C13 Chen Daoran's Whereabouts

After steering clear of the isolation elder, Bai Yu proactively sought out the secluded retreat of the Grand Upper Elder.

The Star Cloud Sect's most enigmatic locale was undoubtedly the back mountain.

Nestled within this mountain was a cave where the Grand Upper Elder and other elders on the cusp of advancement would often go to push through their barriers.

Bai Yu circled the entrance several times, but he couldn't pinpoint the Grand Upper Elder's exact location.

For reasons unknown, the cave seemed empty and impenetrable to his senses; he had no idea how many were inside.

Just as Bai Yu was about to abandon his search, someone approached from outside: "Bai Yu, are you here to see the Grand Upper Elder?"

Bai Yu remained silent, unwilling to reveal his intentions to anyone, and thus he resigned himself to leave.

The newcomer handed Bai Yu a cage, gesturing for him to take it inside the cave.

The Grand Upper Elder was on the brink of a breakthrough, separated from the next level by a mere barrier that had withstood his efforts for years.

Given this opportunity by a fellow disciple, Bai Yu seized it, carrying the cage into the cave.

Upon Bai Yu's arrival, the Grand Upper Elder sensed his presence and slowly opened his eyes.

"I'm in here; just bring it in. I'm curious, why have you come here by yourself?"

With a wave of his sleeve, the barrier of isolation vanished.

Bai Yu, holding the cage, stepped further inside and began to grasp the vast difference between himself and the Grand Upper Elder.

"If I'm not mistaken, you've come to the Star Cloud Sect with a specific goal in mind, haven't you?"

His reluctance to request mentorship was tantamount to a disinterest in the Sect's Secret Scriptures.

"I have no ulterior motive. I'm simply seeking to understand the Star Cloud Sect's internal cultivation techniques, if I may..."

Despite possessing a golden Root, without a solid internal cultivation method to support it, his power would remain untapped.

The Grand Upper Elder, observing Bai Yu's focus on the Secret Scripture in his hand, offered, "This is our cultivation method; feel free to examine it."

The Star Cloud Sect had its unique cultivation method, yet Bai Yu found himself indifferent to the scripture's contents.

"I've heard that the Star Cloud Sect boasts a formidable expert named Chen Daoran. Do you know where I might find him?"

The Grand Upper Elder, upon hearing Bai Yu mention Chen Daoran, narrowed his eyes and scrutinized Bai Yu, his thoughts inscrutable.

Bai Yu wasn't the least bit surprised that the Grand Upper Elder was reluctant to disclose the man's whereabouts.

After all, revealing someone's location on the spur of the moment, especially when their name is brought up out of the blue, isn't done lightly—who's to say it's not someone with malicious intent?

"Chen Daoran left the sect quite some time ago to wander the world."

Learning that Chen Daoran wasn't even at the sect, Bai Yu muttered curses under his breath, wondering why he was searching for such a person in the first place.

If Chen Daoran delayed his return, Bai Yu might find himself stuck at the sect for an indefinite period.

Observing the shift in Bai Yu's demeanor, the Grand Upper Elder inquired, "What business do you have with him?"

Bai Yu was quick to deny any specific intent, careful not to let the Grand Upper Elder discern his true motives.

"It's rare for anyone in our sect to be familiar with Chen Daoran's name. The fact that you know it suggests that you're no ordinary individual."

Though the Grand Upper Elder didn't directly address Bai Yu's identity, it instilled in him a sense of urgency.

To prevent any potential conflict, the Grand Upper Elder offered, "The Secret Scripture you possess should see you safely through the initial stages. Should you wish to pursue further cultivation later on, feel free to seek me out."

The Grand Upper Elder seldom left his cave, effectively making it his abode.

As long as no other elders were present, they could use the space for discussion.

"I'm curious how you came to know of Chen Daoran, or how you found your way to the Star Cloud Sect."

All the other disciples had sponsors, yet Bai Yu had arrived alone.

Regardless, by bringing up Chen Daoran, he was inevitably exposing himself to risk.

"The Star Cloud Sect's reputation doesn't seem to require a referral. I believed I could meet your standards, so I made my way here."

The Grand Upper Elder looked at Bai Yu with disbelief, clearly skeptical of his claims.

Bai Yu, under the Grand Upper Elder's persistent gaze, felt a persistent unease.

In his mind, the Grand Upper Elder was someone who had attained the stature of a great master, not at all the type to be overbearing or petty.

True to form, the Grand Upper Elder recognized that Bai Yu harbored no malice towards them and naturally let his guard down.

"If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to contact me."

After finishing his meal in silence, he returned the dishes to Bai Yu.

Obtaining the Secret Scripture in the cave was certainly not a fruitless endeavor.

Even though Bai Yu had not become the Grand Upper Elder's disciple, his willingness to offer assistance in his own way spoke volumes of the Elder's magnanimity.

Determined to ensure the enduring success of the Star Cloud Sect, he resorted to such measures without hesitation.

"When Chen Daoran returns, I'll seek you out. You're free to go now."

With a wave of his sleeve, Bai Yu's surroundings shifted, and he found himself outside the cave in an instant.

The disciples had been waiting at the entrance, seemingly anticipating Bai Yu's unconventional exit.

One of them extended a hand towards Bai Yu, reassuringly saying, "Don't be nervous. The Grand Upper Elder is just that kind of person. Let's move on."

The back mountain was off-limits, a place one could not enter without express permission.

But the Grand Upper Elder had extended special consideration to Bai Yu, which is why the other disciples refrained from confronting him.

Had it not been for this protection, Bai Yu would have been intercepted by an elder the moment he set foot in the restricted area, never allowed to venture deeper.

Unaware of the peril he had narrowly avoided, Bai Yu began to ponder.

Back in the courtyard, he could hear the Dust Taoist's voice from next door.

Since Bai Yu had emptied the Dust Taoist's purse, the latter had tightened the reins on the Second Prince. Whether this was personal retribution, Bai Yu couldn't tell.

Regardless, it was none of his concern. Bai Yu entered his room, choosing to ignore the commotion as if he knew nothing.

After pouring himself a glass of water, a Mountain Sect Disciple burst through the door.

Recognizing the newcomer, Bai Yu wondered what brought him here. "What's going on?"

Panting heavily, the Mountain Sect Disciple pointed towards the entrance and managed to say, "Dongfang Menghuan has been brought up here. It's up to you to handle it."

Instinctively, Bai Yu glanced at the roasted chicken and wine in the Storage Bag. There was no reason for Dongfang Menghuan not to seek him out for some mischief.

"Why has she been brought here? Isn't it too late to accept new people?"

Bai Yu stood up, intending to leave his courtyard.

It was certain that Dongfang Menghuan would head to his residence first; lying in wait was the easiest strategy.

As Bai Yu approached the gate, he spotted a familiar silhouette approaching from a distance, wielding a standard-issue weapon from the Star Cloud Sect.

It appeared that the elder had taken her under his wing.