Chapter 120: The Pursuit

**Incense Valley.**

**Heavenly Fragrance Abode.**

This place, located deep within the Incense Valley, is a tranquil haven built close to the mountain range. It is surrounded by high walls on three sides, with only the main gate slightly ajar, obscuring the view of what lies within.

Despite the enormous upheaval that has occurred in the Incense Valley over the past few days, no disciples have ventured near this area. This is because it is the residence and secluded retreat of Cloud Yi Lan, the master of the Incense Valley.

Since Cloud Yi Lan entered his seclusion, all disciples of the Incense Valley have been forbidden from entering. Of course, those guarding the perimeter remain as vigilant as an iron wall. The only ones permitted to enter the Heavenly Fragrance Abode are his trusted advisor, Shangguan Ce, and his personal disciple, Li Xun.

Even elders such as Lu Shun are strictly prohibited from entry.

Even when the mysterious infiltration of the Vermilion Fire Altar and the release of the nine-tailed celestial fox, which had been imprisoned for three centuries, took place, and even when the legendary treasure of the Incense Valley, the Vermilion Fire Mirror, was suspected to be at risk, Cloud Yi Lan did not emerge from his seclusion. Instead, he entrusted Shangguan Ce with overseeing the situation.

What kind of seclusion could be so critical that it requires the valley’s master to remain in isolation, even amidst such dire circumstances?

This question haunted the minds of many disciples of the Incense Valley.

As the sky began to lighten, Shangguan Ce, in the early morning air still tinged with dew, gently pushed open the door and stepped inside, closing it behind him.

Before him lay a familiar courtyard, its bodhi trees swaying gently in the morning breeze. A narrow path ran through the center, with green grass surrounding it. Beyond this, there was nothing else.

The abode of one of the three great leaders of the righteous sects seemed to be a paragon of simplicity and austerity.

At the end of the path stood a small, two-room house with white tiles and gray walls, built against the mountainside. The doors, made of paulownia wood and painted purple, were also ajar.

Shangguan Ce walked up to the door, pushed it open, and closed it behind him.

The surroundings fell silent, as if the turmoil of the world had been locked out with a single gesture.

Inside the room, no one was present. Simple furnishings dotted the space, and a thin layer of dust covered the tables and chairs.

Steadying himself, Shangguan Ce walked directly to a cabinet, pulled open the left drawer, and twisted something inside. Moments later, a low rumble sounded from behind him.

The entire wall slowly slid to the right, revealing the solid rock of the mountain and a narrow, hidden passage large enough for only one person.

Without hesitation, Shangguan Ce stepped into the passage. His figure soon disappeared into the darkness, and the door gradually closed, leaving no trace of his entry.

In the passage, stones the size of pebbles, which emitted a soft glow, were embedded at regular intervals to provide light. As he walked, he felt no discomfort, indicating the presence of some form of ventilation.

The passage was not long, and he quickly reached his destination—a stone chamber roughly the same size as the inner room of the abode. In the center of the chamber, a screen obstructed his view.

Suddenly, a voice, ancient and feeble, sounded from behind the screen: “Is that you, Brother Shangguan?”

Shangguan Ce took a few steps forward, stopping about four or five paces from the screen, and bowed respectfully: “It is I, Brother. How is your health?”

The voice belonged to none other than Cloud Yi Lan, the renowned master of the Incense Valley. Yet, for reasons unknown, the voice of this great leader, who once stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Daoxuan of the Azure Ethereal Vapors and Master Puhong of the Temple of Celestial Sounds, now sounded like that of a weak, dying old man.

A faint, almost mocking laugh escaped the screen, followed by a resigned tone: “My health? How can it improve? Let it be. I will simply wait for death.”

Shangguan Ce’s expression shifted, a mix of emotions playing across his face. Just as he was about to speak, Cloud Yi Lan’s frail voice interrupted: “How are things proceeding?”

After a moment of reflection, Shangguan Ce replied: “We have determined that the culprit who incited the fish people on that fateful night was Jin Ping’er of the Demon Sect’s Blissful Alliance. It seems she sought revenge after her followers were killed by the fish people in the Dead Marshes.”

Cloud Yi Lan fell silent for a moment before his voice turned grave: “Has she discovered our secret plans?”

Shangguan Ce hesitated, and the voice behind the screen suddenly gained an air of authority. “From my observations, she has not.”

“Good,” Cloud Yi Lan sighed with relief. “Otherwise, our years of hard work would be for naught.”

Shangguan Ce nodded: “Rest assured, Brother.”

Cloud Yi Lan paused: “Have you identified the person who infiltrated the Vermilion Fire Altar and released the nine-tailed celestial fox?”

Shangguan Ce explained: “Last night, Li Xun and Ke Ruhui tracked Jin Ping’er near the Skywater Stockade. This morning, Li Xun reported that Ghost Li of the Demon Sect’s Ghost King Sect also appeared, attacking and killing Ke Ruhui. Fortunately, Lu Xueqi of the Azure Ethereal Vapors, who was here on behalf of Daoxuan, intervened and helped them escape.”

“Ghost Li?” Cloud Yi Lan paused, “Is that the same Zhang Xiaofan who defected from the Azure Ethereal Vapors ten years ago?”

Shangguan Ce nodded: “Yes, that very man. After the battle on Mount Azure, Zhang Xiaofan left the Azure Ethereal Vapors and, in just ten years, his cultivation has soared. He is now the top general under the Ghost King.”

Cloud Yi Lan snorted, “Old Daoxuan is getting senile. He cannot even recognize and use such talent.”

Shangguan Ce chuckled, then continued: “Li Xun suspects that Ghost Li was the one who infiltrated the Vermilion Fire Altar. To free the nine-tailed celestial fox, one needs either the secret incantations of the Incense Valley or the Essence of All Fires, the Vermilion Fire Mirror. It is likely that Ghost Li possesses the mirror.”

Cloud Yi Lan was silent for a moment before asking: “What do you think?”

Shangguan Ce’s face changed, and after a moment, he replied respectfully: “I believe it is highly probable.”

Cloud Yi Lan’s voice, calm and collected, emerged from behind the screen: “Do you remember when I met Daoxuan? He boasted about being upright and never wronging the innocent. Do you recall that?”

Shangguan Ce was taken aback by the sudden reference to a long-ago event but nodded: “Yes, I remember. Daoxuan indeed said those words.”

Cloud Yi Lan chuckled bitterly: “But I wonder what he felt when he used the Immortalbane Nexus to strike down his own disciple, Zhang Xiaofan, ten years ago. Was he still concerned about innocence then?”

Shangguan Ce remained silent.

Cloud Yi Lan laughed softly and said: “You may leave. Continue overseeing the situation.”

Shangguan Ce hesitated: “What about Ghost Li…?”

Cloud Yi Lan’s voice was clear and resolute: “Better to err on the side of caution, but never let him go!”

Shangguan Ce’s face twitched, and he nodded: “Understood.”

With that, he turned and left.

Soon, his figure disappeared into the passage, and the sound of the mechanism echoed as he closed the hidden door behind him.

In the silent chamber, Cloud Yi Lan’s laughter echoed, a blend of bitterness and mockery: “You try to shift the blame onto Li Xun, thinking I wouldn’t notice? Three hundred years ago, you failed to safeguard the Vermilion Fire Mirror, and three hundred years later, you still haven’t learned a thing, Brother!”

His cold, lonely laughter reverberated through the frigid chamber.

Leaving the Heavenly Fragrance Abode, Shangguan Ce emerged through the door, feeling a sense of relief despite his advanced cultivation.

Composing himself, he pondered for a moment before walking outside. Following a familiar route, he arrived at a grand hall, a plaque above the entrance reading:

**Mountain and River Hall.**

The name, paired with the imposing structure, exuded an aura of dominance, as if the ancestors of the Incense Valley had hoped for a day when they would rule the world.

As these thoughts crossed his mind, Shangguan Ce entered the hall.

Inside, several guests sat, mostly representatives of the righteous sects. Among them, Li Xun was seated, engaging in conversation.

In Shangguan Ce’s eyes, the most important figures were the two seated at the head of the table: Lu Xueqi and Fa Xiang.

These outstanding disciples, representing their respective sects, commanded respect. Despite their relative youth, their positions were prominent.

Fa Xiang, in his white monk’s robes, smiled warmly as he conversed with Li Xun. Meanwhile, Li Xun, who had known Fa Xiang for some time, appeared genuinely pleased to see him, though his gaze frequently strayed to Lu Xueqi.

Shangguan Ce noted this and, as the others rose to greet him, he responded with a smile and took his seat, casting a glance at Lu Xueqi and Fa Xiang.

Both bowed to him. Lu Xueqi remained silent, while Fa Xiang greeted him warmly: “It’s been a long time, Uncle Shangguan. Your health remains robust, truly a blessing.”

Shangguan Ce chuckled, “I am old, and no longer useful.” He motioned for everyone to sit.

He pondered the growing reputation of Fa Xiang, who was widely expected to be the next abbot of the Temple of Celestial Sounds. On the other hand, Lu Xueqi, with her exceptional beauty and skills, was a rising star among the righteous sects.

Smiling, Shangguan Ce addressed the group: “Fellow cultivators, I thank you for your concern. The recent volcanic eruption was a natural phenomenon, and thankfully, our valley has not suffered any significant damage.”

Fa Xiang smiled, “Amitabha, that is good news. However, we heard rumors that Master Cloud Yi Lan is unwell. My master, Puhong, is a close friend and sent me to inquire after his well-being.”

This statement voiced the concerns of many present, as the absence of Cloud Yi Lan during such a crisis was indeed puzzling.

Shangguan Ce smiled, “I just came from the Heavenly Fragrance Abode, where Master Cloud Yi Lan resides.”

A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd. Once they quieted, Shangguan Ce stood and bowed: “I have conveyed your well-wishes to the master. He is grateful but is currently at a crucial stage in his seclusion and cannot meet with visitors. Please forgive the impoliteness.”

With a polite bow, he sat, and Li Xun also rose to join him in the greeting.

The others exchanged glances, and Fa Xiang stood, smiling: “If Uncle Shangguan says so, then Master Cloud must be well. We will take our leave, having disturbed you.”

Shangguan Ce and Li Xun both responded with courtesies.

Fa Xiang glanced at Lu Xueqi, whose expression was icy and pale, her demeanor one of desolation. He sighed inwardly, knowing she would not speak, and addressed the group: “If Master Cloud is well, that is all we need to know. Is there any way we can assist with the Demon Sect’s activities?”

Shangguan Ce pondered, “The Demon Sect is cunning and takes advantage of chaos. They have been targeting us, but our defenses held. We are tracking them, but finding them has been challenging. Last night, Li Xun and Lu Xueqi pursued Jin Ping’er, but she escaped. We are uncertain how to proceed.”

The group was at a loss, and Fa Xiang, seeing the reluctance of the Incense Valley, signaled to Li Xun, who stepped forward: “We are grateful for your offers, but we will handle this. No need to trouble you further.”

“Wait!” a cold, sharp voice interjected. It was Lu Xueqi.

Her icy stare softened slightly, and she spoke, “Those Demon Sect members likely went to a place called ‘Seven Li Cave.'”

Murmurs broke out, and Li Xun, visibly shocked, gazed at her with a new intensity.

“Last night, during the confrontation, both Li Xun and I heard Jin Ping’er mention ‘Seven Li Cave’ to Ghost Li of the Demon Sect,” she explained.

Shangguan Ce frowned, noticing Li Xun had not shared this information. The group’s attention focused on the Incense Valley, and Shangguan Ce smiled, “Thank you, Miss Lu. We will investigate immediately. Your concern is appreciated, but it is unnecessary for you to go. This is our responsibility in the Southern Borderlands.”

Agreement rippled through the room. Li Xun, standing behind Shangguan Ce, cast a look at Lu Xueqi, remembering the previous night. Pursuing Jin Ping’er, he had been outwitted and returned to find Lu Xueqi, who had fought Ghost Li. She had been pale and injured, her usual composure shattered.

He had called her back, and she had returned to the valley, silent and withdrawn. What had transpired between her and Ghost Li in the abandoned Skywater Stockade? A fight? A conversation?

A surge of anger washed over Li Xun, but he composed himself. Shangguan Ce and Fa Xiang, noting his reaction, remained silent.

Finally, the other sects decided to return, while Lu Xueqi and Fa Xiang, due to their deeper connection with the Incense Valley, agreed to accompany the expedition to Seven Li Cave.

Meanwhile, Ghost Li, Xiao Bai, and Little Gray arrived at the foot of Mount Moutou.

Xiao Bai smiled, “Legend says a deep cave atop this mountain houses the dog spirit revered by the Miao people. The path to the Miao village, Seven Li Cave, is a narrow mountain trail at the base of the mountain.”

Ghost Li, expressionless, gazed at the mountain and walked ahead, having not spoken since the previous night.

Xiao Bai watched him, a faint smile on her lips, and patted Little Gray, who chirped and leaped onto Ghost Li’s shoulder, grinning and waving back at Xiao Bai.

Xiao Bai chuckled and followed, ready to face whatever awaited them in Seven Li Cave.