After My Rebirth, I Ended Up Happily Ever After with the Saintess - Chapter 82

Outside, dark undercurrents surged, and the invisible noose targeting Ye Li and the Shadow Cabinet was tightening. However, on the summit of Cloud-Pill Peak, inside Hermit Muyun’s cave dwelling, the atmosphere remained light and calm. New sprouts on the ancient tea tree unfurled, and the tea aroma permeated the air, creating a world seemingly separate from the outside.

When Ye Li arrived by her master’s order, Hermit Muyun was playing a solitary game of Go. Black and white pieces were scattered across the stellar board; seemingly random, yet containing profound mysteries. He did not look up, simply pointing to the cushion opposite him.

“Sit.”

Ye Li sat down as instructed, not disturbing him. She knew her master summoned her for a deep reason. Given her master’s wisdom and control, it was impossible for him to be unaware of the recent events, especially the blocked investigation and the subtle surveillance she had felt.

After a long while, Hermit Muyun placed a white piece, then slowly raised his head. His gaze, gentle yet seemingly able to pierce the heart, fell upon Ye Li.

“Li’er, your mind has been unsettled recently, and your aura subtly fluctuating. Have you encountered a difficulty?” He spoke frankly, his tone calm, yet directly exposing the peace Ye Li had struggled to maintain.

Ye Li’s heart trembled slightly, knowing she could not hide it from her master. After a moment of thought, she chose a relatively vague answer that conveyed her core dilemma without mentioning the Shadow Cabinet or the specifics of the investigation: “Disciple has made some small gains in her recent cultivation, but feels the path ahead is shrouded in mist, as if there is an invisible obstruction hard to penetrate. Moreover… I feel a gaze peering from the darkness, unsure if it is a test of fortune or a tribulation approaching.”

She cleverly attributed her personal crisis to cultivation and a vague “tribulation,” thus revealing her predicament while protecting her core secrets.

Hermit Muyun heard her words, yet showed no surprise. He merely took a sip of tea, his gaze cast toward the ethereal sea of clouds outside the dwelling, and said leisurely, “The path of cultivation is inherently a journey against the current, a struggle for life against the heavens. Mist and obstruction are the norm. As for the hidden gaze… A fine tree in the forest will be destroyed by the wind. Your swift rise and great fortune naturally invite covetousness; this is unavoidable.”

His tone shifted, becoming somewhat profound: “However, some winds are not born naturally, but are deliberately summoned by others. Some obstructions are not of the Great Dao, but man-made barriers.”

Ye Li’s eyes narrowed, knowing her master was hinting at something.

Hermit Muyun continued, “The Profound Cloud Sect has stood for ten thousand years. It appears monolithic, but internally, its factions are complex and deeply rooted. The Battle Frenzy Peak lineage, for instance, has an aggressive style. Its successive Peak Lords are renowned for their powerful combat ability, and Senior Brother Situ is a prime example. His lineage can be traced back to an Ancestor of the Sect known for decisiveness and ruthlessness in killing. This lineage has always been at odds with the mainstream philosophy of the Sect, which emphasizes gradual progress and solid foundations.”

This was the first time Hermit Muyun had spoken so clearly about the Sect’s internal factional origins. Ye Li listened attentively.

“However,” Hermit Muyun’s voice deepened slightly, “factional disputes are still internal Sect contradictions. Though there is infighting, a bottom line remains. What is truly alarming is… that someone, for personal gain or for power that transcends boundaries, has reached out beyond the Sect, inviting a wolf into the house and touching a forbidden taboo.”

“A taboo?” Ye Li’s heart shook, and she subconsciously repeated the word.

Hermit Muyun looked deeply at her, not answering directly. Instead, he asked, “Li’er, do you know why our Profound Cloud Sect has been able to stand firm in the Northern Region for ten thousand years, with its foundation remaining stable even when facing several Demon Calamities throughout history?”

Ye Li pondered, “Because the Sect has a profound heritage, with great sages emerging in every generation, and its cultivation techniques are passed down systematically.”

“That is one aspect.” Hermit Muyun nodded, then shook his head. “More importantly, beneath the Sect, it suppresses an ‘Empty Void Rift’ left over from the ancient times.”

“The Empty Void Rift?!” Ye Li’s pupils contracted slightly. This was a great secret involving the very origin of the world!

“Exactly.” Hermit Muyun’s expression was grave. “This rift leads to an unknown Demon Realm. Although it has been sealed by successive Patriarchs with supreme magical power, a faint demonic energy still leaks out. It requires the Sect’s grand formation and Elders above the Divine Ability realm to be stationed there year-round for purification. This is one reason why the spiritual energy of our mountain gate, while not as abundant as some Blessed Lands, can always cultivate top-tier experts—guarding the rift itself is an ultimate test of one’s character and strength, and a responsibility the Sect bears for the entire human race.”

He paused, his voice dropping a few more octaves: “However, the seal is not permanent. Every few centuries, or during great changes in the world, the rift shows signs of loosening. At that time, the combined strength of the entire Sect, and even the cooperation of other righteous sects in the Northern Region, is needed to re-reinforce it. And every time it loosens, it is accompanied by… the shadow of internal and external collusion.”

Ye Li’s heart suddenly pounded. Her master’s words were practically a clear indication! There was indeed a hidden danger of collusion with external evil forces (most likely the Demon Race) within the Sect, and this danger was directly related to the duty of suppressing the Empty Void Rift!

“Master, do you mean…” Ye Li’s voice was a little dry.

Hermit Muyun waved his hand, stopping her from speaking further, and said meaningfully, “The water is too clear, and no fish can live. The Sect is too large; it inevitably harbors some dirt. Some matters are not being left alone, but the time is not yet right, or moving prematurely would affect the entire body. The Sect Master and I are not unaware, but we must weigh the pros and cons, wait for irrefutable evidence, and aim for a single decisive strike to avoid internal turmoil and giving outsiders an opportunity.”

He looked at Ye Li, his eyes full of admonishment: “Li’er, your talent is exceptional, and your will is resolute. Your future is limitless. But remember, a blade that is too sharp is easily broken. Some truths are like a volcano buried deep underground; rash digging may cause you to be consumed by the fire. Before you possess sufficient power, appropriate forbearance and circumvention are not cowardice, but wisdom.”

These words were both a reminder and a form of protection. Hermit Muyun was telling Ye Li that the Sect’s higher-ups were not oblivious to certain dark aspects, but dealing with them was extremely complicated. He urged her not to act rashly, lest she become a sacrifice in factional strife and a larger conspiracy.

“Disciple… understands.” Ye Li took a deep breath and saluted solemnly. Although her master did not explicitly mention the matter of her parents or the secret of the “key,” this revelation about the Sect’s secrets and taboos had given her immense insight and warning. At the very least, it let her know that her enemy might not just be Situ Kuang, but that his actions might be tied to a vast conspiracy that threatened the safety of the Sect and even the human race.

“It is good that you understand.” Hermit Muyun’s expression softened slightly. He took out a seemingly ordinary white jade pendant and handed it to Ye Li. “This ‘Calming Heart Pendant’ was something I used in my early years. It has the effect of calming the mind and resisting the invasion of external demons. Keep it with you; it may help you see through some of the confusion and maintain clarity of spirit.”

Ye Li took the jade pendant. It was warm to the touch, and a cool sensation flowed into her heart, instantly soothing the restlessness caused by her recent stress. This was not just a magical artifact; it was a token of her master’s protection.

“Thank you, Master!” Ye Li bowed in gratitude once more.

“Go.” Hermit Muyun waved his hand, his gaze returning to the chessboard. “Do what you need to do. The Sect’s great game ultimately needs fresh, powerful pieces to activate it. But the premise is that your piece must not be captured too early.”

Ye Li bowed and exited the cave dwelling. Leaving Hermit Muyun’s place, she felt the pressure on her shoulders had not lessened, but her mind was much clearer than when she arrived. Her master’s guidance was like lighting a lamp in the fog, allowing her to see the danger and complexity of the situation, and clarifying her temporary course of action: forbearance, accumulation of power, and waiting for the right moment.

“Empty Void Rift… internal and external collusion… waiting for irrefutable evidence…” Ye Li murmured, a flash of understanding crossing her eyes. Perhaps the Ice Soul Profound Palace ruins were not just an opportunity and a trap, but might also be a stage where that “dirt” could expose itself!

She tightly grasped the Calming Heart Pendant, feeling the cool protection, and her Dao Heart became firmer. The road ahead was perilous, but she was not alone. Her master’s subtle protection and the loyalty of the Shadow Cabinet’s core members were her reliance.

Now, what she needed was time, a breakthrough, and to sharpen her “sword” even more before the ruins opened!