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On the way to Yanling Fort, three streams of light soared through the sky, flying nearly side by side.
After visiting Li Huayuan's cave with Hong Fu, Qi Yuan set off with Dong Xuan'er and Han Li, leaving Huangfeng Valley behind.
Li Huayuan's wife had left a deep impression on him. With her striking beauty and the Ice Heart Technique she practiced, it was no surprise that Li Huayuan had sought an aphrodisiac. No medicine could counteract such an extreme contrast of ice and fire.
Standing aboard the Jiaolong Spirit Shuttle, Qi Yuan gazed at the endless sky. Dong Xuan'er was on his right, her expression composed and dignified, a stark contrast to her usual coquettish demeanor. Yet, from time to time, her almond-shaped eyes flickered toward him, as if lost in thought.
On his left, a young man with an unremarkable appearance rode a separate spirit shuttle. His face shifted between solemnity and a faint wry smile.
Qi Yuan turned toward him and spoke softly. "I've heard that Junior Brother Han is skilled in alchemy. Is that true?"
Han Li's expression darkened slightly. He cupped his hands and replied, "Senior Brother Qi overestimates me. I only know a few basic techniques—not enough to be considered true skill."
"Junior Brother Han is too modest." Qi Yuan's lips curved into a faint smile. "I've had trouble meditating lately, my mind clouded with worries. Do you happen to have a remedy for that?"
Han Li hesitated briefly, trying to gauge Qi Yuan's intentions. Since the Forget Worry Pill wasn't a particularly rare or valuable medicine, there was no harm in offering it. With a flick of his wrist, a jade bottle appeared in his palm.
"This pill helps calm the mind and ease worries. Take one per day for a peaceful state of mind. However, be careful not to overuse it—excessive consumption may lead to unintended consequences."
Qi Yuan extended his hand, a glimmer of light flashing as he retrieved the bottle. After verifying its contents, he placed a few spirit stones in Han Li's hand. "I can't take it without compensation. Please accept these spirit stones as thanks."
Han Li glanced at the payment, sighed inwardly, and accepted it.
He had been peacefully cultivating in his cave when his master, Li Huayuan, summoned him for this treasure hunt. There was no refusing a direct order, so he had no choice but to comply.
But now, he found himself in troubling company.
Dong Xuan'er, with her natural charm, was bound to attract attention and stir up unnecessary trouble. And then there was Qi Yuan—an enigma of an existence. Han Li had witnessed his abilities firsthand and knew better than to provoke him.
The combination of these two people made Han Li deeply uneasy.
If he had the strength to oppose them, he would have turned and fled without hesitation.
Qi Yuan noticed Han Li's troubled expression and smirked inwardly. Was he contemplating escape?
If so, he wouldn't succeed.
Yanling Fort had two prime targets—Wang Chan, the young master of the Ghost Spirit Sect, and Tian Buque, the second son of the Hehuan Sect.
Both were wealthy beyond measure, their storage bags filled with spiritual treasures.
Among them, Tian Buque was particularly intriguing. As the son of the Hehuan Sect's leader, he likely possessed many dual cultivation techniques. These would prove invaluable for Qi Yuan's research into the balance of yin and yang energies. Capturing him was a priority.
As for Wang Chan, Qi Yuan planned to let Han Li handle her. Even if he couldn't defeat her, he would at least manage to escape.
The three of them arrived at the rendezvous point and sent out a signal.
Before long, two figures approached from the distance, their silhouettes growing clearer. A man and a woman descended before them.
Dong Xuan'er's eyes lit up. Without hesitation, she stepped closer to Qi Yuan and clung to his arm, displaying an unexpected intimacy.
Qi Yuan was momentarily taken aback. He quickly sent her a silent warning, reminding her not to attract unnecessary attention. If she misbehaved, he wouldn't hesitate to use the portrait he had of her as leverage—one word to Hong Fu, and she'd be in trouble.
Dong Xuan'er bit her lip, her snow-white cheeks tinged with grievance. Her gaze softened, and she looked at Qi Yuan with lingering tenderness.
Observing their exchange, Han Li quietly took a step back, distancing himself.
The man who had come to greet them was tall and strikingly handsome. Yet, upon seeing Qi Yuan, a flicker of jealousy flashed across his eyes. Was there really someone more attractive than him?
The young woman beside him was lively and delicate, her beautiful eyes frequently darting toward Qi Yuan, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
Han Li sighed. He had always avoided unnecessary entanglements, keeping a low profile to stay clear of trouble. But with Qi Yuan standing here, shining like a beacon, trouble was practically unavoidable.
The man finally spoke, his voice loud and confident. "I am Yan Yu, and this is my sister, Yan Ling. We have come to welcome our fellow cultivators from Huangfeng Valley."
Qi Yuan cupped his hands in greeting. "I am Qi Yuan. This is my senior sister, Dong Xuan'er, and my junior brother, Han Li."
After some brief pleasantries, the siblings looked slightly disappointed upon learning that Qi Yuan and Dong Xuan'er were a pair.
The group then made their way to Yanling Fort.
Upon arrival, Qi Yuan's expression darkened. He had expected a duel between the Ghost Spirit Sect and Yanling Fort—but it wasn't happening.
Was Wang Chan not here?
After some thought, he realized the current situation was different from what he had anticipated. It was entirely possible that Wang Chan's movements were being kept discreet.
Once they settled into their assigned rooms, Yan Yu and Yan Ling bid them farewell and left.
Qi Yuan tidied up briefly before extending his spiritual sense to check on the others. Satisfied that both were meditating, he left the inn alone.
With each passing day, his Great Evolution Technique refined his spiritual awareness, allowing him to maneuver undetected, even against early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Navigating through the alleys, he arrived at a secluded courtyard. Producing a special talisman, he murmured a few incantations, and the formation around the yard shifted, granting him entry.
The barrier parted, revealing a stunning woman dressed in an aqua-blue robe. Her cultivation was at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.
She studied Qi Yuan for a moment before speaking. "Are you a disciple of Huangfeng Valley, Junior Brother Qi Yuan?"
Qi Yuan stepped forward and presented a token. "Qi Yuan greets Senior Sister."
The woman scrutinized the token before nodding. "Follow me."
As she led the way, her slender waist swayed subtly. Her voice was soft yet firm. "When you meet the Jindan stage elders, remain calm. We are both chosen for this mission—once it is completed, the sect will reward us accordingly."
Qi Yuan glanced at her graceful figure and thought to himself, **She truly carries the air of a Yanyue Sect disciple.**
"Thank you for your guidance, Senior Sister. I will keep that in mind."
They passed through a corridor and approached a side chamber. Qi Yuan could sense an intricate formation shrouding the door, concealing the presence of those inside.
Just how many Jindan stage cultivators had Nangong Wan sent? This level of precaution was excessive.
The woman in blue performed a series of hand seals, murmuring an incantation. A faint glow flickered around her fingertips as she carved a small opening in the restriction. Without hesitation, she stepped inside.
Qi Yuan followed, his expression composed. The entrance sealed behind them, leaving no trace.
Inside, the woman bowed deeply toward two figures seated in the chamber.
"Uncle Nishang, Senior Fuyunzi, the disciples from Huangfeng Valley have arrived."
Qi Yuan's gaze flickered to the two seated cultivators.
Had Nangong Wan only sent two Jindan stage experts?
Doubts swirled in his mind, but he maintained his composure. He bowed respectfully.
"Disciple Qi Yuan greets Senior Nishang and Senior Fuyunzi."
A thought crossed his mind.
Had he struck the bell too hard that day, rendering Nangong Wan unconscious? Had she missed some of his words?
(End of chapter)