When Li Xun returned to the foot of Zuowang Peak, it was already the afternoon of the third day. Guided by a junior brother who had been waiting for him, he headed straight toward the Undawned Clarity Hall.

But as he rounded a corner, something flickered at the edge of his vision. He turned to look and caught sight of Shan Zhi, who hadn’t shown his face in some time, winking at him furiously.

In a way, the two of them were each other’s “bad influence.” Ever since what had happened a few days ago, Li Xun had grown even more disdainful of this petty, useless man. Still, on the surface, they got along well enough.

Seeing him wave, Li Xun smiled back.

Shan Zhi first made a “we’ll talk later” gesture, then, strangely, stuck up a thumb. Before Li Xun could make sense of it, he turned and disappeared.

What on earth is that about?

Suppressing his doubts, Li Xun straightened his expression and stepped through the doors of the main hall.

Inside sat the sect’s three great leaders: Qingming, Qingxu, and Luo Nanchuan. Ming Ji was there too, though she didn’t look well. Still, when he entered, even the usually stern Luo Nanchuan couldn’t help showing a hint of a smile.

“Honored immortal masters, this disciple Li Xun pays his respects.”

Li Xun knew well when formality was required. After giving a perfectly proper bow, he stood respectfully to the side.

Qingming looked quite pleased. “You made it down from the peak in just two days and a night,” he said with a smile. “Clearly, your cultivation has advanced greatly over these years. Very impressive. Good!”

Li Xun quickly offered a few modest words in reply. But he knew full well the three great leaders of the sect hadn’t summoned him down from Zuowang Peak just to hand out compliments.

Qingxu then spoke up, “It’s wonderful to see your cultivation progressing. It also puts our minds at ease about... Spirit Bamboo, do you know why we’ve called you here today?”

Naturally, Li Xun could only shake his head.

Luo Nanchuan glanced at the two seniors. Once he received their nod, he alliance in a deep voice, “I hear you had hoped to remain on the mountain for a few months. As things stand, that won’t be possible.

“The situation in the North Pole has taken a serious turn. Since Ox Warrior’s death, the Rogue Cultivators' Alliance has been thrown into disarray. Factional strife has grown severe, and many are openly ignoring discipline. Border violations happen all the time. Of course, it’s also possible some of this is being stirred up deliberately.”

His expression grew even harsher. “The cultivators stationed in Nightless City have fought battle after battle in recent days, suffering heavy losses. The sects have therefore agreed to send reinforcements, to suppress the arrogance of Yemo Heaven.”

So they picked me? Li Xun forced a bitter smile inwardly. From the sound of it, this was no enviable assignment.

Qingming stroked his beard and smiled. “You were chosen because of your reputation. You must understand, Nightless City borders Yemo Heaven for tens of thousands of li. The heretics and demons there are fickle and unpredictable. They won’t only strike at one spot. To avoid wasting manpower, the layout, upkeep, and activation of defensive formations along the border become crucial.

“And as the ‘foremost among the third generation disciples of the Ten Righteous Sects in formation techniques,’ how could you not go? In fact, when the sects were deliberating, three or four sect leaders brought up your name specifically.”

So this was the burden of fame? Li Xun hadn’t yet sorted out whether he should feel bitter or gratified when Qingming went on. “Originally, Ming Ji was also to go. But something unexpected came up, and she’ll be delayed by about half a month.”

Li Xun instinctively glanced over at Ming Ji. She was looking despondent, her demeanor uncharacteristically subdued. When she noticed his gaze, she merely gave a slight nod in return.

Qingming, of course, noticed the exchange and sighed inwardly. Without showing any change, he continued in the same calm tone. “Two days ago, your martial uncles Ming Je, Ming Song, Ming He, and Ming De already set out ahead. You won’t be able to catch up with them, but there’s no need to hurry. As long as you reach Nightless City within twenty days, it will be fine.”

Li Xun quickly gave his assent. When he looked back at Qingming, he saw a faint trace of kindness on the elder’s face.

“This journey to the far north will be full of shifting dangers. With your abilities, you may be able to handle yourself well enough, but you must still be cautious. With your four martial uncles and other elders from the sects present, there’s no need for you to push yourself to the forefront. Do you understand?”

Of course Li Xun understood. In essence, this was telling him to keep a low profile and protect himself.

Though such words were ordinary enough, coming from the always fair and impartial Qingming, they carried unusual weight. It was proof of just how much he was willing to shield Li Xun.

Li Xun couldn’t quite sort out how he felt. He lowered his head and gave a quiet reply. After steadying his expression, he looked up again. Seeing the elders had nothing more to say, he tactfully excused himself, saying he needed to prepare his things, and took his leave.

Just before stepping out, he glanced once more at Ming Ji. This time, however, she gave him no response at all.

What happened to her?

“Junior Brother Xun!”

The sudden call shook him from his thoughts.

He turned and saw Shan Zhi slip out from a side passage, grinning from ear to ear as he tugged Li Xun along with him.

Li Xun immediately caught the strong stench of alcohol. He frowned. “Senior Brother Shan Zhi, what’s going on?” he asked.

Shan Zhi raised a finger to his lips for silence, tugged him out of Undawned Clarity Hall, and led him down from Zhiguan Peak. Only when they reached a secluded spot did he let go, bursting into loud laughter. Still laughing, he gave Li Xun a big thumbs-up, his face glowing with admiration. “Junior Brother Xun, that was brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!”

“Huh? What was?”

“Come on, don’t play dumb with me. I’m talking about the other day. Saving that kid called Ying Ning, then running into Ox Warrior. The way you handled that was perfect!”

Shan Zhi was so excited he was practically dancing, his face flushed red. “That little girl Ying Ning now goes around telling everyone how incredible your cultivation is and how clever your methods are. The whole mountain knows it now. Junior Brother Xun, you’re the real standout among the third-generation disciples. And as for our Senior Brother Wenhai… who even remembers him?”

He sucked in a breath, then broke into another sly grin. Li Xun frowned slightly but soon forced a smile. “Senior Brother Shan Zhi, you must have drunk too much. The monkey wine on this mountain is strong stuff. Another time, I’ll bring you a bottle of Harmony Fragrance. That one doesn’t make you drunk.”

At that, Shan Zhi raised his eyebrows and stared at Li Xun’s half-smiling face. A strange gurgling noise rose from his throat.

“Junior Brother Xun, I know, I know what you’re thinking. Look, there’s no one around, so let your big brother have a little fun, okay… You have no idea how good our senior brother’s face has looked these past couple of days!”

He laughed, his emotions showing signs of slipping out of control.

Li Xun let out a sigh. In the next instant, like a hunting leopard, he lunged forward, seized Shan Zhi by the throat, and slammed him against the rock wall.

The sudden burst of violence left Shan Zhi stunned. Staring into Li Xun’s eyes, now sharp as blades, he felt as if the blood in his veins had frozen.

He even suspected that if he didn’t shut his mouth right away, Li Xun would crush his throat on the spot.

Li Xun said nothing, but his gaze alone was enough.

Watching the color drain from Shan Zhi’s face, he allowed himself a small smile and finally loosened his grip.

“Senior Brother Shan,” he said calmly, “you really shouldn’t drink so much. Whatever you want to say, keep it to yourself and no one can fault you. But if you run your mouth like this, the first one who won’t forgive you won’t be our senior brother. It’ll be Third Martial Uncle.”

Shan Zhi’s body gave a sudden shudder, and his eyes grew a little clearer.

Li Xun sighed again. “Third Martial Uncle does carry some guilt toward you. He’s put up with a lot, swallowed more than once. But there’s still a line that can’t be crossed. If you never touch it, all the better. But once you do, with everything that’s been piling up over the years… do you really think there’s any way back?”

Shan Zhi swallowed hard, his face drained of color.

Looking at his pitiful state, Li Xun felt a wave of disgust.

Everyone feels fear, but if fear leaves you without even a spark of resistance, then you’re worse than a dying mad dog thrashing in its last moments. To look at such a creature, even from a position of strength, was enough to turn the stomach.

But as he studied Shan Zhi now, a sudden thought flickered through his mind: Back then on Tiandu Peak, the way the Demon Phoenix looked at me… could it have been the same?

He gave a self-mocking smile, then suddenly lost interest. No longer willing to waste his time, he waved a hand at Shan Zhi, smiling. “You’re a smart man, Senior Brother, so I don’t need to spell it out. Just this. If someone asks what we talked about today, how will you answer?”

Shan Zhi looked puzzled at first, but Li Xun’s knowing smile gave him the hint. His expression quickly improved, and his eyes darted as he came up with a reply. “Well, of course I’d say we were just talking about the experiences we’ve had over the years. Stories from all over, this and that, nothing left unspoken…”

“Mm. And later we might just happen to mention that Senior Brother has been in a foul mood lately, isn’t that right?” Li Xun gave a low chuckle and slightly bowed. ““I understand now. Thank you for your trouble, Senior Brother Shan Zhi.”

With that, he glanced up at the sky as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “It’s getting late. I still need to head back and pack my things. I’ll take my leave here. Senior Brother… take care.”

He smiled again, then turned and walked away.

Shan Zhi stared blankly at his retreating figure. All at once, his body gave out and he collapsed onto the ground, burying his head against his knees, silent.

At the very moment Li Xun leapt into the air, he suddenly felt something stir in his heart. Looking back, he saw Shan Zhi sitting there like a stone statue. His eyes flickered. The little “seed” he had planted in Shan Zhi years ago... had it already grown into something very different by now?

Back then, he had acted on a whim. He truly didn’t know whether he had only brought trouble onto himself, or opened up a sliver of opportunity.

With that question in mind, Li Xun soared higher. And then, a sharp realization struck him: If that’s the case… then Qin Wanru’s matter can finally be dealt with, can’t it?

He let out a short laugh, shook his head, and cast his worries aside.

At that moment, he could only think that the heavens had a curious sense of humor.