Senior sister, stop working and go home for dinner.

Chapter 276 Undercurrents, Returning to the Mountains for Quiet Observation

Han Bailian, dressed in a dark blue brocade robe with a jade belt around his waist, had a solemn expression and was talking in hushed tones with several family heads beside him. He seemed to notice Chen Anran's gaze, looked up, and for a moment their eyes met, Han Bailian paused slightly, then nodded to Chen Anran, his face bearing a serious expression befitting the occasion, revealing no further emotion.

Chen Anran nodded in return.

The council hall, located to the east of the main hall complex of Longhu Mountain, is a magnificent ancient hall. Nine white marble steps lead to the hall, flanked by gilded bronze cranes, appearing particularly solemn under the overcast sky. Cultivators from various sects filed in and took their seats in order.

Chen Anran led the Yunyin Sect members to a location on the right side of the main hall, towards the rear. This location wasn't particularly conspicuous, but the view was decent, allowing them to see most of the hall. Wei Qingyi sat down beside him, followed closely by Feng Xiaolu, with Huiming, Jiang Yun, and Qi Lan in order behind.

Chen Anran's gaze slowly swept across the hall.

The main seat was naturally empty—it was the seat that originally belonged to Zhang Nanshan.

He Qingyun, Zhang Nanshan's personal disciple, was seated in the first position on the left side of the main seat, accompanied by Zhang Qingyuan, Mo Han, and a group of elders. Mo Han sat slightly behind him, her eyes still downcast, her face pale, but her hands clenched tightly on her knees. Zhang Qingyuan stood a step behind He Qingyun, his gaze sweeping across the room like a hawk, occasionally exchanging glances with a few familiar elders.

The hall gradually filled with people, a low murmur echoing through the air, the atmosphere heavy and tense. The various sects, aristocratic families, and independent cultivators stood in clear lines, yet remained wary of one another. Chen Anran saw Daoist Tianbao of Maoshan sitting on the left front row, eyes closed in meditation; Jiang Yan and several family heads sat on the right middle section, their expressions grave; the Feng brothers sat not far from the Jiang family, conversing in hushed tones. Han Bailian was seated further forward, next to several distinguished middle-aged cultivators.

A moment later, the bell outside the hall rang three times, and as the echoes reverberated, all whispers abruptly ceased.

He Qingyun slowly stood up, walked to the center of the open space in front of the main seat, bowed deeply to the empty main seat, and then turned to face the crowd.

"Fellow Daoists," He Qingyun's voice was hoarse from days of grief and shouting, "My master has unfortunately passed away. We are deeply grateful to all the sects for their kindness and for coming to pay their respects. The entire Longhu Mountain community is deeply moved. Today, I have invited you all to gather here because of the circumstances, and I have no other choice."

He took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping across the entire scene: "The wicked Crimson Spirit Sect has gone mad and dared to infiltrate my sacred Longhu Mountain and assassinate my master! This is not only a grudge against Longhu Mountain, but also a blatant provocation against the entire righteous path and all living beings! If we allow such evil heretics to run rampant, if it is my master today, who will it be tomorrow?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the hall fell silent, but undercurrents were surging.

Master Tianbao of Maoshan slowly opened his slightly reddened eyes, his voice low and deep: "Nephew He is absolutely right. Brother Zhang and I have been friends for a hundred years, and now... Alas. The actions of the Crimson Spirit Sect have indeed crossed too many lines. Maoshan is willing to stand with Longhu Mountain."

"The Jiang family seconds this." Jiang Yan spoke in a deep voice, his chubby face devoid of any smile, only solemnity. "Although the Crimson Spirit Sect has kept a low profile in recent years, its underlying nature is insidious and must not be underestimated. The death of Elder Zhang is a loss for all of us in the righteous path, and we will surely avenge this."

Feng Wenzheng nodded as well: "The Feng family is willing to do its part."

The commotion in the council hall grew louder, with various factions expressing their opinions one after another. The disciples of Longhu Mountain looked indignant, and Zhang Qingyuan's eyes were particularly intense, as if he were waiting for the right opportunity.

Chen Anran sat in the back row, feeling Wei Qingyi's slightly cool gaze beside him, knowing she was observing his reaction. Feng Xiaolu shifted uncomfortably and asked in a low voice, "Junior Brother, is everyone going to attack the Crimson Spirit Sect?"

"I'm afraid so," Chen Anran replied in a low voice, but her gaze fell on Mo Han, who was sitting next to the main seat.

Mo Han kept her eyes downcast, as if everything around her was irrelevant to her.

The voices within the council hall gradually unified; the consensus was now to condemn the Crimson Spirit Sect. He Qingyun's eyes bloodshot, and he was about to say something more when Zhang Qingyuan, who had been silently standing behind him, suddenly stepped forward and spoke in a deep voice:

"Fellow Daoists, the Red Spirit Sect has become so rampant that it can no longer be tolerated. However, the enemy is in the dark while we are in the light. It would be unwise to rashly launch an attack."

The hall quieted down, and everyone's attention focused on the Taoist priest who was now in charge of the manhunt at Longhu Mountain.

Zhang Qingyuan's expression was solemn as he continued, "After committing the crime, that demoness Ling Cai fled. We pursued her for several days, and although we haven't captured the real culprit, we haven't come away empty-handed." He paused, his sharp gaze sweeping across the hall, "According to our investigation, the Crimson Spirit Sect is not at peace. We have ample time to prepare a foolproof plan."

Jiang Yan frowned and asked, "Does Fellow Daoist Zhang mean that we should postpone our attack on the Crimson Spirit Sect?"

Zhang Qingyuan nodded. "In my opinion, the most urgent tasks are twofold: first, to continue the pursuit of the demoness Ling Caiyou and capture her to uncover the truth and her plot against the Crimson Spirit Sect; second, each faction and family has enough time to gather their strength."

The commotion in the council hall lasted for a moment. Although the various factions had slightly different attitudes, the general direction of attacking the Crimson Spirit Sect had been set. Chen Anran listened quietly throughout.

At this moment, he turned to Wei Qingyi and whispered, "Second Senior Sister, now that this matter is settled, let's go back."

Wei Qingyi's eyes flickered slightly, and she simply hummed in agreement.

Chen Anran then gestured to Feng Changyuan, Huiming, Jiang Yun, and Qi Lan behind him. These individuals were all astute and, although they did not understand Chen Anran's specific plans, they knew he must have considered things carefully, and they all nodded slightly without showing any emotion.

After the discussion concluded and everyone agreed to share information, coordinate reconnaissance, and wait for the right opportunity to launch a major attack, Chen Anran stood up and bowed to He Qingyun, Zhang Qingyuan, and the representatives of various factions present, who were seated at the head of the table.

"Fellow Daoist He, seniors and fellow Daoists," Chen Anran said, "The Yunyin Sect is weak, but we share the same deep-seated hatred for Elder Zhang. Today, the funeral is over, and we have reached a consensus, so we will not stay any longer. The sect still has many affairs to attend to, and we also need people to oversee things both on and off the mountain. If there is anything the Yunyin Sect needs to do in the future, just let us know, and we will not refuse."

Upon hearing this, He Qingyun quickly rose to return the greeting: "Fellow Daoist Chen, you flatter me. I am deeply grateful for your sect's long journey. Sect affairs are of utmost importance, please make yourself at home. If you have any leads or need my assistance in the future, I will certainly let you know."

Zhang Qingyuan also looked over, his gaze lingering on Chen Anran's face for a moment, and said in a deep voice, "Master Chen, please take care. If there is any progress in the investigation of the demoness, we will inform all the sects."

Chen Anran remained calm: "Thank you for your trouble, Master Zhang."

He then nodded to Daoist Tianbao of Maoshan, Jiang Yan, Feng Wenzheng, and the others. Daoist Tianbao sighed and nodded to him; Jiang Yan hesitated before finally saying, "Be careful on the road." Feng Wenzheng said, "Fellow Daoist Chen, regarding the matter of visiting the Yunyin Sect that I mentioned before, I will definitely go after this matter is settled."

"We look forward to seeing you, senior." Chen Anran replied politely.

Feng Xiaolu followed behind Chen Anran, glancing furtively at her uncle and aunt. Seeing Feng Wenzheng smile at her gently, she felt a little relieved.

The group then left the council hall, departing calmly under the watchful eyes of countless people with varying opinions.

Back at Qingxin Garden, Chen Anran quickly packed his belongings. In no time at all, he took out the mechanical wooden bird again and infused it with spiritual energy. The bird spread its wings in the courtyard, its wings shimmering with spiritual light.

"Let's go." Chen Anran was the first to log in.

Wei Qingyi, Feng Xiaolu, Huiming, Jiang Yun, and Qi Lan entered in turn. The hatch closed, and the wooden bird gracefully took flight, soaring over the numerous palaces of Longhu Mountain before disappearing into the clouds.

Looking back out the porthole, Longhu Mountain gradually shrank into the clouds and mist, yet the solemnity and oppressive atmosphere enveloping the entire mountain seemed to still emanate from the void. Feng Xiaolu hugged her knees, gazing out the window, and whispered, "Is it really over like this? What about Old Master Zhang…?"

"It's not over yet." Chen Anran's voice came from ahead, calm yet firm. "But staying here won't help us uncover the truth. Longhu Mountain is now at the center of the storm, with all eyes on us, and those in the shadows won't act easily. Our departure might bring some things to light. Besides..."

He paused, then added, "The people on the mountain also need us to go back."

Chen Anran was still worried about leaving Su Wan alone on the mountain, even though her senior sister said she was about to reach the Foundation Establishment stage.

Lin Xiaoman on the mountain and Li Pangzi at the foot of the mountain could only lend a hand. As for Xiao Ling'er, she was still young and in seclusion cultivating.

Wei Qingyi closed her eyes to rest, and upon hearing this, added calmly: "He Qingyun's grief and indignation seem genuine, Zhang Qingyuan is eager to pursue the murderer, and Mo Han is patient and silent. Longhu Mountain is by no means a monolithic entity. Only by staying away from places of trouble can we see things more clearly."

Jiang Yun toyed with a newly carved wooden animal in her hand and added, "Besides, Ah Sheng is still waiting in the shop."

Mentioning Ah Sheng and "Lingqiaofang" eased the slightly tense atmosphere in the cabin. Feng Xiaolu thought of the lively resort down the mountain, Zhao Mengmeng who always chirped over, and the gentle yet resilient figure of her senior sister Su Wan. The heavy sadness and confusion in her heart were quietly seeped in by a touch of warmth from returning home.

The return journey was equally swift. The wooden bird darted through the sea of ​​clouds, while the mountains and rivers below rushed past. Unlike the journey there, the cabin felt less heavy and more filled with quiet contemplation.

About fifteen minutes later, the familiar, rolling mountains came into view. Yunyin Mountain was in sight.

The wooden bird began to descend, gliding over the "Hidden Immortals Resort". The afternoon sun was shining brightly, the resort was bustling with tourists, and the shops were doing brisk business. In the distance, the distinctive signboard of "Lingqiaofang" could be seen. Everything was orderly, as if it were a completely different world from the somber and sorrowful atmosphere of Longhu Mountain.

The wooden bird flew over the mountain gate and landed lightly in the open space in front of the Cloud Hidden Sect.

The hatch opened, and a familiar scent wafted out. Su Wan had already sensed the movement and went out to greet them along with Zhao Mengmeng and Lin Xiaoman. Seeing everyone return safely, a gentle sense of relief flashed in Su Wan's eyes as she quickly stepped forward.

"Senior Sister!" Feng Xiaolu was the first to rush out and throw herself into Su Wan's arms, her voice choked with sobs, "We're back."

Su Wan gently patted her back, but her gaze turned to Chen Anran and Wei Qingyi, who came out afterward: "Anran, Qingyi, is everything alright?"

Su Wan gently patted her back, but her gaze turned to Chen Anran and Wei Qingyi, who came out afterward: "Anran, Qingyi, is everything alright?"

"Nothing's wrong for now," Chen Anran replied, her gaze sweeping over the familiar courtyard, the tension in her heart easing slightly. "How are things up and down the mountain?"

"Everything is fine." Su Wan smiled and looked at Zhao Mengmeng, who was eagerly crowding around her. "Mengmeng has handled everything very well, and Wang Rui and the others have been very cooperative."

Zhao Mengmeng puffed out her chest, a boastful smile on her face: "Master! You're finally back! How's it going at Longhu Mountain?" She asked cautiously, her eyes full of concern.

Chen Anran gently patted her head: "We'll talk about it later. Everyone must be tired from the journey, so please settle down and rest first."

The crowd dispersed. Chen Anran said to Su Wan, "Senior Sister, I have something I need to discuss with you privately."

Su Wan understood and led him to a quiet room in the side hall.

Wei Qingyi glanced at the two of them and then silently headed towards her room.

Lin Xiaoman naturally walked to Wei Qingyi's side, the two of them falling a few steps behind, keeping a distance from Chen Anran and Su Wan in front.

"Sister Wei," Lin Xiaoman said softly, "the situation at Longhu Mountain... is it bad?"

Wei Qingyi hummed in agreement, her gaze still fixed on the backs of the two figures ahead. Her voice softened slightly, her usual cool tone now gentler: "The funeral is over, but the matter isn't finished. How are things on the mountain? Is the evening primrose business settled?"

"It's almost done. The last batch has just been transplanted, and they're growing quite well." Lin Xiaoman smiled. "It's just that it's rather deserted on the mountain without you all here. Although the sect leader is calm, I've seen her pacing around the front yard at night."

Wei Qingyi glanced at her sideways: "You're quite observant."

"I'm used to it," Lin Xiaoman said casually. "When we used to share an apartment, didn't you often stay up late reading? If I was awake, I could always hear you turning the pages."

Wei Qingyi paused, a hint of nostalgia flashing in her eyes.

"That's all in the past." Her voice remained calm, devoid of emotion. "Now that I'm on the mountain, the nights are quiet, which allows me to concentrate on my cultivation."

Lin Xiaoman smiled and didn't continue the topic, instead saying, "It's good that you're back. Although everything seems normal on and off the mountain, it feels like we're missing a pillar of support. The sect leader has been holding on these past few days, but I've noticed a worry in her eyes, not just about Longhu Mountain." She thought for a moment, then tilted her head, "It's like she's worried about something else."

Wei Qingyi's eyes flickered slightly, but she did not respond.

At this moment, Chen Anran and Su Wan had arrived at the quiet room in the side hall. Before entering, the door was slightly ajar, not closed tightly, letting out a sliver of warm yellow light.

In the quiet room, Su Wan lit the sandalwood incense by the window. She turned to Chen Anran and asked, "Anran, how was the trip to Longhu Mountain? Was Zhang Tianshi truly murdered by the Holy Maiden of the Crimson Spirit Sect?"

Chen Anran sat down on the wooden chair by the window and rubbed her temples.

The wisps of sandalwood smoke curled and swirled as Su Wan sat opposite Chen Anran, pouring him a cup of tea with her delicate hands. She listened as Chen Anran recounted his trip to Longhu Mountain.

"...Fellow Daoist He identified the Holy Maiden of the Crimson Spirit Sect with genuine grief and indignation, which did not seem feigned." Chen Anran picked up his teacup and took a sip. "Fellow Daoist Mo Han privately warned that there might be discord within Longhu Mountain. Daoist Zhang Qingyuan is eager to pursue the culprit and his attitude is resolute. All factions are united in their hatred of the enemy, and the call to punish the Crimson Spirit Sect has become a powerful force."

He omitted his meeting with the bell in the withered vine cave, and also concealed the "Taishang Sanwu Dugong Jinglu" and the vermilion wine gourd, only revealing what he had seen and heard and his doubts.