Immortality and Cultivation: This old man seeks enlightenment through mere survival.

The Tianqing River meanders northward like a jade belt.

As dusk fell, the water shimmered, reflecting the vast mountain scenery on both banks.

Jiuyou and Jiang Feng stood side by side on the cloud, the scholar in green robes fluttering in the wind.

After leaving the Changli Mountains, the two headed north, following the Tianqing River directly to the Jiang family's location.

Along the way, Jiuyou had observed several cities or sect locations that had been affected by the fog tide.

Along the way, Jiuyou had already inspected several cities and sect ruins ravaged by the fog tide. The eerie aura permeating the crumbling walls confirmed his suspicions.

This is precisely the Mist Demon King's method, undoubtedly the [Mist Tide Domain].

"Senior, I..."

Jiang Feng gazed upstream, the communication jade talisman he held tightly in his palm had not received a reply for a month.

He witnessed the devastation along the way, and was naturally extremely anxious.

Jiuyou patted him on the shoulder: "Things will work themselves out. There's no use being anxious now. Don't let it affect your mind."

A few days later.

Jiuyou raised his eyes and looked into the distance. Amidst the clouds and mist on the horizon, he could vaguely see gray haze surging—the fog tide was indeed approaching.

The outline of Fangyou City gradually became clear in the twilight.

This immortal cultivation city, built along the water, should have been brightly lit, but now only scattered faint lights can be seen, like fragments of a galaxy.

The protective array at the city gate was still in operation, but its spiritual light flickered uncertainly, like a candle in the wind, showing its desolation.

"How could this be..."

Jiang Feng stood there on the long street, utterly desolate.

The once bustling streets are now piled high with fallen leaves, and only one in ten shops remains.

A collapsed restaurant stands across the street, with traces of a battle remaining among the charred beams—it was once one of the Jiang family's properties.

Several ordinary people huddled at the alley entrance looked up at the sound, and when they saw it was them, they lowered their heads in fear, like startled birds...

Twilight Quadruple.

Jiang Feng and Jiu You landed silently in front of the Jiang residence without alerting anyone.

The mansion gate was tightly closed, and fallen leaves piled up on the stone steps in front of it, indicating that it had been neglected for a long time.

"Go directly to see my grandfather."

Jiang Feng said in a low voice, his divine sense spreading out like an invisible spider web, instantly locking onto several familiar auras.

Deep within the Jiang residence, in the council hall.

The lights flickered uneasily in the breeze, casting long and short shadows on everyone, making the atmosphere even heavier than the deep twilight outside the window.

Jiang Tianren, the eldest son of the Jiang family, sat upright on the left side of the main seat, his brows furrowed, listening to the elders report one by one.

One bad news after another—

Market revenues plummeted, and industries withered.

Several Qi Refining families and sects that used to do business with each other have quietly severed ties.

Resources are scarce, the spirit stones in the treasury are running low, and the monthly allowances for the clan members have been half a month overdue, causing unrest among the members...

There was a gloomy atmosphere.

Sitting opposite him was Jiang Tianyi, the second son, whose fingertips tapped unconsciously on the sandalwood table. His eyes were lowered, as if he were listening attentively, but a hint of impatience flashed deep in his eyes.

At this moment——

Two figures pierced through the twilight like ghosts, ignoring the guards at the door, and swept directly into the center of the council hall like a gentle breeze. Their figures were solid and their auras were powerful.

"Who goes there?! How dare you act so insolently in the Jiang family!"

On the main seat, the old patriarch Jiang Yue, with his slightly white hair and beard, suddenly raised his head, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, his spiritual power surging, and he was about to make a move!

"Grandpa! It's me!"

Jiang Feng quickly stepped forward, removing the aura that concealed his presence and revealing his true appearance.

"...Feng'er?"

Jiang Yue's concentrated magical power suddenly dissipated. He stood up in astonishment, looking at the calm and sharp-eyed young man in front of him in disbelief.

The Jiang family's high-ranking members in the hall were in an uproar!

"Jiang Feng?"

"Didn't he suddenly disappear with the scholar in blue? How come he's back?"

"This aura... it's definitely Foundation Establishment stage! He's really reached Foundation Establishment?!"

Whispers of surprise, astonishment, and disbelief filled the hall.

All eyes were focused on Jiang Feng, but then they were involuntarily drawn to the composed scholar in blue robes standing beside him with his hands behind his back.

The person simply stood there quietly, yet seemed to exist in their own world, unfathomable in its depths.

Jiang Yue strode down from the main seat, grabbed Jiang Feng's arm, and probed him with his spiritual sense. The shock on his face quickly turned into uncontrollable excitement and ecstasy, and his voice trembled:

"Good! Good! Good! Foundation Establishment stage! My grandson has really achieved Foundation Establishment!"

He said "good" three times in a row, his eyes slightly red. All the humiliation and hardship his family had endured over the past three years seemed to be released at this moment.

His gaze turned to Jiuyou, and his expression immediately became extremely solemn, even showing a hint of reverence. He bowed deeply.

"Seeing your divine presence again, senior, your demeanor remains as elegant as ever! The Jiang family will never forget your kindness in giving new life to the Jiang family and to Feng'er!"

"Ah."

Jiuyou simply nodded slightly in return.

Given his personality and abilities, the fact that he even gave a response is already a sign of respect for Jiang Feng.

As for the idea of ​​never forgetting a debt of gratitude, Jiuyou didn't expect the Jiang family to actually repay him in any way.

As Jiuyou's gaze inadvertently swept over everyone present, it paused briefly on one person.

Just now, he clearly caught a fleeting look of panic and gloom in the man's eyes.

Although it was quickly concealed, it couldn't escape the Nine Netherworlds' perception...

At this moment, Jiang Feng was extremely anxious. He didn't bother with pleasantries and asked directly:

"Grandpa, when I came here, the city was desolate. Was it eroded by the fog? Where is my father? Why is there no news of him?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yue's joy faded slightly, and he shook his head.

“If it were truly a fog tide that had invaded this place, my Jiang family’s foundation would have long since been destroyed. The scene in the city is a result of man-made disaster far exceeding natural disaster. Your father… alas, this is a long story, and there are other hidden reasons.”

He took a deep breath, glanced around at the elders and high-ranking members with their varied expressions, and said in a deep voice:

"What happened today is a top family secret. No one is allowed to divulge it. Anyone who violates this rule will be severely punished! You may all leave."

His words carried an undeniable authority.

Everyone looked at each other.

Seeing the old patriarch's resolute attitude, and glancing at the powerful Jiang Feng and the unfathomable Jiu You, they all bowed and took their leave, each harboring their own thoughts, knowing that the Jiang family's fortunes were about to change.

After everyone left, only Jiang Yue, Jiang Feng, and Jiu You remained in the hall.

Jiang Yue then led the two towards the forbidden area at the back, preparing to explain in detail the matter concerning Jiang Feng's father's disappearance.

Within the forbidden area.

"Grandpa, what exactly happened? Could it be that the Heavenly Underworld Palace is behind this?" Jiang Feng skipped the pleasantries and went straight to the point.

In the dead of night, only three people remained.

Jiang Yue gave a bitter smile, the candlelight flickering on his deeply lined face.

"Since the Black Miasma Forest incident three years ago, those small families and factions have not dared to offend their seniors openly, but secretly... suppliers have cut off their supply, friends have avoided them, and even merchants in the city have moved away one after another."

The Heavenly Nether Palace and the Huang family don't need to take action themselves; they have plenty of people to do it for them..."

Suddenly, the rustling of the Seven Treasures Tree came from outside the window, as if echoing his sigh.

Jiuyou nodded to himself; this was in line with his guess.

Despite his harsh words, it's true that it's easier to deal with the King of Hell than his underlings...