NOVPUBMa Shengxu’s voice was grave:
"More than ten years ago, other people within the Sect had seen Elder Ji Ying, but since Elder Ji Ying returned from his outing and did not go out again, everyone searched for him to no avail. They did not think much of it, simply assuming he was in closed-door cultivation. After all, it’s quite normal for cultivators to undergo seclusion for decades or even a century. But after the incidents involving Ling and Hu, the acting sect master, along with the few remaining Immortal Ascension cultivators within the Sect, made a joint effort and still could not find any trace of Elder Ji Ying, just like the vanished Ling and Hu, as if evaporating from the world!"
Wang Ba’s expression subtly changed:
"An Immortal Ascension elder disappearing within the Sect? That seems highly unlikely, doesn’t it? Even a Refined Void Existence couldn’t achieve this without a trace, right? Perhaps Elder Ji had some matters and left the Sect quietly?"
Ma Shengxu said:
"It’s a possibility. However, the Great Formation protecting the Sect did not record any signs of Elder Ji leaving. The Spirit Rhinoceros Stone and various other searching methods... all unable to find him... I suspect that something has happened both inside and outside of the Sect, but I can’t see what the issue is... That’s why I want you to come back. After all, there are other Immortal Ascension cultivators within the Sect, which is far safer than being outside."
A heaviness settled in Wang Ba’s heart.
When he heard Ma Shengxu talk about the disappearance of Elder Ji Ying, he had already made some guesses.
But hearing Ma Shengxu speak so frankly, he was still struck by a shudder in his heart.
The unexplained disappearance of an Immortal Ascension elder, possibly occurring within the Sect... What did that imply? Even a moment’s thought was chilling to the bone!
Only an Immortal Ascension could make another Immortal Ascension disappear!
And now, some of the Immortal Ascensions within the Sect were constructing the Tribulation Crossing Raft with Sect Master Shao, while others followed the Third Elder and the Heavenly Master to the West Sea Country to repel the Three Continents’ Cultivators.
The Immortal Ascensions left to guard the Sect were the acting sect master, the Hall Masters of the Diwu Hall and Rende Hall, the guardians of the Myriad Library, the Myriad Cave, Du Wei, and others.
Among these, there was only one person who could easily restrain Elder Ji Ying.
That person was the acting sect master, Xun FuJun.
But Wang Ba dismissed this name from his mind at the first thought.
Because there was absolutely no need for the acting sect master to harm a fellow Immortal Ascension of the Sect.
According to his Master Yao Wudi, he would wish for nothing more than to have as many Immortal Ascension cultivators in the Wanxiang Sect as possible, so why would he strike at his own?
"But then, who could it be?"
"Is it Hall Master Xi Kui, or Hall Master Fei Hua?"
Images of these high-ranking Sect officials flashed through Wang Ba’s mind.
But they appeared hazy, as if seen through fog, elusive in their clarity.
"Alright, don’t think too much about it. This is just my speculation. Return to the Sect first. Hold on for a few more years, and once the Tribulation Crossing Raft is completed and Sect Master Shao leaves seclusion, we will have nothing to worry about."
Inside the Spirit Rhinoceros Stone, Ma Shengxu seemed to know the worries in Wang Ba’s heart and hastily comforted him.
Upon hearing this, Wang Ba pondered for a while and eventually made up his mind, saying solemnly:
"Martial Uncle Ma, I wish to take another look at Sen State."
The voice inside the Spirit Rhinoceros Stone paused, then angrily said:
"No, after what I’ve told you, how can you fail to comprehend? You’re always so cautious, so how come now..."
With a hint of apology and resolution in his voice, Wang Ba said:
"Martial Uncle Ma, thank you for your concern, but I really cannot find peace without seeing for myself. A cultivator’s journey is not only about cultivation but also about the heart. Don’t worry, I will visit Master before I go to Sen State."
"You... Sigh, I should not have shared all this with you. Go to Chen State. I refuse to believe that your oaf of a master could still let you take such a risk!"
The frustrated and resigned voice of Ma Shengxu came from the Spirit Rhinoceros Stone.
Wang Ba’s heart warmed slightly, and after inquiring about the Sect’s recent situation, he put away the Spirit Rhinoceros Stone.
He regained his composure, organized his thoughts, and swiftly made some plans.
Only then did he go to notify Ying He and Li Yingfu.
Ying He’s face showed shame:
"Chief Division Master, with such a significant matter, Ying He should have accompanied you, but my duties prevent me from leaving Guangling..."
Wang Ba, having adjusted his emotions, spoke with a pleasant expression:
"Enforcer Ying speaks as if we are strangers. The Sect placed you here for important reasons, I’m aware of that. Let’s part here. When we return to the Sect, we will drink together."
Ying He hurriedly raised his hand in salute.
Wang Ba entered the Flying Boat controlled by Li Yingfu, turned around, and offered a distant salute.
Quickly, the Flying Boat sped off towards a Teleportation Array to the south.
...
In Jin, the Wanxiang Sect.
Chunyang Palace.
Standing at the open palace gate with hands clasped behind his back was a figure in pale moon-white clothes.
The sky was dim.
The palace doors were wide open.
His gaze fell on the drizzle outside, devoid of any expression.
The man seemed like a weathered rock atop a mountain, silently observing the changes in the world.
Before long, a young and handsome figure hurriedly alighted.
He bowed respectfully in front of the figure in moon-white.
But the figure in moon-white did not react, as if he were a statue.
The young man was not surprised. He stood beside the moon-white figure and said softly:
"Sect Master, the people who were executing missions near Chen State during those days have been found out."
Hearing this, the figure in moon-white still did not show much reaction, but a detached voice emerged:
"Who?"
The young figure whispered a name.
The figure in moon-white slightly stirred, his statue-like face finally showing a faint look of surprise and realization:
"It’s him?... No wonder. Despite all the precautions, we never expected to be infiltrated to this extent. It seems some positions within the Sect have also rotted quite a bit."
