Fantasy: Immortality Begins with Absorbing Demons

Chapter 208 Stronghold

Finally, Huang Shanjun sighed and spoke, "Di Yuan, to be honest, the missing person is...."

"It was my family's caravan, including Huang An and his men, as well as my son, Huang Zi'ang!"

"Although the combined strength of these individuals is not comparable to that of a true Meridian Opening Martial Master, they are certainly not someone that ordinary petty thieves or thieves could handle..."

"As for what they did when they went out..."

At this moment, Huang Shanjun pondered for a while, as if organizing his thoughts, and said carefully, "They went out to the prefectural city to escort a batch of goods for the Bureau of Strange Affairs."

"By the way, Officer Di, this matter involves a wide range of issues. Don't speculate too much before solving the case!" Huang Shanjun added, squinting his eyes and staring intently at Di Yuan.

"Huang Zi'ang..."

Di Yuan frowned. This matter had actually involved Huang Shanjun's family affairs, which was troublesome.

He immediately regretted it and wanted to refuse, but then he saw Huang Shanjun with a smile on his face and his eyes narrowed, and the words of refusal were instantly swallowed back down his throat.

Huang Shanjun's nickname is "Killer Gun," which means that he can kill someone with a nod and turn his head away while laughing and talking!

Once the arrow is released, there's no turning back. Now that he's agreed to the matter and knows the details, he has to rack his brains to find clues.

"Gulp..." Di Yuan swallowed hard, then forced a smile through his teeth and continued his analysis: "Chief Constable, was their last known location on their way to the prefectural city, or on their way back?" "Since you say they were a group of people, and quite powerful, and were transporting official goods, if they were returning from the prefectural city, passing through Nanhu Marsh, ordinary forces certainly wouldn't dare to attack..."

"If you've just set off and are trying to reach the prefectural city by boat, the waterways are rough and the waves are high. The bandits and outlaws who do shady business here don't care who you are. As soon as your boat capsizes, they'll take care of everything. Afterwards, they'll pack up the valuables and disappear, and no one will be able to find them!"

"That's right, you're right!" Huang Shanjun clapped his hands in approval, then added, "However, they must have been heading back at the time, and disappeared after disembarking at Nanhu Marsh!"

“This…” Di Yuan frowned, pondering, “The area around Nanhu Marsh is all official roads and there are military camps stationed there. With the strength of this team, there shouldn’t be any problems…”

"By the way, sir, Young Master Huang is also in the group. Could it be that someone is targeting him on purpose?" He suddenly thought of something and suggested a possibility.

Di Yuan had heard of Huang Zi'ang before. Although he wasn't the kind of good-for-nothing spendthrift who indulged in eating, drinking, and having fun, under Huang Shanjun's protection, he had become accustomed to pleasure. Although he was clever, he was a jack-of-all-trades and master of none, so Huang Shanjun would send him out to gain experience.

Furthermore, the Huang family was not the true overlord of the city. In An'yan City, there were other families of similar status to the Huang family, such as the Wang family, the Qianye Sect, and the Chiyan Sect. The Huang family was responsible for the city's security and had always been at odds with the Qianye Sect and the Chiyan Sect.

Therefore, although Huang Shanjun did not only have one child, Huang Zi'ang, losing Huang Shanjun's eldest son outside would still be a great loss of face for the Huang family.

"This speculation is unlikely. I've been keeping an eye on the renowned martial artists in the city for the past few days. If there's any unusual activity, I'll naturally know!"

Huang Shanjun said confidently that he had sent Huang Ziang out to gain experience, and also to mislead people and create a smokescreen, not to send him to his death, so he had naturally taken many precautions.

For example, he arranged the Iron-Breaking Formation, which could rival a Master of the Meridian Opening Realm. He also kept a close eye on the powerful and daring forces within the city. In addition, he prepared a lot of powerful items for Huang Zi'ang!

"Hmm, if everything is as the adults say..." Di Yuan carefully examined the hand-drawn map on the table, his finger gesturing as he muttered to himself, "Here, here, and this..."

"These places are all main roads and transportation hubs, bustling with activity and many witnesses. If something were to happen, there would surely be eyewitnesses, but there hasn't been any related news recently..."

"Although this place is remote, it's close to Anyan City. Even if some bandits were blinded by greed, they probably wouldn't dare to act out of fear of your reputation..."

"Therefore, it must be in this vicinity! A little far from Anyan City, but off the main road, that would lead to someone going missing without anyone noticing!"

Bang! Di Yuan suddenly poked his finger and stopped at a certain location on the map.

Where his finger stopped, there was a place name marked, and below it, a brief description in tiny, ant-like handwriting.

Peach Blossom Mountain is covered with peaches, the fruit of which is sweet and delicious. At the foot of the mountain lies a village called Peach Blossom Village, where a century-old peach tree stands, laden with fruit. The villagers are simple, honest, and hospitable, making it a good place to rest and replenish supplies along the way.

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In the mountains, at dawn, at the Hidden Moon Pavilion.

The sky was just before dawn, half of it a deep blue-black, the other half a pale white. The gray, withered branches were covered in frost, and the air was chilly, but there was no wind or rain—perfect weather for an outing.

"Brother Han Yi, let's go!"

Bai Qianxue leaned out of the carriage, waving and calling out reluctantly, "Take care on the road! I'll treat you to a big meal when you get back!"

"Han Yi, after you get back, don't forget to practice the 'Bai Family Sword Technique.' I'll have to test you again after I recover!"

Bai Sanren also lifted the black carriage curtain and reminded Han Yi.

"Okay, I'll definitely practice properly when the time comes..."

Han Yi stood in front of the carriage, responding with a smile to each person. Qianxue's family was going to the prefectural city to treat Bai Sanren's illness. Although he had a close relationship with Qianxue, he was still an outsider and naturally could not go with them.

Moreover, even if he wanted to go, seeing Lian Chengyue's wary expression towards him, and her wish that Han Yi be as far away as possible, it was unlikely that she would allow him to go with her.

Although Lian Chengyue has initially resolved her inner conflict, she still dotes on her daughter Qianxue immensely, wishing that Qianxue could be her obedient baby for the rest of her life.

Moreover, Han Yi is currently an inner disciple of the Crimson Flame Sect and has the responsibility of guarding the black market. Having just broken through, he still has much to learn.

Han Yi stood atop the mountain, waving goodbye to Qianxue and the others until the carriage pulled by two tall white horse-like beasts disappeared from sight, before turning and leaving.

That's life; there are separations and partings, but leaving is undoubtedly for a better reunion!

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'The outside world is wonderful, but it's also full of dangers!'

If possible, Han Yi would also like to go to the prefectural city to see for himself, but he also understands that in a place like the prefectural city, where all sorts of people mingle, there may be a phenomenon where "masters are everywhere, but those who can only use meridians are as worthless as dogs." Therefore, if he wants to go to the prefectural city, he must be fully prepared.

'Although I've gained some strength after opening my meridians, I must prioritize survival... It's best to stabilize myself first before making any plans!'

In the mountains and fields, Han Yi carried the Xuan Tie Sword on his back, fully utilizing his Flying Swallow Leg technique, leaping and bounding across the snow, moving with incredible speed, his mind racing with thoughts.

Now that he has opened his meridians, although he can no longer achieve the legendary feat of walking on snow without leaving a trace, he can often leave a footprint every tens of meters, which is incredibly fast.

'After returning to the city, first look for Bai Yuechou's notes to see what secret techniques and manuals are available after opening the meridians. Then wait for Bai Sanren and the others to return and inquire about the situation in the prefectural city!'

Soon, he had an idea, which was very simple: gather intelligence, improve his strength, and take the opportunity to see the outside world.

As for the Crimson Flame Sect, he was not a pedantic person. The Crimson Flame Sect recruited inner disciples simply to consolidate its own position, which is why it used martial arts, pills and other things to entice its inner disciples to make contributions.

Therefore, Han Yi felt he didn't feel much belonging to the Crimson Flame Sect; at most, it was a mutually beneficial relationship. He figured he could simply help them resolve the Black Wind Mountain stronghold issue before leaving, which would be a way of repaying their debt of gratitude!

But the prerequisite for going to the prefectural city is that you must have enough strength. If this were a leveling game, he would definitely have to become a Sword God of Shili Slope!

You might encounter all sorts of monsters and demons in the outside world...

Don't you see, Han Yi merely happened to leave the city, passed through a small village, and stopped to ask for lodging and a meal, only to encounter a demon that wanted to eat human flesh and drink human blood...

Moreover, demons are extremely intelligent; they will first use strategies to bewitch them before striking them with ruthless force!

If the system hadn't been so reliable at the crucial moment, Han Yi would have almost never woken up from his sweet dream!

This series of encounters left Han Yi bewildered and exclaimed that he couldn't take it anymore. These days, even demons are starting to get into internal strife and use tricks. Can't we just have some fun anymore?

Thinking of this, Han Yi felt a pang of frustration again.

Since becoming a martial arts master, he hasn't seemed to display even a trace of a martial arts master's prestige. Fighting demons relied solely on the effects of the Blood Plum Blossom Scarf and the Sunfire Arrow. And then, at the Hidden Moon Temple, he was repeatedly beaten on the head by Lian Chengyue…

He couldn't help but let out a long howl, wanting to vent the frustration in his heart.

In an instant, the roar, like a soaring dragon, echoed through the valley, then spread and reverberated rapidly, rushing into the distance like ten thousand galloping horses.

Susu!

A pebble can stop a boulder from rolling, and a fulcrum can lift the Earth!

And then a long howl...

Rumble!

Above the valley, the rustling sound grew louder, like thunder, and an avalanche caused by the echo of Han Yi's long roar suddenly appeared!

"Fuck you!"

Han Yi couldn't help but swear. He wanted to slap himself for yelling and shouting for no reason!

It's true what they say, when you're down on your luck, even drinking cold water can cause problems. Before you can even vent your frustrations, things are about to turn around and you're already facing another setback!

The snow slid down rapidly, pouring down like a torrential rain in an instant. The avalanche suddenly released on the mountaintop roared down with the force of thunder!

A powerful airflow rushed down the hillside, instantly engulfing everything in its path with incredible speed and force. Wherever the snow fell, the air ahead was scattered, like the overwhelming rage of nature!

Faced with such a massive natural disaster, even a martial arts master like Han Yi, who has reached the Meridian Opening stage, is no different from a weak ant!

Han Yi's expression changed drastically. He quickly turned around, all the blood and energy in his body rushing to his legs. He hurriedly rushed in another direction, looking extremely disheveled.

"Finally, we escaped the avalanche zone..."

Han Yi lightly touched the dead branches with his toes, rolled forward to gain momentum, and stopped on a high ground, panting heavily.

Such accumulated snow, thick and heavy, coupled with the cold of deep winter, would not easily collapse. It was just bad luck that I shouted and ended up in a valley with thin snow!

"What a coincidence! When I get back, I really have to go to the temple to burn incense and pray to Buddha!" ​​Han Yi thought to himself, feeling that his luck had been down ever since he was beaten up by Lian Chengyue.

"what?"

"here it is…...."

Han Yi surveyed the scene below the hill.

At the foot of the mountain, a patch of snow spreads out, revealing a loess slope in the center.

On the slope, there was a cave that appeared to be man-made. The cave was five or six meters high, and there seemed to be a huge rock next to the entrance. The surface of the rock was covered with ice crystals left by the melting and freezing of rain and snow.

At this time, there were many people coming and going at the entrance of the cave.

But these people were all in a hurry, carrying daggers, dressed in black, all in the same style, and acting mysteriously.

The familiar outfit evoked a long-forgotten memory for Han Yi.

"This outfit... I feel like I've seen it somewhere before..." He squinted, carefully searching his memory.

"The Shadow Master walks alone, a moment is eternity..." Han Yi murmured an incredibly melodramatic sentence.

Finally, he remembered something.

When he was still a fledgling martial artist, he was attacked by the Shadow Assassin Pavilion!

At that time, he was just a Bone Refining Martial Artist, living in the small courtyard arranged by Li Feng, what was it called....

That's right, let's call it Qiuzhu Alley!

At that time, two men in black were lying in ambush in the courtyard, intending to kill him!

Thinking of this, Han Yi's gaze turned cold, and he immediately perked up.

Later, while he and Qianxue were strolling through the food street, they also happened to encounter several men in black secretly watching them…

Then, he learned from Tie Sha's dying breath that he had hired the assassin to kill Han Yi in order to avenge his third brother, Tie Lu!

Therefore, Han Yi entrusted Bai Sanren to help him find out the meaning of "Shadow Master's Lone Journey, Eternity in a Moment" and the organization behind it...

Previously, Han Yi had asked Bai Sanren to help him find out the meaning of the words "Shadow Master walks alone, a moment of eternity" that the man in black had shouted.

Shadow Assassin Pavilion is the largest underworld organization near Anyan City. It can also be described as an assassin organization that specializes in assassinations and selling information. As long as there is enough money, they dare to assassinate even elite disciples and high-ranking figures from major powers!

Moreover, this force is also connected with some important figures in the government, making it both legitimate and illegitimate, with a vast influence and strongholds in various cities throughout the Great Xuan Dynasty!

The cave beneath Han Yi's feet appears to be the Shadow Fiend Pavilion's stronghold in Anyan City!