"Oh? They left?" Lin Yu feigned surprise.
"Stay safe. Envoys from Profound Heaven Immortal Gate are coming. Lay low to avoid trouble." Su Miaozhen warned before leaving, her urgency showing true concern Lin Yu wouldn't forget.
...
Days later, a giant crane emerged from the clouds, gliding toward the Great Zhou capital. Feng Yifei, sword on his back, sat cross-legged, surveying the city.
"Feng Yifei of Profound Heaven Immortal Gate requests an audience with the Zhou Emperor!" His voice rang through the city. The emperor rushed out with ministers, bowing. "Elder Feng, why no notice? We would have greeted you."
Feng Yifei landed coldly, waving the crane away. He sneered at the imperial guards with dark golden crossbows—even Myriad Manifestations强者 (experts) couldn't withstand them, showcasing the dynasty's底蕴 (heritage).
"I'm here to investigate Elders Zhang Ling and Jiang Xuan's deaths. Their soul lamps extinguished during your trial assembly. Zhou must explain."
"Dead?" The emperor was shocked.
"Yes. Coinciding with your trial in Cloudreach Ridge, which harbors no threats to them. If Zhou is responsible, face our wrath; if not, we won't retaliate unjustly."
"Of course. I'll send someone to guide you."
...
Lin Yu heard Feng Yifei's voice, seeing him land. "Hmph. Weak strength, big airs."
"They're here for you," the Cauldron Lord provoked.
"Let them come. Few in that gate are good." Lin Yu sneered. If Feng Yifei approached, he'd join Zhang and Jiang.
He stretched to resume training, but Su Miaozhen arrived with armored cavalry. "Third Prince, the immortal gate envoy is here. Zhang Ling and Jiang Xuan, who clashed with you, died in Cloudreach Ridge. I must escort the envoy to investigate. Stay safe while I'm gone."
"Me?"
"Han envoys vanished, likely hiding nearby. You may be their target, so I stationed elite soldiers here." Su Miaozhen smiled, adding, "The imperial guard will reinforce you if needed."
"General Su, how can I repay you?" Lin Yu sent a wisp of spiritual energy into her—now he could sense her location. Since the envoy sought answers in Cloudreach Ridge, he'd ensure he stayed there.
Su Miaozhen blushed, eyes misty. "I promised to keep you safe." She looked at him deeply before leaving.
Watching her go, Lin Yu frowned. The cavalry made sneaking out harder.
...
"Elder Feng, this is Cloudreach Ridge. Royal guardians confirmed no Purple Mansion+ beasts before the trial." Su Miaozhen pointed. "Zhang Ling (Myriad Manifestations) and Jiang Xuan (Purple Mansion) couldn't have died from beasts."
"I'll judge." Feng Yifei lit a soul lamp, releasing a幽光 (dim light) that蔓延 (spread) into the ridge like an endless thread.
"Elder Feng, what is this?" Su Miaozhen asked.