Taiyi Dao Fruit

The Clan Elder's idea was to preemptively defend; he tried to keep the initiative within the hands of the Jiang family, something that Jiang Li could understand.

Moreover, this also indicated that the value of the Supreme remained substantial; even as the situation changed, in the hearts of the people the Supreme were still the arbiters of the world's order, with every action capable of determining the tides of power.

Compared to the power of the Supreme, the side effects of the Emperor Dao Fruit seemed not so unacceptable.

Such were the thoughts of the Clan Elder.

As long as Jiang Li could assimilate the Emperor Dao Fruit, he could surge ahead and become one of the most eminent figures of the age.

Regrettably, this was not what Jiang Li desired.

For the Clan Elder, the Supreme were elusive, but for Jiang Li, reaching that level was merely a matter of time. And, considering the relationship between Jiang Li and the Gongsun Family, he couldn't possibly lay his hands on the Emperor Dao Fruit directly.

But all this was not something he could readily explain to the Clan Elder.

"Hope I won't really have to utter the words 'Hardship has befallen us' one day."

Thinking somewhat helplessly, Jiang Li had already reached the peak where Elder Yuheng resided.

Atop the peak, beneath an ancient pine tree, a plainly dressed young man in white robes had stood up, holding a sheathed jade sword, speaking with Gongsun Qingyue. Jiang Li landed on the peak and, addressing the elder as "Uncle-Master," went to pay his respects.

"Now that you yourself are an elder, there's no need for such formalities."

Elder Yuheng's temperament was more even-keeled compared to Elder Tianquan, very much like Feng Ziyang, reflecting the master-disciple tradition. However, for Jiang Li, a disciple of Tianxuan, Elder Yuheng still showed timely kindness, his voice even-tempered but not cold.

"I've already heard about the situation from niece Qingyue. This matter is not difficult, but I had planned to go to Liangzhou to find Ziyang after leaving here. Since you've asked me to escort, then help me bring Ziyang back."

Elder Yuheng spoke calmly, a sharp glint crossing his eyes, "Several days ago the Sect Leader messaged me, mentioning that the miscreant is now mingling with the Devil God Sect. Help me fetch him and throw him into Si Fan Valley for some proper reflection."

Sect Leader?

The word "trap" instantly sprang to Jiang Li's mind.

Even though Gongsun Qi had not openly revealed his identity, the higher echelons of the Sect were already aware of the Sect Leader's whereabouts, particularly those from Tianxuan who were quite wary of Gongsun Qi.

And Gongsun Qi was aware of this too, yet he still sent a message to Elder Yuheng, clearly harboring certain intentions.

"This could indeed be a trap, so I had originally planned to go to Liangzhou to meet with you, and then search for Ziyang. My disciple, no matter how contrary, must not be harmed by others. Moreover, Elder Kaiyang has been out of contact for a while; I need to ascertain his situation."

As he said this, the hand holding the sword unconsciously clenched tighter.

Elder Kaiyang, along with Yun Jiuye, had gone in search of people from the Upper Pure Sect and had joined forces with Upper Pure Sect experts to repel a band from the Taiping Sect. Almost a month had passed since then, and Elder Kaiyang had completely vanished.

Previously, Yun Jiuye had ventured to Kunxu Mountain and met his end there; Jiang Li's side was almost ready to confront the opposition, and the continued absence of Elder Kaiyang likely meant he'd fallen into enemy hands.

"I'll take care of Elder Kaiyang's matter too," Jiang Li took up the responsibility, "whether alive or dead, I will bring Elder Kaiyang back."

After all, Elder Kaiyang's search for the Upper Pure Sect had been partly due to Jiang Li, and he had a favorable impression of the elder. If there was a chance to save him, Jiang Li would not spare effort.

"Good," Elder Yuheng nodded.

After agreeing on their course of action, Jiang Li turned to Gongsun Qingyue and asked, "Sister, are you heading to the Divine Capital, or will you come with me to Liangzhou?"

In truth, she also needed to make a trip to Liangzhou to take part in the battle against the Taiping Sect.

The Wordless Heavenly Scripture of the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady was in Gongsun Qingyue's possession; arranging arrays and deploying Qimen were her specialties, playing a significant role on the battlefield. Moreover, with the breach in the Golden Dam of Liangzhou Shu County, the water disaster, though less severe, still persisted. If Gongsun Qingyue could deal with the flooding, it could greatly enhance the integration of the Dao Fruit.

The Wushan Divine Woman also had karma associated with water control.

Gongsun Qingyue hesitated momentarily before saying, "Let's go to Liangzhou. With my father returning to the Divine Capital, someone from the royal clan must be present in Liangzhou; otherwise, King Shu might exploit any gaps."

She actually wanted to avoid Jiang Li's "majesty." It had felt good to stand her ground before, but after experiencing her junior brother's discipline, it had been tough. Yet, the situation in Liangzhou required her presence.

While King Shu was ostensibly dead, the King Seal belonging to him had not been reclaimed and could not be reclaimed. The Emperor, the only one who could reclaim the King Seal, was still sealed.

If King Shu used the King Seal to overpower the Earth Deities under the court, then not one would escape unscathed.

This was how the Emperor's sealing affected the court's system.

Gongsun Qingyue could only hope Jiang Li would be gentle and not force her to plead with her master for mercy.

Of course, there was a chance Jiang Li wouldn't have the time.

With that thought, Gongsun Qingyue felt she might be in luck again.

Oblivious to his senior sister's mental storm, upon hearing Gongsun Qingyue's response, Jiang Li bid farewell to Elder Yuheng, taking Gongsun Qingyue with him to Liangzhou.

······

······

With Jiang Li's current strength, traveling thousands of miles did not require much effort; riding the wind, they swiftly traversed the undulating Daxing Mountain Range and re-entered the territory of Liangzhou Province.