Chapter 20: Undercurrent Emerges

Deep within the Qingyun Secret Realm, in a low-lying forested area.

A group of uniformly dressed cultivators moved stealthily, all from the Li family.

Leading them was a burly man with rugged features—Li Daming, the team’s commander.

“We got lucky this time. We didn’t get scattered like the rumors said,” someone in the group remarked.

“Yeah, if we’d landed far apart, forget opportunities—reuniting would’ve been tough.”

“Heh, maybe we’ll snag something good this time.”

The young cultivators whispered excitedly, unable to hide their enthusiasm.

But after a few words, Li Daming halted, glancing back impassively.

The chattering group fell silent, all eyes on him.

His gaze swept over their faces, voice low: “Don’t think one stroke of luck means you can slack off. The Qingyun Secret Realm isn’t for just anyone. Who here’s a pushover?”

His words dampened the mood. Smiles faded, heads lowered.

Seeing this, Li Daming softened slightly: “The higher-ups made it clear. We’re here for two things—”

He raised two fingers: “Grab opportunities, kill Luo family members. In that order—opportunities first, no reckless moves.”

He paused, adding quietly: “You know who we are. Before acting, make sure you leave no traces.”

Someone whispered: “Big Brother, what if we run into Luo Chen?”

Li Daming shot him a cold glance: “You know Luo Chen—Luo family’s Young Master, not to be trifled with. Avoid him if possible, don’t stir trouble.”

Another tentatively asked: “What about… Luo Jiutian?”

The question hung heavy.

Everyone looked to Li Daming.

They’d heard of Luo Jiutian trouncing Luo Chen; those who’d seen it were still shaken.

Luo Chen was formidable, but Luo Jiutian was on another level.

Li Daming skipped the topic entirely.

They understood, falling silent.

After a moment, he scanned the forest ahead, shifting gears: “Focus on other Luo members first. Pick the weak ones, pin the blame on those two. They’re already at odds—let’s fan the flames, let the Luo family implode.”

They exchanged glances, nodding.

Li Daming added casually: “Li Zhongjie, don’t be stupid this time. Stay close.”

No response.

He whipped around, frowning, the others following his gaze—

The spot at the group’s rear, where Li Zhongjie should’ve been, was empty.

…

The scene shifts back to Luo Jiutian.

He gazed at the figure not far off.

The man leaned against an old tree, arms crossed, eyes sharp—no trace of his usual goofy demeanor.

“Li family’s second son waiting here specially—what’s the occasion?”

Luo Jiutian’s tone was unhurried, a smile in his eyes as he approached, sizing up Li Zhongjie.

Li Zhongjie, calm, got to the point: “The Li family plans to kill Luo members in the secret realm. Watch yourself.”

“Oh?” Luo Jiutian raised an eyebrow. “So direct—trying to make me grateful?”

“Believe it or not,” Li Zhongjie said curtly. “They likely won’t target you first, but other Luo members might not be so lucky.”

“Interesting,” Luo Jiutian smirked. “But I’m an outsider—why meddle? Maybe my hand slips, and the Li family saves some effort.”

Li Zhongjie’s voice grew heavy: “…I underestimated how cold you are.”

“Thanks for the compliment.” Luo Jiutian’s smile brightened. “But you, dropping the act—sure I won’t spill, or… are you done with the Li family?”

Li Zhongjie didn’t answer immediately, giving him a look: “I’ve said what I needed. Take care.”

He turned, his back crisp and decisive.

“Stay safe, Second Young Master Li,” Luo Jiutian called after him.

Li Zhongjie didn’t pause, just waved, vanishing into the woods.

Luo Jiutian stood, his gaze darkening.

After a long moment, he turned, heading toward the realm’s core.

…

Along the way, wild spiritual plants were everywhere.

Luo Jiutian picked some, storing the useful ones, discarding the rest, too lazy to bother with them.

Though not rare, they were plentiful—good for selling.

He didn’t rush, observing the surroundings while gathering resources.

After a while, the terrain narrowed into a pass.

Rock walls flanked an open area with gentle slopes, easy to traverse.

Luo Jiutian paused briefly, then stepped in.

The pass was quiet, wind muffled by stone, only his footsteps echoing softly.

Sparse vegetation dotted the area, low shrubs hugging the walls, occasional dried leaves swirling in the breeze.

Halfway through, he stopped, speaking:

“No need to hide. Come out.”

The air quivered.

Figures emerged from multiple directions.

At the front, Luo Chen stood, hands behind his back, smiling: “As expected of Brother Jiutian—sharp instincts.”

Beside him, Luo Yuanshan, Luo Yan, Su Zimo, and Su Xinyan stood in a line.

Six other Luo disciples fanned out, their positions deliberate, clearly planned.

Luo Chen stepped forward, voice calm: “Brother Jiutian, the clan sent us to the secret realm to shine and secure the greatest benefits for the family.”

He shifted tone: “Opportunities here are precious, and the strong deserve them. But pooling our strength and sharing gains benefits both the clan and us.”

“I know you prefer independence, disliking constraints, but this time… it’s different.

Whatever you gain, now or later, if you let the clan allocate it, you’ll be rewarded fairly.”

He paused, eyes narrowing: “But if someone insists on going their own way, they’ll disappoint the clan elders and risk seeming disloyal. That’d be messy, don’t you think?”

The atmosphere shifted subtly.

Luo Jiutian caught Luo Chen’s meaning.

Moral blackmail.

Agree, and he’d be working for free.

Refuse, and they’d have a ‘just’ reason to act.

Unfazed, he looked past Luo Chen to Su Zimo and Su Xinyan: “You two from the Su family sure you want to wade into this mess?”

Su Zimo, as if waiting, opened his fan, smiling: “Brother Jiutian, you’re too serious. I’m just here as a guest, not meddling in family affairs, only seeking justice for the Luo family.”

Su Xinyan shook her head: “Luo Jiutian, give up resisting. You can’t turn this around alone.”

She glanced at Luo Chen: “Young Master Luo’s broad-minded and methodical. We’re just trying to minimize conflict. Cooperate, and we all step back.”

Luo Jiutian didn’t respond to them, turning to Luo Yuanshan and Luo Yan.

“And you?”

Luo Yuanshan shifted, eyes flickering, but said nothing.

Luo Yan, staring intently, turned his head, avoiding his gaze.

Their silence signaled their stance, unwilling to speak up.

Luo Jiutian sighed lightly:

“Looks like there’s no room for discussion.”