Fantasy: Immortality Begins with Absorbing Demons

Chapter 534 Disappearance (Part 1)

The one who emerged before the great formation closed was none other than...

It was Han Yi and his three companions.

Elder Kang breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this.

"Let's go!" He waved his hand, ready to set off.

Most of the people from Jingtian Village were not seriously injured, and even those who were injured mostly suffered minor external wounds.

So after resting for a while and quickly gathering the resources of the secret realm, he prepared to lead his team back overnight.

Firstly, the secret realm has been closed, so the Palace of a Thousand Flowers no longer offers free accommodation. Although he has connections with many high-ranking members of the Palace of a Thousand Flowers.

But friendship is friendship, and it would be fine if he were to find a room to stay in himself, but with so many people, he'd have to pay for it. Jingtian Manor's finances have been tight lately, and he couldn't very well pay out of his own pocket.

Secondly, many of the medicinal herbs and fruits collected by everyone urgently need to be processed by professionals. If the processing is delayed for too long, the medicinal effects will be greatly reduced, which would be a complete waste.

The third point is actually Elder Kang's own selfish motives, or it's about Fang Shouming.

Regardless of whether Fang Shouming is alive or dead, he has to hurry back and report for investigation. Even if it's all in vain, he will have done what he was supposed to do and won't be held responsible.

So, after everyone had recovered, they traveled day and night, heading back to Jingtian Manor without stopping.

Although they were traveling at night, none of them were mediocre.

Especially since they had just experienced a lot of fighting in the secret realm, their bodies were filled with a fierce and cold aura, and no unexpected situation occurred.

The journey was uneventful, and we arrived just in time. Inside the main hall of Jingtian Manor, quite a few people had been waiting for a long time.

Most of them were various logistics personnel who quickly tallied up everyone's gains in the secret realm.

The gains of Jingtianzhuang disciples within the secret realm were uniformly converted into corresponding sect contributions according to their value.

Thirty percent is a fixed percentage collected.

The remaining resources can be kept for oneself or handed over to the sect as a contribution.

Han Yi didn't hesitate much. To save time and effort, he directly converted all his gains into sect contributions.

He didn't find much during this trip to the secret realm; the main gain was from the increase in Yin energy.

Soon, after everything was finished.

Zhong Yunxiu also rushed over upon hearing the news and had been waiting for a long time.

Han Yi and Xiao Zhong approached her, waiting to be questioned.

It was already late, so Zhong Yunxiu didn't ask any further questions. She only casually inquired about whether she was injured and what she had seen and gained in the secret realm.

Seeing that the two looked exhausted, she offered them a few words of encouragement and told them to go back and rest as soon as possible.

……………

……………

In the dead of night, the sky is dotted with stars, and insects chirp on the ground, creating a scene of quiet solitude.

Jingtian Manor, Yangzhi Academy.

It was a garden-like area, with tall trees standing quietly all around, forming a semicircle that enveloped a group of black and red buildings and pavilions, creating an atmosphere of utter tranquility.

The entire building is constructed entirely of massive black stones, without a single gap in sight. It stands silently like a giant black monster, almost blending into the night.

At the very top of the pavilion, there was a terrace extending out like a pointed corner. Several candle holders were placed around the terrace, each holding a whole candle.

But the man simply sat there, gazing quietly at the night sky.

This wasn't the first time Fang He had suffered from insomnia.

Ever since the incident with Chen Lingmo, he has been unable to sleep almost every night.

First it was Chen Lingmo, then Luo Meiwei, and finally even the account books couldn't be found. Even a large batch of goods agreed upon with the Green Clothes Alliance disappeared without a trace.

All sorts of pressure came crashing down on him.

Behind a series of events, it seemed as if an invisible hand was cruelly disrupting and tearing apart his plans.

It seems that he is getting further and further away from becoming the master of Jingtian Manor.

But…....

He had made a solemn pledge to Fang Jiulian...

..

If he fails to complete it, the consequences for him...

Fang Jiulian has exhausted so many resources, including manpower, material resources, and financial resources, and yet he has gained nothing.

His fate was one of living a life worse than death.

Those instruments of torture that send chills down your spine at first glance, those heart-wrenching screams of agony…

"well…..."

After a long silence, Fang He sighed and continued preparing to go back to work.

He shook the dew off his clothes, and gazing at the faint light of dawn appearing on the horizon, he couldn't help but clench his fist.

"No matter who it is, anyone who blocks my way must die! Even if you are Zhao Ziyang, it's not allowed!"

In fact, he and Fang Shouming had discussed many things privately during this period. In the end, the only person who could completely disrupt his plans was Zhao Ziyang, the master of Jingtian Manor.

Shang Qinglong, Zhao Ziyang, is a well-known figure in the entire Yunzhou, in charge of a powerful force. Although he may not seem impressive in the ordinary, he is by no means an unknown person.

"It seems we still can't underestimate anyone..."

He sighed and walked towards the study behind him.

Although he had been working tirelessly for more than a dozen nights, his strength was undeniable, especially the abundant energy brought by his Fire Ape bloodline, which kept him in high spirits.

In the dimly lit corridor, red carpets covered the floor, and at the end hung a lotus-shaped lamp base, its light barely illuminating one spot.

Fang He, familiar with the place, pushed open the study door.

Upon entering, one is greeted by a dim red light.

The source of the red light was actually a recess in the wall. There was a rectangular recess containing rows of red cylindrical objects that looked like candles.

Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that these were not candles at all, but rather individual red glass crystals.

The crystal floated and sank inside, as if liquid was flowing within it, and it was incredibly crimson.

Fang He glanced at the red light as he passed by.

Of the fifteen red glass crystals in total, three or four have already been destroyed.

On one of the extinguished crystals, three words were engraved: Luo Meiwei.

This is a secret technique of the demon race—the Life-Piercing Technique.

By obtaining the essence of a person's heart and blood, one can track their life and death.

However, this secret technique causes immense damage to the body of the recipient and can affect a person's martial arts potential. Therefore, it can only be used on key subordinates who need to be monitored at all times. Luo Meiwei was one of them.

Fang He was extremely angry and dissatisfied with Luo Meiwei's death.

It wasn't because May Lo died, but simply because the ledger she was carrying was lost.

The Qiyun Mountain area where she lives has the largest saltpeter vein in the entire Huayang City area.

The ledger contains records of all the transactions with heretical organizations, which are of great importance.

Therefore, when she died, Fang He received the information immediately, gathered people, and personally led the investigation.

Unfortunately, they still came up empty-handed.

"Zhao Ziyang, you've been hiding your true intentions so well, you've deceived me so much..." Fang He sighed as he looked at the red crystal glass in front of him.

But as he looked on...

Suddenly, a sense of foreboding arose in his heart. If Zhao Ziyang really wanted to harm him, then his son, Fang Shouming, would undoubtedly be an excellent point of attack.

The harm should not extend to the children.

It's a rule that everyone outwardly follows.

But when it really comes down to a critical moment where it's a matter of life and death, eliminating the threat completely is the best strategy.

but…...

There were fifteen crystal shards, but Fang Shouming was not among them.

Indeed, using such a magical secret technique that would damage one's potential on his son would be a huge joke.

Besides, what kind of accident could happen under his watchful eye?

Fang Shouming was simply participating in a perfectly safe secret realm; everything would be fine and there wouldn't be any problems.

Boom boom boom! ! !

Just as Fang He was thinking this, suddenly, there was a rapid knocking sound at the door.

"My lord, something terrible has happened..."

Fang He's relaxed mind suddenly became alert.

He knew that the butler, Zhang An, was always composed, and unless it was something truly important, he wouldn't sound so flustered.

"what happened?"

"My lord...it is...it is my lord..."

Zhang An was covered in sweat, pointing outside the door, his tone tense, but the more he tried to speak, the more anxious he became and the less he could say anything.

"Father...Father..."

"What on earth happened?!"

Fang He also became anxious and urged him urgently.

Zhang An felt a tightness in his chest and couldn't speak. He took several deep breaths, but they didn't help. Instead, he became more and more stammering.

*Pfft.* Zhang An was suddenly shoved aside by the head of the guards behind him.

"What good is it for you to barge in like that? Get out of the way!"

"My lord..." the head guard said cautiously, "It's the eldest young master... something has happened to him..."

call…...

The atmosphere suddenly became heavy.

……………

……………

The croaking of frogs rose and fell incessantly, while a gentle drizzle continued uninterrupted.

In mid-to-late August, Yunzhou entered the last period of summer heat, with more and more rain and humid, muggy weather. Even sitting still indoors, you could wring a large puddle of water out of your clothes.

Jingtian Manor appeared even more quiet and desolate on a rainy night.

Palaces and pavilions loomed in the darkness, illuminated only by a few lights, indicating that most people were already asleep. Inside a restaurant outside Jingtian Manor.

Yi Xing Lou, second floor private room.

"Come on, drink!"

"Senior Brother Xiao is serving as the chief this time, and I hope you will take good care of us in the future."

"Yes, yes, senior brother, tell me what's inside the secret realm? I'd love to broaden my horizons."

The atmosphere inside the private room was lively, with constant sounds of drinking and boxing.

Xiao Zhong, Sun Zheng, and Liu Song sat together, each taking a cup of wine. There were many wine jars scattered around them, indicating that they had all drunk quite a bit.

Han Yi pushed open the door and entered, and this was the scene he saw.

Xiao Zhong became the chief of the Nine-Bend Academy and brought out a lot of resources from the secret realm.

Naturally, they were in a good mood and held a banquet to celebrate.

Of course, ordinary new disciples are not qualified to come, and he can't invite people like Zhong Han and Zhan Xiuying.

In the end, they could only ask Han Yi and his group for help.

"Junior Brother Han!"

Upon seeing that it was Han Yi, Xiao Zhong's dazed eyes cleared instantly, and he strode over.

"Let me tell you, this time in the secret realm, I really owe it all to Junior Brother Han. Otherwise, I might not have been able to get out."

His face was flushed, and he moved closer to Han Yi in a friendly manner.

Han Yi frowned, avoiding his greasy, meat-and-wine-stained hands.

He didn't actually want to come to dinner, but people always need to socialize.

Currently, there are only a few male senior disciples left in the Nine-Bend Academy. Therefore, it is only natural for him to show up and have a drink, fulfilling his duty of courtesy.

"Senior brother, you're too kind. In this secret realm, it was you who did most of the work. At that time, I just took advantage of the situation by surprise," he said with a smile.

"No, no, it's a life-saving grace, it's a life-saving grace. Don't worry, from now on, just say the word, and I, Xiao, will go through fire and water for you!"

Xiao Zhong laughed loudly and forcibly pressed Han Yi into the main seat.

Sun Zheng and Liu Song quickly got up and drank a cup together.

Han Yi and Sun Zheng were actually disciples who entered the academy in the same batch.

But now time has passed, and more than three years have passed since I joined Jiuqu Academy.

The gap between the two has indeed gradually widened.

The former is a powerful inspector stationed outside Jingtian Manor, in charge of a region. The latter has just broken through to the fourth level of true skill and become a disciple of Zhong Yunxiu.

The difference between the two is simply too great. No wonder Sun Zheng sighed helplessly and smiled bitterly when this matter was mentioned, his complex emotions overflowing.

"Alright, you're at the fourth level of true skill now, there's still time," Han Yi kindly comforted him.

He sized up Sun Zheng and Liu Song.

He was fairly familiar with Sun Zheng, after all, the two had always had a good relationship.

But after a period of time, the righteous, outspoken, and impulsive young man he remembered, who was determined to avenge his father, had disappeared.

Instead, he became much more mature and composed, and his eyes had lost much of their former sparkle.

Clearly, several years have passed, and Sun Zheng has grown older and more worldly-wise.

As for Liu Song, he had previously been summoned by Emperor Yuanmiao and spent some time at the border fortress of Yunzhou.

Han Yi wasn't that familiar with him. But he seemed to have become much more worldly-wise since he first returned from military service.

"Brother Han, don't try to comfort me. I know my own limitations. Even if I had the time, without your talent, it would just be a waste of time."

Sun Zheng sighed.

"What?" Han Yi frowned. "Don't you plan to avenge your parents?"

Sun Zheng was originally the son of a minor figure, but when his enemies came knocking on his door, he was the only one who was sent out.

That's why he often talks about revenge.

"Don't even mention it. I asked around not long ago. My old enemy offended the government troops and his entire family was wiped out. Not even one of his pets escaped."

Sun looked helpless; he felt incredibly frustrated and wanted to express it, but couldn't put it into words.

This feeling is like a scholar who has studied diligently for decades, finally mastering the Four Books and Five Classics, only to find that the imperial examinations are no longer held.