Supreme Taming Authority

Chapter 75: Investigation, Journey to the Sect

At the center of attention stood a woman in Four Symbols Sect robes. She was beautiful, perhaps in her late thirties, with long dark hair bound in an elegant style.

Her cultivation base radiated Golden Core realm power, the spiritual pressure making weaker cultivators uncomfortable.

Her robes bore the markings of an inner sect elder, indicating significant status within the sect hierarchy.

"I am Elder Hua," the woman announced. Her voice carried authority despite its pleasant tone. "I’m investigating the incident at the ancient ruins last night. I need to question everyone currently staying in Crimson Lotus City."

She began with the merchants and travelers, asking each person about their whereabouts during the previous night. Most had been sleeping in their rooms or drinking in the common areas. None had ventured outside the city walls.

Elder Hua’s eyes swept over each person as they spoke, her spiritual sense probing for signs of deception. Xian Tiandi could feel the subtle pressure of her investigation technique.

Finally, she turned to the Xian Clan group.

"And you are?" she asked Elder Feng.

"Elder Feng of the Xian Clan," he replied respectfully. "I’m escorting this young man to your sect for the enrollment ceremony." He gestured toward Xian Tiandi.

Elder Hua’s gaze shifted to Xian Tiandi. Her eyes were sharp and assessing. "You’re the one joining our sect tomorrow?"

"Yes, Elder Hua," Xian Tiandi said. He bowed slightly, showing appropriate respect. "My name is Xian Tiandi."

"What is your cultivation level?"

"Peak Qi Condensation realm."

Elder Hua’s spiritual sense washed over him, probing his cultivation base. Xian Tiandi allowed it, keeping his defenses relaxed and his chaos element energy suppressed deep within his dantian. To her senses, he would appear as nothing more than a talented youth at peak Qi Condensation.

She couldn’t detect his Force Condensation body cultivation unless he actively used it. Dual cultivation paths were rare enough that most people didn’t think to check for them.

"Impressive for your age," Elder Hua said after a moment. "Where were you last night during the hours of the disturbance?"

"In my room, cultivating," Xian Tiandi replied smoothly. "I’m preparing for the sect entrance. Elder Feng and Elder Ming can confirm I never left the inn."

Elder Feng nodded. "The young master has been very focused on his cultivation. I checked on him around midnight and he was meditating in his room."

That was true. Elder Feng had knocked briefly around that time. Xian Tiandi had answered from inside, pretending to be in meditation. The elder hadn’t actually entered the room.

Elder Hua studied Xian Tiandi for a long moment. Her eyes seemed to pierce through him, searching for any hint of deception. But Xian Tiandi’s expression remained calm and open. He’d faced down far more intimidating interrogations in his past life.

"Very well," she said finally. "I sense no deception. However, I must warn all of you. Dangerous individuals may be operating in this city. Stay inside the inn until the enrollment ceremony tomorrow. Do not venture out unnecessarily."

"Of course, Elder Hua," Elder Feng said quickly. "We’ll comply completely."

Elder Hua turned to address the entire room. "The Four Symbols Sect takes the safety of all cultivators seriously. If anyone sees or hears anything suspicious, report it immediately to the city guard or any sect member."

She swept out of the inn, her robes flowing behind her. The spiritual pressure lifted as she left, and everyone relaxed visibly.

Elder Ming let out a slow breath. "That was intense. Golden Core cultivators have such overwhelming presence."

"She was probing quite thoroughly," Elder Feng agreed. He looked at Xian Tiandi. "You handled yourself well. Not many young cultivators can remain calm under that kind of scrutiny."

Xian Tiandi shrugged. "I had nothing to hide, so there was nothing to fear."

They returned to their rooms. Xian Tiandi resumed his cultivation, continuing the process of consolidating his realm and recovering his energy.

The night passed uneventfully. No more disturbances or visitors. Xian Tiandi cultivated until the early morning hours, then allowed himself a few hours of actual sleep.

He woke before dawn, as planned.

After washing and dressing in his best robes, he packed his few remaining possessions into his spatial ring. Everything he needed for sect life was already stored there. Pills, spirit stones, a few spare weapons, cultivation manuals.

The Five Element Lotus remained hidden in a specially shielded compartment within the ring, impossible to detect unless someone thoroughly searched the storage space.

Xian Tiandi descended to the ground floor where Elder Feng, Elder Ming, and the servants were already preparing for departure. They’d packed supplies and arranged for horses.

The inn’s owner bowed respectfully as they settled their bill. "Safe travels to you all. May the young master bring glory to his clan in the Four Symbols Sect."

"Thank you," Elder Feng replied.

They stepped out into the pre-dawn darkness. The city was just beginning to wake. A few early merchants were opening their shops. Street sweepers cleaned the main roads. The air was cool and fresh.

Their group mounted horses and began riding toward the city gates. The guards there recognized them from their previous comings and goings. They were waved through without inspection.

The road leading away from Crimson Lotus City was well maintained. It wound through farmland and small villages before entering more mountainous terrain. The Four Symbols Sect was located in those mountains, built into a natural formation of spiritual energy.

As they rode, Xian Tiandi reflected on the path ahead. Joining the sect was necessary for multiple reasons. It would provide resources, protection, and most importantly, access to information about the Four Spirits Sect infiltrators.

He knew from his past life that the Four Spirits Sect had planted spies throughout all major powers in the region. The Four Symbols Sect was no exception. Identifying and eliminating those spies would be one of his priorities.

But he’d need to be careful. Moving too quickly or obviously would draw attention. Better to establish himself first, build a reputation as a talented but unremarkable disciple.

Xian Long and Ying Yue along with her brother were part of the movement also.