Central Continent.
Li Yingling surveyed her surroundings with a measured gaze. Aside from the noticeably higher concentration of spiritual energy, there didn’t seem to be anything particularly special about the Central Continent.
The cultivators here were all human, just like elsewhere. Their clothing styles might have been a bit more avant-garde, but they still adhered to the basic rules—keeping their spiritual senses restrained and avoiding indiscriminate scanning within the city.
Everything appeared orderly and prosperous.
One striking difference, however, was the sheer number of cultivators. The ratio of cultivators to ordinary folk was almost one to one—something unimaginable in other continents.
But it didn’t matter much to her. Aside from the protective artifact her master had given her, she also carried a Tianyan Token in her spatial ring.
Li Yingling was no longer a novice in the world of cultivation. She knew exactly how valuable the Tianyan Token in her possession was.
Unlike her second junior brother, who might have hesitated out of politeness, Li Yingling wouldn’t think twice about approaching a Tianyan Sect disciple if she spotted one. She’d greet them and, more importantly, ask them to gather information about her second junior brother.
After all, when her master had handed her the token, he had explicitly instructed her: "Don’t hold back—I paid good money for this!"
Still, they were still quite far from the heart of the Central Continent, so running into a Tianyan Sect disciple here wasn’t very likely.
Zhang Miaoyu followed closely behind Li Yingling, her nerves still on edge.
"Leader, where should we start looking for your junior brother?"
Li Yingling’s expression was relaxed. Zhang Miaoyu was obedient, so there was no need for her to maintain her usual cold demeanor.
"Finding my junior brother is a secondary objective. The real mission is to have fun. First, let’s find out where the best candied fruits in the Central Continent are sold."
"Yes!" Zhang Miaoyu instinctively agreed before curiosity got the better of her. "Leader, may I ask a personal question?"
"As long as it’s not too intrusive."
"You often ask me to buy large quantities of candied fruits. At first, I thought you liked them, but I’ve never actually seen you eat any."
"They’re for my third junior sister. It’s been a while since I last saw her, and I miss her a little," Li Yingling said, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "I just hope our master hasn’t corrupted her."
Zhang Miaoyu’s eyes shone with admiration as she looked at Li Yingling—what a wonderful senior sister she was! Talented, capable, and so caring.
When it came to candied fruits, Zhang Miaoyu had plenty of experience. Every time she bought them for Li Yingling, she made sure to sample them all and pick the best ones.
After countless tastings and purchases, she had developed a keen eye for quality. These days, she could tell at a glance whether candied fruits were good or not.
With confidence, she declared, "Don’t worry, Leader! I’ll complete this mission perfectly!"
"This time is different. We have plenty of time—let’s explore a bit first. We’ve earned a lot of spirit stones, so we might as well spend them."
Li Yingling’s gaze wandered idly before settling on an extravagantly decorated restaurant.
It wasn’t that she was particularly hungry—rather, her attention had been caught by the open terrace on the second floor, where several disciples in Tianyan Sect robes sat quietly sipping tea.
Among the eighteen major sects of the Central Continent, Li Yingling hadn’t memorized the uniforms of all of them. But she had made sure to study the Tianyan Sect’s attire inside out—from disciple robes to elder garments, even the sect leader’s regalia.
All so she could recognize them at a glance when the time came.
Well, well!
A satisfied smile spread across Li Yingling’s face—today was her lucky day.
She turned to Zhang Miaoyu and asked, "Are you hungry?"
"I’m at the Golden Core stage, I don’t—" Zhang Miaoyu began instinctively before catching herself. "Actually, yes! Let me treat you to a meal."
"No need. Someone else is paying today."
Li Yingling gestured toward the terrace with a tilt of her head.
Zhang Miaoyu followed her gaze and—wait, weren’t those Tianyan Sect disciples?
"You’re from the Tianyan Sect?" Zhang Miaoyu asked, surprised. "But when I asked before, you said you weren’t from any of the eighteen major sects."
Li Yingling strode toward the restaurant without missing a beat.
"I’m really not. It’s just that my sect has some connections with the Tianyan Sect."
Zhang Miaoyu hurried after her, her voice tinged with worry.
"Ah? Then is it really okay for us to approach them like this? I’ve heard disciples of the eighteen sects can be quite temperamental."
"What’s there to fear? I have connections."
Li Yingling stepped inside, waving off a waiter who approached to assist her, and headed straight for the second-floor terrace.
The second floor wasn’t empty, but an unusual hush had fallen over the patrons, who kept a respectful distance from the Tianyan Sect disciples.
Zhang Miaoyu followed closely, her trust in Li Yingling unwavering.
Back in the Eastern Victory Divine Continent, she would have gone out of her way to avoid running into disciples of the Central Continent’s sects—let alone those from the prestigious Tianyan Sect.
If she had encountered them alone, she would have made sure not to glance in their direction a second time.
Only a rogue cultivator could truly understand—where there was power, there was influence.
Li Yingling led Zhang Miaoyu to the terrace and clasped her hands in greeting.
"Fellow Daoists, are you from the Tianyan Sect?"
There were five disciples in total—two women and three men—led by a young man.
Though they were ostensibly drinking tea, their cups were empty. Clearly, they hadn’t taken a single sip.
The leader looked at Li Yingling with mild confusion but returned the gesture.
"Is there something you need, Fellow Daoist? If not, please—"
Before he could finish, Li Yingling retrieved the Tianyan Token from her spatial ring and placed it on the table.
The leader’s eyes widened. A single glance was all it took to confirm the token’s authenticity—and that it had been issued by Elder Bai.
What in the—
Was this operation being overseen by someone sent by Elder Bai? Since when did such minor matters warrant his attention?
His gaze shifted back to Li Yingling. Her cultivation level seemed rather low—only at the Golden Core stage.
But then again, if Elder Bai had arranged this, who was he to question it? His duty was to obey.
The leader stood and saluted. "Squad number 7743, reporting for duty. Awaiting further instructions, Commander."
The other Tianyan Sect disciples rose as well, saluting in unison.
Zhang Miaoyu’s eyes nearly popped out of her head. Here were Tianyan Sect disciples—at least at the Nascent Soul stage—reporting to her Golden Core-level leader.
And she still claimed she wasn’t from the Tianyan Sect?
Not only that, but her status within the sect must be anything but low.
She shot a wounded look at Li Yingling—after all the trust she’d placed in her, her leader still chose to play games with her.
But when she studied Li Yingling’s face, she realized her leader looked just as bewildered.
Li Yingling frowned slightly, her expression one of genuine surprise.
The Tianyan Token was this powerful? It could directly command Tianyan Sect disciples?
She had only intended to freeload a meal on her master’s behalf…
But now…
Could this also mean… finding her junior brother would be easier than expected?