At this time, Li Yanchu had an icy expression. Back inside Qingyun Temple, he asked coldly, “What exactly happened? Didn’t Hongtu return to Jinchuan?” Xu Lingsu sighed and said, “I went back to Jinchuan with him. But on the way, we were ambushed by a group of mysterious people. They captured Hongtu.” “Mr. Liang fought to the death and managed to kill one of them, but he exhausted himself and died too. I was injured and barely escaped.” “Although they were in disguise, I recognized where they came from. They’re from the Shaman Sect beyond the borders.” The “Mr. Liang” she mentioned was the martial expert who had come earlier to escort Bai Hongtu. “The Shaman Sect?” Li Yanchu frowned. “Why would they capture Hongtu?” Xu Lingsu said slowly, “The Shaman Sect has a sacred site known as the Heavenly Palace of Myriad Phenomena. I think they’ve taken an interest in Hongtu’s Heavenly Yi Nobleman Fate[1]. They may want to use it to locate the temple, but I’m not entirely sure of their motives.” “So that means Hongtu isn’t in immediate danger?” “It’s said the Heavenly Palace lies within Mount Hengduan beyond the border, a legendary sacred place where immortality may be sealed away. If they’re using Hongtu to find the temple, then at least for now, his life shouldn’t be in danger.” Hearing this, Li Yanchu’s tightly furrowed brow relaxed slightly. However, Xu Lingsu didn’t know much more about the legends beyond the border, only that the temple was supposedly within Mount Hengduan. She couldn’t offer much more information. “When exactly was Hongtu captured?” Li Yanchu asked. “I was injured by them, and one of them chased me all the way. I barely managed to escape back to Wei City, and I haven’t had the chance to inform the Bai family yet.” Li Yanchu frowned deeply. So, Hongtu had been ambushed just after leaving Wei City? Was it really such a coincidence? Or... had these people been watching him for a long time, waiting to strike? A thoughtful look flickered in his eyes. “Do you have any of Hongtu’s clothing or personal belongings on you?” Li Yanchu asked in a low voice. Xu Lingsu thought for a moment, then took out a jade pendant from inside her robes. It was crystal clear and exquisitely made, and it was clearly expensive. “Hongtu gave this to me recently. I never imagined he’d be captured right after that...” she said with a heavy heart. Li Yanchu took the jade pendant and immediately began performing the Art of Pursuit. A faint trace of aura emerged from the jade pendant, and it was almost invisible to the naked eye. His eyes lit up. Even though it had been many days and the distance was likely far, at least he had found a clue. This Art of Pursuit was useful for locating people by sensing their lingering energy, it could reveal a direction. Suddenly, that faint aura shattered violently, and Li Yanchu’s expression darkened. Someone among the group had sensed his the Art of Pursuit and deliberately dispelled it! “Where’s your mother right now?” Li Yanchu asked. “She’s in the middle of an important phase of spiritual recovery... I can’t get in touch with her,” Xu Lingsu replied with a distressed look on her face. “I know I schemed against you before, Daoist Master, and you spared me only because of Hongtu. This time, I swear to the heavens, if there’s even a single false word in what I say, may I be struck by lightning and die a horrible death! Please, Daoist Master, I beg you to take action!” Xu Lingsu, afraid that Li Yanchu wouldn’t believe her, looked visibly anxious. Li Yanchu shook his head and looked at her deeply. “Since something happened to Hongtu, I will definitely find him and bring him back.” He then asked for a detailed description of the people who had taken him, as well as the direction they had gone. After listening, he formed a rough idea in his mind. There were three people in total: one was a burly middle-aged man, over eight chi tall, with knotted muscles like a fierce bear; another was an elderly man with white hair, sharp eyes, and a depth of wisdom that made it seem as though he could see straight into one’s heart; the third was a mysterious figure cloaked in black robes, their gender indistinguishable—this was the one who had broken Bai Hongtu’s Flying Sword Technique and wounded Xu Lingsu. This mysterious person wielded a sinister drum made of human skin, which could plunge people into a state of confusion and disorientation. Such a trio would certainly stand out within the borders of the Kingdom of Qian, but with their strange and powerful techniques, they’d also be hard to track. Li Yanchu first went to the county office to find Chen Yang, a military officer of the Court of Judicial Review. The Court of Judicial Review was a powerful imperial institution of the Kingdom of Qian tasked with handling demons, spirits, and supernatural threats. It was full of hidden masters and had influence across the entire nation. Chen Yang held a high position within it due to his special status. With his help, Li Yanchu would gain a powerful ally. Chen Yang readily agreed. He already owed Li Yanchu a life-saving debt. Later, the two had parted ways while seeking immortality opportunities, and although they competed during the hunt for the celestial relics, their relationship remained close. Especially since Li Yanchu had single-handedly slain the demonic tree within the ruins of the immortal's temple, turning the tide, and even defeated undead horrors from the Blissful Lands. In the end, he had appeared like a divine being, splitting apart a tiger-headed, human-faced monster with a single strike. It was a display of overwhelming might. His actions had even triggered celestial phenomena. To someone like Chen Yang, a man worth forging ties with, such a person would have great value in the future. As for the so-called “Fruit of Immortality,” it had already fallen into demonic hands and was incredibly dangerous and sinister. Chen Yang had been very wary of it. And he hadn’t witnessed the moment when the renshen fruit was later cleansed of its evil qi and revealed its life-giving vitality. Therefore, there was no reason not to befriend a young genius like Li Yanchu. “Rest assured, Daoist. I will definitely send someone to investigate this matter, and as soon as there’s news, I’ll inform you right away,” said Chen Yang. The Court of Judicial Review, Ministry of Justice, and Court of Censors were collectively known as the Three Judicial Offices. In matters , they wield great authority and influence and were invaluable sources of support. Thɪs chapter is updated by 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⁂𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⁂𝔫𝔢𝔱 Li Yanchu cupped his fists in thanks. As the two were talking, a paper crane flew in and landed lightly on Li Yanchu’s shoulder. It pecked him gently, and Li Yanchu sensed a familiar aura from it. Chen Yang said, “This is a technique of the old Celestial Master of Mount Longhu. He’s asking to see you.” Li Yanchu nodded slightly, a bit surprised at the old Celestial Master’s unfathomable abilities, and followed the paper crane as it flew out. The old Celestial Master wasn’t elsewhere, but rather waiting in front of Qingyun Temple. “Greetings, Senior Uncle!” Li Yanchu greeted respectfully. An elderly Daoist smiled at him with a look of satisfaction. “Purple-gold aura... looks like you gained quite a lot from your trip to the Blissful Land.” “It’s all thanks to your guidance, Senior Uncle.” Li Yanchu felt a chill in his heart. As expected of the Celestial Master of Mount Longhu, he saw right through the fact that he had received gifts from an immortal. The old Daoist waved his hand. “No need for pleasantries. I only came to check in on you. If nothing’s wrong, that’s good.” His demeanor was warm and relaxed, giving off the genuine feeling of a kind elder. Li Yanchu couldn’t help but feel a sense of closeness. “Thank you for your concern, Senior Uncle. I am humbled.” The old Daoist glared at him and scolded, “I told you not to be so formal! You’re a Daoist Master, not a scholar, stop speaking like one.” Li Yanchu couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright!” “Senior Uncle, there’s something I want to ask you. How much do you know about the Heavenly Palace of Myriad Phenomena? A friend of mine was captured by members of the Shaman Sect, and it seems to be related to that place.” Li Yanchu asked further. 1. “天乙贵人命格” refers to a highly auspicious destiny or fate configuration in Chinese metaphysics, particularly in Bazi (Four Pillars of Destiny) or other forms of traditional astrology. "Heavenly Yi" (天乙), also known as the Chief Deity (值符), is a highly auspicious concept in Qi Men Dun Jia and Bazi astrology. In Qi Men Dun Jia, it's the most influential deity, bringing blessings of good fortune, helpful benefactors, and wealth. In Bazi, it's often referred to as the Heavenly Yi Nobleman, indicating the ability to attract powerful help and be in the right place at the right time. ☜