"The five sects had always been bound together like branches from the same tree, so Profound Abyss Immortal requested that we send people to help search as well. The Sect Leader's intention was that, since they went missing after attending the Treasure Exchange Gathering we hosted, it was only right that we lend a hand."
"This time, the two of you from Little Spirit Peak will lead the search." As Mo Xingjian spoke, he took out a map and pointed to a red circle outlined in Vermillion Brush.
"This is the area you are to search. The remaining areas will be handled by the other peaks. Remember, take it easy during this operation—just go through the motions. If your master's guess is correct, with so many Azure Feather Immortal Sect disciples meeting with disaster, those families may well be behind it."
Mo Xingjian warned them again, his face full of worry.
Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu naturally knew whom their master meant.
"Choose some trustworthy people to go with you. Remember, this matter is of utmost importance. If you encounter danger, make preserving yourselves the priority. Never try to be heroes."
Looking at these two troublesome brats before him, Mo Xingjian felt a jumble of emotions.
The eldest was meticulous in thought, formidable in strength, and decisive in killing. Unfortunately, he was still in seclusion and had yet to emerge.
The second followed the path of caution, quietly building his strength. He had not returned since going out.
He would never worry if either of those two went out on a mission. But these two unreliable ones before him—if they were not causing trouble, they were on their way to cause more trouble.
Yet Little Spirit Peak truly had no one else besides them who could be put forward.
So be it. He would treat it as a trial for them.
"Rest assured, Master. Leave it to Fourth Child and me!"
Yan Xiaohu was delighted to have a chance to go out for a while, and he immediately patted his chest with confidence as he made the promise.
Mo Xingjian let out a soft sigh. "Hearing you say that only makes me more worried. In any case, be careful."
After giving his two beloved disciples another round of instructions, Mo Xingjian hurriedly departed.
If those families truly could no longer hold themselves back and were preparing to make their move, intending to reshuffle the board, the Taiqing Sect would find it hard to avoid being swept into the turmoil.
Preparations had to be made early.
Not long afterward, Zhou Qing led his Old Hen while Third Senior Brother set out with several True Disciples.
Less than two hours later, Lu Yaoyao came flying over on her sword in excitement, intending to share her joy with Zhou Qing.
"He left? So quickly?" Upon learning that Zhou Qing had already departed, Lu Yaoyao's face fell with disappointment.
Before long, Li Daoxuan arrived as well.
"Little Junior Sister, Master said you have only just broken through and need to consolidate your cultivation properly. You must not run around recklessly," Li Daoxuan said as he stepped forward.
As though recalling something, Lu Yaoyao hurriedly said, "Eldest Brother, why don't we go help search too? Profound Abyss Sister and I are so close. Now that her disciples have met with trouble, how can I not do my part?"
Li Daoxuan shook his head slightly. "Master has given his order. Each peak may only have two Core Disciples lead the search. Fourth Child and Fifth Child have already set out, so there is no need for us to go."
"But..."
"No buts. Be good. The situation this time is far from ordinary. Even if you blame your senior brother, I cannot let you act willfully and recklessly."
Li Daoxuan's expression was stern.
Lu Yaoyao opened her mouth, then rose into the air on her sword. "I'll go find Master."
At this time, the group had just descended the mountain when Yan Xiaohu led them into Flame Dragon City.
"All right, we'll rest here for the night. Remember to buy plenty of food and water to bring along," Yan Xiaohu instructed the eight True Disciples.
All eight were early Golden Core Realm cultivators. When Yan Xiaohu had previously gone out to train, he often brought them along to grind sect mission points. They worked together seamlessly and were more trustworthy.
"Yes, Senior Brother Yan!" After saluting, the eight of them dispersed with practiced ease to purchase supplies.
"Flame Dragon City has become much quieter since the Treasure Exchange Gathering ended. Third Senior Brother, we've barely left the sect and we're already resting?" Zhou Qing asked, holding the Old Hen.
Yan Xiaohu grinned and threw an arm around Zhou Qing's neck, casually teasing the chicken in his arms.
"Of course. Didn't Master say it? We're only out here to put on a show this time, so don't take it too seriously. Besides, let the other peaks go ahead and scout things out first. We'll see how things look after that," Yan Xiaohu said with the air of a seasoned veteran.
Zhou Qing said no more. Since entering the Taiqing Sect, this was his first time leaving to train. His experience outside naturally could not compare to an old hand like Third Senior Brother.
"Come on, come on, follow me somewhere first!" Yan Xiaohu excitedly dragged Zhou Qing away.
Not long afterward, when Zhou Qing stood outside Spirit Cloud Mountain Villa and saw Yan Xiaohu's eager expression, he could not help feeling speechless.
"Third Senior Brother, did you come here to make up for some lingering regret?" Zhou Qing asked with a bitter smile.
Yan Xiaohu curled his lip. "Listen to you talk. We're tracing relevant clues back to the source, all right? Let's go!"
Upon seeing disciples of the Taiqing Sect, the villa's old owner hurriedly welcomed them inside with utmost respect.
"Take us to see the Hot Spring where those female Azure Feather Immortal Sect disciples bathed first!" Yan Xiaohu ordered.
The villa owner: "..."
When Yan Xiaohu stood beside the Hot Spring pool, he took out a portrait with ill intent. After locating the corresponding position, he could not help clicking his tongue in amazement.
"Fourth Child, not bad. This spot is absolutely perfect—you can see everything at a glance."
Zhou Qing turned and walked away.
How boring!
"Immortal Masters, this was where Cui Yingying stayed!" Holding a roster booklet, the villa owner found the corresponding room and said cautiously.
Yan Xiaohu simply took it from him.
"Thank you, old sir. Go attend to your business."
After the villa owner left, the two pushed open the door and entered the room.
The room was elegant and exquisitely arranged, and a faint fragrance still lingered in the air.
At this moment, Yan Xiaohu put away his usual laughter and actually began inspecting the place carefully.
"This Cui Yingying is Profound Abyss Immortal's thirteenth Personal Disciple. Her talent is exceptional, and advancing to the Nascent Soul Realm in the future is as certain as nails driven into a board. Yet several Core Disciples, including her, have vanished together. It truly gives one food for thought."
"We won't be the bird that sticks its head out first, but since Old Mo sent us out, we have to find some clues to report back. At the very least, we need to know which family made the move, so the Taiqing Sect can prepare its response early."
Yan Xiaohu muttered to himself as he searched.
Seeing Third Senior Brother's serious expression, Zhou Qing suddenly felt heartfelt admiration for him.
He said nothing further and began searching as well.
"What a tacky thing!"
Before long, Yan Xiaohu found a heart-shaped Jade Pendant on the table, as large as a human face.
One side was engraved with the two characters "Yingying," while the other bore "Yin Xiao."
Yan Xiaohu burst into laughter. "See that? He wants to court a girl, yet he can't even bear to spend a little money. How much could this thing possibly be worth? And it's tacky beyond belief."
Seeing the Jade Pendant being mocked in Third Senior Brother's hand, Zhou Qing's heart stirred, and he used Daily Appraisal.
Jade Pendant made from ordinary material: fashioned from jade from the mortal world, with a market price of roughly thirty taels of silver. However, its surface has been smeared with a layer of Spirit Turtle Fluid, increasing its value by at least threefold.
Seeing the information returned to him, Zhou Qing could not help furrowing his brow.
When he saw Yan Xiaohu toss aside the Jade Pendant and resume searching, Zhou Qing could not help asking, "Third Senior Brother, what is Spirit Turtle Fluid?"
Yan Xiaohu, who was bent over searching beneath the bed, turned his head in surprise. "How did you know about Spirit Turtle Fluid?"
Before you continue