The news of Xu Yi going to the Xuanqing Sect was not known to the general Xuanqing Sect populace, except for the high-ranking officials and some disciples with close ties to Xu Yi.
Upon arriving at Xuanqing Sect, Xu Yi transformed into the appearance of an ordinary disciple and entered the sect with Sect Leader Qinglian, without alerting the disciples who had come to greet them.
Long Haotian, Qu Xiaoxiao, and others wanted to accompany them but were stopped by Sect Leader Qinglian, forced to watch as Xu Yi and Sect Leader Qinglian departed.
Elders were already waiting in the Xuanqing Sect's Grand Hall for deliberation.
Upon seeing Xu Yi enter the hall with Sect Leader Qinglian, they all stepped forward to pay their respects. Xu Yi returned their greetings, recognizing familiar faces such as Elder Zu Yueshou and Elder Qu.
"Everyone is aware of the situation, so I will not elaborate. We have invited Ancestor Xu Yi today to help us find the whereabouts of the missing True Person Canghai and Bei Xinghan."
After everyone was seated, Sect Leader Qinglian stated the purpose of inviting Xu Yi directly.
He then addressed Xu Yi, "Of course, whether this matter can be resolved depends on fate. We dare not force anything, and Ancestor Xu need not feel too much pressure. Whether it is successful or not, we will have no complaints."
Sect Leader Qinglian's words were entirely heartfelt.
Xu Yi's current status was not that of a disciple participating in the sect competition, but rather an ancestor of a sect. Furthermore, he was the ancestor of the Xuanji Sect, a sect that was by no means inferior to Xuanqing Sect in any aspect.
Sect Leader Qinglian was even beginning to worry if Xu Yi might encounter any accidents in the Zhanlang Secret Realm, as he would have no way to explain it to the Xuanji Sect.
Xu Yi nodded slightly, indicating his understanding.
Sect Leader Qinglian sighed inwardly, the arrow was already on the string and had to be shot. Now that the person had been invited, he could not continue to be hesitant and waste more time.
He glanced at the elders present, finally settling his gaze on Elder Zu Yueshou.
"Elder Zu Yueshou, Ancestor Xu is new here and is not very familiar with the situation of the secret realm. Why don't you accompany Ancestor Xu into the secret realm and be responsible for guiding him? It would also be convenient to contact us if any problems arise."
Elder Zu Yueshou had been instructed beforehand and had specifically abstained from drinking today, though a faint aroma of alcohol still lingered on her. Upon hearing Sect Leader Qinglian's arrangement, she stood up and nodded without hesitation.
She understood Sect Leader Qinglian's concerns. Among the elders present, she was the only one of the same gender as Xu Yi, and entering the secret realm together would facilitate mutual support.
"Ancestor Xu, what are your thoughts on this arrangement?"
With Elder Zu Yueshou's agreement, Sect Leader Qinglian finally asked for Xu Yi's opinion.
Xu Yi also nodded with a smile, "With Elder Zu Yueshou accompanying me, I could not ask for more."
Xu Yi had met Elder Zu Yueshou once before and had a good impression of her. This trip to the secret realm was also a good opportunity for them to deepen their acquaintance.
Seeing that Xu Yi did not object, Sect Leader Qinglian breathed a sigh of relief. "If that is the case, then after Ancestor Xu rests for two days, we will depart for the secret realm?"
Xu Yi shook his head and stood up directly, "Sect Leader Qinglian, there's no need for formality. Time is of the essence, let us depart now."
The journey from Xuanji Sect to Xuanqing Sect was spent on the Liuguang Ship, and Xu Yi had not consumed any spiritual energy, thus he did not need to rest to recover his strength.
Xu Yi's decisiveness earned him repeated nods from Elder Zu Yueshou. Both of them were decisive in their actions, and they hit it off immediately, bidding farewell to Sect Leader Qinglian and heading towards the Zhanlang Secret Realm.
Sect Leader Qinglian and the elders watched them leave from outside the hall, and then sighed leisurely.
Elder Bai asked, "Ancestor Xu has agreed to go to the secret realm, why is the Sect Leader still frowning? Are there other hidden worries?"
Sect Leader Qinglian's gaze was wistful, "I don't know why, but I have a feeling that Ancestor Xu's departure will cause some earth-shattering stir, and I truly cannot feel at ease."
Sect Leader Qinglian could not accurately describe his feelings, a mixture of joy and worry, difficult to express. In any case, he had a premonition that Xu Yi would bring him some unexpected news.
Although Elder Bai did not quite understand the Sect Leader's thoughts, seeing that his expression was not overly grave, he thought that perhaps the Sect Leader was too nervous and overthinking things, so he did not take it to heart.
The Zhanlang Secret Realm was thousands of miles away from Xuanqing Sect.
Xu Yi and Elder Zu Yueshou spent a day traveling to the entrance of the Zhanlang Secret Realm.
Along the way, Xu Yi also inquired about Jin Biao and Hong Shengyi from Elder Zu Yueshou. Upon learning that Jin Biao had recovered well and Hong Shengyi's cultivation had not been affected, Xu Yi was also happy for both of them.
"Ancestor Xu, please wait a moment, I will open the secret realm immediately."
There were originally elders guarding the Zhanlang Secret Realm. However, due to the Xuanji Sect holding a grand ceremony, the sect personnel were unable to spare any, so the elders guarding here were recalled to the sect. Thus, there were no guards at the secret realm entrance for the time being.
Before departing, Elder Zu Yueshou had obtained the spiritual key to open the secret realm from Sect Leader Qinglian. She walked forward quickly, tossed the spiritual key into the air, and then infused it with a stream of spiritual power.
A ripple appeared in the space directly above Xu Yi's head.
"The entrance to the secret realm has been opened, Ancestor Xu, please follow me."
Elder Zu Yueshou tapped her toes and leaped upwards. Xu Yi followed closely behind, and the two of them quickly entered the aerial entrance one after another.
Xu Yi felt a flash of white light before his eyes, and the next moment, a faint salty smell filled his nostrils. Xu Yi looked closely, and his eyes revealed a look of astonishment.
What a beautiful secret realm. Azure waters, blue skies, overlapping peaks, breathtakingly beautiful. This place did not seem like a secret realm at all, but more like a scenic spot for an outing.
"True Person Batian's sword can cleave mountains and rivers, and his mind contains the universe." Xu Yi exclaimed. True Person Batian, who could construct such a secret realm, was truly an astonishingly powerful being. Xu Yi deeply regretted not being able to witness True Person Batian's peerless demeanor in person.
Seeing Xu Yi's high praise for True Person Batian, Elder Zu Yueshou felt honored and said proudly, "Ancestor Batian is also a senior I most admire. If there is an opportunity, after returning to Xuanqing Sect, I will take you to the First Lintel left by Ancestor Batian. That is truly a divine craftsmanship."
Xu Yi happily agreed, "That would be wonderful."
Xu Yi and Elder Zu Yueshou were chatting enthusiastically but did not forget their main task.
"Ancestor Xu, should we first investigate the place where True Person Canghai disappeared, or where Bei Xinghan disappeared?"
"What, they did not disappear from the same location?" Xu Yi asked in surprise.
"No," Elder Zu Yueshou shook her head. "The coordinates they left before disappearing were one to the north of the secret realm and one to the south. They are in completely opposite directions." This was precisely what made the situation troublesome.
Xu Yi pondered, "Let's go to the place where Bei Xinghan disappeared first." The shorter the time interval, the more clues there would be. Xu Yi believed that going to Bei Xinghan's disappearance location first would be more valuable.
Elder Zu Yueshou naturally had no objection. She identified the direction and then led Xu Yi towards Bei Xinghan's last known location. That place happened to be on a rocky shore.