We're really not that close.

Realizing that the other party had not recognized him, Qi Yuan's vigilance eased slightly, and he nodded gently:

"This is Falling Cloud Valley."

He was a bit curious about why this guy had run here. Could it be... that a brothel he didn't know about had opened inside Falling Cloud Valley?

"Finally found it."

The man in the green robe immediately breathed a sigh of relief. He looked around, then cast his gaze toward Qi Yuan, "I am Piao Gen... uh, no, Piao Zhengji. May I ask what this brother is called?"

Piao Zhengji?

Qi Yuan's expression froze.

Good heavens, even his alias was so fresh, refined, and fitting to his nature; it was definitely the real deal.

"My name is Qi Da, an Inner Sect Disciple of Falling Cloud Valley."

Seeing that the other party was deliberately concealing his identity, Qi Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly and chose not to expose him on the spot.

After all, his own identity was also fake. Both of them were much the same; the pot shouldn't call the kettle black.

"So it's Brother Qi Da, we really have such a strong affinity!"

Hearing this, Pu Genshuo's eyes lit up. He then quite familiarly stepped forward, draped his arm over Qi Yuan's shoulder, and said with a warm tone:

"I have long heard of Brother Qi's great name outside, and I have always wanted to come to Falling Cloud Valley to visit you, brother. I didn't expect to run into you today. Truly, life is full of unexpected reunions!"

While speaking, Pu Genshuo's slightly abstract face beamed with a bright smile, as if he had truly met an old friend he hadn't seen for many years.

"Hold it, did I know you before?"

Qi Yuan felt a wave of disgust and quickly broke free from Pu Genshuo's arm. "If you have something to say, just say it. We are really not familiar."

He thought to himself, could this Celestial Pole Dao Son have fried his brain?

"Haha, of course not." Pu Genshuo chuckled, "However, I am a straightforward person, and I love making friends with heroes and outstanding figures under the heavens."

"Meeting you today feels like we've known each other for a long time. If you don't mind, we can go into Falling Cloud Valley, find a place to have a few drinks, and talk about life and ideals..."

You, of all people, have the face to claim you love making friends with heroes? You're more like someone who loves making friends with prostitutes!

Qi Yuan curled his lips in a fake smile. "Fellow Daoist Piao, if you have something to say, just say it. I'm busy and don't have time to chat nonsense with you."

After saying that, he turned to leave.

"Hey, wait." Seeing Qi Yuan's reaction, Pu Genshuo became anxious. He quickly stepped forward to pull him back and said sheepishly, "Brother, to tell you the truth, I left something in your Sect. I hope you can do me a favor and take me in to search for it."

He wants to enter Falling Cloud Valley?

Qi Yuan raised an eyebrow and asked suspiciously:

"What did you lose?"

"Uh..."

Pu Genshuo scratched the tip of his nose in embarrassment. "Sorry, to avoid alerting the enemy, this question needs to be kept secret for now."

Then, he patted his chest and vowed confidently:

"Please rest assured, Brother Qi. I have always been a man of my word. I am just looking for something and will never do anything detrimental to your Sect."

Seeing that the other party remained unmoved, Pu Genshuo seemed to think of something. He first checked that no one was around, then quickly took out a bag of Spirit Stones from his storage ring and quietly stuffed it into Qi Yuan's hand:

"A small token of my appreciation, it's not much. I just ask for your help, brother. After I find the item, there will be a generous reward."

"Oh?"

Qi Yuan squeezed the bag of Spirit Stones in his hand with a strange look in his eyes. After pondering for a moment, he put away the bag of Spirit Stones and immediately pretended to agree reluctantly.

"Fine, but I'll say this first: Falling Cloud Valley is not a place where you can run wild. After entering, you are not allowed to wander around. You must follow me closely. If you want to go anywhere, tell me in advance."

With the abilities of the Celestial Pole Dao Son, even if he didn't agree, Pu Genshuo would have countless ways to sneak into the valley. Instead of that, it was better to agree first and see what trick the other party was playing.

"Good, good, good, thank you, brother." Seeing that Qi Yuan finally nodded in agreement, Pu Genshuo immediately looked happy and excitedly followed him into Falling Cloud Valley.

...

"Look, it's really Junior Brother Qi!"

"Junior Brother Qi, you've finally returned! You've made us wait a long time!"

As soon as the two passed through the Sect's grand array and entered the valley, several Falling Cloud Valley Disciples rushed up to meet them, their words full of excitement.

Just got back and there are people specifically coming to greet me. Could it be that I am already this popular in the valley...

Thinking of this, Qi Yuan's expression was a bit bewildered. He grabbed one of them and asked:

"Why are you waiting for me?"

"Junior Brother Qi, you don't know, something big has happened in the Sect!"

The Disciple looked at him with a hint of respect and said in a panicked tone:

"Senior Array Spirit specifically named you to go over. Everyone is waiting for you at the main hall now!"

"Array Spirit?"

Hearing this, Qi Yuan was still completely confused.

That old guy is, at the very least, a Soul Transformation Middle Stage existence. What kind of problem could he not solve that he would specifically name him to go over?

Although he was puzzled, he still dragged Pu Genshuo, who was looking around, straight toward the main hall of Falling Cloud Valley.

As soon as they approached, they saw many Falling Cloud Valley Disciples gathered around the main hall, three layers inside and three layers outside.

At this moment, many Disciples looked terrified, their expressions full of unconcealable anxiety and confusion. Some Disciples were even pale, their breathing chaotic, as if their Dao Heart had been compromised.

"What on earth happened?"

Seeing this scene, Qi Yuan's heart skipped a beat, and he couldn't help but think of the "crisis" the System had mentioned...

"Qi Da is here!"

Seeing Qi Yuan appear, the Falling Cloud Valley Disciples in the area were energized. They focused their gazes on him and then actively moved aside to clear a path.

"Junior Brother Qi!"

Just then, a beautiful woman dressed in a light yellow dress walked quickly from the hall. Upon discovering Qi Yuan's figure, a flash of joy crossed her beautiful eyes.

"Senior Sister."

Qi Yuan nodded at Bai Xirou.

Before he could ask, Pu Genshuo, who was behind him, eagerly stepped forward. "Greetings, Fairy. I am polite, but I do not know your age, Fairy, and whether you are married?"

"Follow me quickly, Senior Array Spirit is waiting for you."

Bai Xirou completely treated Pu Genshuo as if he were air, and as if no one else were around, she took Qi Yuan's large hand and walked into the hall.

"Hey, hey, hey! Brother, wait for me..."

Pu Genshuo, who was left standing there, was stunned for a moment. Then, feeling the unfriendly gazes cast from all directions, he quickly ran to catch up.

As soon as Qi Yuan entered the main hall, everyone looked at him in unison. The Array Spirit inside the hall immediately stood up and beckoned to him:

"Qi Da, young friend, you've come at the right time. This old man is having a headache over this matter."

As he spoke, he pointed at Shen Wuji not far away and said with a serious face:

"He is the Celestial Pole Dao Son, Pu Genshuo. He is now accusing your Sect Head, Bai Qingwu, of colluding with the Demonic Path and cultivating evil arts. This concerns the safety of the entire Falling Cloud Valley, so you must investigate it thoroughly."

"???"

Hearing this, Qi Yuan's expression instantly became strange.

He is the Celestial Pole Dao Son, Pu Genshuo? Then who is the person standing behind me?!