Fantasy: Immortality Begins with Absorbing Demons

Chapter 678 Infiltration (Part 1)

Han Yi had a feeling that there was something wrong with this challenge.

The tone and content of the text did not treat the Myriad Beasts Sect as an equal at all.

It was treated like a subordinate force.

The overall strength of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect is inferior to that of the Three Mountains Sect. However, in terms of status, the two sects are independent and have no relation to each other.

In other words, the other party clearly wanted to provoke the Myriad Beasts Sect.

However, this approach is not the proper procedure for handling matters in a normal sect.

It's inappropriate both emotionally and logically.

Therefore, Han Yi suspected that there might be a hostile force trying to sow discord between the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect and the Three Mountains Sect, hoping to profit from the conflict. "The source can be confirmed," Zhong Han said in a deep voice. "It did indeed come from the Three Mountains Sect. The messenger did not hide anything; his appearance, identity, and position can all be identified."

Moreover, according to informants, many disciples of the Three Mountains Sect were also aware of this challenge.

“That makes it even stranger…” Han Yi frowned. “If it really was a unified decision made by the higher-ups of the Three Mountains Sect… then don’t they want Chen Ying and the other two to return alive…?”

Suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind.

"I've heard that Hong Jiaojiao, the leader of the Three Mountains Sect, has always been at odds with three renowned masters. However, these three masters are deeply entrenched and have cultivated their power for many years, so Hong Jiaojiao can't do anything about them... Is there any possibility..."

"You mean, using someone else to do the dirty work?" Old Fu immediately understood. "If the rumors are true, and there's internal discord within the Three Mountains Sect, that's certainly a possibility... but..."

Just a casual misunderstanding, and they had to kill two grandmasters...

"...This price is far too high."

He gave a wry smile. Two grandmasters, just like that, they don't want them anymore.

Neither "extremely wealthy" nor "a drop in the ocean" can adequately describe it.

Currently, within the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, including Han Yi, there are only seven Grandmasters in total.

The two grandmasters have already reached nearly one-third of their combat strength.

"There are also rumors that Hong Jiaojiao is getting old and is preparing to groom a successor. Perhaps this is to pave the way for her successor, but it is still unknown," the Grand Secretary analyzed.

"But no matter what, if they really want to cause trouble, we are not afraid of them. The Three Mountains Sect is strong, but our Ten Thousand Beasts Sect is not weak either."

Especially considering that Fangshan is more than a thousand miles away from us. If the Three Mountains Sect wants to cause trouble, they will first have to pass through Huayang City. At that time, the three major families, as well as the garrison troops stationed nearby, will be the first to object.

After all, if we were captured by the Three Mountains Sect, they would then face an even more troublesome opponent. Therefore, there's no need to worry.

Upon hearing this, many of the people's worries were immediately alleviated.

indeed.

Before Jingtianzhuang, it was the dominant force in the Huayang area.

With control over numerous industries, any one of them could generate enough annual profits and dividends to make anyone envious.

Back then, why did so many people go to great lengths to squeeze into Jingtianzhuang every day?

This is not even considering the welfare benefits of the Jingtian Manor members; they are far too enviable.

You should know that even in Jingtian Manor, if you don't achieve results by the end of the term, you will be forced to leave and will not be considered a true disciple.

They eat and drink monster meat every day.

They even provide food and lodging. Occasionally, there will even be opportunities to enjoy top-quality monster meat.

Jingtianzhuang appears to consist of only one villa by the flower lake, and a flower lake, at most covering an area of ​​a dozen acres.

In fact, within Huayang City, several bustling markets and numerous farmlands and estates on the outskirts are all private properties of Jingtian Manor.

It is the existence of these industries that allows the disciples of Jingtian Manor to enjoy welfare benefits that surpass those of ordinary people.

It is precisely because of this incident that many forces regard Jingtian Manor as a thorn in their side, comparing it to a bloodsucking worm crawling around Huayang.

Of course, Jingtian Manor collapsed after its split.

The biggest beneficiaries were undoubtedly the large number of government troops, followed by the three major families, and finally countless minor, unrelated forces.

They finally got to eat meat and drink soup, but before they could even digest it, another super power, far stronger than Jingtian Manor, appeared.

Those who benefited from the split in Jingtianzhuang were the first to stand up and oppose it.

“That’s what I think too.” Han Yi nodded. “We have a small territory right now and not many profitable industries. As long as we stay in the mountains and don’t cause trouble, we’ll be a smaller target and won’t be feared by others.”

The Three Mountains Sect was aggressive, and if they dared to attack, those who had already benefited would never want to give up the advantages they had gained. Therefore, they ironically became a shield for the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect.

"Now that we've sorted things out, this matter will be much easier," the Grand Secretary said with a smile. "We don't need to worry about the purpose of the challenge. We're not going to release the people. If you're so capable, then send your men to attack."

"If you really want to release them, that's easy to discuss. Just show sincerity and offer sufficient compensation, and I think it's not impossible to release them."

Han Yi smiled upon hearing this: "Elder, you're right. If we release them with just a word from him, where will the reputation of our Ten Thousand Beasts Sect be? You're trying to provoke us? Then we'll do the opposite." He looked at Zhong Han: "Senior Sister, how are Chen Ying and the other two?"

“Everything is fine.” Zhong Han nodded. “Their limbs are bound by steel chains, and they have needles inserted into major acupoints all over their bodies. Unless they receive external help, they will only be able to die of old age inside.”

"Alright, make the arrangements afterward," Han Yi instructed. "Send a few more people to keep an eye on things and prevent the Three Mountains Sect experts from rescuing them. Also, give Chen Ying and the other man extra meat every day and treat them to good food and drink."

The Three Mountains Sect wanted us to take our anger out on those two, so we carefully looked after them, forcing them to negotiate with us in good faith. I refuse to believe that two grandmasters could be captured alive for so long and left unattended without any discontent within the Three Mountains Sect.

"Sect Master's move is brilliant; this is the best move of having no moves." The Grand Secretary clapped his hands lightly in approval.

"Your Excellency is too kind." Han Yi shook his head. "Then let's just leave the challenge from the Three Mountains Sect alone. What do you all think?" Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Alright, that concludes this meeting for now. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."

Han Yi smiled at everyone, his figure flashed, and three bursts of leg power exploded in succession, sending him flying away like a rocket.

"This speed... Sect Master's strength has improved again..."

"That's normal. The sect leader is exceptionally talented. If he didn't have this talent, I would have doubts..."

As expected, it was just as Han Yi had predicted.

After their status and position changed, they changed their previous shocking and suspicious actions.

Now that it has fallen on him, it seems perfectly natural and leaves no room for doubt.

"metropolitan…..."

"Greetings, Sect Master..." Near the encampment, several patrol teams, working day and night, stopped and paid their respects when they saw Han Yi gliding past.

Han Yi nodded, and the moment he landed, he lightly pushed off with his toes, continuing to run into the distance without stopping.

……………

……………

Huayang City, a two-story restaurant.

"The imperial guards...are they leaving?"

Han Yi toyed with his wine glass, his gaze fixed on the ground below.

Elite teams, clad in armor and pushing carts, broke camps and slowly made their way out of the city.

"The situation at the front is critical. It is said that after the demon army captured a fortress last time, they are now starting to stir again... Therefore, we have urgently dispatched troops to the front to provide support," he sighed.

"How so?" Han Yi asked casually.

The news that the Hu family is about to take charge of the overall situation in Huayang has been spreading among various factions.

As a result, his friend's status and position also improved considerably.

Although the official orders have not yet been issued, they have already begun handling government affairs and learning and adapting in advance.

After all, he is the future successor of the Hu family.

Therefore, he was able to access inside information that was difficult for ordinary people to know in advance.

"It is said that in addition to the Ghost King, the demon army has gained another demon king, who leads three thousand heartless demons and is besieging the city, which is in imminent danger."

He sighed, “One demon king has already tied up most of Yunzhou’s military strength, and now another one is coming… Alas… The government troops are forced by the situation; the arrow is on the bowstring, and they have no choice but to move.”

"Two Demon Kings..." Han Yi calmed down, "Actually, I have a question. Facing the Demon Army... why didn't the Yuanmiao Sect and the imperial court go all out? If they had sent experts to suppress them in the early stages and taken turns besieging them... the Demon Army... probably wouldn't have developed to this extent."

"Who could know..." He shook his head and smiled bitterly. "The big shots have their own considerations. Perhaps it's not just Yunzhou; other places are also facing disasters, and they can't spare the time to help."

In such chaotic times, it's incredibly difficult for ordinary people to even live peacefully.

“Take this dish for example… When demons descend upon the world, the world is cold and indifferent. When war breaks out, the situation is tense, and the people suffer the most…” He pointed to a dish on the table and said, “This dish used to cost twenty coins, but now prices are rising rapidly, changing every day. Today, it costs half a coin!”

I think if prices keep soaring like this, famine will start happening again soon.

One large coin was equal to one hundred coins. Half a large coin was fifty coins, roughly half a tael of silver. An ordinary person could only earn two or three taels of silver a month even with hard work.

“Winning...the people suffer...losing...the people also suffer…” Han Yi sighed in agreement.

With the war situation escalating, large quantities of supplies are being sent to the front lines.

Following closely behind was a rise in prices, especially for items like meat and grain, which saw astonishing increases.

This news is not good news for the Myriad Beasts Sect.

The area of ​​suitable land for reclamation in the mountains is small, so the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect mostly relies on purchasing land from outside.

External turmoil and rising prices have a greater impact on the Myriad Beasts Sect.

After all, during this special period, some large merchants who hoarded grain were unwilling to sell, fearing that it would attract the attention of the government troops and be harvested and seized.

Large-scale grain transactions in the market were basically controlled by the government troops, making it difficult for outsiders to participate.

During periods of peace, the government army's suppression of everything actually benefits the Myriad Beasts Sect.

“Who says otherwise?” Yu Yu downed a glass of wine. “Let’s not talk about these discouraging things. All we can do is focus on the present. Maybe the current situation was already in those people’s plans.”

The two ate and drank for a while, when Han Yi suddenly remembered something.

"What will happen to Huayang after the government troops leave? Who will take over?"

Huayang City served as a pilot city for the new policies, with the local military taking over management in the early stages. Now that the main force of the military has withdrawn, the key question is who will take charge of Huayang.

"It's still the government troops... They haven't all left. There are still about two regiments, with over a thousand men stationed nearby, ready to deliver supplies to the front lines or receive wounded soldiers brought in from the front."

**Answer: "Huayang will serve as a logistical base for the government forces. In terms of specific urban administration, the Hu family will be the primary responsible party."

"I see..." Han Yi thought to himself, "In that case, if my Ten Thousand Beasts Sect wants to clear its name again... wouldn't that be a matter of just a word from your Hu family?"

"You're overthinking it." ** chuckled. "Our Hu family is merely the implementers; the ones who truly oversee the overall situation and convey policies are the government troops."

Although it is just a logistics base, I heard from insiders that Huayang is planned to be developed into a command hub, with high-ranking officials stationed there.

After all, Huayang enjoys a superior geographical location, surrounded by plains and rich in resources. Situated in the central hub of Yunzhou, it connects to the prefectural city to the east and the front lines of battle to the west. Its moderate distance from various locations gives it a natural advantage as a command center.

“Especially…” he continued, “Huayang City, with the results of Kou Hu’s reforms and the implementation of new policies, has laid a solid foundation for the government army. All the troubles in the vicinity have been cleared up, and no one can interfere with the government army’s position. It is the best choice as a rear base.”

"Then the new commander..." Han Yi asked, frowning.

If the government troops don't leave, there's no way to get things done without them.

Xtep's attempt to clear the wanted poster is unlikely to succeed, as the government forces are still watching.

That's the troublesome part.

"He... should be coming too," he said helplessly. "I don't know how long he'll stay. But the main issue in Huayang is Kou Hu's death."

Although many disliked Kou Hu due to partisan strife, his murder ultimately tarnished the government's reputation. Therefore, the newly appointed commander's goal was to thoroughly investigate the matter and find the murderer.

"Found the real culprit...?!" Han Yi laughed immediately. "Then he'll probably have to go to the underworld to find him." Chun Rongrong killed Kou Hu, but now, she is long gone.

From this perspective, it's utterly absurd for the new head coach to claim that he wants to achieve his goals.

"There's nothing we can do; it's a procedural issue," he said with a wry smile. "Even if the new head coach and Kou Hu don't get along, the necessary procedures still have to be followed."

"Understood." Han Yi nodded. "Then when will the new commander arrive? The sect has already changed its name."

Hearing this, he laughed and said, "It's just that you changed your name to the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect... I've heard about it before. The name is not bad, it suits your human-faced, beast-hearted personality quite well."

"?"

Han Yi was taken aback, then a hint of danger flashed in his eyes.