"Head Elder, do you think what that Yuhua Sect Master's wife said is true?" the Punishment Department's head elder asked once more.
Back in the day, just like Tuoba Shakuang, he had personally witnessed Nangong Longjian single-handedly raze the Demon Clan with nothing but a sword.
That was why he held Nangong Longjian in immense fear. Even now, having risen to become the head elder of the Punishment Department, whenever he recalled that black-haired man wielding a golden sword from all those years ago, he would still straighten his posture in reverence, a chill of both awe and terror rising from the depths of his heart.
"Nangong Longjian is no ordinary figure. How could he possibly let his own daughter wander about outside and become a disciple of our Qingmu Mountain?" Tuoba Shakuang said.
"Exactly. He wouldn't just let his daughter fend for herself out here — even less would he allow his woman to take another husband. It seems that wretched woman was lying to us."
In truth, this elder had already suspected that Bai Suyan's words were false, but he hadn't dared be certain. After all, Nangong Longjian was far too powerful. If one truly offended him, it wouldn't just be his own neck on the line — Qingmu Mountain itself would likely face catastrophic consequences.
But now, hearing Tuoba Shakuang's words, he could confirm that Bai Suyan had indeed been deceiving him. Rage surged through him in an instant, and he gritted his teeth in fury.
"That woman certainly can't be Nangong Longjian's woman. But given how reclusive Nangong Longjian is, very few people across the entire Martial Saint Continent actually know of his deeds."
"Even if that woman wanted to deceive you, she should have picked someone with a far more prominent reputation. The fact that she specifically invoked Nangong Longjian — that's a bit off," Tuoba Shakuang murmured, a thoughtful look crossing his face.
"Head Elder, what are you suggesting?" the elder asked.
"That woman likely knows something. At the very least, she knows that we recognize Nangong Longjian."
"Even if she isn't Nangong Longjian's woman or daughter, she must have some connection to him. After all, Bai Ruochen's Imperial-grade bloodline is the real deal."
"Even if Bai Ruochen isn't part of the Nangong Imperial Clan, she must belong to some other Imperial Clan. If she truly has ties within an Imperial Clan, that could prove to be a rather significant headache," Tuoba Shakuang said.
"Then what should we do, Head Elder? Are we simply going to let Bai Ruochen and her mother run around as they please?"
"If Lingyun leaves our Qingmu Mountain in the future and that woman catches him — what if she really does lay a lethal hand on him?" The elder asked with worry.
"Hmph. If we just let some wretched woman rampage across our Qingmu Mountain unchecked, where would the authority of our Punishment Department be?" A cold glint flashed through Tuoba Shakuang's eyes as he spoke.
"Head Elder, please give your orders." The elder cupped his fists and bowed.
"Uproot the weed — leave no roots behind. Strangle the threat in its cradle," Tuoba Shakuang said viciously.
"Understood. I'll see to it immediately." The elder bowed again, and with a fierce gust of wind, he vanished from sight.
Meanwhile, Chu Feng and the others were already en route, leaving Qingmu Mountain and flying in the direction of the Yuhua Sect. However, Qingmu Mountain's territory was simply too vast. Even with a half-emperor powerhouse like Bai Suyan leading them, the journey still required a fair amount of time.
"Mother, why did you reveal Father's name? Is that really wise?" Bai Ruochen asked, a note of confusion in her voice.
"Silly Ruochen, if I hadn't invoked your father, do you think they would have let us leave unharmed? Regardless of everything, this is Qingmu Mountain — one of the Nine Powers, teeming with experts," Bai Suyan replied with a smile.
"But—"
"There are no buts. Your mother has things well in hand. Now hurry along — someone up ahead is waiting for us."
"Waiting for us? Who?"
"You'll find out soon enough." Bai Suyan smiled faintly, then quickened her pace, streaking through the sky at even greater speed.