Fantasy: Immortality Begins with Absorbing Demons

Chapter 469 The Search

Martial arts practitioners train their internal strength, grandmasters truly master it; the transformation of internal strength is what constitutes true internal strength.

True strength, genuine and real, is the return to simplicity and authenticity of power, a higher level of strength.

Unlike tangible, intangible, colorless, and formless force, true force is tangible, substantial, and colorful—a real phenomenon.

A tangible object that can be seen and touched is naturally more solid and powerful than an ethereal force.

When physical strength clashes with true strength, it's like tofu against a stone—completely incomparable.

"Then let's see if I die first, or your son!" Zhong Yunxiu disregarded everything and charged straight at Chen Lingmo without any defense. She certainly had a gentle personality, but did she really think that her many years as the head of the academy were solely due to the connections left by her husband, Zhong Shaotian?

One or two years can be considered a relationship.

Eight years, ten years, more than a decade have passed in the blink of an eye, and her position as the head of the academy is so stable, ultimately relying on her own methods.

Fierce, protective of her own, gentle yet firm, and unyielding to the death—this is the best description of her by everyone who knows her.

Especially since this matter involves her daughter, she is even more determined to stand up for her.

"You fucking lunatic?!?!" Chen Ying never expected that someone would risk their life like this.

This is completely contrary to common sense and logic, and is far beyond his expectations.

He never imagined that someone would give up everything and disregard their own life.

Given Chen Lingmo's current severely injured state, it's estimated that even a light touch from Zhong Yunxiu would be enough to deliver a fatal blow.

"Enough!" another voice rang out.

A black figure drifted into the battle like a ghost, extending its arm from the side and inserting itself perfectly between Zhong Han and Chen Ying.

Clad in a long black robe, with unusually long arms and a refined appearance, he was none other than the deputy head of the manor, Fang He.

He rushed over as soon as he received the news, and now he sees that it's just the right time.

Chen Ying cannot be offended, and Zhong Han cannot die.

He wanted to become the head of the estate, not a lone commander.

"Hmph, Fang He, you've come at the perfect time! Look at this farce at Jingtian Manor! My son was severely injured here!" Chen Ying ignored everything else, flicked his sleeve, and quickly checked Chen Lingmo's injuries. "Fang He, speak! Did you conspire with that old thief Chen Ying to harm my Zhong Han?" Zhong Yunxiu pressed Fang He, "If you've colluded with outsiders and dared to frame a core disciple of the inner academy, even if the manor lord disagrees, the heads of the seven academies will impeach you!"

Even though Deputy Master Fang He, with his bloodline advantage and martial arts master status, could contend with a grandmaster for a short time, he couldn't take the final step and thus couldn't suppress all dissenting voices.

"Indeed, Zhong Han, you must provide an explanation for this matter!" A young woman dressed in a white dress, with a languid and noble appearance, slowly emerged from the darkness.

This is Gongsun Jing, Zhong Yunxiu's best friend who has stood by her side through thick and thin for many years and is the head of Piaoxue Academy.

"Even if you want to seize the position of the manor lord, you should understand that we are the true ones on your side. He, on the other hand, is just an outsider. And you've gotten too close to him..."

Gongsun Jing spoke indifferently, her gaze fixed on Chen Ying, who was urgently treating her son's injuries. "Jing'er is right, Fang He, you really made a mistake this time, you went astray." As she spoke, several more academy leaders arrived.

The one leading the conversation was Qian Shuo, the head of the Reprinting Institute. Dressed in a rich and luxurious robe, he approached Gongsun Jing with a smile.

Gongsun Jing frowned in disgust and quickly moved to a different spot.

"What does this have to do with me?" Seeing the pressure from the crowd, Fang He quickly shifted the blame, "I only arranged for the Three Mountains Sect to come and spar with us for the long-term benefit of Jing Tian Manor..."

"It's alright?" A charming female voice interrupted abruptly. Guan Chan, another deputy master of Jingtian Manor, dressed in a fiery red dress, had also rushed over.

She looked at Fang He with a hint of amusement: "You're in charge of security for the entire Jingtian Manor, but as I've looked around, I've noticed that people who should be there aren't, while people who shouldn't be there are..."

Tomorrow is the official competition, such a crucial moment, can you honestly say you bear no responsibility? Don't you even want your position as deputy head of the manor anymore?

Upon hearing this, Fang He's expression immediately changed.

......

......

Within Flower Lake, the water flows ceaselessly, its shimmering surface reflecting the scenery along the shore.

Wow!

A dark figure suddenly popped its head out of the water.

Han Yi quickly looked around; all was silent.

The pebbles on the shore shimmered and sparkled, and the clumps of water plants swayed in the wind. Only a few frogs croaked and the occasional sound of fish blowing bubbles could be heard.

Han Yi quickly went ashore. He was very familiar with this place and had already scouted it out; it was the secluded, rocky beach where he often cultivated alone. There was no one here during the day, let alone now, in the dead of night, there was absolutely no one around.

Leaving Zhong Han's courtyard and arriving here, we were traveling with the current at a very fast speed.

Even so, Han Yi still carefully checked the area and, after confirming that no one was following him, quickly took off the special black outer robe he was wearing.

This was a large black robe that he specially commissioned to be made for doing some shady things. The channels, payment methods, and delivery methods were all done in secrecy.

He mainly wears ordinary clothes, but once he uses his "pure yang state," it's easy for his clothes to burst open and expose him.

This oversized black coat is completely different. It is made of excellent materials and has excellent waterproof, fire-resistant, and corrosion-resistant properties. Combined with the mask, it can completely hide the whole body, making it impossible to see the external shape of the body.

When the charioteer, Old Li, pulled him over, he secretly slipped the specially made black robe into his luggage. He was just in case he had to use it in an emergency.

Sure enough, when he met Zhong Han by the lake and took her back, he realized something was wrong.

Although Jiuquyuan was poor, it was still possible that the lights were off and there was no gatekeeper even late at night.

Moreover, when Han Yi returned to Jiuqu Academy during the day, there were disciples guarding the main gate, which indicates that the academy's finances have been good recently.

Since they have money and resources, a large number of guards must be stationed near Zhong Han's residence at night, when vigilance is most needed.

After all, the outcome of tomorrow's sparring match will, on the surface, represent the reputation and image of both sects.

At such a critical moment, even if Zhong Yunxiu is not paying attention, the higher-ups of other sects will consider the matter of security and protection.

Of course, it's also possible that everyone thinks it's just a minor matter, not worth worrying about or paying special attention to.

However, the possibility of this is extremely small...

Even when Han Yi noticed this, it wasn't considered an obvious anomaly. But then, Sun Mingzhen's appearance instantly put him on high alert.

Sun Mingzhen had a scent that was very faint, like the fragrance of spring flowers.

If you only come into close contact with it, you'll just think it's some kind of uniquely scented spice. Ordinary people wouldn't pay any attention to it.

But Han Yi's senses were incredibly sharp. He managed to cultivate the "White Lotus Immaculate Body," a martial art that even its founder hadn't mastered to perfection, to its highest level.

In just a moment, he keenly noticed something was wrong. This floral fragrance was completely different from the scent that Sun Mingzhen naturally carried.

Like stale liquid poured from a sealed bottle, it carried a faint, almost imperceptible, musty smell. Combined with Han Yi's current understanding of various toxins, a little analysis of the Innocent Force revealed it to be an substance with hallucinogenic and hypnotic effects.

Of course, although he remained outwardly calm and unchanged, he had already made his judgment in his heart.