representing the land, soil, and territory of a country. 稷 (Jì) is the Grain God, representing agriculture, harvests, and the livelihood of the people. It first appeared in Chapter 1227. ☜