Even though the Third Princess Xiaoo Ying'Er had a great deal of trust in 'Mu Shiba's' mystical methods, she still felt uneasy, knowing this concerned something that could impact the entire Great Xia Dynasty.

Seated in subordinate positions in the council hall were five of the Profound Phoenix Celestial Sect's Grand Elders, each at Eighth-Layer Perfection, their expressions also tinged with worry.

Among them, Ouyang Qinglan frowned after a moment of silence and said, "Third Princess, what exactly happened in the council hall earlier? Why was the ground destroyed, as if a battle took place? Ding Rui also told me that you invited that Cao Zhen here. Did Cao Yu and others make a move? Who did he fight?"

"Princess, no matter how significant the matter, the five of us are committed to assisting you. But you must tell us the reason behind these events! Seeing you so worried fills us with extreme anxiety!"

The Third Princess Xiaoo Ying'Er looked at the five of them and saw that all five Grand Elders were observing her with deep concern.

All five Grand Elders are extremely loyal to Great Xia and very caring towards me... But I still can't be sure if Mr. Mu has completely subdued that Cao Yu! The events have been too extraordinary, and I'm not sure how to explain them clearly. I can only hope that Mr. Mu truly has subdued him...

Just as this thought crossed her mind, Ding Rui's cautious voice came from outside the council hall, "Cao Zhen is back! Ding Rui kneels to welcome Cao Zhen!"

In the next moment, Li Xiaohu and Lin Xuankong stepped into the council hall. The Third Princess Xiaoo Ying'Er, who was looking out from the chief seat, saw Mu Shiba and Cao Yu return together. Her expression changed repeatedly before she stood up and said, "Cao Zhen is back! Mr. Mu... Mr. Mu is also here!"

Upon seeing Cao Yu approach, Ouyang Qinglan and the other four Celestial Sect Grand Elders quickly stood up, their aged faces revealing mixed emotions.

However, when the five of them saw Lin Xuankong standing next to Cao Yu, a look of puzzlement flashed in their eyes.

Mr. Mu? Where did this Mr. Mu come from?

They exchanged glances secretly, then quietly sensed Lin Xuankong's aura as he walked past. Upon perceiving that Lin Xuankong's aura was merely that of the Sixth-Layer Realm, Ouyang Qinglan and the others furrowed their brows, their surprise and confusion growing even more pronounced.

How could a lowly Sixth-Layer Cultivator, virtually unknown, be walking alongside the highly esteemed Immortal Sect True Inheritance Cao Yu?

Amidst their astonishment and doubt, Li Xiaohu and Lin Xuankong had already reached the main seating area, where an intricately carved sandalwood Eight Immortals table and two chairs were placed. Seeing 'Cao Yu' and 'Mu Shiba' walk straight over, the Third Princess Xiaoo Ying'Er looked first at Cao Yu, then at Lin Xuankong, finally casting an inquisitive glance at Lin Xuankong with her bright eyes.

Lin Xuankong noted this and gave a slight nod.

Seeing Lin Xuankong's determined and relaxed demeanor, the anxiety in the Third Princess Xiaoo Ying'Er's heart eased.

But as she looked at the unscathed Cao Yu, whose cultivation and aura had fully recovered, and sensed the overwhelming pressure emanating from him, doubt still lingered in Xiaoo Ying'Er's heart.

What exactly did Mr. Mu do to the Immortal Sect True Inheritance Cao Yu? How did he manage to subdue him? Since Mr. Mu subdued him, why did he allow him to recover his cultivation? Cao Yu's power is formidable, equipped with High-Tier Magical Artifacts and the terrifying Time Technique. Doesn't Mr. Mu fear that this Cao Yu will turn against him after recovering his cultivation?

Faced with so many inexplicable questions, even the highly intelligent Third Princess Xiaoo Ying'Er could not make sense of any of it.

As she pondered, Li Xiaohu adopted a proud expression. He nonchalantly sat in the left chair at the head table and then looked at Lin Xuankong. "Mr. Mu, please sit!"

Lin Xuankong gave Li Xiaohu a somewhat speechless glance, then looked at Xiaoo Ying'Er who remained standing, before shaking his head lightly. "Cao Zhen, you handle your own matters. Mu Shiba will just stand here!"

The Third Princess Xiaoo Ying'Er frowned slightly but immediately stepped aside, leaving the main seat open. "Mr. Mu, please, take a seat!"

The five Grand Elders present couldn't help but look baffled as they witnessed this scene.

Are the Immortal Sect True Inheritance Cao Yu and Third Princess Xiaoo Ying'Er actually being so respectful and courteous to this Mr. Mu? The key is, this Mr. Mu is only at the Sixth-Layer Realm... When did a Sixth-Layer Cultivator gain such intimidating power? What is this Mr. Mu's background? There's no prominent family or great power with the surname Mu in Great Xia! Moreover, the strongest power in the Great Xia Dynasty, the Profound Phoenix Celestial Sect, practically reveres the Immortal Sect True Inheritance Cao Yu. How could there be any power that would make even him so respectful? Could he be a significant figure from the Central Divine Dynasty?

For a moment, the five Grand Elders looked at Lin Xuankong, their expressions rapidly changing.

At this time, seeing that his 'adoptive father' was still standing, Li Xiaohu could not sit still anymore. He stood up abruptly and said, "Since Mr. Mu isn't sitting, Cao Yu will also stand!"

Upon hearing 'Cao Yu' say this, Third Princess Xiaoo Ying'Er's expression shifted, and all doubt vanished from her heart. Mr. Mu has indeed subdued the arrogant Cao Yu... Otherwise, how could Cao Yu be so respectful to a Sixth-Layer Cultivator! But how on earth did Mr. Mu manage it?

The Third Princess Xiaoo Ying'Er looked at Lin Xuankong; she was dying to pull him into the dim secret chamber next to them and question him thoroughly.

Even more surprised than the Third Princess, the five Grand Elders' expressions also changed drastically; they stared at Lin Xuankong as if he were some kind of unbelievable anomaly.

Li Xiaohu then looked coldly at the Third Princess and the five Grand Elders. He coughed lightly and said, "Now that news of an Immortal Cave Mansion in the Sealing Demon Mountain Range is spreading, continue with the plan. Intensify it. Make sure cultivators from other regions also hear about it!"

This idea was, of course, Lin Xuankong's instruction to Li Xiaohu. Since Cao Yu (the real one) intended to use the Immortal Cave Mansion to lure cultivators, Lin Xuankong decided to turn this plan to their advantage. Their strategy was to attract even more cultivators, particularly powerful Demon Sect cultivators. The aim was to incite a massive clash between the Demon Sect and Immortal Sect disciples—ideally until they tore each other to pieces!

Upon hearing 'Cao Yu' say this, the Third Princess Xiaoo Ying'Er, despite her lingering doubts, nodded slightly. "Ying'Er will take this to heart and will definitely continue to spread the news!"

Li Xiaohu nodded arrogantly, his gaze sweeping over the five wizened Celestial Sect Grand Elders, then continued,

"Additionally, Third Princess, Grand Elders, the disciples of my Immortal Sect need some crucial materials to activate the Five Elements Extermination Immortal Array in the Sealing Demon Mountain Range!

"These materials are extremely vital. If you can gather them, I, Cao Yu, will ensure the Spiritual Crane Immortal Sect remembers your great merit! Moreover, if these materials are truly gathered, I can even restore your lifespans!"

Upon hearing this, the Third Princess Xiaoo Ying'Er couldn't help but sneak a glance at Lin Xuankong. Mr. Mu must have instructed Cao Yu to say this. What materials does Mr. Mu intend to ask for?

The five Grand Elders, however, became visibly excited.

Having our lifespans stripped by over a hundred years due to the Time Technique—used on us twice!—has been too agonizing! If there's a chance to restore our lifespans, we'd be willing to provide any materials Cao Yu needs! But Cao Yu has always been so cold and arrogant, utterly disregarding anyone's dignity or suffering. Why would he suddenly offer to restore our lifespans? And can his Time Technique truly restore them?

Ouyang Qinglan, with a mix of doubt and hope, clasped her hands excitedly. "Cao Zhen, collecting materials is no problem, but... but are you truly willing to restore our five lifespans?"

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