Chapter 1186: Chapter 357: Dynasty Alliance, Cultivator Alliance, True Order!

Sikong Yan paused for a moment, then burst into wild laughter: "I have to say, you’re just as crafty as that old fellow. That’s right, it’s about erasing memory."

As his laughter subsided, he lowered his voice and said, "Because by doing this, if he ever finds himself in a bind, and others don’t get the secret formula, at least he can find a way to survive."

"After all, if someone else got the secret formula, they’d likely do the same as the old fellow did to his alchemy brother, kill them to silence them and keep the formula to themselves."

Hearing this, Zhou Qing gained a deeper understanding of the Old Emperor’s shrewdness.

"Then how did you manage to see the secret formula back then?" Zhou Qing pressed on.

Sikong Yan only chuckled slyly, a hint of craftiness flashing in his eyes: "Some secrets cannot be revealed."

"Forget it, let’s not talk about this anymore. In any case, with you joining us this time, seizing the secret formula is just around the corner. Let’s focus on the matter at hand first."

Seeing this, Zhou Qing did not press further.

It seemed that as a former Grand Prince, he should have his own channels.

Sikong Yan looked at Zhou Qing, a hint of amusement crossing his eyes: "Considering the time, in about three days, the Glazed Tower will need to be replenished with spiritual power."

"This time, you shouldn’t leave. Stay within Jintian Palace, and it’ll be convenient for us to act when the time comes."

Zhou Qing’s gaze suddenly turned sharp: "I need you to promise me one thing."

"What is it?" Sikong Yan raised an eyebrow.

"Xuanyuan Shuo has returned to the court, along with the Old Emperor, the current Emperor, and other Spirit Severing Realm individuals who are gradually arriving because I was promoted to a Fourth-level Array Master..."

Zhou Qing spoke each word carefully, "With so many strong people gathering, the situation is complex. I need you to guarantee—"

He suddenly stepped closer, spiritual power flickering around him: "Don’t mess up when the time comes. Otherwise, our cooperation ends here."

Sikong Yan was taken aback, then burst into hearty laughter: "Are you talking about that time with the Nangong Family?"

He shrugged, looking innocent, "I was just preparing for the plan ahead. I haven’t fought anyone of the same realm since breaking through to the Spirit Severing Realm."

A hint of excitement flashed in his eyes: "If something goes wrong with the operation and we run into other Spirit Severing Realms, at least I’ll be mentally prepared, right?"

Zhou Qing gazed at him coldly.

"Alright, alright!" Sikong Yan raised his hands in surrender, "I know my limits. This time, I’ll go in and out quietly without any complications!"

Only then did Zhou Qing withdraw his gaze: "You better live up to your words."

With that, he turned and left.

"Hey, wait!" Sikong Yan quickly caught up, "Why don’t you stay here? The auntie’s cooking is delicious, not worse than your Taiqing Sect’s Jade Dining Hall."

But with a few leaps, Zhou Qing disappeared into the night.

Sikong Yan stood there, shaking his head helplessly: "Like a stubborn little mule."

He pouted, "Won’t even drink water at my place, as if I’m going to poison him. Am I that kind of person?"

...

After leaving Jintian Palace, Zhou Qing did not seek out Senior Brother and Second Senior Sister but instead followed a map of the Imperial City he had purchased and headed west alone.

After a long journey, passing through several desolate palace paths and circling around a shadow wall covered with withered vines, a solitary courtyard appeared at the corner of the palace walls.

The ebony plaque under the eaves, bearing the name "Green Crane Courtyard," had faded, and the gold paint had peeled, revealing several cracked lines.

The two mottled vermilion gates were ajar, with clusters of wild herbs growing through the gaps.

The door knocker was covered in verdigris, indicating no one had knocked for a long time.

This was the residence of the Fourth Prince Xuanyuan Crane.

After departing from Taichu Dojo, White Crane returned to the Imperial City and heard about the Ghost Mastiff incident.

After all, having once belonged to the Taiqing Sect and due to Second Senior Sister, he was well acquainted with Senior Brother.

Therefore, Zhou Qing speculated that with White Crane’s mid-stage Divinity Transformation Realm cultivation and lack of connections, he could only choose the most cumbersome way.

He spent a whole year outside the Nangong Family at Yaoguang Mansion, searching for clues, and eventually informed Elder Mo to aid the Taiqing Sect.

He deeply remembered this kindness in his heart.

Moreover, if he indeed ended up with Second Senior Sister in the future, he’d have to call him brother-in-law.

Zhou Qing observed carefully and quietly leaped into the courtyard.

Under the corridor, several palace lanterns that had long been extinguished swung gently in the wind, covered with thick dust.

The stone steps before the main hall were strewn with withered leaves, presenting a slightly better appearance than Jintian Palace.

"This White Crane sure is..." Zhou Qing shook his head and chuckled, momentarily unable to find the right word to describe him.

They said the Fourth Prince disliked power struggles and often traveled the world. Seeing it for himself now, he realized the rumors were true.

He then released his Divine Sense but felt no sign of life, which seemed to indicate that he wasn’t there.

"Could he still be over at Yaoguang Mansion?" Zhou Qing wondered.

He decided to find a secluded corner, brushed off the dust, and sat cross-legged.

Three days later, before the morning mist had cleared, he headed straight for Jintian Palace.

...

As soon as he landed in the courtyard, Sikong Yan swaggered over with a wine jug in hand: "I’ve got good news for you. When Xuanyuan Yichen left the capital, I set a Soul-Chasing Mark on him."

"This time when Xuanyuan Shuo returned, I deliberately circled outside but couldn’t sense the mark, so that guy is most likely still at the border."

Sikong Yan said, shaking the wine jug.

Seeing Zhou Qing’s eyes light up, Sikong Yan grinned: "After this matter is settled, if you still have grievances, you can go to the border to find him."

Zhou Qing squinted his eyes slightly.

Now that he had control of the Hidden Dragon Path, he could reach the border in about three months if he hurried.

Moreover, that guy had some secrets on him, especially concerning the fifth-level Cultivation Country.

If he acted in the Imperial City and couldn’t capture him quickly, it would indeed put himself in danger.