He Misses His Master a Little Now

The town of Sunset Valley.

Having altered his appearance, Li Xingtian had successfully infiltrated and was now seated in a tavern, ordering a plate of peanuts and a jug of wine.

This tavern was close to the teleportation array, and from the right angle, one could see the grand formation through the entrance, still guarded by disciples of the Heavenly Rosy Sect.

The Thousand-Mile Teleportation Talisman given by his master was truly a treasure—infusing it with spiritual energy allowed for instant activation.

It was of exceptionally high quality, something Li Xingtian had never used before.

After escaping danger, he swiftly changed his appearance and sneaked back into Sunset Valley.

The Heavenly Rosy Sect had been rooted here for years. Thinking that random fleeing would let him evade pursuit would be underestimating the sects of the Central Continent.

A net was likely already closing in, and the only way out was to slip through its gaps.

This time, he had overlooked something—he never expected someone to be so twisted as to resort to such methods.

But regrets were useless now. He’d remember this for next time.

The only reliable option at the moment was to hide in Sunset Valley again, staying low if possible.

Even the Heavenly Rosy Sect couldn’t lock down this place indefinitely.

Moreover, the teleportation array was still operational. Entering the valley was unrestricted, but those leaving were thoroughly inspected.

This so-called inspection mainly targeted rogue cultivators. Disciples from other Central Continent sects could simply flash their sect tokens and pass through.

Clearly, the Heavenly Rosy Sect was trying to contain the situation. Even if there were treasures in the secret realm, they couldn’t compare to the reputation of the sect among its peers.

After all, building a good reputation was hard, but ruining one was easy.

As for rogue cultivators… who cared?

Evidently, Li Xingtian had been lumped in with them. If he were truly a disciple of a Central Continent sect, he would have contacted his master by now.

The rest would just be a matter of negotiation.

But since no one had reached out to the Heavenly Rosy Sect, it was clear they assumed he was a rogue cultivator.

His true likeness had already been plastered on the pillars of the teleportation array.

The accusation? Assaulting a Heavenly Rosy Sect disciple.

After seeing it, Li Xingtian decided there was no need to hold back next time. He had only incapacitated them to avoid escalation, but now it seemed unnecessary.

He disliked being framed, so if given the chance, he’d make the accusation true.

His movements in Sunset Valley had also been thoroughly investigated, and the Heavenly Rosy Sect would likely trace his steps backward.

The only silver lining was that Li Xingtian, for safety’s sake, had altered his appearance and name multiple times.

He hadn’t used his real identity when traveling via teleportation arrays.

At least this way, his master wouldn’t be dragged into the mess.

If he could just slip away, the matter would be over. In a decade or so, it would all be forgotten.

After observing for a long time, Li Xingtian finally thought of a way to break through the encirclement.

He’d forge a sect token—preferably from a well-known one that would intimidate the guards—and try to blend in.

As for which sect to impersonate, the answer came to him instantly.

The Tianyan Sect’s sworn enemy: the Divine Mechanism Sect.

That was the one!

Li Xingtian pocketed a handful of peanuts and used a water-control technique to hide the wine in his sleeve.

After paying the bill, he left, winding through alleys to ensure no one was following before disposing of the items.

In troubled times, it was best to avoid unnecessary risks.

Just as he was about to leave, he spotted a familiar figure—Li Zi.

She had always been thin, but now she looked even more emaciated, her face nearly gaunt. She limped along the wall, holding the hand of a young boy.

"Big sister… why does the Heavenly Rosy Sect keep summoning you?" the boy asked, his voice filled with concern.

Li Zi’s hoarse voice hadn’t improved: "They give me work. I’m the best informant in town."

"You’re lying!" The boy’s voice trembled with tears. "They’re asking you about the person in the portrait! Why don’t you just tell them?"

"And they hit you every time, don’t they? I heard it outside the door!"

Li Zi fell silent, unsure how to respond.

She simply held her brother’s hand and walked quietly toward home.

She hadn’t expected him to follow her this time. When she stepped out, she found him there, his face streaked with tears.

The Heavenly Rosy Sect wasn’t worried about a mere informant and her little brother running away.

They just sent someone to call for her whenever they wanted answers.

And Li Zi had no choice but to go, even knowing she’d be interrogated.

Informants were transparent. They knew the surface-level affairs of the town, but in return, they were transparent in the eyes of those in power.

That was the rule of the trade.

The boy, seeing his sister’s silence, finally broke down. "Sister, you’ll die like this! Just like Father! Just tell them everything!"

She was all he had left. Rules and conscience meant nothing compared to her survival.

Li Zi could only soothe him. "I’ve already told them everything I know."

"That’s not true! You keep saying you don’t know anything!"

Li Xingtian didn’t pause when he saw Li Zi, calmly walking past her while using a technique to eavesdrop.

She didn’t recognize him in his new form.

By now, they were some distance apart, but after hearing those words, Li Xingtian couldn’t help but turn back.

He had assumed Li Zi had betrayed him completely, but what he heard was entirely different…

Places like the Treasure Pavilion or the spirit beast merchants were long-established businesses. The Heavenly Rosy Sect wouldn’t touch them.

But a small-time informant?

Li Xingtian could only watch as Li Zi walked away.

There was nothing he could do for her now.

He turned and left again.

For some reason, he suddenly missed his master.

Chu Xingchen hadn’t delayed on his journey, though he wasn’t familiar with the Central Continent and might have taken a few wrong turns.

Still, he finally arrived.

The moment he stepped out of the teleportation array, he could sense his second disciple’s location nearby.

Thankfully, the boy was safe!

Now that his master was here, he’d ensure his foolish disciple’s safety.

But just as Chu Xingchen prepared to find him—

A violent surge of bloody spiritual energy erupted from the town.

His eyes widened in surprise. He recognized this energy.

It belonged to… his second disciple?!