"I can’t say for sure if I’ll be free then."

"Oh?" Su Wanqing was a little disappointed. "Alright, then."

Xiao Chen saw her reaction and added, "Don’t worry. If I have time, I’ll definitely remember to go and support you."

As he spoke, he rummaged through his Storage Bag and took out the Water Spirit Pearl he had bought in Yellow Wind Valley.

At the time, he had been in dire need of Wood Element Spirit Liquid. He’d thought that if he couldn’t find a suitable Spiritual Liquid later on, this Water Spirit Pearl could serve as a substitute. After all, water nourishes wood.

But in the end, he had collected several types of Wood Element Spiritual Objects one after another, so the Water Spirit Pearl had gone unused.

On various holidays, Su Wanqing would often bring him small gifts when she came to visit.

Now that she had become the Chief Disciple, it was only right for him to give her something in return.

This Water Spirit Pearl was the perfect return gift. "Here. Take this as an early congratulatory gift for becoming the Chief Disciple."

"I remember you have a Water Spirit Root. Using this to practice your Water Techniques might help you in the competition in September."

"Wow, don’t tell me this is an Eastern Domain Spirit Pearl?"

Su Wanqing recognized the Water Spirit Pearl at a glance and accepted it with great delight. "Thank you, Junior Martial Master Xiao! I’ve just been practicing my Water Techniques recently, so I won’t stand on ceremony."

Although the sect’s grand competition was a major event for many in the Li Huo Sect, to Xiao Chen, it was merely a minor interlude.

After returning to the sect, he made another trip to the Scripture Pavilion.

He meticulously examined the remaining Ancient Texts, paying special attention to any content related to volcanic clusters, hoping to find clues about the Yin Fire Fiend.

Unfortunately, even after combing through all the books, he found no other clues about Evil Qi.

’Could it be that Li State only has one type of Evil Qi?’

If that were true, things would become much more troublesome.

In the current situation, besides Li State, Hezhou was the only other place he could go. All paths leading further out had been cut off by the Divine Fire Sect.

’Is there any other way to get out?’

Xiao Chen thought for a moment, then went to find Lin Ping’an. "Junior Brother Lin, do you know of any way to bypass the Divine Fire Sect and get to other places?"

"For example, that Secret Realm entrance we went to last time. Could we use that entrance to leave?"

Lin Ping’an replied with a serious expression, "If I could cultivate to the Nascent Soul Stage, I could probably try to alter the Array."

’The Nascent Soul Stage? What the hell? I might as well just fight my way out.’

However, Xiao Chen knew this idea was a bit outrageous to begin with, so he had only asked on the off chance. "Alright, just pretend I never asked that last question."

His main purpose was still to say, "Junior Brother Lin, if you’re going to any other Secret Realms later, remember to give me a call." 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

The environments within Secret Realms were unique and could nurture Spiritual Objects like the Flame Spirit Crystal.

He might just be able to find Evil Qi in one of them.

Lin Ping’an agreed readily. "No problem. If I get any leads, I’ll definitely come find you first, Senior Brother."

The two had worked together pleasantly before, and he didn’t mind cooperating a few more times.

’Since there are no clues, I might as well just focus on cultivation for now.’

Returning to Cuiwei Valley, Xiao Chen calmed his thoughts.

He felt that after finding the Heaven-Burning Fiend, he had become a little too impatient.

The moment he thought of breaking through to the Golden Core, he wished he could gather all the necessary Evil Qi immediately. This kind of impetuous mindset was actually detrimental.

"KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!"

A sudden knock came from the door.

"Steward Xiao, you are requested at the main sect hall. There is a very important assembly that requires your attendance."

Xiao Chen opened the door and saw that the person who had come to notify him was an Inner Sect Disciple, apparently one of the two responsible for standing guard at the main sect hall.

He asked curiously, "What’s so urgent?"

Generally, if it wasn’t a particularly urgent matter, the disciples wouldn’t disturb him by knocking directly on his door.

They would either wait by the door or slip a notice into the crack of the door.

The other party replied, "I heard it’s related to Hezhou."

Hezhou?

’Could the situation in Hezhou have worsened?’

Xiao Chen wanted to ask more, but it was clear this disciple didn’t know any further details.

He arrived at the main sect hall. Before long, most of the stewards and Elders who were in the sect had also received the news and hurried over.