Since returning to Beijing, Mr. Sun has been very busy and rarely makes public appearances.
Today was the day when the leaders of the Hidden Sect from all over the country gathered in Kyoto for their regular meeting. Old Master Sun, who was rarely seen on ordinary days, actually entered the meeting place half an hour early.
He wore an elegant brocade robe, his hair was gray, but his steps exuded an air of quiet authority and the composure that comes with the passage of time.
Inside the venue, leaders from various regions stood up to pay their sincerest respects to this spiritual leader of the Hidden Sect.
As Mr. Sun slowly stepped into the main seat, his gentle yet profound gaze swept over everyone present, as if he could see into the thoughts and doubts in each person's heart.
He gently raised his hand, gesturing for everyone to sit down. His voice, though not loud, clearly carried throughout the entire meeting room: "You have all come from afar, thank you for your hard work. Today's meeting is of great importance. We will not only summarize the gains and losses of the past year, but also plan the future development path of the Hidden Sect."
As Mr. Sun finished speaking, the hall fell silent, with only the occasional birdsong from outside the window and the distant hustle and bustle of Kyoto remaining, creating an atmosphere of extraordinary tranquility.
Elder Sun continued, “In recent years, the world has changed drastically, and the martial arts world has been in turmoil once again. As a pure stream in the martial arts world, the Hidden Sect must adhere to its original intentions and never forget its original purpose. What we need to do is not only protect this pure land, but also lead the martial arts world towards a new chapter of harmonious coexistence.”
At this point, Elder Sun paused slightly, a resolute glint in his eyes: "Therefore, I propose that the Hidden Sect should increase its external exchanges and establish closer cooperative relationships with other major sects to jointly resist external threats and challenges. At the same time, we must also strengthen our internal development, improve the martial arts and cultivation of our disciples, and cultivate more successors with both virtue and talent."
This statement immediately sparked a lively discussion in the meeting room, with many officials showing expressions of agreement and nodding in support.
Seeing this, Elder Sun smiled slightly and continued, "Of course, all of this requires the joint efforts and contributions of each and every one of us. I hope that in the days to come, we can work together to create a more glorious tomorrow for the Hidden Sect."
The meeting continued in a warm yet orderly atmosphere. Elder Sun frequently offered his insights and suggestions, guiding everyone to engage in in-depth discussions and jointly devise strategies for the future of the Hidden Sect.
Li Xi, sitting to the side, listened silently to the discussion without saying a word.
Last night, she and Mr. Sun had already discussed her thoughts and plans in detail.
At this moment, she was more like an observer, carefully reviewing the areas she had overlooked.
Li Xi's eyes occasionally met Sun Lao's. The two of them didn't need to say much; they could understand and trust each other through their eyes.
She knew that the future of the Hidden Sect depended not only on individual efforts, but also on the wisdom and collaboration of the team.
With the international situation uncertain, it's time for the Hidden Sect to expand in all directions. And it's time for her to make good use of her half of the treasure...
Li Xi was secretly calculating in her mind, completely unaware that the meeting had already ended.
Everyone went to the front yard for a meal. Today, Old Master Sun had gone to great lengths, hiring a team of chefs to prepare a banquet.
"Xiaoxi, what are you thinking about? The feast is about to begin." Chu Ran walked over and sat down next to her.
Li Xi snapped out of her reverie and teased, "I was thinking of you!"
Upon hearing this, Chu Ran smiled knowingly: "Oh? Then my face is truly honored to be so remembered by the future leader of our Hidden Sect."
Li Xi chuckled lightly: "Let's go, dear Sister Chu, didn't we say we were going to have a feast? Master is spending a lot of money today, so we have to treat ourselves to a good meal."
The next day, the members of the Hidden Sect left one after another.
Chu Ran left the two wolves in Kyoto; she was going away for a long time.
"Then Xiao Jun and Xiao Lang are yours. They're in the back mountain. They eat a lot these days, and they're probably going to kill all the small animals in the mountains. Feed them when you have time."
Li Xi: "Okay, don't worry, they won't go hungry."
She gently patted Chu Ran's shoulder and said with a smile, "Sister Chu, the journey ahead is long and arduous, so please be careful in everything you do."
Chu Ran knew her mission was arduous. She nodded slightly and then had the coachman drive away.
"Xiao Xi, come here," called Old Sun, who was passing by.
This estate is located in the suburbs of Beijing, about 100 li (50 kilometers) from the city. Li Xi bought it this year for 80,000 taels of silver.
This estate is nestled amidst lush green mountains and forests, like a dazzling pearl embedded within.
The surrounding mountains are undulating and the trees are lush, forming a natural barrier that separates Zhuangzi from the outside world.
From a distance, the entire Zhuangzi resembles a beautiful painting, giving people a sense of tranquility and peace.
As you enter the village, the first thing you see is a winding stone path, lined with all kinds of flowers and green plants, emitting a fragrant aroma.
Walking along the stone path, you will see an exquisite and elegant mansion. The buildings inside are arranged in a staggered and reasonable manner, and every detail shows the owner's taste and care.
This can be considered a lucky find for Li Xi. The original owner of the estate had to sell his property to pay off his gambling debts because his unfilial son lost a lot of money at the gambling den.
"Master, what's wrong?" Li Xi asked, fiddling with the paperweight on the desk. Old Master Sun was gazing out the window, his brow furrowed in deep thought.
"I will be going on a long trip in a couple of days, and my return date is uncertain." Now that he has news of the leader of the Red Lotus Sect, he is determined to go there in person.
"You have news about that person?" Li Xi knew what Elder Sun was talking about.
Rumors circulated before the Lunar New Year that the leader of the Red Lotus Cult had gone to Kyoto.
However, both they and the emperor sent people to search the entire capital but found no clues, and various troubles continued to arise.
Now there is other intelligence saying that the person is in Shu. Li Xi is currently in an important position and it is inconvenient for him to leave the capital.
Old Master Sun: "Keep an eye on the news from Kyoto and send it over promptly. Also, be careful. You're in the limelight right now, and you might be getting in someone's way."
Li Xi: "I'll be careful. You can keep these."
She placed a stack of silver notes in his hand, saying, "Don't be stingy with your money. You're getting old, so you need to take good care of your health. Be careful when you're traveling. Also, I got some pills from Lan'er. Take them according to the instructions."
Old Master Sun accepted the silver note, his eyes slightly moist. Although his disciple was a bit talkative, he was extremely filial to his master.
After noon, Li Xi hurried into the city to return to the emperor's presence and await orders, while Chen Quan stayed at the estate to manage all affairs.
Old Master Sun was also packing his bags. With the situation in various countries becoming increasingly uncertain, his family would likely not have peace in other countries either. The only solution now was to deal with the Red Lotus Sect as soon as possible and bring them back to Jingyuan.
With these thoughts in mind, he quickened his packing and left that very night.
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