Seeing that Lin Zitong had already come up with a complete plan and begun implementing it, Yan Shouyi had nothing more to worry about.
However, Lin Zitong was frowning at the moment, saying, "I've made many plans that can stop Lu Xin from ascending, but... there are still some crucial missing pieces."
Yan Shouyi instantly understood Lin Zitong's meaning.
Whether it was within the Lu Shan Sect or the support from smaller sects, Lin Zitong could easily handle them.
The only thing she couldn't handle was Lu Xin's identity as the "granddaughter of the former sect leader."
Although in modern society, heroes were no longer judged by age and seniority, traditional sects like the Lu Shan Sect still placed great importance on bloodline inheritance.
Compared to Lin Zitong, the closed-door disciple, the former sect leader's granddaughter was obviously more qualified to inherit the position of sect leader.
Moreover, from Huang Dahai and the others, Yan Shouyi also learned that Lu Xin's cultivation was not simple, and her talent was definitely not much inferior to Lin Zitong's.
Lu Xin should be in her thirties or forties, with ample experience and even more ruthless methods—this could be inferred from her subjugation of the remnants of Mount Si Xiang and her efforts to win over smaller sects.
Lin Zitong held deep respect for her master, Lu Jingsheng. If Lu Jingsheng returned, as long as he spoke, Lin Zitong would not hesitate to give up her position as sect leader.
But she was certainly not convinced in her heart.
Yan Shouyi said in a deep voice, "There's no use dwelling on this problem. Only one person can solve it."
That person was Lu Jingsheng.
Lin Zitong sighed, "But ever since Elder Tong Jiuhua died, Master has been missing. The sect has sent many disciples to search, but all have returned without success."
"Since Sect Leader Lu could leave with peace of mind, he naturally made plans for you to take over as sect leader. You can sit in this position with a clear conscience," Yan Shouyi paused, then added, "Lu Xin has been missing for twenty years, neglecting the Lu Shan Sect. After returning, she brought these fiends from Mount Si Xiang to occupy the Lu Shan Sect and usurp the nest. You must not bow your head to her!"
"I understand."
Lin Zitong nodded, dispelling Yan Shouyi's worries.
She quickly adjusted her state and continued preparing for their return.
After comforting Lin Zitong, Yan Shouyi received a notification from Ye Chengfu: the plane would depart in four hours.
Taking advantage of this time, Yan Shouyi hurried downstairs and took a taxi to Xiaodongmen.
There were still many unresolved matters in Chang'an. Most importantly, Yan Shouyi had to meet Li Chongxi.
Upon arriving at Xiaodongmen, he headed straight for Old Master Qin Liu's residence.
Old Jin was surprised to see Yan Shouyi: "How did you know Senior Li had woken up? I hadn't even had time to notify you yet."
"Coincidence, coincidence," Yan Shouyi smiled. "Where is Senior Li? I'd like to see him."
Old Jin pointed to the innermost room, and Yan Shouyi quickly walked in.
As soon as he crossed the threshold, Yan Shouyi smelled a faint medicinal fragrance. Li Chongxi lay on the bed, wrapped like a mummy, with green medicinal juice seeping through the bandages.
"Senior Li," Yan Shouyi said softly as he approached the bedside.
Li Chongxi was seriously injured and had been unconscious for a whole day. He had only just woken up and his reactions were a little sluggish.
He hesitated for a few seconds before replying with an "Oh."
"Senior Li, it's me, Yan Shouyi," Yan Shouyi said. "The imperial tomb matter has been resolved, and my friends are treating the disciples of other folk sects."
Li Chongxi's consciousness finally recovered somewhat. He seemed to recall what happened before he fell unconscious and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Shouyi, we owe you a great deal this time."
Yan Shouyi felt ashamed. If Li Chongxi hadn't held them off outside, and Chu Wu had brought a group of experts into the imperial tomb, he probably wouldn't have been able to withstand it.
They chatted for a few more moments before Yan Shouyi stated his purpose: "Senior Li, there's a minor problem in Rongcheng, and I have to leave today."
"Leaving so soon?" Li Chongxi sounded like an ordinary old grandfather trying to persuade a visiting relative's child, "Stay in Chang'an for a few more days."
"The matter in Rongcheng is very important to us," Yan Shouyi emphasized helplessly.
Li Chongxi couldn't move, otherwise, he would have made some gesture to accompany his regretful mood.
"Very well, there is nothing left in the imperial tomb that requires my guardianship. I can also leave Chang'an from now on, go out to see the great rivers and mountains, and visit you in Rongcheng."
Yan Shouyi pondered for a moment and tentatively said, "Grandmother Zhang Qingsu is on Mount Longhu. Would you like to go and see her?"
Rather than visiting a junior with whom he had little connection, Li Chongxi should have gone to see the pitiable woman who had borne him a son.
Back then, Zhang Qingsu had hoped Li Chongxi would leave Chang'an with her and wander the world, but Li Chongxi had refused.
After that, Zhang Qingsu left Li Chongxi behind, taking Li Genmiao with her. A series of events followed, causing Zhang Qingsu to be mad for many years and tormenting the current Li Genmiao.
Hearing Zhang Qingsu's name, Li Chongxi fell silent for a moment, finally letting out a sigh of helplessness, "Yes, I should go and see her. I owe her."
Li Chongxi often wondered if the world would have been like this if he had abandoned the imperial tomb that year and lived a life of bliss with Zhang Qingsu.
He looked at the ceiling, pondered for a long time, and finally said to Yan Shouyi, "After I recover, I will go to Mount Longhu to pick up Suqing, and together we will look for Genmiao. If we can persuade him, that would be best. If not..."
Li Chongxi sighed, "Alas... if I can't persuade him, I only ask that you, for my sake, spare Genmiao's life in the future."
Yan Shouyi's expression stiffened, "Senior Li, how can you be so sure that I will win? What if I am defeated by Li Genmiao, and he wants to kill me?"
Li Chongxi's eyes sharpened, "If I cannot persuade him, I will also beg him to spare your life."
Yan Shouyi: "..."
Good heavens, I thought Senior Li also had the ability to predict the future!
Turns out you're also a fence-sitter, playing both sides!
Rubbing his face in resignation, Yan Shouyi got up to pour Li Chongxi some tea and carefully helped him drink a few sips.
Li Chongxi couldn't help but sigh, "If only Miao and I could get along like you do."
Yan Shouyi coughed a few times. As the saying goes, unsolicited kindness is either a trap or theft. In fact, Yan Shouyi's purpose for coming today was not entirely pure.
First, he genuinely wanted to visit Li Chongxi. Second... this imperial tomb instance had been cleared. As the quest giver, shouldn't Li Chongxi give some quest rewards?
After all, Xu Zhiping, the night watchman in Qiantang, had given him a lantern!
Fortunately, Yan Shouyi didn't need to hint. Li Chongxi, having drunk the water, said quite self-consciously:
"Among my personal belongings, there is a pair of tomb-guarding beasts. They are of no use to me anymore. You might as well take them; perhaps they will be useful."