"To the esteemed Tianwu elder, my senior brothers and junior brothers were sent on an errand and have not yet returned."

Qian Feng Taoist adjusted his mood slightly and responded straightforwardly, "You have returned, perhaps there is something else you wish to convey?"

"..."

Upon hearing this response, the Tianwu Ancestor did not refute but merely gave a meaningful smile.

Since his arrival at Shenxu Mountain, he felt something was amiss.

After all, that old worm of humble origins usually hid in the Taixu Realm, unwilling to discuss Dao with fellow disciples, revealing its deep-seated inferiority.

Other ancestors might be proud and not deign to excessively flatter the White Crane child from the North Continent, but how dare this old worm put on airs in front of him?

It left the White Crane child waiting idly at Shenxu Mountain all these days.

The Tianwu Ancestor was naturally not interested in these idle matters, but that old worm had recently provoked him. The Qingluan disciple he favored, although not aligning with the grand calamity, had established a firm footing in the Immortal Court with years of nurturing at Tianwu Mountain, accumulating a sterling reputation, destined to receive a Third Grade official position in the future.

By then, a mutual connection between heaven and earth could be established, providing a retreat for Tianwu Mountain.

Yet, such an excellent disciple was turned into a stepping stone for Shenxu Mountain, without any explanation afterward.

This left the Tianwu Ancestor with no choice but to disregard comradeship within the same sect.

Heh, if that old worm truly fell into slumber, fine, imparting grand techniques in the Taixu Realm, to the point of neglecting the White Crane from the North Continent? What nonsense!

If he were truly so formidable, Shenxu Mountain wouldn't be in such a desolate, closed-door state, with none of the Eight Peaks disciples making a name for themselves in the world.

During these days of stay, the Tianwu Ancestor had long noticed the bizarre expressions on the Shenxu Mountain disciples' faces, each feigning calm, their faces practically written with guilt.

What are they guilty about?

The Tianwu Ancestor didn't know, he only knew that the old worm hadn't appeared, surely hiding something, let alone concocting a ruse to pass the great title to a young disciple. As long as he saw the Shenxu Ancestor, everything would naturally be explained.

If there truly were some unspeakable trickery, even to the point of hiding from the emissary from the North Continent.

Tsk, tsk.

The Tianwu Ancestor didn't mind retrieving the Nine Luminaries Banner for the White Crane Child, and venting his anger as well.

"It's not really something to convey."

He waved his hand and said indifferently, "It's just that I haven't seen your master for many years and wish to catch up, quickly have him come out."

"This..."

Qian Feng Taoist hesitated for a moment, glanced back at his fellow sect members, and softly explained, "Master is imparting teachings to the Dan Emperor, already returned to the Taixu, truly unable to break away."

Before he finished speaking, he was interrupted by the Tianwu Ancestor with a wave of his sleeve, "Do you think the ancestor hasn't taught disciples before? Imparting teachings is not a matter of urgency; since it's teaching, then he hasn't fallen asleep, send him a message, telling him that I, the ancestor, give him time to handle his affairs, and I will wait for him right here at Shenxu Mountain!"

These unyielding words from the old man plunged all the disciples of Shenxu Mountain into silence.

Yet, he gave them no chance to refuse further, laughing heartily as he swept out of the cave.

...

Among the Eight Peaks, several Peak Masters gathered, their faces looking rather grim.

"Isn't this pure bullying?"

"Too much!"

As the words fell, several of them glanced outside the peak, only to see a towering giant tree unexpectedly appear beside the towering main peak of Shenxu, its roots deeply embedded in the Bihai, obscuring its top.

To set up such an imposing stance in another ancestor's place of cultivation.

Isn't arrogant and tyrannical enough to describe this. One could say that the Tianwu Ancestor simply did not regard Shenxu Mountain as human.

"..."

Qian Feng Taoist, known for his straightforwardness, did not join in the cursing this time; instead, he lowered his head in worry.

The Tianwu Ancestor's temper was indeed volatile, but not to this extent. The fact that such an uproar was caused by the other party was likely because he had guessed that Shenxu Mountain had something to hide.

As time passed, the more Shenxu Mountain ceded, the more certain this idea would become in his mind.

No one expected that, after barely deceiving the White Crane Immortal Master from the North Continent, they would ultimately be targeted by this old figure.

"He certainly came for that Nine Luminaries Banner seeking some profit."

Qian Feng Taoist sighed.

If the Tianwu Ancestor found out that the Shenxu Ancestor had already fallen, with his current setup, he would inevitably be accused of betraying his teacher and ancestor.

By then, being attacked by other Immortal Sects of the Southern Continent would be a minor issue, and they might even be targeted by the North Continent.

Suddenly, a disciple came quickly to the front of the hall, bowing, "Esteemed elders, Senior Sister Ye has returned!"

"Lan'er?"

Jin Xue Taoist was startled for a moment, then stood up. Ever since they went to Jianyang Prefecture and witnessed what transpired that night, Ye Lan's status within the sect far surpassed that of a mere Third Generation Disciple, even exceeding the nominal Peak Master of the past.

The other Peak Masters also did not put on airs and prepared to go out to see the situation.

However, before everyone could leave the great hall, their bodies shook violently.

Feeling that terrifying aura ripple, Qian Feng Taoist angrily looked towards the main peak of Shenxu, and sure enough, he saw that gigantic tree slightly leaning down, a hundred birds circling above it, with spreading gales almost enveloping the hundreds of peaks around Shenxu Mountain.

"The ancestor has been waiting here for you for so long, yet you still refuse to show yourself."