Chapter 6008 - 6010

Yu Ranran’s mind raced, but her face remained impassive, instead flashing a sweet smile: “Oh, alright then, thank you, Uncle Fei.”

“By the way, I’m really itching to know about this ancient scripture. Uncle Fei, don’t you know a senior who’s very knowledgeable about ancient scriptures and secret arts?”

“He seems to live in the east of the city? Could you please invite that senior to your residence now to help me understand? I can pay you!”

As she spoke, she carefully observed Kai’s reaction.

If the other party was truly Fei Qing, he should know who the senior she was talking about was and would do as she asked, or give a reasonable excuse.

If the other party was a fake, he might give himself away!

Kai cursed inwardly at this troublesome little girl.

Fei Qing did indeed know several rogue cultivators who were knowledgeable about ancient texts, but their specific addresses, names, and relationships were somewhat vague and fragmented, making it difficult to accurately match them in a hurry.

Moreover, Yu Ranran’s immediate invitation was clearly a test.

He couldn’t agree, because he had no idea who to ask or how to contact them.

But he couldn’t refuse outright either, lest it arouse greater suspicion.

Kai’s mind raced, and he made a decision in an instant.

A troubled look appeared on his face as he carefully said, “Miss, are you referring to Mr. Mo? To be honest, Mr. Mo left Jade Immortal City a few days ago for some reason, and his return date is uncertain.”

“As for the others… they are either traveling and haven’t returned, or they are in seclusion, so I’m afraid it will be difficult to persuade them in the short term.”

A glint flashed in Yu Ranran’s eyes.

“Mr. Mo has left? I heard someone say they saw him in the west of the city a few days ago.” She said with a half-smile, another test.

Kai’s heart sank, knowing that he might have said the wrong thing.

But he couldn’t show weakness at this moment. He steadied himself and said with a wry smile, “Oh? Perhaps this old servant’s information is delayed. If Mr. Mo has already returned, that would be even better.”

“However, it’s already late today, and it might be impolite to invite him abruptly. How about this, tomorrow morning, this old servant will personally go to the West City. If Mr. Mo is free, I will invite him to the manor to discuss the scriptures with Miss, what do you think?”

His words offered a concrete and reasonable solution, both responding to Yu Ranran’s request and buying himself time.

Yu Ranran stared at Kai for a few seconds, then suddenly smiled. Her smile was as bright as spring sunshine, yet it sent a chill down Kai’s spine.

“Alright, then let’s do as Uncle Fei says, we’ll talk about it tomorrow.”

Yu Ranran put away the jade slip, seemingly giving up on asking further questions, but then asked casually, “By the way, Uncle Fei, Father seemed to have asked about the maintenance of the Fallen Soul Slope formation this morning. Have you dealt with it? Father seems to be paying extra attention to that place lately.”

Fallen Soul Slope!

Soul Refining Crystal!

Kai’s heart skipped a beat.

This was definitely a deliberate test!

Did Yu Ranran know something?

Or was it just a coincidence?

He forced himself to remain calm and answered as Fei Qing should have: “Reporting to Miss, this old servant has personally checked the array at Fallen Soul Slope, and it is functioning normally.”

“Soul Refining… related matters have also been arranged properly, please rest assured, City Lord.”

He almost mentioned Soul Refining Crystals, but quickly changed his words, appearing even more cautious.　　Yu Ranran nodded, asking no further questions.

“Then, Uncle Fei, you go ahead with your work. I won’t disturb your rest any longer. I’ll be waiting for your good news tomorrow!”

She waved, then, with her maid, turned and gracefully departed, leaving behind a faint fragrance.

Only after Yu Ranran’s figure disappeared at the end of the flower path did Kai secretly breathe a sigh of relief, a fine layer of sweat breaking out on his back.

This Yu Ranran truly lived up to her reputation; she was sharp-witted, eloquent, and constantly probing, and a slight misstep would leave her with a flaw!

The conversation just now, seemingly ordinary, was actually extremely dangerous. Although he had temporarily weathered the storm, Yu Ranran had clearly become suspicious.

Tomorrow’s appointment was likely an even greater test, or… a trap.

He couldn’t continue to play along with her under the guise of Fei Qing; it was too easy to expose himself.

A cold glint flashed in Kai’s eyes, and he quickly devised a new plan.

Since Yu Ranran is so obsessed with ancient books and secret arts, and Fei Qing happens to know a master who has studied these things…

why not have that master personally take the lead?

A bolder, even somewhat erotic and dramatic plan gradually took shape in his mind.

Approach Yu Ranran, gain her favor and trust, and then through her, contact Yu Wuji to investigate the Soul Refining Crystal and the secrets of the Divine Race!

This is more meaningful than simply impersonating Fei Qing and then making a move on Yu Ranran.

The risks may be greater, but if successful, the rewards will be higher, and he will have more control!

A faint smile appeared on Kai’s lips.

With his charm, he could make Yu Ranran fall for him the moment they met.

Once he had Yu Ranran under his spell, becoming the son-in-law of the Jade Immortal Mansion, would he still have trouble getting close to Yu Wuji?

Kai was absolutely confident that Yu Ranran would willingly offer herself to him.

That’s charm…

But before that, Kai needed to deal with Mr. Mo from the West City and find a way to get him to leave for a while.

Then, he would have Fei Qing find an excuse to leave Yu Xian Mansion, so that even if Yu Ranran had any suspicions, she wouldn’t be able to find any evidence!

After leaving Yu Ranran’s sight, he didn’t return directly to Qingxin Pavilion, but instead turned and headed towards a relatively secluded small garden at the border of the inner and outer mansions.

He needed to contact Lianxing as soon as possible.

In the corner of the garden stood an inconspicuous ancient locust tree with a hollow trunk.

Kai quickly used his finger to carve several peculiar symbols in a hidden spot on the inside of the trunk.

This was the emergency contact code he and Lianxing had agreed upon beforehand, indicating that urgent assistance was needed.

Next to the code, he left information about the time and location that Lianxing could recognize: “West City, Mr. Mo, leave immediately, without a trace.”

After doing all this, he straightened his robes, regained Fei Qing’s slightly gloomy expression, and walked towards the Yingbin Villa!
This is where Jade Immortal Mansion entertains guests!

Kai exchanged a few words with the guards and then left!

Back at Qingxin Pavilion, two controlled guards stood like wooden stakes in the courtyard.

Kai glanced at them, his eyes cold.

These two could no longer be allowed to live.

Although they were controlled, they were still a hidden danger, and as time went on, Ming Li’s mind-controlling spell and chaotic restrictions might gradually loosen or be discovered.

“Follow me to the study,”

Kai instructed the two guards, his voice calm and indifferent.

The two guards silently followed.

Entering the depths of Qingxin Pavilion, they reached Fei Qing’s private study, which was equipped with multiple isolation arrays.

Kai closed the heavy stone door and activated all the silence and isolation restrictions.

Only three people remained in the study.

Kai turned around, facing the two guards whose eyes were slightly dazed, and sighed softly, “You’ve followed Fei Qing for many years, and you’ve done your duty. Unfortunately, it’s fate.”

As soon as he finished speaking, his eyes suddenly sharpened, and he pointed his fingers like swords. Two chaotic gray lights, more condensed and purer than before, pierced the two guards’ brows like lightning!

There were no screams, no struggles.

The two guards’ bodies shuddered simultaneously, and the last glimmer of light in their eyes vanished completely.

Then, their entire bodies, starting from the inside out, silently turned into the finest gray dust, like a pencil drawing erased by an eraser, fluttering to the ground, even their clothes and belongings disappearing along with them.

He had completely eliminated these two potential problems.

Afterwards, Kai called a steward, gave him some instructions, and then let the steward leave!

But after leaving, Kai closed his eyes, and light and shadow flowed around him. His figure, face, and aura began to change rapidly.

His tall figure slightly adjusted, returning to its original balanced and upright posture.

The gaunt, sinister face receded like ripples, revealing Kai’s original youthful, handsome, and sharply defined features.

His dark blue brocade robe transformed into a simple, moon-white long gown in a soft glow, its quality refined yet understated.

In a few breaths, Fei Qing vanished, and standing in the study was once again Kai, his eyes deep and calm.

He stretched his neck, savoring the ease of returning to his original form.

Disguising himself, especially as a cunning character like Fei Qing, required constant mental vigilance.

Next, he would assume a different identity and re-enter the Jade Immortal Mansion.

Kai pondered briefly, then walked to a bookshelf on one side of the study.

Following Fei Qing’s memory, he skillfully moved several heavy books aside, revealing a hidden recess in the wall behind them.
Inside were several spare guest elder tokens, of lower authority but sufficient for travel within certain areas of the inner palace, along with some blank talismans and disguise supplies.

These were some backup plans Fei Qing had prepared for himself.

Kai took out a cyan guest elder token, along with some blank talismans and disguise materials.

He hung the token at his waist, then, facing a large water mirror in the study, began to subtly refine his appearance.

It wasn’t a drastic change, but rather a softening of his already handsome features, reducing some of his sharpness and adding a touch of scholarly refinement.

He adjusted his skin tone to be slightly paler, as if he rarely saw sunlight due to years of studying classical texts.

He shaped his eyebrows to be thinner and longer, and deliberately toned down the sharpness in his eyes, replacing it with a gentle, peaceful, and inquisitive gleam.

Soon, a refined and elegant young cultivator appeared in the mirror, around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, the kind of scholar engrossed in ancient texts, seemingly unaware of worldly affairs.

Kai nodded in satisfaction.

This image should match Yu Ranran’s expectations of a master, and being young and handsome would make it easier to win the young lady’s favor.

He checked himself one last time, confirming that he hadn’t left any traces related to his previous actions.

Then, he walked to the window on the other side of the study.

There was a hidden passage leading to a secluded path behind Qingxin Pavilion, a path rarely known to others, which Fei Qing used for private meetings or handling confidential matters.

Pushing open the window, Kai floated out like a falling leaf, his figure blending into the night, and silently left the Qingxin Pavilion area along the path.

He didn’t go far, but instead took a large detour, arriving at the outer perimeter of the welcoming courtyard of Yu Xian Mansion, which was used to receive visiting guests.

It was already late at night, and there were guards at the entrance of the courtyard, but it was much less crowded than in the inner core area of ​​the mansion.

Kai straightened his clothes, his face showing a hint of arrogance and curiosity from his first arrival, and slowly walked towards the courtyard gate.

“Halt! Who goes there? Do you have any credentials?” The guard stopped him.

Kai remained calm and composed, taking out his guest elder token and saying gently, “I am Kai, invited by Grand Steward Fei Qing to stay temporarily at the manor to assist with some ancient book verification matters.”

His voice was clear and pleasant, carrying a convincing composure.

The guard took the token, checked it, and after confirming its authenticity, and observing Kai’s outstanding temperament and cultivation, his attitude softened considerably: “So it’s Mr. Chen. The Grand Steward has already instructed that room number three of the Jia class be arranged for you. Please follow me.”

Kai had already spoken to the guard beforehand, so there wouldn’t be any problems!

Kai smiled and nodded: “Thank you for your trouble.”

Thus, Kai, as a guest elder, openly and legitimately moved into the welcoming courtyard of the Jade Immortal Mansion.

The room he chose was quiet and secluded, suitable for meditation and research, and also in line with the persona he had cultivated.

After entering the room, Kai checked his surroundings again to ensure safety before sitting cross-legged and beginning to regulate his breathing, while his mind rapidly rehearsed the meeting scene for tomorrow and various possible scenarios.
…

The night was deep. In the western district of Jade Immortal City, outside an elegant courtyard,

a ghostly figure appeared silently. It was Lianxing, who had come on Kai’s orders.

She had changed into night clothes, completely concealing her aura, and her sharp eyes scanned her surroundings.

According to the coded messages and intelligence left by Kai, the Mr. Mo, who was knowledgeable about ancient books, lived here.

Kai wanted her to deal with this person, but not kill him, since Mr. Mo had no grudge against Kai.

Lianxing did not rush in.

She first carefully explored the outer perimeter of Tingyu Pavilion, confirming that there was only a faint aura, about the second rank of the Upper Immortal Realm, inside, and no powerful protective array.

She took out a thin bamboo tube and gently blew out a wisp of colorless and odorless smoke, which drifted into the room through the cracks in the door and windows.

This was her secret sleeping potion, which could induce a deep, dreamless sleep, and was extremely effective on low-level cultivators.

After waiting a moment, Lianxing slipped over the wall like a cat and silently entered the main house.

On the bed, an elderly man with white hair and beard, and a gaunt face, was fast asleep—it was Mr. Mo.

Lianxing placed the sleeping Mr. Mo into a specially made, breath-proof storage bag, cleaned up the scene, erased all traces of her presence, and quietly left.

Following her plan, she smuggled Mr. Mo out of the martial law-bound Jade Immortal City that very night and took him to a secluded cave hundreds of miles outside the city.

Having done all this, Lianxing breathed a sigh of relief and quickly returned to her secret location, awaiting Kai’s next instructions.

…

The next day, the sky was clear and bright.

Yu Ranran arrived at Qingxin Pavilion early as expected. Today, she wore a light green dress, which made her skin appear even whiter.

Her hair was also carefully styled, adorned with a trembling pearl hairpin, making her look fresh and charming, yet also carrying a hint of anticipation.

However, after waiting for a long time in the outer hall of Qingxin Pavilion, Fei Qing did not emerge. Only an ordinary steward nervously served tea.

“Where is Uncle Fei? Hasn’t he gotten up yet?” Yu Ranran asked impatiently.

“Reporting to… Miss,”

the steward said, sweat beading on his forehead, “The Grand Steward… the Grand Steward hurriedly left the manor last night, saying… saying he had urgent official business and needed to leave for several days.”

“Before leaving, he specifically instructed that he had invited a scholar who was extremely knowledgeable in ancient scriptures for Miss, and he is currently waiting at the Yingbin Villa. The Grand Steward told you to go directly there.”

“Left? Several days?”

Yu Ranran frowned slightly.

Fei Qing had promised yesterday to invite Mr. Mo today, so why did he suddenly leave?

And even invited someone directly?

This style of doing things was somewhat unlike Fei Qing’s usual meticulous manner, instead revealing a sense of haste.

Could it be… that his probing yesterday made him feel guilty?

Or was there really an urgent matter?

Yu Ranran’s doubts remained, but she was even more curious about the scholar who had been invited.

Although Fei Qing is suspicious, the people he brought in might actually have some skills?
“Lead the way.” Yu Ranran stood up, deciding to see for herself.

The Guest Reception Courtyard.

Kai had already risen and was brewing tea at a stone table beside a clump of green bamboo in the courtyard.

Morning light filtered through the bamboo leaves, illuminating his moon-white robe and his focused, serene profile. The fragrant tea, mingled with the fresh scent of bamboo leaves, created a tranquil and elegant atmosphere.

This was the scene that greeted Yu Ranran when she entered the Guest Reception Courtyard, led by the steward.

Her steps unconsciously slowed.

The young man sitting in the bamboo shadows and morning light was tall and upright, with a gentle and refined temperament. His profile was handsome, and his expression focused and calm—completely different from the stereotypical image of an old, pedantic scholar she had imagined.

Seemingly sensing someone’s arrival, Kai raised his head, his gaze turning towards the courtyard gate.

Their eyes met.

Yu Ranran felt a slight jolt in

her heart. His eyes were clear and deep, like an autumn lake, calm and still, yet seemingly capable of reflecting the depths of one’s soul.

His gaze was calm and gentle, tinged with inquiry, lacking the usual astonishment or fawning one a man might show upon seeing her.

“Are you Miss Yu?”

Kai set down his tea set, stood up, and bowed with elegant and natural movements. “I am Kai, entrusted by Chief Steward Fei Qing to await your arrival. The Chief Steward said that Miss Yu possesses considerable insight into ancient texts and scriptures, and has encountered some difficulties, thus requesting that I come to discuss them with her.”

His voice was clear and gentle, his pace unhurried, making him pleasant to listen to.

Yu Ranran snapped out of her daze and quickly returned the greeting, a faint smile unconsciously appearing on her face. “Greetings, Mr. Chen. Uncle Fei is quick on his feet; he only mentioned it yesterday, and you’ve already invited me today. But I wonder if you and Mr. Mo from Xicheng…”

“Mr. Mo is an old acquaintance of mine, a man of profound learning, from whom I often seek his guidance,”

Kai replied with a slight smile, responding with ease. “However, Mr. Mo went traveling to visit friends a month ago, and his return is uncertain. Chief Steward Fei knows that I have recently been traveling in the vicinity and have some knowledge of the ancient star power and earth vein theories, hence my presumptuous invitation. I hope you will forgive any abruptness, Miss.”

His explanation was reasonable, and his attitude was neither humble nor arrogant.

Yu Ranran’s doubts lessened somewhat.

It seemed that Fei Qing had indeed gone to invite Mr. Mo, only to find him unavailable, and thus temporarily sought out this Mr. Chen.

This Mr. Chen possessed an extraordinary bearing and spoke with refined manners; he didn’t seem like a charlatan.

“Mr. Chen, you’re too kind. It’s my great honor to receive your guidance,”

Yu Ranran said, walking to the stone table and sitting down. She naturally placed the jade slip containing ancient texts on the table. “Yesterday, Uncle Fei and I discussed this passage. We couldn’t understand the phrase ‘Tianxuan leads the stars, Dique opens and closes,’ and I wonder if you have any insights?”

As she spoke, she carefully observed Kai’s expression and reaction.

Kai picked up the jade slip, scanned it with his divine sense, and a thoughtful look appeared on his face. After a moment, a hint of understanding and admiration flashed in his eyes.

“Young Miss is indeed exceptionally intelligent, grasping the key point at a glance.”

He put down the jade slip, his fingers lightly tracing lines on the stone table, using spiritual power to outline a simple star map and earth vein lines. “This phrase is certainly not from ordinary feng shui formations. In my humble opinion, ‘Tianxuan’ does not simply refer to one of the seven stars of the Big Dipper. In this context, it is more likely to refer to a specific ‘traction node’ or ‘aperture’ in the celestial energies;”

“‘Dique’ is not simply a gap in the veins, but rather a ‘gate’ in the human body or earth corresponding to ‘Tianxuan’ in the heavens.”

He explained in simple terms, citing classical texts and combining several nearly lost ancient doctrines, making this obscure passage clear and logical.

He not only answered Yu Ranran’s questions but also proposed several possible cultivation or application theories, each one substantial and thought-provoking.