"Why are the people from the Religious Affairs Bureau looking for me again?"

"Do they want to ask if Xiao Yan has been found?"

"Or has the higher-ups decided to initiate cooperation with Zhenyuan?"

Lu Heng was filled with doubts.

He followed Qingyue all the way into Qingyun Hall.

His mentor was sitting in the grand hall with another person beside him.

After scrutinizing the person for a few moments, Lu Heng found them vaguely familiar.

It seemed like they were someone from the Religious Affairs Bureau who had accompanied Elder Song and Director Li the last time everyone had an audience with Zhenyuan.

However, Lu Heng didn't know the person's name.

"In the past, if something happened, it was either Elder Song or Director Li who came personally."

"But now they only sent a staff member..."

"It seems it's probably not anything important!"

Lu Heng thought to himself.

"Qingfeng, this is Director Li from the Religious Affairs Bureau, you should have met him before."

"Director Li is here today to ask you a few questions."

As Lu Heng entered the hall, Xuan Cheng gently spoke.

"Taoist Qingfeng, hello!"

Director Li quickly stood up, smiling warmly.

"Hello, Director Li!"

Lu Heng nodded, exchanging awkward greetings with him.

"Taoist Qingfeng, I came here to ask you some questions."

"If there's anything you feel uncomfortable saying, you don't have to answer."

Director Li's attitude was very amiable.

After all, he was aware of the special relationship between this young Taoist and the Immortal Taoist.

In the residence of a prime minister, even seventh-ranked officials are held in esteem; the same goes for an apprentice by the side of an Immortal.

"Thank you, Director Li, for understanding."

"I won't hide anything that I can speak of."

Lu Heng replied with a smile.

"Then I appreciate your assistance, Taoist Qingfeng!"

Director Li was very pleased with Lu Heng's attitude.

So, he began asking, "Taoist Qingfeng, has Taoist Zhenyuan returned recently?"

"The old Taoist returned four days ago."

Lu Heng thought for a moment, then answered.

"Where is Taoist Zhenyuan now?"

"Is he still at the Seeking Immortality Temple?"

Director Li asked again.

"Yes!"

Lu Heng nodded, casually making up a story: "The old Taoist said he intended to seclude himself in Seeking Immortality Temple for a period, anywhere from three to four days, or as long as seven to eight days."

"Did Taoist Zhenyuan mention if he has found Mr. Xiao Yan?"

Director Li asked, his eyes fixed intently on Lu Heng.

Clearly, this question was the most crucial!

Lu Heng smiled inwardly, realizing the Religious Affairs Bureau genuinely anticipated the appearance of "Xiao Yan".

Without betraying any emotion, he shook his head and replied, "I don't know."

Upon hearing this, Director Li continued to gaze at Lu Heng for a while.

Seeing that he didn't seem to be lying, a trace of disappointment flashed in his eyes.

But soon, he resumed his previous demeanor, continuing with a smile, "Recently, Taoist Qingfeng, have you been to the Seeking Immortality Temple?"

"No!"

Lu Heng shook his head again: "I've been on the mountain these days and haven't been to the Seeking Immortality Temple."

After Director Li nodded, he asked again, "Then, have you seen the notes Taoist Zhenyuan left in the library at the Seeking Immortality Temple?"

"I haven't seen them."

Lu Heng continued to shake his head: "Every time I just clean up, I've never touched the Taoist scriptures in the library."

Upon hearing this, Director Li furrowed his brow and muttered quietly, "It seems I have to inquire about the relevant situation with Taoist Zhenyuan..."

This muttering piqued Lu Heng's curiosity.

How could he not know the contents of those supposed notes?

But why would the Religious Affairs Bureau specifically send someone to inquire?

"Director Li, I remember the Sect Leaders of Louguan Tao and Jingming Tao have both seen that notebook, haven't they?"

"If you have any questions, feel free to ask them!"

Lu Heng reminded him with a smile.

Previously, the Sect Leader of Jingming Tao had called, claiming he had never seen that notebook, absolving himself completely.

Anyone who believed such nonsense would be a fool!

Upon hearing this, Director Li couldn't help but show a bitter smile, conveying his helplessness, "With Taoist Qingfeng being so cooperative, I won't hide it from you."

"Just yesterday, the Sect Leaders of Louguan Tao and Jingming Tao also suddenly disappeared..."

When these words came out, not only was Lu Heng stunned, but even Xuan Cheng also showed surprise.

"Director Li, are you saying Dongyang and Tianqing are missing?"

Xuan Cheng furrowed his brows tightly, puzzled and confused.

Dongyang and Tianqing were the Taoist titles of the Sect Leaders of Louguan Tao and Jingming Tao, respectively.

"How could I deceive you, Elder Taoist?"

Director Li replied truthfully: "Weren't the Sect Leaders of Louguan Tao and Jingming Tao implicated in the disappearance case of the Sect Leader of Taiyi Dao?"

"Before uncovering the truth, they were ordered to cultivate within their respective sects and not to leave."

"But just yesterday, both the disciples of Louguan Tao and Jingming Tao reported the mysterious disappearance of the Sect Leaders."

"We entrusted the local police to investigate, and the result was that the two Sect Leaders had indeed disappeared."

"It's unknown if they left on their own or were kidnapped..."

What the hell!

Lu Heng was dumbfounded.

First, the Sect Leader of Taiyi Dao inexplicably disappeared.

And now it was the turn of the Sect Leaders of Louguan Tao and Jingming Tao...

What on earth is happening here?

Did the three of them conspire together, planning to escape abroad with the Sunflower Manual?

Or was it the old story of "two peaches kill three warriors"?

Wanting to monopolize the Sunflower Manual, would they even plot against friends of decades?

"Elder Taoist, I've asked all my questions, so I won't disturb your peace anymore."

Director Li sighed softly.

This trip, apart from confirming that Zhenyuan was still at the Seeking Immortality Temple, didn't yield any useful information.

"Qingfeng, see Director Li down the mountain!"

Xuan Cheng came back from his contemplation, gently waved his sleeve, indicating for Lu Heng to see the guest out.

"Yes, Master!"

Lu Heng obeyed, escorting Director Li out of Qingyun Hall.

After sending off Director Li, he didn't return directly to his room but went back to Qingyun Hall.

Earlier, when his mentor asked him to see the guest out, he had given him a look.

As a disciple, how could he not know the meaning behind that look?

So, he once again stepped into Qingyun Hall.

"You saw off Director Li?"

Xuan Cheng asked calmly.

"He's been seen off, Master!"

Lu Heng replied.

"Qingfeng, stay on the mountain during this period, and don't go down casually."

"Unless Taoist Zhenyuan comes out of seclusion..."

Xuan Cheng instructed.

"Yes, Master."

Lu Heng nodded in agreement.

His master's instructions must have his reasons.

Could it be that his master fears that the three Sect Leaders, or one of them, might target him?

If they dared to take such a step, it would indeed be interesting!

"You may leave now!"

Xuan Cheng waved his sleeve, dismissing his disciple.

Just as he was about to leave Qingyun Hall, Lu Heng suddenly heard a long sigh...

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