In the Yuwen family's separate courtyard, Ye Cangtian slowly savored his tea. Although the matter of Hun Jiu had been resolved, his expression remained exceptionally grim whenever he recalled it. Hun Jiu had been intimidated into handing over the solution. If Hun Jiu had resisted, Ye Cangtian would have found it difficult to kill him, as the entire city living with impaired senses was no trivial matter. Furthermore, he understood that even if he went to Feiyun Pavilion, they likely wouldn't provide a solution. In such a scenario, there were only two options: handing over the Four Seals or engaging in a war with Feiyun Pavilion. However, neither was what he wished to see. At the same time, through this incident, he recognized Feiyun Pavilion's resolve to seize the Four Seals, a determination that would stop at nothing. Thinking of this, he felt a headache coming on.
"Report!"
At that moment, a figure approached. It was a guard from the Hidden Organization. He came directly before Ye Cangtian and bowed respectfully, saying, "Lord Ye, we have successfully refined the incense according to the herbal formula and have begun distributing it to the city..." The guard stated that while the herbs mentioned in the formula were uncommon, they were not difficult to find, with major pharmacies stocking them. Moreover, these herbs were somewhat niche and not typically purchased by anyone. Therefore, the herbs were quickly gathered in Jinling City, and the incense was refined.
"You have worked hard..." As he spoke, Ye Cangtian waved his hand. The guard immediately bowed respectfully and withdrew.
"Has the matter in Jinling City been resolved now?"
As soon as the guard left, Yi Feipeng's figure appeared before Ye Cangtian. Since the incense had been successfully refined and distributed, the five senses of the city's populace should no longer be a major concern. It was time to head to Jifeng Tower. He was quite worried about Jifeng Tower and eager to return quickly.
Ye Cangtian glanced at Yi Feipeng and then nodded, saying, "When Yuwen Sheng and the others return, we will bid farewell and head to Jifeng Tower tomorrow."
Yi Feipeng nodded upon hearing this. Having stayed at the Yuwen residence for so long, it would be improper to leave without saying goodbye. Besides, no matter how urgent he felt, he could afford to wait a day or two.
...
In the mountain forest outside the city.
Hun Jiu, leading a few heavily wounded subordinates, finally found Hun Ba by following Feiyun Pavilion's secret signals. Seeing Hun Jiu like a cornered dog, Hun Ba revealed a faint smile on his face. "Failed? Heh, serves you right for not listening to the elders!"
"Hmph!" Hun Jiu glared fiercely at Hun Ba and then spoke, "I admit I underestimated Ye Cangtian, but at least I took action. Unlike some people who only know how to be a shrinking turtle!"
As his words fell, a flash of killing intent flickered in Hun Ba's eyes. A moment later, he looked at Hun Jiu and said indifferently, "You deserved to fail for not understanding Ye Cangtian's temper and character!"
"You understand it?" Hun Jiu looked at Hun Ba doubtfully, asking with disdain. The other had arrived here only shortly before him, so in his view, Hun Ba might not have had time to gather such information.
Humph! Hun Ba snorted lightly and said, "Apologies, I do understand. Ye Cangtian cares deeply for the Hidden Organization and is extremely attentive to those around him..."
"Stop with the nonsense, I have no interest in listening!" Hun Jiu directly interrupted Hun Ba and continued, "Just tell me if you have a good way to deal with him!"
"Using the entire city's populace as a bargaining chip was inherently wrong, but your direction wasn't entirely off." Hun Ba glared at Hun Jiu and continued, "My plan is to target those around him, like that Ye Zheng Hao!"
"Hun Jiu, are you sure Ye Cangtian will hand over the Four Seals for Ye Zheng Hao?" Hun Jiu looked at the other doubtfully, his brow furrowed. He had also considered the matter of Ye Zheng Hao before but ultimately abandoned the idea. After all, Ye Zheng Hao was the future dean of Liehuo Academy, and acting against him could easily provoke Liehuo Academy, bringing great trouble to Feiyun Pavilion. Therefore, he was particularly sensitive when Ye Zheng Hao was mentioned.
Hun Ba glanced at Hun Jiu and said, "Think about it, what would happen if Ye Cangtian refused to help Ye Zheng Hao?"
"At most, Liehuo Academy will resent the Hidden Organization," Hun Jiu replied.
"That is sufficient," Hun Ba said with a smile. He indicated that Ye Cangtian's current strong stance, daring to challenge Feiyun Pavilion, was primarily due to the close relationship between Liehuo Academy and the Hidden Organization. Without this relationship, would the Hidden Organization dare to oppose Feiyun Pavilion? Furthermore, Ye Cangtian was on his way to Jifeng Tower. If he could instigate a conflict between Jifeng Tower and the Hidden Organization, it would only make it easier for Feiyun Pavilion to obtain the Four Seals. The reason was simple: it was likely beyond the Hidden Organization's limits to contend with one peak power; if they had to deal with Feiyun Pavilion as well, the Hidden Organization would perish. At that point, the Hidden Organization would not choose to antagonize Feiyun Pavilion, but would instead hand over the Four Seals, begging for Feiyun Pavilion's assistance...
"This..." Listening to Hun Ba's explanation, Hun Jiu's eyes darted around, and he finally nodded. What the other said was not without merit.
...
Jifeng Tower.
Wan Mingxuan was lounging in his room, with his legs crossed, enjoying a period of quiet repose with his eyes closed. Not long after, a figure entered the room. Looking up, he saw Han Que, who had been sent to Jinling City. The next moment, Wan Mingxuan stretched, and then spoke, "Han Que, was the matter handled smoothly?"
"I have disappointed you, sir. The operation failed!" Han Que said, lowering his head.
"What!" Wan Mingxuan's expression suddenly changed. Among those with any ability in Jinling City, only the Yuwen family stood out. However, the Yuwen family was nothing more than an ant before Jifeng Tower. Thinking this, he said sternly, "Han Que, I expect an explanation from you. It's just a small Jinling City; no one should be able to stop you!"
"No!" Han Que shook his head and said, "Ye Cangtian is in Jinling City, so I dared not act rashly!"
"What!" Wan Mingxuan's eyes widened. As far as he knew, Ye Cangtian had been traveling south, so how did he end up in Jinling City? He quickly inquired. Han Que, seeing this, hastily explained, "Ye Cangtian set up an evil formation around Jinling City. Most of the people in Jinling City suffered varying degrees of sensory loss, and even our people were not spared!" He paused, then quickly took a map from his Qiankun bag and handed it to Wan Mingxuan. "I saw a map within the Hidden Organization, and this is what I drew based on my skills. Following the direction of these circles, I destroyed one formation base, but unfortunately, those who resisted to the death allowed me no survivors!" He added, "Besides that, Ye Cangtian, fearing his evil deeds would be exposed, sent people to destroy the other seven formation bases..."
Listening to Han Que's words, Wan Mingxuan's eyes began to dart around again. "Well done, Ye Cangtian. I wondered why your cultivation improved so quickly! I thought you had extraordinary talent, but now it seems Ye Cangtian is using this evil formation to improve his cultivation." Thinking this, a cold smile appeared on Wan Mingxuan's face. He said, "Very good, Han Que, publicize this matter to the world. I will arrange the rest." Wan Mingxuan's eyes lit up as he conceived of a plan to kill with a borrowed knife. If these evil deeds were exposed, the Hidden Organization would surely be attacked by all sides, and its destruction would be inevitable. He would then simply reap the benefits, not only eliminating the Hidden Organization but also obtaining the Four Seals. Hearing Wan Mingxuan's words, Han Que quickly responded and then left the room. "Heh heh... Ye Cangtian, I don't believe you can survive this time!"
...
Three days later.
On a small path winding through the mountains, a carriage sped past. On the carriage, through the window, Ye Cangtian admired the scenery outside, which was quite pleasing, lush and vibrant.
"After passing through these mountain valleys, we will reach Jifeng Tower," Yi Feipeng, who had opened his eyes at some point, said as he saw Ye Cangtian looking out.
"Quite hidden," Ye Cangtian said slowly. Outside human settlements, it was already difficult to find, and now with the mountains in between, it was likely that it had been ignored in the past. At the same time, Ye Cangtian also considered another issue. If a war were to break out with Jifeng Tower, it was likely that these mountains would claim many masters from the Hidden Organization, serving as a natural protective barrier to Jifeng Tower's entrance.