Lighting Lanterns in the Mountains and Seas

When these words were spoken, not only Shi Chun, but even the nearby Lan Qiaoyan and Miao Yilan were stunned.

Shi Chun was somewhat shocked, "The Heavenly Court wants to remove Manxi, that Domain Master?"

Miao Dingyi: "They say it's the Heavenly Court's intention, but it's both true and not true. The Heavenly Court, from top to bottom, is made up of people. All this maneuvering is ultimately a matter of people and their interests."

Shi Chun knew that for someone of their status to say something like this, it was probably not without basis. Previously, he thought Manxi was targeting him, but didn't expect even Manxi couldn't protect himself. He suddenly recalled Mulan Jin's earlier warning, some things that were unclear before now became clearer.

Apparently, Mulan knew this long ago.

He couldn't help but wonder: "In that broken place now, there's nothing, not even a chance to properly commit an error. Manxi can't just be removed like that; there must be a justified reason, right?"

Miao Dingyi: "Naturally, those backing Manxi aren't pushovers either; one cannot simply bully them without reason. But since there's movement, there will certainly be a reasonable excuse. As for how it will be executed, I am unclear. The timing will likely be after the Heavenly Domain completes the establishment of its city. Once completed, they might press hard against you, and it will depend on whether you can withstand it. If you can manage, I'll arrange for Bowan Building to support you; if not, there's no need to rush into a thankless task, right?"

Shi Chun nodded slightly, muttering to himself: "In such a critical moment, instead of uniting with us, Manxi is eager to act against us. Could it be that he has already devised a countermeasure?"

Miao Dingyi: "That, I am unsure of. If I receive any information, I will promptly send someone to inform you."

For someone of such status to assist him in this way, Shi Chun felt a surge of gratitude and quickly cupped his hands in thanks.

After dismissing the courtesy, Miao Dingyi smiled and asked: "I heard you acquired a Qilin as a mount? If you brought it, perhaps you could let us take a look."

Polite words aside, it was simply a matter of not having seen it up close yet.

"Qilin?" Lan Qiaoyan said, surprised, "Isn't this Divine Beast supposed to be extinct?"

Shi Chun denied: "It's not a Qilin. Previously, even the Xuanji Token Master mistook it for a Qilin, but it's actually a Spirit Beast called 'Ao Long,' with 'ao' meaning unruly, and 'long' from the Dragon Clan."

Saying this, he waved his sleeve and directly summoned San, inviting the family to admire it.

Suddenly brought out for display, San looked around confused, seeing the family of three circling to admire him, not understanding the situation. But soon realized it was to showcase himself for others' appreciation, so he raised his head and chest, trying to appear majestic, standing proudly, gazing at the heavens.

After inspecting its claws carefully, Miao Dingyi sighed, "Indeed, it is not a Qilin. I heard previously that its abilities were similar to a Qilin, causing many to assume you acquired a Divine Beast as a mount, but now it seems that was merely a rumor. Ao Long… It appears I've been ignorant. Where did you find it?"

Shi Chun replied: "Also happened upon in the Extreme Abyss."

Miao Dingyi naturally connected it to that fledgling bird, pondering slowly, "It seems the Demon Realm isn't devoid of life; the decision by the Heavenly Court to seal the Extreme Abyss was too hasty, what a pity." Then, caressing San's scales, he continued, "You are fortunate, otherwise you might not have escaped unscathed."

San politely said: "Fortunate to meet a wise master!"

Able to speak, and speak well, comparable with that little creature born shouting 'sister,' Lan Qiaoyan and her daughter exchanged glances instinctively.

Afterwards, the guests departed.

As Shi Chun walked, he was somewhat regretful, as Miao Dingyi had offered little help regarding the matter of introducing population.

After Shi Chun's silhouette disappeared, Lan Qiaoyan said softly, "Dingyi, you didn't used to act like this towards him, always keeping a distance, even instructing us not to... Now you actively assist him like this, I thought I was seeing things."

Miao Dingyi gave her a sidelong glance, "The past is the past, and the future must still rely on his efforts. Your relationship with him is well known, impossible to distance. If he has the ability to secure his position, I don't mind letting others know he has me behind him."

His gaze fell upon his daughter's face, suggesting his words were also meant for her, "Many people know how to do business; our family is not lacking in that. The Heavenly Court needs people who can get things done. Doing business is internal strength, but external strength is needed too. Balancing internal and external forces is necessary to stand firm."

The mother and daughter thought deeply...

Beneath the cold starry sky, on a hill hidden behind dense forest beside the road, Gong Shaoci suddenly spoke, "Where is Ming Chaofeng?"

Beside him, the trusted aide Lei Ying hesitated a moment before responding, "I haven't really paid attention to it. Does Young Master have business with him?"

"Shi Chun is investigating Ming Chaofeng's attempt to assassinate him…" Gong Shaoci recounted what he had overheard at the Miao family.

Lei Ying was startled upon hearing this, knowing how troublesome this matter could be, especially concerning the Miao family. Once they know, any prospect of alliance becomes even more remote; if word spreads, it would be too embarrassing for the Young Master, who cannot afford the ridicule, and worriedly asked, "What should we do then?"

Gong Shaoci: "Immediately find out where Ming Chaofeng is, locate him, and try to gauge his stance before Shi Chun reaches the Yanbao Sect. Ensure he keeps his mouth shut to eliminate future troubles. If he has already informed Li Hongjiu…"

He thought for a moment, realizing he had no leverage in the Yanbao Sect. The Gong family might have, but he personally lacked the ability to wield that level of power; otherwise, he wouldn't be considering an alliance.