Concerns

No sect can exist without Golden Core cultivators and Nascent Soul Patriarchs. These people are said to be cornerstones. It is through them that a sect's strength can be exerted. It is also through them that a sect's will can be executed.

However, Stewards and Elders are the ones truly responsible for a sect's daily functioning. They are the foundation on which sects' strength is built.

As such, with his Steward position, Ouyang Li can't spend too much time in seclusion.

This time, it was only enough for him to nurture his wounds. As for the insights and feelings about killing people, he was forced to keep them suppressed.

On the day he exited his cave, Ouyang Li found two jade slips tucked next to the doors. One was silver-colored. Another one was black.

He first injected his Spiritual Energy into the black one. After all, it was his first time seeing such a strange colored jade slip.

Immediately, a silhouette of Steward Ming condensed in front of his eyes. The elderly man looked pale. He seemed to be shivering too. However, Ouyang Li didn't attempt to talk to him. It was clearly just a recording.

"Brother Ouyang Li, these are most likely my final words to you. Although I have survived the attack and even managed to get back to the sect, my injuries are too grave. I'm afraid my foundation is broken. Still, I've been preparing for this day for a long time now…"

The man sighed deeply. "I know that we can, at most, be considered... acquaintances. Still, I have some things to entrust to you. You see, my cultivation method is quite specific. Actually, it doesn't originate from the Gentle Wind Valley. However, it makes me a good judge of character! That is why I approached you in the first place…"

"As expected," Ouyang Li mumbled under his breath. "You want something from me! It is unfortunate that you died, though…"

"Of course, as shameless as I am, this favor won't be left unreciprocated…"

Suddenly, the old man shuddered and coughed up some blood.

"There is a girl... She's living in a Thousand Flowers Village of the Iron Dragon Country." The transmission continued. "If you could leave the sect every once in a while and… Check up on her to make sure that she's alright... That would be more than could ask for. The most important thing is to recharge her protective talisman and a small array formation. Of course, I've already prepared all the resources it might require…"

"Well, well…" Ouyang Li clicked his tongue while listening to this guy's words. "It seems like the old saying is correct: The older the ginger, the spicier it gets!"

Even at the end of his lifespan, Steward Ming would still entice him and scheme to have someone provide for his woman. "Ridiculous!"

"Also, haven't I just decided not to leave the sect?" Ouyang Li was actually speechless. "It almost feels like the Heavens want to slap me in the face!"

However, he still hasn't withdrawn his Qi from the jade slip. After all, he was curious about what the old man had to offer in exchange.

"…so, my life's legacy is hidden in the mountains surrounding the village. However, as I said, you won't be able to get it now. You need to wait for seven more years. That's when my woman needs her talisman to be charged."

"Also, this is also when the location of my treasure trove will appear on this jade slip. So, I hope you can help me, brother Ouyang. After all, besides Spirit Stones, you could also get some rare techniques that originate from the times before the Heavenly Court's fall."

"Additionally, there is a great opportunity waiting for you there. I won't say anything more. However, can guarantee that you won't regret it!"

Once again, old Ming's body convulsed. Suddenly, his hair and eyebrows thinned out all at once. Then, they fell to the ground. What's more, blood started seeping from his eyes!

"I guess this is my time. Please, consider my words carefully. Goodbye, brother Ouyang."

Then, the transmission imbued in the jade slip stopped.

Ouyang Li put it down slowly. He was thoughtful. However, he hasn't made up his mind yet.

Fortunately, he still had seven more years. Although Steward Ming's words were not very trustworthy, Ouyang Li thought that it didn't matter. After all, by the time he has to go, he would become a lot stronger.

"I will see about it when the time comes." He decided. "Now, let's check the silver slip…"

Looking at the design, Ouyang Li quickly recognized it as an official message from the higher-ups. From what he read in the Sage Pavilion, this type of jade slip was issued by the General Affairs Hall.

Soon, a few sentences appeared before his eyes. There was no disembodied voice. Instead, clear characters were floating within his mind space.

"To Steward Ouyang from the Waste Disposal Pavilion," the sentence lasted for a short moment. Then, it faded away.

"The following instructions were authorized by Grand Elder Han." Soon, more characters emerged:

"Firstly, immediately choose four Outer Disciples as your helpers. Carefully instruct them on how to operate the sect's Waste Disposal Formation. Secondly, use this jade slip as a token to access the second floor of the Sage Pavilion. Learn more about formations there. Prepare for being relegated to maintain one node of the Outer Peak's part of the Great Formation Array."

Ouyang Li took his time to reread this message twice. All in all, he found its content extremely disconcerting.

"No one even mentions interrogating me about the attack of the Demonic Tao…" He mumbled disbelievingly.

It truly seemed a bit unreal. After all, throughout his time as a Steward, Ouyang Li felt that the sect's higher-ups have been keeping tabs on him every once in a while. For all he knew, a joint investigation could have been conducted between his Gentle Wind Valley and the Fire Mountain Sect. Regarding the outcome...

Ouyang Li didn't know. After all, he had no right no know.

However, he didn't believe that no one discovered the traces of the Heavenly Lord hiding in the vicinity of the Little Ox Village. Still, no Grand Elder summoned him ever since he returned from his first mission.

"Could it be that they suspect me of being a spy? Maybe that's why they decided to keep me close. Is the spot at the Great Array Formation node a test?"

He wondered. "No matter. After all, even if I know, there is nothing I can do."

Sadly, there were more important things to take care of. For example, why would the sect want to activate the Great Array Formation in the first place? The situation must be grave if the higher-ups are considering such a drastic measure.

Ouyang Li spread his senses and curiously looked toward low-level disciples. This time, he openly used his divine consciousness to spy for a bit. There was nothing wrong with it. After all, he often felt both Stewards and Elders doing the same thing.

After intensive scanning, Ouyang Li could only shake his head despondently.

"As expected, there is no news. How long has it been since I came back from the Blossoming Peach Valley?" He wondered. "It should be over two months now..." He calculated quickly. "And there is still no bragging and no gossiping. Right now, everyone here should be talking about the triumphant return of their Heavenly Lord, Taoist Unreconciled Rock."

Ouyang Li didn't dare to speculate anymore. He entered his cave and left old Ming's jade slips on his table. Then, he took the silver one and went toward the Sage Pavilion.

"I'm afraid that in this case, no news is bad news." He murmured.

"Fortunately, I should be able to use this jade slip to read about the Devil Tao. After all, the second floor should have more than just the books on the array formations."

Ouyang Li tried to distract himself from negative thoughts. What he was doing right now could be considered over-analyzing.

Still, the fact that no one checked up on him during last few weeks bothered him to no end. After all, it doesn't bode well when sect higher-ups are too busy to care for a Steward.

"Could it be that I will be forced to escape?" He mused while passing by a pond filled with carp. "If my Gentle Wind Valley faces such a huge crisis, I might not have enough time to transform into a true dragon…"

He sighed.

However, Ouyang Li still hasn't considered another thing. If the war breaks out and he's suspected of being a spy… would he even be able to leave the sect alive?