After the treatment concluded, Zhang Daoyun, the sect leader of Longhu Mountain, summoned Ling Tian into his study. Zhang Caifeng, very obediently, prepared tea for the two of them.
Zhang Daoyun looked at Ling Tian, liking him more and more. This young man was too outstanding; only someone like him was worthy of his Caifeng.
His only regret was that this fellow seemed a bit too philandering, having other women. However, he soon came to terms with it. As long as Caifeng liked Ling Tian, and Ling Tian had Caifeng in his heart, that was enough.
Moreover, for a man as exceptional as Ling Tian, he didn't expect Caifeng to be able to tie him down.
"Uncle, your health is no longer a concern. If there's nothing else, I'll be taking my leave."
It wasn't that Ling Tian was unwilling to stay with Caifeng, but he was eager to continue his cultivation to improve his strength as quickly as possible. After all, besides the unorthodox paths, there was also the powerful Gao family. This opponent forced Ling Tian to remain vigilant and deal with them with all his might.
Daoist Master Zhang Daoyun pondered for a moment and then said to Ling Tian, "Ling Tian, I have a request."
"This time, I was injured in Hantan Village. There is a very powerful entity in that cold pond, far more than just water ghosts or zombies.
"In my life, I've seen no shortage of evil spirits and ghosts, but I've truly never encountered anything so potent and bizarre.
"I hope you can step in and help deal with the monster in that water pool. After all, it concerns the lives of dozens of people and the fate of a village.
"Although I've escaped the invasion of corpse poison, this injury has severely depleted my internal energy, and it will take a long time to recover. I will have the disciples of Longhu Mountain cooperate with you fully to eliminate the evil spirits there!"
Daoist Master Zhang Daoyun was actually quite dejected. Hantan Village was only about 300 kilometers from their Longhu Mountain, and that mountain range was even a branch of Longhu Mountain.
It was only natural for Longhu Mountain to handle the evil spirits that appeared at their doorstep.
However, they never expected that Longhu Mountain would be so thoroughly defeated in their area of expertise this time, not only losing several disciples but also nearly losing their sect leader.
Places like Hantan Town were extremely dangerous and posed a great threat to the surrounding populace. Neither Longhu Mountain nor the Righteous Path Alliance could stand idly by.
Now, Longhu Mountain had only two paths. One was for Longhu Mountain to gather its strength and find a way to resolve the situation, but it was foreseeable that this would inevitably lead to significant casualties and losses.
They also had another option: to seek help from the Righteous Path Alliance. The Righteous Path Alliance had several powerful venerated masters whose strength was not inferior to Longhu Mountain's.
But the problem was, Longhu Mountain simply couldn't afford to lose face. If they couldn't even handle the evil spirits at their own doorstep, who would invite them to subdue demons and eliminate monsters in the future?
Zhang Daoyun thought for a long time but couldn't find a way to break the deadlock, so he set his sights on Ling Tian. After all, he was their future son-in-law, so it was only right to utilize him.
"Dad, no! Ling Tian isn't one of us from Longhu Mountain; he has no obligation to help us subdue demons and eliminate monsters!" Zhang Caifeng immediately objected. She knew this matter was very dangerous and didn't want Ling Tian to be in peril.
Ling Tian stepped forward and put his arm around Zhang Caifeng's shoulders.
"Caifeng, I'm part of the Special Operations Division. Subduing demons and eliminating monsters is my inescapable duty.
"Besides, this matter occurred within the territory of Longhu Mountain, and someone has to manage it. Even if I don't go, Uncle will eventually have to lead people himself. You wouldn't want Uncle to be in danger, would you?
"But, but it's very dangerous for you to go there too..."
"Silly girl, don't you know my strength? This kind of thing is a piece of cake for me."
Zhang Caifeng was speechless. Ling Tian was stating a fact, and this matter couldn't be avoided. But on one side was her lover, and on the other was her father – this was truly a difficult choice.
Ling Tian turned to Zhang Daoyun again and said, "Uncle, I promise you on this matter. I will personally handle the situation in Hantan Town.
"However, I hope to have the freedom to act. Whether it's people from Longhu Mountain or Caifeng, no one should follow me!
"With my strength, even if I'm not an opponent to the evil spirits, I can still retreat safely. But if I bring others with me, and we encounter danger, I won't be able to escape with them.
"Furthermore, with others around, I'll be constrained and unable to unleash my full potential!"
Sect Leader Zhang Daoyun pondered and felt that Ling Tian was right. The people of Longhu Mountain, even the elders on the mountain, might become a burden to Ling Tian if they went along.
"Alright, Ling Tian, I promise you. If you need any support, just ask me."
"No need. You just focus on recuperating and restoring your strength as soon as possible.
"Also, I'll trouble you to look after Caifeng. You can wait for my good news on the mountain."
Zhang Caifeng bit her lip and said nothing. If it were in the past, Caifeng might have insisted on going with Ling Tian. But now, Caifeng didn't do that. Zhang Caifeng knew very well that if she went with Ling Tian, she would truly become his burden.
Although Zhang Caifeng had been diligently cultivating to improve her strength as quickly as possible, she found that the gap between her and Ling Tian was only widening. This situation made her feel somewhat powerless.
"Ling Tian, be careful! Don't worry, I'll stay on the mountain with Father and won't let you worry about me!
"Go, no matter what happens, be sure to stay safe. If you really can't resolve it, come back, and we'll figure something out. Don't push yourself!" Zhang Caifeng said, tears welling up in her eyes.
Ling Tian stroked Caifeng's hair, "Alright, silly girl, I'm not a foolhardy kid who isn't afraid of death. Don't worry, I'll return safely..."
Ling Tian had to exert great effort and talk extensively to finally stop Zhang Caifeng from crying.
After Ling Tian saw Zhang Caifeng back to her room, Zhang Daoyun had his subordinates bring a series of intelligence reports about Hantan Village.
Ling Tian deeply memorized these reports and didn't fall asleep until late into the night.
The next morning, Zhang Daoyun arranged for disciples of Longhu Mountain to drive Ling Tian to Hantan Village.
However, when they were still more than 20 kilometers away from Hantan Village, the only road leading to the village was blocked. Several military vehicles were parked by the roadside, and a group of heavily armed soldiers blocked their path.
After getting out of the car and inquiring, they learned that the remaining people in the village ahead had been relocated to other places, and no personnel or vehicles were allowed to enter until the matter was resolved.
The Longhu Mountain disciples driving ignored their documents. They explained that they were Daoists from Longhu Mountain, specifically here to resolve this matter, but it was useless. The soldiers simply didn't buy it!