Hat Guest Shakes Great Marsh, Man Luo Demonic Pearl Hunts Flying Thieves

Zhuo Yunbing failed to see through Lin Xuankong's act.

In the end, she took the Guardian Spirit Pill's alchemy manual from its hiding place and gave it to Lin Xuankong.

In truth, Zhuo Yunbing believed that Guardian Spirit Pills were easy to learn but difficult to master. Even if she revealed the method to countless Martial Cultivators throughout Great Marsh Prefecture, after ten years, probably no more than fifty or sixty would successfully refine a batch of Guardian Spirit Pills!

Therefore, Zhuo Yunbing did not believe that the Hat Guest before her could learn to refine Guardian Spirit Pills!

Throughout Great Marsh Prefecture, there were five sects and aristocratic families capable of refining Guardian Spirit Pills. Altogether, those sects had only forty or fifty official alchemists. Even after studying alchemy for over a decade, she herself could only be considered a most rudimentary alchemist!

The reason she had stubbornly refused to give Zhang Wu the pill formula and manual before was not because she feared he would learn alchemy, but because that shameless, vile lecher disgusted her.

After handing over the manual, Zhuo Yunbing watched the Hat Guest leave. Her delicate brows drew together as she pondered,

All the Zhuo Family servants have run away, leaving only me. If I want to avoid the Black Tiger Gang's lecherous scum in the future, I'm afraid my only choice is to join the Yin Talisman Sect!

That Hat Guest is truly troublesome. Since he decided to kill Zhang Wu, why didn't he just kill him cleanly? If Zhang Wu hides in the future or finds a Black Tiger Gang expert to protect him, how will he kill him then? The Hat Guest certainly boasts impressively, claiming he can take lives whenever he wishes. Well, the Hat Guest's Twin Vine Demonic Pearl really is formidable! Zhuo Yunbing bit her lip, irritation churning in her heart.

"Guardian Spirit Pill alchemy manual?"

In the outer room of the Wooden Building, Li Xiaolan looked at Lin Xuankong with some surprise. She accepted the thick manual, flipped through it a few times, then could not help shaking her head. "Why didn't you take the chance to demand dozens of Grade One Guardian Spirit Pills from Zhuo Yunbing?"

"She said she had nothing left on her," Lin Xuankong said.

Li Xiaolan shot him a sidelong glare, clearly disdainful of how lightly Lin Xuankong had gone on a beauty.

"Women are very good at lying. The prettier the woman, the better she lies.

"You actually believed she had nothing on her? You didn't search her yourself?

"What if she hid the pills somewhere?

"Once Martial Cultivators reach Layer Three Perfection, Grade One Guardian Spirit Pills are pills they must begin taking. They need to take one roughly every seven days to reduce some of the danger when tempering their heads!

"There are four or five factions in Great Marsh Prefecture capable of refining Grade One Guardian Spirit Pills. They are not especially expensive, but each still costs seventy or eighty taels. You saved that woman's life, so demanding dozens of pills from her would have been worthwhile. Yet you asked for a manual instead.

"Why do you want this manual? Are you planning to study alchemy?"

Lin Xuankong nodded. "Yes. I plan to study it in my spare time. If I learn it, then even if I have no immediate use for Guardian Spirit Pills myself, I can give them to others or sell them for money!"

Li Xiaolan glanced at him. "Becoming an alchemist is not that easy. Although your speed of martial cultivation is... fairly decent, that does not mean you have a talent for alchemy!

"Even setting talent aside, the cost of refining batch after batch of failed pills in the early stages is not something ordinary Martial Cultivators can afford! Without being from a wealthy aristocratic family or having the resources of a great sect supporting you, how can you become an alchemist?

"Or perhaps you will only manage to refine one successful batch several decades from now, Your Elderly Self?"

Lin Xuankong frowned. "Is it that difficult?"

Li Xiaolan waved her little hand. "Of course. Though perhaps you might stumble into some stroke of good fortune.

"You might refine a successful batch within twenty years!"

Having said that, the Young Lady who despised his soft heart toward beautiful women ignored the somewhat discouraged Lin Xuankong. With lotus steps, she headed upstairs.

Lin Xuankong, meanwhile, frowned at the manual in his hands and secretly thought, Several decades before I might succeed at refining one batch? That does sound a little difficult!

Still, there is no need for me to lose heart so quickly. Perhaps my Old and Vigorous Destiny can also grant bonuses in alchemy! If it gives a boost of dozens of times as well, then wouldn't I be able to refine pills successfully after just a few months, without even trying?

In any case, today's martial cultivation is already finished, and I cannot search the Outer City for Flying Thieves at night. This is the perfect time to study this Guardian Spirit Pill refinement manual and see whether I can manage it!

With that thought, he no longer hesitated. Carrying an oil lamp, he returned to his little room, lay on the bed, and began reading the manual.

Early the next morning,

Lin Xuankong first cultivated his inner art twice, then practiced the Spirit Crane Finger and Green Pine Stance once each. Afterward, he returned to his room and looked at the thick manual beside the wooden bed. He had read for most of last night, and had already swiftly "devoured" one-third of the thick manual!

Of course, to memorize all the identification of Guardian Spirit Pill ingredients, medicinal herb processing, analysis of medicinal properties, intricacies of alchemy equipment, and so on, would probably take another three days. He simply did not know whether Old and Vigorous would take effect then!

After putting away the manual, he was about to leave for the Outer City to search for Flying Thieves,

when a rapid knock, knock, knock sounded at the outer wooden door. When he opened it, he found Yang Shan standing there with the Red Tassel Spear on his back.

"Steward, I'm on guard duty at the Barracks today. One of Steward Xu's disciples came to notify me that you are to head to the Mule Street branch hall. He said there is important business!"

Lin Xuankong was somewhat surprised. One of Xu Bei's disciples had come to summon him to the branch hall—what important matter could there be?

After washing up a little, he took several stuffed flatbreads the Young Lady had bought early that morning and hurried toward Mule Street.

Upon arriving at the branch hall's Council Hall,

he discovered that most of the stewards and managers had already taken their respective seats.

After sitting in his own manager's chair at the very back, Lin Xuankong looked at Han Lu nearby. "Steward Han, do you know why everyone has been summoned here?"

Han Lu, clutching a crutch, wore a mysterious expression. "Hehe, you'll find out soon enough. It's a major matter!"

Lin Xuankong:

Looking at Han Lu's expression of I know, but I'm not telling, Lin Xuankong suddenly felt that his superior, Ma Jiang, ought to be harsher with this disciple. Even if his leg was lame, they could still train the resistance of his chest and back!

A short while later, all the managers and stewards had arrived.

Jiang Yurán, dressed in a moon-white Daoist robe, emerged from the Rear Hall with several Great Stewards. "Yesterday's search assignments have been issued. How has the search progressed? From now on, everyone must report daily! Stewards, begin!"

Ma Jiang rose first. "Reporting to Manager Jiang, we have begun a detailed investigation of the residents' homes within the Barracks. Yesterday, we covered 1,840 households. In addition, I assigned Steward Lin to inspect the blacksmith shops and martial arts schools. Yesterday evening, Li Er under him reported that no abnormalities have been found for the time being."

Next came the reports from several other stewards. Their arrangements were broadly similar to Ma Jiang's, though their progress was a little slower.

Zhao Yufei, however, had the assistance of Dragon Blood Hounds. Her search was progressing many times faster than even Ma Jiang's, and she had already investigated all the households near the Barracks. Yet she had found nothing.

Lin Xuankong had already discovered clues to the Flying Thieves in Black Tiger Gang territory. Naturally, Zhao Yufei could not possibly find anything!

After hearing everyone's reports, Lin Xuankong secretly shook his head and thought,

Each of the Yin Talisman Sect's stewards commands several hundred people. They have mobilized several thousand people in total, yet to thoroughly search all of Great Marsh Prefecture will probably take at least close to twenty days!

The key is that searches through the territories of other gangs and aristocratic families will inevitably face obstacles. It will likely take even longer to truly investigate all of Great Marsh Prefecture City!

Looking at it this way, my Man Luo Demonic Pearl is still a little more useful. In several hours, it "turned over" all of Great Marsh Prefecture.

Once today's meeting is over, I can make a trip outside and cover more than half the Outer City too!

After hearing the reports from all eight stewards, Jiang Yurán nodded approvingly at Zhao Yufei.

"Everyone has acted very quickly and efficiently.

"Especially Steward Zhao Yufei. She has used the Dragon Blood Treasure Hounds her family raised at great expense to search for the Flying Thieves, and they have produced an astonishing effect during this inspection!

"During your future searches, you must remember this: you absolutely must not let go of any place where Flying Thieves could hide!"

At those words, all the stewards and managers rose and answered in unison.

Steward Zhao Yufei, who had received the praise, looked cool and arrogant, fully confident of victory.

She swept her gaze across everyone present. With the Dragon Blood Hounds assisting her, and with Xu Bei and the others cooperating, the Silver Jade Steward position should be as easy for her to take as reaching into a bag for something!

At that moment, a smile appeared on Jiang Yurán's face.

"Also, let me tell everyone an interesting piece of major news. That Hat Guest appeared again last night. It is said that he caused a great commotion at the residence of Zhang Wu, deputy steward of the Black Tiger Gang, and used his famously formidable Twin Vine Demonic Pearl to cripple Zhang Wu!

"What is even more interesting is that, before a great number of Black Tiger Gang members and leaders, the Hat Guest actually took away Zhuo Yunbing, the concubine Zhang Wu had been about to marry. He put a huge green hat on Zhang Wu's head, and even left behind word that he would definitely kill Zhang Wu, telling him to wait slowly for death. Mm, he is arrogant in quite a distinctive way!"

At this point, her smile became even more apparent. "The Black Tiger Gang produces scum one after another, monopolizes medicinal herbs, and acts with reckless abandon. Yet now someone has raided their den and turned it inside out. Tell me, isn't that interesting?"

At her words, most of the stewards and managers began laughing.

During the last great battle with the Black Tiger Gang, the Yin Talisman Sect had suffered grievous losses, and everyone had been stifling their frustration. They had never expected that the Hat Guest would leave the enormous Black Tiger Gang dusty and disheveled, making them lose tremendous face before countless Martial Cultivators of Great Marsh Prefecture!

The Red-Faced Steward spoke. "This Hat Guest is an interesting eccentric, but I wonder how strong he truly is?"

Ma Jiang cheerfully rolled the dice in his hand. "Steward Zhang, that is not quite right! With the Twin Vine Demonic Pearl in hand, one can be invincible among those of the same rank, and can even challenge stronger opponents across ranks. Add to that the Hat Guest's uncanny mastery of hidden weapons. With such abilities, how can he not be considered powerful?"

Another steward looked utterly certain. "If you ask me, this Hat Guest is probably at least a Layer Four or Layer Five expert. How else would a low-level Martial Cultivator dare provoke the Black Tiger Gang?"

"Haha, no matter what his realm may be, from today onward, the Hat Guest's name will be known to everyone in Great Marsh Prefecture!"

"More than known to everyone! Who knows how many Martial Cultivators who have suffered humiliation at the hands of that filthy Black Tiger Gang lot are clapping their hands in delight!"

"I truly want to know what expressions those lofty stewards of the Black Tiger Gang Great Marsh Hall are wearing right now as they face the Hat Guest's attacks and provocations! Hahaha!"

These high-ranking stewards of the Yin Talisman Sect were all quite astonished and delighted.

When the storehouse had been robbed, the Yin Talisman Sect had lost a great deal of face. Now, a deputy steward of the Black Tiger Gang had been threatened in public while the perpetrator strode away, and the Black Tiger Gang had lost even more face. Naturally, seeing one's enemy suffer worse than oneself improved one's mood!

The stewards only wished that the Hat Guest would torment the Black Tiger Gang every single day.

Only Zhao Yufei, seated to one side, said nothing. A glint of eagerness had already risen in her eyes.

The Hat Guest appeared again! He went to Zhang Wu's residence. I wonder whether I might find something he left behind there, or traces of his scent!

The Hat Guest has many methods, but he does not understand my Heavenly Eye secret art. If we meet unexpectedly, there is a great chance I can capture him and obtain his Twin Vine Demonic Pearl!

After the meeting ended, in the Rear Hall of the Council Hall, several Great Stewards looked toward Jiang Yurán.

Great Steward Gao Yunchao spoke. "Should we first transfer personnel from the Outer City here to speed up the inspection?"

Clearly in an excellent mood because of the Hat Guest, Jiang Yurán smiled and shook her head.

"No need. Outer City defenses are important as well. Tell everyone to speed up as much as possible. It will be enough if we can avenge our disciples sooner!"

"Besides, hasn't Zhao Yufei acquired three Dragon Blood Hounds? With those three Dragon Blood Hounds, the search for the Flying Thieves will be many times faster! In another seven or eight days, there should be some leads!"

Gao Yunchao's eyes flickered. "Then Manager Jiang believes that the Silver Jade Steward position has a great chance of falling into Steward Zhao Yufei's hands?"

Jiang Yurán smiled. "Of course. Zhao Yufei's chance of obtaining the Silver Jade Position is certainly dozens or even hundreds of times greater than that of any manager or steward. After all, this talented young lady of the Zhao Family has Dragon Blood Hounds to assist her!

"She may be somewhat proud, but whether in strength, talent, or background, she fully deserves to become a Silver Jade Steward.

"Speaking of which, even Hall Master Senior Brother Xu thinks highly of her. He wants my martial nephew to marry her!"

She paused, then continued, "There is another matter. Zhuo Yunbing, the woman rescued by the Hat Guest, should be Zhuo Yunbing of that somewhat fallen alchemist Zhuo Family, correct?

"Zhuo Yunbing's skill in refining Guardian Spirit Pills is far inferior to that of the several alchemists in our Great Marsh Hall, but she can still be considered a novice alchemist with some talent. If we have the chance to find her, it would be good to bring her into the sect!"

At this point, Jiang Yurán secretly thought, If we can find Zhuo Yunbing, we should be able to obtain some information about the Hat Guest from her. Such an interesting fellow would be best recruited into our Yin Talisman Sect.

Several hours later,

near Xunyang Town in the Outer City, a figure sped past. It was Lin Xuankong, activating the Man Luo Demonic Pearl.

Standing atop the small hill he had visited before, he looked into the distance. Amid the countless emerald fields outside Xunyang Town, some tenant farmers were busy at work. That great battle between the Yin Talisman Sect and the demonic creatures had killed and wounded countless Yin Talisman disciples, yet it had also brought forth life.

After gazing for a few moments, Lin Xuankong looked toward the Black Tiger Gang's Outer City territory.

With the Man Luo Demonic Pearl, he had already searched all Spirit Snake Gang territory and investigated all twenty-nine towns of the Yin Talisman Sect. Next, it was time to visit the towns near the Black Tiger Gang's Outer City territory. He hoped to find something there!

After resting briefly, Lin Xuankong set off again, racing forward through the wilderness.

After the time it took to drink three cups of tea, Lin Xuankong suddenly stopped. At that very moment, the Man Luo Demonic Grass produced by the activated Man Luo Demonic Pearl rapidly spread out toward the west!

Watching the Man Luo Demonic Grass spread at tremendous speed, Lin Xuankong's face showed surprise. The Man Luo Demonic Grass looked slender and delicate, yet its spreading speed was horrifyingly fast.

It was countless times faster than his full-speed run as a late Layer Two Martial Cultivator. Even with eyesight far surpassing ordinary people, he could only see the afterimages of the demonic grass's branch tips. If this speed were used to pursue him, even if the Man Luo Demonic Grass gave him a hundred thousand zhang head start, he would still be unable to escape!

Of course, what mattered most was that he had finally found the lair of the two Flying Thieves!

Suppressing the delight in his heart, Lin Xuankong's face turned vigilant. He quieted his footsteps and swiftly crept over beneath the cover of grass and trees. Two hundred precious Forehead Scales, the medicinal herbs for the prestigious Silver Jade Position, and the lightning-flashing Yin Talisman Art—I'm coming!