CHAPTER 356: 209. ELDER LEI, WHO UNDERMINES HIS OWN ORGANIZATION_2

Wang Jingfang possessed most of the numerous spiritual objects required for cultivation by the cultivators of the Green Dragon Lineage in the Pure Yang Palace. For a traitor who had defected from his sect and was being hunted by it, his material wealth was excessively abundant.

According to the information Lei Jun gathered during interrogation, most of the resources at Wang Jingfang’s disposal came from Zhou Peng. That turncoat Elder from the Pure Yang Palace, who possessed an Upper Three Heavens cultivation base, was indeed worthy of the others who rallied around him as their leader. However, such a sheer volume of resources could not possibly have been provided by Zhou Peng alone.

There are obviously others behind this... Lei Jun realized.

Green Sun Mysterious Frost, a spiritual object abundant in Yang Qi, was equally useful to Lei Jun, who possessed the Yin Yang Sacred Body. However, he did not use it immediately, deciding instead to store it for the time being.

As usual, Lei Jun applied a Wind-Thunder Talisman to himself and activated the Teng Snake Bone to conceal his form, preparing to leave the Abyss Valley. But just then, his heart suddenly stirred; he sensed someone approaching and entering the Star Dragon Abyss.

Lei Jun quickly concealed his figure.

Shortly after, several martial artists appeared in the Abyss Valley, led by Shen Qubing, who had departed only moments before. The others also looked familiar. Lei Jun, hidden beneath the Breathing Soil Banner, recognized them as the soldiers from the Great Tang Shenji Army he had seen earlier—all members of the Shangguan Clan.

"Elder Lei, are you there?" Shen Qubing called out, looking around.

Behind him, a middle-aged martial artist also surveyed the surroundings. "Are you sure Elder Lei from the Celestial Master Mansion is also here?"

Shen Qubing replied, "We entered the Star Dragon Abyss together earlier, but we were separated during the battle."

The middle-aged martial artist commented, "In that case, Elder Lei has likely already left."

Shen Qubing sighed in frustration. "Earlier, I was too busy chasing those remnants of the former dynasty. I got so caught up in the pursuit that I lost track of Elder Lei. Now that I’m uncertain of his safety, I can’t help but worry!"

"As far as I know, Elder Lei from the Celestial Master Mansion possesses considerable cultivation strength. He should be fine," the middle-aged martial artist said reassuringly.

That does sound reasonable... Shen Qubing murmured, though he still looked anxious. Although he hadn’t known Lei Jun for long, Lei Jun had left a very favorable impression on him, making his current concern understandable.

The middle-aged martial artist said, "General Xiao is pursuing Jiang Tiankuo, a remnant of the former dynasty. She has ordered us to rectify the disturbances caused by these remnants to the Southern Wilderness’s earth veins. We mustn’t neglect our primary task. General Shangguan will arrive soon."

Shen Qubing muttered softly, "Xiaosan also mentioned wanting to find Elder Lei..."

Despite saying this, he had no further clues and could only begin searching the Star Dragon Abyss and its surroundings.

Although Lei Jun appreciated their concern, he chose not to reveal himself for the time being. He remained near the Shangguan Clan members.

Earlier, at the mountain stronghold Tu Dong had visited, Lei Jun had overheard conversations among some Shangguan Clan members. These conversations gave him the impression that there might be some tension between individuals like Shangguan Peng and other Shangguan Clan members, and newcomers of common origin like Shen Qubing.

For now, these few seemed genuinely intent on helping Shen Qubing find Lei Jun. However...

"Captain, that Shen Qubing, an offspring of the Han Family, seems to be getting quite close to that Daoist Lei from Dragon Tiger Mountain..." a young martial artist suddenly spoke, his tone hesitant.

The middle-aged martial artist merely grunted in acknowledgment but said nothing more.

After a moment of silence, the young martial artist spoke again. "This can’t go on."

The middle-aged martial artist turned his head and looked at him expressionlessly. "A young genius of such talent, regardless of his background, should not be easily lost."

The young martial artist did not shrink back or show fear, meeting the gaze calmly. "If he truly couldn’t be lost, he wouldn’t have been sent to a place like the Southern Wilderness. It’s just that his downfall must not come at our hands!"

"Since you understand this, why bring it up?" the middle-aged martial artist asked.

The young martial artist lowered his voice. "His downfall can be at anyone’s hands, as long as it’s not because of us."

The subtext was clear: as long as they didn’t personally act, then...

"In my view, General Shen isn’t a person of complex thoughts. Perhaps we don’t need to go that far," another person chimed in. "General Shen is still young and unmarried..."

The young man who had spoken first shook his head. "Indeed, our clan has an eligible maiden of suitable standing. Shen Qubing, possessing an Immortal Body, would be a worthy match. If it led to a celebrated union, that would naturally be excellent, but..."

His expression darkened slightly as he raised a hand and pointed upwards. "...it will never be permitted."

Although unspoken, everyone present knew he was referring to the current Her Majesty the Empress. Since Her Majesty the Empress has been vigorously promoting individuals of commoner origin, she naturally wouldn’t sit idly by and watch her efforts benefit others.

"If General Shen himself insists, then that’s another matter," the Shangguan descendant who had suggested it said with a smile.

The young martial artist countered, "In that case, he would indeed lose the imperial favor. But even if Shen Qubing is gone, others will take his place, as long as Her Majesty’s intentions remain unchanged..."

"Silence! Such matters will be decided by our superiors. It’s not for us to worry about, nor should we act presumptuously," the middle-aged martial artist said, casting a stern gaze over those beside him. "All of you, remember this clearly!"

The others lowered their heads in acknowledgment. "Yes, Captain."

Lei Jun watched them silently, a wave of emotion stirring within him. It’s often said that the Zhang and Shangguan families are as one. Yet, differences remain; strictly speaking, the imperial family can only bear one surname. Generally, this isn’t a major issue. However, the current situation is delicate, and subtle changes can easily arise in certain matters. Many factors influence people’s hearts; it’s not like inputting a command that will be executed faithfully, without deviation, and forever unchanged. The more people involved, the truer this becomes.

"You all continue searching here," the middle-aged martial artist instructed. "I’ll go to the outskirts of the Abyss Valley and try to contact the General."

Everyone complied, and the middle-aged martial artist quietly exited the Star Dragon Abyss. Once free from the interference of the chaotic spiritual energy, he took out a Spirit Talisman from the Taoist Sect.

Martial artists generally lack methods for long-distance communication. However, message transmission is crucial within the army, so the Great Tang Shenji Army had to make suitable arrangements. The Thousand-Mile Sound Transmission Talisman from the Celestial Master Mansion was naturally among their procured items. Spirit Talismans are one of the primary goods traded by Talisman Sect cultivators with outsiders, and also a distinctive aspect of their cultivation path. Just as the Golden Barrier Talisman is the most sought-after Basic Spirit Talisman from the Celestial Master Mansion, the Thousand-Mile Sound Transmission Talisman is an equally coveted item among High-Grade Spirit Talismans. Information security has always been guaranteed; even the Celestial Master Mansion cultivators who create these High-Grade Spirit Talismans voluntarily sever their own spiritual connection to them.

Today, however, was an exception due to rather special circumstances...

Lei Jun also exited the Abyss Valley. Under the threefold concealment of the Wind-Thunder Talisman, Teng Snake Bone, and Breathing Soil Banner, he could move with relative boldness, allowing him to get close to Shen Qubing’s group. Although martial artists had weaker external perception compared to cultivators, their passive senses regarding movements directed at themselves were extremely acute. Even though Lei Jun exuded no killing intent, he was nearly discovered by them several times.

Just then, seeing the middle-aged martial artist using a Thousand-Mile Sound Transmission Talisman from a distance, Lei Jun couldn’t help but chuckle. Am I technically digging at the corner of my own house here? What a transgression, what a transgression... Lei Jun mused. He didn’t approach but took out his own Thousand-Mile Sound Transmission Talisman. With the Yin Yang Pen, he made a few modifications to it before quietly activating it.

Then, not only the middle-aged martial artist’s voice but also another, somewhat familiar and younger male voice reached Lei Jun’s ears:

"Lei Jun of Dragon Tiger Mountain, is he still over there?"

The voice belonged to Shangguan Peng. However, the content of his words caused Lei Jun to frown slightly. For the other party was concerned not only about Shen Qubing’s situation but also about Lei Jun himself.

Shangguan Ning was an Elder of the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master’s Mansion and also held a significant position within the Shangguan Clan. He often communicated with Shangguan Peng. However, there was no real friendship to speak of between Lei Jun and Shangguan Peng.

The middle-aged Captain seemed surprised as well but replied respectfully, "He has not yet been sighted."

Shangguan Peng instructed, "Keep a close watch on his movements and whereabouts. Report to me immediately if he is found."

The middle-aged Captain replied, "Yes, General."

Shangguan Peng added, "I have some loose ends to tie up in the Nangu Valley Plain. I’ll join you all later."

While the middle-aged Captain showed little reaction to the mention of Nangu Valley Plain, Lei Jun’s eyebrows twitched slightly. He remembered that He Dongxing, Jiang Dongyu, and the others from Mount Shu were also there.