The Return of Stars to the Jianghu

Chapter 168 Separated by the Deep Sea, Seemingly No Way Out, But Fortunately Encountering a Secret P

"Hmph, these disciples of Qingluan Valley are indeed cunning." The first voice sneered. "However, they ultimately fell for my mind-reading technique. Since they have suspicions about us, we must proceed with caution."

“Yes, sir,” the second voice replied respectfully, “what should we do next?”

"Continue to monitor them and see what they do next," the first voice instructed. "At the same time, we must also be prepared for their counterattack. These disciples of Qingluan Valley are quite strong, and we cannot let our guard down."

"Understood, sir," the second voice replied.

Inside the room where Luo Yifei and the others were, they remained calm and vigilant. Although they were temporarily bewildered by the other party's mind-reading ability, they did not give up the fight. They knew that only by staying clear-headed and calm could they find an opportunity to break free from the other party's control.

Luo Yifei took a deep breath to calm himself down, then transmitted his voice to the others: "We have been deceived by their mind-reading ability. What we need to do now is to stay calm and clear-headed and not let them discover our true thoughts."

The others responded, "Understood."

And so they spent the long night under each other's surveillance. The next morning, when they woke up, they found that the other person had left the room. They were overjoyed, knowing this was a good opportunity to get rid of them.

So they quickly packed their luggage and equipment, preparing to leave this dangerous place. However, just as they were about to leave, they found the door blocked by a group of people. These were the same people who had been watching them the night before.

"What do you want?" Luo Yifei asked warily.

"We simply wish to invite you to stay as guests," one of the leaders said with a smile. "Our city lord is very interested in you and hopes you can stay for a few more days."

“We don’t want to stay,” Luo Yifei said firmly. “We want to leave this place.”

"Leave?" The leader sneered. "Do you think this is a place where you can come and go as you please? Let me tell you the truth, our city lord has already decided to kill you. If you don't know what's good for you, don't blame us for being impolite."

Hearing this, Luo Yifei and the others were shocked. They hadn't expected the city lord to be so ruthless and treacherous. But they also understood that they were now in a desperate situation and had no choice but to fight to the death.

So they quickly drew their weapons, preparing for a life-or-death battle. But just then, a figure suddenly descended from the sky, landing in front of them. This figure was none other than the old man from the previous night who claimed to be the guardian of the Illusionary Pearl and the ancient texts.

"Stop!" the old man shouted. "Let them go. The item isn't on them."

Everyone was taken aback and looked at the old man. The old man gave Luo Yifei and the others a deep look, then turned to the leader and said, "You've misunderstood. These people are not the ones you're looking for. I have my own arrangements for the whereabouts of the Illusionary Pearl and the ancient book."

The leader was clearly puzzled by the old man's words, but looking into his deep eyes, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. He hesitated for a moment, then waved his hand, signaling his men to make way.

Upon seeing this, Luo Yifei and the others were overjoyed. They quickly thanked the old man and then hurriedly left the place. On their way out, they were filled with gratitude. They knew that if it weren't for the old man's timely appearance, they would likely be in grave danger.

"Thank you so much for saving our lives, senior." Luo Yifei and the others bowed respectfully to the old man. "May we ask how you are addressed, senior? And how do you know about the Illusionary Star Pearl and the ancient book?"

The old man smiled slightly and said, "My name is Yun Yi, and I am one of the guardians of this Illusionary Star Continent. I naturally know something about the Illusionary Star Pearl and the ancient books. However, now is not the time to tell you. You only need to know that these two things are very important to your Azure Phoenix Valley."

Upon hearing this, Luo Yifei and the others became even more puzzled. They didn't know the true identity of this Senior Yun Yi, nor why he was so interested in the Illusionary Pearl and the ancient book. But since he had already saved their lives, they could only trust him for the time being.

"Does Senior know how we should return to Qingluan Valley?" Luo Yifei asked.

Yun Yi nodded and said, "I know a secret passage leading to Qingluan Valley. However, this passage is extremely dangerous, and you will need sufficient strength and courage to pass through it. Are you willing to try?"

Luo Yifei and the others exchanged glances, then said in unison, "We're willing to try!"

Yun Yi nodded in satisfaction and said, "Alright, let's set off then. But before we go, I want to remind you of something—this secret passage is full of unknown dangers and challenges. You must remain vigilant and calm at all times in order to pass through successfully."

Upon hearing this, Luo Yifei and the others were filled with tension and anticipation. They knew that what lay ahead would be an unprecedented adventure and challenge. But they also understood that only through such adventures and challenges could they truly grow and become stronger.

Led by Yun Yi, Luo Yifei and the others embarked on the secret passage leading to Qingluan Valley. They didn't know what awaited them, but they were prepared to face any challenge.

"Wait, it might not be safe for you to head to Qingluan Valley now. I suggest you stay here a while longer," Yun Yi said to Qi Yuan and the others.

Qi Yuan and the others exchanged bewildered glances, clearly taken aback by Yun Yi's words. They had originally thought that as long as they found the secret passage, they could return to Qingluan Valley smoothly, but they never expected Yun Yi to say such a thing.

"Senior, what do you mean by that?" Luo Yifei asked, puzzled.

Yun Yi sighed and said in a deep voice, "Recently, some unknown forces have appeared around Qingluan Valley. They seem to be searching for something. I'm worried that you might encounter misfortune after you return."

"An unknown force?" Shen Lixi frowned. "Are they also looking for the Illusionary Star Pearl and the ancient books?"

Yun Yi shook his head. "No, they seem more interested in something else. But I don't know exactly what it is. I just feel that it's not safe for you to go back now."

"Then what should we do?" Su An asked anxiously.

Yun Yi pondered for a moment, then said, "You can cultivate here for a while to improve your strength. At the same time, I will also inquire about the situation in Qingluan Valley to see if it is safe there."

Luo Yifei and the others exchanged glances, all agreeing that it was a good suggestion. Therefore, they decided to stay and cultivate for a while, waiting for news from Yun Yi before making a final decision.

In the days that followed, Luo Yifei and the others began arduous training under Yun Yi's guidance. They faced various challenges and difficulties every day, but they persevered through them all. They knew that only by becoming stronger could they better protect themselves and Qingluan Valley.

During their cultivation, they gradually sensed Yun Yi's profound strength and powerful aura. They realized that this old man was no ordinary person, but a true powerhouse. Their respect for Yun Yi deepened.

Finally, one day, Yun Yi brought news—the situation in Qingluan Valley had stabilized, and the unknown forces had left. Upon hearing this news, Luo Yifei and the others were filled with joy and anticipation. They knew they could finally return to Qingluan Valley.