In the void, chaotic mist spread. This male phantom did not make any move, nor did it stop the State Preceptor Xingming from fleeing.
He then seemed to shake his head with slight helplessness, looked at the red-skirted young girl full of joy before him, and said in a calm, gentle voice, "Using the life-saving measure I left for you in a place like this. Next time you encounter danger, you might not be so lucky."
The red-skirted young girl's brows curved, and she stuck out her tongue with a hint of playfulness. "I don't believe Master would just ignore me," she said.
The man shook his head and said nothing more. He then glanced at Jiang Weiyang and Zhu Fuyi, who were standing frozen not far away, seemingly deep in thought. However, he did not say anything and turned into a wisp of green smoke, disappearing from where he stood.
"Ah… Master is probably a little angry…"
The red-skirted young girl watched the man leave so directly. The smile on her face instantly vanished, and her small face fell, looking worried and dejected.
Although Jiang Weiyang could not see what had happened, relying on her powerful perception, she could still guess. Regaining her composure, she opened her mouth to express her gratitude: "Thank you, Senior…"
Hearing this, the red-skirted young girl looked at her, put away her worried expression, and returned to her previous proud and calm demeanor. She shook her head and said, "Master has already left. That was just a wisp of his consciousness left by my side. He cannot hear your thanks."
"Regardless, thanks to the Senior's blessing, I was able to escape danger. It is only right to thank him." A smile finally appeared on Jiang Weiyang's face.
The red-skirted young girl looked at her somewhat strangely but did not say anything more.
With the State Preceptor Xingming's escape, this frozen time-space finally returned to normal. Time continued to flow, the sound of wind returned, and the carriage wheels rumbled over the stone road.
The caravan continued on its way. The others showed no reaction and had no idea what had just happened.
Zhu Fuyi was still standing there frozen, his eyes wide open like a clay statue.
He had wanted to speak, to express his gratitude for the mysterious man's life-saving grace, but his heart was still filled with indescribable shock, leaving him unable to come to his senses for a long time, let alone offer thanks.
"Thank you, miss." However, he was not stupid. Realizing that the red-skirted young girl before him had an extraordinary background, he quickly cupped his hands and thanked her.
Some cultivators in the caravan looked at his somewhat strange behavior with surprise, but no one asked anything.
The red-skirted young girl showed no intention of further engaging with Zhu Fuyi and the others. She waved her hand and then turned back into her carriage.
Jiang Weiyang, on the other hand, seemed to want to say something but held back.
Inside the carriage, the red-skirted young girl rubbed her brow, seeming a bit troubled. But soon she cast aside the many complicated thoughts of the day, her spiritual platform returning to a state of clarity, and sat cross-legged to cultivate.
She did not want to get involved in the affairs of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty, but since it had already happened, there was nothing she could do.
It was just that the current situation was chaotic, the Heaven-Slaying Alliance was in the midst of attacking the Alliance of Righteous Unity, and she had encountered this matter. Earlier, she had not had time to tell her master about that other thing she had accidentally encountered.
It was truly a season of troubles, and she did not want to attract any more trouble.
For now, she only wanted to cultivate diligently, strive to improve her strength, catch up to her sister Gu Xian'er, and find her sister Tao Yao, who had vanished from the worlds.
"Is this an attempt to scheme against me as well? Going out of the way to use such roundabout methods to get Jiang Weiyang involved with the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, and even send her to my side? Quite interesting."
"If this is the Weiyang Emperor Lord's arrangement, then it seems he is not as simple as he appears on the surface. He should have set up many hidden measures behind the scenes, unwilling to become a puppet to be manipulated."
"But can such clumsy acting deceive the Master of Fate behind him?"
In the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, a wisp of green smoke dissipated before Gu Changge, casually extinguished by him. His eyes showed contemplation, looking somewhat thoughtful.
The State Preceptor Xingming's clumsy acting could not possibly fool him.
The other party had probably long since set his sights on Yao Yao, knowing her special identity and especially her not-insignificant connection with Gu Changge, so he deliberately used this method to "force" Gu Changge to appear, thereby allowing himself to flee logically.
All of this was likely also to fool and confuse the "Master of Fate" behind him.
Even if Gu Changge had not appeared, that State Preceptor Xingming would not have dared to harm Yao Yao. At most, he would have used some other method to make that girl suffer a bit.
"Letting her train outside, she hasn't learned the good things, but instead picked up Gu Xian'er's bad traits, earning herself the reputation of a little demoness…" Gu Changge shook his head slightly.
If someone with intention investigated, they would naturally discover the relationship between Yao Yao and the Heaven-Slaying Alliance.
And that State Preceptor Xingming, being an Ancestral Dao Realm existence, how could he not guess the relationship between Yao Yao and Gu Changge? His appearance today seemed to be to capture Jiang Weiyang, but in reality, it was to force Gu Changge to reveal himself.
Gu Changge understood this, so he turned the tables, taking the opportunity to act and "frighten him away."
However, through today's events, Gu Changge suddenly realized that he seemed to have underestimated that Weiyang Emperor Lord.
He had nearly forgotten this minor figure, not thinking he had the means to escape the control and manipulation of the Master of Fate.
But that State Preceptor Xingming had so unexpectedly chosen his timing, and then by chance implicated Jiang Weiyang with the Heaven-Slaying Alliance and Gu Changge.
So many coincidences happening together so fortuitously — that in itself was not a coincidence.
Perhaps earlier, the Weiyang Emperor Lord had already arranged all this, secretly colluding with the State Preceptor Xingming.
The State Preceptor Xingming, that Elder Xingying, and the White-Browed Star Lord who was still being held in the Xiyuan Sacred Hall — all came from Yinxu Cave.
From the current situation, that State Preceptor Xingming had already secretly betrayed Yinxu Cave.
The Weiyang Emperor Lord, who appeared to have become a puppet, had actually long been planning and setting the stage to deal with the Master of Fate.
"This grand drama is becoming more and more interesting. In that case, why shouldn't I lend you a hand?"
Gu Changge smiled meaningfully. "Otherwise, your clumsy acting won't fool that Master of Fate."
With that, he extended a hand, reaching out flatly. The time-space before him instantly collapsed, forming a terrifying black hole. Between his fingers, all kinds of rules and orders were annihilating, like the hand of the heavens, destroying the universe.
And at the other end of this black hole, a peaceful time-space suddenly twisted and shattered, instantly falling apart. The State Preceptor Xingming, his face having returned to its usual calm, stood there, seemingly pondering something.
But the next moment, the void above his head collapsed, time-space shattered, and a palm reached down and struck, carrying a terrifying aura that could destroy heaven and earth and slay immortals and buddhas.
"What…"
The State Preceptor Xingming's expression changed drastically, his face turning ashen. An expression far more shocked and terrified than before appeared on his face. Without much hesitation, he turned to flee.
However, no matter how fast he fled, that palm seemed locked onto him. The time-space around him shook, twisted, constantly shattered and collapsed.
The State Preceptor Xingming gritted his teeth. An ancient compass appeared, within which great stars flickered, Great Dao runes condensed, and all kinds of order symbols were scattered densely like stars in the sky, exuding an aura of ancient, timeless vicissitudes.
The moment this compass appeared, radiance shot up to the heavens, stars shook, pressing down upon this time-space, trying to block that large hand as it struck down.
Crack…
The next moment, a crisp sound of cracking came. That large hand directly slapped down onto the compass. The flickering stars within instantly extinguished and shattered, and at the same time, cracks spread out in all directions.
The State Preceptor Xingming's face showed a pained expression, but before he could even feel regret, he saw that large hand continue its momentum, passing over the shattered compass, and with a pfft sound, struck his body.
"Pfft…"
The State Preceptor Xingming let out a pained grunt, flying sideways through this time-space. A mouthful of blood mixed with many fragments of internal organs sprayed out. His white robe was stained red, his face became haggard, and his injuries were severe.
And after striking him, that palm slowly dissipated, leaving only a terrifying pressure pervading this time-space, intimidating all living beings.
"Truly powerful. Even a single palm strike across infinite time-space carries such terrifying power…"
The State Preceptor Xingming smiled bitterly, then spat out another mouthful of blood, slowly suppressing the bloody taste in his throat.
He had never imagined he would one day be in such a sorry state.
However, he had no resentment or dissatisfaction. He then gathered up the shattered compass and bowed gratefully toward the time-space from which that palm had struck: "Thank you, Alliance Lord, for showing mercy."
He knew that if Gu Changge had truly wanted to kill him, he would not have ended up merely severely injured.
From this, it seemed Gu Changge had seen through his intention, knowing that he meant no harm, and thus did not deliver a killing blow.
"It seems the Emperor Lord's desperate choice back then may not have been wrong after all." The State Preceptor Xingming sighed inwardly, then did not linger and left this place.
Now he was covered in injuries, and even the Dao artifact he had cultivated with his very life was shattered. Even if the Master of Yinxu Cave saw him, he probably would not suspect anything.
"What just happened? Why was that guy frightened away?"
Meanwhile, above the Chaotic Corpse Forest, in a void, a fierce-looking man with a hideous scar running almost across his entire face frowned, looking down at the scene below with shock and uncertainty.
Beside him, amidst swirling mist, a large black dog stood, its face showing a human-like expression of contemplation. It spoke in human language: "That guy who fled into time-space just now should be the State Preceptor Xingming of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty, a terrifying fellow who has survived eight Heavenly Decline Tribulations. His strength is unfathomable. He probably didn't even notice the two of us."
"There was a fluctuation of frozen time-space there just now. He probably wanted to take Jiang Weiyang back to the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty, but I don't know what happened. For an instant, a terrifying aura suddenly appeared that filled me with immense fear. The State Preceptor Xingming was likely frightened away by that aura…"
"It seems this ordinary caravan actually hides hidden dragons and crouching tigers. But why didn't they notice the two of us?" The fierce-looking man frowned as he looked down, beginning to hesitate about whether to continue following.
The scene just now left him with lingering fear, making him want to turn and flee.
Throughout this journey following Jiang Weiyang, they had hidden very well, leaving no trace, and even Jiang Weiyang was completely unaware.
But in that instant just now, he had felt as if he was completely seen through by a pair of eyes.
The large black dog pondered and said, "That probably wasn't the true body just now, just a wisp of aura descending. If the true body had descended, it would have been impossible not to notice the two of us. That red-skirted young girl in the caravan has a very extraordinary background.
"Once we pass the Chaotic Corpse Forest ahead, we'll soon be approaching the border territory of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance. Even if we want to continue tracking, it won't be possible there."
"The Heaven-Slaying Alliance is not like the outside world, where we can hide and follow as we please."
Hearing this, the fierce-looking man grew even more hesitant and conflicted.
The large black dog shook its head and continued, "I know what you're worried about. That guy Ji Yu should be returning to the Nine Heavens soon. Even if he knows Jiang Weiyang's whereabouts, it won't do any good.
"Forget it. Even if we continue tracking, it's useless. This Jiang Yun, on one hand, lets his daughter escape the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty, and on the other hand, sends people to put a bounty on her and capture her. What is the meaning of this? Could it be just a means to win over the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom, and he doesn't actually want to marry off his daughter?"
The fierce-looking man sighed and muttered to himself in confusion.
The large black dog ignored him. Its bluish-green eyes took one last deep look at the carriage where the red-skirted young girl sat in the caravan, then transformed into a streak of light and disappeared into the void.
Below, the caravan continued on its way. Soon night fell. The ancient trees were lush and green, and the deep mountains looked even more secluded.
At this moment, wisps of misty miasma began to appear in the forest. The ferocious beasts carrying goods at the front of the caravan began to roar, as if sensing something, becoming restless and uneasy.
The many cultivators responsible for escorting the caravan also became alert, taking out their weapons and offering up various ancient talisman treasures. The void was filled with flowing light and vivid colors.
"It's nothing, just some demonic beasts. They don't dare come close. Once we pass the foot of the mountain ahead, we'll rest and reorganize there." The caravan leader, that gaunt old man, his eyes shining brightly, swept his gaze around and then said in a deep voice.
Inside the carriage, the red-skirted young girl, hearing the sounds outside, also opened her eyes, waking from her cultivation.
"It seems no tactless fellow will come to snatch it at this time."
She lifted the carriage curtain and glanced at the vehicle behind, tightly wrapped in black cloth, then withdrew her gaze with relief.
However, just as the red-skirted young girl closed her eyes and intended to enter meditation again, a gentle and pleasant voice came from outside the carriage: "Miss, are you resting?"
Jiang Weiyang, assisted by a maidservant, came to the front of the carriage, as if intending to talk with the red-skirted young girl.
The red-skirted young girl frowned slightly, then relaxed, saying expressionlessly, "I don't want to meddle in your affairs, nor do I want to attract trouble."
Jiang Weiyang gracefully performed a bow and said apologetically, "It was my fault for involving you in trouble earlier. I didn't expect things to turn out that way. I came to visit tonight actually because I have a small matter I wanted to ask you about. If you are unwilling, then never mind."
As she spoke, the maidservant beside her respectfully handed over a palm-sized Sumeru pouch embroidered with an exquisite pattern.
"This is a small apology gift. I hope you will accept it. A little token of my regard," Jiang Weiyang explained.
The red-skirted young girl did not accept the Sumeru pouch, still expressionless. "What question do you want to ask? Just say it directly."
Jiang Weiyang looked hesitant.
The red-skirted young girl understood immediately. She lifted the carriage curtain, extended a fair, jade-like small hand, and said directly, "If it's inconvenient, then come up and talk."
Jiang Weiyang showed a grateful expression, then, with her help, stepped up into the carriage.
Inside the carriage was a hidden world, like a cave dwelling, complete with a jade bed, tables, stools, tea sets, and meditation cushions. Incense smoke swirled in the censer, having a calming and focusing effect, and carried an elegant, delicate fragrance.
On a jade table nearby, tea was bubbling as it brewed.
Jiang Weiyang sat upright on a stool, then lifted her gauze hat, revealing her pretty face, half of which was covered by a bluish-black birthmark.
The red-skirted young girl was not surprised by her appearance. After a moment's thought, she imitated what she had seen by her master's side before and poured a cup of tea for Jiang Weiyang as a gesture of hospitality.
"This tea smells wonderful. Even back when I was by my father's side, I rarely smelled such a fragrant tea aroma. It's refreshing and heartening, clearing the spiritual platform and stirring the Dao heart."
Thanks to your kindness, miss, I have the chance to taste it today."
Jiang Weiyang's small, delicate nose twitched, and she praised with some surprise and delight.
Before the red-skirted young girl, she seemed not to hide her identity and origin, since after her conversation with the State Preceptor Xingming, any smart person would have guessed.
The red-skirted young girl was quite pleased with her admiring and complimentary expression. The corner of her mouth lifted slightly as she said, "Of course. I secretly took this from my master's tea room. He loves drinking tea in his daily life."