The Heaven-Sword Sect, inner gate.

Cui Hao stood outside a light-curtain and set out the course of events with humility. "I report to Elder Liu. The matter stands thus. On the day in question I had disciples posted outside the sect on purpose, and they saw with their own eyes the Nanyang native Shen Yi board a Clear-Moon treasure ship."

"The Clear-Moon Sect has taken a hand?" A familiar voice came out of the light-curtain. It belonged to the owner of the Dao token that had hung outside the Nanyang Sect.

"Hardly a hand. Only the steward Zheng Qian, the inner-gate disciple Yan Wencheng, and Elder Liu's daughter, the lady Qianyun."

Cui Hao raised his head and said quietly, "By this disciple's reading, it may be that Shen Yi forced the matter on Ye Wenxuan's account — but that is unlikely. Shen Yi has been out only a few months; whatever private friendship he may have with these people, it has certainly not reached the point where they would willingly follow him to their deaths."

"Far likelier that Elder Liu did not show his face but gave Liu Qianyun some other means of protection. A spirit-treasure, say… or even a decree."

When Cui Hao had finished—

the light-curtain was silent a long while, and then a laugh came out of it. "Liu Shiqian cannot truly believe the Nanyang treasured site's ownership is for that boy surnamed Shen to decide. Striking out on some new path, courting the site by ingratiating himself — it is stupid enough indeed."

"Rest easy. I have already sent people to keep watch near the Chen family. The moment any trace of Elder Liu appears, I will bring you the proof by the fastest means there is."

Cui Hao cupped his hands respectfully.

The situation was in fact very simple. Every White Jade Capital cultivator wanted the Nanyang treasured site, and every one of them was waiting for somebody else to break the deadlock.

If Liu Shiqian were to be the first—

then the other elders and personally transmitted disciples could act with their hands entirely…