Thinking about going to Weiyang Mountain again, Lin Yun had spent the last few days looking up many records about the place. The Flowing Cloud Sect had been established here for many years, so there should have been plenty of records. And after some searching, he really did find some legends.
It was said that thousands of years ago, there was a giant python here that, after a hundred years of cultivation, had already gained spiritual intelligence. It later failed in its attempt to transform into a flood dragon on Weiyang Mountain. But for some unknown reason, it managed to survive.
After that, many cultivators believed that a secret treasure had yet to be born on Weiyang Mountain, so they all gathered there. However, no one knew what ultimately happened. They only knew that a great battle took place, and nearly ninety percent of the cultivators who participated that day died in the fight. Most of those who survived went mad. The few who remained sane kept their mouths shut, refusing to mention what happened back then.
Lin Yun nudged Bai Zhuqing and asked in a low voice, "Why did you come along? This is a tough job."
Bai Zhuqing scratched his head and said very seriously, "Did you forget our agreement? We said we'd do the sect mission together. Are you going to abandon me and go alone?"
Right, this stubborn donkey. He had no idea how dangerous this mission was. Lin Yun sighed.
"Elder Li, I'll be leaving my two disciples in your care for now," Gu Xiande said to Li Hong.
Li Hong patted his chest in assurance. "Rest assured, Sect Master Gu, I will bring them back in one piece."
The two men exchanged a smile. Gu Xiande watched as Li Hong led Lin Yun and Bai Zhuqing down the mountain, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly.
On the way to Weiyang Mountain, Li Hong said, "Lin Yun, I know you and Li Wuze had a conflict before. As the saying goes, no discord, no concord. Now that the issue is resolved, let's shake hands and make peace."
Lin Yun glanced at Li Wuze. That's what he was saying, but Li Wuze didn't look the least bit convinced.
"Li Wuze, apologize to Lin Yun."
Called out by Li Hong, Li Wuze reluctantly muttered a few words. Lin Yun also responded with a couple of perfunctory phrases.
However, what Lin Yun found strangest at the moment was that Li Hong and the others showed no intention of trying to kill him.
Gu Xiande and Xiao Pingtian must know that I took the opportunity from the back mountain, which is why they're making a move against me. I thought they were trying to borrow a knife to kill someone. Could it be that they're using this opportunity to have a falling out with the Beast Taming Sect?
Lin Yun muttered to himself. In the current situation, that was the only explanation. The atmosphere on the road was rather awkward. Bai Zhuqing was also a quiet person and didn't notice any problems for a while. Lin Yun, on the other hand, spent the whole journey thinking.
After arriving at Weiyang Mountain and confirming that the panels of these few people showed no intention of harming him, he finally stopped Li Hong.
"Elder Li, may I have a word with you in private?"
Li Hong frowned and stared at Lin Yun but nodded in agreement. The two went to the side, and Li Hong looked around. "Lin Yun, what do you want to say?"
"The Beast Taming Sect came this time to discuss a partnership with the Flowing Cloud Sect for the Spirit Realm Grand Competition, right?"
Li Hong's eyes widened, and he stared straight at Lin Yun. How could a mere disciple know so much?
"I also know that for the sake of the Grand Competition, the Beast Taming Sect offered many benefits."
Li Hong's expression turned grave. "What are you trying to say?"
"Although this junior is a disciple of the Flowing Cloud Sect, Elder Li may not know that there are many within the sect who wish to kill me."
When Lin Yun said this, Li Hong just sneered, not believing him at all. "Don't think I don't know. You have Ancestor Liuyun behind you, kid. Even before we left, Gu Xiande repeatedly emphasized that your safety must be guaranteed. Kill you? Don't be ridiculous."
Lin Yun knew Li Hong wouldn't believe him, so he voiced the speculation in his heart. What if the Flowing Cloud Sect had other plans for the Grand Competition this time and wasn't actually planning to cooperate with the Beast Taming Sect? After taking the benefits from them, they would then use the events at Weiyang Mountain as an opportunity to kill Lin Yun and frame the Beast Taming Sect. At that point, the Beast Taming Sect would be the perfect scapegoat. With Lin Yun dead and only the background-less Bai Zhuqing left, no one would believe their side of the story.
After hearing Lin Yun's analysis, Li Hong, for a moment, also felt that it made a lot of sense. He had to admit, Gu Xiande had indeed been overly enthusiastic in helping their Beast Taming Sect this time. These two disciples had been forced upon them. Li Hong had never said he wanted them to come.
"Even if what you say makes sense, it's all just your analysis. Gu Xiande is the master of a sect. Why would he want to harm you?"
Lin Yun rubbed his nose. "I'm just not a person who likes to be constrained. Perhaps Sect Master Gu believes that no matter how many benefits he gives me, I won't bring any profit to the Flowing Cloud Sect."
Li Hong snorted. "It's just analysis. Don't overthink it. You just need to follow us. After we find the spirit pet, we will send you back. I will personally protect your safety."
Lin Yun smiled smugly. Although he said he didn't believe it, when it came down to it, Li Hong's body was very honest.
A hundred years ago, the Beast Taming Sect was indeed famous. This was because a genius had emerged from their ranks, and the spirit pet he had tamed, an Ancient Spirit Fox, had the potential to become a rare Nine-Tailed Fox. Unfortunately, the heavens are jealous of talent. Such a genius died a violent death during a mission for the sect. Although there were many suspicions, there was no evidence to prove that he had been schemed against and murdered. It was because of this incident that the Beast Taming Sect had invested too many resources. Furthermore, many other talented young disciples had perished alongside him, leading to a gap in the sect's new generation. Today, their strength was no longer what it used to be.
The group entered Weiyang Mountain. Lin Yun had already forgotten how to find that lake from before.
"I've been to this Weiyang Mountain before. The only place with dense yuan qi that I can think of is a lake I once saw," Lin Yun said in a low voice.
Fang Chengqian said, "Weiyang Lake? I know of it. There have been legends about it for many years, but it's said to be very dangerous." He glanced at Li Hong beside him. Evidently, they all knew about the legends and were a little wary. What if that giant python was still there?
"So many years have passed. Even if there really was a giant python, it would have long turned to dust." Li Hong snorted. After failing to transform into a flood dragon, it was impossible for the python to have survived.
"Let's go take a look at Weiyang Lake."
With Li Hong having made the decision, Fang Chengqian began to lead the way. Lin Yun and Bai Zhuqing walked in the middle, with Li Hong bringing up the rear.
"Bai Zhuqing, be careful later. This mission won't be that easy."
Bai Zhuqing nodded, clearly not understanding what he meant.
Fang Chengqian did indeed know some things about Weiyang Mountain. In just a few hours, he had led them to Weiyang Lake. It seemed what Li Hong had said before was right. Lin Yun and Bai Zhuqing were just a bonus gift from Gu Xiande!