"He asked me to leave a wisp of my residual soul on the phoenix tree, firstly to accompany Xiao Wu, and secondly to await the owner of the Yin-Yang Jade, who is you."
Hearing Chu Changqing's words, Chen Xiao was stunned. "Who exactly is he? How could he be so sure that the owner of the Yin-Yang Jade would definitely go to Jiuyi Zhiyuan?"
Chu Changqing sighed softly, his gaze drifting into the distance as if lost in a faraway memory.
"Young friend Chen Xiao, you must have heard of the great battle against the Heavenly Dao five hundred years ago, haven't you?"
Seeing Chen Xiao nod, Chu Changqing continued, "That person was the leader of our Jiuzhou. He led us to fight against the Heavenly Dao, but in the end, due to the vast disparity in strength, Jiuzhou was defeated, leading to the destruction of Jiuzhou's spiritual source. Xiao Wu, it was in that war that she perished."
"After the defeat, he led those of us who were barely surviving in retreat, settling us in various middle and small worlds. Even all the rules that you know now were established by him."
Hearing Chu Changqing's words, Chen Xiao's mouth fell open. "Was the previous owner of the Yin-Yang Jade that formidable? But you still haven't told me, who exactly is he?"
When Chu Changqing spoke of the previous owner of the Yin-Yang Jade, Chen Xiao thought of someone, that was Chen Sihai, the person who might be his biological father.
However, after hearing Chu Changqing's subsequent words, Chen Xiao was certain that the two were not the same person.
After all, according to Lu Datou, when they first met, Chen Sihai was being pursued.
And if he were that legendary leader of Jiuzhou, such a thing would never have happened to him.
However, Chu Changqing did not provide Chen Xiao with the answer to this question.
It wasn't that he intentionally concealed it, but rather that he truly didn't know.
"It might sound a bit amusing, but although we followed him in doing such a world-shattering deed, even those closest to him never saw his true face, because he always wore an iron mask, presenting himself in that image."
"He also forbade us from using any respectful titles for him; we had to call him 'Iron Mask Man.' Perhaps this doesn't seem like much to you, but in that era five hundred years ago, it was simply unimaginable."
Five hundred years ago, Jiuzhou still had emperors, and the leaders of various sects and factions were addressed as 'Lord' or 'Sect Master.'
And this mighty figure, who could lead the people of Jiuzhou against the Heavenly Dao, possessed immense power, yet he only allowed others to call him the incongruous title of 'Iron Mask Man.'
This was indeed difficult to imagine back then.
"Is he still alive? Where can he be found?"
Chen Xiao pressed.
"He is likely alive, because his strength is unfathomable. Even I, with my cultivation, can reach a lifespan of a thousand years; he, of course, would be even more so."
"For him, as long as he wished, achieving eternal life and remaining ageless for ten thousand years would be no problem."
"However, after the great battle five hundred years ago, he left alone and vanished without a trace. The world has heard no more of him, and no one knows where he went."
Chu Changqing said with a slight sigh, his expression complex, as if reminiscing about the glorious past.
The conversation was drawing to a close. Chen Xiao had gained more understanding of the great battle five hundred years ago.
However, for him, these events were more akin to historical anecdotes.
After all, so much time had passed, and he felt those events were very distant from him.
Most importantly, Chen Xiao had inquired about the world of the Underworld, thus achieving the purpose of his trip.
Just as Chen Xiao was preparing to take his leave, he suddenly remembered something. "Oh, right, Elder Chu, when we were coming in, we encountered ninjas from the Cangyu clan in the Fierce Beast Forest..."
Chen Xiao recounted the previous events to Chu Changqing.
Chu Changqing listened without the slightest concern, chuckling dismissively. "Those little devils from the East are nothing but clowns, acting foolishly on impulse and doing things beyond their capabilities. If not for the rules set by Iron Mask Man that we cannot interfere in secular disputes, I would have gone and annihilated them long ago!"
Chen Xiao couldn't help but click his tongue. "Elder Chu, is it really alright? To bring that giant toad to you, they even resorted to suicidal attacks, perishing together with a pack of hungry wolves and fierce beasts. It's as if they were certain of victory just by seeing you."
"Young friend Chen Xiao, don't you understand them? Back then, they attacked Pearl Harbor, thinking they were sure to win."
Chu Changqing said contemptuously.
"By the way, Elder Chu, do you know anything about the Demon King Red Panda?"
Chen Xiao asked again.
"I'm not sure about that, but you can go ask the ancestor of Xiaoyao Valley, Ye Xiaoyao. People from Xiaoyao Valley are fond of interacting with demonic beasts."
Chu Changqing shook his head, appearing uninterested.
In the end, it was because demon cultivators were not well-regarded.
Although Xiao Hongchan was considered a king in the Fierce Beast Forest, once she left Jile Island, her true strength might not surpass that of a Martial Saint.
Therefore, it was difficult to arouse the interest of a powerful figure like Chu Changqing.
"Elder Chu, please lead the way then, and take me to visit Elder Ye!"
Chen Xiao was originally entrusted by Ye Santong to bring Xiao Hongchan to Ye Xiaoyao.
"No problem, I'll take you there right away!"
Chu Changqing agreed without hesitation.
The two first went to pick up Chu Qingluan and Xiao Hongchan. Xiao Hongchan was still sound asleep.
Judging by her appearance, she wouldn't stop until she had slept for an eternity.
Chu Qingluan was extremely cautious and timid in front of the Chu family ancestor.
But perhaps because of Chen Xiao, Chu Changqing became much kinder to her.
He was even to the point of being amiable and approachable, which made her feel overwhelmed with gratitude.
The group successfully met the ancestor of Xiaoyao Valley, Ye Xiaoyao. This elegant middle-aged man, no one would have imagined, was already five to six hundred years old.
In conversation, Ye Xiaoyao fully displayed his unrestrained and carefree personality, truly living up to the name Xiaoyao.
Chen Xiao couldn't understand why an ancestor with such a free and unrestrained personality would have descendants like Ye Santong, who were so stubborn and rigid!
It wasn't until Chen Xiao mentioned handing Xiao Hongchan over to Ye Xiaoyao that Ye Xiaoyao shook his head like a rattle drum.
"Absolutely not, absolutely not!"
"Elder Ye, what do you mean by that? What do you mean 'absolutely not'?"
Chen Xiao's brows furrowed.
"I will never take in this little demoness!"
Ye Xiaoyao pointed at Xiao Hongchan and said, "Moreover, I advise you, it's best to stay away from her. Red pandas signify ill fortune, and keeping her by your side is not a wise choice!"