Xuanwu Ridge, Sima Family.
The Sima Family received the news about their patriarch immediately.
At first, they could not believe what they had heard.
How could their patriarch, a False Core Immortal,
possibly be suppressed by a junior from the Lu Family!
After multiple confirmations, they immediately notified Sima Yue, another False Core Patriarch stationed outside.
"Mere Bi Lake Mountain, how dare they humiliate my Sima Family like this!"
When Sima Yue arrived back at the family, he was utterly enraged.
The Nascent Soul Seed had been slain.
The False Core Patriarch was suppressed and captured.
This was an undeniably loud slap in the face.
It was utterly humiliating for the Sima Family of Xuanwu Ridge, turning them into a laughingstock across the Jiang Country Cultivation Realm.
From now on, whenever anyone mentioned the Sima Family, they would say their False Core Patriarch was suppressed by a junior from Bi Lake Mountain.
"I will go to Bi Lake Mountain right now and see who gave them such audacity!"
Sima Yueâs face was haggard, full of wrinkles, and his posture slightly hunched, yet he radiated a terrifying, predatory aura like a Wolf King poised to devour.
Though he did not have much life left, with only a few decades remaining,
the accumulation of over a hundred years of cultivation since forming the False Core had made his divine skills, magical treasures, and combat prowess far superior to Sima Tongâs.
"Patriarch, please quell your anger! Patriarch, stay calm!"
"Patriarch, I have already dispatched a messenger to Qingyun Sect to notify the Thirteenth Sister..."
The Sima Family Head and several senior members scrambled to calm the fuming patriarch.
Having just suffered such a disgraceful incident, the family was experiencing widespread turmoil. They could not afford another mishap!
If anything were to happen to Sima Yue, if he were to meet any misfortune, it would spell the total ruin of the Sima Family.
"Patriarch, the family needs you to remain here to preside over our affairs. Regarding the Second Elderâs predicament, I am confident Thirteenth Sister will be able to resolve it."
The Sima Family Head earnestly and painstakingly persuaded him.
Though the familyâs False Core Patriarch had been captured, and five Foundation Establishment cultivators killed,
as long as Sima Yue, this False Core Immortal, remained present, their family would retain stability, and other forces would not dare to push too far or break ties completely.
After all, if relationships were severed and open conflict broke out, even a few Foundation Establishment cultivators could disrupt a major factionâs peace, let alone a False Core Immortal.
If this False Core Patriarch met with misfortune, there would be no deterrent, and other factions would rush in like ravenous wolves to devour and dismantle the Sima Family entirely.
Even though the Sima Family could boast deep reserves and cultivate another False Core Immortal quickly, the losses to their assets and influence would be immense.
"Inform the Thirteenth Sister that, no matter the cost, she must bring back the Second Elder!"
Sima Yue understood that he had to remain seated at the heart of the family as their deterrent for now.
Moreover, his words were merely bluster.
Not to mention Bi Lake Mountainâs possession of Lu Changsheng, Lu Miaoge, and Lu Pingâanâthree powerful False Core combatantsâ
Even just Ling Zixiao and the Bi Lake Mountain Great Formation alone would be enough to foil his efforts.
If he truly set foot on Bi Lake Mountain to start a battle, it would only lead to his own destruction.
"Please rest assured, Patriarch. With Thirteenth Sister stepping forward, Bi Lake Mountain will have no choice but to yield."
The Sima Family Head spoke with a heavy tone.
The Sima Family had a legacy spanning over a thousand years, with extensive connections to various factions, including a notable foothold within Qingyun Sect.
Especially in this generation, the Sima Family had a direct descendant who was a disciple of Jade Branch Immortal from Qingyun Sect.
While Jade Branch Immortal was merely a False Core Immortal,
her Dao Companion was none other than the Peak Master of Red Sun Peak within Qingyun SectâReal Person Chiyang!
As long as the familyâs esteemed cousin could persuade this Nascent Soul Immortal to intervene, even with just a nod or a written decree, Bi Lake Mountain would have no choice but to hand over the captive.
"Hmm."
Sima Yue nodded slightly, then turned toward the Sima Family Head with a grim expression. He said gravely, "Iâve heard that Lu Pingâan from Bi Lake Mountain is only just over sixty years old. To possess False Core-level body refinement strength at that age, he must have extraordinary fortune and great secrets!"
"Immediately dispatch people to investigate his background and compile as detailed information as possible."
Sima Yueâs eyes, beneath his thick brows, gleamed coldly and piercingly, exuding a chilling sharpness.
Even as an experienced False Core Patriarch, he couldnât help but feel astonished and develop murderous intent upon hearing of Lu Pingâanâs circumstances.
After all, body cultivation was an incredibly time-consuming, resource-draining path.
For someone of Lu Pingâanâs age to achieve such a level of refinement was nothing short of unprecedented!
Anyone with foresight could see that, barring an untimely death, Lu Pingâan had a strong probability of breaking through to Third Order Body Refining.
The thought of such a possibility sent shivers down Sima Yueâs spine.
"Do not worry, Patriarch;
Iâve already sent people to investigate Lu Pingâanâs information."
The Sima Family Head bowed respectfully.
...
Golden Dragon Ridge, Jin Family.
When the Jin Familyâs senior members heard about the events between Bi Lake Mountain and the Sima Family, they were utterly dumbfounded.
Earlier, upon hearing of the Sima Familyâs major movements, they had been brimming with glee.
They thought the Sima Familyâs operation would resolve the threats posed by Lu Pingâan and Ling Zixiao.
But unexpectedly, scouts had now reported that the Sima Sijie were dead.
Even the Sima Familyâs False Core Patriarch had been suppressed by Lu Pingâan.
What madness was this!?
Had it not been confirmed through multiple channels, they wouldnât have believed it.
"Years ago, we sent someone to probe White Tiger Mountain, but one of them was shot dead by an arrow. It must have been Lu Pingâan who acted."
A Jin Family elder recalled an incident and spoke up.
"This Lu Pingâan hides so deeply..."
"No, itâs more accurate to say Bi Lake Mountain hides deeply! Lu Pingâan, Lu Wangshu, Lu Qingxuanâeach one is keeping their secrets under wraps!"
"Family Head, what should we do about this?"
The Jin Familyâs senior members all had grim expressions.
Their Jin Family of Golden Dragon Ridge had long harbored a mortal enmity with Bi Lake Mountain.
Unlike Xuanwu Ridge, which was far from Bi Lake Mountain,
The Jin Family not only bordered Bi Lake Mountain, but was also adjacent to White Tiger Mountain.
If Lu Pingâan were to remain stationed at White Tiger Mountain long-term, wouldnât Golden Dragon Ridge have to maintain perpetual high alert?