Inside the city inn room,
Ning Xiao slowly opened her eyes and gradually pushed herself up from the bed.
"Ning Xiao,you're awake already?" Wu Ruoxian approached Ning Xiao quietly.
Ning Xiao looked at Wu Ruoxian and asked,"Sister Wu, how did you get here?"
Wu Ruoxian smiled a calm smile and sat on the edge of the bed beside Ning Xiao."We were worried when Zhang Yong brought you back last night."
"Zhang Yong?"Ning Xiao clearly remembered his cold face and yesterday's events.
She felt grateful but also bad.She had treated him poorly and called him things... She was honestly embarrassed to face him.
"By the way,because of your condition, he suggested we stay an extra day here," Wu Ruoxian hinted.
Ning Xiao stared at Wu Ruoxian for a moment,then slowly nodded her head. "I think I need this time. I feel indebted to Zhang Yong, but... he probably hates me."
Wu Ruoxian smiled lightly and said,"Don't worry, I can tell he's not the type to hold grudges."
As Ning Xiao was collecting her thoughts,Wu Ruoxian gently patted her shoulder and said, "If you feel indebted to him, perhaps it's better to thank him directly."
Ning Xiao hesitated for a moment,then nodded shyly: "Maybe... you're right. I'll do it later."
Wu Ruoxian stood up and said with a smile:"Good. Now rest a bit, I'll go get something for breakfast." Then she quietly left the room.
...
On the other side,Zhang Yong was sitting cross-legged on the bed, slowly and intently guiding Death Qi towards his heart.
The moment the Qi entered his heart,his body jolted and shook violently once. It felt as if his heart was about to explode, and he immediately withdrew his aura.
A line of blood trickled from the corner of his mouth as he breathed with difficulty and wiped his mouth.
"Damn,even at the fourth layer, I still can't complete my idea. Could my idea be wrong?"
(It would be better if the host did not treat Death Qi as ordinary Qi.)
"Yuni,do you have any advice or information?"
(Of course... 8 million points.)
Zhang Yong's jaw dropped heavily and he cursed,"Yuni, I know I collected points from hunting spirit beasts to fill the scale, but Do prices have to be high?"
(If you're not satisfied, I'll raise the price to ten million.)
"After thinking about it,eight million is reasonable, fine."
(In order to understand, first:
Death Qi emanates from the dead.It's a great blessing that you can use it. What you intend to do goes against the Heavenly Principles of this world.
Secondly,your heart is an ordinary human heart. It cannot withstand Death Qi at such intensity.
Thirdly,the Death Qi you possess comes from the Life-Death Constitution. However, Murasama's ore is concentrated in your heart, allowing you to produce it. But it's not without risks. Because of the problem with your human heart, using it intensely will affect your lifespan. Because, first and foremost, Death Qi is not possessed by the living. You being different is due to the Life-Death Constitution.
Fourthly,it's your lack of understanding of the Laws of Life and Death. There are branching abilities at each level of the constitution. For example, the first level for Absorption, the second for Phantom Manifestation, the third for Soul Seal, and the fourth for Soul Restraint Chains. There are other side abilities at each level. But due to your lack of understanding of the Laws of Life and Death, you cannot access them. Understood?)
Zhang Yong sighed as he fell into deep thought.Then a flash of understanding appeared on his features before a deep displeasure surfaced within them. "Yuni, this information is valuable, but with a lifespan of ten years—no, nine years now—how do you think I'll achieve all this?"
(That's up to the host. You can find means to increase your lifespan. You can also rely on treasures to help, like the Heavenly Boundary World.)
Zhang Yong sighed deeply."This will take a long time."
(I have news that might make the host happy.)
'What is it?'
(It will be revealed as soon as your soul becomes stronger.)
Zhang Yong sighed with a smile."You really like keeping me in the dark, don't you? No problem, you said this to motivate me, right? Thanks."
...
A day passed quickly and a new day arrived.
Everyone had gathered in front of the inn entrance.Zhang Yong walked forward and looked at Ning Xiao. "Are you alright now?"
Ning Xiao nodded her head."Yes, thank you, Brother Zhang. And... I'm sorry for causing trouble. I caused the mission to be delayed."
Zhang Yong shook his head."It's fine, you didn't do anything wrong. Anyway, we'll set off towards our next destination."
Ning Xiao was surprised for a moment when he ignored her like that completely.She had expected him to scold her or say some kind words, but he simply gave a simple response.
Meanwhile,both Zhou Ning and Yi Lin were surprised by Ning Xiao's words. The little tigress actually apologized?
Under the bright sunlight,Zhang Yong led the group along the winding road leading to their next destination.
Zhou Ning couldn't help but ask,"Is it possible you investigated in advance? Where are we heading?"
Zhang Yong smiled lightly."Yes, you could say that. We're going to Ziang City. Some child disappearance incidents have appeared in the area."
Wu Ruoxian's eyes flickered when she heard that,and an unpleasant memory surfaced in her mind.
After running for a long while,the group arrived beside a river.
Looking at the distance the group had covered,Zhang Yong raised his hand and pointed. "Stop, we'll take a break before continuing."
As the group sat by the river,everyone began preparing the spot to rest.
Wu Ruoxian took out some dried food and distributed it to everyone.
Meanwhile,Zhang Yong went to sit under a nearby tree.
When Wu Ruoxian noticed that,she had walked to his side and sat quietly without speaking.
Zhang Yong glanced at her from the corner of his eye before closing them again.
After a few moments of silence,Wu Ruoxian slowly opened her mouth and said in a quiet tone, "It seems you're preoccupied with something?"
Zhang Yong slowly opened his eyes and looked at Wu Ruoxian."Well, there are still matters that need to be handled in the end."
Wu Ruoxian smiled lightly."Perhaps, but what happened? You seem somewhat different?"
Zhang Yong placed his hand on the ground and leaned on it to stand up."It's just your imagination. I'll go for a short walk."
However,in the next moment, Wu Ruoxian grabbed his wrist and prevented him from leaving. "As I expected, you're trying to avoid me, aren't you?"
Zhang Yong quietly removed her hand."As I told you, it's just your imagina—"
The two stopped for a moment and immediately turned their gaze in another direction.Naturally, the rest of the group felt it too.
There was a combat aura nearby.
Immediately,Zhang Yong had rushed towards the place to investigate, with the others following.
Normally,Zhang Yong would order them to stay away from this fight, but he suddenly received a mission.
(Difficulty: D+
Description:Rescue Operation
Requirement:Save the inner disciple of the Azure Sect
Duration:Three days
Reward:One draw chance
Failure:Nothing)
When they reached the place, a group of mercenaries appeared surrounding a youth wrapped in the Azure Sect's robes. The disciple was lying on the ground, covered in blood but still breathing.
Zhang Yong jumped high and landed forcefully,directing his punch towards the ground and shattering it powerfully. Cracks spread across the ground and dust rose in the place.
Zhang Yong's deep voice sounded amidst the dust."Leave now."
The mercenaries hesitated for a moment,but their leader, a large-bodied man with sunken, hateful eyes, laughed loudly. "A young boy trying to act tough? Very good, come here!"
Zhang Yong pressed the ground with his foot and charged towards the leader with force.
The leader shouted:"Attack!"
The mercenaries pounced,but Zhang Yong moved swiftly, piercing through their ranks by himself.
A kick,a punch, a palm... various forms of attacks flew out and landed on the bodies of each mercenary one after another.
The leader shouted angrily,"Tsk, a bunch of trash! I'll deal with you myself."
The leader charged and swung his fist powerfully.His huge fist carried immense pressure.
Immediately,Zhang Yong dodged it. He extended his fingers forward and stretched his hands towards the leader's arm. In an instant, the leader's arm was twisted, its muscles separated from the bones.
The leader let out a scream before Zhang Yong jumped and punched his chin,forcing his neck to rotate 180 degrees backwards.
"You're too annoying,"Zhang Yong grumbled after finishing. He calmly wiped his hands on his robe and headed towards the Azure Sect's inner disciple. At the same time, the girls had finished off the remaining alive individuals.
When they were done,they also approached the disciple.
As the Azure Sect disciple watched,he immediately bowed when Zhang Yong walked towards him. "Thank you for your help. I am Fang Qilao, from the Azure Sect. May I know the name of my benefactor?"
Immediately,all the girls' eyebrows furrowed at the same time, and there seemed to be clear hesitation in their eyes upon hearing his introduction.
Immediately,Zhang Yong heard a voice ringing in his head: 'Don't you dare tell him our sect's name!' It was Wu Ruoxian's voice.
However,Zhang Yong's eyes clearly widened upon hearing these words, but suddenly a mischievous smile appeared on his lips. "I am Zhang Yong, from the Purple Star Sect. Pleased to meet you, Brother Fang."
Mixed expressions appeared on Fang Qilao's face upon hearing the name Purple Star Sect,but he quickly hid his expression and bowed again. "It's an honor to meet you, Brother Zhang. I owe my life to you and your companions."
The expressions of the others weren't any better while they were already tense.
Zhang Yong smiled lightly,not paying attention to the obvious tension on their faces. "No need for thanks, Brother Fang. It was only natural to help someone in distress."
Fang Qilao adopted a more respectful posture,but still seemed hesitant. "Brother Zhang, you may not be aware, but there are old disputes between my sect and the sect you belong to. However, I cannot deny that you saved my life. I am not ungrateful, and I will carry this debt forever."
Zhang Yong nodded quietly as he clasped his hands."Brother Fang need not worry. Our meeting today was a coincidence, perhaps fate. Brother Fang need not concern himself with something like sect problems. After all, before sects existed, we are all still human."
Fang Qilao contemplated Zhang Yong's words for a while.'Before sects existed, we are all still human, huh...'
However,a glimmer shone in Fang Qilao's heart, and he immediately clasped his hands. "Thank you again, Brother Zhang. I don't wish to burden you all, so I shall take my leave."
Just as he said this,Zhang Yong smiled lightly and extended his hand, revealing a green pill in his palm. "Let Brother Fang take this healing pill. Please be careful in the future."
Fang Qilao nodded his head and took the pill."Thank you, Brother Zhang, for your kindness." Then he turned and began to leave the place.
After seeing Fang Qilao off,everyone remained silent for a few moments.
Before Ning Xiao exploded:"Why did you tell him our sect's name?!"
Zhang Yong shrugged nonchalantly."What's the problem? Just an exchange of names between practitioners, isn't it?"
Zhou Ning felt frustrated and put her hand on her forehead."Brother Zhang, there's long-standing enmity between the Purple Star Sect and the Azure Sect. We are enemies!"
Zhang Yong's eyebrows rose slightly upon hearing that,but he didn't show any real shock. "Ah... I didn't know that."
Wu Ruoxian sighed quietly."No need to protest now. What's done is done."
A small laugh appeared on Yi Lin's face."I don't think Fang Qilao is really a bad person."
"Perhaps you're right,"Zhang Yong laughed lightly. "Alright, if I assume you've rested enough, let's continue on our way."
Everyone nodded in agreement and continued on the road towards Xiang City.
'Okay Uni,I want my reward now.'
(Host.... the mission isn't over yet.)
'What?!'
Zhang Yong could only curse internally and immediately activated the Heavenly Eyes.Unfortunately, the youth had already left his range.
'Damn,the mission is to protect him. It doesn't matter; even if he dies, there's no penalty for the mission. Doing it or not doesn't change anything.'
After advancing for a while,the group reached Xiang City, but they stayed at a distance and didn't enter.
"So,we have to find the culprit inside this unrecognized city?" Ning Xiao couldn't help but brag.
The city being unrecognized only meant it wasn't under any government administration because its size was that of a small village.
Thus,it lacked guards. Strangely, the child disappearances in this village seemed clearly normal.
"So,any ideas, guys?" Zhang Yong turned to the group behind him and asked.
Zhou Ning responded directly:"It would be dangerous to go and investigate because that would inform the person in charge that he's in danger and might result in him stopping his activities. That wouldn't be in our favor because it would make finding him difficult then."
Zhang Yong snapped his fingers."Correct, your analysis is logical," he replied with a smile.
Yi Lin grabbed her chin and hummed."Wouldn't it be easier to wait until he shows himself?"
Zhang Yong contemplated for a moment,then smiled lightly. "That's good. Then we wait until nightfall."
Wu Ruoxian suggested quietly:"It's better if we split up to cover a larger area."
Zhang Yong nodded his head and calmly turned his palm,where ten yellow talisman papers appeared in his hand. "Very reasonable. Take these talismans. One is a Shadow Talisman to conceal presence, and the other is to notify the others immediately upon discovering anything."
Everyone responded as they received the talismans."Understood."