This person was none other than Lu Zhengfeng, the Chief Disciple and principal student of the Qingyun Sectâs Sect Master.
"Everyone, the reason I have assembled you here tonight is to inform you that the soul tablets of the two disciples we sent to capture my junior brother Lin have both shattered. It seems they have both sacrificed their lives. What are your thoughts on this matter?"
Lu Zhengfeng spoke with a calm composure.
Instantly, the hall erupted in discussions among those present. At this moment, a man dressed in a black robe, with a solemn face and eyes emitting a cold gleam, spoke out:
"Those two were my disciples. Both of them had stepped into the Innate Middle Stage, and together they could even kill someone in the Innate Late Stage. Lin Tianhaiâs legs have long been crippled by me; how could the two of them have died?"
This man was Liao Mingkui, one of the three Chief Disciples of Qingyun Sectâs Sect Master.
"Could it be the doing of that Ruthless Valley disciple, Du Huixian?" An elder of Qingyun Sect suggested.
"Impossible. Ruthless Valley and our sect both sent two disciples. Logically, this should not have happened. I have already made contact with Ruthless Valley, and the soul tablets of their two disciples have also shattered."
Lu Zhengfeng shook his head and spoke.
"It seems that thereâs something fishy about this matter. However, we have finally obtained news of Lin Tianhai. No matter what, we must capture this traitor who defected from Qingyun Sect and wait for the Sect Master to come out of seclusion to deal with him."
"Zhengfeng, with the Sect Master in closed-door cultivation, the affairs of the sect rest upon your decision. Tell us, what should we do now?" A Qingyun Sect elder with a head full of white hair turned his gaze to Lu Zhengfeng.
"From what I see..."
"I am willing to personally bring Lin Tianhai back," Liao Mingkui interrupted coldly before Lu Zhengfeng could finish speaking.
"That wonât be possible," said Lu Zhengfeng, shaking his head. "The Hidden Sect has rules that those who exceed the Innate Realm must not lightly enter the secular world; otherwise, it will certainly arouse the fear of secular governments, leading to unnecessary conflicts and harm to the sect."
"Lu Shixiong is right," Liao Mingkui agreed with a dark expression, then added, "In that case, let my principal disciple take a few people with him. With his strength in the Innate Realm, there shouldnât be anyone who can harm him."
"Since Liao Shidi has spoken, letâs entrust this matter to him. I hope you can bring back Junior Brother Lin," responded Lu Zhengfeng, his eyes faintly narrowing as he gave Liao Mingkui a fleeting glance.
Minutes later, in a Qingyun Sect room bathed in dim light, Liao Mingkui stood before a window, gazing at the bright moonlight outside. A figure slowly approached Liao Mingkui from behind and respectfully called out, "Master."
"Take a few people with you to the secular world and bring Lin Tianhai back, but I hope you return with his corpse," said Liao Mingkui with a chilling voice.
"Yes, Master."
The figure responded and slowly left the room.
The next day, a new day dawned, and Ye Luo awoke from his cultivation, exhaling a deep breath. The jade stones imbued with spiritual energy that he had acquired yesterday on the antique street were already half consumed.
At this point, Ye Luo was only a step away from the Innate Middle Stage, but that one step proved not so easy to take.
To advance through each stage of the Innate Realm was more than ten times harder than in the Acquired Realm. Now, for Ye Luo to break through, he needed either an abundance of spiritual energy or to engage in extreme fights that would unleash his potential.
"Good morning, Sister Yan, Auntie!"
Ye Luo stepped out of his room and sweetly greeted Yan Ling and Luo Jingxuan.
"You should eat breakfast quickly. We might be busy these next few days with the launch and promotion of new products; itâs going to be hectic," Luo Jingxuan said.
"You go about your business; just let me know if you need me." Ye Luo said directly.
"Actually, I do have one thing that might require your help," Luo Jingxuan said as her eyes moved towards Ye Luo.
"Whatâs up? Just tell me."
Luo Jingxuan began, "Isnât our new product about to launch? Weâre planning to find a celebrity to endorse this line of products to increase their visibility."
"Thatâs a good idea, is there a problem?" Ye Luo asked curiously, looking at Luo Jingxuan.
"The problem is that after discussing it with Jingxuan, we feel that the only star in the entertainment industry who suits our product both in terms of temperament and image is the jade girl star, Shi Yanran."
Yan Ling came over and said.
"Shi Yanran!" Ye Luoâs expression tightened.
"Exactly, the big star who got tangled in a scandal with you last timeâShi Yanran," Luo Jingxuan nodded and continued, "You know the situation with Meiyue Company right now; it wonât be easy to get her on board, not to mention the high endorsement fee. So, we thought this task might be best handed to you. After all, you know Shi Yanran, and there was that scandal."
"This..." Ye Luo hesitated a bit.
Yan Ling patted Ye Luo on the shoulder and said, "Didnât you say to just ask if we needed you? How come you canât do it now? Moreover, you know Shi Yanran. If you approach her, maybe it wonât be so troublesome."
"I havenât known her for long, and even I canât guarantee sheâll agree to endorse the product," Ye Luo said with a wry smile.
"Anyway, give it a try. She seems to be filming in Capital City at the moment. Why donât you make a trip there yourself?" Luo Jingxuan suggested, her gaze fixed on Ye Luo.
"In Capital City, huh? I actually need to make a trip there soon, so Iâll give it a shot."
Ye Luo considered and then replied.
"Thatâs more like it. Here, a kiss from sis as a reward. Go for it!"
Yan Ling gave a coquettish smile, planted a kiss on Ye Luoâs face, and turned to head back to her room.
Ye Luo smiled awkwardly, casting a glance at Luo Jingxuan, who didnât seem to have any suspicions.
Up to now, Ye Luo still hadnât figured out how to tell Luo Jingxuan about his thing with Yan Ling; after all, it was a bit...
"Hey, is that Young Master Ye?"
"Miss Situ, what do you need from me now? Has that Poisonous Scorpion been found?"
Ye Luo walked out of the villa, speaking on the phone.
"I havenât found the Poisonous Scorpion yet; he might have already fled Zhonghai, not a trace of news. But I do have another piece of important newsâdo you want to hear it?"
Situ Luoyunâs voice was as sultry as ever, making oneâs blood race without control.
"Whatâs up? Tell me," Ye Luo asked.
"I remember you have quite a good relationship with the Nie sisters," Situ Luoyun said seductively.
"What does this have to do with the Nie sisters?" Ye Luo frowned slightly, a puzzled look flickering in his eyes.