Seeing Jiang Wang feign ignorance, Si Yu An’s dissatisfied gaze suddenly swept towards him like sharp swords.

Jiang Wang merely pretended not to notice, deftly turning his head away.

At this moment, his line of sight fell upon the upright, fan-shaped Red Dust Gate.

Observing the Red Dust Gate from the Evil Sea, one could vaguely discern the smoke and fire of the human world. Gazing at the Red Dust Gate from the present world, one mostly saw the turbulent waves of the Evil Sea.

But at this moment, he inadvertently glimpsed within the constantly shifting light and shadow, a fleeting outline of a colossal beast. Its specific appearance remained unclear, but upon its form, he could distinctly see tens of thousands of dense, scattered star-points!

Jiang Wang was instantly shocked by the sight. It was too similar.

It was as if he had dreamt of returning to the Boundless Cave on the Floating Continent, and once again beheld the Ten Thousand Star Beast!

Yet, that colossal outline vanished as quickly as it appeared. Looking at the Red Dust Gate again, he could only vaguely perceive the complex hues of disaster water flowing, occasionally interspersed with the shadows of blood rivers, and nothing else.

It seemed that fleeting glance had been nothing more than an illusion.

But how could he, with his divine clarity and sharp senses, experience an illusion?

Did the Red Dust Gate truly reflect the scenery of the Evil Sea?

Or was it the lingering influence of that “Xu Xi Ming”?

Or perhaps even a malicious jest from Si Yu An, this Sword Dao True Monarch?

The Floating Continent world was one of the worlds Jiang Wang had experienced within the Seven Stars Tower secret realm. Although he had gained the most significant benefits there, borrowing star power to defeat Lei Zhan Gan with a single sword strike and aiding the Qing Huo tribe in obtaining their king-power totem, many doubts about that world still lingered, constantly troubling his heart.

The Floating Continent world was a vast realm with its own myths, legends, and history, as well as its unique culture and cultivation methods. The totem path was profound and mysterious, capable of exhausting the principles of heaven and earth.

But what Jiang Wang remembered most vividly was You Tian, which had dissolved Qing Huo Qi Ming, and the star beasts that floated within You Tian.

He often wondered later about the young witch priest who had personally etched the Blazing Bone Lotus totem onto him. Had what he just seen truly been a star beast?

If it was unrelated to “Xu Xi Ming” and Si Yu An, and star beasts truly existed within the Evil Sea besides the evil sights, then what connection did the Evil Sea and the Floating Continent share?

As Jiang Wang was deep in such thoughts, Ruan Qu suddenly turned back: “Marquis Wu An and Marquis Champion cultivated their camaraderie on the battlefield. In your opinion, will Marquis Champion agree to the Blood River Sect Master Huo’s dying wish?”

Kou Xue Jiao was waiting for Qi Country’s stance, and Ruan Qu, being one of the highest figures in Qi Country, was unwilling to state it, at least not before fully understanding the situation. Qi Country was certainly willing to feast, and not afraid to do so, but it must avoid feasting blindly.

His current inquiry to Jiang Wang, and his earlier instruction for Jiang Wang to visit the Sword Pavilion and pay respects, were similar in nature. Jiang Wang, of course, understood.

Suppressing the doubts about the star beasts in his heart, he calmly replied as much as possible: “Such a momentous matter as bringing a master into a sect is not something anyone can decide lightly. In my opinion, it’s best for Protector Kou to personally go to Lin Zi and inquire about his true feelings. Given his understanding of Zhong Xuanzun, he will likely not agree.”

“However, such matters are also difficult to predict accurately.”

“After all, this is an entire world-class sect!”

“The Blood River Sect Master’s position is of unparalleled nobility, far surpassing that of Qi Country’s Marquis Champion.”

“To obtain it means instantly leaping to the ranks of the world’s most apex figures, capable of discussing friendship with great individuals such as the Legalist Grand Master Wu Bingyi and the contemporary Grand Confucian Chen Pu.”

“And such a sect, which has endured for fifty-four thousand years, possesses a terrifying foundation! How many stories annihilated in the long river of history have the Blood River Sect witnessed? How many strange techniques and secret methods that have vanished with time are preserved within the Blood River Sect?”

“Although this is an era of constant change, with the state system now the mainstream, ancient sects can still stand firm for a reason.”

“The accumulation of time will not be easily erased.”

“Even setting aside history and the Blood River Sect’s powerful inheritance, Zhong Xuanzun himself is only in the Divine Envoy realm. The entire Zhong Xuan family currently has only one contemporary True Person, and the next generation head of the Zhong Xuan family is already confirmed to be Zhong Xuan Sheng.”

“It’s only because Jiang Wang entered Qi alone that the resources of the Marquis Champion’s residence are no more than those of the Marquis Wu An’s residence.”

“And if Zhong Xuanzun becomes the Blood River Sect Master, how many disciples throughout the Blood River Sect will rally under his banner? Among them are at least four contemporary True Persons! What kind of massive resource gap is this?”

Jiang Wang searched his own heart and asked himself, when Si Yu An had jokingly suggested the Blood River Sect should invite him, Jiang Wang, to be the Sect Master, his heart had indeed skipped a beat.

It was a very simple and direct matter – although he was now as noble as Great Qi’s Marquis Wu An, it was still not enough to seek revenge against Zhuang Gaoxian. Qi Country’s resources were certainly far superior to the Blood River Sect’s, but he was merely one part of this vast system. At this stage, summoning several True Persons to kill Zhuang Gaomei was impossible.

And if he could become the Blood River Sect Master today, he would immediately possess the ability to seek revenge against Zhuang Gaomei! Of course, whether he would succeed under the protection of Jing Country and Yu Jing Shan was another matter.

He himself found it difficult to weigh the options and couldn’t truly determine Zhong Xuanzun’s attitude.

If Zhong Xuanzun harbored any ideals he had never spoken of, realizing them would likely be easier from the position of the Blood River Sect Master. After all, this was a direct ascent to the pinnacle.

No sooner had Jiang Wang finished speaking than Ruan Qu continued: “Marquis Wu An’s words are very reasonable. This matter ultimately still depends on Marquis Champion’s own opinion.”

Kou Xue Jiao was very sincere: “As long as True Monarch Ruan does not find it inappropriate, I will go to Lin Zi now and invite the person.”

“It’s not a matter of what’s appropriate or inappropriate.” Ruan Qu appeared as light as a cloud and as gentle as the wind, seemingly unconcerned with the Blood River Sect’s fate: “Marquis Champion holds an esteemed position and has elders. I cannot presume to manage this matter. Your sect’s intentions, whether you wish to pursue this or not, are entirely up to you.”

He seemed to say everything, yet also nothing. He acted more like a spectator than Si Yu An and Chen Pu. Peng Chongjian spoke up at this moment: “I am willing to support Protector Kou’s opinion. If you are indeed going to Lin Zi, you might as well speak clearly with Marquis Champion. This is both for Sect Master Huo’s dying wish, and there is no reason for the Blood River Sect, from top to bottom, to disagree. If he is willing to come and inherit the Blood River, to glorify the sect, I, Peng Chongjian, will certainly give him my full support and absolutely not allow anyone to become his hindrance.”

This statement was utterly unambiguous.

The former filial minister beside him felt a turmoil of emotions, yet was unable to utter a single word.

Kou Xue Jiao nodded solemnly: “I will certainly deliver Protector Peng’s words.”

Saying so, she directly pressed her sword, turned her body, and without a moment’s delay, truly went to Lin Zi alone.

Witnessing the matter of the Qi people taking over the Blood River Sect reaching a foregone conclusion, Chen Pu’s face showed no sign of anger. He merely looked at Peng Chongjian and said in a low voice: “I hope you all truly followed your hearts and made the correct choice.”

There was no evil expression, no evil sound, merely a solitary turn of the body and a departure without a trace of dust. Peng Chongjian said nothing further, only bowed deeply towards his retreating back.

Seeing Chen Pu depart thus, Si Yu An also did not explain anything to the Blood River Sect people. He merely said to Jiang Wang: “Since that is the case, I shall also take my leave. When you return to the South Xia Governor’s residence, remember to come to the Sword Pavilion and take all your friends and disciples away.”

He deliberately took another step closer and inquired: “Need I welcome you again?”

Jiang Wang made a gesture of pleading: “Dare not disturb Pavilion Master Si again.”

Si Yu An let out a light laugh, then, hanging his straw sword, swaggered away.

Peng Chongjian, barely rallying his spirits, said to Ruan Qu and Jiang Wang: “If the two esteemed guests have no urgent matters, you might as well stay here for a few days. It would be good for my Blood River Sect to slightly fulfill its host duties.”

Judging by this posture, it seemed he was already planning for Zhong Xuanzun’s affairs after joining the Blood River Sect.

Ruan Qu merely smiled: “Now is not a good time to disturb.

True Person Peng should first recover. Your health is important.”

“That is also true.” Peng Chongjian weakly smiled: “You are the Grand Master of the Star Divination sect, unparalleled in divination. I hope to have the opportunity in the future.”

Ruan Si smiled slightly and said a word, then, bringing Jiang Wang, took his leave.

He had come slowly but left quickly. With a twist of starlight beneath his feet, he had already brought Jiang Wang away from the Blood River Sect’s mountain gate, flying into the high sky and speeding towards the South Xia Governor’s residence.

A brilliant, complex star chart spread beneath his feet like a carpet.

Feeling the whistling sky wind on all sides, Jiang Wang truly admired Ruan Qu’s composure.

That was the entire inheritance of the Blood River Sect, envied even by the bystander Si Yu An and causing Chen Pu anxiety, yet this Grand Monitor was so resolute, not rushing to make any decision.

He saw him standing alone in front, virtually lifting his palm, his five fingers extended towards the sky, each fingertip lined with starlight. One end of the wind swirled around his fingers, while the other end hid in the void, exactly like puppet strings connecting to the sky. His star-chart Daoist robe fluttered, possessing an indescribable aura.

He was truly worthy of being a figure in control of the Imperial Astrology Observatory, with deep and far-reaching calculations, unperturbed by waves!

“You seem unconcerned about the Blood River Sect’s inheritance?” In the midst of the sky wind, Jiang Wang casually inquired.

Ruan Si manipulated the starlight lines, also casually: “My Great Qi is a world-hegemon nation, with a vast territory of ten thousand li. How can it be confused by small, temporary gains? When we are outside, every word and action is for Great Qi. One must understand the essence of all things, then consider what lies beyond, and only then can one be free from worry.”

Jiang Wang was just about to offer another couple of flattering sentences.

Ruan Qu shook his five fingers, already connecting to something, his tone instantly becoming serious: “Who is there?” In the middle of his virtually grasped five fingers, a refined voice rang out:

“It is I. Wen Yanyu.”

Ruan Qu spoke extremely quickly: “The disaster water has changed, the Bodhi Evil Ancestor has emerged, the Chaotic Yuan Evil Immortal also has taken action, the Blood River Sect Master Huo Shiji died battling the disaster water, witnesses include Chen Pu, Si Yu An, Wu Bingyi, and our Marquis Wu An. Blood River’s Protector Shi Xuejiao is currently rushing to Lin Zi, saying it was Huo Shiji’s dying wish for Zhong Xuanzun to inherit the sect.”

Wen Yanyu’s voice was very calm: “Did the Monitor not see how Huo Shiji died?”

Ruan Si said: “By the time I arrived, they had already exited the Red Dust Gate.”

Wen Yanyu, far away in Lin Zi, replied: “Understood. Thank you for your trouble, Monitor.”

Throughout the entire process, Ruan Si did not offer any suggestions, merely delivered information quickly and directly. This was because the Politics Hall would naturally have its own processing mechanism.

Having cut off the communication here, Wen Yanyu, who was on duty in the Politics Hall there, would quickly initiate a hall meeting. Great Qi Empire’s intelligence forces would rapidly mobilize, and this situation, which now seemed a complete mess, would be thoroughly investigated.

However, his urgent communication with the Lin Zi Politics Hall across ten thousand li, without hesitation or consumption, immediately upon leaving the Blood River Sect, clearly did not align with his composed demeanor on the way here.

Facing Jiang Wang’s slightly strange gaze, Ruan Qu calmly said: “Although it is a small gain, without accumulating small steps, one cannot reach a thousand li.”

Jiang Wang nodded: “I understand.”

Ruan Qu added: “Don’t think Chen Pu and Si Yu An left simply. They are likely hiding somewhere discussing countermeasures.”

“Since this matter is Sect Master Huo’s dying wish, and the Blood River Sect internal is also very supportive, what else can they do?” Jiang Wang asked curiously.

Ruan Qu did not answer immediately, but first asked: “How do you view the Blood River Sect?”

Jiang Wang said: “From the perspective of a sect as a whole, it possesses a glorious history and a great spirit.”

“Any long-standing sect can be summarized thus.” Ruan Si said: “In the world, there are a hundred trades and a hundred industries, each with its own duty. The human world has those who empty night pots and fertilize fields, and the extraordinary world naturally also has those who cleanse the disaster water. The Blood River Sect governs the disaster water, which is itself cultivation, yielding immediate feedback and resources. Moreover, it receives aid from the world, and its honors are endless. We should not deny their greatness, but neither should we forget their duties.”

Jiang Wang seemed to ponder: “I see.”

“Since Blood River True Monarch Huo Shiji died in battle, during this period, the Three Punishments Palace, the Evening Drum Academy, the Sword Pavilion, including our Qi Country and Liang Country, will all share the duties related to the disaster water. This also involves the redistribution of resources.”

“What resources from the disaster water?” Jiang Wang asked doubtfully.

“Cleansing the disaster water itself is a resource. Used to irrigate spiritual gardens, it is a first-class water source. Thus, the Blood River Sect’s spiritual medicine gardens are world-renowned,” Ruan Si said: “You are partnering with Marquis Bo Wang’s grandson in business. Have you not acquired a spiritual garden? That Golden Feather Phoenix Immortal Flower requires the disaster water produced by the Blood River Sect to be watered.”

Jiang Wang said sheepishly: “These are all matters that Brother Sheng handled. I truly do not know.”

“The friendship of youth is indeed precious.” Ruan Qu sighed and then said: “Besides, there are also some special products in the depths of the disaster water, which are extremely precious, and basically all of them belong to the Blood River Sect. Returning to your previous question, Chen Pu and Si Yu An have too many methods they can devise. But how could they be so foolish as to start from within the Blood River Sect? Of course, they will jump out of this small chessboard.”

Jiang Wang silently swallowed his guess about whether Chen Pu and Si Yu An were trying to persuade other people in the Blood River Sect, and innocently asked: “How so?”

Ruan Qu casually said: “For example, insisting on the Blood River Sect’s duty to suppress the disaster water, strengthening its significance to the human race, and strongly demanding the Blood River Sect’s independence, forcing Zhong Xuanzun to leave our Qi Country. At that time, we will not gain the Blood River Sect and will also lose a prodigy.”

“How do we counter?” Jiang Wang asked.

Ruan Qu shook his head: “It is very difficult in the current environment. The Three Punishments Office, the Sword Pavilion, the Evening Drum Academy, namely Zhi Liang Country and Jing Country, will all support the Blood River Sect maintaining its existing position. This is a great trend that is difficult to violate.”

“Then do we still want the Blood River Sect?”

“This is a matter for the Politics Hall. There are many methods, but also many problems. If we decide to accept the Blood River Sect, all these problems will be taken into consideration,” Ruan Si laughed: “Don’t you often attend Politics Hall meetings? How do you seem to have no experience at all?”

“Uh, perhaps it’s because during the few times I attended, nothing major happened. Right, Monitor, I have a question. Are there star beasts within the Evil Sea?”

“Star beasts? What do you mean?”

“I saw them in the light and shadow of the Red Dust Gate…” Jiang Wang described the scene he had seen in detail.

Ruan Si lightly laughed: “That is a strange phenomenon produced by the collapse of the True Monarch’s Dao body and the chaos of Dao principles after death, not some strange beast. Those star points you saw represent this True Monarch’s achievements in the state of the Dao, the marks he left in the various heavens and ten thousand worlds. With the passage of time, they will all eventually vanish. Of course, this is a relatively long process.”

This strange phenomenon was unexpectedly so similar to the withered star beasts of the Floating Continent world.

Jiang Wang felt he had likely seen incorrectly, because he had truly fought against star beasts and knew exactly that they were a type of beast, absolutely not some mere strange phenomenon.

Ruan Qu spoke again at this moment: “That you could see this in the light and shadow of the Red Dust Gate, and that the star points were so numerous and clear, should be the strange phenomenon left after Huo Shiji’s death… It seems Huo Shiji is truly dead?”

Jiang Wang’s heart skipped a beat.

What did that mean? Was Ruan Qu questioning the authenticity of Huo Shiji’s death?