After breaking through to the Qi Refining Second Layer, Shen Hao's cultivation speed became even faster.
The spiritual energy within the Companion Jade Pendant was purer than Spirit Stones, and it was inexhaustible, an ever-flowing stream. During daily cultivation, Shen Hao only needed to inject a thread of spiritual energy into the jade pendant to gain a ceaseless supply of pure spiritual energy.
In just a few days, his cultivation had stabilized at the Early Qi Refining Second Layer, only one step away from the Mid Stage Qi Refining Second Layer.
That day, as usual, Shen Hao went to the Back Mountain Medicine Garden to do his assigned work. The moment he reached the entrance, he sensed that something was wrong. The garden was a complete mess. Many Spiritual Medicines had been uprooted and scattered across the ground, clearly damaged by human hands.
Steward Li stood in the middle of the Medicine Garden, his face livid as his entire body trembled with rage. The surrounding Outer Sect Disciples all lowered their heads, not daring to speak.
Shen Hao was startled and hurried forward, bowing in salute. "Steward Li, what happened?"
When Steward Li saw Shen Hao, he took a deep breath and suppressed the fury in his heart. "Last night, a thief slipped into the Medicine Garden and stole dozens of Qi Condensing Grass and Spirit Awakening Flowers. He also destroyed quite a few Spiritual Medicines."
Shen Hao frowned. Although Qi Condensing Grass and Spirit Awakening Flowers were not particularly precious Spiritual Medicines, they were important cultivation resources for Outer Sect Disciples. The theft of dozens of them was no small loss to the Medicine Garden.
"Steward, have you found out who the thief was?" Shen Hao asked.
Steward Li shook his head. "A simple Prohibition Array had been set up around the Medicine Garden. The thief had clearly come prepared. Not only did he destroy the array, he did not leave behind a single clue."
He paused, then continued, "The sect has already ordered the Outer Sect Deacon Elders to investigate this matter thoroughly. Today's assigned work is temporarily canceled. Go back and cultivate. If you find any clues, report to me immediately."
"This disciple obeys." The disciples answered in unison.
Shen Hao and Zhang Shan left the Medicine Garden. As they walked back to their residences, both of them were somewhat heavy-hearted.
"Senior Brother Shen, who do you think this thief could be?" Zhang Shan could not help asking.
Shen Hao shook his head. "Hard to say. There are thousands of Outer Sect Disciples, a mixed bag of fish and dragons. Every sort of person is among them."
He paused, then added, "Still, this thief is far too bold. He actually dared to steal the sect's Spiritual Medicines on Ziyang Sect territory. If he is caught, his end will surely be miserable."
Zhang Shan nodded. "Exactly. The sect's rules have always been strict. Stealing sect property means having one's cultivation crippled and being expelled from the sect at best, and direct execution at worst."
After chatting for a while, the two returned to their own residences.
Shen Hao sat at the table, his brows slightly furrowed. He always felt that something about this matter was off. Since the thief could destroy the Medicine Garden's Prohibition Array, his cultivation had to be at least the Qi Refining Third Layer. There were not many Outer Sect Disciples at the Qi Refining Third Layer or above, but there were still quite a few. Finding out who the thief was would not be easy.
After thinking for a while, he stopped dwelling on it. His cultivation was still too low; this was not something he could meddle in. The only thing he could do now was cultivate diligently and raise his strength.
Shen Hao took out the Companion Jade Pendant and injected a thread of spiritual energy into it. Pure spiritual energy poured endlessly into his body. He sat cross-legged on the bed and began cultivating.
After an unknown amount of time, he suddenly sensed a faint disturbance outside the window. Shen Hao's heart stirred, and he quickly opened his eyes and looked outside.
A Shadowy Figure flashed across the open space beyond the window like a ghost, running toward the Back Mountain. He moved with incredible speed and vanished into the night in the blink of an eye.
Shen Hao's frown deepened. He had a strong feeling that this Shadowy Figure had an enormous connection to the theft at the Medicine Garden.
After hesitating for a moment, he still quietly followed. His cultivation had already broken through to the Qi Refining Second Layer, and he was much faster than before. He cautiously trailed behind the Shadowy Figure, not daring to get too close.
The Shadowy Figure ran all the way into the Dense Forest on the Back Mountain and finally stopped beneath a large tree. Shen Hao hid in the grass some distance away, held his breath, and observed carefully.
The Shadowy Figure took out a cloth bundle from his robes and opened it. Inside were dozens of Qi Condensing Grass and Spirit Awakening Flowers.
It really was him!
Just then, the Shadowy Figure suddenly turned around and looked toward the grass where Shen Hao was hiding.
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