Ming Gui knew only this much, and no more information could be extracted from him, no matter how much Yan Shouyi interrogated him.
Yan Shouyi then placed Ming Gui into the lantern for temporary safekeeping.
Many things had happened tonight, but they could be considered perilous yet without significant harm. Yan Shouyi had resolved Yu Lumin’s hidden danger, which would foster greater unity within the Xuanmen.
"I am tired," Yu Lumin sighed. "Let's all go back and rest."
Yan Shouyi looked at Yu Lumin with concern. "Are you sure you're alright?"
"Thanks to you, I've come to terms with reality," Yu Lumin replied. "Don't worry, I won't forget that I am a Celestial Master."
After a few more words of comfort to Yu Lumin, the farce finally concluded.
Yu Lumin waved his hand and removed a layer of the formation he had previously set up. The disciples of Longhu Mountain, who had rushed over upon hearing the commotion, could then see what had transpired.
The battle between Yan Shouyi and Yu Lumin earlier had been so earth-shattering that the entire Longhu Mountain had heard it. Everyone believed enemy invaders had appeared, prompting a large number of disciples to rush for support, only to be blocked by the formation Yu Lumin had cast.
Although the surroundings were in disarray, seeing Yu Lumin safe and sound brought them relief.
Yu Lumin casually explained, "Recently, a demon from the Xin Xuan Sect attempted to infiltrate Longhu Mountain. It has been resolved by me and President Yan."
Upon hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Both Celestial Master Yu Lumin and Yan Shouyi of the Min Jiao were figures they could trust.
As the crowd dispersed, Yu Lumin returned to his quarters with his thoughts preoccupied.
Yan Shouyi, carrying the Zanpakuto, returned to his residence and recounted the day's events to Luo Ning and Yuan Jianxin.
Both were filled with sighs upon hearing the tale, surprised that the dignified Celestial Master Yu Lumin could also act foolishly. However, upon reflection, they understood, for who wouldn't wish for another family member in this world?
Fortunately, Yan Shouyi had the Black Sarira’s assistance, which allowed him to see through Ming Gui’s disguise and resolve the hidden danger early.
Simultaneously, Yan Shouyi obtained even more crucial intelligence—the National Preceptor was at the stronghold of the Qing Jiang Kingdom!
Yan Shouyi had previously reviewed information on the Qing Jiang Kingdom and the Yu Shu Kingdom, generally knowing that they were located in the present-day Xichuan region.
However, due to the passage of time, he could only make rough estimations of their former capitals or the National Preceptor's original residences, with no definitive answers.
Fortunately, this matter was not entirely without a breakthrough.
Yan Shouyi still possessed a vital clue: Wei Wuxin, the disciple cruelly abandoned by the National Preceptor next to a bronze coffin in Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum.
Wei Wuxin was later taken in by Yan Shouyi within the Yin Wood and had not been utilized until now.
It was the perfect time to interrogate him!
Yan Shouyi retrieved the Yin Wood and summoned Wei Wuxin's soul.
Wei Wuxin had been dormant in the Yin Wood for too long and was still groggy upon being suddenly summoned.
But Yan Shouyi paid no mind. He directly used his phone to display a map of Xichuan and asked Wei Wuxin, "Wei Wuxin, do you know the location of the Qing Jiang Kingdom's capital?"
Wei Wuxin first glanced at the map, then noticed Yan Shouyi. His expression shifted, and he said, "You... why should I tell you?"
"Hmph!"
Yan Shouyi let out a cold snort, releasing the malevolent energy within him. It formed a terrifying vengeful spirit behind him, its fangs bared and claws extended, as if it were about to devour Wei Wuxin at any moment.
Wei Wuxin's already pale face turned even paler from fright. "Let's talk properly..."
"I won't give you a second chance," Yan Shouyi threatened.
Wei Wuxin, now subdued, didn't waste any words and quickly examined the map.
Although the maps from the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period differed greatly from the current ones, Wei Wuxin was, after all, a disciple of the National Preceptor and well-versed in geomancy, capable of recognizing major mountains and rivers.
Therefore, he quickly understood the map's layout and, through the distribution of mountains and rivers, deduced the ruins of the Qing Jiang Kingdom.
"It's here."
Yan Shouyi squinted. The location Wei Wuxin pointed to was roughly south of present-day Leshan City in Xichuan, and east of Mount Emei.
Based on some details he knew, the land of the former Qing Jiang Kingdom was barren, while the Yu Shu Kingdom to its north was fertile. This led the ruler of the Qing Jiang Kingdom to consider attacking the Yu Shu Kingdom. Later, the Yu Shu Kingdom intended to seek aid from a great northern power by offering its princess. This northern power was likely situated in the Sichuan Basin, a more prosperous region.
The original Qing Jiang Kingdom was occupied by towering and treacherous mountains, while the Yu Shu Kingdom happened to be on the fringe of the Sichuan Basin.
Even with today's advanced technology, the location of the Qing Jiang Kingdom's territory remains a desolate, undeveloped area, much like Daliang Mountain.
He was certain Wei Wuxin wasn't lying and frowned as he analyzed.
"The ruins of the Qing Jiang Kingdom being in such perilous mountains means that some remnants of the Qing Jiang Kingdom might still be preserved there. It's even possible that traps set by the National Preceptor are still in place. If I rashly lead people to find the National Preceptor, it will be extremely dangerous."
"As the saying goes, a cunning rabbit has three burrows. The National Preceptor is quite cunning; after his defeat in the northeast, he crossed the entirety of China to the southwest, to the ruins of the Qing Jiang Kingdom, to recuperate..."
"No, if the National Preceptor had sufficient confidence, he could have simply hidden in the mountains to bide his time, waiting to avenge himself upon recovering his injuries. Why would he send Ming Gui to interfere with Yu Lumin? This suggests... this suggests the National Preceptor needs to create chaos and continue to stall for time."
"I absolutely cannot let the National Preceptor have his way. Therefore, I must quickly gather my forces and head directly to the ruins of the Qing Jiang Kingdom to disrupt the National Preceptor's plan and defeat him before his injuries fully heal!"
The frown on Yan Shouyi's brow slowly eased. He had made his decision.
"Old Yu has already started summoning the sect leaders of various major sects to Longhu Mountain for a meeting, but it seems we can't wait for extensive discussions!"
He stood up abruptly, the chair he had just warmed now cooling.
Luo Ning said helplessly, "Where are you going now? Can you just stay put for a while!"
She was tasked with supervising Yan Shouyi, and after the many complications he had caused all night, Luo Ning was physically and mentally exhausted.
"I'm going to find Yu Lumin!"
"Looking for him again?" Luo Ning remarked. "You might as well look for Liu Yiren. Looking for Liu Yiren would be akin to infidelity, but looking for Yu Lumin means trouble far greater than infidelity!"
Yan Shouyi: "..."
He wanted to find Yu Lumin to have him immediately gather the top experts from the major sects and pursue the National Preceptor to Xichuan without delay.
In that sense, Luo Ning wasn't wrong; this matter was indeed far more significant than infidelity...
Yuan Jianxin stood up and said, "Let me accompany you this time. If you two start fighting, I can mediate."
We won't fight...
Yan Shouyi thought to himself: Besides, with our current abilities, if we really started fighting, you probably couldn't mediate...
However, Yan Shouyi ultimately decided to delay. He would go find Yu Lumin the next day to discuss matters.
After all, Yu Lumin had just experienced significant emotional turmoil and deserved a night to recover.