Tian Linlong had completely lost their trail.

However, although they did not know the exact location of Tang Xiaotang's secluded cultivation in her cave mansion, they were aware of the general area. If they were to spread the news widely and attract more people to search, this place would still be somewhat unsafe.

Lei Jun observed the cave mansion. He found that Tang Xiaotang was currently at a critical juncture in her secluded cultivation, and it was uncertain when she would emerge. He shook his head slightly and contacted his master, Yuan Mobai.

"Hmm, I am aware," Master Yuan Mobai said. "You may return to the mountain. As for Martial Niece Xiaotang, I will make further arrangements." Yuan Mobai's tone was calm, as always, composed and tranquil. "Third Martial Uncle has returned to the mountain," he continued. "The old man has sustained some injuries and will need to recuperate quietly."

Lei Jun complied. After checking the surroundings of Tang Xiaotang's cave mansion one more time, he immediately left the mountainous area.

The rest of his journey was uneventful. Lei Jun returned to Dragon Tiger Mountain as if nothing had happened. He acted as if he were completely unaware of the previous encounters involving Liang Chen and the others, as well as the fierce battle among the experts of the Upper Three Heavens. It was only upon returning to the mountain that he heard the news of Supreme Elder Li Song being in secluded recuperation.

At least Li Song had returned. Liang Chen, Li Zhusheng, and the others would never come back.

The official story given to the outside world was that they had been attacked by the combined forces of the Blood River Sect, Yintuo Mountain, and a Great Demon while accompanying Great Master Li on an inspection tour of various affiliated manors and branches. Elder Liang, Li, and the others were unfortunate casualties.

Lei Jun acted as if he had not been involved, never mentioning the past events. Similarly, the Li Clan would certainly not publicize the true details of the matter.

The war with the Jiangzhou Lin Clan had just concluded. Yet, it was followed by the grievous loss of many True Inheritance disciples of the Celestial Master Mansion, including Elder Liang, and even Supreme Elder Li Song had been injured. This naturally caused an uproar throughout the Celestial Master Mansion. Only a few who were privy to the truth maintained their understanding while feigning confusion.

After Lei Jun returned to the mountain, he went to the Hall of Steward to report on his completed tasks. Later, while walking on the mountain, he happened upon two people. One of them, wearing mourning clothes and bearing a solemn expression, was Liang Chen's disciple, Li Kong. The other was Li Xuan, Elder Ziyang's son, whom Lei Jun hadn't seen in a long time. Li Xuan had rarely returned to the mountain since joining the Great Tang's Suppressing Demon Guards, so this was an infrequent encounter.

"Senior Brother Chongxuan, Senior Brother Zhongkong," Lei Jun greeted them, then turned to Li Kong. "I heard the news after returning to the mountain. Senior Brother Zhongkong, my condolences."

He sighed. "I recall the several occasions Elder Liang offered me instruction and guidance, and I've always been deeply grateful. I was even thinking of seeking his counsel again sometime soon, but I never expected..."

Li Kong replied, "Thank you for your kind thoughts, Junior Brother Lei."

Beside him, Li Xuan said, "The Southern Witch Sect has become increasingly brazen with its frequent activities lately. We all need to be more vigilant. I hope we'll have the chance to avenge Elder Liang and the others in the future." He then turned to Lei Jun and asked, "I'm in the Suppressing Demon Guards, and I've heard some rumors lately. Is Junior Sister Tang emulating Master by also entering secluded cultivation, intending to break through to the Eightfold Heaven Realm?"

Lei Jun feigned ignorance. "Senior Sister Tang? Isn't she always diligently searching for the Celestial Master's Sword?"

Li Xuan remarked, "All rumors, true or false, require verification." He looked at Lei Jun. "Recently, many unverified rumors have been spreading wildly about the whereabouts of Master's and Junior Sister Tang's secluded cultivation sites. There are all sorts of claims."

Lei Jun knew perfectly well this must be Master Yuan Mobai's doing, deliberately muddying the waters. They didn't know Li Hongyu's current whereabouts. These numerous false reports were spread to dilute any genuine information the Li Clan might disseminate about the general area of Tang Xiaotang's cave mansion. Besides, Yuan Mobai likely had other plans in motion.

"Whether it's Master or Senior Sister Tang who breaks through to the Eightfold Heaven Realm, it's a tremendous blessing for Our Sect," Lei Jun said earnestly. "The Celestial Master Mansion should provide them with extra care. Even if we don't send a protector for the sake of secrecy, we must ensure confidentiality is maintained."

Master Lei maintained his public persona. "And of course, there are the Celestial Master Seal and the Celestial Master's Sword! If Our Sect could gain two more experts at the Eightfold Heaven Realm, along with the return of the Celestial Master Seal and Sword, that would be absolutely perfect!"

Li Xuan slowly nodded. "What Junior Brother Lei says is very true." He looked at Lei Jun. "Later, I would like an audience with Master Yuan. Could I trouble Junior Brother Lei to inform him for me in advance?"

"Of course, Senior Brother Chongxuan, you're being too polite," Lei Jun replied.

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