Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 453 Intricacies
When Fu Chao and Li Yunjing landed at the city gate, they immediately attracted the attention of the guards.

Several armored cultivators stepped forward and blocked their path.

"Fellow Daoists, you need to show your identity tokens to enter the city."

The lead guard spoke politely, but his attitude was resolute.

"One of our own!"

Fu Chao snorted coldly and took out a purple-gold token from his pocket, with the four characters "Shenxiao Dao Sect" engraved on the front.

Upon seeing this, the guard's expression changed, and he quickly and respectfully stepped aside: "So you are a senior disciple of the sect, please come in!"

With Fu Chao showing his identity token, Li Yunjing naturally didn't need it, and the two entered the city smoothly.

As soon as they entered the city, Fu Chao said impatiently, "Old Li, let's go straight to the city lord! The Zhao family's matter must be resolved as soon as possible, otherwise there will be endless trouble!"

"it is good!"

Li Yun nodded, and the two quickly headed towards the City Lord's Mansion.

The City Lord's Mansion was no stranger to Li Yunjing and Fu Chao.

Li Yunjing's first prison term was for a conflict with people from the "Yuanyang Dao Sect" at the City Lord's Mansion. The sect sentenced him to three years in prison for damaging their alliance.

Recalling the past now, Li Yunjing felt quite emotional.

I wonder if that deputy city lord from back then is still here.
In front of the "City Lord's Mansion", there are two huge stone lions, lifelike, as if they might pounce down at any moment.

Several cultivators clad in silver armor stood at the entrance of the mansion, exuding powerful auras; they were clearly experts at the Foundation Establishment stage.

Fu Chao and Li Yunjing stepped forward, but one of the guards stopped them: "Fellow Daoists, what brings you here?"

"We are true disciples of the 'Shenxiao Dao Sect.' We have urgent business requiring us to meet with the City Lord or several Deputy City Lords. Please inform them!"

Li Yunjing showed his true disciple token and said softly.

"Senior brothers, please wait a moment, I will go and inform them right away."

Upon seeing the token of the true disciple, the guard's expression turned solemn, and he immediately spoke.

Within the "Shenxiao Dao Sect," the status of a true disciple is comparable to that of a top steward, and some powerful figures can even be compared to elders.

When the guards saw that a true disciple had something to ask them, they naturally dared not neglect him.

At this person's instruction, a guard quickly ran into the "City Lord's Mansion" to deliver the message.

Li Yunjing and Fu Chao didn't wait long at the door before the person from before hurriedly returned and respectfully said, "Senior brothers, Vice City Lord Wang invites you."

"Please lead the way, brother!"

Li Yunjing nodded, showing no displeasure.

When they came, they said they wanted to see the city lord, but in reality, the chances of them actually seeing the city lord were slim.

After all, the city lord is a great figure at the Nascent Soul Realm.

How could someone like this be someone a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator could simply meet at will?
Being received by a deputy city lord was already considered a good treatment.

The two followed the guards into the "City Lord's Mansion".

The mansion was luxuriously decorated and filled with spiritual energy, clearly a treasure trove for cultivation.

Before long, they were led to a spacious hall.

In the center of the hall sat a middle-aged man dressed in a purple robe.

His face was dignified, his eyes were like lightning, and he exuded a powerful aura. He was none other than Wang Tianhua, the deputy city lord of the "City of Glory," a peak Golden Core Realm expert.

He was a very famous figure even within the entire "Shenxiao Dao Sect".

This person is the one who dealt with Li Yunjing!
"Disciple Li Yunjing (Fu Chao) pays respects to Vice City Lord Wang!"

Upon seeing this important figure, Li Yunjing and Fu Chao dared not be negligent and bowed and greeted him at the same time.

Wang Tianhua nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the two men, and said calmly, "Li Yunjing! Fu Chao! What important matter do you have to see me about?"

Li Yunjing stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Vice City Lord Wang, we have just been pursued by the Zhao family of Beilu County! The Zhao family has colluded with the demonic path and intends to harm us. We beg Vice City Lord Wang to do us justice!"

Li Yunjing speaks with great tact!
The matter of Tian Hongzi was not revealed.

Since there is no evidence, speaking out would only cause more trouble.

Moreover, he was unwilling to publicize such a scandalous affair within the sect.

There's no need to rush things when the time comes to settle the score with Tian Hongzi.

Fu Chao looked at Li Yunjing, opened his mouth as if to say something, but seeing Li Yunjing's stern gaze, he wisely shut his mouth and dared not say anything more.

Zhao family?

Upon hearing this, Wang Tianhua frowned slightly: "How dare they be so bold? This matter is of great importance, and you two must not frame the Zhao family!"

In Wang Tianhua's view, neither Li Yunjing nor Fu Chao were honest people.

If the two of them use him to eliminate their rivals, then they'll be in big trouble.

The Zhao family wields considerable influence in the cultivation world of the Ming Dynasty and is also an important vassal of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect".

If things are handled unfairly, it will likely cause dissatisfaction among all the affiliated forces!

In this situation, even Wang Tianhua had to be careful and cautious, and could not afford to make any mistakes!

Of course, if what Li Yunjing and Fu Chao said is true and they can provide strong evidence, and the Zhao family is found guilty, Wang Tianhua will not show any mercy!

Any force that dares to ambush and kill a true disciple of the "Divine Firmament Dao Sect" is guilty of a capital offense, regardless of the reason!
“Vice City Lord Wang, this is absolutely true.”

Li Yunjing added, "I have already killed three Golden Core cultivators from the Zhao family. Here are their heads, as well as the Zhao family's identity tokens. Please check them, Vice City Lord Wang!"

As they spoke, Li Yunjing took out a "treasure pouch," stepped forward, and used his magic to lift it up, passing it to Wang Tianhua on the high seat.

After examining the documents, Wang Tianhua saw three human heads and was shocked!
Li Yunjing and Fu Chao were limited by their knowledge and did not know who these three people were. Wang Tianhua had been in charge of the north for three hundred years, how could he not know who they were?

Wang Tianhua's gaze fell on Li Yunjing, and he could hardly believe that this kid had killed three Golden Core Realm cultivators from the Zhao family in one battle.

Li Yunjing's name is renowned even in the northern frontier!
These high-ranking officials would always mention Li Yunjing's name when discussing rising stars in their sects.

Despite the distance between "City of Glory" and "Divine Firmament Dao Sect," they are very well-informed.

These important figures also knew that Li Yunjing had become Qin Jiuxiao's disciple, served as the chief steward of "Seven Star Peak," and formed the "Purple Cloud Party," harboring ambitions to seize the supreme throne of the sect leader.

At the time, they even treated it as a joke!

It's not that they doubt Li Yunjing's potential!
It's not that time is running out!
Many years have passed since Ming Lingchuan broke through to the Nascent Soul Realm. He may resign from his position as sect leader at any time to pursue the path of immortality.

Li Yunjing's cultivation progressed very quickly, almost like he was riding a rocket, advancing by leaps and bounds!
However, it would be extremely difficult for Li Yunjing to break through to the Golden Core Realm.

Meanwhile, some potential competitors have already successfully reached the Core Formation stage.

According to the regulations, the supreme leader of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" must be at the Golden Core Realm level to take over!

This is the bottom line!

That's why Wang Tianhua didn't take Li Yunjing's competition for the supreme position of sect leader seriously.

Seeing Li Yunjing kill three experts at the fifth or sixth level of the Golden Core Realm stirred up a huge wave in Wang Tianhua's heart.

The Zhao family's experts are quite formidable!

Even his commanders would have to put in some effort to kill the other party in a one-on-one fight!

In other words, Li Yunjing's combat strength is strong enough to rank him among the top ten in the "City of Glory"!
Of course, this is because the main force of "City of Glory" was transferred away, and they lost their top players.

The main force of "City of Glory" went to "Shenxiao Pass" and was stationed in "Youyue Kingdom", while a branch was scattered in "Hengyue Mountain Range".

In the "City of Glory," the current forces are extremely weak. Apart from one Nascent Soul Realm expert, Wang Tianhua is the strongest, followed by a dozen or so Golden Core Realm cultivators.

Most of these dozen or so Golden Core cultivators were no match for Li Yunjing!

After a moment's hesitation, Wang Tianhua slowly said, "The Zhao family is a powerful clan in the Northern Region, and this matter is of utmost importance. However, rest assured, I will immediately contact the sect and report this matter. As for the Zhao family, I will send people to secretly monitor them, and if they really try to escape, they will not be let off lightly!"

Fu Chao and Li Yunjing breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

With Wang Tianhua involved, things became much easier.

"Thank you very much, Deputy City Lord Wang!"

The two said in unison.

"You may rest at the City Lord's Mansion for now!"

Wang Tianhua waved his hand and said calmly, "I will make arrangements after I contact the sect."

The two nodded in agreement and were then led by the guards to the guest room in the backyard to rest.

The conditions at the "City Lord's Mansion" were naturally excellent. Although it was called a guesthouse, it was actually comparable to a manor, with pavilions and towers everywhere. It was no smaller than Fu Chao's cultivation place and was second only to "Qiwu Manor".

It's only natural that people of Li Yunjing's and Fu Chao's status would enjoy such treatment.

After the two entered, they went into the living room with practiced ease to discuss the next steps. Fu Chao sat in a chair, his face still somewhat gloomy.

He muttered under his breath, "Those ingrates from the Zhao family dared to lay a hand on us! When the clan sends people, I'll personally wipe them out!"

"never mind!"

Li Yunjing smiled and comforted him, "Don't worry, Deputy City Lord Wang has already agreed to help, and the matter will be resolved soon. Don't let your family cause any more trouble."

"Fine! I'll swallow this for now!"

Fu Chao nodded, but the anger in his eyes had not subsided.

Seeing that Fu Chao's emotions had calmed down a bit, Li Yunjing continued, "The most important thing right now is to wait for the sect's response. Although the Zhao family is powerful, since they dare to collude with the demonic path, the sect will definitely not sit idly by. We just need to wait patiently and observe how things develop."

"You're right, there's no use in rushing now."

Fu Chao took a deep breath and nodded: "However, I always feel that things are not that simple. Since the Zhao family dared to attack us, there must be a bigger conspiracy behind it."

"The Zhao family is nothing more than a pawn."

A cold glint flashed in Li Yunjing's eyes as he whispered, "I think the two of us may have unintentionally done something meritorious because of this incident!"

Upon hearing this, Fu Chao frowned: "You mean... the collusion between the Zhao family and the demonic path involves a deeper conspiracy?"

"Not bad!"

Li Yunjing nodded and said calmly, "Based on my analysis, I feel that in recent years, the sects have been incredibly powerful, oppressing all kinds of demonic forces. These demonic forces may have infiltrated, wanting to disrupt the rear and cause unrest!"

"The Zhao family shouldn't be the only force that has been courted by the demonic path!"

Finally, Li Yunjing added one more sentence.

"That's really bad!"

Upon hearing Li Yunjing's analysis, Fu Chao's expression changed drastically, and he exclaimed in surprise.

"Never mind all that! If the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up!"

Li Yunjing shook his head and said calmly, "We must improve our strength as soon as possible, otherwise we may not be so lucky next time."

"you're right!"

Fu Chao agreed wholeheartedly and nodded, saying, "Once this matter is resolved, I will also go into seclusion to cultivate and strive to advance one or two minor realms as soon as possible."

As the two were talking, they suddenly heard a light footstep outside the door.

Li Yunjing's eyes narrowed, and he said in a low voice, "Someone is coming."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a guard's voice came from outside the door: "Senior brothers, Vice City Lord Wang requests your presence."

Li Yunjing and Fu Chao exchanged a glance, their hearts tightening simultaneously.

The fact that Wang Tianhua summoned them so quickly clearly indicates that things have taken a new turn.

"We'll head over there now."

Li Yunjing responded, then stood up, straightened his robes, and led Fu Chao to the council hall with the guards.

In the hall, Wang Tianhua was still sitting in the main seat, but his expression was more serious than before.

Upon seeing Li Yunjing and Fu Chao enter, he nodded slightly, gesturing for them to sit down.

"Vice City Lord Wang, what instructions does the sect have?"

After Li Yunjing sat down, he asked directly.

"I have already gone to great lengths to report this matter directly to the sect's higher-ups."

Wang Tianhua pondered for a moment and slowly said, "The sect attaches great importance to this matter and has already sent several law enforcement elders to the Zhao family to investigate."

"Has there been any unusual activity from the Zhao family?"

Li Yunjing nodded and asked.

"The Zhao family is indeed extraordinary."

Wang Tianhua sneered: "I just sent people to monitor them and discovered that they have already started transferring assets, seemingly preparing to flee Beilu County."

"However, they can't escape!"

"Our 'Shenxiao Dao Sect' has teleportation arrays all over the world!"

"Even the Supreme Elder of the 'City of Glory' has set off!"

"A Nascent Soul Realm ancestor is enough to suppress everything and will not allow anyone to escape!"

Upon hearing this, Fu Chao couldn't help but slam his hand on the table and stand up, laughing loudly, "Excellent! These thieves are cowardly and want to run away, but with the Ancestor taking charge and controlling the situation, they won't be able to escape!"

"Excellent! The Zhao family has developed quite well over the years! They have enormous wealth; we can't let them take these resources and run away from the cultivation world of the Great Ming!"

Li Yunjing echoed this.

"Don't worry, they can't run away."

Wang Tianhua waved his hand, signaling Li Yunjing and Fu Chao to calm down: "However, the Zhao family is, after all, a major clan in the Northern Region, with complex and intertwined forces behind them. We must wait for the Enforcement Elder to arrive, investigate thoroughly, and confirm the facts before we can completely eliminate them."

"Vice City Lord Wang's considerations are thorough."

Li Yunjing nodded and said in a deep voice, "We will follow your arrangements."

"Li Yunjing, your strength has truly impressed me."

Wang Tianhua nodded in satisfaction, then his gaze fell on Li Yunjing, and he said meaningfully, "However, the Zhao family's matter is just the beginning, and the situation may become more complicated. You should be prepared."

Li Yunjing felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that Wang Tianhua's words had a hidden meaning.

He nodded solemnly and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Vice City Lord Wang. I understand."

"Alright, you guys go back and rest now!"

Wang Tianhua waved his hand and said calmly, "Now, this matter has nothing to do with you. Do whatever you want! You don't need to wait for news."

"Okay! Let's rest for a few days, check out the new 'City of Glory' here, and then make a decision!"

Li Yunjing and Fu Chao stood up, bowed, exchanged a few words, and then left the hall.

Back at the inn, Fu Chao couldn't help but ask, "Li Yunjing, what did Vice City Lord Wang mean by his last words?"

"Vice City Lord Wang is reminding us that the Zhao family's affair may just be a trigger."

Li Yunjing's gaze was deep as he said in a low voice, "It seems that the great figures in the sect are exceptionally wise. I was overthinking things."

"Oh! That's good! The important figures in the sect are aware of the situation, which is why we weren't ambushed by the demonic path."

Fu Chao clenched his fist again, his face full of pain, and said, "What a pity! The Zhao family's gold and silver mountains and endless resources have all been seized by the sect. We brothers can't get anything!"

"Heh! Why bother with these things at a time like this? Besides, the matter is settled, and we'll still get our share of the credit!"

Li Yunjing couldn't help but shake his head.

After hearing Li Yunjing's words, Fu Chao, though still unwilling, knew the gravity of the situation and could only sigh.

"You're right, the most important thing now is the overall situation of the sect."

Fu Chao sighed twice, forced a smile, and then asked, "So what do we do next? Deputy City Lord Wang said we can move freely. Are we really just going to sit here and wait?"

Li Yunjing pondered for a moment, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes: "Let's spend a couple of days looking around! Afterwards, we'll inquire about Yu Yunyi and Lü Ruoxi's situation!"

Upon hearing this, Fu Chao immediately became interested: "Let's go! This city has changed so much, I really want to take a good look!"

Li Yunjing looked out the window; it was almost dusk.

"Let's get some rest tonight and recharge. Tomorrow morning, we'll go check on the situation in 'City of Glory'."

Having not rested for several days, Li Yunjing was also preparing to conserve his energy and improve his condition to perfection.

"Okay! Let's meet tomorrow and go shopping together!"

Fu Chao nodded in agreement, and the two discussed the details further before returning to their respective rooms to rest.

The next morning, Li Yunjing and Fu Chao got up early, had a simple breakfast, and then left the "City Lord's Mansion".

On the streets of "City of Glory," the two appeared to be wandering aimlessly, but in reality, they were secretly observing the movements around them.

This city truly lives up to its reputation as a major town in the Northern Region, with wide streets, numerous shops, and a constant stream of cultivators coming and going.

At noon, the two entered a teahouse, ordered a pot of spiritual tea, and sat quietly in a corner, listening to the surrounding cultivators discuss the "City of Glory" and the "Crossing the Mountains".

Li Yunjing and Fu Chao listened to these discussions and pondered to themselves.

It seems that the sect's development of the "Crossing Mountains" has entered a new stage!

Settlements were gradually established in the territories promised to various forces back then.

This place became the largest settlement outside of the Ming Dynasty's cultivation world.

(End of this chapter)