...

Central State Spirit Realm, one of the Eight Great Cultivation Clans - the Ji Family.

Recently, the Patriarch of the Southern Wilderness Branch - Ji Hongli, suddenly sent an urgent call for help to the family, stating that one of the Ji Family’s Supreme Elders, Venerable Kumu - Ji Hongsen, was killed by a Nascent Soul cultivator of mid-stage.

This news shocked the entire Ji Family. A dignified Refining Void Great Power was slain by a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, and now they want the main family to assist in the investigation and request the main family to dispatch Hidden Guards to avenge Venerable Kumu.

"Ji Hongli is really living backwards, and as for Ji Hongsen, getting killed by a Nascent Soul cultivator, it’s utterly ridiculous." Ji Family Patriarch - Ji Zhantian read the contents of the Jade Scroll and furiously cursed on the spot.

Ji Zhantian’s eyes were blood-red, as if about to spew fire. This ordinarily extremely calm and composed elder was now entirely out of control, his voice filled with anger and disappointment.

"Patriarch!" one of the Supreme Elders said in a deep voice, "this Nascent Soul cultivator is no ordinary person. According to the account from the Kun Family, previously, the Ancestor Yin Jiong Demon of the Nine Demons Sect and Ancestor Xueming both fell at the hands of this individual. It’s not surprising that he could kill Ji Hongsen. This person is by no means an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator; his strength should not be underestimated."

"A mere Nascent Soul cultivation yet able to cross tiers and continuously slay three Refining Void Great Powers, if this individual continues unchecked, he might be a tremendous threat to our Ji Family in the future." Another Ji Family Elder spoke seriously, suggesting, "Perhaps we should first investigate his background, and if possible, engage him in dialogue to resolve the animosity."

"Dialogue my ass!" Ji Zhantian angrily cursed, "this fellow killed a Supreme Elder of our Ji Family, and now we’re supposed to go and apologize to resolve our grievances? Isn’t that laughable?"

"Patriarch, calm your anger, this matter should not be handled impulsively!" a family elder quickly soothed, advising, "Third Elder’s suggestion is not without reason. We mustn’t ignore this person; either we engage him in discussion to resolve the animosity, or we must eradicate him completely. With just a mere Nascent Soul cultivation, being able to continuously kill Refining Void cultivators; if not necessary, I suggest it’s better to resolve hostilities with him."

"Indeed, we can first observe his attitude. If he’s willing to resolve the animosity with us, that would be ideal. If stubborn and unrepentant, then we find a way to eliminate him!" Ji Family Third Elder - Ji Wuheng agreed approvingly, speaking with calculated insight.

"Ji Wuheng, since when did you become a coward? He killed a Supreme Elder of our Ji Family, are we just going to let this grudge slide? How will other families see our Ji Family?" Another hot-tempered Ji Family Elder couldn’t stand it anymore and directly lashed out in a curse.

"That fool Ji Hongsen, unknowingly attacking, relying solely on his Void Refining cultivation to kill and rob, failed and got killed instead, thereby inviting such a tough opponent to our family. Must the entire Ji Family pay for his mistake?" Ji Family Third Elder - Ji Wuheng looked angrily and questioned in return.

"Ji Wuheng, you’re talking out of your ass! A mere Nascent Soul cultivator, do you think he can destroy our Ji Family!" Ji Family Fifth Elder - Ji Hongyun exploded in anger, retorting.

"Killing this Nascent Soul cultivator is not difficult, but a mere Nascent Soul with such abilities, are you sure he doesn’t have a formidable master behind him?" Ji Wuheng chuckled and continued questioning.

...

For a time, Ji Family’s several Supreme Elders held two entirely different attitudes, creating a tense standoff, arguing fiercely.

The entire family was engulfed in a heated discussion. Some advocated engaging with the Nascent Soul cultivator to resolve the animosity; others advocated for his outright eradication; yet others proposed thoroughly investigating his origins and background before deciding. But regardless of the proposal, everyone agreed this was an extremely serious incident that needed cautious handling.

"Everyone, shut up!" Ji Zhantian barked angrily: "Elder Hall, is this a place for noisy debates!"

"Wuheng, this matter is entrusted to you. Go to Elder Tianji and ensure a thorough investigation of this individual’s background. If there’s no significant backing, deploy the family’s Hidden Guards, and he’s to be executed without mercy!" Ji Zhantian decisively instructed the Third Elder - Ji Wuheng.

"Wise decision, Patriarch!" Ji Wuheng respectfully accepted the order.

Once the Patriarch made his decision, the other Ji Family elders had nothing more to say. The topic of the hall meeting shifted as they began discussing other matters.

Once the Ji Family Elder Council concluded, Ji Wuheng immediately left the Ji Family, heading to the Celestial Secret Pavilion to seek clues from Elder Tianji.

Upon learning of Ji Family’s Supreme Elder Ji Wuheng’s visit, Elder Tianji set aside his affairs to personally entertain the guest.

When Ji Wuheng entered the reception hall, Elder Tianji had been waiting for some time.

"Fellow Daoist Ji, such a rare visitor! What brings you to my Celestial Secret Pavilion today!" Elder Tianji hospitably greeted him. His grey robes, white hair and beard, along with his clear, sharp features, made him appear youthful and spirited.

Ji Wuheng smiled faintly and cupped his fists in salute: "Fellow Daoist Tianji, no need for formalities. I’m here to pursue some clues and request your guidance."

"Oh! What clues are you pursuing? Fellow Daoist Ji, please feel free to share." Elder Tianji nodded with a kind smile, seemingly having anticipated this visit.

"Ah!" Ji Wuheng’s old face flushed slightly, uncertain about how to talk about such a scandal.

"Fellow Daoist Ji, is there something you find difficult to speak of?" Elder Tianji asked curiously with a strange expression.

Ji Wuheng gave a wry smile and recounted the incident of Venerable Kumu being killed by a Nascent Soul cultivator, as well as the need to investigate the background of the Nascent Soul cultivator. He laid out the entire event along with his own thoughts, hoping for Elder Tianji’s assistance.

After speaking, Ji Wuheng produced an Information Jade Scroll and handed it to Elder Tianji.

The Jade Scroll documented the event of Venerable Kumu’s death and some basic information about the Nascent Soul cultivator.

Elder Tianji took the Jade Scroll and with a gentle swipe of his Divine Sense, gained a general understanding of its contents.

Elder Tianji gently stroked his silver-white beard, falling into contemplation. His eyes shimmered with wisdom, as if pondering something.

After a while, Elder Tianji looked at Ji Wuheng and softly explained: "A part of this individual’s information comes from our Celestial Secret Pavilion. To delve deeper into his background, his secrets, the Celestial Secret Mirror must be employed."

Elder Tianji hesitated momentarily, a flicker of reluctance in his eyes, and finally declined apologetically: "However, this individual can cross boundaries to kill Refining Void Great Powers. Such a Celestial Pride is a target our Celestial Secret Pavilion prefers not to divinate."

Saying this, Elder Tianji returned the Jade Scroll to Ji Wuheng: "I apologize, Fellow Daoist Ji, I cannot assist you with this!"

Upon hearing this, Ji Wuheng’s expression slightly changed, and he quickly persuaded: "Fellow Daoist Tianji, considering our many years of friendship, please employ the Celestial Secret Mirror just this once. Regardless of the outcome, the Ji Family will remember this favor. For this use of the Celestial Secret Mirror, the Ji Family is willing to pay three times the reward. I hope Fellow Daoist Tianji will consider it."

Ji Wuchen’s voice was filled with sincerity and enthusiasm. He understood Elder Tianji’s status and capability in the Celestial Secret Pavilion; if the Celestial Secret Mirror could be used to ascertain the Nascent Soul cultivator’s background, valuable clues would surely be uncovered.

Elder Tianji, observing Ji Wuheng’s earnest promise, his eyes glowed with profound light. Ji Wuheng spoke truthfully. Although they hadn’t ventured deep friendship, their relationship was well established, spanning thousands of years.

If he could assist the Ji Family in finding clues, surely, the Ji Family would remember this favor. Moreover, such a favor’s impact would continue to unfold over a vast period of time. Elder Tianji recognized breaking protocol to aid Ji Wuheng by utilizing the Celestial Secret Mirror could be a highly worthwhile investment.

After a moment of contemplation, Elder Tianji nodded: "Since that is the case, I shall make an exception to divine once. However, this individual’s ability to cross boundaries and kill Refining Void Great Powers indicates extraordinary ability. Whether the Celestial Secret Mirror can provide accurate results remains uncertain, Fellow Daoist Ji, just this once, never again!"

Hearing this, Ji Wuheng was overjoyed and quickly thanked Elder Tianji: "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Tianji!"

Quickly, Elder Tianji sat cross-legged, closing his eyes, forming hand seals, emanating a profound aura as he contacted the Celestial Secret Mirror embedded in the skies above the Celestial Secret Pavilion to begin divination.

As time passed, the aura emanating from Elder Tianji grew increasingly intense, as if gathering all the opportunities from Heaven and Earth. Meanwhile, the Celestial Secret Mirror in the sky began to emit a faint glow, seemingly responding to Elder Tianji’s summons.