Fantasy: Immortality Begins with Absorbing Demons

Chapter 679 Infiltration (Part Two)

"Just kidding, just kidding." Hu Ping waved his hand with a smile. "Your matter will take a while. Even if the commander-in-chief is confirmed, it will probably take some time before he arrives."

"Alright." Han Yi nodded helplessly.

In fact, thanks to Hu Ping's efforts, most of the previous wanted notices for the Nine Turns Sect have now been withdrawn.

However, the top military leaders who can truly resolve this matter and make the final decision have not yet been identified.

And the appointment was formally made to the Hu family, a legitimate official appointment, but there has been no further news.

Judging from the looks of it, the commander-in-chief will probably bring an imperial edict along with his new post, promoting suitable officials and stabilizing the situation in Huayang before finding the right connections. "By the way, didn't you ask me before about a way to accelerate the tempering of the true body...?" Hu Ping smiled, "I discovered a secret method within the Grandmaster Association. Take it and study it; it should be useful to you."

He took out a blue booklet and handed it to Han Yi.

"Unpredictable secret techniques..." Han Yi casually flipped through the pages, glancing at them a few times.

The description inside seemed to suggest that external substances could be used to stimulate bone marrow and accelerate the formation of patterns. The content was quite detailed and included many experience notes, suggesting that many people had used this method.

"This... is too expensive..." Han Yi declined.

Such a secret technique that can accelerate the inscription process could be taken back and used as a valuable asset for the sect.

“Between you and me, there’s no need for formalities.” Hu Ping stepped forward and pressed Han Yi down. “This thing may seem precious to you… but in reality, it’s just commonplace within the Grandmaster Association.”

After all, this is just a secret technique for those below the Grandmaster level, and it's nothing special to the experts in the guild.

Besides, I'll definitely need to trouble you again in a while, so consider this a form of payment.

"The Grandmasters' Guild..." Han Yi was becoming increasingly curious about this organization.

"Don't have too high expectations for it. Within the Grandmaster Association, the weakest among those who can join are all Grandmasters."

Even if everyone broke through by chance and had no inherited skills, with so many people gathered together, pooling their wisdom, mere secret techniques below the Grandmaster level are still easily mastered.

Hu Ping said frankly, "If we're talking about the true holy land of martial arts, in Yunzhou, it has to be the Yuanmiao Sect. I heard someone at the Grandmaster's Meeting mention that external stimulation to accelerate inscriptions is just the lowest level of secret technique in the Yuanmiao Sect."

It is said that it contains a secret initiation technique, where, guided by a grandmaster, the master meticulously transmits their own breakthrough experiences, processes, and changes to the disciple, potentially increasing the inscription progress by a full 50%. It even contains a guiding technique, allowing one to simulate the selection of a true body through mental perception, determining the most suitable and powerful one. This is the truly authentic secret technique.

"Yuanmiao Sect..." Han Yi's expression remained calm, revealing no emotion.

"Do you think I shouldn't have left Yuanmiao Sect in a fit of anger?"

"It's just a pity," Hu Ping nodded. "With your aptitude, talent, and perseverance, you would undoubtedly have had a better future in the Yuanmiao Sect. Instead, you're now toiling away for the sect's future."

"Let bygones be bygones. The fact that I didn't stay in Yuanmiao Sect means it wasn't a good fit," Han Yi said in a deep voice. "Besides, if I had stayed in Yuanmiao Sect, how would I have met you?"

“Hmm…” Hu Ping was taken aback, then laughed, “You’re right. It’s just the Yuanmiao Sect, nothing special. The Grandmaster Association is also good. Once you break through to the Martial Arts Grandmaster level, I’ll find a way to introduce you there.” “There’s one more thing. I have some leads on the true skill of your Jingtian Manor’s Yangzhi Academy, the Dragon-Controlling Heavenly Fire Manual.”

"Is it in the hands of the government troops?" Han Yi guessed.

"No, it's in the Kou family, in the Kou mansion," Hu Ping said seriously. "After the Yangzhi Academy was wiped out, all the true martial arts manuals were sent to Kou Hu. And now, I estimate that Kou Hu's treasures are all hidden in the Kou mansion."

"Is it possible to negotiate peacefully and exchange benefits?" Han Yi asked.

“Difficult.” Hu Ping shook his head. “The current Kou family is led by Kou Hu’s younger brother, Kou Lie. This man has a fiery temper and is not easy to talk to. His relationship with our Hu family is extremely strained because of the Fang family.”

Especially after Kou Hu died, our Hu family took over. This man is strong in martial arts but somewhat lacking in strategy.

They've always believed the Hu family was involved in Kou Hu's death, and they're even more disgusted with us. They want to get this item back from him. A simple exchange of benefits... is unlikely..."

“Kou Lie… Kou Mansion…” Han Yi frowned and pondered for a moment.

Currently, the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect possesses all six true martial arts manuals, the only missing one being the Dragon-Controlling Heavenly Fire Manual.

With Zhao Ziyang now away with the instance and his whereabouts unknown.

The Imperial Dragon Fire Manual in the Kou Mansion is very likely the only one of its kind in the world.

It is also the only hope for reunion that the Seven Transformations of Heavenly Evolution Mystic Art can predict.

"How strong is this person?"

"Strength? Probably not weaker than Kou Hu." Hu Ping recalled, "Kou Hu once gave his own evaluation. Explosive and unparalleled, bravest in the three armies, one man can be worth an entire army."

If this person weren't so hot-tempered and unsuitable for leadership, he would never have condescended to serve as a logistics officer.

"Not inferior to Kou Hu...?!" Han Yi's expression shifted slightly. "Are there any other experts in the Kou family?"

"Chi Hu Qu Heng is considered to be from the Kou Hu lineage. After the Five Tigers were gone, he joined Kou Lie's sect."

In addition, a group of people who had been implicated by Kou Hu and lost their official positions also joined Kou's household as retainers and advisors.

Three individuals deserve special attention: Jin Yuquan (Golden Jade Fist) of Lechang Town, Guanyang Needle of Zhang Lan, and Luanfeng Arrow of Lan Mei.

These three men were veterans of the government army, brave and skilled in battle, meticulous in their thinking, deeply trusted by Kou Hu, and had a good relationship with the Kou brothers, Kou Hu and Kou Lie.

Therefore, after Kou Hu's incident, the three knew they would be implicated, so they voluntarily resigned from their official positions and went to Kou's residence to become his disciples, waiting to make a comeback.

Hu Ping spoke at length without stopping.

"So, how strong are these three...?"

"They are roughly the same level of strength as the previous Five Tigers, all at the Grandmaster level." Hu Ping inquired in great detail. "It should be noted that these three have fought together for many years and have a tacit understanding with each other, their cooperation is seamless."

Even if Kou Hu had taken action before, he wouldn't have been able to subdue the three of them in a short time.

"Even so... it seems we still have no choice but to risk going to the Kou residence." Han Yi sighed.

“That’s right. I think if you can really use this to deduce the Seven Transformations of Heaven from the Dragon-Controlling Heavenly Fire Manual, it’s worth the risk.” Hu Ping nodded in agreement. “Actually, I’m also curious about just how strong the Seven Transformations of Heavenly Evolution, which is said to be the strongest technique of Jingtian Manor, really is.”

"I don't know how strong it is either. But one can split into seven true martial arts, and each of the split true martial arts is not weak. So its power... is unimaginable."

Han Yi said seriously, "If we can really deduce the Seven Transformations of Heaven, if you are interested, come and take a look."

"Alright. I won't stand on ceremony with you." Hu Ping smiled and said, "You can also borrow the 'True Heart Sutra of the Star Shifting Cave' for reference."

"Shifting Stars and Penetrating Truth? Isn't this your family's secret technique?"

"It's just ordinary martial arts. Nothing special." Hu Ping waved his hand like a spendthrift. "If it weren't for the great limitations of the Annihilation Demon Art, I could lend you a copy for reference. It wouldn't be a big deal."

"Forget about the Annihilation Demon Art; I don't want to be hunted down every day," Han Yi shook his head.

“That’s the difference between you and me…” Hu Ping laughed. “You like a peaceful and stable life, while I like the thrill of being chased and assassinated.”

"Then why don't you come with me and infiltrate the Kou residence?" Han Yi countered. "Wouldn't that be even more exciting?"

"No need, no need," Hu Ping quickly refused. "I'll stay back and help you get out of there. After all..."

He said seriously, "I like excitement, but that doesn't mean I like to court death."

……………

……………

In the afternoon, the sun shone brightly, and the river surface rippled gently.

A small boat sped downstream, cutting through the water like an arrow, and came to rest in front of an unmanned dock.

The dock had long been in disrepair, with rusty nails and missing planks, exposing the flowing river below.

Snapped.

A woman wearing a black hood and a feather cloak flew out of the small boat and landed lightly on the dock.

The woman had a curvaceous figure with a slender waist and round hips, and wore black arm armor-like garments on her arms.

What's most eye-catching are her legs; almost everything below her waist is legs, long and graceful, with a pair of special openwork boots tightly wrapping most of her beautiful legs, extending to her upper thighs.

As she moved, the delicate, jade-like skin at the base of her thighs would occasionally peek through the air, so beautiful and alluring that a single glance would ignite a surge of lust in one's heart.

"Be careful, I'll be waiting for you at the agreed location."

At that moment, a man's voice rang out from the small boat.

It is deep, resonant, and oppressive, giving people a strong sense of protection.

"I know, don't worry." The woman stopped and chuckled softly. "Unlike you, I can't protect others... but causing destruction... murder... is absolutely no problem!"

The sound is light and melodious, as clear and crisp as an oriole singing in a valley.

The sound evokes a sense of being immersed in beautiful nature, instantly dispelling all distractions. This contrasts sharply with her fiery and alluring figure.

“That’s why I was worried about you…” the man sighed softly. “The palace has already issued an order strictly forbidding us from retaliating or causing trouble. After all, the Tantai family’s maternal clan is not to be trifled with.”

"Hmph, they're a bunch of old fogies. If we listened to them in everything, our Hundred Lineages would have been wiped out long ago." The woman sneered. "Humans are greedy, insatiable, extremely selfish, and cowardly. They only fear beings stronger than themselves... This time, the Green-Clad Alliance was taken over by their army. Are we just going to ignore it?"

Yes, they apologized and personally made amends, but what about next time? What if they directly attack our Three Saints Sect? Will they just apologize and pay compensation and be done with it?

Even if they genuinely repent, what about us? What will become of our reputation among the Hundred Veins? What will become of the prestige of the Three Saints Sect?

"Sigh..." A man's soft sigh came from inside the small boat.

He knew he couldn't win an argument with her.

From childhood to adulthood, no matter what the situation, he was always the one who was passively persuaded.

However, what we are about to do is far too dangerous.

Unable to persuade the other party, he could only do his best to protect them.

"Alright, I won't say any more... Remember to send me a signal."

"So long-winded..." The woman's lips curled slightly as she strode past.

She knew she would always win, no matter what, and that she could always be perfect.

Apart from…...

That time...

She stopped, looked up slightly, and tried to determine her direction.

Her hood had slipped down slightly, revealing her delicate profile and a pair of light blue eyes.

She gently adjusted her hood and tucked her long, blue-green hair, which had spilled out, back inside.

Without a doubt, she is no ordinary person.

Or rather, she wasn't an ordinary human.

……………

In the dead of night, the silver disc shone brightly, and the starlight twinkled, illuminating the earth below in a silvery white blanket.

Ah ~

The soldier on night watch yawned and nudged his drowsy companion on the right.

"Let's go, let's go, time to take over the shift and go back to sleep." He yawned as he opened the door.

"Um... what time is it..." his companion asked groggily.

"It's past midnight, isn't it? Let Lao Wu come over and check on things for the rest of the night." He slowly pushed open the door and strolled in.

"Really... so late at night, in the city... what danger could there be... that makes us stand guard..." His companion muttered a few complaints, quickly catching up. Swaying...

A night breeze blew by, and the red lanterns hanging under the eaves began to sway.

The flickering, dim light made the two characters "Kou Mansion" appear somewhat blurry.

"Damn it..." The night watchman touched his cold neck, muttered a curse, and slammed the door shut.

call…...

Inside the Kou Mansion, in the residential area.

The environment was dark, the doors and windows were tightly closed, and a strange smell permeated the air.

The aroma of mixed meat and rice dishes, the musty smell of stagnant air, and the stench of rotting, fermented vomit.

Glug...

There was a noise coming from the corner.

The two red dots lit up suddenly, like extremely dim candlelight.

Bang!

The cup was slammed onto the table.

The vibration reached the edges, causing the curtains to sway.

The moonlight briefly illuminated a corner, then vanished in an instant.

It wasn't candlelight at all; it was just two red dots, two bloodshot eyes.

His face was covered in hair, his eyes were like copper bells, and he had sharp teeth and a fierce appearance.

The person sitting in the corner had a fierce, menacing face.

It was none other than the last of the Five Tigers, Red Tiger Qu Huan.

"Wine...wine...drink!!!" He muttered unconsciously, grabbed the wine pot, and was about to pour it into the cup.

Tick-tock…

A little bit of wine slowly flowed from the wine pot. "Wine...my wine!" Qu Huan couldn't hold back any longer. He grabbed the wine pot, put the spout to his mouth, and was about to pour the wine into it.

Unfortunately, the wine pot was light and flimsy, and there wasn't a drop of wine in it.

"Wine! Where's my wine?! Someone, come here!!!!" Qu Huan's face was flushed red, and he seemed to have gone mad.

Perhaps it was too late, as the servants were already in bed resting.

In short, nobody paid any attention.