Upon hearing this, the others were taken aback, their gazes focusing on Lin Xiuyuan with a hint of surprise.
Gao Jiandao: "The Cloud Soaring Sect sent reinforcements to the enclave? We were unaware of that."
Seeing this expression, Lin Xiuyuan seemed to be deep in thought.
"Because the situation is gradually becoming chaotic, it has clearly evolved into a struggle among the younger generation. Without the involvement of high-level cultivators, they will naturally try every means to plunder resources. Currently, all the major forces have gathered together, and after several battles, the local forces have been basically suppressed."
"Of the three remaining forces, the righteous and demonic cultivators are flocking to us like moths. Among them, the Great Yue is at a clear disadvantage. Many forces have withdrawn from Shuoyang City, leaving only some major sects and families. Among them, the Yunxiao Sect is the weakest."
"So it's not surprising that this happened. All the major gangs are a gathering of independent cultivators, aiming to gain a share of the benefits in Shuoyang City. Naturally, they need to take advantage of the fact that the forces of the three parties are gradually arriving to occupy the territory first. Only in this way can they gain benefits and establish a stronghold. Otherwise, in such a chaotic situation, it would be difficult for us independent cultivators to get a share of the pie among the three parties!"
After his initial surprise, Gao Jian explained the reason to him and asked, "Currently, only the two top sects of Great Yue have sent people here. The other parties have either withdrawn or are holding their ground, after all, it's just an enclave. Among them, the Cloud Soaring Sect is clearly the weakest, I didn't expect them to send people here."
"It seems Brother Lin has an extraordinary background. How did you know that?"
"Ha, it's not really a secret. It's just that I saw the Cloud Soaring Sect's flying boat land in Phoenix Cloud Mountain before."
Lin Xiuyuan's thoughtful expression vanished, and without giving the others a chance to probe further, he cupped his hands and said, "Thank you all for your clarification. I have some matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave. Please enjoy your drinks!"
The group looked at Lin Xiu's departing figure with somewhat surprised expressions.
"They're gone already? They just casually served a pot of Qingluo tea, and all they wanted to find out was that?"
"This person is rather mysterious!"
"He seems to be new to Fengxia Mountain, but he seems to know something about the situation? It seems to be related to the Yunxiao Sect."
"Regardless of the reason, since I have no other intentions, I will ignore it and treat it as a chance encounter."
...
She knocked on the door, and a magnetic yet soft voice came from inside: "Come in."
Upon entering, a rectangular tea table sits in the center of the tea room, its surface smooth as a mirror, meticulously crafted from the finest wood. A beautiful tea set is neatly arranged there. Ancient landscape paintings adorn the walls, adding to the elegant ambiance and creating a tranquil atmosphere.
Behind the tea table sat a woman dressed in a blue robe, which perfectly accentuated her graceful figure.
Although her features were ordinary, her makeup was exquisite, her red lips were luscious, her skin was like solidified cream, and her figure was voluptuous, making her extremely alluring.
"Manager Qiu, it's been a long time!"
Lin Xiuyuan bowed in greeting.
"Please sit, Fellow Daoist Lin." Qiu Yan smiled slightly, extending her fair hand to gently pick up the teapot. Her soft voice carried a hint of admiration, "I sensed Fellow Daoist Lin was extraordinary back then, but I never expected him to be so unexpected. In the blink of an eye, you've become a fellow Daoist, and your many deeds are truly astonishing."
"Manager Qiu is too kind. My momentary brilliance is merely a matter of seizing the right opportunity!" Lin Xiuyuan said modestly, then sat down and asked curiously, "I didn't expect Manager Qiu to come to Shuoyang City. I just received my appointment and then received a message from Manager Qiu. May I ask what it is about?"
Years ago, I owed someone a favor because I was investigating matters such as the Netherworld Orchid.
Just as he received his appointment and was preparing to depart, he received a message from Qiu Yan asking him to use this favor to help him.
The main purpose of our visit to Shuoyang City was to gain firsthand experience of the city's situation and gather information, which also happened to be done at Xinyuan Pavilion – killing two birds with one stone.
As he spoke, Lin Xiuyuan picked up his teacup and took a sip.
After a moment, he couldn't help but exclaim, "What excellent tea!"
With just one sip, he could vaguely sense that his magical power had increased, bringing him one step closer to the mid-stage of the Purple Talisman realm. It was truly no less effective than a precious elixir.
"This is Moon Ancient Tea, cultivated specifically in shady places to absorb the essence of moonlight, maturing only once every fifty years. However, it's not a particularly good tea, as its maximum effect is limited to the mid-stage of the Purple Mansion realm, after which it loses its remarkable properties. Nevertheless, it suits my taste perfectly, which is why I specifically instructed my servants to prepare it."
"For cultivators drinking it for the first time, it has the effect of greatly increasing their magical power. After the second sip, it is simply the aroma of laurel tea, satisfying the taste buds, with only a slight increase in spiritual power and a partial effect of calming the mind."
Qiu Yan smiled.
Upon hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan couldn't help but take another small sip and found that it was indeed true.
It tasted sweet upon first sip, with a subtle laurel aroma that fully satisfied the taste buds and brought a sense of calm and tranquility. However, it did not have the miraculous effect of a sudden surge in magical power as before; it only generated a faint amount of spiritual energy for refining, which was not as effective as refining spiritual energy for a short time!
It may not even be as good as the second-best Qingluo tea in terms of concentration and calming the mind, but it has the advantage of better tea flavor. It is the best-tasting of all the spiritual teas and is worth drinking during breaks from cultivation to calm the mind and stabilize the body.
"If you like it, I'll send some to the Cloud Soaring Sect's headquarters later," Qiu Yan said.
"Then thank you very much for your generosity, Manager Qiu." Lin Xiuyuan put down his teacup and said, "Alright, let's get down to business. They're still waiting for me to show up, and it won't do to drag this out any longer!"
He was also very curious about this matter.
Given Xinyuan Pavilion's capabilities, do they really need to use this favor to ask him for help?
Although his reputation has been growing recently, he is only at the early stage of the Purple Talisman realm.
Qiu Yan nodded happily and said, "Good, Fellow Daoist Lin is indeed quick-witted. I really had no choice but to trouble you this time and ask for your help."
"That's why I made a special trip to Shuoyang City. Once I've finished my business, I'll have to go back."
After a brief explanation, Qiu Yan continued, "A caravan from the Nine Kingdoms Alliance will be passing through Qingyuan County, a border region, via Dayue, and then into the Central Plains. We do not wish for this caravan to arrive safely!"
"Due to the situation in Qingyuan County, high-level cultivators must retreat and are not allowed to enter, otherwise they will trigger the formation's confinement!"
"Therefore, this is the best place to make a move!"
"But naturally, this caravan will have no shortage of cultivators at the Purple Mansion stage, and their combat strength will be relatively high."
"With your combat prowess, Fellow Daoist Lin, you could be a great asset, which is why we sought you out!"
Lin Xiuyuan was taken aback, not expecting that the other party was actually looking for him to rob him.
For a moment, Lin Xiuyuan's face showed a strange expression, and he felt that something was really wrong with this matter.
What kind of caravan, and what kind of goods, could attract the attention of a powerful force like Xinyuan Pavilion?
To reiterate, given the power of Xinyuan Pavilion, why would they need to come to me?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
