Shrouded Sky

The white-robed man was from the Ancient Desolate Jiang Clan. His name was Jiang Yifei. Like his name, he was graceful and elegant, dressed in pure white robes, exuding a transcendent, otherworldly aura.

He didn't speak much about Elder Jiang Zhe's past, but even so, Ye Fan and the others gathered plenty of useful information. Jiang Yifei revealed that Jiang Zhe had once left the Jiang Clan and never returned, involving an untold story connected to the clan's core bloodline.

"How could someone as powerful as Elder Jiang Zhe die fifty years ago?" Jiang Yifei was clearly puzzled.

"He was coughing a lot of blood before he died," Old Jiang recalled, not overly emotional, some things fade with time.

"I see." Jiang Yifei nodded, saying no more. He seemed to have understood something behind it all.

Standing beside him was a beautiful young woman named Jiang Caixuan, graceful and elegant, with a delicate neck and refined features. As a daughter of the Jiang Clan, she carried a naturally aloof and noble demeanor.

However, she seemed to genuinely like little Tingting, treating her kindly and without arrogance. She held Tingting's hand affectionately and asked questions in a gentle voice.

The proud-looking teenage boy was named Jiang Yichen. Even after learning Old Jiang and Tingting's identities, he remained cold and indifferent, maintaining his cool exterior.

Jiang Caixuan stepped forward and said in a crisp, pleasant voice, "Elder, please come back to the Jiang Clan with us. My grandfather said the Jiang Clan owes your branch a great debt. No matter what, we must find and welcome you back."

"Forget it. I don't understand the things you're talking about. Your world is far too distant from mine. I'm used to my life here…" Old Jiang was just an ordinary man. Having lived through many ups and downs, he felt he couldn't belong to such a grand clan and politely declined.

"If not for yourself, then for Tingting," Jiang Caixuan said, turning to the child's future. "She's a little princess who belongs in the clouds, not to be bullied. She deserves a different life."

"You can take Tingting, but I'm staying. I've lived here too long to leave now."

Tingting immediately hugged the old man's arm tightly. "I want to stay with Grandpa. Wherever he is, that's where I want to be."

At that moment, Jiang Yifei gave a gentle smile. He seemed very fond of Tingting and patted her head lovingly. "The sky here is just too small…"

Jiang Yifei was clever. He knew mere persuasion wouldn't sway Old Jiang. Only by showing the true might of the Jiang Clan could he possibly change his mind. He stood and said calmly, "Let's head to the Li Clan."

Though his tone was soft, his words carried a strange power. Outside, the exotic beasts let out thunderous roars, and a bloody aura surged into the air. All the mounted warriors exploded with killing intent and battle spirit.

Jiang Yifei remained calm and poised. His golden qilin-like mount followed closely behind him. He slowed his pace to walk side by side with Old Jiang, while the others respectfully kept to the rear.

No one rode their beasts; they walked toward the Li residence. Tingting clung tightly to Old Jiang and Ye Fan, a bit overwhelmed by the grandeur surrounding her. Jiang Yifei and Jiang Caixuan flanked them but stayed to the sides, not in the center.

Everyone in the street was stunned. Seeing Old Jiang and Tingting so protected left them in disbelief. Many were nervous, fearful of the beasts, and stepped back.

"What's going on? Does Old Jiang know these people?"

"Look at those beasts! They're floating, must be able to fly. How does Old Jiang know such powerful folks?"

"Poor Old Jiang's luck has finally turned. Good people do get rewarded eventually."

"The Li Clan's in trouble now. Looks like they're heading that way."

"About time! We've waited years for someone to take them down!"

…

More and more people gathered on both sides of the street. Though afraid, their faces showed excitement and anticipation as they followed at a distance toward the Li estate.

As Old Jiang reached the Li Clan's main gate, he hesitated. Jiang Yifei gently supported him up the steps and said, "Don't worry. Not even the imperial palace of the Eastern Wilderness' greatest nation could block our path, let alone a mere Li Clan."

Boom!

The crimson wooden doors exploded as if struck by a massive hammer.

Chaos broke out inside. Angry voices shouted from the gatehouse.

"Who did this?!"

"Daring to cause trouble at the Li Clan, you're dead!"

…

A dozen fierce-looking men rushed out, but when they saw the beasts, they froze. Their curses died on their lips, faces going pale with terror. They quickly turned and ran.

"Cowards! What are you afraid of? The Li Clan has immortal masters!" One steward, having been informed, came out cursing. "Who the hell has the guts to make trouble here? Don't you know several Immortal Masters are staying with us?!"

"Bad man!" Tingting stepped back in fear. It was clear she was afraid of this steward.

"You…" The steward faltered as he looked at the golden qilin, the five-colored beast, and the divine deer with a vertical eye. He was terrified.

"He's a bad man?" someone asked.

"Yes! He took our restaurant and made Grandpa cough blood," Tingting said in her innocent voice. Her words made everyone furious.

Jiang Yifei waved his hand, and one of the armored riders stepped forward, advancing on the steward.

"What do you want? This is the Li Clan! The Immortal Masters are inside, you can't act recklessly!" the steward shouted, retreating.

"Don't act violent here. We don't want to scare the child," Jiang Yifei said thoughtfully.

"Yes, sir!"

The rider grabbed the steward by the collar and flung him out. A flash of green light followed as another rider soared into the sky on his mount, dragging the steward out of the town in a blink.

"My god! He flew!"

"They're flying for real!"

"That beast is running in the sky… It's unbelievable!"

In the distance, the townsfolk were stunned. Their mouths hung open in shock.

Tingting's mouth formed a little "O" as she tiptoed to look at the sky.

Jiang Caixuan smiled, crouched down, and said, "Want a beast like that? You could fly through the skies every day."

Tingting almost nodded but then held onto her grandfather and shook her head. "I want to stay with Grandpa."

Jiang Caixuan hadn't expected the girl to understand her implication. She stopped pressing.

Soon, a green shadow returned from the sky, the rider came back with a strand of hair in his hand, stained with blood.

Ye Fan was astonished. These Jiang Clan warriors were terrifyingly powerful. He could sense overwhelming force from them.

They continued deeper into the estate, with townspeople following behind, eager to see the Li villains punished.

"Who dares cause trouble at the Li residence?!" Several men in luxurious clothes and elderly figures stormed out, full of anger.

"Old Jiang?!" They clearly didn't grasp the situation. When they saw Old Jiang, they shouted, "Who allowed someone like you to come here? Get out!"

"Sir, quiet down. Look behind." a servant whispered.

Only then did the man notice the terrifying beasts outside the gate. His face went pale, and he backed away, panicking. "Go call the Immortal Masters, now!"

Jiang Caixuan's pretty face turned cold. "A backwater clan with a few half-baked cultivators dares bully the weak and oppress the townsfolk. You overestimate yourselves."

She flicked her hand. Everyone before her flew back like leaves, crashing into the walls and collapsing, wailing in pain. These were key Li Clan figures, now groaning on the ground.

Two flashes of light surged out, two cultivators of the Li Clan appeared in the front courtyard. Their expressions darkened at the sight.

"Who are you people? What have we done to offend you that you'd attack our household?" The two men, in their late twenties, were shocked and angry but didn't dare act rashly.

"You're not even qualified to know who we are," Jiang Caixuan sneered.

Jiang Yifei asked calmly, "Were Tingting's parents killed by your hands?"

"What… what are you talking about?! Don't accuse us!" The two men turned pale, unnerved by the respectful crowd around Old Jiang.

"Who are you calling a liar?" one of the riders stepped forward, eyes sharp as blades. With a flash, he struck both men, smack smack!, sending them flying, their faces swelling with bloody handprints.

They staggered back, furious and scared. "This is going too far! We are disciples of Red Mist Grotto-Heaven, and the Immortal Masters are here!"

"Immortal Masters? How bold of you! We were planning to visit Red Mist Grotto-Heaven anyway. Let those so-called Immortal Masters guide the way."