Ming Jiuyou!
Upon seeing the figure that appeared before him, Li Xuan's expression immediately became serious. Even Li Yao, standing beside him, watched with wary eyes.
"Mid-level Realm Weaver, Sword Cultivator, Chosen One... I must admit, you are quite remarkable," Ming Jiuyou said, glancing at Li Xuan before nodding slightly.
"Are you here merely to chat?" Li Xuan had already drawn his Master Sword the moment Ming Jiuyou appeared. Hearing his words, he frowned and asked.
Ming Jiuyou chuckled at this. "If I were to make a move, you would likely have no chance. Even though your combat prowess is astonishing, this is, after all, my territory."
Li Xuan fell silent. He had to admit that Ming Jiuyou was incredibly powerful. Judging by his demeanor, his strength was clearly beyond the Realm Weaver level.
"Very well, I won't beat around the bush. Your objective, no doubt, is for her," Ming Jiuyou said, pointing at Li Yao and then looking at Li Xuan. "Rest assured, she is better off here than following you. At least, until she breaks through to the Realm Weaver stage."
"Are you suggesting I leave Yao'er here?" Li Xuan's brows furrowed. He was somewhat curious as to why Ming Jiuyou would say this.
Perhaps sensing Li Xuan's thoughts, Ming Jiuyou paused for a moment before speaking. "I am aware that the Second Elder's family has had some issues with their methods. My original intention was only to bring her back. I apologize for the Ice Palace incident."
"And my time is running short. I need a successor, and your sister is the most suitable candidate. To be honest, the discovery of your sister's existence has already cost me ten years of my limited lifespan."
Li Xuan pondered for a moment. "From what I know, the five great families are not harmonious. If Yao'er inherits, how can you guarantee she can stabilize the situation? Frankly, I am not very willing to have Yao'er face these troubles, even if I cannot defeat you right now."
Li Xuan had understood the implication in Ming Jiuyou's words. When he sensed that Ming Jiuyou harbored no ill will towards Li Yao, his address towards him changed. However, he was still concerned about Li Yao's safety.
"I can still live for another ten years. Within these ten years, I can ensure your sister faces no threats," Ming Jiuyou said with a smile.
"And what about after ten years?" Li Xuan asked, his brow furrowed.
Ming Jiuyou chuckled. "After ten years, won't you still be there?"
Li Xuan was taken aback. He had been accounted for in this calculation.
"You truly have quite the calculations, Senior," Li Xuan said with a wry smile. Knowing it was a well-laid trap, he had no choice but to step into it.
There was no other way; Li Yao was his sister.
Moreover, within ten years, Li Xuan believed he could reach even greater heights. The five great families would be nothing he couldn't face.
"This old man has lived many years, and thus possesses many more intricate schemes. Little fellow, will you still take your sister away now?" Ming Jiuyou said with a smile.
Li Xuan looked at Li Yao, clearly awaiting her decision.
"I can stay, but I have a condition," Li Yao said, looking at Ming Jiuyou.
"You are the future mistress of the Underworld. Anything you wish can be arranged," Ming Jiuyou replied with a smile.
The implication was clear: he agreed to Li Yao's terms.
Li Yao nodded slightly and then looked at Li Xuan. "Brother Xuan, I'm staying."
Li Xuan pondered for a moment before nodding. "Alright."
"Brother, will you stay here too?" Li Yao asked.
Li Xuan shook his head slightly. "Since you are no longer in danger, your brother must leave. After all, in ten years, I will need to be your support. If I don't have any strength, wouldn't that leave you vulnerable? Don't worry, I can come see you anytime I miss you."
"Mm," Li Yao replied, nodding.
Ming Jiuyou glanced at Li Xuan with a complex expression before shifting his gaze to Li Yao. "His path is far from what you see now. It is truly a pity. I truly wish to see how far this young fellow can go in the future."
Li Xuan smiled. Then, with a solemn expression, he clasped his fists towards Ming Jiuyou in a salute. "Yao'er is entrusted to your care, Senior. In ten years, I shall return."
The next moment, Li Xuan's Master Sword moved, and a golden light flashed as he vanished.
"Ignoring the rules... no wonder you have such confidence facing me," Ming Jiuyou's pupils contracted slightly, then he smiled with some understanding.
"Brother Xuan has always been confident when facing anyone," Li Yao said with a smile.
"You have a good brother," Ming Jiuyou said after a pause. "From now on, you will cultivate by my side. I can tell that your brother's future path will not be easy. Therefore, if you wish to help him, you must improve your own strength."
Li Yao's expression turned serious. "I will not be a burden to Brother Xuan," she stated with determination.
In a deep mountain within the Underworld, Li Xuan carved out a stone cave and immediately entered the Town Prison.
"Young master, are you going into seclusion?" the Heavenly Dao Brush appeared before Li Xuan and asked.
Li Xuan nodded slightly. "The patriarchs of the five great families are all at the peak of the Realm Weaver stage. Of course, I cannot guarantee they haven't been holding back. At least, Ming Jiuyou's aura suggests he is already beyond the Realm Weaver stage. If I want to provide Yao'er with a sense of security, I, as her brother, cannot fall behind."
"Ten years' time... young master, I believe you can do it," the Heavenly Dao Brush said after a moment of silence.
Li Xuan gave the Heavenly Dao Brush a speechless look. "Your tone suggests you don't quite believe in me."
"Master, I think this broken brush is acting rebellious again," the Azure Spirit Pagoda said at that moment, arriving before Li Xuan.
Li Xuan was stunned and then looked towards the Heavenly Dao Brush.
"What the heck, you brazen tower! Causing trouble for no reason, fabricating things, being solicitous without cause – you're either a traitor or a thief!" the Heavenly Dao Brush immediately retorted angrily.
Li Xuan was speechless. What was going on?
"Master, I have proof. This broken brush has, more than once since Ming Jiuyou appeared, told me to run away with him," the Azure Spirit Pagoda declared.
Li Xuan immediately looked at the Heavenly Dao Brush, a half-smile on his face. "Little Brush, is this true?"
"Well, uh... young master, I was merely testing to see if this broken tower would betray you. You know, I was left to you by your master. With your master's power, how could I possibly betray you, young master?" the Heavenly Dao Brush said in a hurry.
"So, if my master's power was insufficient, you would have actually intended to betray me?" Li Xuan asked, flexing his fingers.
The Heavenly Dao Brush was momentarily stunned. Had it led itself into a trap?
"Alright, I won't hold this against you. If I ever encounter an opponent I cannot defeat, I won't stop you from leaving. However, for this instance, shouldn't you compensate me for my mental and emotional distress?" Li Xuan said with a smile.
The Heavenly Dao Brush was silent for a moment, then asked, "Young master, what do you wish to ask?"
The Heavenly Dao Brush knew it had nothing substantial to offer Li Xuan. Li Xuan's words undoubtedly meant he wanted to inquire about something.
"What is the realm above Realm Weaver?" Li Xuan asked directly.
"The Divine Entrance Realm."