Inside Liu Yun's room, the air seemed frozen. After Xiao Qi's earth-shaking words fell, he stood straight, gaze facing Third Senior Sister's probing eyes. His hands at his sides unconsciously clenched, palms sweaty — nervous from proposing such a bold plan, but more than that, a determined resolve.
After a long while, Liu Yun slowly spoke, voice cool: "Do you know what you are saying?"
"I know." Xiao Qi's voice was firm, "I attended the Alliance council for three days as an observer. At this rate, by the time they reach a concrete plan, Blackwater Marsh will have become who knows what. We cannot wait, cannot afford to wait."
"Just with our few people?" Liu Yun's tone was cold, yet carried a hint of testing, "Facing the Shadow Snake Pavilion's core conspiracy — even the Alliance treats it seriously — there may be Golden Core cultivators, even more terrifying existences. You are courting death."
"Not courting death — investigating!" Xiao Qi argued, his tone excited, "We are few, have a small target, move quickly. Disciple possesses purifying power, sensitivity to demonic energy far exceeding ordinary people; perhaps can avoid risks in advance and find key points. Sister and Senior Brother possess strong abilities, sufficient to handle most emergencies. Second Senior Brother is resourceful, Zhao Senior Brother is trustworthy, and there is the rabbit spirit... we have tacit teamwork, not without chance! At the very least, we can scout Blackwater Marsh's situation faster than the Alliance — even if just sending back more accurate intelligence, we can save many!" He paused, voice lowering, carrying earnestness: "Sister, when we rescued those villagers in the cave, you were also anxious, also wanted to quickly eliminate the demon lair. Now, just because of the Alliance's delay, must we watch helplessly? Those possibly suffering at Blackwater Marsh, waiting for rescue — they cannot wait!"
Liu Yun looked at him silently, watching this youngest junior brother who at entry was merely mediocre talent and somewhat timid, now daring to argue his case before her, proposing such a crazy yet... responsibility-filled plan. She recalled in the cave how he did not hesitate to use his body and that strange wok to block the Iron Mask Enforcer's fatal strike; recalled his focus when desperately purifying glyphs to rescue villagers. He had changed. No longer the little seedling needing her constant watering and protection. His wings, tempered by life-and-death edges and harsh reality, were becoming firm.
"This matter is not mine to decide." Liu Yun ultimately did not agree directly, nor flatly refuse, "Must inform Master."
Xiao Qi's heart tightened, but knew this was inevitable, nodding. The two immediately sent a transmission talisman, briefly informing Xuanlin who was still handling sect affairs at Clear Void Temple. In less than half an hour, a streak of blue light descended from the Tianshu City transmission array direction, landing in the residence courtyard — Xuanlin, who had rushed over immediately upon receiving news.
"Ridiculous!" Xuanlin's face darkened the moment he saw Xiao Qi, his tone carrying anger, "The Alliance has not reached any resolution, yet you juniors dare act privately? And to go to Blackwater Marsh's dragon's den! Xiao Qi, you are only Qi Refining stage, barely survived last time, injuries not yet healed — how can you be so reckless?!"
Facing his Master's rebuke, Xiao Qi lowered his head but did not retreat; he once more clearly presented his worries about Alliance efficiency, his anxiety about possibly ongoing tragedies at Blackwater Marsh, and his team's advantages and determination. "Master, disciple knows the risk is huge. But some things, knowing danger, must be done by someone. Waiting might be safe, but the cost could be countless innocent lives. Disciple... cannot in good conscience wait."
Xuanlin looked at his youngest disciple, at his pale yet determined face, at the undeniable light in his eyes. His heart was filled with complex emotions. How could he not know the Alliance's drawbacks? How could he not worry about Blackwater Marsh's situation? But he worried even more about his disciple's safety. Qi Refining stage participating in struggles at this level — any misstep meant destruction of body and soul. He was silent for a long time; only wind rustled in the courtyard. Finally, Xuanlin sighed deeply; that sigh contained too much resignation, worry, and a trace of pride.
"Fine..." He shook his head, tone complex, "An eagle must eventually leave the nest; fierce tigers also need to face the forest alone. Your disposition, I know; since your resolve is firm, you believe this should be done, then go."
Xiao Qi's head snapped up, eyes bursting with surprise: "Master!"
"But!" Xuanlin's tone changed, becoming extremely serious, "Remember, your primary mission this trip is reconnaissance, obtaining intelligence — not frontal assault! Once you discover the situation is unwinnable, or encounter unavoidable danger, you must immediately withdraw, self-preservation paramount! Do not show off bravery, pointlessly sacrificing your lives! Otherwise, I will be the first to not forgive you!"
"Disciple understands! Will heed Master's teaching!" Xiao Qi hastily bowed, warmth flooding his heart.
Xuanlin said no more. He took from his storage bag several items. First were three talismans radiating spiritual energy, their paper pale gold, inscribed with complex ancient seal script, faintly revealing spatial fluctuations. "These are three Minor Teleportation Talismans, life-saving items. When activated, they randomly teleport you over a hundred li away. At critical moments, they may save your lives. Use sparingly!" Next, he took out a magic treasure. It was a palm-sized, entirely jade-green flying shuttle, its shape smooth, surface cloud patterns flowing, wind-attribute spiritual energy fluctuations. "This is the Cyan Spirit Flying Shuttle, an upper-grade flying magic treasure this old one used in earlier years. Speed is acceptable, and its flight's spiritual energy fluctuations are weak, easy to conceal. Much faster than the sect-issued Cyan Leaf Boat, more suitable for your mission." He solemnly placed the talismans and shuttle into Xiao Qi's hands, then deeply looked at him, patted his shoulder: "Go. Call Liu Yun, Mu Qingfeng, all of them, plan well. Everything... be careful."
"Thank you, Master!" Xiao Qi received the treasures; they felt heavy in his hands, not merely due to value, but more due to the Master's profound care and support contained within.
With his Master's tacit approval and these gifts, Xiao Qi's notion of independent investigation finally took a firm first step beyond mere idea. The road ahead was dangerous, yet he was not alone.