The Dragon Tiger Mountain in the early morning was exceptionally quiet. Jiang Wuming and Li Lianyi walked along the mountain path, heading towards the summit.
Wildflowers bloomed on the mountainside, filling the air with their fragrance, punctuated by occasional bird calls that brought a sense of relaxation and joy.
However—
Jiang Wuming couldn't feel joyful, having just learned about Qin Linhai's suspension.
“I’m sorry, Lianyi. I shouldn’t have brought you to Dragon Tiger Mountain at this time.”
As they walked, Jiang Wuming said apologetically to Li Lianyi.
Previously, to save the Su Group, Jiang Wuming had personally negotiated with Li Lianyi, reaching a cooperation agreement for the Su family and Longteng Pharmaceuticals, under Li family’s umbrella, to jointly operate the Qi and Blood Pill business.
One of the conditions was that Li Lianyi would have a medical exchange with the person who provided Jiang Wuming with the prescription.
Later, as their relationship grew closer, this matter was no longer just a condition of cooperation but had become an agreement between them.
As of today, it had transcended the agreement itself.
For Jiang Wuming, Dragon Tiger Mountain was his home, and Daoist Tianlong was his kin and elder.
Bringing Li Lianyi to Dragon Tiger Mountain felt more like bringing his girlfriend home to meet his parents.
This should have been a joyous occasion, but it had been overshadowed.
“You always tell your brothers that you don’t need to say sorry to each other. It’s the same for us.”
Sensing Jiang Wuming’s self-reproach in his words and expression, Li Lianyi smiled slightly and said, “For me, this trip to Dragon Tiger Mountain isn’t to discuss medicine with your master, nor even to see him, but to accompany you.”
Hearing this, Jiang Wuming paused, turned to look at the smiling girl beside him, and felt a soft spot in his heart being touched, filled with emotion.
Half an hour later, Jiang Wuming brought Li Lianyi to the mountainside of Dragon Tiger Mountain.
“Junior Brother!”
Knowing Jiang Wuming was returning, Zhu Yong had specifically come to the mountainside to meet him. He saw Jiang Wuming from afar and shouted happily, his figure like lightning. In just a few breaths, he had arrived before Jiang Wuming and Li Lianyi.
“Second Senior Brother!”
Seeing Zhu Yong, Jiang Wuming’s gloom gradually dissipated, replaced by a smile.
After Daoist Tianlong brought him to Dragon Tiger Mountain, his Second Senior Brother Zhu Yong had taken excellent care of him, and they had a very good relationship.
“Brother Zhu, hello.”
Li Lianyi also greeted Zhu Yong.
Through the Li family’s network, she had some understanding of the Dragon Tiger Mountain Daoist sect and knew of Zhu Yong, having heard Jiang Wuming mention him before.
At this moment, observing the interaction between Zhu Yong and Jiang Wuming, she knew their bond was very strong.
“Junior Sister-in-law is as beautiful as a celestial being, truly worthy of the name ‘Little Medical Immortal’.”
Zhu Yong said with a chuckle.
Li Lianyi knew him, and he naturally knew of Li Lianyi as well.
Hearing the term “Junior Sister-in-law,” Jiang Wuming felt a bit awkward—he and Li Lianyi had only confirmed their relationship, and they weren’t yet discussing marriage.
Despite his awkwardness, Jiang Wuming’s peripheral vision clearly saw that Li Lianyi showed no signs of embarrassment. Instead, she wore a rare, brilliant smile.
“Junior Brother, Junior Sister-in-law, Master is waiting for you on the mountain. Let’s go up.” Zhu Yong said again with a smile.
“Alright.”
Jiang Wuming nodded, then led Li Lianyi, and together with Zhu Yong, they walked towards the depths of Dragon Tiger Mountain.
As the holy land of Taoism in the world, Dragon Tiger Mountain had Daoist temples and scenic spots. However, the Daoist sect’s stronghold was located in the deep recesses of the mountain, a considerable distance from the tourist area, unknown to ordinary people.
“Wuming, is this the location of the Daoist sect’s stronghold?”
Half an hour later, Jiang Wuming and the other two arrived in the depths of Dragon Tiger Mountain. Li Lianyi saw a dilapidated small Daoist temple and a few wooden houses.
“Yes, that ancient Daoist temple is inherited from the Daoist sect, and those wooden houses were built later. That wooden house is where I used to live.”
Jiang Wuming nodded, pointing to a wooden house not far away, and then said, “Let’s go see my master first.”
“Okay.”
Li Lianyi nodded.
Although the Daoist sect’s stronghold was humble, setting aside her feelings for Jiang Wuming, she held no contempt for the Daoist sect.
This was because she had heard from Li Guyi that the Daoist sect was one of the oldest and most mysterious sects in China’s martial arts world, with a long history and profound heritage.
Even in the present day, with the Daoist sect’s decline, no force in China’s martial arts world dared to underestimate them!
Daoist Tianlong, the sect leader of the Daoist sect, was also praised by Li Guyi as the most mysterious existence in China’s martial arts world!
Soon, Zhu Yong led Jiang Wuming and Li Lianyi to the dilapidated Daoist temple. Daoist Tianlong, wearing a worn-out Daoist robe, sat cross-legged on a mat, holding a tattered whisk, exuding the aura of a reclusive master.
“Master, Junior Brother and Junior Sister-in-law are here.”
Zhu Yong entered and reported to Daoist Tianlong first.
Daoist Tianlong opened his eyes and swept his gaze towards Li Lianyi.
“Master.”
Jiang Wuming greeted him, but felt a little strange.
This was the first time he had seen his master dressed so 'formally' since joining the Daoist sect.
“Greetings, Master.” Li Lianyi also bowed and greeted him immediately.
“Young lady Li, my understanding of medicine is not as profound as your grandfather’s. I am merely skilled in alchemy. The Qi and Blood Pills are just one of the many alchemical formulas of the Daoist sect.”
Daoist Tianlong looked at Li Lianyi and slowly said:
“Since Wuming told me you wished to discuss medicine with me, I had Zhu Yong find the ancient alchemical texts for the Qi and Blood Pills and placed them in Wuming’s residence.
Today, Wuming is home, and since you are here, you are no longer an outsider. You may examine any of the Daoist sect’s alchemical ancient texts you wish, and you may ask me anything you don’t understand at any time.”
“Thank you, Master!”
Li Lianyi quickly thanked him, a happy smile on her face.
This happiness was not because she could freely peruse the Daoist sect’s ancient texts, but because Daoist Tianlong treated her as one of his own—this was tantamount to him acknowledging and approving of her relationship with Jiang Wuming!
“Wuming, I am aware of your situation, but I will not interfere. Everything is up to you to decide.”
Daoist Tianlong then turned his gaze towards Jiang Wuming.
“Ding—”
This time, as soon as Daoist Tianlong finished speaking, Jiang Wuming’s phone rang.
He took out his phone and saw it was a call from Li Rui, an advisor from the Martial Department. After a moment’s thought, he answered it in front of Daoist Tianlong, Li Lianyi, and Zhu Yong.
Soon, Li Rui’s voice came from the receiver: “Wuming, this is Li Rui.”
“Advisor Li, do you need something?” Jiang Wuming asked.
“Wuming, the Loulan ancient battlefield has once again seen the appearance of extraterrestrial enemies…”
Li Rui spoke again. He had already received a report from the Loulan Legion and learned about the extraterrestrial world sending envoys to deliver a message about the challenges posed by martial arts geniuses from the extraterrestrial world to Jiang Wuming.
However, before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by Jiang Wuming:
“Advisor Li, I have already reported to you. The Dragon Warriors team is all on rest and recuperation and cannot execute missions at the moment. Furthermore, Loulan Ancient City belongs to the Loulan Legion’s protection and has nothing to do with the Dragon Warriors team.”
“Wuming, you are correct. Loulan Ancient City is indeed under the protection of the Loulan Legion and has nothing to do with the Dragon Warriors team. But this matter concerns you, so I wanted to inform you.”
Hearing this, Li Rui knew that Jiang Wuming’s resentment had not yet dissipated, but the matter was of great importance, so he had to steel himself and continue.
“Please, speak.”
“Wuming, it’s like this…”
Li Rui immediately informed Jiang Wuming about the challenge posed by the geniuses from the five great families of the extraterrestrial world, adding, “The outcome of this battle will determine whether the war is terminated!”
“Advisor Li, what is the matter with Uncle Qin Linhai being suspended?”
After listening to Li Rui, Jiang Wuming did not respond but instead inquired about Qin Linhai’s situation.
“Wuming, it’s like this. Yesterday, after our call ended, Old Qi went to find Long Shengzhe…”
Li Rui was momentarily stunned upon hearing this, then recounted how Qi Wufu went to find Long Shengzhe and was refused entry.
“Advisor Li, please convey to Long Shengzhe that I am currently in seclusion and recuperating at Dragon Tiger Mountain and cannot participate in the battle!”
Upon learning about Qi Wufu’s situation, Jiang Wuming directly refused to fight.
“Uh…”
Li Rui was taken aback, momentarily at a loss for words.
“Master, do you know Long Qisheng?”
Jiang Wuming hung up the phone and turned his gaze to Daoist Tianlong.
“Yes, he is Long Shengzhe’s brother,” Daoist Tianlong replied.
“Long Qisheng might come to Dragon Tiger Mountain to find me, but I don’t want to see him. Can you stop him?” Jiang Wuming asked again.
“In this world, no one can force their way into Dragon Tiger Mountain.”
Daoist Tianlong said indifferently, “If Long Qisheng dares to force his way in, I will slap him to death with one hand!”