"Ah..." Ling Xiaoshuang exclaimed in surprise, then asked in disbelief, "Elder Yale has really emerged from seclusion?"
"I hope I'm not too late," an abrupt voice rang out, followed by a medium-built man with sharply defined features walking into the hall.
Everyone's gaze immediately shifted to this man. He looked somewhat haggard, his face covered in stubble, as if he had rushed here from a distant place.
Those cultivators who recognized the newcomer glanced at Luna Fairchild. However, most of the cultivators stood up, preparing to greet him.
Luna Fairchild frowned slightly, but before she could speak, another hearty voice echoed, "Haha! Hall Master Ren, it is an honor to have you here. I must apologize for not welcoming you personally—how rude of me! Even my valley's formation disciples were disrespectful, daring to block Hall Master Ren from entering Winterhold Valley. I should thank you for not punishing them."
Though the laughter sounded hearty, the underlying killing intent was chillingly cold.
"Greetings, Elder Yale." The cultivators who had stood up to greet Hall Master Ren quickly bowed to the thin, newly arrived man.
For this newly arrived man was none other than Elder Yale, the strongest in Winterhold Valley and a master of the Unity Realm.
The one who arrived before Elder Yale was Jason Ren, Hall Master of Moonspire Temple and City Lord of Celestial Moon City.
Jason Ren felt a chill in his heart. He had never expected Elder Yale to emerge at this moment. Had he known Elder Yale would appear now, he would never have chosen to come in such a manner.
"So Elder Yale has emerged from seclusion. I was simply anxious about my son's injuries and acted hastily. I hope Elder Yale can forgive my rudeness," Jason Ren quickly regained his composure.
Elder Yale was indeed a Unity Realm cultivator, but only at the initial stage. He had just emerged from seclusion after recovering from serious injuries. Jason Ren himself was half a step into the Unity Realm, and in terms of combat power, even several Elder Yales at the same level would not be his match. Now that Elder Yale had broken through, his strength should surpass Jason Ren's. However, if Jason Ren risked everything in a backlash, even if Elder Yale harbored killing intent, he would have to think twice before acting rashly.
"Hall Master Ren, you are such a renowned powerhouse in the Taiji Realm, while I—Elder Yale—am but a weakling in the Unity Realm. Of course, you must be free to come here as you please." Though Elder Yale spoke humbly, his tone was saturated with murderous intent and sarcasm.
Jason Ren knew this matter would not be settled so easily, so he chose to say nothing and simply found a seat.
Luna Fairchild stood up and bowed slightly to Jason Ren, "Luna greets you, Father-in-law. Congratulations on advancing your cultivation."
Jason Ren chuckled softly, but said nothing in response.
......
"Brother Di, are we heading out now?" Ling Xiaoshuang watched as Di Jiu put away a supreme-grade spirit vein, marveling at how he had managed to set one up here. Then she saw Di Jiu walking toward the cave entrance.
Di Jiu nodded, "That's right. Winterhold Valley is hosting the Dao Exchange Gathering, and the person I'm looking for has arrived. Now is the perfect time to go. By the way, did you know Elder Yale has emerged from seclusion?"
"Ah..." Ling Xiaoshuang exclaimed in surprise, then asked in disbelief, "Elder Yale has really emerged from seclusion?"
Di Jiu didn't move, only sneered, "Jason Ren, if your claws so much as touch my robe, don't blame your Grandpa Di for being rude."
She was different from Di Jiu. While Di Jiu could keep track of outside events while healing, she had to seal her six senses for a deep, thorough recovery.
"That's right, he's out. Even though I didn't scan him with my divine sense, I know he's regained his cultivation. Let's go meet him." Di Jiu chuckled and walked out of the cave.
With Jason Ren here, Di Jiu would go to see him even if he were alone. Besides, now he was accompanied by Ling Xiaoshuang, a Unity Realm expert.
"Alright." Ling Xiaoshuang followed Di Jiu without hesitation.
Ling Xiaoshuang nodded. Her Dao rhythm flowed around her, and in just a breath, the overwhelming aura of a Unity Realm expert was hidden. In truth, she wasn't sure why Elder Yale had ambushed her. If it was for something in her sea of consciousness, that didn't make sense—only Senior Sister Cai Ji knew she had obtained it. How could Elder Yale possibly know?
......
Having already offended Elder Yale, Jason Ren simply stood up again after Elder Yale announced the start of the Dao Exchange Gathering. He cupped his fists and said, "Fellow Daoists, my arrival today was abrupt. I believe you all know why I am here. Yes, I am here for the Two Realms Flower. If any of you possess it, no matter what you ask for, I, Jason Ren, will do everything in my power to obtain it for you."
The hall fell silent. Everyone knew Jason Ren possessed rare treasures, and no one doubted his words—he had even acquired the Lunar Sun Core. But those present also understood that the Two Realms Flower was simply not something one could obtain here.
Rumor had it the Two Realms Flower only existed in the void between realms; how could it possibly be found in the Kui River Secret Realm? Jason Ren was simply out of options, grasping at any opportunity before the secret realm opened, hoping to find the flower here.
"Hall Master Ren, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. The Kui River Secret Realm may hold countless treasures, but the Two Realms Flower? Impossible. Your trip here is a waste..." Elder Yale laughed again, his voice dripping with mockery and a chilling killing intent.
"That's not necessarily true. I might actually have a way to obtain the Two Realms Flower." A sudden voice interrupted Elder Yale, and two people walked into the hall.
"Alchemist Di?" Everyone was shocked at who dared to interrupt Elder Yale, only to see Di Jiu walk in.
Was he courting death? Even as a Dao Origin Pill God, Di Jiu couldn't act arrogant before Elder Yale. Elder Yale could kill him with a single slap, without even needing a second.
What surprised Su Nuo even more was that following Di Jiu was Ling Xiaoshuang, whose injuries had clearly healed. Not only had her cultivation reached the Dao Transformation Realm, but her features were as beautiful as a painting—like a fairy stepping out of an art scroll. The greenish hue on her face was gone. Su Nuo prided herself on her looks, but beside Ling Xiaoshuang, she was thoroughly outshone.
"Xiaoshuang, your injuries are healed?" Su Qianqian asked in surprise.
Ling Xiaoshuang smiled, "Yes, Brother Di helped me recover..."
"Friend, do you possess the Two Realms Flower?" Jason Ren snapped out of his shock and stepped forward, reaching out to grab Di Jiu.
Di Jiu didn't move, only sneered, "Jason Ren, if your claws so much as touch my robe, don't blame your Grandpa Di for being rude."
"Yes, yes." Jason Ren quickly withdrew his hand, still looking at Di Jiu with excitement.
"Alchemist Di, Hall Master Ren, this is the Dao Exchange Gathering. Since we're here, let's follow its rules. Everyone, please take your seats. Hall Master Ren will have the first transaction and may choose what he needs." Elder Yale was willing to tolerate Di Jiu—an alchemist soon to become a Dao Origin Pill Saint—out of respect for his status.
The fact that Di Jiu could heal Ling Xiaoshuang's injuries was a huge surprise. As for whether Ling Xiaoshuang had truly recovered, Elder Yale wasn't concerned. When had Di Jiu arrived? What kind of injury did Ling Xiaoshuang have? Even if Di Jiu were a Primordial or Unity Realm Pill Saint, it was impossible to fully heal her in such a short time. In reality, Ling Xiaoshuang had only recovered to the Dao Transformation level.
One Dao Transformation, one Dao Nurturing—he could kill a whole group with a single slap.