"Buzz..."

The golden sun wheel floated above Shi Feixuan's head. Suddenly, a flash of white light appeared, and Shi Feixuan was completely enveloped by the enlarged golden sun wheel.

Master Liaoming stared in disbelief at the metal sphere before him, his face immediately contorted in shock.

"Junior Sister Fan, what is this?" Liaoming asked.

“Senior brother, this is a magical artifact of an immortal,” Fan Qinghui said.

"Magic treasures? You've really seen immortals?"

Then Fan Qinghui recounted the events that had occurred in Yangzhou to Ming in detail.

"Amitabha, this is truly unbelievable." Liaoming clasped his hands together after hearing this.

"Sigh, senior brother, since we all know about breaking through the void, why can't we believe in the existence of gods and immortals?"

Liaoming nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

"So, it seems that cultivators have also set their sights on the He Shi Bi jade?"

“That’s right, this person is extremely evil. I almost died at his hands last time,” Fan Qinghui said with lingering fear.

"Alas, this matter is beyond my control. Come with me to see Senior Brother Kong!" Liaoming sighed.

Shi Feixuan slowly put away the Sun Golden Wheel, which then shrank back to the size of a fist and flew back into her palm.

"It's truly amazing," Liaoming said again.

Suddenly, the Sun Golden Wheel in Shi Feixuan's hand flew up and grew larger again, protecting her.

This scene immediately stunned all three of them.

Just then, a powerful aura appeared outside the Jingnian Zen sect and continued to approach.

“This…” Fan Qinghui suddenly became a little excited.

"Amitabha, he has arrived."

A figure slowly flew into the square, like a celestial being descending. The person was an old man with a tall hat and wide belt, with five long wisps of beard on his face. His face was ancient and simple. He was wearing a thick gray Taoist robe and was tall. The Taoist woman who descended from the sky had the air of a hermit who was otherworldly and ethereal.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Ning." Fan Qinghui quickly gave a slight bow to the newcomer.

"Master Ning, it's been a long time." Liaoming smiled as well.

The newcomer was none other than Ning Daoqi, the foremost grandmaster of the Central Plains and a member of the Daoist sect.

"Interesting." Ning Daoqi flew to the top of Shi Feixuan's head and looked at the Sun Golden Wheel with great interest.

"Feixuan pays respects to Grandmaster Ning."

“Rijinlun, he is not an enemy,” Shi Feixuan whispered inside Rijinlun.

"Whoosh..."

The sun wheel instantly returned to its original size.

Ning Daoqi's eyes lit up immediately.

"Is this the immortal's possession?"

"Yes, this is the Sun Golden Wheel, left behind by the Xuantian Sect to protect me and my master," Shi Feixuan nodded in reply.

"Senior Brother Ning, what brings you here?" Fan Qinghui asked.

Ning Daoqi slowly descended from the sky, his gaze still fixed on the Sun Golden Wheel in Shi Feixuan's hand.

"With the Demonic Sect causing such a huge mess, it's hard not to know. I was worried about the He Shi Bi, so I came to take a look," Ning Daoqi said softly.

"That's great! I was just wondering whether or not to contact you," Fan Qinghui said with a smile.

"Can I take a look?" Ning Daoqi asked Shi Feixuan.

Shi Feixuan glanced at her master, and Fan Qinghui nodded. She still trusted Ning Daoqi completely.

Shi Feixuan reached out and handed over the Golden Sun Wheel.

The golden wheel spun and flew into Ning Daoqi's hand.

Looking at the magical artifact made of some unknown material, Ning Daoqi's eyes were filled with curiosity.

He then slowly channeled his internal energy into the Sun Golden Wheel.

"Buzz..."

The sun wheel spun even faster, as if it really liked the energy.

After examining it for a while, Ning Daoqi still couldn't figure out what it was all about, so he returned the Golden Sun Wheel to Shi Feixuan.

“I overheard your conversation outside, and it’s truly unbelievable. I initially thought it was just a rumor, but it turns out it’s true,” Ning Daoqi said, turning to Fan Qinghui and Liao Ming.

“Since Daoist Ning is here, let’s go see Senior Brother Liao Kong together,” Liao Ming said.

The group nodded.

In the backyard of the Jingnian Zen sect, in an inconspicuous courtyard, incense smoke curls around a Buddha statue, and a kind-faced old monk sits with his eyes closed in front of it.

The courtyard door slowly opened, and Liaoming and the others walked in.

The old monk kept his eyes closed.

Even Ning Daoqi showed some respect upon seeing the old monk.

"Senior brother, junior sister Fan, Daoist Ning and the others have arrived," Liaoming said as he stepped forward.

At this moment, the old monk opened his eyes, and a golden light seemed to flash in them.

This person is none other than Master Liaokong, the contemporary abbot of the Jingnian Chan School.

Liao Kong clasped his hands together, smiled slightly at the group, nodded, and then remained silent.

Liao Kong practices the Buddhist practice of silent meditation. He has not spoken or made a move for decades, and it is rumored in the martial arts world that he has already reached the level of a grandmaster.

Liao Kong waved his hand behind him, and the door to the room behind him opened instantly. Several futons flew out and landed in front of the group one by one.

The group understood and sat down.

Then Liaoming began to recount what had happened before.

Liao Kong's face remained calm, demonstrating his unwavering resolve. Even upon hearing of the appearance of cultivators, his expression remained unchanged, a composure that commanded everyone's admiration.

"Senior brother, what should we do next? The Demonic Sect has already set its sights on us, and it probably won't be long before they come knocking to fight for the He Shi Bi jade," Liao Ming said.

Upon hearing this, Liao Kong slowly stretched out his hand and began to draw in the air.

"Wait?" they all said in unison. The character Liao Kong had drawn in the air was indeed the character for "wait."

"Hahaha, Master Liaokong is right, we just have to wait." Ning Daoqi suddenly burst into laughter.

“Senior Brother Ning…” Fan Qinghui was somewhat puzzled.

"Didn't you say before that the Xuan Tianzong and Dan Chenzi both have their eyes on the He Shi Bi jade, and they are even rivals?"

“In that case, let’s wait for them to show themselves. If I’m not mistaken, the Demonic Sect doesn’t dare to make a move right now because Zhu Yuyan and Shi Zhixuan haven’t arrived in Luoyang yet. So, the Jingnian Zen Sect will be fine at this time,” Ning Daoqi said.

"But only now, once the higher-ups of the Demonic Sect arrive..." Ning Daoqi paused here.

“Dan Chenzi must have made some promise to Zhu Yuyan, otherwise the Demonic Sect wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to search for the He Shi Bi for him,” Ning Daoqi continued.

“That’s right. The Demonic Sect has always been selfish and would never help someone for no reason, even if the other party is a cultivator,” Fan Qinghui nodded.

"Hey, cultivators, huh? This old Daoist would like to see for myself!" Ning Daoqi's aura suddenly changed, filled with longing. At this moment, he longed to fight those cultivators.

As Ning Daoqi had predicted, things turned out much as they did. Although the number of people from the Demonic Sect in Luoyang was increasing, most of them stayed in the city. Even the people who had appeared near the Jingnian Zen Sect a few days ago had disappeared. However, beneath this calm, a storm was brewing.

"drive…"

Outside Yangzhou city, a group of people appeared on the official road, looking travel-worn.

"Father, I'm hungry."

A little girl's voice came from atop a fine horse; it was Song Yuzhi.

The days of travel had taken their toll on her young age. If Song Que hadn't been constantly channeling his inner energy into her, the little girl would have fainted long ago. Even so, she looked utterly exhausted.

"Don't worry, we're almost there. Yangzhou City is just ahead." Song Zhi caught up and ran alongside Song Que.

“Control…”

Just then, the horses in front suddenly stopped, and Song Que and his companions also slowed down and walked forward slowly.

A group of people appeared ahead on the road.

“Yuwen Huaji…” Song Que narrowed his eyes.

The one blocking the way was Yuwen Huaji.

He immediately jumped off his horse.

"Yuwen Huaji greets Lord Zhennan," Yuwen Huaji said, bowing.

The title of Duke of Zhennan was bestowed by Emperor Yang Jian during his lifetime, but Song Que did not go to the capital to receive the title at that time.

Hearing this unfamiliar title, Song Que was filled with mixed feelings. He admired Yang Jian quite a bit. The two had fought many battles. If it weren't for the favorable timing and location, Song Que might not have been able to hold onto Lingnan. However, his military talent was still recognized by Yang Jian, who then adopted a policy of appeasement and bestowed upon Song Que the title of Duke of Zhennan, allowing him to take over the reins of Lingnan from the Sui Dynasty.

"So it's Lord Yuwen." Song Que nodded.

Yuwen Huaji breathed a sigh of relief. No one could remain calm in the face of a Grandmaster, including him.

"Lord Zhennan, you've had a long and arduous journey. His Majesty has already prepared a banquet at the imperial palace and has been waiting for you since early this morning," Yuwen Huaji said hurriedly.

"No need," Song Que said. "Let's go into the city and find a place to wash up. We'll go to the palace tomorrow."

After saying that, he spurred his horse to continue onward.

Yuwen Huaji was stunned for a moment, and the guards behind him were also at a loss for what to do.

"Lord Zhennan, His Majesty has been eagerly awaiting your arrival. Your lodgings at the imperial palace have already been prepared," Yuwen Huaji said hastily.

As he spoke, he stood in front of Song Que's horse.

"You dare to stop me?" Song Que's eyes widened instantly, his beard and hair scattered, and the aura of a Grandmaster pressed down on Yuwen Huaji.

"Thump..." Yuwen Huaji knelt down on the ground.

"Calm down, Grandmaster, calm down! This is His Majesty's decree! I...I..." Yuwen Huaji was terrified. The power of a Grandmaster was extraordinary. Even though he was now a late-stage Grandmaster, he was like an ant in front of him.

"Brother, brother, please calm down."

Song Zhi hurriedly replied. They had come to see Yang Guang, and he really didn't want to clash with the emperor's men as soon as he arrived in Yangzhou.

"Hmph..." Song Que immediately withdrew his aura.

"Yu Zhi..." Song Zhi suddenly exclaimed in alarm, pointing at Song Yu Zhi in front of Song Que.

"Yu Zhi... This is bad," Song Que exclaimed in surprise.

"Damn it..." Song Que slapped his forehead.

At this moment, Song Yuzhi had already fainted; the Grandmaster's aura had stunned her in an instant.

Song Que raised his hand, intending to infuse his true energy into it once more.

“No!” Song Zhi and Yuwen Huaji both stopped him.

"Brother, Yu Zhi is too young and cannot withstand the true energy again and again," Song Zhi reminded her.

“Lord Zhennan, come with me to the imperial palace. There are excellent imperial physicians there who will surely take good care of your daughter,” Yuwen Huaji said, seizing the opportunity.

"Lead the way," Song Que hurriedly said. He was also secretly cursing himself for being too careless, forgetting to control his aura, which resulted in accidentally injuring his daughter.