In the center of the pool, the silver-haired little girl swam leisurely, occasionally diving to the bottom and releasing a string of small bubbles.

She really liked it here.

For some reason, she felt an inexplicable familiarity with the water in this pool.

But...

Isn't it said that the cold pool can heal illnesses?

Why does she feel that her blood is becoming more active instead?

Sometimes, she even loses consciousness, as if her body is being taken over by someone else.

But when she told Aunt Mao, Aunt Mao seemed puzzled too, guessing that perhaps her constitution was extraordinary, thus reacting differently from other clan members who underwent the same ritual.

"Aunt Mao."

Qing Jun opened her bright, phoenix eyes, her little face looking somewhat pale from the chill, yet her spirit appeared particularly excited,

"Qing Jun wants to speak with Master... Didn't they say there's a Sound Transmission Jade Pendant? Why hasn't Master contacted Qing Jun these past few days?"

She shook the Sound Transmission Jade Pendant at her waist, which she already treasured dearly, her face full of expectation.

She had also tried to contact Master,

but it seemed she didn't know how to use it, never getting a response from Master.

Mao Qingzhu stood quietly by the poolside, looking a bit troubled as she softly explained, "Qing Jun, be good. This place is a forbidden area of the Xu Family, covered by the Mountain Protection Array, isolating all communication. You cannot reach your Master for now."

Upon hearing this, the little girl's face immediately dimmed, and her small mouth pouted involuntarily.

Seeing her like this, Mao Qingzhu felt a pang in her heart and quickly added,

"But don't worry, after the ritual ends tonight, Auntie will take you outside the array, and by then you should be able to contact your Master."

"Really?" The little girl's eyes lit up again, fiercely exclaiming, "That infuriating Master is a heartless person! Not even speaking to Qing Jun once!"

Thinking of this, the little girl felt both angry and troubled.

A Master who is easily swayed, could it be that while she was away, he secretly went to see that girl with the surname Lin?

Absolutely unacceptable!

Would that child named Lin Jin be like her, making delicious food for Master every day?

Only she would treat Master so well!

"Mmm..."

Mao Qingzhu looked at Qing Jun's innocent and lively demeanor, her smile unchanged, but her heart was filled with worry.

For some reason, she too had tried several times in recent days to contact Brother Ye using her Sound Transmission Magical Artifact, but despite all her efforts, it was like a stone being cast into the sea, with no response at all.

Was he... in the crucial moment of secluded cultivation, where he could not be disturbed?

After thinking it over and over, this was the only reason she could come up with.

Just as Mao Qingzhu was feeling unsettled, a servant from the Xu Family hurried to the edge of the cold pool and reported, "Madam, there is a cultivator outside the valley who claims to be entrusted by Madam's sworn brother with an urgent matter, seeking an audience with Madam."

Duan Ling?

Mao Qingzhu's heart sank suddenly, a feeling of ominous foreboding growing stronger. She calmly instructed the servant, "Bring him to the reception hall."

A moment later, the travel-worn Duan Ling was brought to the reception hall. As soon as he saw Mao Qingzhu, he urgently paid his respects.

Mao Qingzhu waved her hand, setting up a soundproof barrier, completely isolating the place from the outside world, then asked coldly, "What has caused such alarm?"

"Senior Mao!"

Duan Ling could no longer hold back and recounted what Zhiwei had entrusted him, as well as everything he had witnessed personally in Lisong Valley,

"...Two Guardians from the Law Enforcement Hall suddenly descended, sealed his cultivation with spirit-locking nails, confiscated all his magical artifacts, and forcibly brought him back to the sect!"

"What??"

Mao Qingzhu was astonished. Brother Ye was an honest person, abiding by the rules, how could he have committed a grave crime?

Even if he killed a few cultivators, it wouldn't come to this...

It's known that general sect trials by the steward must go through a whole process; to arrest someone as directly and forcefully as Brother Ye must indicate a major issue!

She took a deep breath and said to Duan Ling, "I understand. You return to Lisong Valley immediately, tell Zhiwei to guard the valley safely and take care of herself. I will handle the matter concerning Master."

"Yes!" Duan Ling, feeling greatly relieved, was about to leave when Mao Qingzhu called him back,

"Taoist Friend Duan, thank you. Please accept this piece of Middle Grade Spirit Stone."

Middle Grade Spirit Stone, worth a hundred pieces of Lower Grade Spirit Stone, was a considerable sum for Duan Ling.

Typically, he would accept it.

But Chen Ye had shown him great kindness, and he came this time not for profit!

His expression became solemn, and he clasped his fists heavily towards Mao Qingzhu, saying in a firm and resonant voice, "Senior, Steward Chen had the grace of recognizing my worth, and once protected me in dire situations. Duan came here to repay that kindness, not for profit! This spirit stone, Duan cannot accept!"

Hearing this, Mao Qingzhu was taken aback.

For ordinary people, one might think this person loyal and righteous.

But for her, it was a hidden sorrow.

It shows that her Brother Ye is a person of great charisma, well-loved by others...

But such a good person is now subjected to this baseless suffering!

Once in the dungeon... someone as honest and straightforward as Brother Ye, who knows how much humiliation he will endure!

Her beautiful eyes filled with mist as she choked up, saying, "Alright! Then I won't insist. Taoist Friend Duan, I remember this kindness of yours. After you return to the valley, make sure to protect Zhiwei.

"Rest assured, Senior, Duan understands!" Duan Ling promised, paid his respects once again, and then hurriedly left.

The reception hall fell silent again.

Mao Qingzhu slowly sat down, picked up the cup of spirit tea that had long since gone cold, her mind restless.

She thought for a moment and took out the Sound Transmission Jade Pendant.

Even though the Xu Family is protected by the Grand Array, a large family like this would definitely have a need for communication.

Here, she could contact the outside world.

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