Chapter 887: Condolences (I)
Si Boxiu stood with his hands behind his back, seemingly lost in thought. The late-stage Purple Mansion Realm cultivator said nothing, but Si Yuanli could read his expression. He was already harboring doubts, but a chill of dread surged through his heart.
Could it be...
Just as the chill set in, he noticed a look of amused interest appear on the elder’s face. The old man turned around and spoke, “Li Xuanfeng... though he hadn’t reached the Purple Mansion Realm, he was still a remarkable talent of his time. Yuan Su’s eye for talent has always been accurate.”
The words eased Si Yuanli’s mind. The old man fell into thought again, raising his brow to gaze northward as he mused, What a scheme. That boy Houfu must’ve had a hand in this. The Sword Gate and the aloof Hengzhu shouldn’t be involved... Xiao Chuting wouldn’t have the time either... who else... could it be Changxi? Would he dare?
It no longer mattered whose plan it was. Si Boxiu soon turned and said casually, “I saw Chi Buzi in Anhuai Heaven. He’s already at the late stage of the Purple Mansion Realm. He is cultivating in solitude, and truly the prized tree of the Chi Family.”
The color drained from Si Yuanli’s face. Before he could ask further, Si Boxiu shot him a glance and continued, “He’s focused solely on the path to immortality now. He said he’ll no longer involve himself in Azure Pond Sect matters, and has cut ties with the Chi Family.”
Si Yuanli relaxed instantly, now more confident in his own schemes. Forming a seal and casting a spell, he drew a small cauldron from his sleeve, along with a securely bundled scroll, and said solemnly, “This junior has obtained the item that Daoist Master requested.”
This was, of course, the bronze cauldron from the Great Ning Palace. With the constant battles inside the palace, there’d been no time to refine it. He’d had to flee while lugging it around. Now that he had the chance, he had refined it into a palm-sized cauldron.
Si Boxiu accepted it without fuss, squinting slightly as he said hoarsely, “When I return to the sect, say I’ve entered life-or-death seclusion to heal. Don’t respond to anything from the outside world.”