Jian Ruyan knew the terrifying nature of the elder, and how sharp those eyes were.
She wasn't surprised that Mu Jinyu's mystical little tree hidden within the Sea of Consciousness wasn't discovered by the other party.
But she was rather surprised that Mu Jinyu's cultivation technique was recognized.
What surprised her even more was since the other party could recognize the "Green Emperor's Wood Emperor Art", how could they not differentiate between Green Emperor True Yuan and Life Source Energy?
Or perhaps the other party had recognized it, but simply didn't say anything?
This kind of speculation made Jian Ruyan feel even more worried inside.
Mu Jinyu shook his head in response to Jian Ruyan's inquiry, saying, "Probably not many wood spirit root cultivators in the Heavenly Palace, none capable of cultivating the 'Green Emperor's Wood Emperor Art', so he couldn't see the difference between Green Emperor True Yuan and Life Source Energy?"
"That might be the reason, but it's also possible he recognized it but didn't say it. Either way, you better be more cautious in the future..."
Jian Ruyan couldn't figure out the real reason either, ultimately reminding Mu Jinyu with concern.
"Mm, I understand." Mu Jinyu nodded gently.
After Jian Ruyan's reminder, Mu Jinyu also became more vigilant about the Heavenly Palace and the Vice Palace Master.
Mu Jinyu then set aside the first soul-snatching resolution technique and picked up the jade slip of the second method chosen by both Wen Rou and Jian Ruyan, pondering where in the Kunlun Ruins he could find the Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures mentioned within.
He felt quite regretful that if the soul-snatching resolution technique didn't require so many Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, he wouldn't need to expend mental strength searching everywhere.
Now, after obtaining the resolution method and allowing Wen Rou and Jian Ruyan to return to their bodies, he could infiltrate the Heavenly Palace to find the truth behind the Xiang family's past disaster...
Or he could leave the Kunlun Ruins early and return to Huaxia, so Gu Xiyan and Su Zijin wouldn't have to worry.
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, Mu Jinyu remembered Jian Ruyan's reminder, his eyes narrowing sharply.
Since the elder may have recognized that he possessed Life Source Energy but continued to act unaware, did he also know Jian Ruyan was by his side, thus deliberately giving him this resolution method?
This was also a possibility.
After all, with the Heavenly Palace's enormous influence in the Kunlun Ruins, he hadn't disguised Jian Ruyan's appearance much while traveling from the Yan Kingdom to various countries. Maybe the other party was already aware of Jian Ruyan's return?
And because the other party had other intentions towards Jian Ruyan and himself, they actually had a better resolution method but specifically gave him this most mentally exhausting method.
Unable to leave the Kunlun Ruins nor explore the situation in the Heavenly Palace.
Thinking this, Mu Jinyu became even more vigilant towards the Heavenly Palace and the elder.
He knew this suspicion could be scaring himself, but it was not impossible and he must not be careless in the future.
"Knock knock knock!!"
At this moment, a knocking sound came from the door.
Mu Jinyu's expression shifted; he extended his Divine Sense beyond the door to see several people standing outside.
Leading them was someone Mu Jinyu knew, Gu Rulong, with whom he had made an appointment after the Hidden Dragon Conference.
Behind Gu Rulong were those several middle-aged men of impressive presence, with vigor and vitality—a high-ranking group from the Dragon Elephant Sect, he assumed.
Mu Jinyu had nothing to fear and signaled Wen Rou and Jian Ruyan to return to their room before he opened the door.
"Brother Mu, sorry to disturb you."
With the door opened, Gu Rulong saw Mu Jinyu and smiled apologetically.
He was concerned that since Mu Jinyu left the Heavenly Palace but did not meet at their agreed location, he might simply leave without bothering, so he hurriedly came over to seek him out.
"No problem, I was about to go find you."
After nodding to Gu Rulong, Mu Jinyu nodded to the group behind him and waved them in, "Come, let's talk inside."
"Excuse us."
Gu Rulong said as he led the elders into the living room.
Mu Jinyu served them tea but didn't ask about their visit, maintaining a calm demeanor.
But one of them, with a flat cut, seemed quite restless and couldn't help asking directly: "Hey, little friend, how did you temper your physical body like that? Are you cultivating the 'Dragon-Elephant Prison Suppression Technique'?"
The question drew a slightly discontent glance from an imposing man, filled with vigor and resembling a powerful flood dragon.
However, he didn't reprimand, understandably waiting eagerly for Mu Jinyu's response.
"Yes, why?"
Mu Jinyu paused his tea-making, looking at them with puzzled eyes, "Isn't the 'Dragon-Elephant Prison Suppression Technique' a common body refinement method in Kunlun Ruins? Is it related to your Dragon Elephant Sect?"
"Did you come here intending to cripple my cultivation body and forbid me from practicing the 'Dragon-Elephant Prison Suppression Technique' in the future?"
Gu Rulong trembled and hastily waved his hands, "No, no, no, we didn't mean that, just wanted to know..."
His words were cut short when the dignified middle-aged man signaled him to stop.
Gu Rulong immediately fell silent.
The man continued, "I am Long Chen, the leader of the Dragon Elephant Sect; let's be straightforward. We came here to ask if you are cultivating the 'Dragon-Elephant Prison Suppression Technique' or the 'Dragon Elephant Prison Suppression Scripture'?!"
Mu Jinyu, discerning the other's strong presence, possibly a Unity Realm Stage expert, knew there was a Heavenly Palace branch nearby and was unafraid.
Smiling faintly, Mu Jinyu replied, "The technique? So what? The scripture? So what?"
Long Chen's eyes shimmered like brilliant stars, "If it's the technique, you must have a divine body; I'll invite you to Dragon Elephant Sect and teach you the supreme body refinement method, 'Dragon Elephant Prison Suppression Scripture,' which could soon forge a true dragon's physique."
"If it's the scripture... I'd need to know your source before deciding!"
Mu Jinyu chuckled, "Alright, truly straightforward, I won't deceive you then, I'm cultivating the 'Dragon Elephant Prison Suppression Scripture'."
"Knew it!"
Mu Jinyu's admission evoked complex gazes from the people present from Dragon Elephant Sect, including Gu Rulong.
There was bitterness, retrospective contemplation, and resignation...
Mu Jinyu found it intriguing, starting to speculate on the truth.
Long Chen's eyes sparkled, "How did you acquire it?"
Mu Jinyu answered, "I destroyed a sect called the Blood Sword Sect and found it in their Scripture Pavilion."
"Blood Sword Sect?"
"Why such an unheard-of sect?!"
"This doesn't make sense..."
"Makes sense now. No wonder we couldn't find any clues..."
Hearing Mu Jinyu's response, the Dragon Elephant Sect members appeared understanding and murmured.