Tracking

Fang Han's brows furrowed even more.

The lowest cultivation level among the missing people was Third Grade, and the highest was even close to First Grade, which was the Second Grade Late Stage.

Moreover, they are all people who are affiliated with the powerful forces of the Seven Sects.

This doesn't seem like a coincidence.

It seems as if some force is deliberately targeting the Seven Sects!

"Can you find out which force was behind this?"

Fang Han asked.

Qui Lan shook her head, her voice tinged with helplessness.

"These missing people all lost contact in remote areas. Although the Seven Sects sent Elder skilled in tracking to investigate, they found nothing."

A brief silence fell over the Side Hall.

Fang Han Teacup, took a small sip, put it down, and looked out the window at the bamboo grove swaying gently in the morning breeze.

What kind of force would dare to attack a power affiliated with the Seven Sects?

A name comes to mind.

The Iron River Gang.

This force originally intended to annex all other forces, but failed because the other forces sided with the Seven Sects.

Now that the major powers have the protection of the Seven Sects, the Iron River Gang cannot act openly, so they are taking action in secret.

This, in his view, is the most reasonable speculation.

After finishing his breakfast, Fang Han put down his chopsticks, took the handkerchief Qui Lan handed him to wipe his hands, and got up to walk out of the courtyard.

A few yellowed bamboo leaves swirled in the wind and drifted down, landing on the bluestone ground with a very slight rustling sound.

He was about to head towards the Cultivation Ground in the backyard when he heard hurried footsteps outside the gate.

A young man dressed in the robes of a disciple of the Sect Master's Hall strode in, bowed to Fang Han, and spoke with a hint of urgency:

"Senior Brother Fang, the Sect Master requests your immediate presence at the Sect Master's Hall; he has important matters to discuss."

Fang Han paused, then nodded slightly. "Understood."

Without asking any further questions, he straightened his robes and followed the disciple toward the mountain peak.

The ancient trees on both sides of the mountain path rustled in the autumn wind, and the distant sound of bells could be faintly heard, melodious and lingering.

Fang Han walked with composure, but in his heart he was guessing why the sect leader had summoned him. Thinking of what he had heard this morning, a guess came to his mind.

The majestic outline of the Sect Master's Hall soon came into view at the edge of the horizon.

The disciples guarding the palace gate quickly stepped aside to make way for Fang Han as he approached.

Fang Han stepped into the hall.

The hall was brightly lit, and the air was filled with the fragrance of Sandalwood Incense.

Chen Tianyuan sat upright in the large chair at the head of the table, holding an unfolded letter in his hand.

Hearing footsteps, he looked up and placed the letter on the table.

"Disciple Fang Han greets Sect Master."

Fang Han stepped forward and bowed.

"No need for formalities, please sit."

Chen Tianyuan waved his hand.

Fang Han sat down on the pear wood chair at the lower end of the table, his gaze falling on Chen Tianyuan's face.

Chen Tianyuan picked up his teacup, took a small sip, put it down, and looked at Fang Han, asking a question.

Have you heard about the disappearances of experts from various powerful factions within the county?

Fang Han was slightly taken aback, then nodded:

"I heard about this this morning."

Chen Tianyuan nodded slightly and asked.

What's your opinion on this matter?

"This disciple believes that the Iron River Gang is highly suspicious."

Fang Han pondered for a moment before voicing his guess.

" The Iron River Gang originally wanted to annex all the major forces, but they failed because the major forces sided with the Seven Sects."

"Now that the major powers have the protection of the Seven Sects, the Iron River Gang can no longer act openly, so they have turned to operating covertly."

Chen Tianyuan listened quietly, without immediately expressing his opinion, and only spoke slowly after a moment:

"Your guess aligns with the assessment of several Elder in the sect, however—"

He paused, then frowned and said:

"An Elder from the Iron River Gang has also gone missing."

Fang Han frowned slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes:

"Have Elder gone missing from the Iron River Gang as well?"

"Good."

Chen Tianyuan nodded slightly.

"According to the sect's investigation, one of the Iron River Gang's Elder has indeed gone missing."

Fang Han frowned involuntarily.

With the disappearance of experts from various forces affiliated with the Seven Sects, it is speculated that the Iron River Gang is the most likely suspect.

Now that Elder of the Iron River Gang has gone missing, his suspicions about the Iron River Gang may be wrong, and the perpetrators may be another force.

Of course, the possibility that the Iron River Gang orchestrated the whole thing, using the disappearance of an Elder to clear themselves of suspicion cannot be ruled out.

" The Hundred Treasures Pavilion, which was previously affiliated with my Azure Profound Sect, lost a Guest Elder. The sect sent Elder Yan Tao, who is skilled in tracking, to investigate, but he returned empty-handed."

Chen Tianyuan's voice interrupted Fang Han's thoughts.

"No clues found?"

Fang Han's eyes narrowed slightly.

"No."

Chen Tianyuan shook his head.

" Elder Yan Tao reported that they found the last place where the Guest Elder disappeared, but they did not find the attacker's scent at the scene."

Fang Han paused for a moment, then asked.

"The attackers either possessed a high-quality odor-eliminating elixir or had mastered an extremely sophisticated Breath Concealment Secret Technique. Didn't the sect investigate by tracking down their trail?"

"We dispatched Elder Liu Hong, who is skilled in trace tracking. Elder Liu Hong did indeed find traces that appeared to be those of the attackers, but the traces completely disappeared after they entered the city."

Chen Tianyuan said.

"This suggests that the attackers were extremely experienced in how to evade tracking."

Fang Han frowned and said.

Compared to odor tracking, there are many ways to circumvent trace tracking.

The most common method is to enter the city. In the bustling city, footprints and other traces will quickly be covered up and disappear, leaving no trace at all.

In addition, you can try changing your shoes.

Therefore, compared to trace tracking, scent tracking, which can directly pinpoint the attacker's scent, is often considered the most superior tracking method.

"Just recently, an Elder from the Zhang Clan, which is affiliated with my Azure Profound Sect, also went missing."

Chen Tianyuan's gaze fell on Fang Han, and his voice became more solemn.

Fang Han's brows furrowed even more.

First it was the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, and now even the Zhang Clan has seen a master disappear.

"With experts who have attached themselves to powerful forces disappearing one after another, if the truth cannot be found out as soon as possible, the prestige of our Azure Profound Sect will be severely damaged."

Chen Tianyuan stood up, walked to the window with his hands behind his back, looked at the gradually dissipating morning mist outside the window, and said.

"There's no other way but to disturb your cultivation. You'll be in charge of the investigation."

"Your disciple obeys."

Fang Han did not hesitate and cupped his hands in response.

Chen Tianyuan nodded slightly, a hint of relief flashing in his gentle eyes:

"You have successfully located a Grandmaster-level demon. In terms of tracking ability, few in Qingyang Prefecture can match you. I trust you to take charge of this matter."

Fang Han straightened up, his voice steady:

"This disciple will certainly do everything in his power to find out the truth as soon as possible."

Chen Tianyuan nodded, said nothing more, and simply waved his hand.

Fang Han bowed respectfully, then turned and left the Sect Master's Hall.

As I stepped out of the palace gate, the morning light rushed in, bathing the distant mountains in a warm golden hue.

One day later, in the Prefecture City.

The afternoon sun slanted across the bluestone steps in front of the Zhang Clan mansion, making the two stone lions appear particularly solemn in the light and shadow.

Fang Han, dressed in a green robe with the Cloud- Cloudsplitter Sword hanging at his waist, calmly stepped onto the stairs.

The Guard at the gate recognized Fang Han and quickly went inside to report. A moment later, a series of hurried footsteps came from inside the gate.

Zhang Yuanshan, the head of the Zhang family, dressed in a deep purple brocade robe, stepped out to greet them with steady steps, followed by two clan stewards.

Upon seeing Fang Han, Zhang Yuanshan bowed respectfully, his voice deep and steady.

" True Disciple Fang, your presence is an honor. I apologize for not welcoming you sooner."

Although he was a senior First Grade martial artist, he dared not be arrogant in front of Fang Han, after all, he had just witnessed Fang Han's strength not long ago.

"You're too kind, Clan Head."

Fang Han returned the greeting with a cupped hand and got straight to the point.

"I have come here regarding the disappearance of Elder Zhang Yuan Heng of your esteemed household."

Upon hearing this, a hint of gratitude flashed in Zhang Yuanshan's eyes, which had seen the vicissitudes of life. He stepped aside and gestured with his hand, saying:

"Young Master Fang, please come in and sit down so we can discuss this further."

The two walked through the front yard and into the main hall.

After the guests and hosts were seated, Maid served fragrant tea and then quietly withdrew.

"I am deeply grateful that Young Master Fang is willing to personally take action."

Zhang Yuanshan put down his teacup and said sincerely.

"Whatever the young master needs, the Zhang Clan will do its utmost to provide it."

" Clan Head, you flatter me."

Fang Han shook his head slightly and explained his purpose.

"This junior has mastered the Tracking Secret Technique. Before tracking, one must first memorize Elder's scent."

"Does your residence possess any clothing worn by Elder Yuanheng, preferably personal items that have never been washed?"

Zhang Yuanshan nodded, turned around and gave a few instructions to one of the managers behind him.

The steward bowed, accepted the order, and quickly left.

Before long, the steward returned carrying a neatly folded gray robe, which he presented to Fang Han with both hands.

"Young Master Fang, these are the clothes Elder wore a few days before he disappeared. They have been kept in his room since then and have never been washed."

Fang Han took the long robe and unfolded it.

A faint scent wafted into my nose.

He closed his eyes, activated the < Thousand-Mile Soul Lock Technique>, and firmly memorized the aura belonging to Zhang Yuan Heng.

A moment later, he handed the long robe back, opened his eyes, and said, "That's enough."

Zhang Yuanshan took the long gown, handed it to the steward to keep safe, and then sat down again.

" Clan Head."

Fang Han picked up his teacup, took a small sip, put it down, and asked.

"What was Elder Zhang doing before he disappeared? What was his general route?"

Zhang Yuanshan paused for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts, before slowly speaking:

"Before Yuanheng disappeared, he went to check the accounts of three properties owned by the Zhang Clan in the county. He would personally visit those properties every year around this time, and the route was fixed."

He paused, then continued, "Leaving the city from the north gate, the first stop is Zhang Clan Herb Fields, two hundred li away, then Blood Rice Manor, five hundred li away, and finally the Spirit Iron Mine, seven hundred li away."

Fang Han asked for a map of the three properties, memorized the route, and stood up.

" Clan Head, I will go and investigate immediately. If I find anything, I will send someone to deliver the message."

Zhang Yuanshan also stood up, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and said in a solemn voice:

"Thank you for your trouble, Young Master Fang."

Fang Han nodded slightly, then turned and walked out of the hall.

Zhang Yuanshan personally escorted him to the gate of the mansion. Fang Han turned around, cupped his hands in greeting, and then walked along the long street toward the north gate.

Once outside the city gates, the official road appeared exceptionally empty under the autumn sun.

The fields on both sides had been harvested, leaving only withered stubble rustling in the wind.

"Buzz--"

Fang Han stopped outside the city gate, closed his eyes, and activated the Thousand-Mile Soul Lock technique at full power.

The Tracking Secret Technique of the Perfection Realm were unleashed without reservation, and perception spread outwards like a tidal wave.

Within a ten-mile radius, the presence of all things can be perceived.

He discarded all the irrelevant odors—the earthy smell, the dryness of withered grass, the acrid smell of distant cooking smoke—and focused intently, trying to capture that wisp of Zhang Yuan Heng's scent from that vast sea of aromas.

Found it.

The aura extended from the city gate and meandered northward along the official road.