Fantasy: Immortality Begins with Absorbing Demons

Chapter 242 The Disappearance (Part 1)

These changes didn't exist before, but with so many people dying so close together... a certain change has occurred.

A strange musty smell wafted from under the dark yellow thatched mat. The thatch rustled, but not from top to bottom, as if something was surging under the mat, trying to push it up and tumble out.

Thump, thump!

In the still of the night, a faint, strange knocking sound came from the forgotten little house, as if someone wanted to come out.

But the wooden door remained unmoved and still didn't open...

The faint knocking sound suddenly turned into a piercing scratching sound, then into a rough banging sound, then back into a soft knocking sound... Finally, it returned to deathly silence, unnoticed and unnoticed by anyone.

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In early spring, March, the rivers thawed, the ice and snow melted, and even the old, crooked pear tree in the Bai family's courtyard began to sprout green buds, appearing full of vitality.

Spring is like this; it comes quietly and without a trace, not easily noticed, but a few gentle breezes and light rains can wash away the heaviness of winter.

Time is the same; it's like golden sand on a beach. The more you try to hold onto it, the faster it slips through your fingers.

Just like Han Yi now, he felt like only a day or two had passed, but unexpectedly, a week had gone by in the blink of an eye. Tomorrow was the day he would go to the black market to keep watch again. "Phew~"

Han Yi slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air and stopped circulating the Qianyang Gong.

He had to stop because of the dozen or so kilograms of leftover venison he'd bought on the black market, and the twenty-odd kilograms of black bear meat he'd bought from Fatty Zheng…

He has consumed all the monster meat resources in the past few days!

"System, panel."

With a thought, he summoned the system information.

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, stable strength 15/30)

[Martial Arts]: Thunder Palm Technique (Minor Proficiency 11/50, Special Effects: Shattering Stones and Splitting Earth, Frenzied Strike, Can be Upgraded); Flying Swallow Kick (Minor Proficiency 14/50, Special Effects: Gale, Can be Upgraded); Dual Sword and Saber Technique (Proficiency 11/30, Can be Upgraded, Special Effects: Concentration, Dual Wielding, Can be Upgraded); Golden Muscle and Jade Bone Skill (Proficiency 8/20, Special Effects: Iron Wall, Can be Upgraded)

[Secret Technique]: Moon Concealment (Special Effect: Concealing Breath and Illusion)

[Elemental Power Value]: 52

Han Yi had read Bai Yuechou's notes, which stated that the second level of general martial arts was simply the accumulation of internal strength.

Therefore, the second level, the stable level, is the safest level.

Therefore, within a week, with an overwhelming influx of money and resources, the stabilization of the Qianyang Gong was quickly advanced by more than half.

If it weren't for the lack of resources, he was confident that he could directly break through the second level and enter the third level of perfection.

pity…....

"It's time to get up and move around..."

Han Yi got up, stretched, and patted the dust off his clothes.

This was the last day of his vacation. Since he had no resources left, he decided to go out for a walk.

It just so happens that he hasn't yet collected the two catties of Crimson Tiger meat that he's been receiving every month for the past few months. Although it's not much, just a few catties, it's better than nothing, and every little bit helps.

With that in mind, Han Yi quickly washed up and set off immediately.

"Truly, time stands still in the mountains, and cultivation knows no bounds..."

Looking at the old pear tree in the courtyard with its branches just beginning to sprout tender buds, Han Yi couldn't help but sigh.

He used to scoff at that statement, but now it seems that perhaps higher-level martial artists might actually experience this.

He remembered that just a few days ago, the branches of this pear tree were bare and covered in white, but now new buds were sprouting.

As Han Yi walked and pondered, he soon arrived at the inner city of the Crimson Flame Sect along the main road.

Shanzhongfang, within the inner city.

The dark walls, forged from solid iron, still stand tall. On the two large iron gates and the city walls, there are soldiers wearing black leather armor with crimson patterns on the corners of their clothes, patrolling the disciples with swords.

Figures moved about on the arrow towers and in the watchtowers on the walls, indicating that there were people stationed inside.

'As expected, the inner city of the Crimson Flame Sect feels safe and reliable...'

Han Yi approached the patrolling disciples with practiced ease, merely waving his waist token slightly before quickly granting them passage.

With his current status as an inner disciple, most areas of the Crimson Flame Sect are open to him, with only certain special areas off-limits. For example, the third floor of the library...

For example, there's a large clearing in the woods behind the high walls of the library…....

The third floor of the library likely houses important texts such as sect secrets and martial arts techniques, so ordinary disciples are not allowed to go up there, which Han Yi can understand.

But why can't people go to the open space behind that wall?

Han Yi also had some doubts about this.

Moreover, the surrounding wall behind the library, although some disciples said that these thick, high walls were for the safety of the library.

But Han Yi had a vague feeling that those walled structures were more like protection for the wooded clearing behind them…

But what is there in the clearings of the woods that deserves careful protection?

He was completely baffled. As he pondered this, he joined the queue and went to the front. After showing his waist tag, he collected all the benefits that had been held back for nearly a few months.

There wasn't much food, just a hundred or so taels of silver and seven or eight catties of red tiger meat.

In the past, having these things in front of him might have stirred some emotions in Han Yi, but for him now, it's nothing more than that.

Moreover, the nature of this Crimson Tiger Meat is predominantly Yang and fiery, which is not entirely compatible with the neutral nature of the Qianyang Gong he mainly cultivates.

'Perhaps we can think of a way to sell the contribution points and this Crimson Tiger meat at a high price, and then go to Fatty Zheng to exchange them for black bear meat…'

Han Yi carried bags and packages, his mind racing with thoughts.

In addition to a fixed monthly salary, those who guard the black market also receive varying contribution points based on the profits from black market taxes.

Within the Crimson Flame Sect, these contribution points are worth far more than gold and silver.

Firstly, it can be exchanged for martial arts techniques, weapons, elixirs, and the like.

Secondly, and most importantly, it can be exchanged for things that can't be bought anywhere else... like this Crimson Blood Tiger Meat!

Therefore, this contribution point is worth at least several dozen taels of silver. Even after deducting the handling fees and other expenses, the several dozen contribution points he has accumulated should be worth seven or eight hundred taels of silver.

"However, there's no rush. I still have some money on me. We'll deal with it when there's really no other way!"

Han Yi decided not to use these contribution points for now, but to use them as reserves in case of an emergency.

Following the bluestone pavement, he quickly crossed a square and walked onto the main road.

This is the core area of ​​the Crimson Flame Sect. In the very center stands a solemn and magnificent hall. Snow piled up in the shaded areas where the sun cannot reach, like tiny grains of salt, reflecting streaks of white light.

This is the council hall of the Crimson Flame Sect. On ordinary days, no unauthorized disciples are allowed to enter. Only during the weekly morning meeting, or when there are any important matters, will the sect leader, hall masters, elders, and other high-ranking members gather here to discuss matters.

Around the council hall, there are several smaller buildings, where core institutions such as the Foreign Affairs Hall, the Internal Affairs Hall, and the Law Enforcement Hall are also located.

"I wonder when Pan Sheng and Li Feng will be able to return..."

Han Yi didn't stop and quickly walked out of the square avenue towards the inner city gate, preparing to go home. There really wasn't much to do here.

Within the Crimson Flame Sect, he was only on good terms with Pan Sheng and Li Feng.

But these two people had previously sent him a message through someone, exchanged New Year's greetings, and said that at the beginning of the new year, the two of them would go out together to carry out a mission.

They shouldn't be back by now.

Therefore, when Han Yi arrived in this inner city, apart from Pan Sheng and Li Feng, the only other acquaintances he had were Huang Ze and Cai Yu.

Huang Ze is an elder of the Internal Affairs Hall and a close friend of Bai Sanren. Although he usually takes good care of him, he is still a generation older than him.

And Cai Yu…..

By the way, it seems that Cai Yu's home is also in this area?

I noticed that Cai Yu seemed listless and not in good condition. Since we're already here and have nothing to do at home today, why not go and check on him?

Furthermore, he also wanted to confirm whether Cai Yu was alright...

Without hesitation, Han Yi first found a pharmacy, bought some calming and soothing tonics, then turned left and headed into an alley. The fourth house in the first row had blue tiles, white walls, and a small black door with two copper wind chimes that tinkled.

This should be the place!

Boom boom boom!

Han Yi stepped forward and knocked on the door a few times.

"Is no one home...?"

He frowned and muttered something.

It's normal that Han Yi didn't make an appointment with Cai Yu beforehand and that he wasn't home.

However, when Han Yi knocked on the door just now, he clearly heard a soft clicking sound coming from inside the courtyard, as if someone was chopping pork bones with a large knife, preparing to stew sauerkraut and pork ribs.

"Never mind, never mind..."

Han Yi shook his head, preparing to go back. He had come to see Cai Yu on a whim, just to drop by, and since Cai Yu wasn't home, he figured it was fine. Just as he was about to leave, the door creaked open.

The person who came out was Cai Yu.

After Cai Yu came out, he looked Han Yi up and down a few times, and seeing the large bags and small packages Han Yi was carrying, he smiled and said, "Brother Han, what brings you here today?"

As he said this, his small, date-pit-shaped eyes darted around in their sockets, making him look extremely shrewd.

Han Yi smiled, held up the square yellow medicine packet in his hand, and said, "Brother Cai, you didn't seem to be in good spirits last time, like you weren't sleeping well. I was just here on business and bought some herbs to replenish your energy and calm your mind..."

At this point, he glanced at Cai Yu's face and smiled, "But it seems I was overthinking it."

At this moment, Cai Yu's face was rosy, especially his lips, which were so red they were almost purple, as if blood was about to spurt out. He was full of energy and in excellent condition. "Brother Han, I appreciate your kindness, but I won't take the medicine. Lately, I've been feeling energetic and vigorous; I could go three days and three nights without sleep without any problem!"

Cai Yu laughed, but his body remained hidden behind the door, completely blocking the gap, with only a sparsely haired head showing.

"Since you've already bought it, Brother Cai, you can keep it..."

Han Yi smiled and handed it over.

"No, no..."

"Take it, take it..."

.........

After making excuses for a while, Han Yi finally gave up when he saw that Cai Yu still refused to accept it.

After exchanging pleasantries at the door for a while, Han Yi bowed and said goodbye before leaving.

As soon as he turned around, a layer of white sweat broke out on his forehead.

'Something must have happened to Cai Yu; there's definitely something wrong with him!'

He took three steps at a time and strode quickly out of the alley.

Even without turning around, Han Yi could vaguely sense a gaze following him from behind.

That gaze wasn't murderous or filled with malice...

It was a gaze that was somewhat confused, somewhat bewildered, and somewhat perplexed.

Just like now...

After walking out of the alley, Han Yi glanced back casually. In the distance, Cai Yu was still standing in the crack of the door, standing there blankly, waving goodbye to him.

"this…..."

Han Yi felt a chill run down his spine, becoming even more certain that Cai Yu was up to something.

Putting aside other aspects, just in terms of etiquette, when guests come to visit, at the very least, even if you don't invite them to stay for a meal, you should at least offer them a cup of hot tea.

Cai Yu, on the other hand, seemed completely unaware of the matter. He stood at the door, seemingly unwilling to let Han Yi into the house, or perhaps he had simply forgotten about it.

However, given Cai Yu's past shrewdness, how could he have overlooked such a small matter?

Moreover, judging from Cai Yu's energy level, he is clearly very energetic and doesn't seem like he was absent-minded and prone to making minor mistakes a few days ago.

Besides this matter, there was another thing that Han Yi was quite concerned about.

Cai Yu, where are his wife and family?!