No one in the estate, including Tian Ji Yu, had detected her presence before she had spoken up. Therefore, as soon as her voice resounded through the estate, it caused a huge commotion immediately.
"The voice seems to come from above the estate."
"It sounds like an old woman. Why is she looking for Duan Ling Tian?"
"Her voice is so emotionless that it's hard to figure out her purpose for coming to the estate."
"Regardless of her purpose, since she made such a big fuss in the County Governor's estate, the inner-estate elders and Lord County Governor won't let her go!"
The servant girls, errand boys, and guards who did not know any better and were weaker than Golden Celestials discussed the matter heatedly.
On the other hand, those who were Golden Celestials or stronger trembled when they heard the old lady's voice.
"This person must be very strong!"
"Although I'm a Blue Sun Golden Celestial, I'm still affected by her voice… She must be a Great Overarching Golden Celestial or stronger!"
"I don't think an ordinary Great Overarching Golden Celestial would be able to make my heart palpitate like this..."
"We can't recklessly approach her in case we end up provoking her…"
The stronger guards, outer-estate elders, and inner-estate elders speculated that the old lady must be a Great Overarching Golden Celestial or stronger. Since Zhou Tong, the Revered Elder of the County Governor's estate and the other Great Overarching Golden Celestial in the Nine Specters County, had died, only the County Governor was able to deal with such a person. For this reason, none of them dared to approach the old woman.
Swoosh!
A figure shot up into the sky from the courtyard of the County Governor's residence at lightning speed toward the trespasser. The figure belonged to Tian Ji Yu, the County Governor of Nine Specters County.
When Tian Ji Yu heard the trespasser bluntly requested for Duan Ling Tian, he could not help but wonder, 'Is this person someone who was hired by one of the 15 counties?'
Apart from that, Tian Ji Yu, as the County Governor of Nine Specters City, naturally, had information about the spies sent by the other 15 counties. To his knowledge, the strongest among the spies was only an Indigo Sun Golden Celestial. For this reason, he was certain the trespasser had nothing to do with the other 15 counties.
"Hmm?" When he was near the figure, he slowed down and observed the figure. He saw an old lady dressed in simple robes. She stood unmoving like a mountain, and she had an ethereal air about her as though she was not of this world.
The old woman suddenly turned to Tian Ji Yu and asked, "Are you the County Governor of Nine Specters County?" Her turbid eyes seemed to turn as bright as the stars at this moment. An intimidating energy surged out and hit Tian Ji Yu.
Tian Ji Yu, who was terrified by the eyes that were deep and dark, trembled before he spat out a large mouthful of blood. He instinctively took a step back. Although he was furious, he did not dare to express it. When he finally caught his breath, he bowed and greeted the old woman respectfully, "I'm the County Governor of Nine Specters County, Tian Ji Yu. It's a pleasure to meet you, old senior!" Inwardly, waves of shock appeared in his heart. 'Even a peak Great Overarching Golden Celestial wouldn't be able to injure me with just their energy alone. This means the old woman should be an Overarching Heavenly Supreme Celestial at least."
An Overarching Heavenly Supreme Celestial was far stronger than Great Overarching Golden Celestials! In fact, there was only one person in all the places under the rule of King Qin's Mansion who was an Overarching Heavenly Supreme Celestial!
When Tian Ji Yu realized the old woman was an Overarching Heavenly Supreme Celestial, he felt a frisson of fear. Meanwhile, his anger had completely vanished and was replaced by worry. He wondered why an Overarching Heavenly Supreme Celestial would come to Nine Specters County to look for Duan Ling Tian!
The old woman stared at Tian Ji Yu with flashing eyes and asked in a low voice, "Where's Duan Ling Tian?"
Tian Ji Yu could not help but ask, "Senior, may I ask w-why you're looking for Duan Ling Tian?" He could not figure out how Duan Ling Tian was acquainted with an Overarching Heavenly Supreme Celestial. Moreover, it was clear she came with ill intent. When she mentioned Duan Ling Tian, her eyes had flashed with killing intent. There was no doubt she had come to kill Duan Ling Tian.
"Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask. You just need to answer my question," the old lady said coldly, causing Tian Ji Yu to feel as though winter had arrived.
Tian Ji Wu was so frightened that he quickly replied, as meek as a cat, "Yes, yes." Although Tian Ji Yu was a County Governor under the protection of King Qin's Mansion, the old woman was, at least, an Overarching Heavenly Supreme Celestial. This meant she was, at least, as strong as the strongest person in King Qin's Mansion. Therefore, if she were to kill him, there was a high possibility King Qin's Mansion would be helpless to avenge him even if they wanted to. What was likely to happen was King Qin's Mansion being unwilling to avenge him and risk offending an Overarching Heavenly Supreme Celestial for a mere County Governor.
After Tian Ji Yu took a deep breath, he replied fearfully, "Senior, you came a step too late. Three days ago, Duan Ling Tian had left the County Governor's estate and the Nine Specters County."
When the old lady heard this, she narrowed her eyes that shone with a cold light. "Left? I'll give you another chance to repeat it! If I find out you're lying, I'll kill you!"
"Senior, I didn't lie. Duan Ling Tian had left the County Governor's estate and the County City three days ago." Tian Ji Yu smiled bitterly. Then, he added, "I know why he left. If you're interested, I'm willing to tell you why..."
The old lady's eyes flashed like lightning as she said imposingly, "Speak!"
Tian Ji Yu did not hesitate and began to recount what happened in the Liu clan. "Five days ago..."
The old lady furrowed her brows as she thought to herself, 'He's as strong as a Great Overarching Golden Celestial even though he's not even 100 years old? The brat who defiled Miss Bing'er has such a high innate talent?' Nevertheless, the killing intent in her eyes did not disappear. She was determined to kill Duan Ling Tian as soon as she could! Finally, she asked icily, "In other words, he left Nine Specters County because he's afraid the other 15 counties would send powerhouses to kill him?"
"Yes." Tian Ji Yu nodded.
"Did he say he would participate in the upcoming Martial Competition of the 16 Counties at King Qin's Mansion?" the old woman asked.
"He didn't say anything about that," Tian Ji Yu replied. Naturally, he would not tell the old lady that Duan Ling Tian had promised to meet him at King Qin's Mansion to participate in the Martial Competition of the 16 Counties. After all, he still had to rely on Duan Ling Tian to obtain the three mediocre Celestial Pills, the Great Overarching Pills. He had honestly told the old lady about the reason behind Duan Ling Tian's departure only because he had no choice. After all, she could easily verify the veracity of his words. She would definitely be furious if she found he was lying. At that time, she would surely kill him. å