Chapter 130 Zhou Ding's surprise: Han Li has also come to the Chaotic Star Sea?
Inside the secluded room, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.
Zhou Ding's seemingly humble and responsible reply, which actually implied delay and excuse, stirred up unknown ripples in Miao Li's heart like a stone thrown into a calm lake.
Miao Li's smile froze for a few moments, and a sharp, scrutinizing glint and a hint of hidden displeasure flashed rapidly in the depths of his eyes.
He clearly hadn't expected that, faced with the personal invitation from a Grand Elder of the Hall and the generous gift of a sixth-level demon core, Zhou Ding, who was "well-founded and steady in his actions," would be able to act so "unconcerned with vanity" and "consider the big picture," wrapping his refusal in such a "reasonable" manner.
Is this genuine "humility," or is it a deliberate attempt to maintain distance and feign compliance, as if one has keenly sensed something?
A brief silence flowed between the two, carrying an unspoken tension.
Miao Li's fingers unconsciously tapped lightly on the armrest of the seat, making a soft, rhythmic tapping sound, as if he was weighing the pros and cons and calculating how to make his next move.
Finally, the slightly stiff smile returned to Miao Li's face. However, this time, the smile did not penetrate his eyes. Instead, it carried an undeniable, faint pressure that belonged to a superior.
He spoke slowly, his voice still gentle, but lacking the previous "heart-to-heart" tone, and carrying a more undeniable air:
"Fellow Daoist Zhou is so humble and self-disciplined, always prioritizing the affairs of the hall. I am deeply gratified. If the Grand Elder knew this, he would surely think even more highly of you."
He changed the subject, his tone becoming slightly firmer, "However, the Grand Elder's intentions represent the will and expectations of the main hall, and are far beyond what ordinary rewards can offer. Such high regard should not be wasted, nor should it be delayed any longer."
He leaned forward slightly, his gaze carrying an undeniable air of authority as he looked directly at Zhou Ding: "The matter of Kui Xing Island is certainly important, but uncovering the truth and stabilizing the situation will not be accomplished overnight. Deacon Feng will continue his investigation with all his might, and you can assist him from the sidelines. As for the matter of going to headquarters to pay respects to the Grand Elder..."
[At this point, I hope readers will remember our domain name: ①⓪①ⓚⓚⓢ.ⓒⓞⓜ]
Miao Li paused, then held up a finger and slowly said, "Alright, I can give you some time to prepare. Three years! Within three years, once things have settled down on Kui Xing Island, you should also prepare your cultivation and affairs. At that time, regardless of whether the matter of the Infant Carp Beast has been finalized, you must accompany me to the Inner Sea Headquarters to pay respects to the Grand Elder and personally receive his teachings."
His voice was slightly lowered, carrying a subtle yet unmistakable warning: "Fellow Daoist Zhou, this invitation was personally extended by the Grand Elder, representing the will of the highest levels of the main hall. Such an opportunity is a dream come true for countless cultivators of the same level. I hope you... will seize it and not miss this tremendous opportunity due to momentary concerns. Otherwise, if the Grand Elder is kept waiting or even misunderstands your intentions... then things will truly become difficult."
These words, while seemingly gentle, were firm; they represented both a final concession and a clear ultimatum.
The words "This is difficult" were spoken lightly, but the underlying threat they contained was like a cold needle piercing Zhou Ding's heart.
Miao Li's meaning was clear: I'm giving you a way out and time, but don't be ungrateful. If you refuse again, you'll be ungrateful and openly defy the Grand Elder and even the main hall's reputation, and you'll bear the consequences.
Zhou Ding felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that this was the other party's bottom line.
If he continued to refuse, Miao Li would probably turn hostile on the spot, and he would immediately become a "suspicious subject," or even be arrested or closely monitored on the spot under the pretext of "disobeying orders" or "having ulterior motives."
Right now, playing along and buying time is the only option.
A complex expression quickly appeared on his face, a mixture of realization, gratitude, and a hint of shame, as if he had been awakened by Miao Li's understanding and reminder. He quickly stood up and bowed respectfully to Miao Li.
"Elder Miao's teachings are wise! It was my foolishness that led me to focus only on trivial matters, and I almost failed to live up to the Grand Elder's high expectations and the main hall's cultivation!"
His tone was earnest, carrying a resolute air of sudden realization: "Thank you for your guidance, Elder Miao! I have remembered the three-year deadline! I will handle the matters related to Kui Xing Island as soon as possible, consolidate my cultivation, and after three years, I will accompany you to the Inner Sea Headquarters to pay my respects to the Grand Elder and receive his instructions. I will not dare to delay in the slightest!"
His statement was sincere and extremely humble, saving Miao Li's face while also giving the other party a way out, indicating that he "understands the advantages and disadvantages and is willing to comply."
Sure enough, when Zhou Ding "yielded" and made a clear promise, the last trace of gloom on Miao Li's face completely disappeared, and he once again showed that warm and friendly smile that said "everything is under control".
He laughed heartily, stood up, personally helped Zhou Ding up, patted him on the shoulder, and his tone became warm again:
"I am relieved that Fellow Daoist Zhou is so understanding and prioritizes the greater good! This is the kind of magnanimity and vision that a pillar of our Six-Tier Palace should possess!"
He sat back down and began to paint a bright future for Zhou Ding, "With Fellow Daoist Zhou's aptitude and potential, and with the Grand Elder's personal appreciation and support, it's a certainty that you'll enter the core of the main hall and be entrusted with important responsibilities! At that time, cultivation resources, high-level cultivation techniques, and even opportunities to break through to the Nascent Soul stage will all be within your grasp! Your future is limitless! It's far superior to being a leisurely elder on this remote island!"
His words were sincere, as if he were genuinely happy for Zhou Ding's future, and as if he were presenting him with a blueprint for the future.
Zhou Ding also showed "longing" and "gratitude" and thanked Miao Li humbly. He and Miao Li exchanged words, and the atmosphere became "harmonious and warm" again, as if the previous conversation with hidden meanings had never happened. The two returned to the harmonious situation of "seniors helping juniors" and "juniors respecting seniors".
They sipped spiritual tea and chatted "heart-to-heart" for about half an hour, talking about everything from the local customs of Kui Xing Island to the prosperity of the Inner Sea headquarters, from cultivation experiences to the future development plans of the Six Linked Palaces. They had a very pleasant conversation.
Miao Li seemed to be "not quite done" when the sun began to set.
He summoned Feng Sanniang, who had been waiting outside, and in front of Zhou Ding, he sternly instructed her again that she must mobilize all resources and spare no expense to find out the "truth" about the disappearance of the Infant Carp Beast and the killing of the patrol team as soon as possible, and to find out any possible "spies" or "masterminds" to give headquarters an explanation.
Feng Sanniang naturally agreed immediately, swearing an oath.
After giving his instructions, Miao Li stood up and smiled at Zhou Ding, saying, "Fellow Daoist Zhou, I'll leave the matter of Kui Xing Island to you. I need to return to the Inner Sea to report to the Grand Elder and handle other important matters. We must not forget our three-year agreement. I will come to fetch you then."
"Elder Miao, rest assured, I, Zhou, will certainly not forget. Respectfully seeing you off, Elder!" Zhou Ding bowed as he saw him off.
Miao Li nodded, said no more, and with a flicker of his body, he transformed into a streak of azure light, passing through Baishui Tower and disappearing into the horizon outside Kuixing City in an instant.
As he watched Miao Li leave, the "respectful" and "longing" smile on Zhou Ding's face slowly faded, eventually turning into a deep calm. However, deep within those calm eyes, it seemed as if ice was gathering.
He didn't linger at Baishui Tower. He briefly instructed the still uneasy Feng Sanniang, "Do your best and don't make any more mistakes," before getting up and leaving.
On the way back to Lingmu Peak, the afterglow of the setting sun dyed the sea a poignant golden-red, but it could not dispel the increasingly heavy gloom in Zhou Ding's heart.
"Three years... there are only three years left of buffer time."
Zhou Ding stepped on the light of escape, the sea breeze howled, but it could not dispel the heaviness in his heart.
Miao Lina's seemingly "understanding" "three-year agreement" was actually an ultimatum, a noose around his neck that was slowly tightening.
The mysterious "Grand Elder" and the "Reverse Star Alliance" behind him have clearly regarded him as a "target" that is worth and must be won over or controlled.
Today, he is able to temporarily evade the issue by citing "Kui Xing Island affairs" and "humility," thus gaining three years.
But what about three years from now?
If there is no legitimate reason to refuse, going to the Inner Sea headquarters will be like stepping into a dragon's den or a tiger's lair, with no guarantee of life or death. If you agree to join the Reverse Star Alliance, you will be caught up in the bloody battle against the Star Palace, and you will not be able to leave the headquarters.
"It seems that I won't be able to stay on Kui Xing Island... or Ling Mu Peak for much longer." A clear thought emerged in Zhou Ding's mind, tinged with a hint of reluctance, but more so with determination.
Lingmu Peak was the first base he personally established after arriving in the Chaotic Star Sea. It contained the array he painstakingly set up, the warm memories of his life with Xin Ruyin and Xiao Mei, and the resources and power he secretly cultivated.
But all of this seems insignificant in the face of the imminent survival crisis.
"I must find a suitable opportunity and a reasonable reason within three years to quietly leave Kui Xing Island, or even... leave the sphere of influence of the Six-Linked Palace, and fly far away so that Miao Li and that Grand Elder can no longer find me." Zhou Ding quickly calculated in his mind.
"This matter requires careful consideration and meticulous planning, leaving no loopholes. Furthermore, before leaving, we must ensure the safe and proper placement of Ruyin and Xiaomei."
Zhou Ding felt an unprecedented sense of pressure and urgency.
It's not about strength, it's about not having enough strength!
If he were already a Nascent Soul cultivator, why would he need to compromise and hesitate like this?
Back at his cave dwelling on Lingmu Peak, Zhou Ding felt a warmth in his heart upon seeing Xin Ruyin's gentle and concerned gaze, but his sense of crisis grew even heavier.
He must protect them.
……
Several days later, Zhou Ding was in his cave, studying the deeper control techniques of the "Eight Gates Golden Light Mirror" while silently planning his future escape route. The elder token at his waist once again transmitted a message from Feng San Niang.
This time, her voice carried less of the previous anxiety and more of the exhilaration of "getting things going," even a hint of eagerness to boast:
"Elder Zhou! I have an important discovery to report! Regarding the disappearance of the Infant Carp Beast, I may have found a crucial clue and identified a prime suspect! I humbly request that you proceed to the White Water Pavilion!"
"A clue found? A suspect?"
Zhou Ding's heart skipped a beat. Could it be that Feng San Niang had really found out something?
Or is this just a scapegoat she found to explain herself to Miao Li, or to absolve herself of any responsibility?
He needed to go and see, no matter what.
"I'll be there immediately," Zhou Ding replied, then got up and headed off.
Upon returning to the secret chamber of Baishui Tower, Feng Sanniang's expression was noticeably better than in the previous days. Although she remained respectful, a sense of relief, as if "finally, there has been progress," emanated from her brows. .
After inviting Zhou Ding to sit down, she eagerly began her report:
"Elder, based on my meticulous investigation and follow-up investigation over the past few days, combined with information from various sources, we have finally identified a highly suspicious target!"
Her eyes gleamed: "This person was one of the few who applied after we started recruiting cultivators to assist in hunting demons. Although he didn't have the cultivation level of a pseudo-core cultivator, his solid cultivation and seemingly innocent background led me to include him on the shortlist."
"Oh? Where is this person now?"
Zhou Ding asked, but he was skeptical. It was possible for a rogue cultivator to take risks for resources, but he didn't believe that he could hunt down a level six infant carp beast all by himself.
Feng Sanniang revealed a cold smile of "I knew it!" and said, "The strange thing is this! According to reports from my spies in the city, and after reviewing recent entry and exit records, we discovered that this person suddenly left Kuixing City a few days before and after the incident with the Infant Carp Beast, and disappeared without a trace! Moreover, his departure was quite hurried and secretive; if I hadn't investigated carefully, he would have almost gotten away with it! His departure coincides perfectly with the timing of the Infant Carp Beast's disappearance and the patrol team's annihilation! What a coincidence!"
"Departed in haste, the timing was perfect..."
Zhou Ding nodded slightly; this did indeed increase the suspicion surrounding this person.
At the very least, he showed signs of feeling guilty and fleeing in panic.
"What is this person's name? Did they leave behind any image or more specific identifying information?"
"Reporting to the elder, when this person came to apply for the position, he called himself 'Li Feiyu'."
Feng Sanniang replied, then added, "However, I have already ordered someone to draw a rough sketch of his appearance based on the description given by the person who received him at the time. We are currently checking the recent records of outside cultivators in the city to see if we can find any clues to his true identity..."
"Li Feiyu?!"
Zhou Ding could no longer hear what Feng San Niang said after that.
The moment the name "Li Feiyu" entered his ears, he was struck as if by lightning. His whole body trembled violently, and the listening expression on his face froze instantly. His eyes flashed with a complex light that was a mixture of disbelief, astonishment, realization, and a sense of destiny.
Li Feiyu!
He knew that name all too well!
This is clearly... one of the aliases Han Li used most often when he was in Yue Kingdom, for the sake of convenience!
"Han Li! Junior Brother Han! So... you've also come to the Chaotic Star Sea! And right here on Kui Xing Island!"
A tidal wave of emotions surged through Zhou Ding's mind, and countless thoughts rushed into his head in an instant.
No wonder Feng San Niang suspected him!
Han Li, that kid, has always been cautious and suspicious, keeps a low profile, and is very good at hiding his true intentions.
He must have come to the Chaotic Star Sea to secretly accumulate power, just like I have.
His appearance on Kuixing Island at that exact moment, and his interest in the demon-hunting mission, were indeed coincidental.
Given Han Li's personality and wealth, if he senses danger or has achieved his goal, he would immediately flee without leaving a trace, which is very much in line with his style!
Logically speaking, it seems reasonable for Feng San Niang to list "Li Feiyu" as a prime suspect.
A Foundation Establishment late-stage cultivator of unknown origin appeared and disappeared at a sensitive time.
But she never imagined that this "Li Feiyu" was neither able nor capable of hunting a level-six infant carp beast.
Han Li is currently at most in the late Foundation Establishment stage, and is still far from reaching the Core Formation stage.
"Truly... life is full of unexpected encounters."
Zhou Ding was filled with mixed emotions, and a faint, complex smile involuntarily appeared on his lips.
Unexpectedly, in the chaotic Star Sea far from Tiannan, on the turbulent Kuixing Island, he and his "Junior Brother Han," with whom he had a close relationship, reconnected in such an unexpected way.
Although Han Li himself may be completely unaware, or even never know, that he was also in this place, and that such an investigation was triggered because of him.
The threads of fate always seem to intertwine in such a wondrous way.
"Elder? What...what's wrong?"
When Feng Sanniang saw Zhou Ding's expression change drastically and he remained silent for a long time after hearing the name "Li Feiyu," she couldn't help but feel uneasy. Had she gone in the wrong direction?
Or is there some connection between this "Li Feiyu" and Elder Zhou?
Zhou Ding quickly composed himself, suppressing all the strange emotions in his eyes, regaining his composure, shaking his head, and saying in his usual tone, "It's nothing, it's just that this name... sounds familiar, maybe I've heard it somewhere before. Continue, what else did you find out about this 'Li Feiyu'?"
He already knew in his heart that Han Li's appearance might not change the crisis he was facing, but it would add an unpredictable variable to this already complex sea area.