Given the prominent status and power of the Empty Realm Divine Monk, he would undoubtedly have numerous subordinates assisting him. A direct assassination would be problematic and could easily lead to diplomatic issues, so there was no rush to kill him.
As for gathering evidence to ruin the Empty Realm Divine Monk's reputation, Ning Beichen had no patience for such matters. He was merely a demonic monk; finding him and eliminating him was enough. There was no need to create unnecessary trouble for himself.
After hearing Ning Beichen's explanation, Chen Mingyue agreed it made sense. It was not the right time to deal with the Empty Realm Divine Monk. Furthermore, they knew little about him. While killing him was possible, being able to kill him and actually killing him were two different concepts. Therefore, Chen Mingyue decided to investigate the Empty Realm Divine Monk first.
The next morning, the two left the island. They did not go sightseeing. Chen Mingyue began to mobilize her family's resources to investigate the Empty Realm Divine Monk. As her investigation progressed, Chen Mingyue discovered that the Empty Realm Divine Monk was becoming increasingly complex. First, his identity was well-known in Sakura Country.
What kind of fame was it? The Empty Realm Divine Monk was considered the national monk of Sakura Country, renowned throughout the land, known by everyone. He also had a very close relationship with the imperial family. Essentially, for any significant event in Sakura Country, he would be invited to preside. Therefore, his death would cause immense trouble.
When Chen Mingyue shared her findings with Ning Beichen, he merely sneered. Ning Beichen would not fear the reputation of anyone he intended to kill. He had dared to rob the Divine Sect Court directly; would he fear a mere demonic monk? If it weren't for the need to find the Po Zong Dan, Ning Beichen would have already gone to his doorstep.
"Don't worry about him for now. We killed those monks at the Guan Dao Divine Temple. Even if we don't go looking for him, he will surely send people to trouble us. Once we obtain the Po Zong Dan, I'll have some fun with him!" Ning Beichen declared.
Chen Mingyue nodded, realizing this was the only course of action. The main issue was that the Empty Realm Divine Monk was not easy to deal with. Otherwise, Chen Mingyue would have had the Chen family handle him directly. Now, it seemed a long-term plan was necessary.
Three mornings later, Ning Beichen and Chen Mingyue appeared at Sun Moon Mountain in Sakura Country. Many people had already gathered, including the Chen family's Old Ancestor.
"Grandpa." Chen Mingyue immediately walked over.
"Young Friend Ning, thank you for handling the temple matters." Chen Zhoutian ignored his granddaughter and cupped his fists towards Ning Beichen, addressing him as an equal. After all, Ning Beichen had defeated the Sakura Island Sword King, Liu Sheng Yuan Zhong, with a single move, "Splitting Mountains with a Single Slash."
"Old Ancestor Chen, there's no need for such politeness. It was merely a small gesture," Ning Beichen replied calmly.
"Good. A hero emerges from youth." Chen Zhoutian moved closer to Ning Beichen and whispered to him. "Young Friend Ning, could you do me a favor? Most of these people are untrustworthy. After we enter, please protect my granddaughter. It's better not to obtain the Po Zong Dan than to let her come to harm."
"Rest assured, as long as I am here, Chen Mingyue will be safe," Ning Beichen replied.
"Good, then I'll trouble Young Friend Ning." Chen Zhoutian's heart settled upon receiving Ning Beichen's assurance.
The other young people, upon seeing Chen Mingyue, appeared very friendly towards her. Some were even fawning over her. Ning Beichen, however, was completely ignored. Ning Beichen didn't bother to pay them any mind. It was good that these people were unwilling to associate with him, as he had no desire to get to know them either. Looking at them, Ning Beichen assessed their strength, finding it mediocre. However, a few of them possessed cultivation levels somewhat stronger than Chen Mingyue's. But in the eyes of Ning Beichen, a Grandmaster, they were insignificant. Not to mention these people, even the veteran Grandmasters like the Chen family's Old Ancestor were beneath his notice. If a fight were to break out, Ning Beichen could take them all on alone.
However, Ning Beichen was surprised to find that the Grandmaster Alliance included not only Grandmasters from the Eastern Ancient Country but also from Sakura Country, and even a few blond-haired, blue-eyed foreigners.
"Foreigners have Grandmasters too?" Ning Beichen asked the Old Ancestor curiously.
"Their cultivation systems are different from our Eastern Ancient Country, but they all lead to the same destination in the end. In terms of strength, they are still inferior to our Eastern Ancient Country's Grandmasters," Chen Zhoutian explained. "However, the Grandmaster Alliance is open to all, and everyone aims to break through that final step. Allowing them to join the Grandmaster Alliance is, in essence, for mutual learning and the exchange of experiences." He continued, "Young Friend Chen, if you are interested, I can recommend you to join the Grandmaster Alliance after this matter is resolved. With your strength, you will undoubtedly stand out among them."
"No need. I'm not interested in a bunch of old men and women," Ning Beichen refused without hesitation, leaving Chen Zhoutian feeling a bit regretful.
Shortly after, Ning Beichen saw a monk from Sakura Country arrive, which surprised him.
"Old Ancestor Chen, are there even monks from Sakura Country here?"
"I only learned this news today. His name is Ming Hai, and he is a disciple of the Empty Realm Divine Monk. We cannot bypass the Empty Realm Divine Monk when searching for the Po Zong Dan at Sun Moon Mountain. If we don't allow a disciple of the Empty Realm Divine Monk to come, we might face considerable trouble, as this is Sakura Country's territory," Chen Zhoutian explained to Ning Beichen.
"I understand. If I kill him inside, it won't cause you trouble, right?" Upon hearing that Ming Hai was a disciple of the Empty Realm Divine Monk, Ning Beichen's first reaction was to kill him.
"It's best to restrain yourself for now and prioritize obtaining the Po Zong Dan. If you absolutely must kill him, it's best not to let anyone see," Chen Zhoutian whispered to Ning Beichen.
"Alright, I understand." Ning Beichen did not want to put the Chen family's Old Ancestor in a difficult position.
"Mingyue, after we go in, stay with me. I will protect you," a man about 1.85 meters tall with handsome features said to Chen Mingyue.
"No need. I already have a companion," Chen Mingyue refused him without hesitation.
"Mingyue, I'm serious. It's extremely dangerous inside, especially since the Old Ancestors are not going in. If something happens, no one will be able to save us," the man continued to Chen Mingyue.
"Zhao Jun, thank you for your kind offer, but I already have a companion. You should find someone else," Chen Mingyue said to him.
"Mingyue, everyone here is present, and I don't see any companion of yours. You don't need to lie to me." Zhao Jun persisted in bothering Chen Mingyue, and it was obvious to anyone that he had feelings for her.
"I'm not lying to you. I really do have a companion. He is my companion." Chen Mingyue walked directly to Ning Beichen's side and said to him. Upon seeing Ning Beichen and Chen Mingyue together, Zhao Jun's expression immediately turned grim.