With that said, Huang Yun gently raised her hand, signaling Li Yunjing and the others to follow her into the courtyard.
Stepping into the courtyard, the first sight was an exquisite rockery.
Clear springs flowed over the rockery, trickling down into a small pool below, creating ripples.
In the pool, fish swam joyfully, their multicolored scales shimmering with a rainbow of colors under the sunlight.
Around the courtyard, various spirit plants were planted, some exuding a faint fragrance, others emitting a mysterious glow.
"This courtyard is rarely occupied, making it quite peaceful. I hope you all can rest well here and replenish your energy."
As Huang Yun led them toward the guest rooms, she introduced, "Everything in the guest rooms is carefully prepared by the clan. If you need any replacements or additions, just instruct the servants."
Fu Chao couldnât help but exclaim with admiration, "Huang Fairy, this courtyard is so elegant, staying here is truly an enjoyment!"
Fu Chaoâs words were not entirely out of courtesy.
The living conditions of the Nangong Family left nothing to be desired.
"Iâm glad Fellow Daoist Wang likes it."
Huang Yun covered her mouth with a light laugh, "This courtyard is also one of the places we, the Nangong Family, use to entertain distinguished guests, so naturally, we canât lack decorum."
Yu Yunyi and Lv Ruoxi were attracted to the spirit plants in the courtyard, and the two of them walked over to carefully examine a spirit plant emitting a gentle blue light.
"This spirit plant seems to be âBlue Spirit Grassâ; Iâve heard that the spiritual power it contains is greatly beneficial for cultivating ice element techniques. I never expected to see it here."
Yu Yunyi said softly.
"Yes, the Nangong Family has profound foundations, possessing such rare spirit plants."
Lv Ruoxi nodded in agreement.
"This âBlue Spirit Grassâ was accidentally acquired by an ancestor of the clan and carefully nurtured to keep it alive."
Huang Yun heard their conversation, a trace of pride appearing on her face, and she explained with a smile, "The spirit plants in this courtyard were selected by the clan to adorn the garden while also providing some convenience for guestsâ cultivation."
After Huang Yun left with the servants, the courtyard instantly quieted down.
"Everyone, donât let your guard down. Although the Nangong Family seems warm and hospitable, thereâs actually something else beneath the surface."
Li Yunjing cautiously looked around, ensuring no one was eavesdropping, and then said softly, "We should be careful. Once Nangong Yuan arrives, weâll take our leave and use the âNangong Familyâsâ teleportation array to smoothly reach the âEndless Mountain Range.â"
"Old Li, I also feel something isnât quite right here."
Fu Chao put away his previously relaxed demeanor, nodding seriously with a grave expression, "Although the Nangong Familyâs arrangements are excellent, it always feels like thereâs a pair of eyes watching us from behind."
Yu Yunyi and Lv Ruoxi also came closer, the same cautious look in their eyes.
"Yunjing, I think the Nangong Family might still have doubts about our identities, but theyâre just not showing it."
Yu Yunyi lightly brushed her sleeve, pondering for a moment before speaking, "Earlier, when Huang Yun introduced the spirit plants, it seemed casual, but I somehow feel she was testing our level of understanding of spirit plants."
"Exactly! And I noticed those patrolling disciples seemed to place a lot of importance on us along the way!"
Lv Ruoxi nodded in agreement.
"Yes! Thatâs likely! After all, this is their stronghold! Letâs aim to leave by tomorrow!"
Li Yunjing frowned slightly, pondering silently.
"Never mind! Letâs head back and rest!"
Li Yunjing added, giving the three of them a meaningful look.
The three understood and stopped discussing these matters, pretending as if everything was normal, and went back to rest.
On the other side, Nangong Yuan, having completed the task, was standing respectfully waiting for inquiries from an elder.
Suddenly, people from the "Myriad Poison Sect" had come into the Nangong Family, who never had any dealings with them. Naturally, this Golden Core Realm cultivator paid great attention.
Nangong Yuan lowered his head, his hands respectfully folded in front of him, standing before the Golden Core Realm elder, not daring to breathe heavily.
"Yuanâer, have you thoroughly investigated the origins of those âMyriad Poison Sectâ cultivators you brought back this time?"
The elder sat upright in the armchair, his gaze sharp as he stared at Nangong Yuan, finally opening his mouth slowly after a long while.
"Uncle, in this journey with them, from my observations, they are indeed from the âMyriad Poison Sect.â"
Nangong Yuanâs body trembled slightly, and he replied quickly, "That leader Li Wutian has profound cultivation, ruthless methods, displaying extraordinary strength in conflict with enemies, easily killing several Foundation Establishment Realm experts with his poison skills and âMyriad Poison Banner.â"
"The âMyriad Poison Sectâ has always been mysterious and has never interacted with our Nangong Family. Their sudden appearance and active request to come with you probably hide another agenda."
The elder slightly frowned, his fingers tapping gently on the armrest, "Did you inquire about their purpose for this trip?"
"Uncle, I once spoke with Li Wutian, and they claimed they were heading to the âEndless Mountain Rangeâ for training, intending to earn some spirit stones to purchase elixirs for protection."
Nangong Yuan felt a tightening in his heart, sweat beading on his forehead as he said very carefully, "But I always feel they may be hiding something, though they have shown no unusual behavior and have been quite helpful to our Nangong Family."
Faced with this prominent figureâs inquiry, Nangong Yuan dared not lie, recounting the journeyâs experiences and his speculations in full detail.
"Yuanâer, youâve been clever since childhood, and Iâve always trusted you."
The elder pondered for a while, his sharp eyes fixing on Nangong Yuan, "But this issue is significant; you must not be careless."