The Lord of Void and Real
Chapter 1673 - 1669: Holding Qingqiu Accountable

Chapter 1673: Chapter 1669: Holding Qingqiu Accountable

It was unclear how much time had passed when suddenly, in the guest room of Tianji City, Shen Luo’s eyes snapped open, and he quickly sat up from the bed.

Immediately afterward, he felt a sudden blackout as a wave of dizziness and exhaustion swept over him. Unable to suppress the overwhelming fatigue, he fell back onto the bed and slept again.

This sleep lasted for half a day, and when he woke up again, it was already evening the next day.

Shen Luo hurriedly sought out Little Master and detailed the events of last night’s Dreamland traversal.

"Elder, honestly, even now I’m uncertain whether I truly traversed Dreamland or merely had a vivid dream," Shen Luo said, somewhat hesitantly.

"Based on what you told me, this time you didn’t travel to the world a thousand years later but returned to the day Elder Manbo was killed?" Little Master furrowed his brow and asked.

"That’s correct. Moreover, in this Dreamland, I was like a mere observer. No one could see me or sense my existence. I was like a phantom unable to interact with others," Shen Luo explained.

"If that’s the case, it indeed seems more like a dream." Little Master pondered aloud.

"But after waking from the dream, I felt my divine soul exhausted and fell into a deep sleep again. That’s quite different from my usual self, making it difficult to conclude decisively," Shen Luo shook his head.

"This jade pillow is truly extraordinary. Even though I’ve repaired it, I can’t guarantee it is identical to its original state. If the jade pillow’s god-like powers were inadvertently altered, it wouldn’t be impossible," Little Master said after a long moment of thought.

Hearing this, Shen Luo fell silent as well.

"It seems the specifics can only be verified the next time you enter Dreamland," Little Master raised his head after a moment and said.

"Understood. What are your plans next?" Little Master asked.

"Next... I’ll begin searching for the spiritual materials needed to refine the Taiqing Pill. I must prepare early for advancing to the Taiyi Realm. After all, strength is the true path," Shen Luo replied after some contemplation.

"I happen to have something I’d like to ask for your help with. I wonder if..." Little Master began to speak but was interrupted by Shen Luo.

"Elder, please don’t hesitate to voice your request. As long as I can offer assistance, I won’t refuse," Shen Luo cupped his fists respectfully.

"Here’s the situation: this time, representatives from the Kingdom of Qingqiu teamed up with Che Qingtian to invade our Tianji City, leading to Elder Manbo’s death and severe losses within the city. We must hold them accountable. I intend for Master Yan to lead the Tianji City disciples to confront them. However, he lacks experience and isn’t as steady and reliable as you. I hope you can accompany him," said Little Master.

Hearing this, Shen Luo didn’t immediately agree but instead asked doubtfully, "Elder, why not have a sect elder accompany him?"

"This confrontation isn’t solely Tianji City seeking accountability from Qingqiu. Numerous sects across the Three Realms are also demanding answers from Qingqiu. Do you remember the fox chaos in Chang’an City from before? That matter still hasn’t been resolved. The Great Tang Dynasty Government and various sects that attended the Harmonious Union Conference are jointly confronting Qingqiu in Morning Sound Valley for several days now," explained Little Master.

Coming back from the secret realm, Shen Luo often felt a sense of temporal displacement. Thinking carefully, it actually hadn’t been long since his departure from Qingqiu.

"It seems most other sects are sending their outstanding young disciples, likely intending to train the next generation of monks," Little Master continued.

Upon hearing this, Shen Luo understood.

"It appears the major sects don’t take Qingqiu Fox Clan seriously," he murmured contemplatively.

"This confrontation primarily concerns the Great Tang Government and Qingqiu Fox Clan. The other sects are largely tagging along, hoping to profit and make gains. However, I feel this matter won’t be easily resolved. Sending Master Yan is partly to give him more experience," said Little Master.

"If that’s the case, I’ll accompany him on this journey. I also want to investigate what Qingqiu Fox Clan is plotting," Shen Luo nodded in agreement.

"Prepare yourself then. Set out together tomorrow," said Little Master.

Shen Luo gave an acknowledgment and took his leave.

After leaving Little Master, Shen Luo had just returned to his residence when Nie Caizhu knocked on his door.

Shen Luo welcomed Nie Caizhu into his room. Seeing her troubled expression and hesitancy to speak, he took the initiative and asked, "Is there anything you can’t say openly between us?"

"I... My sect sent word for me to return. I may need to go back to Mount Putuo," Nie Caizhu hesitated before saying.

"I thought it might be something serious. You’ve been away from your sect for quite a while now; it makes sense to return. However, I’ve just agreed to accompany Master Yan on a trip to Qingqiu, so I won’t be able to escort you back to Mount Putuo," Shen Luo said apologetically.

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Nie Caizhu immediately asked, "You said you’re going where?"

"Qingqiu Kingdom. Why?" Shen Luo asked.

"My master instructed me to lead my junior brothers and sisters to confront Qingqiu as well," Nie Caizhu said, her face lighting up with joy.

"You’re leading the Mount Putuo disciples?" Shen Luo exclaimed in surprise before quickly considering and finding it appropriate.

"Looks like we’re able to travel together again, and there will be no need for us to part ways," Nie Caizhu exclaimed with undisguised delight.

Watching her radiant smile, Shen Luo couldn’t help but smile as well.

...

Early the next morning.

Shen Luo and Nie Caizhu arrived at the inner city square, finding a massive, two-story flying boat parked there.

Outside the flying boat stood over a dozen people, with Nameless Elder and Master Yan leading them.

As Shen Luo approached, Nameless Elder was still giving instructions to Master Yan, whose expression was serious and silent as he nodded repeatedly.

When Shen Luo drew closer, he noticed a woman sitting cross-legged among the group of Tianji City disciples behind them. Her clothes were soaked in blood, her hair disheveled, and her exposed skin covered in dried blood scabs—a clear victim of torture.

"Hmm..."

After exchanging greetings with the crowd, Shen Luo looked closer and bent down to lift the woman’s drooping head.

As the disheveled hair covering her forehead slipped to either side, a face, though smeared with blood, clearly familiar to Shen Luo, was revealed—none other than Elder You Li of Qingqiu Kingdom.

At this moment, Elder You Li had a rune etched into the skin between her brows. Her eyes were slightly rolled back, devoid of life, and a complexly patterned armored ring encircled her neck.

"What is this?" Shen Luo asked in confusion.

"This woman’s mouth is truly tight. No matter how much torture she endured, she revealed nothing. When soul-searching techniques were employed, she destroyed half her divine soul. If we hadn’t sealed her Sea of Knowledge in time, she might have already self-destructed," Nameless Elder sighed.

The techniques used on Elder You Li were designed specifically to prevent her from committing suicide.

"Daoist Shen, I must entrust her care to you during the journey," Nameless Elder cupped his fists to Shen Luo.

"I will coordinate with Daoist Yan to ensure everything is managed," Shen Luo replied with a respectful salute.

"Rest assured, Nameless Elder. Should anything happen along the way, I’ll defer to Brother Shen’s council," Master Yan also said.

"Very well, then. I won’t worry about further matters. You should set out now," Nameless Elder said, smiling.

After bidding farewell, the group boarded the flying boat with Elder You Li in custody and began their journey to Chang’an City.