...

Mundane world, Da Jing Capital City, Imperial Palace.

Upon the Coiling Dragon Imperial Throne.

Emperor Jing, Chen Shende, reclined, with the beaded tassels of his crown hanging down, his eyes slightly narrowed, his finger bones lightly tapping on the gilded armrest.

Tap, tap, tap…

As if tapping on one's heart, full of oppressive pressure!

Beneath the great hall.

Bai Li, dressed in a deep purple Duke Python Robe, stood solemnly, his face weathered, his heart restless.

These recent times.

Life for Bai Li was not going well.

Just days ago, at the Spirit Testing convention.

The Bai Clan's descendants were once again denied participation by the Chen Clan Immortal Masters, including even a few children recorded in the clan register.

Bai Li, albeit a Duke, found himself powerless against the main branch's Immortal Masters of the Chen Clan.

Chen Shende summoned him into the hall, the beads swaying slightly as he spoke with a seemingly sighing tone:

"Bai, it is not that I lack empathy."

"Your elder brother has greatly offended the Foundation Establishment Elders of the main branch."

"This Spirit Testing matter has its own regulations, always presided over by people from the main branch."

"Even I have no authority to interfere."

Hearing this, Bai Li's expression turned bitter, filled with the helplessness of being wronged.

Chen Shende's tone suddenly changed, carrying a hint of gentle persuasion:

"Perhaps, my dear minister, you could contact your brother and devise a solution."

"Maybe with just a word from him, the Immortal Masters of the main branch would extend some face?"

Upon hearing this, Bai Li's mind became clear as day.

Secretly noting the need to carefully hide that token.

Yet outwardly, he smiled bitterly and said in a hoarse voice:

"Your Majesty, I've only met Brother Chen twice, separated by the mortal and immortal realms, our ties long severed."

"Even if I wanted to contact him, I wouldn't know how!"

"Oh? Is that so…"

Chen Shende prolonged his tone, his gaze narrowing behind the tassels, remaining silent for a moment before finally, disinterestedly waving his robe sleeve.

"Very well, I will look for another opportunity to inquire about it from the Immortal Elders. You may withdraw."

Bai Li felt as though he'd received a great pardon, deeply bowing:

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace! I take my leave!"

He slowly retreated, the hem of his wide robe sweeping over the cold, golden bricks, his back slightly hunched.

The doors of the hall closed.

In the shadows by the steps.

A middle-aged cultivator in a python robe and jade belt, his aura cold like a coiled viper, revealed his figure.

This was Liu Yan, the Chief Eunuch and confidant of the Emperor, also a Tributor for the Imperial Family.

"How was it?"

Liu Yan showed a disdainful expression:

"This person is cunning, his words half-truths."

"If you ask me, we should seize his whole clan and threaten Chen Sheng with them."

Chen Shende removed his heavy crown, rubbing his temples, revealing a face that was weary yet exceedingly clear-minded.

Raising his right hand slightly:

"No!"

"The main branch's instructions must be followed sincerely but not overly eagerly."

"That Chen Sheng can render the main branch Elders helpless, venting their anger on the mundane world, is obviously not someone to be trifled with."

"Originally a bloodline of the Imperial Clan, perhaps one day, he'll turn into a main branch Elder himself."

"When the King of Hell fights, we little devils should stay well away."

"Diligently gather information, find out Chen Sheng's cultivation and identity so that I can adapt accordingly."

Liu Yan nodded slightly:

"Your Majesty speaks truly."

...

Duke of England's Mansion, behind deep red doors.

The once bustling scenes of guests and celebrations had long vanished, the profound melancholy within the mansion growing ever denser!

No retinue of carriages and horses followed.

Bai Li in a purple robe, his waist and back gradually straightened, his steps steady as he crossed the familiar threshold.

Just as he stepped into the front hall.

A beautiful woman, wearing a Flowing Cloud Brocade, with an attractive face yet unable to hide the anxiety in her brows and eyes, quickly approached, hurriedly asking:

"How did it go? After entering the palace today... Did His Majesty relent?!"

Bai Li did not answer immediately.

He just shook his head silently.

The woman, being of noble birth as Bai Li's principal wife, upon hearing this, her graceful brows furrowed instantly, her voice turning sharp, she cried out in grievance:

"How can they bully people like this!"

"Is the blood I bore not of the Chen Clan?"

"My aunt is a Grand Imperial Consort now, and the fourth child serves loyally in the Forbidden Army!"

"Just because of an outsider, they can't reach the main branch, so they vent their anger on us?"

"No way! I'll go speak to the Major Sect, demand justice!"

Bai Li didn't stop her.

He just watched as she, full of indignation, turned to their inner residence to change into her authorized attire and then head to the Imperial Clan Court.

It might be good to let her cause a fuss.

In some way, it might offer a slight comfort to those high and mighty Immortal Masters.

The token left by Chen Sheng had long been hidden by him.

In a conspicuous location, where others would never imagine it.

To avoid being watched, he no longer touched it.

Bai Li paced alone to the side hall for guests.

The large hall was empty and barren, the servants having already been dismissed.

He slowly sat on a Purple Sandalwood Master's Chair, his knuckles lightly tapping on the smooth, slightly cool armrest, producing a low, rhythmic sound.

Bai Li murmured in his heart:

"Elder brother, you must live well."

"My whole family's lives are entrusted to you."

Amid the volatile sea of officialdom, ranking as a Duke.

Bai Li was meticulous, always with a long-term vision.

He was very aware.

From the imperial spies finding out about the link between Chen Sheng and their family, the Bai Clan and Chen Sheng had become like grasshoppers on the same rope.

If Chen Sheng were to die.

Their family would likely face extermination as well!

Bai Li couldn't possibly betray Chen Sheng.

It didn't suit his nature.

Nor did he have the opportunity to betray him.

As he said, having met Chen Sheng only twice, leaving behind just a token was already quite something.

Chen Sheng's actions were seamless, changing his name upon waking from a mishap, and he wouldn't risk for the Bai Clan.

To cut ties cleanly?

Explain the reason?

Not possible either!

The suppression by the Immortal Masters has nothing to do with him!

Bai Li had no chance to explain, they wouldn't give him one.

He could only walk this dark road.

Letting the Imperial Family suppress him.

Like carving flesh with a blunt knife.

Openly reducing rewards, stripping his authority, secretly excluding him, supporting his political rivals.

Bai Li speculated internally:

"Now, His Majesty has some apprehension, the suppression isn't too overt, it seems elder brother is doing well."

"He wants me to contact elder brother, likely a trap to ensnare him!"

"Elder brother's strength probably falls short of the Chen Clan Elders."

"But elder brother is still young…"

Many thoughts flew through Bai Li's mind, ultimately turning into a faint sigh.

...

Time flowed on, and so, several years passed.

The clamor within Fenghua Immortal City remained unchanged.

The blood-drenched Secret Realm quietly closed.

Only a very few returned safely to the Immortal City with various Spiritual Objects.

Far more people were never heard from again.

Gu Taohua and the other two were such.

Even when the three visited Chen Sheng and obtained three Tier Two Talismans as life-saving items.

In the end, they did not return.

Time passed, their traces quickly covered by those who came after.

Their original dwellings were gradually rented by newcomers, as if they had never existed.

Chen Sheng stood at the second-floor window of the "Boutique Pill Hall," watching the Market's bustle.

Endlessly flowing, old faces unseen.

Chen Sheng stood silently for a moment in memory of the three.

Finally, he sighed softly: "The Immortal Dao is ever-changing."

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