"Someone from the Sacred Land is here. It’s Elder Lü Zhenghai!"
Yang Chan listened to Han Bingyu’s report, somewhat surprised that it was Lü Zhenghai who had returned to the Cyan Yuan Sect.
He had a vivid memory of this Elder Lü. Back when they were dealing with spies from the Three Major Sects, Yang Chan had offered some good advice. Elder Lü’s way of repaying him was to drag him into the fight against the No-Life Evil Cult, forcing him to take part.
Furthermore, this Elder Lü had personally taken risks to lure out other Inner Masters, which ultimately led to the early demise of the Three Major Sects.
Such tactics demonstrated Lü Zhenghai’s daring, and proved he was a man willing to die for the Cyan Yuan Sect.
This Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Hall had gone to the Merak Sacred Land before. Having stayed there for a considerable time, he should know more of its secrets.
’Logically, with his return to the Cyan Yuan Sect, I should be able to learn more about the situation in the Merak Sacred Land.’
’Some news had come back before, but it was sparse, especially on the details. I couldn’t tell if it was because such things were inconvenient to mention in letters, or if they were simply unwilling to share.’
’But now that Lü Zhenghai is back in the Cyan Yuan Sect, I can finally get some clarity on these matters.’
’After all, since he’s from the Cyan Yuan Sect, his loyalties will naturally lie with us.’
’The Merak Sacred Land might also be doing this on purpose. Sending someone originally from the Cyan Yuan Sect is a way to appease our resentment.’
’After all, the Cyan Yuan Sect had repeatedly asked the Merak Sacred Land for aid, but they never responded or took any action. It would be easy for us to lose faith in them.’
’Lü Zhenghai’s arrival is probably meant to resolve this issue.’
"Besides Elder Lü, who else is there?"
Yang Chan looked at Han Bingyu and asked.
This time, Gu An personally went to greet the visitors from the Sacred Land, along with several other Hall Masters. No one else was permitted to go.
Gu An hadn’t requested Yang Chan’s presence, so he didn’t go on his own initiative.
’The main reason is that I’m not clear on the situation with the Merak Sacred Land. Rushing over wouldn’t be a good idea.’
’If some expert from the Sacred Land came along who could see through my hidden cultivation, that would be a problem.’
’The chances are slim, but for me, it’s better to understand the situation first before even considering a meeting.’
’It’s always good to be cautious.’
’Besides, fawning over them right away isn’t a good option either. That would just make me a lackey, someone people look down on, a disposable pawn they could sacrifice at any moment.’
’There’s no need for that.’
’My plan is to get promoted to Advanced Pharmacist within the Cyan Yuan Sect before joining the Merak Sacred Land. I don’t want to be a pawn. Otherwise, life would be anything but pleasant, always being ordered around with no way to resist.’
’That’s not the life I want.’
"Among the others, most are disciples who left the Cyan Yuan Sect, but there are also some unfamiliar faces. They’re probably from the Merak Sacred Land."
"However, Elder Lü is the one leading them all!"
Upon hearing this, Han Bingyu understood Yang Chan’s true meaning. He wasn’t just asking who was there, but who was in charge.
Han Bingyu had, of course, paid attention to this and made a special note of it.
"Mm."
Yang Chan heard this and nodded.
’That’s more or less what I expected.’
’I’m not in a rush, though. If I’m needed, Gu An will send for me. If not, I’ll just continue my cultivation in Yuanqing Courtyard.’
’I’ll find out what happens later anyway.’
’Besides, the Peng Demon Bone Marrow Cleansing Scripture I’ve been longing for might be in Lü Zhenghai’s possession. I might finally get my hands on the complete scripture this time. That would be good news for me.’
"Sect Leader Gu is with Elder Lü and the others in the Medicine Hall’s Council Pavilion right now!"
Han Bingyu added, though Yang Chan hadn’t asked, she offered the information anyway.
"Good! Keep an eye on things. If any news comes from the Sect Leader, let me know immediately!"
Yang Chan wasn’t surprised.
’If it were anyone else from the Merak Sacred Land, they would probably settle in and rest before discussing their purpose for coming to the Cyan Yuan Sect.’
’But with Lü Zhenghai in charge, things are different. The approach changes accordingly.’
’It all depends on the person, really.’
’Of course, this isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it’s a very good sign.’
’At least there’s no sense of unfamiliarity. The conversation will be much more amicable!’
"One more thing. People from the Merak Sacred Land are also heading to White Jade City."
"They were part of the group that came with Elder Lü, but they split off after arriving in the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty."
"I’ve heard it’s not just the Merak Sacred Land. Other Sacred Lands have also arranged for people to go to White Jade City."
"It’s most likely related to the Old Emperor ascending to the rank of National Guardian Martial Saint, but that’s not confirmed yet. It’s just speculation."
Han Bingyu continued with her report, saving this unconfirmed piece of intelligence for last.
"Mm, keep an eye on the situation in White Jade City as well. It would be best if you can gather some useful intelligence."
’The Great Zhou Imperial Family is on high alert because of that so-called ’Dragon Slayer,’ Yang Chan thought. ’Lately, anyone entering White Jade City has to go through all sorts of interrogations. Their vigilance is at its absolute peak.’
So, Yang Chan guessed it might not only be about the Old Emperor but also related to this matter.
’However, based on the information he’d previously gotten from the Taiyin Saintess, these Sacred Lands weren’t supposed to get too involved with the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty.’
’As for the specifics, he could only wait for future intelligence reports.’
Yang Chan didn’t have high hopes on this front. Even if there was some cooperation between the Sacred Lands and the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty, the information would be kept highly confidential. He doubted he could find out much through the Cyan Yuan Sect’s channels.
The Merak Sacred Land’s channels, on the other hand, might yield something. But that possibility would depend entirely on Lü Zhenghai.
Otherwise, given the current situation in White Jade City, it would be extremely difficult and troublesome to send out any useful information, even if it was discovered.
If not handled properly, one could even be branded an enemy spy!
"Rest assured, Pharmacist Yang. I’ve already arranged for people to gather information. But even if they do find something, it will likely take a while for the message to get here."
Han Bingyu was well aware of the situation in White Jade City. After all, she was the one who compiled all the intelligence, so she had a firm grasp of the details.
That was why she said as much, to mentally prepare Yang Chan.
In White Jade City right now, just asking about anything related to the Imperial Family would draw attention. If anything seemed off, you’d be taken away for questioning, which made intelligence gathering incredibly difficult.
Even if you did find something, getting the information out was another problem. The various checkpoints were so thorough they’d practically search you from head to toe. It was terrifying.
This made the atmosphere in White Jade City extremely tense, not just for the common folk but even for the high-ranking officials and nobles. It was a rare instance of everyone being treated the same!