Chapter 562

Chapter 562: Li Ruoyu’s Peach Blossoms?

"Wu Tianyue from the Witch Clan seeks an audience with Dao Ancestor Tuntian."

As dusk fell.

A soft voice drifted into the palace where the members of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion resided. Ye Li’s heart stirred; one of the Three Ancient Clans, the Witch Clan, had finally paid a visit.

"Enter," came Mu Fanyin’s languid reply.

A woman dressed in strange, ancient attire stepped into the hall. Her appearance resembled the Miao women Ye Li had seen in his past life—her garments were vibrant and colorful, brimming with a distinctly foreign style.

Mu Fanyin approached gracefully and sat down at the table on her own accord. Her gaze settled on Wu Tianyue as she spoke placidly, "No need to beat around the bush. Speak plainly."

"Naturally, it concerns our ancestral land."

Wu Tianyue replied with a faint smile.

"Then you’ve come to the wrong place." Mu Fanyin shook her head. "To learn of the Witch Clan’s ancestral land’s whereabouts, you should go to Heaven’s Secret Pavilion and request guidance from the Master."

"Though I am a Dao Ancestor, even I cannot help you divine the location of the Witch Clan’s ancestral land."

A trace of disappointment flickered in Wu Tianyue’s eyes.

The Witch Clan and the Dao Clan were both ancient clans.

The fates of the two clans were remarkably similar; after the first epoch, the locations of their ancestral lands vanished suddenly. Several epochs had passed, yet their frantic searches remained fruitless.

"Then, Senior, may I ask one question?" Wu Tianyue added.

"Ask."

"What sort of resources would we need to prepare?" Wu Tianyue pondered for a moment before speaking.

Mu Fanyin’s crimson lips curved slightly in a faint, enigmatic smile. "That depends entirely on the sincerity of the Witch Clan’s offer."

"…"

A chill ran through Wu Tianyue’s heart.

Before coming, she had consulted Luo Qingcheng, but Luo Qingcheng had avoided discussing it directly, telling her only to discern the meaning herself.

The ancestral land was of paramount importance to their clan.

Naturally, the Witch Clan’s sincerity could not be lacking.

"This junior will faithfully convey Senior’s words to the clan elders," Wu Tianyue said, bidding farewell. "Once the matters at hand are settled, I will surely visit the Master."

Mu Fanyin nodded lightly.

Clang!

Just then, the chime of a bell reverberated throughout the Vast Time and Space.

Hearing it, Ye Li emerged from his quarters. He summoned Li Ruoyu and Dao Sovereign Qingyuan, then walked towards the central temple of the Time and Space alongside Mu Fanyin.

Night had descended. Lanterns shone like brilliant stars, illuminating the Vast Time and Space in a dazzling display of colors, creating a vibrant, bustling atmosphere.

One after another, Heavenly Reverends descended upon Dao Yuan Palace accompanied by their disciples.

"Hmph!"

At the entrance to Dao Yuan Palace, Ye Li and his group encountered the Palace Master of Yuqing and his entourage head-on.

Behind Palace Master of Yuqing, one Celestial Lord snorted coldly. "What a disgrace!"

Crack!

As the words faded, a soft snap sounded. The Celestial Lord’s neck broke, lolling sideways.

"Daoist Friend Xinyuan!"

Palace Master of Yuqing’s expression shifted drastically. Celestial Lord Xinyuan was one of the two Celestial Lords from Fangcun Mountain, his strength rivaling Palace Master’s own. For someone to snap his neck silently meant the assailant’s power was at least that of a Great Celestial Lord.

"Heaven’s Secret Pavilion!"

Palace Master of Yuqing gnashed his teeth.

"Step back!" Celestial Lord Linglong frowned slightly, her delicate brows knitting as she rebuked the palace master. Turning her gaze towards Mu Fanyin, she said, "Sister, using force so recklessly within Dao Clan territory is quite disrespectful to our clan."

Mu Fanyin offered a charming smile. "Has Little Sister not heard Luo Qinchuan’s words?"

"Our presence here is an honor for Dao Clan."

"The esteemed one speaks truly."

Ancestral Dragon and his companions arrived belatedly.

Beside him stood a stately, elegant, and beautiful woman, proud and aloof, another Great Celestial Lord—Yuanfeng, from the same era as Ancestral Dragon.

"Hahaha…"

"Heaven’s Secret Pavilion has been in the upper realm for little more than a year, yet its arrogance grows ever greater." Another voice rang out—Eternal Celestial Lord, subordinate to Emperor Ling of Immortal Palace of All Laws.

Feng Suiyuan and several young masters arrived gracefully.

Everyone halted, content to observe the spectacle from the sidelines.

"Daoist brother, I still live."

At that moment, Celestial Lord Xinyuan’s severed neck slowly reconnected. Still trembling with fright, he cast a sidelong glance at Mu Fanyin, his eyes brimming with terror. To take a life over a mere disagreement… this woman truly lived up to being a great demon.

Celestial Lord Linglong’s expression eased slightly.

"Dear friends, please take your seats."

Luo Qinchuan approached to smooth things over, inviting everyone into the hall.

"In we go."

Eternal Celestial Lord laughed heartily. Leading the Celestial Lords and disciples of Immortal Palace of All Laws, he bypassed the others and entered Dao Yuan Palace first, taking their seats.

The rest filed in one after another.

"Li Ruoyu."

Mu Fanyin called out.

"Your junior is here." Li Ruoyu blinked, instinctively replying.

Mu Fanyin smiled playfully. "Want a wife?"

"If the opportunity arises, this seat will capture Celestial Lord Linglong and give her to you as your wife. If you…" she paused subtly, "…consummate the union, you can inherit seventy percent of her cultivation. Becoming a Celestial Lord would be effortless."

Feeling a murderous gaze settle upon him, Li Ruoyu felt like weeping.

The owner of that gaze must undoubtedly be Celestial Lord Linglong.

What does your little rivalry have to do with me?

Li Ruoyu smiled and said, “Elder, though I am weak in strength, if I truly wish to take a wife, I should rely on my own capabilities. How could I resort to borrowing someone else’s power?”

“Well said.”

Ye Li gave Li Ruoyu a hearty pat on the shoulder, then turned to Celestial Lord Linglong. “Sister Linglong, Li Ruoyu has taken a liking to you. When I return, I’ll put in a good word with the Master and head straight to the Luoshen Dynasty to deliver gifts for your betrothal!”

“…”

In that moment, ten thousand Divine Beasts stampeded through Li Ruoyu’s mind.

“What’s wrong with that?”

Celestial Lord Linglong gave a light laugh, her eyes glistening like autumn water as she gazed at Li Ruoyu. “If you truly hold affection for me, then come to the Luoshen Dynasty.”

“This young lady awaits in Luoyang.”

With that, Celestial Lord Linglong turned and walked into the Dao Yuan Palace, leaving everyone thoroughly puzzled.

Ye Li was stunned.

Could it be that Celestial Lord Linglong truly fancied Li Ruoyu?

Li Ruoyu was dumbfounded too.

“Brother Dao, congratulations,” Dao Sovereign Qingyuan said with a smile.

“Daoist friend Qingyuan, please don’t jest like that.”

Li Ruoyu felt extremely awkward, yet a tremor of excitement stirred within his heart.

After all.

In terms of appearance and talent, Celestial Lord Linglong was second to none. For Li Ruoyu to remain entirely unmoved would be impossible.

When a man looks at a woman, claiming he pays no heed to her beauty is nothing but a lie.

“Heart fluttered?” Mu Fanyin asked.

Li Ruoyu nodded.

“Pity my cultivation is too weak.”

He didn’t try to hide his true feelings.

“…”

Ye Li’s expression turned peculiar.

“What a Li Ruoyu! Heart says no, but his thoughts betray him completely,” Ye Li teased slyly. “Why not have Senior Mu intervene tonight? We’ll bind Celestial Lord Linglong and deliver her straight to your room?”

Hearing this, even Mu Fanyin’s lip twitched faintly.

“You prefer such methods?” Mu Fanyin asked with an enigmatic smile.

“Erm…”

Ye Li was at a loss for words and stammered, “Senior misunderstands. It was just a joke. Please don’t take it seriously.”

Li Ruoyu maintained his placid demeanour.

"Speaking of that, Celestial Lord Linglong’s words are rather worth savoring," Dao Sovereign Qingyuan remarked. An average person would grow furious hearing Mu Fanyin’s teasing remarks.

Yet Celestial Lord Linglong remained neither arrogant nor impatient—her temperament truly formidable.

"Let’s go."

Mu Fanyin stepped into Dao Yuan Palace.

After they took their seats.

Luo Qinchuan raised his wine cup, smiling. "This old man offers thanks on behalf of the Dao Clan for dear friends gathering here. I propose a toast first."

"Daoist brother Luo, you’re too courteous."

The assembly drank deeply.

Amid the clinking of cups and dishes, Li Ruoyu’s gaze drifted repeatedly toward Celestial Lord Linglong.

As if sensing his attention,

Celestial Lord Linglong looked back at him.

Their eyes met briefly.

For an instant, Li Ruoyu seemed dazed.

Yet his Dao heart remained steadfast—neither confusion nor distraction took hold. Instead, he raised his cup toward Celestial Lord Linglong, inviting her to drink.

She took a delicate sip.

"Seems promising?" Ye Li muttered under his breath.

"The legends claim the Dao Clan’s ancestral land is the birthplace of spiritual energy," came a voice—Great Celestial Sovereign of Eternity posed the question. "Is this true?"

"It is," replied Luo Qinchuan. "The Dao Clan’s ancestral land holds the Primordial Qi."

"Truly, the Master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion captured its profound mystery in that single decree."

Ye Li grew visibly excited.

Luo Qinchuan truly knew the drill.

Even on Dao Clan territory, he never missed a chance to promote Heaven’s Secret Pavilion.

Definitely deserve a discount on the next transaction.

The guests exchanged subtle glances as Eternal Celestial Lord spoke dismissively: "The Master’s abilities remain mere rumor."

He scoffed, "Had he truly possessed such heaven-defying powers, could a minor Yuqing Palace still stand?"

"…"

Palace Master of Yuqing’s expression darkened instantly—a blade had struck unexpectedly while he idled at home.

"Nonsense."

The ancestral dragon countered sharply, "I witnessed the Master’s power firsthand—peerless across all realms. Even Emperor Ling likely pales in comparison."

"Ancient reptile," Eternal Celestial Lord demanded coldly, "what do you imply?"

"Simply stating facts."

The ancestral dragon grinned, "Truth often grates the ears. Forgive me, Daoist friend."

"Self-punishing toast."

He drained his cup and smacked his lips, "Superb wine."

"Honored guests," Luo Qinchuan announced steadily, "tonight’s banquet serves two purposes."

"First: gratitude for your arduous journeys. Second concerns the younger generation entering our ancestral land."

"Every sect—"

He paused, raising three fingers.

"Three slots."

"We understand," the group acknowledged in unison.

"Once inside," Luo Qinchuan solemnly warned, "survival is not guaranteed."

"Consider this carefully."