Early the next morning, the cultivator teams from the three towns gathered at the south gate of Baishi Town.

This expedition included four from Baishi, three from Liuye, and five from Qinghe, making for a total of twelve cultivators.

Among them, the leaders of Baishi and Liuye were both at the third level of Qi Gathering.

Although Qinghe Town brought the most cultivators, their leader was only at the second level of Qi Gathering, with the remaining four merely at the first level.

"Lin Yu of Liuye Town's Lin family greets Fellow Daoist Lingrui."

Spotting Yang Lingrui immediately, the thirty-something Lin family cultivator took the initiative to step forward and offer a greeting.

Over three years ago, when Yang Lingrui successfully formed his Qi Mansion, the Yang family had hosted a grand banquet and invited the entire town.

He had accompanied his elders to that feast and had met Yang Lingrui once before.

To reach the third level of Qi Gathering in just three short years... Although his aura is still somewhat unstable, such talent is truly extraordinary, Lin Yu thought to himself.

Before he left home, his family elders had instructed him that exploring the ancient tomb was secondary; the primary goal was to forge a good relationship with the Yang family, which would greatly benefit their own clan's future development.

Yang Lingrui smiled and nodded in response. "Greetings, Fellow Daoist Lin. It has been a long time. Your cultivation has grown much deeper and more refined; it seems the fourth level is not far off."

"Ah, it's nothing but clumsy effort accumulated over the years. It cannot compare to you, Fellow Daoist."

Lin Yu waved his hand dismissively as he spoke, yet he felt a jolt of shock in his heart.

He had been consciously suppressing his aura. He never expected Yang Lingrui's perception to be so sharp, seeing through his foundation with a single glance.

"Lü Liang of Qinghe's Lü family greets the two Seniors."

While the two conversed, Lü Liang found an opening to step forward and bow respectfully.

He was the leader of the Qinghe Town party. Even though he looked to be in his forties, he still had to address the two younger men as Seniors.

Such were the rules among cultivators: only realm and cultivation level mattered, never age or seniority.

In this circle, trying to throw one's weight around based on age simply would not work.

"Is Qinghe only sending your group this time? Is the Zhang Family still in seclusion?" Lin Yu asked.

Lü Liang hurriedly replied, "That is correct. The Town Chief visited Sanglu Valley several times, but was unable to enter the Zhang Family estate."

"How strange. With the Zhang Family's strength, even without their Family Head, they still have three cultivators. They remain a top-tier force in the region. Why would they act like this?"

Lin Yu was completely puzzled.

The Zhang Family's influence in the Qinghe Town area was comparable to the Yang Family's influence across their two towns.

Logically, in the current climate, they were fully capable of expanding their power once more, just as the Yang Family had done.

Why were they stubbornly clinging to that valley now, even forsaking the chance to explore an ancient tomb?

Seeing the two discuss the Zhang Family, Yang Lingrui listened quietly from the side without uttering a word.

They were unaware that Zhang Chen was already dead, which was why they were so perplexed by the Zhang Family's actions.

The Yang Family had also discussed this matter internally and arrived at two possible conclusions.

The first was based on Yang Lingrui killing Zhang Chen. This action might have made the Zhang Family feel threatened by outside forces. With Zhang Tianqi simultaneously transferred away by imperial decree, the Zhang Family chose to seal off their valley for self-preservation.

The second conclusion stemmed from the Treasure Jade that Zhang Chen had carried.

Elder Yu had examined it carefully. The forging technique used for the treasure did not seem recent; it appeared to be quite ancient, yet its condition was remarkably pristine.

This indicated that it was not an heirloom passed down through the Zhang Family lineage, but something obtained from elsewhere.

Combined with the sealing of Sanglu Valley, Yang Lingqing speculated that there might be some other secret hidden within those grounds-a secret so important that the Zhang Family remained holed up inside for years, refusing to expand even when faced with excellent opportunities.

At this moment, the two chatting cultivators simultaneously turned to look at Yang Lingrui.

The conflict between the Yang Family and the Zhang Family over the mining affair was more or less known to the surrounding clans.

Thus, when the Zhang Family sealed their valley, everyone naturally suspected the Yang Family's involvement.

"You two need not look at me. Our family abandoned that distant northern mine as soon as the bandit troubles began. It remains unattended to this day. We have long since cut ties with the Zhang Family."

Yang Lingrui smiled and shook his head. "So regarding this matter, our family is just as thoroughly confused."

Hearing this, the two men understood. After all, the Yang Family's withdrawal of miners and laborers was no secret.

Moreover, when they had encountered a bandit attack halfway back on that day, it was Baishi Town that sent troops to rescue them.

While the three men conversed, Zhao Qi stood silently behind Yang Lingrui.

He stood with his head slightly bowed and his hands resting at his sides, taking in the conversations of all the surrounding cultivators.

Before they left, Elder Yu had specifically warned him that, given his cultivation realm, he would likely be of little help to Yang Lingrui if a fight broke out.

Therefore, his assignment on this trip was threefold: first, to protect himself; second, to observe and listen carefully to help Yang Lingrui cover any blind spots; and finally, to broaden his own horizons.

"Hahaha, apologies for the wait, everyone."

Once the group had grown acquainted, Gao Hui appeared right on time. He distributed maps to the crowd and handed the handprint representing Baishi Town to Yang Lingrui.

"This journey is long, so I hope everyone will exercise caution. I, Gao, wish you all abundant fortune and the protection of auspicious stars."

"Thank you for the auspicious words, Town Chief Gao."

The group then set off, heading in the direction of Fengling Town.

At the same time, cultivator teams from several other towns also departed from their respective locations toward Fengling Town.

Among them, the most powerful was undoubtedly Cuixi, the foremost town under the jurisdiction of Wangyue City.

Cuixi Town was the closest to Wangyue City among the eight towns. It boasted the largest scale and the highest population.

Those factors were fine, but more importantly, Cuixi's territory was home to the Li family.

The Li family was anchored by an ancestor at the twelfth level of Qi Gathering, Perfection. He was invincible beneath the Condensed Origin realm.

The recent Wangchao decree had originally intended to send this ancestor east to quell the rebellion. However, because the Li family had Sect connections, they managed to leverage those ties and alter the order. Ultimately, they dispatched two late-stage Qi Gathering cultivators instead, keeping their ancestor at home and stabilizing the family's foundation.

For this expedition, the Li family dispatched three cultivators: one at the mid-stage of Qi Gathering, and two at the early-stage.

The mid-stage cultivator was none other than Li Cheng, the man acquainted with Elder Yu who had once purchased items from the Yang family at the market.

His cultivation had grown further since that time, reaching the peak of the sixth level of Qi Gathering.

His participation in this ancient tomb exploration was also a search for an opportunity to achieve a personal breakthrough.

Half a month later, the cultivators from the seven towns arrived at Fengling one after another.

Duan Yong, the Town Chief of Fengling Town, had specifically constructed a separate courtyard outside the town for them to rest and recuperate.

"Young Master Li! Welcome, welcome!"

The team from Cuixi Town was the last to arrive, and Duan Yong personally came out of the town to greet them.

"Town Chief Duan, I trust you have been well."

Li Cheng cupped his hands and teased, "Have you grown accustomed to Fengling Town yet? No trouble adjusting to the local climate?"

"Hahahaha, Young Master Li still enjoys poking fun at me. What is there to get used to? Having a stable place to settle down is better than anything. What more could I be dissatisfied with?" Duan Yong laughed heartily.

From this exchange, it was clear that the two were old acquaintances who shared a strong personal bond.

"Let's talk as we walk. What is the situation with this ancient tomb?"

"Of course. Fellow Daoists, you have all endured a hard journey. Please follow me."

On the way to the courtyard, Duan Yong explained the situation regarding the ancient tomb to Li Cheng.

The tomb had been discovered a month ago. By the time Duan Yong went to investigate, the entrance had already revealed itself.

"I interrogated that group of grave robbers several times and confirmed they have no significant backing. However, the restrictive formation at the entrance is extremely formidable. Fengling Town cannot break through it on our own," Duan Yong said.

Li Cheng thought for a moment before asking, "An ancient tomb appears in this area, and the mountain Sects have no interest?"

"Lone Moon Mountain did send someone, and a high-level Condensed Origin cultivator at that. It's just that, uh..."

Duan Yong's expression became somewhat awkward, as if he wanted to speak but hesitated.

Seeing this look, Li Cheng understood. "I get it. They looked down on it, didn't they?"