The Queen travels through time and dominates the four realms

Chapter 422

Ren Xiaoyao decided to accept the trial without hesitation.

Therefore, Ren Xiaoyao and Su Zimo stayed in Yanbo Tower temporarily, practicing to improve their cultivation while waiting for the arrival of the trial. Their fate was also more closely intertwined with the secrets of the rivers and lakes in this Jiangnan water town. What awaited them were unknown challenges and choices... Although Ren Xiaoyao's words were light, they weighed heavily on the heart of Taoist Baimei. He knew that the "girl" that Ren Xiaoyao was referring to was not someone else, but a member of the Ren family who had been missing for many years, and Ren Xiaoyao's biological mother, Madam Yunshang. Taoist Baimei sighed secretly. This matter had nothing to do with him, but fate played tricks on him. Because of a promise made many years ago, he was caught in this intricate entanglement of grievances.

When Taoist Master Baimei left Ren Xiaoyao's sea of ​​consciousness, his figure turned into smoke again and returned to the real world in an instant. His face was solemn and his eyes were deep, as if he was thinking about how to solve the dilemma in front of him. Ren Haoyu was standing not far away at this moment, watching coldly, his hawk-like eyes staring at Baimei, as if waiting for his next move.

Taoist Master Baimei did not rush to respond to Ren Haoyu. Instead, he turned his back to the crowd, facing the vast mountains and rivers, clasped his hands together, and closed his eyes to concentrate. He used his Taoist heart to communicate with heaven and earth, trying to find a way to break the spell. After a moment, he opened his eyes, with a determined look in his eyes, and turned to Ren Haoyu and said, "Young Master Ren, I am willing to help you save your mother, but there is one thing that needs to be resolved first."

Ren Haoyu snorted coldly, his brows full of arrogance: "Bai Mei, don't delay. If you can save my mother, I will fulfill my promise, otherwise..."

Baimei waved his hand to interrupt him and said sternly, "Young Master Ren has misunderstood. What I said is related to the secret of the place where the girl was imprisoned. According to my speculation, Madam Yunshang is very likely imprisoned in a secret place called 'Dustless Valley'. This valley is hidden between the mysteries of heaven and earth, and it is difficult for ordinary people to find it. Only with the help of a treasure called 'Nine-bend Jade Pendant' can its entrance be opened."

As soon as these words came out, Ren Haoyu's face changed slightly, and he had obviously heard of the "Nine-curve Jade Pendant". He clenched his fists and said in a deep voice: "Bai Mei, do you know where the jade pendant is?"

Taoist Master Baimei nodded slightly and said slowly: "It is said that the Nine-bend Jade Pendant was once owned by the strange man 'Xiaoyaozi', and then disappeared with him. But a few months ago, there were rumors that Xiaoyaozi's relics appeared in an ancient house in the Jiangnan water town, and the Nine-bend Jade Pendant might be among them. Although this has not been confirmed, it is the only clue at present."

After Ren Haoyu heard this, a hint of determination flashed in his eyes, and he said loudly: "Okay, I will leave for Jiangnan immediately to find the Nine-bend Jade Pendant." After that, he turned around and wanted to leave, but stopped and looked back at Taoist Baimei, "Baimei, since you have entered my sea of ​​consciousness, you should know my determination. If you find the jade pendant, you must lead the way in person and help me save my mother. Otherwise, the grudge between the Ren family and your sect may be difficult to resolve."

Taoist Master Baimei replied calmly: "I understand. When you find the jade pendant, I will go all out to go to Dustless Valley together." After he finished speaking, he gently waved his right hand, and a white light instantly enveloped Ren Haoyu, helping him to leave quickly. Looking at the direction where Ren Haoyu disappeared, Taoist Master Baimei prayed silently in his heart, hoping that this operation would go smoothly, not only for Ren Xiaoyao, but also to repay his unfulfilled promise.

At the same time, in the Jiangnan water town, an ancient and mysterious mansion is hidden in the vast sea of ​​smoke. The mansion is surrounded by weeping willows and rippling blue water, like a paradise. This is where the rumored Xiaoyaozi's relics may appear. At this moment, many people in the martial arts world have heard the news and quietly gathered here, each with their own thoughts, waiting for the opportunity.

Inside the mansion, a woman in green sat by the window, playing with an emerald jade pendant in her hand. It was the legendary Nine-Curved Jade Pendant. She looked out the window at the lake with deep eyes, as if waiting for something. Suddenly, a barely perceptible smile appeared on the corner of her mouth, and she whispered, "Ren Haoyu, you are finally here."...

Taoist Master Baimei's figure was like smoke, instantly dissipating in Ren Xiaoyao's sea of ​​consciousness. Although the impact force failed to shake the foundation of Ren Xiaoyao's soul, it caused countless ripples in his heart. He stared at the black-robed man sitting in the center of his sea of ​​consciousness with deep eyes. That was the devilish side of him that was sealed in his body, and also his innate enemy. The appearance of Taoist Master Baimei undoubtedly broke the tranquility of this sea of ​​consciousness, and also foreshadowed that an unprecedented fierce battle was about to begin.

The black-robed man smiled coldly, his voice was like ice breaking stone: "Bai Mei, you claim to be a famous figure in the righteous way, but you are willing to be a lackey of others and try to interfere in the fate of others. Do you know your crime?" His words were like knives, piercing Bai Mei's heart and revealing his hidden motives and betrayal.

Taoist Master Baimei's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. He bowed and said, "Young Master Ren is wrong. I came here only to fulfill my promise in the past and help him find his lost property. It was not my intention to offend you. As for the matter of that girl, I really don't know anything about it." In his words, he cleverly avoided giving a direct answer and tried to get away with it with vague words.

A hint of coldness flashed across Ren Xiaoyao's eyes. He knew that Taoist Baimei was cunning and changeable, and his denial at this moment was just a delaying tactic. He walked forward slowly, and gently stroked the Qingming Sword at his waist with his fingers. The sword body glowed with a faint cold light, as if responding to the master's determination. "Baimei, you and I both know that the 'lost thing' you are referring to is the Tianji Divine Scroll left by my mother. You keep saying that you don't know that girl, but have you ever thought that she fell into danger because of your greed?"

The black-robed man raised a sarcastic smile, as if he had seen through the hypocrisy of Taoist Baimei. As he waved his hand, an invisible force suddenly emerged, binding Taoist Baimei in mid-air, forcing him to be unable to move. "Baimei, now that you have entered this sea of ​​consciousness, you can't expect to escape unscathed. Today, you must pay the price for your crimes."

Taoist Master Baimei showed fear on his face, but he tried to remain calm. He knew that he was in Ren Xiaoyao's sea of ​​consciousness at this moment, and any resistance would be futile. He could only hope to find a chance of survival through words, and said anxiously: "Young Master Ren, there is no deep hatred between you and me, this matter may be a misunderstanding..."

"Misunderstanding?" Ren Xiaoyao interrupted him, his tone full of chill, "You stole the divine scroll and framed my mother, and now you want to cover it up with lies? Baimei, do you think I'm a three-year-old child?"

The black-robed man looked coldly at the White-browed Taoist's struggle, and suddenly raised his hand and waved it. A bright sword energy shot out from his fingertips and went straight to the White-browed Taoist. Before the sword energy arrived, the sharp edge had already made the White-browed Taoist sweat profusely. He closed his eyes and waited for death, but secretly thought of a way to escape.

Just as the sword energy was about to touch Taoist Baimei, Ren Xiaoyao suddenly said, "Wait a minute!" The man in black robe withdrew his hand upon hearing this, and the sword energy hovered in front of Taoist Baimei, like a ferocious beast that was ready to devour its prey and could tear his throat at any time.

Ren Xiaoyao stared at Taoist Baimei, his eyes flashing with complex emotions: "Baimei, the grudge between you and me, why not put it aside for now. If you can help me find my mother and return the divine scroll safely, I can consider letting you live. Otherwise, today will be the day you die."

Taoist Master Baimei felt relieved after hearing this, as he knew this was his only chance of survival. He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Young Master Ren, I am willing to accept your proposal. However, this matter involves many forces, so we need to think carefully. If you can temporarily unlock my restrictions and allow me to return to the real world, I will do my best to help you find your mother and the divine scroll."

Ren Xiaoyao narrowed his eyes and looked at Taoist Master Baimei. After a moment, he nodded slightly: "Okay, I'll trust you for now. But remember, if you dare to betray me, I will make you wish you were dead." After he finished speaking, his mind moved, and the restraining force on Taoist Master Baimei gradually dissipated, and he slowly landed on the ground in his sea of ​​consciousness.

Taoist Master Baimei let out a long sigh and bowed, saying, "Don't worry, Young Master Ren, I will live up to your trust." As soon as he finished speaking, his figure began to become blurred until it completely disappeared in Ren Xiaoyao's sea of ​​consciousness.

Ren Xiaoyao looked at the shadow of Taoist Master Baimei leaving, feeling mixed emotions. He understood that this cooperation with Taoist Master Baimei was not only the only way to save his mother and find the scroll, but also a life-and-death gamble. He tightly grasped the Qingming Sword and swore to himself that no matter how difficult the road ahead was, Taoist Master Baimei felt an invisible force suddenly loosen as soon as Ren Xiaoyao finished speaking, and the seal that bound his sea of ​​consciousness instantly dissipated. He knew that there was no way out at this moment, and he could only go all out to complete Ren Xiaoyao's entrustment in order to clear himself of suspicion, and perhaps take this opportunity to find out the truth. So, he suppressed the doubts and uneasiness in his heart, and withdrew from Ren Xiaoyao's sea of ​​consciousness like a gust of wind, and re-condensed in the real world.

At this time, the sky outside the house gradually darkened, night fell, and the moonlight filled the courtyard, reflecting a cold and quiet scene. Taoist Master Baimei concentrated his mind and calmed his breath, and the true energy flowed around his body, as if he had merged with the world, and then disappeared silently into the night, leaving only a faint trace of clouds and mist, indicating the direction of his departure.

At the same time, Ren Xiaoyao sat alone in the study, his eyes deep and his thoughts surging. He understood that the "girl" mentioned by Taoist Baimei was most likely his mother who had been missing for many years, and the entanglement between her and Ren Haoyu might be the key to solving the whole mystery. He took out a secret letter, which was a clue obtained from the secret library of the Ren family, and it recorded a little-known address - "Qingming Valley".

Qingming Valley is located deep in the Jianghu, a mysterious place. It is said that there are thousand-year-old elixirs and a secret martial arts book hidden in the valley, which attracts countless martial artists. However, there are many restrictions and guardian beasts in the valley, making it difficult for ordinary people to approach. In addition, the owner of the valley, Qingmingzi, is arrogant and merciless to those who intrude without permission. Therefore, Qingming Valley has always maintained its mysterious veil and has become a taboo place in the martial arts world.

Ren Xiaoyao knew that this trip was dangerous, but he had no choice but to go deep into Qingming Valley to find his mother's whereabouts and uncover the family secrets. He called his personal guard Lu Li and whispered to him, ordering him to prepare everything he needed to go to Qingming Valley and secretly contact several loyal and reliable friends in the martial arts world in case of emergency.

A few days later, everything was ready. Ren Xiaoyao put on his night clothes, hung his sword on his waist, carried his bag, and set out on the journey to Qingming Valley with Lu Li and others. They avoided the official roads, crossed mountains and ridges, slept in the wilderness, hid during the day and traveled at night. After several days of eating and sleeping in the open, they finally arrived at the outskirts of Qingming Valley on a dark and windy night.

Qingming Valley was deep and unfathomable, surrounded by towering trees and ancient vines, and a chilly air blew over. Ren Xiaoyao and the others took a short break at the entrance of the valley. He looked at the valley entrance shrouded in darkness with a firm gaze and whispered, "Let's go in."

The group stepped into the valley, only to see the strange terrain, jagged rocks, exotic flowers and plants everywhere, and the air was filled with a strong medicinal fragrance. According to the instructions in the secret letter, they carefully avoided the various traps in the valley and gradually went deeper into the valley. On the way, they encountered several waves of attacks from guardian beasts. Fortunately, they were able to resolve them one by one thanks to their high martial arts skills, but they also consumed a lot of physical strength.

Just as they came to a cliff, there was an ancient totem carved on the cliff, and a stone door could be vaguely seen hidden in it. Ren Xiaoyao knew that this must be the entrance to Qing Mingzi's residence. He concentrated his mind and luck, and according to the secret letter, he used a unique method to trigger the mechanism on the totem, and the stone door slowly opened, revealing a narrow passage.

At the end of the passage, a stone room suddenly opened up. The lights in the room were dim, and an old man with white hair and beard sat on a cushion. He was Qingmingzi, the master of Qingming Valley. He looked at Ren Xiaoyao and others who had intruded with his sharp eyes, and a sneer appeared on the corner of his mouth. He said slowly: "Ren Xiaoyao, you dare to break into my Qingming Valley alone, don't you think that with your little cultivation, you can take what you want from me?"

Ren Xiaoyao had a calm expression, and stood upright in the center of the stone chamber. He said in a clear voice: "Senior Qingmingzi, I am not here to cause trouble, but to look for an old friend. My mother once crossed paths with you, and now her whereabouts are unknown. I beg you to tell her about her. If I have offended you, Ren Xiaoyao will apologize in advance."

After hearing this, Qing Mingzi's eyes flashed with a strange look, but he quickly regained his composure and snorted coldly: "So it's because of that woman... Humph, what does she have to do with my Qing Ming Valley? You asked the wrong person."