"Commander Li, Bai Xinghan!"
"I'm not mistaken, am I? It's really Commander Li and Bai Xinghan?!"
"Commander Li, you're finally back!"
"..."
When Li Xuan and Bai Xinghan returned to their designated residence, Wen Qing and others, sensing their arrival, emerged from their respective rooms.
Upon seeing Li Xuan and Bai Xinghan, everyone was filled with surprise mixed with disbelief. After all, after more than a month, their unexpected return was truly astonishing to everyone.
"You've all been worried, and it's all thanks to Commander Li. If it weren't for him down there in the underground, I would have long perished," Bai Xinghan spoke first, then bowed to everyone and Li Xuan.
Although Bai Xinghan didn't know exactly what happened underground, the terrifying aura and pressure he felt when he fell made him realize his strength was insufficient to resist.
Moreover, upon waking up and seeing the surrounding devastation, it was clear a great battle had taken place. Bai Xinghan attributed Li Xuan's unconscious state to the aftermath of this battle.
"Commander Li, judging by your appearance, you've made another breakthrough," Qiu Jiuqian and Gong Hanfeng also emerged from their rooms. Qiu Jiuqian, with just a glance at Li Xuan, noticed the change. The oppressive aura was far more intense than before.
It was highly probable that Li Xuan had achieved an improvement during this past month underground in the Blood Ravine Cave.
"Your insight is quite sharp," Li Xuan smiled and nodded. He then looked at Qiu Jiuqian and Gong Hanfeng and said, "How long were we trapped in the Blood Ravine Cave? We didn't see you all after we came out, so it seems quite some time has passed. Also, have our missions been submitted yet?"
"Commander Li, you were in the depths of the Blood Ravine Cave for a full month and seven days. After you and Bai Xinghan fell into the underground of the Blood Ravine Cave, Brother Qiu, as per your instructions, crushed the Wood Spirit Talisman, and Elder Geng Tian quickly arrived."
"However, Elder Geng Tian said he was powerless and could only seek help from Wood Venerable. As for us, Elder Geng Tian arranged for our return to the Wood Pavilion. As for the mission, we've all submitted it," Gong Hanfeng replied with a smile.
"It's been over a month? No wonder. But since Elder Geng Tian said he would seek help from Wood Venerable, we didn't see Elder Geng Tian or Wood Venerable when we emerged. Never mind, as long as everyone is safe," Li Xuan frowned slightly at the words.
"Commander Li, Elder Geng Tian and the others weren't here either?" Qiu Jiuqian, Gong Hanfeng, and the others exchanged glances and asked.
As disciples of the Wood Pavilion, they knew that after sending out the Wood Spirit Talisman for help, it wouldn't be ignored. Furthermore, when Li Xuan and Bai Xinghan returned, everyone assumed they had been rescued by Wood Venerable.
"There was no one around when Commander Li and I emerged. And after we woke up, we haven't seen Elder Geng Tian or Wood Venerable," Bai Xinghan confirmed.
"Could it be that Wood Venerable and they rescued Commander Li and then left?" Wen Qing speculated.
"Perhaps so," Li Xuan mused.
Figures like Wood Venerable and Elder Geng Tian were high-ranking officials in the Wood Pavilion. Although Li Xuan was a commander, his rank was clearly insufficient.
It would not be good if the disciples developed any resentment towards the Wood Pavilion. However, Li Xuan couldn't help but feel a sense of confusion and indignation at the inaction of Wood Venerable and Elder Geng Tian.
*Dong!*
Just then, the sound of a bell echoed. Everyone, including Li Xuan, looked up towards the mountaintop.
*Dong dong!*
Following the first chime, two more bell rings followed.
"It's the bell to gather the Wood Pavilion disciples. It looks like there's something to announce," Gong Hanfeng said, looking at Li Xuan.
"Since it's a call for all disciples of the Wood Pavilion, we should head over," Li Xuan nodded and instructed.
Everyone nodded in agreement, then followed Li Xuan as they quickly ascended towards the summit.
"Elder Geng Tian and the other four elders are all here. It seems like something major has happened," Gong Hanfeng whispered as he saw the five figures standing at the front of the Wood Pavilion.
Li Xuan nodded slightly. Upon arrival, he saw Elder Geng Tian give him a slight nod. Could this assembly of Wood Pavilion disciples be related to him?
Three minutes later, the plaza outside the Wood Pavilion was densely packed with people.
When Du Jingtong saw Li Xuan, his pupils contracted slightly. With Elder Geng Tian and the others present, Du Jingtong wisely refrained from causing trouble.
"Silence." Elder Geng Tian waved his hand, and the crowd in the plaza held their breath, looking at him.
"We welcome Wood Venerable!"
As the plaza fell silent, Elder Geng Tian and the other four bowed towards the void. Following their words, a figure slowly appeared before Li Xuan and the others.
The newcomer was dressed in a verdant robe, his expression solemn yet remarkably approachable. This was none other than the supreme being, Mu Lanxin.
"We pay our respects to Wood Venerable!"
Upon Mu Lanxin's appearance, everyone bowed in unison. In everyone's eyes, a look of confusion surfaced.
What matter could possibly warrant the personal appearance of someone as esteemed as Wood Venerable?
"Over the years, though our Tianyi Pavilion disciples are not considered overly precious, they represent our Tianyi Domain. Throughout the entire Tianyi Domain, no force has dared to target our Tianyi Pavilion disciples."
"Yet, a month ago, our Wood Pavilion disciples were framed while on an external mission. Had it not been for their considerable strength, they might have perished. This matter concerns the honor of our Wood Pavilion, and the honor of our Tianyi Domain!"
Mu Lanxin swept his gaze across the crowd and slowly spoke.
"What force is so audacious! To dare target our Wood Pavilion disciples!"
"No wonder even Wood Venerable has personally intervened. Such a thing has happened!"
"It's said that Wood Venerable and White Venerable have similar temperaments, both being calm and gentle. But since Wood Venerable is enraged, this matter must be quite serious."
"We didn't hear a word about it. It seems Wood Venerable and Elder Geng Tian had already made their plans."
"..."
As Mu Lanxin's words fell, the crowd in the plaza erupted in discussion.
Meanwhile, Du Jingtong's face had turned ashen.
As one of the parties involved, Du Jingtong knew all too well that his scheme had been exposed.
When Li Xuan first appeared, Du Jingtong had harbored a sliver of hope, but he hadn't expected Mu Lanxin and the others to already know everything.
Du Jingtong had even considered escaping, but even without Mu Lanxin present, Elder Geng Tian alone would have made escape impossible.
"Today, our Wood Pavilion disciples have returned safely. It is time for me to purge the rot! This is not only to give them an explanation but also to serve as a warning to the world: our Wood Pavilion is inviolable! And our Tianyi Pavilion, even more so, cannot be challenged by anyone!"
Mu Lanxin declared, then waved his hand. A figure was instantly thrown onto the plaza. The person appeared to be the old man who had been seen a hundred li outside the Blood Ravine Cave. Under Mu Lanxin's oppressive aura, he was utterly immobile.
"Du Kankun!" Upon seeing this old man, Elder Du Wei, standing beside Elder Geng Tian, exclaimed his name in disbelief.
Instantly, Elder Du Wei's expression changed drastically.
With his experience, Elder Du Wei could now fathom the complexities of the situation. Du Kankun was an elder of the Du family. Who else but Du Jingtong could mobilize an elder of the Du family?
"This scoundrel!" Elder Du Wei glared fiercely at the now sallow-faced Du Jingtong, cursing him with a look of utter dismay.
"Elder Du, we and Lord Wood Venerable are aware that you were not involved in this matter. Therefore, Elder Du need not worry, as this will not bring you any trouble. However, your Du family will likely have to bear some responsibility for this." Elder Geng Tian glanced at Elder Du Wei and then spoke slowly.
Elder Du Wei sighed softly and then said in a low voice, "Everything will be as Wood Venerable decrees."
At the same time, Mu Lanxin's gaze suddenly shifted to Du Jingtong, "Du Jingtong, do you recognize this person?"
Du Jingtong's composure shattered. He slumped to the ground, "I, I don't, I don't recognize him. I don't recognize him."
"Useless!" Seeing this, Elder Du Wei's face grew even more displeased.
How could the prestigious Du family produce such an incompetent descendant?
Li Xuan, Qiu Jiuqian, and the others now fully understood. It turned out Mu Lanxin and Elder Geng Tian were already privy to the entire affair. The purpose of summoning all the disciples was for this very matter.
"You may not recognize him, but he recognizes you. Du Jingtong, without even the courage to admit it, what qualifications do you have to be our Wood Pavilion commander?"
Mu Lanxin snorted coldly, then with a wave of his hand, an invisible force sent Du Jingtong flying.
*Pfft!*
Upon landing, Du Jingtong spat out a mouthful of blood. In the next instant, his entire aura dissipated like a deflated balloon.
Witnessing this, Li Xuan and the others were startled. Mu Lanxin's wrath was truly terrifying. With a mere wave of his hand, he had crippled Du Jingtong's cultivation.
"Elder Geng Tian, you will handle the subsequent matters. Du family, take Elder Du Wei with you and pay them a visit." Mu Lanxin, having not spared another glance at Du Jingtong since he fell, turned to Elder Geng Tian and instructed.
"This subordinate accepts the command!" Elder Geng Tian bowed in response.
"This subordinate accepts the command!" Elder Du Wei inwardly groaned, but he quickly bowed in agreement.
"Very well, you may all disperse." Mu Lanxin nodded slightly, then looked at Li Xuan and said, "You, come with me."
Li Xuan was taken aback. Under everyone's gaze, he bowed and replied, "Yes!"