Gu Nian explained the training mission and made it clear that whoever discovered the truth first would receive a fifth-rank pill. For cultivators in the Foundation Establishment Realm, this was a fine reward indeed.
"Senior Sister Gu, I want to take part too." Jiang Xuan's eyes lit up at the mention of a fifth-rank pill.
"No." Gu Nian refused without a second thought. "Your cultivation is too low, and you're too young. Going down there now would be too dangerous, and we'd have to spare someone to protect you."
Although Gu Nian's words spared her no dignity, she was right.
"Junior Sister Jiang, Senior Sister Gu is right. You're still too young. Just stay put on the Spirit Boat. Besides, you're only in the Qi Refining Realm. You won't have any use for a fifth-rank pill anytime soon, so leave it to your senior brothers and sisters."
Hearing this, Jiang Xuan pouted but did not insist.
The group left the Spirit Boat one after another, Xue Fuyao among them.
It was daytime, and the whole of Mopan Town was deserted. As the group walked along the street, there was not a trace of human activity around them, and an eerie feeling hung in the air.
After walking for a while, they stopped. Gu Nian addressed them. "This town is rather large. Let's split up to investigate. If anything unexpected happens, don't try to endure it on your own. Call for help immediately."
"Yes, understood!"
The twenty-odd disciples scattered in a rush, disappearing into Mopan Town. Soon, only Gu Nian, Xue Fuyao, and Chu Yunzhe remained.
"Senior Sister, don't you think there's something wrong with this town?" Xue Fuyao suddenly asked.
Gu Nian nodded. "More than something wrong. According to the report, those villagers disappear during the day and emerge at