Yun Xi feigned surprise and asked,
"What happened? Three days ago when I saw Ancestor, he was in excellent condition. How could he have suddenly passed away? Was he targeted by someone?"
Wei Zongjin also looked confused. He only knew that his father had told him to inform Yun Xi and ask her to return to the clan as soon as possible. He shook his head and replied,
"I don't know. The Patriarch asked me to tell you to come back immediately."
Yun Xi nodded solemnly.
"Alright, I'll return now."
Without another word, she left Lingxue Peak with Wei Zongjin, heading straight for the new Wei family compound in Haoran City.
As soon as Yun Xi and Wei Zongjin appeared at the gate, a clan disciple hurried off to inform the Clan Head. By the time they reached the main hall, all the important figures of the Wei family had already gathered.
Yun Xi sat down directly to the right of the Patriarch Wei Lingtao, not bothering with formality. She went straight to the point.
"Patriarch, what exactly happened?"
Wei Lingtao shook his head gravely.
"I don't know either. Before forming my Golden Core, family affairs were handled collectively by the elders. Only matters they couldn't resolve were brought to Ancestor. And he was always in good health, showing no signs of decline.
After forming my Golden Core, I planned to spend a month stabilizing my cultivation before officially taking over. But this morning, Elder Six went to consult Ancestor about something and discovered he had passed."
He turned his gaze to Elder Six.
Yun Xi still remembered this elder—he was in charge of the clan's cultivation hall, mainly responsible for training the younger generation. She had cultivated under his supervision after drawing in spiritual energy for the first time. So she addressed him politely,
"Elder Six, how did you notice something was wrong?"
Although ten years had passed, Elder Six looked much the same—still sharp and spirited. When he heard Yun Xi's question, he stepped forward and explained,
"This morning, I went to consult Ancestor about adding a low-grade spiritual vein to the cultivation hall. I was just about to activate the formation when I noticed the array around Ancestor's cultivation abode was already open. I assumed Ancestor had finished his meditation, so I called out respectfully and entered the inner chamber. He appeared to be meditating.
But as I turned to leave, I sensed something was off. With Ancestor's cultivation level, he should have noticed me entering the courtyard. Yet he showed no reaction. I called his name twice—no response. When I got closer, I realized he wasn't breathing. That's when I confirmed he had passed."
The Patriarch picked up the thread.
"Elder Six immediately notified me and the other elders. We went to Ancestor Wei Nanfeng's courtyard to confirm that he had indeed passed, and then I sent Zongjin to find you."
Wei Lingyue added,
"Yun Xi, before you arrived, we carefully inspected Ancestor's cultivation chamber. There were no signs of forced entry, and his body showed no injuries. His Golden Core was intact. He passed very peacefully and left no clues pointing to any particular cause."
Yun Xi lowered her gaze, thinking for a moment before speaking.
"Based on what the Patriarch and elders have described, Ancestor didn't die due to foul play. It seems to have been a natural passing."
Wei Lingtao let out a sigh.
"Everyone here is family, so I won't hide anything. You all know that Ancestor's lifespan was nearing its end. He had been searching for ways to prolong his life. The rare medicinal herbs you brought helped him maintain his condition. I truly believed he could hold on until we acquired a Longevity Pill. I just didn't expect..."
Yun Xi also sighed, echoing his sorrow. Then she offered a suggestion.
"Since we all have our suspicions, let's invite a medical cultivator to examine Ancestor. We should determine the exact cause of death—for closure, and to stabilize the clan's morale. It will also allow us to give Ancestor a proper send-off."
"You're right, Yun Xi. As long as we can rule out foul play, that's enough. Ancestor dedicated his life to the clan. He deserves dignity in death."
Wei Lingtao began giving orders, and soon the entire Wei family was bustling with activity.
Yun Xi spoke up again, timely and calm.
"Back when the Patriarch formed his Golden Core, I paid a visit to Ancestor. During that visit, he mentioned wanting to meet with Ancestor Wei Chenyin. He said there had been a past misunderstanding between them.
Now that the clan has relocated to Haoran City, he hoped those old grievances could be resolved. He asked me to mediate and invite her here. I never imagined something like this would happen..."
Yun Xi was telling the truth, though she clearly understood that Wei Nanfeng's intention in meeting Wei Chenyin had nothing to do with reconciliation. It had been pure vanity—he wanted to show off. But now she had a perfect reason to bring this matter into the open.
Wei Lingtao reacted quickly. He recalled the promise Yun Xi had made him and felt a jolt in his chest. After licking his lips, he spoke.
"Now that Ancestor Wei Nanfeng has passed, it's even more crucial to bring Ancestor Chenyin back into the fold.
The Wei family has only just established itself in Haoran City. With Yun Xi's help, we've managed to gain a foothold. When I advanced to the Golden Core stage recently, it wasn't enough to make the other clans look up to us—but it was enough to prevent them from openly bullying us.
But now that Ancestor has passed from old age, we're left vulnerable. Ancestor Chenyin is an inner sect elder of Haoran Sect and also a Golden Core cultivator. Her return would strengthen us immensely. We need her."
The elders in the hall all nodded in agreement. This was no time for grief. The family's interests had to come first.
The older generation knew full well that Ancestor Wei Nanfeng and Ancestor Chenyin had not gotten along. Those who knew the details understood that the fault had never been hers. They had remained silent all these years due to their own low cultivation and lack of power. But times had changed—they now had a choice. Why not make things right?
Yun Xi had merely opened the conversation. The rest was handled by the Patriarch and elders. They quickly reached a consensus: it was best for Yun Xi to be the one to invite Wei Chenyin back. She had already been involved in the matter, and they hoped Ancestor Chenyin would accept the invitation for Yun Xi's sake.
Yun Xi readily agreed, promising she would do her best to persuade Ancestor Chenyin to return and support the clan.
Just then, a commotion erupted outside the main hall. Amid the clamor, Wei Yunqing's voice rose above the rest.
Yun Xi turned toward Wei Lingyue, who looked equally startled. Clearly, he hadn't expected his eldest daughter to stir up trouble the moment she returned. A flash of displeasure crossed his eyes before he smoothed his expression and stepped outside.
Yun Xi turned to Wei Lingtao and asked calmly,
"Patriarch, has Ancestor Wei Nanfeng's courtyard been sealed? We can't have idle people wandering in."
"Don't worry. Aside from the elders, no one has entered. The isolation formation is active."
Yun Xi nodded, satisfied. She hadn't gone to Wei Nanfeng's residence immediately upon returning to avoid suspicion. She didn't want anyone pointing fingers at her. But now that Wei Yunqing was back, the situation might change.
Sure enough, moments later, Wei Yunqing entered the hall with a male cultivator in tow. Behind them followed an exasperated-looking Wei Lingyue.
Wei Yunqing glanced around the room, then fixed her gaze on Yun Xi. After a moment, she turned away and said loudly to Wei Lingtao,
"Patriarch, Ancestor Wei Nanfeng's death is far too suspicious. I suspect foul play. This matter must be thoroughly investigated."