Fantasy: Immortality Begins with Absorbing Demons

Chapter 237 Anomaly (Part 4)

As Han Yi focused his thoughts, the system panel slowly reappeared before his eyes.

Name: Han Yi (17/176)

[Realm]: Early stage of Meridian Opening, First-level Martial Master; Sword Realm: One kill in ten steps; Sword Realm: As heavy as a mountain

[Martial Arts]: Qianyang Gong (Entry-level martial arts, Qianyang Jin, characteristics: rejuvenation, evil-dispelling, entry-level strength 9/10)

[Martial Arts]: Thunder Palm Technique (Minor Proficiency 9/50, Special Effects: Shattering Stones and Splitting Earth, Frenzied Strike, Can be Upgraded); Flying Swallow Kick (Minor Proficiency 12/50, Special Effects: Gale, Can be Upgraded); Dual Sword and Saber Technique (Proficiency 9/30, Can be Upgraded, Special Effects: Concentration, Dual Wielding, Can be Upgraded); Golden Muscle and Jade Bone Skill (Proficiency 7/20, Special Effects: Iron Wall, Can be Upgraded) [Secret Technique]: Moon Concealment (Special Effects: Concealing Breath and Illusion)

[Elemental Power Value]: 52

"Secret Technique: Moon Concealment!"

Han Yi's facial muscles slowly twitched, and his body bones shifted and moved with a "crackling" sound. His nose bridge became high and his forehead lengthened and broadened, transforming him into a completely different person.

His blood flow slowed down instantly, and his strength and energy were deeply contained within his body, causing fluctuations and a complete change in his aura.

In the blink of an eye, Han Yi had completely transformed into a different person.

No one would mistake this man with a broad forehead, tall and thin build, ancient face, cold expression, and unfathomable, domineering eyes for Han Yi.

"This... this secret technique is truly extraordinary!"

Han Yi looked in the mirror and sighed sincerely.

The shrinking and disguise techniques of the Body Transformation Technique and the concealment of aura by the Jade Toad Embracing the Moon, combined with Han Yi's knowledge reserves, led to the deduction of a near-perfect special secret technique.

Moon Concealment, this new secret technique, not only solves the flaw of being unable to fight when using the Body Condensation Technique to shrink bones and disguise oneself, but also improves the weakness of Jade Toad Embracing the Moon in not being able to conceal one's appearance.

It can be said that after using the Moon Concealment Technique, Han Yi underwent a complete transformation from head to toe, from appearance to cultivation, and was able to maintain it for a long time without being discovered.

"This way, I can better conceal my martial arts cultivation level..."

Han Yi was thrilled. He closed the visualization diagram on the table and tied it with a red string.

Since he opened his meridians and returned to Anyan City, he has kept a much lower profile.

Day after day, his life consisted of nothing more than the black market and his home, a monotonous routine. At most, he would occasionally visit Huang Ze, but he dared not stay there for long. Why did he do this?

The problem is that there are too many people in the sect, and if someone recognizes him and notices that his aura far surpasses that of ordinary martial artists, or if Elder Li Chengfeng happens to run into him and discovers his true colors, the consequences could be dire…

'The secret technique Moon Concealment has solved my immediate crisis...'

Han Yi was thrilled. Being able to perfectly conceal his figure and aura provided him with an extra layer of security when he went out to buy monster meat resources.

Oh oh oh oh!

As I was thinking about something, I suddenly heard a rooster crowing outside the window.

Han Yi looked out the window and realized that dawn had broken, and just like that, the night had passed without him noticing.

He got out of bed, quickly dressed and washed, and placed the "Covering the Moon Heart Method" visualization diagram, bound into a scroll, in a hidden compartment under the bed. He was already satisfied to have comprehended such a secret technique from the visualization diagram. As for comprehending anything more, Han Yi felt that with his level of understanding, it would be somewhat difficult.

Therefore, he decided not to waste any more time on this matter and simply kept the item safe, intending to return it to Qianxue when she came back.

----------------------------------------------

Han Yi found a breakfast stall, ate seven or eight baskets of meat buns for breakfast, picked his teeth, and then went to the black market.

He and Cai Yu, one in white and one in black, have been on duty here for seven days this week.

Upon arriving at the black market, Han Yi first pushed open the guardhouse door, preparing to hand over his shift to Cai Yu.

"Brother Cai..."

After Han Yi entered, he habitually looked to his right, as usual. At this time, Cai Yu would usually be sitting at the table, brewing a hot drink and eating breakfast, waiting for Han Yi to come and take over the shift.

But today, the table was empty, with only several thick booklets on it.

"Ok?"

Han Yi frowned slightly as he scanned the small room.

This house was specially built by the Crimson Flame Sect for its inner disciples to guard, rest, and work.

The house wasn't large, but it was exquisite and well-designed, with everything one would expect.

The first part is a front hall that occupies most of the area of ​​the house.

The furnishings were very simple: a table by the window, a stack of registration books that inner disciples needed to check, a weapon rack against the wall, a stove, and some sausages, pickled vegetables, dried biscuits, and other foods that were easy to preserve.

This area is equivalent to an inner disciple's office. In the middle section, there is a screen that separates the front and back parts of the building.

"Could it be that Cai Yu woke up late today and is still sleeping?" Han Yi had a thought.

He quickly walked around the yellow screen embroidered with flowers, birds, fish and animals, and headed towards the back room.

Behind the screen was the resting area for the inner disciples, which included a small bed and a cabinet for storing bedding, clothes, books, and other miscellaneous items.

The back room was also empty.

However, unlike before, the bed was in disarray, with bedding and sheets scattered haphazardly, and several pieces of clothing strewn across the bed.

Han Yi carefully walked over and touched the bed with his hand.

The bed is square with brown legs and three side panels with a diamond-shaped cloud pattern carved on them, allowing light to pass through.

The blankets and mattresses still retained a trace of warmth, not high, just slightly warmer than body temperature, as if someone had just been sleeping and resting on them.

"But where did they go...?"

A hint of confusion appeared in Han Yi's eyes.

Although Cai Yu is a lazy, good-for-nothing old man, he has exceptionally high emotional intelligence when it comes to interpersonal relationships.

Normally, when taking over a shift, he would sit at the table early, waiting for Han Yi to come and check the contents of the register before handing over the shift.

Moreover, this person would tidy up the back room slightly each time he left, so that others could rest there.

Judging from the current situation, it was clear that Cai Yu had left in a hurry without saying goodbye.

But no matter how urgent it is, you should at least find someone or leave a note to tell them.

Han Yi glanced at the vermilion wardrobe beside the bed. The doors were bulging, and the deep red paint looked like flowing blood. Thinking back to Cai Yu's absent-minded and dazed state last night, a bad premonition suddenly gripped his heart.

A sudden chill seemed to blow through the room, and Han Yi shivered, raising his voice.

The air was eerily quiet; the sounds outside seemed faint and muffled, some even sounding unreal.

He slowly walked to the red wardrobe, his mind filled with the most common scenes from horror movies.

He channeled all his energy into his fist, ready to strike first if anything went wrong.

Han Yi reached out, then raised his hand and slowly grasped the bronze handle. The icy, bone-chilling coldness sent a shiver down his spine.

Crunch!

Blah blah blah!

A large mass of things poured out of the dark wardrobe.

"Phew~" "What a scare..."

Han Yi looked at the large, messy bag of clothes and bedding lying on the ground and breathed a sigh of relief.

Someone, I don't know who, turned all the neatly folded clothes and other items into a mess, and then stuffed them all into the wardrobe, making it look bulging.

"Looks like I'll have to get someone to clean this up later..."

Han Yi glanced at the messy things scattered on the ground and composed himself.

Fortunately, what I found when I opened the wardrobe wasn't a scene from a horror movie...

If the closet opens and a corpse comes out, it's not as simple as just hiring someone to clean up...

However, that uncomfortable feeling still lingered in Han Yi's mind.

This feeling was somewhat similar to the uncomfortable unease he had experienced when he was alone in the guard post. So, suddenly, as if he had thought of something, he rushed to the square bed.

This bed has legs that are over two meters long and fifty centimeters high, and there's plenty of room underneath!

call out!

Han Yi quickly bent over, creating a slight whooshing sound.

"Could it be...?"

"No abnormalities..."

He exhaled a puff of white breath. Under the bed, there was nothing, and it was spotless. Presumably, a servant would come to clean it every day.

"Then Cai Yu... how could he just leave like that? No matter what, he should at least leave some explanation..."

Han Yi frowned, deep in thought. While the inner disciples guarded the Black Market, most of the tasks, such as patrolling and guarding, were handled by the outer disciples. However, there was one thing that the inner disciples had to do personally.

That involves daily sign-in and sign-out, as well as checking the register.

This matter is of utmost importance. Every day, several disciples and elders from the Internal Affairs Hall prepare to verify the registration book and check the details.

This is something that inner disciples must do every day, and it is also the most important responsibility in the black market, as it involves how much tax the Crimson Flame Sect needs to collect every day.

If there is any error in the booklet or if less tax is collected on any given day, an elder will surely send someone to hold them accountable.

Han Yi had already checked, and the register and sign-in/sign-out sheet on the table were blank. Clearly, Cai Yu had not done these things.

Therefore, he really couldn't understand Cai Yu. How could such a shrewd person make such a big mistake?

It should be noted that Cai Yu's own strength is only at the Blood Refining stage, and he has no connections within the sect. He is able to get by so much entirely because of his emotional intelligence, which allows him to maintain his interpersonal relationships.

Boom boom boom!

Just then, a series of urgent knocks on the door interrupted Han Yi's train of thought.

He suddenly jolted awake, looked up, and shouted, "Who's there?"

"Sir, it's me."

A slightly tired voice came from outside.

"Xiaoba?"

Han Yi knew who the voice belonged to: Wang Xiaoba, a minor leader among the outer disciples. He was quite clever, and he was probably here to get Cai Yu's signature and registration book.

He walked to the door and opened it.

"Master Han?" Wang Xiaoba was also taken aback at the door, looking at Han Yi who came out of the house.

Do you know where Cai Yu is?

Han Yi asked in a low voice first.

"what?"

Xiao Ba was stunned for a moment, then said, "Master Cai... was just here. I only dared to come and get the registration book after I saw him get out of bed. Now a disciple from the Internal Affairs Hall is coming to get the registration book."

"Didn't you see when Cai Yu left?"

Han Yi stared intently at Xiao Ba.

"This..." Xiao Ba looked troubled and hesitated, "Master Han, as you know, when Master Cai is on night duty, we have to be on high alert. We've been busy all night and haven't really noticed what's going on here..."

"Hmm..." Han Yi pondered for a moment before saying, "In that case, please wait here for a while..." He had been observing Xiao Ba's expression, and when Xiao Ba said this, there was a hint of resentment on his face, which didn't seem fake.

Except for the few days of Chinese New Year, the black market is open all day. And because some people sell contraband, the black market is usually much busier at night than during the day.

In fact, in principle, inner disciples on night duty often need to stay up all night to guard the premises and prevent accidents from happening.

Clearly, Cai Yu had completely entrusted the matter to Xiao Ba and the other outer disciples, while he himself was fast asleep in his room.

So, all the complaints and things Xiao Ba said after a busy night suddenly made sense...

But if Xiao Ba and the others didn't discover the problem, what was Cai Yu doing?

Han Yi turned and went into the room. As he walked towards the table, he was still thinking about this question.

He decided to finish the tasks Cai Yu hadn't done yet, at least this morning, and complete the internal affairs department's assignments. If Cai Yu still hadn't appeared by the time he handed over his shift that evening, then he would have to consider reporting it to his superiors…

Checking the register is not a complicated or difficult task.

It's simply a matter of checking the quantity of goods entering and leaving the market, the quantity of goods sold, and comparing prices.

Of course, the most important thing here is the price and quantity of "live goods".

Soon, Han Yi handed the verified registration book to Xiao Ba, who was waiting at the door.

He glanced at Xiao Ba, whose eyes were full of exhaustion, and said nothing more. He waved his hand, signaling Xiao Ba to leave.

Xiao Ba immediately understood, bowed, took the registration book, and sent it to the disciples of the Internal Affairs Hall.

Han Yi stood at the door of the house, looking at the convoy of people coming and going outside the black market gate.