Chapter 1084: Sword Venerable Ling Xiao’s Advice
Gu Yu nodded and said, "I’ve notified a few Shadow Guards in the Celestial Capital and some brothers from the outer Eight Gates to protect Little Sixth Master and the others as they migrate north, and to keep an eye on that side."
At this point, Gu Yu suddenly remembered something and added, "By the way, Brother Xuan, do you remember I mentioned the issue about several Hidden Sects and hidden families being attacked recently?"
"I remember. Didn’t I ask you to send Huzi or Zhao Yi to investigate? How did it go?" Liu Zixuan asked.
"We uncovered some suspicious circumstances. None of the people they sent out returned; they all seemed to disappear into thin air. Later, we received some news from the hidden families and sects, confirming that those who attacked them were indeed sent by the Dragon Soul Sect."
Upon hearing Gu Yu’s words, Liu Zixuan stroked his chin and murmured, "I’m a bit puzzled. Although Dragon Soul is strong, it’s not to the extent that Hidden Sects and families fear them. Why was there no reaction after they were attacked?"
"On the third day of your retreat, Xiaoxiao returned to the Profound Sword Sect, and just a day after her departure, a company in the city arranged by the Profound Sword Sect was smashed. Again, it was done by people sent by Dragon Soul. Perhaps you should call Xiaoxiao and have her ask Old Qing."
Liu Zixuan nodded, "I’ll call first. I have a feeling this incident might affect the entire Star Sea Martial Realm; we must be cautious!"
Saying that, Liu Zixuan took out his phone and dialed Xiaoxiao’s number.
Before long, the call connected and Xiaoxiao’s familiar voice came through, "I thought you’d be secluded for a while. Why did you think to call me?"
"Did you return to the Profound Sword Sect?"
"I came back long ago," Xiaoxiao paused. "From your tone, it sounds like something’s up?"
"Can you have Sword Venerable Ling Xiao or Old Qing take the call?" Liu Zixuan said in a deep voice.
"Hold on!"
After Xiaoxiao said a word, there was the sound of running, and soon Sword Venerable Ling Xiao’s voice rang out, "Zixuan, I was thinking of coming over in a few days to thank you in person for treating Xiaoxiao’s hidden ailment!"
"No need to thank me, Uncle Ling. The reason I’m calling is to ask about something." Liu Zixuan paused deliberately after speaking.
There was a moment of silence on the other end before Sword Venerable Ling Xiao laughed ruefully, "You want to ask about the destruction of small families and companies set up by various Hidden Sects and families outside, right?"
"That’s right. All signs point to Dragon Soul’s doing. Why haven’t the Hidden Sects and families responded?" Liu Zixuan asked.
"Sigh," Sword Venerable Ling Xiao sighed deeply, "It’s not that we don’t know it’s Dragon Soul’s doing, but the old guys from various Hidden Sects and families simply forbid retaliation."
"Forbid retaliation? What are Old Qing and the others up to?" Liu Zixuan asked in confusion.
"Not sure. It seems they’re deliberately showing weakness or perhaps they’re wary of something," Sword Venerable Ling Xiao sighed again, then said, "You’ll need to ask Old Qing and them directly, but those old folks are not in Star Sea recently, and no one knows where they went."
"Uncle Ling, I’d like to ask you a question," Liu Zixuan said after a moment of silence.
Sword Venerable Ling Xiao chuckled bitterly, "Why so formal with me? If I know the answer, I’ll surely tell you!"
"In Star Sea, is Old Qing’s group the strongest?" Liu Zixuan asked, enunciating each word.
"Considering the Star Sea Martial Realm, which includes Hidden Sects, hidden families, and the martial realms of various countries, Old Qing’s generation can be divided into two levels: one is from the Innate Emperor Realm Third Heaven to that mysterious realm, and the other is below the Innate Emperor Realm Third Heaven."
Sword Venerable Ling Xiao paused before continuing, "That mysterious realm is unlike any other, and no one has broken through to it in the past century or so, making the Emperor Realm Third Heaven currently the strongest. If you ask for my opinion, they are indeed the strongest."
"If they are the strongest and somewhat wary of the Netherworld Hall Master, that suggests the Hall Master is likely very close to that mysterious realm, right?"
"That’s correct, but it’s certain he hasn’t broken through yet!"
Sword Venerable Ling Xiao thought for a moment and added, "I’ll put it this way: in the entire Star Sea, there are no more than three people who can match the Netherworld Hall Master, but firstly they rarely act, and secondly, even if they encounter the Hall Master, they might not be able to defeat him."
"Got it!" Liu Zixuan grinned, "Uncle Ling, for now, aside from the martial realms abroad, just the presence of the Netherworld Hall is the biggest threat. So if there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to let me know. I’ll help if I can."
"Alright."
Sword Venerable Ling Xiao responded, "Zixuan, since you call me uncle, I sincerely advise you not to trust anyone before the Yudu battle, not even the Hidden Sects, especially Dragon Soul."
With that, Sword Venerable Ling Xiao hung up the phone.
Not to trust Hidden Sects and Dragon Soul?
Liu Zixuan understood caution regarding Dragon Soul, but why couldn’t the Hidden Sects be trusted either?
The real big figures of the Hidden Sects and families are deliberately showing weakness to Dragon Soul and have collectively disappeared?
Could it be that some unknown major event has occurred among the Hidden Sects and families as well?
The vast layout of the Netherworld Hall seems aimed at weakening various forces in preparation for unifying the martial realm after the Yudu battle, and Dragon Soul’s secretive maneuvers are unfathomably enigmatic. These peculiar incidents filled Liu Zixuan with an overwhelming sense of unease.
He felt that something major was about to happen!
After putting down the phone, he directly said to Gu Yu, "Tell Cheng Feng to recall all the Shadow Guards. Also, inform Huzi, Yunxuan, and Zhao Yi that they must be extremely cautious while training outside, and if necessary, return to Lingxiu Village."
"What’s going on, Brother Xuan?" Gu Yu frowned. He had never seen Liu Zixuan so serious before!
"I have a very bad premonition." Liu Zixuan pressed his forehead, "After the Shadow Guards return, have them stay in Ghost Wood City. Tonight, I’ll first go meet the merchant Dragon Soul sent with Ruyan, and make decisions after gaining some insight!"
"Okay. So tonight, it’s just you and Sister-in-law Ruyan going?"
"I’ll probably bring Qiqi along."
For now, the likelihood of Dragon Soul being on the opposing side is increasing. Although this is still in Ghost Wood City, caution is always warranted. The major threat of the Netherworld Hall hasn’t been resolved; Liu Zixuan wouldn’t want to fall to a mere subordinate of Dragon Soul due to carelessness, tarnishing his lifelong reputation!