Chapter 776 - 409: A Unique Way

The spread of Elder Tian’s fame was what marked the arrival of his good fortune.

As he spoke, he couldn’t help but look at Yang An in shock. For someone like Yang An to defeat a Harmonization Realm expert and take an Elder’s seat with only a Nascent Soul Cultivation Level was truly unheard of.

Yang An nodded, lost in thought.

’If Tian Fulai broke through to the Harmonization Realm ten years ago, that means he’s only advanced a single Small Realm in all that time, from the Early Stage of Harmonization to the Middle Stage.’

’For someone as renowned as Tian Fulai, this doesn’t match his reputed talent at all.’

’He went from a novice cultivator to the Harmonization Realm in a flash, only to be stuck at a single Small Realm—the Early Stage of Harmonization—for a whole decade.’

’Advancing in the Harmonization Realm shouldn’t be this difficult for a monstrous genius like him. What’s more, Tian Fulai even comprehended the powerful Heavenly Dao Laws, which proves his Enlightenment is anything but poor.’

Based on this, Yang An began to form a suspicion.

’Though I still don’t know how Tian Fulai obtained that turbid qi, he was stuck in the Early Stage of Harmonization for ten years. He must have resorted to it for that very reason, allowing him to successfully break through to the Middle Stage. He probably never expected to run into me right after his seclusion.’

"Since Tian Fulai, as the First Elder, could inquire about the affairs handled by all other Elders, I should have that authority now as well, correct?"

Yang An asked, looking at Weidao Mountain.

"That is only natural," Weidao Mountain replied immediately.

"Then I’ll have to ask you to do something for me. Please bring Elder Li Sixian to see me."

"I wouldn’t dare refuse. I’ll go at once."

Having received Yang An’s order, Weidao Mountain didn’t dare to delay and promptly took his leave.

He watched Weidao Mountain’s figure depart, quickly vanishing from sight. Soon, Yang An was the only one left in the hall, his thoughts a mystery.

「An incense stick of time later.」

Outside Emei Mansion, on a remote and barren mountain.

Weidao Mountain arrived looking rushed. He landed atop a peak at top speed. After repeatedly ensuring he hadn’t been detected, he changed direction multiple times before arriving at the entrance of a hidden cave.

"Elder Tian, Weidao Mountain has returned."

Weidao Mountain bowed respectfully outside the cave and called inside in a hushed voice.

After a moment of silent waiting, a voice came from within the cave.

"The result?"

Just those two simple words, devoid of any emotion, were enough to make Weidao Mountain break out in a cold sweat. An invisible pressure, like the might of the heavens, bore down on him, making it hard to breathe.

"He did exactly as you said. He asked me some things about you, and also about Li Sixian, telling me to bring Elder Li Sixian to him.

This matter... should I do as he said?"

Weidao Mountain glanced nervously toward the cave’s interior. He was terrified that his secretive actions would be discovered.

"Of course you should do as *I* said. Otherwise, there’s no need for you to remain alive."

The voice came not from within the cave, but from right behind Weidao Mountain.

Hearing that voice, Weidao Mountain’s entire body jolted. He spun around in disbelief.

Not far behind him stood a familiar figure he had just parted with moments ago, watching him with a smile.

It was Yang An!

There was no telling where he had come from, or how long he had been following.

"You..."

Weidao Mountain’s eyes went wide. He never imagined Yang An would appear behind him. Panic filled his face, and he was so shocked he couldn’t speak.

Of course, before he could say anything more, his body suddenly convulsed again. Countless, densely packed points of light appeared all over him, and in the blink of an eye, he was engulfed by the radiance they emitted as his life force rapidly drained away.

Without a second glance at Weidao Mountain’s disintegrating body, Yang An turned his gaze to the cave, a cold smirk on his face.

’After suffering at the hands of so many old schemers in the Origin Realm, my guard is always up. I don’t trust anyone, let alone some sycophant who shows up on my doorstep trying to latch onto me.’

’If I’d actually believed a guy like that, there’d be something wrong with my brain. It would mean I hadn’t been beaten down and plotted against nearly enough.’

Every move Weidao Mountain made after leaving Jade Camel Peak, every place he went, was laid bare before Yang An’s perception.

Thanks to this perception being different from Divine Sense, it couldn’t be detected by others. Even in death, Weidao Mountain would never know how he had been found out.

But none of that was important. What mattered was...

"Elder Tian, your method of inviting me here is truly... unique. I have to say, I’m a little surprised."