What did Consort Yu have to do with him?

Han Yu ignored Pig Third’s insinuation and asked, “Are you still planning to visit the market these next few days to purchase your wives and concubines?”

Seeing Han Yu’s stern expression despite his youth, Pig Third quickly bowed with an apologetic smile. “Yes, Senior Brother Han. I was thinking of using the spirit rice I still have on hand to settle the matter of my household.”

Ever since his cultivation had been sealed, he had swallowed his pride, addressing everyone as “Senior Brother” or “Senior Sister” regardless of age or rank.

“While you’re there, keep an eye on things in the market for me. I will find you to ask about them when I have time,” Han Yu said.

“Alright! Leave it to me!” Pig Third watched Han Yu’s expression carefully, then ventured a tentative question. “Should I pay extra attention to news about that Consort Yu?”

Han Yu frowned, his gaze darkening. “What nonsense are you spouting?”

Pig Third immediately slapped his own cheek lightly. “Ah, listen to my mouth! I’ll gather all the news in the entire market and report everything to you, Senior Brother Han. How about that?”

Hearing him offer to gather all the news, Han Yu’s mind stirred. He remembered the Qi Refining Spirit Boosting Pill and the Jade Spirit Berry. Having an informant gathering intelligence on the outside would be far more effective than burying his head in solitary cultivation.

However, Han Yu didn’t fully trust Pig Third yet. Things had to be done one step at a time. It wouldn’t be too late to first gather information regarding the Nanli Kingdom’s imperial family before expanding the scope.

After returning to the Spirit Field Department, Han Yu saw that Hua Qi had already watered his ten acres of spirit fields. He quickly thanked him. That evening, he took out some spirit rice to cook a proper meal, inviting both Senior Sister Li and Hua Qi.

Through this give-and-take, the relationship between the three grew stronger, and their conversations became more open. Over the past two years, they had become the most harmonious team of stewards in the department.

The next evening, Pig Third found Han Yu to report his findings.

“The Wen brothers—two Rogue Cultivators—took the bait regarding the Jiang Imperial Family. They made a deal with Consort Yu: once they help restore the kingdom, they get to enjoy worldly riches and status. Consort Yu agreed.”

“The Fifth Prince and one guard have been left behind in the market.”

“Consort Yu, her two companions, and the Wen brothers have already set off for the Nanli Kingdom.”

“What cultivation level are the Wen brothers?” Han Yu asked.

Pig Third explained, “Both are at the third layer of Qi Refining. They possess a flying Magical Artifact passed down from their father and know several spells. Among Rogue Cultivators, they aren’t easy targets. I guess being a rogue is too bitter, and since Wanchun Valley isn’t intervening in Nanli, they saw a chance to grab some easy luxury.”

Han Yu nodded. It was best that someone else tested the waters.

If the Jiang family successfully restored their kingdom, then the situation in Nanli was normal. But if they failed… well, the Wen brothers had a flying artifact. If even they couldn’t escape, it would reveal the true danger lurking behind the new regime.

Han Yu asked Pig Third for other market gossip, expanding his general knowledge of local events.

Over the next several days, Pig Third fell into a routine: tending his fields in the mornings, hunting for women in the Green Grain Market in the afternoons, and hurrying back by evening.

On the day he finally finished planting his five acres, he received new intelligence and rushed to find Han Yu.

Han Yu was practicing the Sharp Gold Technique in the clearing in front of the steward’s office. His fingers formed a seal, activating his Spirit Breath. Snap! A clean cut appeared on a stone two zhang away, sending stone dust flying.

Seeing how effortlessly Han Yu cast the spell, Pig Third clicked his tongue in admiration and clapped sincerely. “Senior Brother Han, your spellwork is truly excellent!”

Han Yu glanced at him. “News from the market?”

“Yes, Senior Brother Han, big news!”

Pig Third lowered his voice. “Mortals from Qiuxian Town who trade with the Green Grain Market brought word today. The Wei Imperial Family of Nanli Kingdom executed the ‘rebels.’ The Wen brothers, Consort Yu, and their companions… they’re all dead!”

“The Wen brothers had a flying Magical Artifact. If things had gone smoothly, they should have been back two days ago to fetch the Fifth Prince for his enthronement. The news of their death confirms it—they walked into a trap.”

“That Wei Imperial Family was well-prepared to deal with cultivators like the Wen brothers. It’s just a pity about Consort Yu… such a delicate beauty, ending up like that…”

Realizing he was rambling, Pig Third quickly stole a glance at Han Yu and shut his mouth.

Han Yu’s expression remained impassive, but his mind raced. So, there really is something strange about Nanli Kingdom. I need to alert the Sect.

He looked at Pig Third. “Did you buy another woman?”

“One more. Now with two women, the expenses are piling up,” Pig Third sighed. “I plan to wait another six months before adding more.”

“Is the market crowded?”

“A bit more than a few days ago.”

“Is business good?”

Pig Third jumped, startled. “Senior Brother Han, don’t joke like that! The Sect forbids me from doing business!”

“I have another task for you. Keep an eye out for rare spirit fruits or pills. You used to work in the Alchemy Hall, so you know what to look for. Don’t bother me with common trash,” Han Yu said.

Pig Third nodded vigorously. “Alright, I’ll definitely keep an eye out for you, Senior Brother Han!”

Han Yu added, “If you find something truly useful, I will pay you in spirit rice.”

Pig Third beamed. “That… that’s too kind of you!”

He then asked cautiously, “This doesn’t count as me doing business, right?”

“If you are honest, it doesn’t. But if you try to play tricks on me, not only will you get no rice, but I will also report you for conducting business.”

Pig Third nodded repeatedly. “Yes, yes, I understand! Senior Brother Han, I will definitely help you find those uncommon fruits and pills!”

Not long after Pig Third left, Han Yu resumed his practice.

He had just cast the Wind Blade Technique twice when Hua Qi approached. “Junior Brother Han, Senior Sister Li is looking for you.”

Han Yu went inside to find Senior Sister Li looking at him sternly, her lips pursed in disapproval. “Junior Brother Han, you’ve met with Zhu San three times in the past few days. Why?”

She narrowed her eyes. “Don’t tell me you’ve taken a notion to find a woman?”

“Your aptitude isn’t high, but your talent for spells is excellent. Reaching the third layer of Qi Refining with pills and the Thousand-Year Sunkwood Heart was no easy feat. You should be focusing intently on cultivation, not entertaining degenerate thoughts or associating with the likes of Zhu San.”

Han Yu knew that despite her cold exterior, Senior Sister Li’s heart was warm; she was simply worried he would be led astray.

Given how much Wanchun Valley valued him now—and how well he got along with these seniors—he decided it was time to share his suspicions. The Sect needed to prepare for the danger in Nanli.

After a brief pause to organize his thoughts, Han Yu spoke. “Senior Sister Li, you’ve misunderstood. I sought out Zhu San for a different matter.”

“What matter requires seeking out someone who has abandoned the proper path?”

“I asked him to gather intelligence on the Nanli Kingdom’s imperial family.”

Senior Sister Li frowned. “What does a mortal dynastic transition in Nanli have to do with our Sect?”

Han Yu met her gaze, his expression grave. “Senior Sister Li, I suspect the new Wei Imperial Family is supported by the Spirit Beast Sect or Demonic Cultivators. They are actually enemies of Wanchun Valley!”