Shifu's Whereabouts

Daoist Qing Song didn't leak any energy as he walked. He restored more than ten years of youth to his appearance after he ascended. On his way to wherever he was heading, the disciples he passed by saluted him, and he acknowledged them with small nods. He crossed a small forest and turned the corner at a fake mountain. He entered a courtyard decorated with lush trees. Mu Yu was lying in wait in one of said trees ahead of Daoist Qing Song.

Daoist Qing Song's room was neat and tidy – courtesy of the disciples who cleaned it daily. He flipped through ancient books at his table, frowning then and again and peering out the window every so often as he contemplated. He couldn't find peace of mind after Reverend Jiuhua threw a wrench into his plans.

"Shifu, your disciple, Bai Lang, seeks an audience," announced Bai Lang, after three knocks on the door.

"Come in."

Bai Lang hurried over and kowtowed after entering. "Shifu, did you ask for me?"

Daoist Qing Song shut his book and looked up with a stern expression. "Bai Lang, what happened with the job I assigned you?"

Bai Lai shook his head, disappointed in himself, and answered, "Shifu, everything is going according to plan, but there is no progress on Sword Shadow Dust Gale. Now that Reverend Jiuahua has ascended somehow, I am helpless."

"Continue with Sword Shadow Dust Gale. As for Reverend Jiuahua, leave him to me."

"Yes, Shifu." After he sorted out his hesitation, Bai Lang inquired, "Shifu, I know how incredible you are now, but I do not think Reverend Jiuhua is easy picking. Are you conf-"

"I am. As for Green Pine Alliance, I need you to make some preparations. Although Jiuhua Sect has decided to interfere, our goal remains the same. We must have absolute control of the world of cultivation," responded Daoist Qing Song, determined in body and soul.

Bai Lang found motivation and hope from Daoist Qing Song's gaze. man he followed from a young age would eventually have to retire. Once Daoist Qing Song retired, he would be the elder's successor. "What specifically do you need me to do?"

"Visit every sect with Qing Yu and Qing Yuan. Convince them to join Green Pine Alliance. Whether you lobby or threaten them is inconsequential."

"I will not let you down," assured Bai Lang, elated he had two elders personally joining, since it would make things drastically simpler.

"Go now."

Bai Lang shut the door behind him.

A disciple delivered a basin of water to Daoist Qing Song's room a while later. Daoist Qing Song went to sit on his bed. The disciple helped Daoist Qing Song remove his footwear and wash his feet.

Qing Mei entered the room and strolled over to sit next to her father. Daoist Qing Song looked pitifully and worried at his daughter as her appearance reminded him of the youth in red.

Qing Mei chewed on her words for a while before she articulated, "Father, I have something to tell you… I… have someone I like."

Daoist Qing Song was stunned for a second. After recomposing himself, he asked, "Who? When?"

Qing Mei pursed her lips. "His name is Cheng Yan. He is a disciple of Dustfallen Sect."

"Dustfallen Sect? The one who came as their representative?" asked Daoist Qing Song, displeased.

Qing Mei nodded. "Father, I know what you are thinking. Do not underestimate him. He is actually exceptionally talented. The world of cultivation is yours now. He will also take orders from you in the future. Please do not object."

Daoist Qing Song let out a heavy breath. "Mei'er, you can't be with him. The situation is volatile at the moment. I don't want any misfortune to befall you."

"Why? He was already a Golden Core Realm cultivator before the age of twenty. Is that level of aptitude not good enough?"

"I almost forgot. Did you say he reached Golden Core Realm before the age of twenty?"

Daoist Qing Song's remark worried Mu Yu because it sounded as though the former knew something.

"Mm. He is talented and will not let me down. He can protect me."

"Silly child, the only one who can protect you now is me," corrected Daoist Qing Song, with a sigh.

"Hahaha, you can protect her?" Like a gust of wind, the youth in red appeared in the room.

Daoist Qing Song jumped to his feet, ghastly pale.

Qing Mei brayed, "Who are you? How dare you barge into my father's room?!"

"Qing Mei, don't be rude. Leave now. He is my invited guest." Daoist Qing Song waved a hand.

The disciple carried the basin out. Qing Mei hesitated before reluctantly leaving. Once they were gone, Daoist Qing Song knelt down and bowed. "Greetings, Master. Please forgive your servant's daughter's unruly behaviour."

"Rise."

Daoist Qing Song refused to rise, continuing to tremble on the ground. "Your servant still has not found any news of Sword Shadow Dust Gale. Please punish him."

Mu Yu was glad his shifu wasn't Green Pine Sect's captive, but that just meant he had to start looking for clues all over again.

"Hmph, get up and speak. I don't need a pandering servant. I need a competent servant. You have the most influence in Moyun Mountains, yet you don't have any leads on a single person?"

Daoist Qing Song hurried to his feet. "Master, your servant has delegated the job to Bai Lang. He is most informed when it comes to the world of cultivation. Your servant believes he will have information soon."

"I don't care how you do it. I need him brought to mewithout a blemishon him as soon as possible."

According to Mu Yu, "… without a blemish…" referred to Sword Shadow Dust Gale's secret, not the man himself.

"Master, Reverend Jiuhua has also ascended to Primordial Infant Realm. He must have somebody helping him. If he has someone supporting him, it will be difficult for me to rule to world of cultivation."

"I don't care what means you use. His supporter is also looking for Sword Shadow Dust Gale. If he finds the real Sword Shadow Dust Gale first, the consequences will be catastrophic. You won't even be able to protect yourself, let alone your daughter."

"Your servant will do his best," Daoist Qing Song replied, perspiration gathered on his ashen face.

"For now, don't worry about the individual backing Reverend Jiuhua; you're no match for him. I'll deal with him." The youth vanished without a trace right after he finished speaking.

Daoist Qing Song let out a breath of relief.

Mu Yu left the courtyard and revealed himself far away from Green Pine Sect. He looked back at Green Pine Sect, relieved his shifu was safe for the meantime.

Could Tian Ran have found Shifu and taken him away before the youth can harm him?

Mu Yu planned to visit Jiuhua Sect since all circumstantial evidence pointed to Tian Ran most probably being there. By no means was he a fan of Jiuhua Sect after all his encounters and squabbles with them. Nevertheless, they could've been an ally.