Several days later, in the Martial Training Courtyard.
The nine strands of Blood Qi on Fang Ding's body grew heavier by the day. His Blood Qi surged like rolling waves, while his skin, flesh, tendons, and bones became ever more condensed and solid.
Fang Han stored the three Manifest Force Breakthrough Pills in a hidden compartment, waiting for his elder brother's Blood Qi to stabilize completely before using them to help him cross the Manifest Force Threshold.
That evening, Fang Han sat in the courtyard watching his elder brother practice the Standing Post Skill when two extremely light sets of footsteps suddenly sounded beyond the gate, followed by a knock.
Fang Han rose and opened the door, finding Tiger Sparrow and Cloud Sparrow standing outside.
Tiger Sparrow was unusually free of his usual grin and playful manner, while Cloud Sparrow's delicate face was grave, utterly unlike her usual self.
"Come in."
Fang Han stepped aside and let them through the courtyard gate, then casually shut it behind them.
Seeing that the three had something important to discuss, Fang Ding tactfully withdrew from the Standing Post Skill and turned to return to his room.
By the stone table in the courtyard, the three took their seats.
Cloud Sparrow did not beat around the bush. Lowering her voice, she went straight to the point. "Young Master Fang, we have a lead on the matter you asked us to investigate."
"In the past few days, we found traces of a Blood God Cult remnant!"
Fang Han's hand holding the teapot paused slightly. "Oh?"
"Ever since you brought it up last time, we mobilized our contacts throughout the city to secretly investigate the remaining Blood God Cult members.
"Over the past two days, we discovered activity at night in an abandoned manor west of