Chapter 82: Yun Shen’s guidance, secrets revealed

Undercurrents surged outside, tightening the invisible noose around Ye Li and You Ge. Yet, atop Yundan Peak, within the cave of Muyun Lay Buddhist, all was tranquil and calm. New buds sprouted from the ancient tea trees, filling the air with the fragrance of tea, a world apart from the outside world.

When Ye Li arrived at his master's behest, Mu Yun was playing chess alone. The black and white pieces were scattered across the star chart, seemingly random, yet concealing a hidden meaning. He didn't look up, but simply pointed to the cushion across from him.

"sit."

Ye Li sat down as instructed, not making a sound to interrupt. She knew that her master had summoned her here for a deeper purpose. With her master's wisdom and control, it was impossible for him to be unaware of all the recent events, especially the obstacles to the investigation and the sense of covert surveillance.

After a long time, Mr. Muyun placed a white piece and slowly raised his head. His eyes were gentle but seemed to be able to see through people's hearts, and fell on Ye Li.

"Li'er, you've been feeling uneasy lately, and your breath has been fluctuating. Have you encountered any difficulties?" He went straight to the point, his tone calm, but he directly broke the calmness that Ye Li had been trying so hard to maintain.

Ye Li's heart trembled slightly, knowing she couldn't hide it from her master. She pondered for a moment, not mentioning the Youge or the specifics of the investigation. Instead, she chose a relatively vague statement that captured the core dilemma: "I've been cultivating lately, and while I've made some progress, I feel the path ahead is shrouded in mystery, like invisible obstacles, difficult to traverse. Furthermore... I feel like there's a gaze watching from the shadows. I wonder if this is a test of opportunity or an impending catastrophe."

She cleverly attributed her own crisis to spiritual practice and a vague "disaster", which both revealed her predicament and protected the core secret.

Upon hearing this, Lay Buddhist Muyun wasn't surprised. He simply took a sip of tea and cast his gaze towards the misty sea of ​​clouds outside his cave. He said leisurely, "The path of cultivation is like sailing against the current, fighting against the heavens. Fog and obstacles are the norm. As for secret observation... a tree that stands out in the forest will inevitably be destroyed by the wind. You've risen too quickly, carrying with you opportunities, so it's inevitable that you'll attract covetousness."

He changed the subject, his tone becoming somewhat profound: "However, some winds are not natural, but are deliberately brought in by humans. Some obstacles are not natural, but are man-made barriers."

Ye Li's eyes fixed, knowing what his master meant.

Lay Buddhist Muyun continued, "The Xuanyun Sect has been established for ten thousand years and may appear monolithic, but in reality, it's home to a complex web of factions with a long history. The Zhan Kuang Peak lineage is known for its radical style, and successive Peak Masters have been renowned for their formidable combat prowess. Senior Brother Situ is a prime example, tracing his lineage back to a patriarch renowned for his ruthless killing. This lineage has long been at odds with the sect's mainstream philosophy of gradual progress and a solid foundation."

This was the first time that Lay Buddhist Mu Yun had so clearly discussed the origins of factions within the sect. Ye Li listened intently.

"However," said Mr. Muyun, his tone sinking slightly, "factional disputes are still internal conflicts within the sect. Although there are conflicts, the bottom line still exists. What we fear is... that someone, for their own selfish interests, or to gain power beyond their boundaries, will reach out beyond the sect, inviting the enemy into the house and touching taboos that should not be touched."

"Taboo?" Ye Li's heart was shocked and he repeated it subconsciously.

Lay Buddhist Muyun gave her a deep look and didn't answer directly. Instead, he asked, "Li'er, do you know why our Xuanyun Sect has been able to stand firm in the Northern Territory for thousands of years? Even though it has been hit by demonic disasters several times in history, its foundation has remained stable?"

Ye Li pondered and said, "Because the sect has a profound foundation, many sages have emerged throughout the generations, and the skills have been passed down in an orderly manner."

"That's one aspect." Master Muyun nodded, then shook his head. "More importantly, within the sect, there's a 'void rift' left over from ancient times that's being suppressed."

"Void rift?!" Ye Li's pupils shrank slightly. This was a great secret involving the origin of the world!

"Indeed." Lay Buddhist Muyun's expression was solemn. "This rift leads to an unknown demonic realm. Although it has been sealed by generations of ancestors with supreme magic power, weak demonic energy still leaks out. It requires constant purification by the sect's great formation and the presence of elders above the supernatural power realm. This is one of the reasons why, although the spiritual energy of our sect's mountain gate is not as good as that of some blessed caves and paradises, it can still cultivate top-notch experts. Guarding the rift itself is an ultimate test of one's character and strength, and it is also the sect's responsibility to the entire human race."

He paused, his voice lowered. "However, the seal isn't permanent. Every few hundred years, or during catastrophic upheavals, the cracks will begin to loosen. At that point, it will require the combined strength of the entire sect, perhaps even alliances with other righteous sects in the Northern Territory, to re-strengthen it. And every time it loosens, it carries the shadow of... collusion between insiders and outsiders."

Ye Li's heartbeat suddenly jumped. The master's words were almost a clear indication! There was indeed a hidden danger of collusion with external evil forces (most likely the demons) within the sect, and this hidden danger was directly related to the responsibility of suppressing the void rift!

"Master, what you mean is..." Ye Li's voice was a little dry.

Lay Buddhist Muyun waved his hand, not letting her continue. Instead, he said meaningfully, "When water is too clear, there are no fish. The sect is too large, so it's inevitable that it harbors filth and corruption. Some things are not unwilling to be investigated, but the time is not right, or a single move could affect the entire body. The headmaster and I are not completely unaware, but we need to weigh the pros and cons and wait for solid evidence to strike a decisive blow, avoiding unrest in the sect and giving outsiders an opportunity to exploit."

He looked at Ye Li, his eyes filled with warning: "Li'er, you are gifted and resilient, and your future is limitless. But remember, being too sharp can easily lead to failure. Some truths are like volcanoes buried deep underground. Unleashing them hastily can only lead to self-destruction. Before you gain sufficient strength, appropriate forbearance and detours are not cowardice, but wisdom."

These words served as both a reminder and a protection. Lay Buddhist Muyun was telling Ye Li that the sect's leaders were not completely ignorant of certain dark aspects, but that handling them was extremely complicated. He urged her not to act rashly, lest she become a victim of factional struggles and larger conspiracies.

"Disciple... I understand." Ye Li took a deep breath and bowed solemnly. Although her master hadn't explicitly mentioned the matter of her parents or the secret of the "key," his revelation of the sect's secrets and taboos had already given her a profound revelation and warning. At the very least, it had let her know that her enemy might not just be Situ Kuang, but that behind him might be a massive conspiracy that endangered the sect and even the safety of humanity.

"I'm glad you understand." Lay Buddhist Mu Yun's expression eased slightly. He took out a seemingly ordinary white jade pendant and handed it to Ye Li. "This 'Calm Pendant' was used by my master in his early years. It has the effect of calming the mind and resisting external demonic invasions. Wearing it with you may help you to see through some obstacles and maintain a clear mind."

Ye Li took the jade pendant, feeling its warmth and a cool feeling flowing into her heart, instantly calming her restless mood due to recent stress. This was not only a magical instrument, but also a token of her master's protection.

"Thank you, Master!" Ye Li thanked him again.

"Go ahead." Master Muyun waved his hand and returned his gaze to the chessboard. "Do what you should do. The sect's chess game ultimately needs fresh, powerful pieces to be revitalized. But the prerequisite is that you, this piece, cannot be eaten too early."

Ye Li bowed and exited the cave. Leaving Mu Yun Layperson's cave, she felt the pressure on her shoulders hadn't eased, but her mind felt much clearer than when she arrived. Her master's guidance was like a lamp lighting a fog, allowing her to see the danger and complexity of the situation and clarifying her temporary course of action: forbearance, accumulating strength, and biding her time.

"Void rifts... collusion between inside and outside... waiting for solid evidence..." Ye Li muttered to himself, a flash of enlightenment in his eyes. Perhaps the Bingpo Xuan Palace ruins were not only an opportunity and a trap, but also a stage for those "dirt" to be exposed on their own!

She gripped the Tranquility Pendant tightly, feeling its cool protection, her resolve growing stronger. The road ahead was treacherous, but she wasn't alone. She relied on her master's silent protection and the loyalty of the core members of the Youge.

Now, what she needs is time, a breakthrough, and to sharpen her "sword" before the ruins are opened!