Inside Cui Xin Temple.

Before the underground door, someone stood with hands behind their back, gazing at the grand door.

After a long while, there was a deep sigh:

"Is it truly impossible to force it open?"

"Sir, it’s definitely inadvisable."

A middle-aged man beside him spoke with a respectful demeanor and full of nervousness:

"It appears to be an ordinary Stone Gate, but it’s far from that simple. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"The mechanism inside is extraordinarily complex. I’ve studied it for years and it’s filled with Xizhou Fire God Oil.

"If the mechanism is improperly activated and the Xizhou Fire God Oil leaks out.

"In an instant, the entire Cui Xin Temple would be engulfed in a sea of fire."

The mechanism is simple, even somewhat crude, yet it leaves people helpless.

"Hmm..."

The man in front nodded slightly, his face somber.

After a moment, his expression eased:

"Then I’ll trouble you to think of another way. The items inside are of great importance and must not be damaged in the slightest."

"Yes, I understand."

After hesitating slightly, he couldn’t help but ask:

"But sir... if we could find the direct heirs of the Ximen Family..."

"Since you found the clue in this matter, someone has been sent to do it.

"Unexpectedly, we were a step late.

"The Ximen Family Master has shut himself away, and the eldest Ximen went eloped with the eldest Shangguan daughter.

"After that, there has been no news.

"In the territory of the Nanhai Alliance, it’s indeed difficult to abduct the Ximen Family Master.

"For now, we can only hope for Ximen Huai, who is whereabouts unknown."

Although he spoke like this, it was not exactly the truth.

The struggles between the Dark Dragon Hall and Jinglong Association have been ongoing for years.

Cui Xin Temple’s matter, the Seven Killings Hall had been probing for a long time, but the specifics inside were unclear.

It wasn’t until the Dark Dragon Hall Master and Longmen Sixth Jing conspired together that the true details were uncovered.

Afterwards, the Seven Killings Hall took action.

When the Dark Dragon Hall Master realized it, he was furious but had to yield.

His focus was entirely on Longmen Sixth Jing and Jiang Lan at the time.

Truly, there was no time to manage other affairs.

Nor did he expect Longmen Sixth Jing to delegate this matter to the Seven Killings Hall.

If handed to the Seven Killings Hall Master, it’s unclear if it could evade the Dark Dragon Hall Master’s notice.

However, it was assigned to a mere Master.

Thus, unbeknownst to anyone, the Dark Dragon Hall Master unwittingly suffered a huge loss.

Fortunately, the Seven Killings Hall gained nothing in the end.

In attempts to capture Ximen Huai, those sent out, save for the Master, perished completely.

Meanwhile, Jiang Lan was coincidentally on Tianqi Island.

The Dark Dragon Hall Master always watched Jiang Lan from afar, not daring to approach.

Knowing the person’s prowess, at the slightest sign of trouble, everything might be lost.

Therefore, the exact situation on the island was unclear even to him.

He only knew, Ximen Huai and the eldest Shangguan daughter seemed romantically involved with Su Mo.

In the end, thinking perhaps those two might have boarded a ship with Su Mo?

But this was mere speculation, how could one be certain?

And currently, in repeated encounters with Su Mo, the results were usually quick and decisive.

If one rashly boarded his ship to verify the matter... it would surely be seeking doom.

And so, from the news coming from Tianji Pavilion, there’s no trace of the young couple.

Thus, it remains a speculation to this day.

Thinking of this, the Master of the Dark Dragon Hall within Cui Xin Temple couldn’t help but sigh deeply.

Just about to say something when footsteps sounded from behind.

He stood with hands behind his back, without turning his head.

The newcomer knelt on one knee behind him:

"Sir, there’s a grave matter..."

"..."

The person standing at the door, keeping his pose, couldn’t bear hearing those words.

Upon hearing, he couldn’t help but wave gently:

"What grave matter could it be?

"It’s merely Jiang Lan, even with those unexpected escapees from the dungeon.

"Ultimately, it’s merely temporary delay.

"Sooner or later, they’ll perish.

"Though Jiang Lan’s martial arts are formidable, he cannot kill us all.

"Furthermore, on the off chance he indeed possesses such power, could he possibly eliminate all the people left by the Li Clan?"

"If necessary, we’ll seek their aid."

"Sir... the issue is precisely here."

The newcomer hurriedly spoke.

"Hmm?"

The man was taken aback, immediately turned around:

"Explain."

"Yes..."

The newcomer pondered slightly, then spoke:

"Among the three Commanders, Gu Qingsong declared, Commander Fang Rui colluded with Su Mo, and the evidence is irrefutable.

"Now he and Commander Wang have captured him."

"What?"

He was shocked: "How is this possible? Is there any concrete evidence?"

"There’s a handwritten letter from Su Mo."

The person quickly replied:

"Upon verification, both handwriting and other corroborations prove the letter is by Su Mo’s hand.

"In the letter, details of Fang Rui’s betrayals are listed comprehensively.

"The two Commanders detained Fang’s subordinates, all of whom are being sent to the ship.

"They’re about to gather disciples, to apprehend Fang Rui’s faction.

"Previously, both Sir and the Hall Master ordered to avoid excessive attention.