"Little Immortal Master, we meet again."

The youth with red lips and white teeth raised his palm in salute and politely addressed Shen Yi: "Immortal Child under True Master Qing Guang, White Crane."

Saying they met was actually a bit of a stretch. After all, when it went to Shenxu Mountain to deliver the imperial edict, the Taixu Pill Emperor never showed up from beginning to end.

When Crane Child came to the Southern Continent, it didn't even bother to look at the crowd of cultivators, but now that it was in the North Continent, it even respectfully referred to Shen Yi as Immortal Master, even though he had not yet officially joined Lingxu Cave and only showed some potential.

Shen Yi courteously returned the salute, also sizing up the child before him.

Now that his cultivation had advanced, he could finally discern the depths of White Crane's abilities, which had reached the extreme of the Ninety-nine Changes and were no less than those of True Master Yun Miao.

Seeing it this way, it was no wonder that the Shenxu Ancestor wasn't recognized by the North Continent.

Even a great demon like Crane Child, at such a high boundary, couldn't become a disciple of a Golden Immortal, let alone a silkworm that had yet to complete the Six-Six Transformation.

If he had followed True Master Yun Miao's arrangement back then and bore the name of the Insect Demon Disciple, even if the Bodhisattva Fruit Position wasn't the kind of cultivation fit to be shown, the best he could hope for would be to become someone's child like Crane Child.

"Little Immortal Master, my condolences."

Crane Child exchanged a few pleasantries, then suddenly looked a bit emotional.

"..."

Hearing this, Shen Yi paused, the warmth on his face slowly dissipating. He averted his gaze and said blandly, "The Immortal Child need not blame yourself. My Shenxu Mountain's skills are simply inferior to others."

"Uh."

Crane Child's eyes showed some embarrassment. It had come on You Yao's order to test if he had any reaction to Ling Su's death, not expecting the situation to be turned back onto itself.

It was well known that it was it who went to the Southern Continent to deliver treasures, causing many cultivators to fight over them, which ultimately led to the downfall of Shenxu Mountain.

"The Bodhi Sect's actions were too cruel and increasingly reckless. Now, they even dare to commit atrocities in our North Continent, causing True Master Ling Su's misfortune," Crane Child quickly shifted the topic, closely observing the young man's expression.

Hearing this, Shen Yi's face changed instantly.

However, he wasn't saddened by the news of Ling Su's misfortune. His eyes were brimming with killing intent: "They have come?"

"..."

Crane Child was silent for a moment. This was the expected reaction, after all. The other had taken over Ling Su's domain, and the two had only known each other a short time. If he showed deep grief, it would seem insincere and forced.

It cleared its throat: "It's not certain if they're from Southern Sumeru, but it's definitely the work of the Bodhisattvas. However, Little Immortal Master need not worry. The sect elders have already issued an imperial edict. There should be a result soon."

With that, Crane Child found an excuse to bow and leave.

Having come to the North Continent on True Master Qing Guang's edict, it could offer no more than a few words of comfort without Qing Guang's explicit instructions. Staying any longer would only add to its shame.

After taking leave of Shen Yi, Crane Child flew back to the peak of Heavenly Tower Mountain and shook its head at You Yao: "I couldn't see much."

However, it didn't conclude much from the brief conversation. After all, the Taixu Pill Emperor wasn't like those Northern Continent cultivators who rarely roamed. To escape to the North Continent, one needed considerable cunning.

"Mm."

True Master You Yao nodded and was about to observe for a few more days when a sudden jade slip interrupted her thoughts.

Taking the jade slip and glancing at it, her fair face beneath the Treasure Crown turned cold: "Something happened. Six more people died this time, all killed in one blow without any chance to resist."

Even the likes of Crane Child and True Master Yun Miao, both only a step away from the Second Rank, found their breaths quickening.

If the earlier deaths of those in Chi Yun Cave and Ling Su could be attributed to being caught off-guard, this time, with North Continent cultivators prepared and using their great formation, the severe casualties were alarming.

Especially such clean deaths.

This wasn't something a Third Grade Cultivator could achieve…

Thinking of this, Crane Child cast a bitter smile at Shen Yi, who had been aiding refugees down the mountain. This time, they had indeed come to the wrong place.

"Let's go and report to the elders."

You Yao's face darkened. She had considered the possibility of the Bodhi Sect interfering in the North Continent but hadn't expected them to come with such force.

With that, she and Crane Child left Heavenly Tower Mountain directly.

True Master Yun Miao watched them leave, took a while to steady his mind, and having finally decided to get involved, muttered a curse at his misfortune for encountering such a situation right after descending the mountain.

He too turned and restlessly returned to Half-falling Cliff.

Fortunately, You Yao was at the forefront to handle the crisis.

Thinking of this, True Master Yun Miao suddenly wondered if she had stayed at Heavenly Tower Mountain for days to signal him something.

He frowned and called a disciple: "Go to Heavenly Tower Mountain and tell the Taixu Pill Emperor…"

"That Junior Sister Ling Su met with foul play. The Heavenly Tower Mountain, originally promised to her by fellow disciples as her domain, is now no longer relevant. I am overwhelmed with investigating the Bodhi Sect and have no energy to handle other matters. With the chaos in the North Continent, security is paramount. It's best for the Pill Emperor to return."