Living steadily in the world of gods and mystery

Evening.

Afterward.

Hearing Zhou Hong’s even breathing beside him,

Chen Li, for some reason, just couldn’t sleep; he stared blankly at the beams above him in a daze.

The existence of the Zhou Family’s ancestor was like a thorn in his heart.

Every time he thought about it,

It made him restless and unable to eat or sleep in peace.

"This matter, in fact, is not flawless; although I’ve muddled the vision and interfered with the clues, there still remains one major loophole, and that is Zhao Lin and his group..." Chen Li pondered in his heart:

"As long as Zhao Lin is found, I would also inevitably be exposed."

Could anyone withstand severe torture and different Foundation Establishment tactics?

Perhaps some could, but certainly not these people.

"Alas, a moment of soft-heartedness..." Chen Li sighed inwardly:

"I’ve been shutting my eyes and blocking my ears in Luoluo City, too passive. I have no idea what kind of strength Zhou Xutang really has, what he is doing in the shadows, whether he is still investigating; I know nothing about these.

It seems I still need to make more visits to the Yu Family."

...

"Chen, it’s been almost a year since we last met, hasn’t it? What brings you to me?"

Five days later, Chen Li met Yu Fan Zhen at the Yu Family’s residence.

Compared to a year ago, she had matured a lot, now conducting herself with ease and maturity. She wore a tender yellow robe that disguised her delicate curves, her long hair was simply tied up, revealing her slender, fair neck, and she appeared graceful and captivating with her bright teeth and clear eyes.

"I have been living in Luoluo City for so long, yet I still don’t have a clear understanding of the various powers within the city. Who is strong, who is weak, do they have conflicts between them, will there be battles? My heart is often filled with worry." Chen Li said with a hand over his fist and a smile: "I’ve come to consult with Fellow Daoist for advice and to dispel my doubts!"

Yu Fan Zhen found Chen Li’s excessive caution somewhat amusing; clearly, his strength was already so great. After thinking for a bit, she said:

"It’s indeed necessary to understand this for those living here! However, Fellow Daoist, you may be overly concerned. To speak of powers, Luoluo City, in the truest sense, has only one power, and that is the Changsheng Sect, all others, including our Yu Family, are but vassals to it.

As for the six major families under the Changsheng Sect, although there is competition for interests among them, it is mostly limited to that, and overall, it is quite peaceful; otherwise, our Yu Family would not have moved back to Luoluo City."

"Which of the six major Foundation Establishment Families are strong, and which are weak then?" Chen Li continued to inquire.

"Apart from Liu from the Liu Family and Xu from the Xu Family, who are at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage and relatively strong, the rest are all at the early stage of Foundation Establishment; more or less the same for each family." Yu Fan Zhen said.

After a few more exchanges, Chen Li then subtly brought up the Zhou Family’s investigation of the people in the Green River District, pretending to be indignant as he said:

"The Zhou Family is too domineering. It’s bad enough they’re interrogating every household, but I heard that several people from Green River District were taken away and never returned."

"This... after all, the Zhou Family lost an important family member, there is a just cause, and others find it hard to interfere." Yu Fan Zhen frowned slightly, her face apologetic as she said: "It’s said that later rumors pointed to a Foundation Establishment cultivator being involved, which is why the Zhou Family ceased their aggressive stance."

"What, it’s done by a Foundation Establishment expert!" Chen Li expressed shock: "Have they found out who it was?"

"I’m not sure about that!"

...

"Foundation Establishment early stage!" On the way back, Chen Li exhaled deeply, a glint of ferocity flashing in his eyes: "Thankfully, it’s not so strong as to be despairing. If I prepare well and launch a surprise attack..."

He quietly weighed the feasibility in his mind.

He found that there was still not much certainty.

He had never fought against a Foundation Establishment expert before and didn’t know what kind of strength such beings truly possessed.

Being invincible in the Qi Cultivation Stage didn’t mean he could contend with the early stage of Foundation Establishment.

Moreover.

The first layer was the early stage of Foundation Establishment; the third layer was also the early stage.

Even within the early stage of Foundation Establishment, the gap was too big.

"I still need to wait..."

...

As time went by day by day, Chen Li continuously monitored the movements of the Zhou Family.

Slowly, another month passed.

Just when he was gradually putting the matter aside, trouble began to stir.

...

Lancheng.

A small city of mortals with a population of tens of thousands.

After running away from Luoluo City, Zhao Lin and several others settled here. Initially, they were discreet and cautious, altering their appearances whenever they went out. But, as half a year went by, they gradually became lax.

The others were still vigilant, at least.

However, Gu Mengqing’s wife, Lu Qian, was restless. She had been resentful ever since they abruptly left Luoluo City, a place of first-order Spiritual Power. When she asked Gu Mengqing why, he said they were avoiding disaster. When she pressed for more information, he remained silent, which deepened her dissatisfaction.

She was already flighty by nature, with loose morals. Gu Mengqing had tried to control her behavior several times before but failed, so he eventually let her be. Out of spite, she secretly became involved with a Loose Cultivator from Lancheng.

Before long, their cover was blown.

In a small city of mortals, Cultivators are rare to come by.

Apart from the city master, there are only a few families, mostly low-ranking Loose Cultivators, and outsiders rarely visit. A group of unfamiliar Loose Cultivators from Luoluo City with distinct accents stood out too much in this small mortal city, catching the attention of those with ulterior motives.

Although the city master was appointed by the Longevity Sect, he also had intricate connections with the six major Foundation Establishment families.

One night.

Gu Mengqing was walking home, as always, with a drunken haze clouding his face.

Life had been miserable lately, so he often drowned his sorrows in alcohol. Fortunately, the liquor here was cheap, so it didn’t cost much.

As he walked, he saw a streak of light speeding toward him from afar.

"Foundation Establishment!"

He was startled and immediately sobered up.

Cold sweat broke out all over his body.

He quickly went into hiding.

But things developed in the direction he least wanted to see.

The streak of light descended right above his house. Soon after, a loud disturbance came from the distance, but it ceased in an instant, followed by a terrifying silence.

"It’s all over! Completely over! What do I do? What do I do?" 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Gu Mengqing, sweating profusely, thought, "No, I must notify Big Brother."

Unlike the slick Zhao Lin, Gu Mengqing’s personality was somewhat straightforward.

If it had been Zhao Lin, he might have already fled.

But Gu Mengqing couldn’t bring himself to commit such an ungrateful and treacherous act.

Before the Zhou Family’s Foundation Establishment elder could discover him, he hurriedly fled into the night.

...

Zhao Lin, Guo Wu, and Lu Qian, the three of them.

Lay collapsed on the ground, completely feeble.

Pale-faced.

Zhou Xutang’s expression was grim, "Speak up, how did you kill Zhou Dongbo? Who’s behind it?"

"It’s a misunderstanding! We really don’t know any Zhou Dongbo, senior; you’ve got the wrong people," Zhao Lin quickly protested his innocence.

"Heh, still trying to trick me? Since I personally came here, you shouldn’t hope for luck. The timing of your move from Luoluo City matches, and you’re from the Green River District. The evidence is conclusive. Today, you’ll die whether you speak or not, but if you do speak, you’ll suffer less torture before your quick end," Zhou Xutang said coldly.

Hearing this, Lu Qian trembled all over, crying out with sobs, "I truly don’t know anything, senior, please have mercy."

"Silence!" Zhou Xutang’s face showed a glint of ruthlessness as he swung his hand.

With a "smack," Lu Qian’s chest caved in violently, and countless ribs were broken instantly.

She violently coughed up blood and could no longer cry.

ps: A long Chapter tomorrow!