Master of Strange Dao

Su Li had mentioned before that within the Shadow Department, it was already being said that Ye Jiuyuan had the potential to advance to the Ninth Tier, and after the Old Chief Venerate stepped down, he would succeed as the Chief Venerate.

Yu Ziqing recalled for a while and was basically able to confirm that at the time, that person neither forcibly suppressed their strength nor disguised themselves; they were genuinely only at the Seventh Tier.

If Ye Jiuyuan had acted personally, at the very least, he wouldn't be pressured by Cece and Wu Shuangge into using the Jade Mirror to escape.

Thinking this, Yu Ziqing didn't say it aloud, but it didn't stop him from listing Ye Jiuyuan as a suspect.

"Thanks a lot, old brother. This information is very important to me."

"No need for such politeness between us. If it weren't utterly impossible for me to reach into the Shadow Department, I'd have brought the person to you myself."

"No need, now it's quite sufficient."

Yu Ziqing silently shook his head; Duke Lin was not quite thinking along the same lines as him.

Handing the sweet rain over to Duke Lin, Yu Ziqing didn't bother about it anymore, politely refused Duke Lin's idea of him spending the night, and was escorted out by Gong Tianlin, also refusing a carriage.

He walked alone on the bustling streets of Dali Imperial City. The liveliness here was indeed not something a small country like Kuihou Country could compare with.

Even ordinary residents who did not have resources for Qi Refinement would often engage in some Body Refinement; even at an introductory level, it was sufficient for health and fitness.

The overall spirit, as well as food, clothing, and shelter, were noticeably much better.

After walking out of the Duke Mansion's vicinity, the noise of people and vehicles immediately surged to a new level.

On both sides of the main road, shops lined the streets. Occasionally, one could see members of the Alien Clan striding down the streets, which the residents here found quite normal.

The shops selling cultivator goods were not much different from other stores, and ordinary people could also be seen entering and exiting.

Here, there was somewhat of a harmonious scene reminiscent of the Early Dadui period, just with the addition of the Alien Clan.

Walking on the main road, Yu Ziqing looked up at the buildings along the road and saw a small figure—only a fleeting shadow could be seen—as it swiftly darted across the rooftops. It was a messenger posthouse.

It was also one of the few who could move high and freely throughout the Imperial City without being caught by the City Defense Department.

This being Yu Ziqing's first visit to Dali Imperial City, only now did he have the leisure to look around and feel this place.

Compared to here, the barren, cold, scarcely inhabited Wilderness indeed seemed like another world.

Nevertheless, Yu Ziqing still preferred Jinlan Mountain for its freedom.

Walking onto the side roads flanking the main road, Yu Ziqing savored the various local delicacies, relaxing his mind and wandering aimlessly.

It was not until dusk that Lin Fu found Yu Ziqing.

"Young Master Qing, it's time to go back and rest; these places have a curfew at night."

"Dali Imperial City, and there's a curfew at night?"

"Some places will have it, and sometimes the whole city does."

"Is the Gu Family Master at home?"

"The Family Head has been waiting for a while."

Yu Ziqing realized that the Gu Family Master was indeed cautious.

There wasn't much to say about trading with the Gu Family Master; with Lin Fu present, it basically equated to trading with the Crown Prince of Dali.

Even so, the Gu Family Master still didn't want to be the one to stand out, insisting that Duke Lin lead the way.

The same hundred drops of original liquid and a thousand drops of diluted sweet rain, prices were the same.

Believing that the Crown Prince of Dali surely wasn't short on money.

Within the same Divine Dynasty, with two distribution channels, having set the price, future dealings, even if there were price fluctuations, wouldn't change much unless there were significant external changes.

When the transaction finished, Yu Ziqing didn't stay overnight at the Gu Family.

Cece stayed because of her personal friendship with Gu Tianxin.

Staying overnight for Yu Ziqing would signify a bond with the Gu Family, which was different.

His relationship with Lin Fu was okay, but he had no particularly good ties with the Gu Family; besides, judging by the Gu Family Master's demeanor, it was clear he didn't wish to stand out too much.

With Yu Ziqing insisting, Lin Fu could only arrange a guesthouse outside for him, and upon reaching the place, he didn't go back but stayed to keep him company, drinking and chatting with Yu Ziqing.

"How have you been feeling lately? Is your cultivation progressing more smoothly?"

"Smooth indeed, just feels a bit strange, like something is missing."

"Ha, do you miss Lou Huai?"

"Not really, I've never felt this good before."

"Then push yourself a little harder; I think you might have a hope to advance to the Ninth Tier."

"May you be proven right..." Lin Fu gave a bitter smile, knowing his own situation. Advancing to the Eighth Tier had already been quite strenuous; the Ninth Tier was definitely out of reach, with too much damage done in the early stages.

Looking at Yu Ziqing, hesitating for a bit, he still spoke.

"Lately, within Dali, there have been undercurrents; it hasn't been particularly stable. With you coming to Dali at this time, better to be a bit careful and avoid getting entangled."

"Does it have to do with Duke Lin?"

"Yes, so I worry someone might act desperately and drag you into it for no reason."

"Ha, that's... great." Yu Ziqing laughed aloud.

The recent peaceful days had him somewhat unused to; he had ventured out this time to stir things up.

If he didn't make waves, how would anyone come to find fault with him? With no one causing him trouble, he couldn't just grab a couple of people off the street to fill a ditch, now could he?

Since the last time Old Yang conjured the Evil Dragon's corpse and forcibly seized thousands of miles of Emperor's Liquid, the intimidating effect had been excellent.

Even now, the hidden Evil Dao, when passing by, took detours of thousands of miles.

In the Forbidden Land of Jinlan Mountain, within a thousand miles, there had been no signs of life passing through for years.