Above the Great Dao

When Li Qianyun awoke, she found herself lying on the sickbed, and clan elders were diagnosing her injuries.

"Uncle Xiaogan!" She hurried to get up, her heart ached, and she almost couldn't stand steadily.

She was injured by that hair-thin strand of Sword Qi from Li Tianqing, damaging her heart and lungs. If not for her strong cultivation controlling the flow of Qi-Blood, her heart's blood might quickly flow into her lungs, leading to an untimely death.

"Qianyun, there's no need for formalities."

Li Xiaogan specialized in medical skills and was a renowned Imperial Physician who once treated dignitaries in the Western Capital. He later resigned to work at home, treating members of the Li Family. Li family members might not know the Sect Master, but they must know who Li Xiaogan is.

Li Xiaogan smiled and said, "You've suffered damage to your heart and lungs. If not treated, it will leave significant hidden dangers. When you fully exert yourself in the next confrontation, your injuries may flare up again. This injury must be properly managed."

Li Qianyun then noticed other sickbeds in the room, occupied by Li Tianzheng and others.

Their injuries were heavier than hers, and at that moment, many were groaning in low voices due to the pain.

"Uncle Xiaogan, why are you here?" Li Qianyun inquired.

Li Xiaogan smiled, "I've always been here. When you were pursuing Li Tianqing, I watched from a distance."

Li Qianyun was slightly stunned, unable to comprehend. If Li Xiaogan had been observing nearby, why hadn't he stepped in to assist them and kill Li Tianqing?

After being defeated by Li Tianqing, shouldn't they have executed this traitor?

"Not only was I beside you, but the Sect Master was also nearby."

Li Xiaogan chuckled, "Many from the clan came. We watched the battle between you and Li Tianqing closely."

Li Qianyun was even more puzzled.

She followed Li Xiaogan outside and was surprised to see Sect Master Li Xiaozai and a multitude of clan elders present, around thirty to fifty of them, whispering among themselves.

She couldn't help but feel startled; did pursuing Li Tianqing require so many Li family experts?

Moreover, why hadn't they eliminated Li Tianqing after her failure?

"Qianyun is awake." Li Xiaogan said.

Sect Master Li Xiaozai's gaze fell on Li Qianyun. Li Qianyun paid her respects, feeling saddened, and said, "Qianyun has let down the Sect Master's nurturing and expectations. Please retract the Small Tribulation Transcendence Technique."

Li Xiaozai shook his head, "Victory and defeat are common in warfare; why bother? This time, you couldn't prevail over him because he had observed you for eight days, identifying a flaw in your Primordial Spirit Field and exploited it using smoke. Until now, you didn't know your weaknesses; through this encounter, you've found them, and you will only grow stronger."

The sadness in Li Qianyun's heart diminished slightly, yet being defeated by Li Tianqing still made her feel sorrowful.

She was held in high regard, certain that pursuing the traitor would be a simple task, but unexpectedly, she suffered a major defeat. The position of Sect Master seemed out of reach for her now.

Li Xiaozai said, "Being defeated by Li Tianqing indicates some inadequacies. You need to continue diligent cultivation. We have just discussed with the clan elders and decided to send you to the Upper Realm for some time. You are qualified to go there now."

Li Qianyun was slightly stunned, having not heard of the Upper Realm.

Li Xiaozai said, "The Upper Realm is a world created by ancestors of our Thirteen Families, independent of the Yin Yang Two Realms, using their Void Great Realm. Since the fall of the True King Era, over six thousand years ago, almost all existing beings in the Returning Void Realm and Mahayana Realm have, before their death, contributed their Void Great Realm to reinforce the Upper Realm. Some ancestors live in the underworld, while others reside in the Upper Realm. You'll receive guidance from generations of ancestors there."

Li Qianyun felt indescribable joy, gaining guidance from generations of ancestors?

If indeed true, her cultivation and power would undoubtedly progress rapidly, surpassing her current level!

"After you return from the Upper Realm, do not seek revenge on Li Tianqing, nor consider him part of the Li Family; henceforth we have no connection with him."

Li Xiaozai gazed into her eyes and softly said, "Qianyun, do you understand?"

Li Qianyun was stunned, "I do not understand, but I will abide by the Sect Master's teachings."

Li Xiaozai smiled, waved his hand, and signaled her to prepare.

Li Xiaogan approached Li Xiaozai, asking, "Why does the Sect Master spare that youth?"

"To spare him is a result of my deep consideration."

Li Xiaozai looked at the sky, speaking softly, "The Thirteen Families are undertaking a grand task to change the world, necessitating two-pronged preparations. Either we accomplish this, reviving the True King Era, or suffer total defeat, leading to our extinction. I must leave a root for the Li Family, even if this root is a traitor."

He withdrew his gaze, "Li Tianqing is a genius. If he hadn't betrayed, he'd be my choice for the next Sect Master. Such a genius, betraying the Li Family, would cause immense harm. Regardless, the Li Family must eliminate him, especially since he defeated Qianyun, making it urgent to kill him. But the Li Family now needs a traitor to continue the lineage."

Li Xiaogan felt his Heart Spirit slightly shake, and he nodded slightly.

As Sect Master, considering defeat before victory, arranging a fallback for the Li Family is the mark of a competent leader.

The sky was ablaze, and nightfall arrived earlier again.

Li Xiaozai gazed at the sky, covered by the sea of fire over the entire West Bull New Continent, bearing a worried expression.

Days were growing shorter, and nights were arriving sooner; this trend was accelerating!

The impact of cosmic changes will grow larger!

Can the Thirteen Families prepare in time to handle this cosmic change?