Chapter 365: Senior Brother is Alive
"Speak." Xu Cheng commanded in a manner that implied Tang Yin had no option but to divulge the information. It was clear that if Tang Yin hesitated, he would be compelled to speak against his will.
Unperturbed by Xu Cheng’s authoritative tone, Tang Yin began, "In fact, Senior Brother is still alive..."
"What!?" This time, all four of them, including Xu Yun, erupted in a mixture of astonishment and excitement. However, their faces bore traces of scepticism and suspicion.
"Yes, it’s true. Senior Brother is not truly deceased. It was all a ruse orchestrated by the Twin Snake Clan. Yet, due to my non-affiliation with them, my knowledge is limited." Tang Yin disclosed with a cryptic grin that remained concealed from the others.
"Are you saying that the entire demise of the Moonlit River Sect was orchestrated by the Twin Snake Clan? That includes the sect’s dissolution?" Xu Cheng interjected, his countenance reflecting a blend of uncertainty, astonishment, and a touch of sorrow.
He held a measure of doubt regarding Tang Yin’s account, and his sorrow emanated from his recollection of the disbandment of the Moonlit River Sect. Considering he had spent his entire life within the sect, the abrupt dissolution had left an emotional void within him.
"Be aware that if your words are proven false and you are attempting to deceive us, you won’t survive past this night." Elder Liang declared, stepping forward. An immense, all-encompassing aura of the Peak-stage Principle Manipulation Realm radiated from him. The atmosphere shifted, gathering ominous clouds atop Broken Tooth Mountain, while sparks of lightning danced in the air.
Stepping back in response, Tang Yin retreated a pace. "If you don’t compose yourself, it’s possible we’ll meet our end together. Would that suit you?" he retorted calmly, his voice resonating with clarity. Simultaneously, his divine sense extended, forming a shield around him that defended against the overwhelming aura emanating from Elder Liang.
Xu Cheng swiftly intervened, transmitting a message to Elder Liang through his divine sense. Elder Liang appeared to grasp the implication, leading him to withdraw his overpowering aura and step back.
Tang Yin, with a disdainful snort, resumed his upright posture. In reality, he hadn’t been truly cowed or overwhelmed. His apparent submission was a mere façade designed to influence their perception, creating the illusion of his vulnerability and inability to free himself from their grasp.
His intention was to sow the impression that they held superior strength compared to him and that he possessed no alternative for escape should the situation turn sour.
Yet, in truth, the reality was quite the opposite...
"As I was explaining, Senior Brother is very much alive. At this moment, he requires individuals he can trust, individuals like you, his family and closest allies in this world."
"As for his specific plans, I remain uncertain. He hasn’t disclosed them to me yet. Nevertheless, he did mention that once I bring you all to him, he will reveal everything all at once." Tang Yin conveyed, locking eyes with Xu Cheng and the group, his gaze laden with a sense of inquiry. Would they choose to join him?
"How do we know this isn’t some scheme to trap us?" Amid their excitement and anticipation, Wan Mei posed a dubious question, her brows furrowed.
Despite this, a spark of hope burned within all of them. The revelation that their father was still alive was almost overwhelming.
"I’ve relayed exactly what Senior Brother has shared with me. Whether you decide to put faith in my words is entirely your choice." Tang Yin responded, appearing disinclined to push further.
He turned around and began walking away, indicating that the decision to follow him or not rested entirely in their hands.
They also came to the realization that they couldn’t divulge this information to anyone else. Clearly, if their father intended for others to be aware of his survival, he wouldn’t have entrusted Tang Yin with the covert task of assembling them and informing them of his well-being.
Xu Yun took the initiative, breaking away from the group. She swiftly escaped her mother’s grasp and dashed after Tang Yin. This time, no one intervened to halt her.
Xu Cheng’s gaze shifted from Xu Yun to Tang Yin’s receding figure, his expression seemingly lost in contemplation. However, after a brief moment, his eyes solidified with determination, and he, too, chose to pursue.
In due course, Elder Liang joined their ranks, opting to follow Tang Yin and Xu Cheng. The two brothers, endowed with cultivation at the Peak-stage of the Principle Manipulation Realm, harboured little concern. Even if this venture were a trap, Tang Yin’s relatively ’modest’ cultivation base would hardly pose a threat to them.
Meanwhile, Wan Mei remained stationary for a time. Though she was Xu Cheng’s spouse and Xu Yun’s mother, her connection to Qian Zhong was through marriage, lacking the bond of blood shared by Xu Cheng, Xu Yun, and Elder Liang.
Nonetheless, she eventually resolved to follow the group. With her husband and daughter having departed, she stood alone. Trusting in her husband’s judgment, she chose to tread the same path.
Observing this response, a whirlwind of contemplation churned within Tang Yin’s thoughts. Despite his inner thoughts, his countenance remained inscrutable.
"You’ve chosen wisely. Come with me." Tang Yin stated in a straightforward manner. With that, he leapt into the air, soaring into the sky. Transforming into a dark streak, he swiftly vanished into the distance, his departure wordless and noiseless.
Xu Yun, Xu Cheng, Wan Mei, and Elder Liang followed suit, each transforming into radiant streaks of light. Their forms merged seamlessly with the sky as they pursued the path behind Tang Yin.
"What about the Thousand Blossom Pavilion? They’ll surely realize our absence in due time." Wan Mei inquired, mindful of her role as the Orchid Blossom Saintess within the Thousand Blossom Pavilion. Her prolonged absence would undoubtedly raise suspicions.
"Put your concerns aside. Senior Brother is situated in the Moon Gazing Region. Our absence won’t extend for too lengthy a period." Tang Yin reassured, dispelling Wan Mei’s apprehensions before resuming their journey through the skies.
Given that Xu Yun’s cultivation rested at the Principle Comprehension Realm, she lacked the capacity to maintain their pace. Consequently, Xu Cheng had to carry her, preventing her from falling behind in their journey.
"Father is in the Moon Gazing Region? When did you and Father return from the Hectic Chasm Holy Land?" Xu Cheng’s astonishment was palpable. Although the fact that Tang Yin had journeyed to the Hectic Chasm Holy Land with Qian Zhong wasn’t exactly concealed, the knowledge was limited to only a select few closely associated with Qian Zhong.
Curiously, all of them were present at this very moment.
"Approximately a month ago. After our return, we’ve been stationed in a concealed area. While I am uncertain of Senior Brother’s intentions for orchestrating his death and the intricacies of his current seclusion, we’ll find out soon enough." Tang Yin responded, his hand gesturing in a manner that indicated he wouldn’t delve further into the matter. If the group sought additional information, their curiosity would have to wait for now.
In this manner, an hour of silence swiftly elapsed.
By now, the group had covered half of the Moon Gazing Region.
Just as scepticism began to take root among them, Tang Yin initiated their next step.
"Here we are." he declared, descending rapidly towards a diminutive, isolated mountain that exuded an air of insignificance.
"This is where Father is?" Xu Cheng inquired, his eyes displaying a perplexed expression. He could scarcely envision his illustrious father dwelling in such a desolate and unimpressive location.
The remaining three individuals regarded Tang Yin with scepticism and uncertainty.
"As I previously mentioned, Senior Brother is currently in hiding. Does this not appear to be a suitable covert spot for a cultivator of the Law Domain Realm?" Tang Yin’s scoff was tinged with mockery in response to their doubts. With that, he spun and hastened forward at a swift pace, directing his course toward a minute fissure in the mountainside, scarcely discernible.
Suppressing their doubts, the others followed Tang Yin, traversing the gap.
Upon entry, none of them found it astonishing to discover themselves within a minuscule cave.
"There is nothing here." Wan Mei remarked. The cave was rather modest, measuring only about 10 meters in width. Its interior could be thoroughly observed with the naked eye alone.
Tang Yin selected a spot on the cave’s wall seemingly at random. With a nonchalant tone, he stated, "Senior Brother is beyond this point. Who’s willing to go in first?"
The group activated their divine senses, scrutinizing the wall where Tang Yin stood. To their amazement, they discerned a minor, inconspicuous Array Formation, shrouded in concealment.
"I’m going first!" Xu Yun proclaimed resolutely. Before anyone could intervene, she swiftly advanced toward the wall. Rather than encountering a solid obstacle and being repulsed, she seamlessly traversed through it, akin to a phantom’s passage.
Xu Cheng and Wan Mei exchanged concerned glances, while Elder Liang regarded Tang Yin with obvious hostility.
"Rest assured, she’s unharmed. Who’s next?" Tang Yin beckoned for someone to step forward and mimic Xu Yun’s action of passing through the wall.
