Liu Tianming was surprised by Yuan Ming's attitude, but compared to that, he was even more confused about Yuan Ming's current strength.

"Brother Ming, tell me the truth, what is your cultivation level now?" Liu Tianming filled Yuan Ming's cup and asked.

"My cultivation is still at the Core Formation Stage, but I have several heavy treasures in my hand. Even if a Nascent Soul arrives, I can protect myself," Yuan Ming picked up his cup and slowly drank.

Liu Tianming was so shocked he couldn't speak. If he hadn't known that Yuan Ming was never the type to boast, he would have thought Yuan Ming was bragging.

However, soon he became worried again. No matter how bad Chang Chun Temple was, it was still his sect. Moreover, if things continued to develop like this, and Yuan Ming killed too many Core Formation Stage cultivators, the elders from the Imperial Family lineage couldn't possibly stand by idly. His great-grandfathers and great-great-grandfathers might even end up fighting to the death with Yuan Ming, which would be troublesome.

"Sigh, Brother Ming, even if just for my sake, let's not kill Cha Yancai yet… at least not now. She is currently responsible for investigating the connection between you and Zuo Qinghui's death. If something happens, everyone will think it was you," Liu Tianming sighed and said.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Ming looked up at Liu Tianming but did not speak.

"If it really comes to that, you need to think of a method that won't expose you, at least not let people connect it to you," Liu Tianming said with a bitter smile.

Yuan Ming nodded slightly, "Fine, I'll spare her life for now. However, my return this time was actually just to relocate my parents out of the Capital, to find a secluded place for them, to avoid being targeted by enemies. I didn't expect Chang Chun Temple to act so hastily.

"Well, that's a good plan. But, Brother Ming, have you chosen a place to hide? Not to boast, but the Central Plains are vast and there's hardly a place that Chang Chun Temple can't reach. If the location isn't well chosen and Cha Yancai finds it, it will be troublesome," Liu Tianming said worriedly.

"This… is indeed a problem. After all, it's also the place where my parents will reside for a long time. I still need to consider their opinion," Yuan Ming also seemed troubled.

"I see… Otherwise, Brother Ming, why don't you take them to the East Sea? I have some connections with the son of the Island Master of Thousand Dragon Island, and I can help you find a good location within the domain of Thousand Dragon Island. You could first take General Yuan and his wife out of the Capital, travel by water to Haomiao, and set out to sea. As an elder of Chang Chun Temple, Cha Yancai won't likely venture to the East Sea casually without important matters, or she would be seen as hostile by the sects there, and you would be able to rest easy," Liu Tianming thought for a moment, then suddenly suggested.

"The East Sea? From what I recall, because of the issue with Three Immortals Island, the situation there is somewhat chaotic. It hardly seems like a peaceful place," Yuan Ming hesitated.

"Ah, Brother Ming, you don't understand the situation, the East Sea is the region with the most loose cultivators among the Five Regions of Yunhuang. Though it seems chaotic, it's relatively speaking, due mainly to the conflicts among loose cultivators. The territories governed by the great sects there barely have any disputes. And most importantly, they are extremely open to loose cultivators. Even if you don't join them, as long as you abide by their rules, you can find a place to rest and recuperate under their jurisdiction. Although it's not as resource-rich as the Central Plains, its bustling level is not inferior, and it's even more lively," Liu Tianming explained, waving his hand.

Yuan Ming nodded thoughtfully, showing a trace of interest.

"Besides, Mrs. Yuan is also getting older. Though the Capital is bustling, the spirit veins are not of high quality, and Thousand Dragon Island has many islands with abundant spirit veins. Going to the East Sea, you can choose for yourself. If you find a place with excellent spirit veins, even if you can't cultivate immortality, you can still extend your life. Perhaps General Yuan might also breakthrough the Foundation Establishment Heavenly Barrier," Liu Tianming enthusiastically recommended.

Liu Tianming's words indeed struck a chord with Yuan Ming, making him nod repeatedly, saying he would discuss this with his parents when he got back.

The two then talked for a while longer, ironing out some details, and they no longer dwelt on these distressing matters. Instead, they drank and laughed together, sharing anecdotes and experiences of the recent years, until dawn when Yuan Ming finally bid his farewell and left.

...

In the front hall of Yuan Mansion, Miao Qing put down his iced tea, which he had refilled countless times, and couldn't help showing some anger on his face.

Since his foundation had been damaged, he had adopted the creed of being kind to others, always greeting even loose cultivators with a smile, never initiating conflicts with anyone.

However, even with such a temperament, sitting here drinking iced tea all night, it was hard to avoid feeling irritated.

After all, he was the Great Jin National Master from Chang Chun Temple, a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. Even if Yuan Ming had the capability to kill Yu Hu years ago, he wasn't Yu Hu after all. Being so discourteous was really annoying.

However, rather than being angry, Miao Qing was more worried about how Cha Yancai would react when he went back.

Given Cha Yancai's personality, even if Yuan Ming was intentionally avoiding him, as long as he didn't bring the man back, a hat of incompetence was sure to be slapped on him. This was the main reason he preferred to endure the long wait here.

Although Cha Yancai wouldn't punish him as she would a common disciple, just listening to her scolding was painful enough.

As Miao Qing was considering whether he should actively try to force Yuan Ming to show up, suddenly footsteps approached from outside.

Miao Qing's eyebrows raised, and he promptly stood up to look toward the doorway.

With his hearing, he could naturally distinguish the identity of the person by the footsteps; it was neither the surname Fu's guard nor a servant coming to refill the tea.

Just as he expected, the footsteps soon stopped in front of the door, and the Yuan Ming he had been waiting for all night finally appeared before him.

"The National Master has honored us with your presence. Forgive me for not coming out to meet you," said Yuan Ming politely, but he merely gestured with his hand casually, not waiting for Miao Qing to respond, and directly sat down in the main seat.

A flicker of anger passed through Miao Qing's eyes, but when he sensed the fluctuations of spiritual energy far surpassing his own from Yuan Ming, a smile reappeared on his face.

"Haha, I have long heard that Young Master Yuan is accomplished beyond his years. Now seeing you in person, the reputation is well deserved. So young and yet already in the Core Formation Realm, truly enviable indeed," Miao Qing laughed.

"The State Preceptor overpraises me. If it had not been for Master Yu Hu plotting against me, causing me to be stranded in the Southern Border, I might not have achieved what I have today. Speaking of this, I should, in fact, be grateful for the grace of Chang Chun Temple," Yuan Ming replied with a smile that did not reach his eyes.

Miao Qing's smile froze once more, knowing Yuan Ming would not show him any goodwill, so he cut straight to the point without beating around the bush.

"I wonder if Young Master Yuan has heard of the name Zuo Qinghui. He is an elder at our temple in the Core Formation Stage and has been missing for some time. It is said he last met with you before his disappearance. Elder Cha of our temple wishes to inquire about the situation at that time. If Young Master Yuan is available, perhaps you could accompany me now to meet Elder Cha," Miao Qing said, then turned and gestured politely.

"Is that necessary?" Yuan Ming looked up, glancing at Miao Qing nonchalantly.

"...This matter is of great importance. Elder Zuo is closely connected with Elder Cha. If Young Master Yuan does not come, I'm afraid Elder Cha might overthink things, and so might the other elders of our temple," Miao Qing slowly said, his smile fading with a hint of a threat.

"Heh, you misunderstood. I meant that Elder Zuo's disappearance has nothing to do with me. After he met and conversed with me, he left straight away. Where he went afterwards, I have no idea. I have only just returned home after many years, intending to spend more time with my parents. Since these troubles are unrelated to me, why should I bother cooperating?" Yuan Ming said, smiling.

Miao Qing took a deep breath, his expression turning ugly. "Young Master Yuan's word alone cannot serve as proof. Please do not refuse any longer; come with me, and Elder Cha will get to the bottom of this."

"Your Chang Chun Temple suspects I am involved in the disappearance of this so-called Zuo Qinghui, is that not also just a claim from one party? Ha, if Elder Cha Yancai wants me to go, that is fine. But only if you provide concrete evidence that Zuo Qinghui's disappearance is indeed related to me will I cooperate with the investigation. Otherwise, please do not disturb my reunion with my parents. Sorry, but I won't see you out," Yuan Ming said, standing up and sweeping his sleeve as he walked out.

Miao Qing watched Yuan Ming leave with an iron blue complexion, then stood in the room pondering for a moment before suddenly striking his chest with mana.

Immediately, his body flew uncontrollably out of the house, even breaking through the door, rolling on the ground once before barely stopping.

Outside, Yuan Ming, who had not gone far, looked up to see Miao Qing flying out and was momentarily startled.

"I tried to persuade you kindly, yet Young Master Yuan is so domineering. Today's events, I will report in full detail to Elder Cha, and then let her personally question Young Master Yuan," Miao Qing said with a trace of blood on his lips, speaking out loud.

The words had just left his mouth when Miao Qing took out a magic artifact, flew straight away, and sped toward the National Master Mansion.

Seeing this, Yuan Ming merely smiled slightly and did not stop him, continuing onward.

National Master Mansion.

This place, built by several historically famous architects, served as the residence of successive Great Jin National Masters. Whether it was the landscape architecture or the pavilions, towers, and pavilions, each bore an ethereal aura of immortality, and the scenery even surpassed that of the Imperial Palace.

After Yu Hu's death, it naturally became Miao Qing's residence. However, after Cha Yancai's arrival, it had become her temporary dwelling.

When the seriously injured Miao Qing returned to the National Master Mansion, Cha Yancai had just finished her cultivation practice.

"What about Yuan Ming? You didn't bring him back? And what happened to you, getting hurt like this?" Cha Yancai frowned upon seeing how badly injured Miao Qing was.

At this moment, Miao Qing, with more wounds than when he left Yuan Mansion, did not hide anything from Cha Yancai and relayed Yuan Ming's words verbatim, only slightly glossing over the details at the end.

"...At that moment, Yuan Ming was about to walk away, and I went up to stop him, hoping to persuade him further. But he immediately became furious and attacked me. He has reached Core Formation; I, being no match for him, could only flee for my life, thus failing to bring him back. I ask Elder Cha to punish me," Miao Qing said, looking remorseful.

Upon hearing this, a flash of sharp light appeared in Cha Yancai's eyes, showing an expression that seemed to confirm her suspicions.

Miao Qing was somewhat surprised, but soon after, Cha Yancai composed herself and shook her head slightly.

"It is not your fault that you could not bring back Yuan Ming, who bullied his way out. No punishment is needed. Your injuries are serious, and you need not worry about this matter anymore. Go and rest," she said.

"Thank you, Elder Cha, for your grace," Miao Qing said tearfully, bowing to Cha Yancai before slowly exiting the room.

Cha Yancai watched this scene, her expression subtly shifting.

She knew all too well that Yuan Ming did not cause Miao Qing's injuries.

However, since Miao Qing, being Elder Miao's son, wanted to use this situation to disengage, she did not mind obliging with a favor in return.

Besides, the pretext Miao Qing had set up for his own escape could also be useful to her.

The most pressing matter now was dealing with Yuan Ming. Zuo Qinghui had once mentioned to her about a new money-making doorway that he intended to share with her, promising to return in a few days to discuss it further. However, since then, he had vanished without a trace.

She had been tracking him down and although she had pinpointed Yuan Ming, she always felt that he was not powerful enough.

But now Yuan Ming had advanced to Core Formation. Being a loose cultivator without much talent, where had he gotten the ability to break through so quickly, if not by scheming against Zuo Qinghui and taking his inheritance, thereby achieving his current success?

Cha Yancai felt certain of her suspicions, pondered for another moment, when suddenly a flash of white light enveloped her and in the next instant, she disappeared from the National Master Mansion.

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