It was the Prince Xuanyuan Shuo, stationed at the border.

Cao Zhengyang's expression changed slightly, and he discreetly gave Tong Min a knowing glance.

Tong Min immediately understood and left to inform the Lu sisters to temporarily evade and avoid detection.

Xuanyuan Shuo's gaze lingered for a moment on the three-color sect protection array of the Taiqing Sect, with a hint of surprise in his eyes.

Even the crucial border only has a four-color array, yet the Taiqing Sect uses a three-color array as its sect barrier?

Could it be the handiwork of Lin Daochen?

After the two royal members disembarked, the County Governor Zhong Yao and Mansion Master Xiao Ji awkwardly emerged from the flying ship.

The two had intended to report first, but unexpectedly, the two nobles preempted them, leaving them as the last to make an entrance.

Upon seeing the County Governor and Mansion Master, Cao Zhengyang and others immediately understood their purpose.

Rumors had long circulated about special space passages between counties leading to Kyoto, and now it seems they were true.

Otherwise, it would be impossible to make such swift round trips.

Zhong Yao and Xiao Ji quickly approached the mountain gate, with Cao Zhengyang and Mo Xingjian meeting them appropriately.

"Cao, we have come to trouble you again!" They greeted.

Cao Zhengyang nodded slightly, but his gaze shifted solemnly to Xuanyuan Shuo, who was at mid-stage Spirit Severing Realm, and greeted, "Greetings, Elder Xuanyuan."

"Hahaha—" Xuanyuan Shuo's laugh was thunderous, as he stepped forward and patted Cao Zhengyang's shoulder, "We are all old acquaintances, no need to be so formal."

Their expressions remained unchanged, but they internally scoffed.

We are not acquainted with you; you came previously only seeking Zhou Qing and even attempted forceful soul searching.

We cannot defeat you, but we have kept your actions well in mind.

Xuanyuan Shuo's eyes were as fierce as a tiger, his voice robust, "I have heard about the matter; I am grateful for your sect's righteous assistance, or my grandson in Feng Tai would not rest in peace in death!" 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Cao Zhengyang remained composed, gesturing respectfully, "You flatter us, Elder. We were investigating multiple sect exterminations in the Eastern Domain and happened upon this. Unfortunately..."

He paused, showing a regretful expression, "Ultimately, we could not save Princess Consort Ying and others, which is truly regrettable."

"Life and death are predestined." Xuanyuan Shuo sighed deeply, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes, "It was their misfortune."

Having said that, he gave Xuanyuan Yichen a meaningful glance.

The Seventh Prince understood and gently clapped his hands.

The cabin door of the flying ship opened once more, as several eunuchs in deep purple palace attire walked out slowly.

Each held a gilded jade box.

"The death of my fifth brother grieved my father greatly." Xuanyuan Yichen's voice was somber, his brow furrowed with sorrow.

"Depressed by affairs of state, he has sent me with modest gifts to express thanks."

As he gestured, the eunuchs sequentially opened the jade boxes.

Instantly, rich Spiritual Qi surged out like a tide, forming a mist of spiritual energy before them.

Seeing the rare and precious gifts in the boxes, Cao Zhengyang and Mo Xingjian took a sharp breath.

Each of these treasures is worth a fortune, the royal family's generosity is indeed extravagant.

"Your Highness's generous gift is one Taiqing Sect is unworthy of." Cao Zhengyang promptly bowed, "Please, come inside for tea."

Xuanyuan Shuo laughed heartily and took the lead to step forward.

Just as they were about to enter the mountain gate, he suddenly halted and looked around, asking, "By the way, where is young friend Zhou Qing?"

Cao Zhengyang felt a tightness in his chest but kept a composed face, "Responding to Elder, Zhou Qing is cultivating at Little Spirit Peak and did not know of your visit today."

"We have been rather abrupt." Xuanyuan Shuo remarked with a profound smile.

"You overpraise us, Elder." Cao Zhengyang stood aside to make way, simultaneously giving Mo Xingjian a signal, "Mo, please summon Zhou Qing."

Mo Xingjian understood, bowed, and retreated.

After entering the mountain gate, the group proceeded along the stone steps toward the main hall of Divine Peak.

Once their figures completely disappeared into the clouds and mist, Zhou Qing and several other Peak Masters emerged from the pine woods beside the mountain gate.

"His aura has strengthened again!" Zhou Qing gazed in the direction Xuanyuan Shuo left, his brows furrowed.

The last time he was invited to the border, he handled several Demon Emperor affairs as the Peng Emperor.

Using Xuanyuan Shuo's Spirit Slash divine technique, he injured the Tiger Emperor who came to cause trouble.

Afterward, Xuanyuan Shuo seized the opportunity to pursue.

If the guess is correct, that Tiger Emperor is probably in dire straits now.

And this time, he was coerced to the border by Yan Sen, yet he hasn't seen him even once.

Presumably engaged in refinement.

…

About half an hour later, Zhou Qing finally arrived, stepping into the main hall of Divine Peak.

Inside, sandalwood wafted, spirit tea permeated, and everyone was laughing and chatting.

"Greetings, Elder Xuanyuan, greetings, Seventh Prince!" Zhou Qing saluted.

Xuanyuan Yichen immediately rose to welcome him, "Zhou, long time no see!"

Zhou Qing smiled and returned the gesture, "Long time no see!"

Xuanyuan Shuo also looked over at this time, surprised, "It's only been a few years, and you've already broken through to late-stage Divinity Transformation Realm?"

Zhou Qing smiled modestly, "It's mere fortune."

Xuanyuan Shuo shook his head slightly; he did not believe it was mere fortune.

Back then, the old fellow brought this youngster to the border, where he fought five vice generals without defeat.

Further, his assistance in repairing the Four-Color Array with Lin Daochen's performance made it clear that this boy is not one to be underestimated.

As everyone settled down again, Xuanyuan Yichen took the opportunity while pouring tea to secretly transmit to Zhou Qing.

"I heard the situation from the County Governor; the Liu Family intended to pin the death of my fifth brother on me, thanks to you all for not falling for it."

Zhou Qing discreetly sipped his tea, "I believe this matter is definitely not your doing, hence I couldn't acknowledge it. There's no need for thanks, Your Highness."

Xuanyuan Yichen's eyes showed a hint of gratitude.

Zhou Qing took the chance to ask, "Your Highness, did you come directly from Kyoto this time?"