Chapter Seventy-Seven: Changing Strategies

Zi Xuan’s question was sharp and straight to the point, cutting right to the heart of the matter: what exactly was wrong with Ya Ya and Chong Chong? Xiao Ling fell silent for a moment before responding, “Actually, their spiritual bodies and physical forms have yet to fully merge, so their auras are in disarray. Ordinary tracking methods simply won’t work on them.”

“So what can we do? You must have a way! Otherwise, you wouldn’t have kept this from us,” Zi Xuan pressed.

“Of course there’s a way! All we need is a drop of your blood essence to use the tracking technique. But taking blood essence… sigh!” Xiao Ling shook her head as if the matter were a grave difficulty.

Tang Wei asked urgently, “What is it? Is extracting blood essence hard? Or is it very painful? If it’s just pain, we’re not afraid—you can just do it!”

“That’s not it. Actually, taking a drop of blood essence isn’t difficult, and with some rest, you can recover. But as cultivators, your blood essence contains all your vital energy and cultivated power—your true foundation lies in it. To take even a single drop could set your cultivation back by who knows how many levels!” Seeing their determination, Xiao Ling hurriedly added, “I know you’re not afraid, but think about it: we’re still dealing with the three great clans. If your power suddenly regresses, their danger is removed, and who knows how they’ll seize the moment to finish you off! They might even take the chance to kill both of you. That’s why I couldn’t possibly tell you about this method.”

“I’m sorry, Xiao Ling, I misunderstood you!” Zi Xuan realized Xiao Ling had only acted out of concern for them, and he apologized sincerely for his earlier attitude.

“It’s alright, Brother Zi Xuan. You’re just worried about Ya Ya and forced me to think of a solution. Didn’t you all say you’d treat me as a younger sister? I’m actually happy about that—how could I blame you?” Xiao Ling smiled and shook her head, not minding at all, and even tried to comfort Zi Xuan.

“So what do we do now?” Tang Wei asked anxiously.

“Don’t worry, Wei Wei, we’ll come up with something,” Zi Xuan reassured her, then began pacing, deep in thought.

“Xiao Ling, can we teach the real tracking technique from our space to someone else?” Zi Xuan ventured.

“Did Brother Zi Xuan just think of something?” Xiao Ling asked instead of answering directly.

Zi Xuan nodded. “If this really is the work of the three great clans, even if we catch that demonic cultivator, Ya Ya surely won’t be with him.”

“Why not?” Tang Wei, unfamiliar with such schemes, could only ask Zi Xuan.

“Because one of the clans must want us to do something for them. Since the task isn’t done yet, why would they let go? They’re just stalling for time, slowly drawing us into their trap. When we’re consumed by anger, it’s easy to make mistakes—and then it’ll be much easier for them to use us,” Zi Xuan explained, fully convinced.

“So what’s your plan, Brother Zi Xuan?” Xiao Ling pressed.

Zi Xuan shared his idea with the others. “I’m thinking of teaching our tracking technique to Long San, let him arrange for people to look for the demonic cultivator, while we search in secret for Ya Ya’s whereabouts. Even if our cultivation drops a few levels, with the time difference in the Purple Pearl space and the help of elixirs, we can catch up quickly. Plus, with the power of the five supreme treasures that Wei Wei wields, we needn’t fear any cultivator in the fasting stage. Even the three great clans would be hard pressed to deal with us. What do you think?”

“No way! I have the five treasures for protection—but what about you?” Tang Wei immediately rejected his plan, worried for Zi Xuan’s safety. But she soon realized she sounded too anxious, blushed, and stammered, “I—I—couldn’t handle three fasting stage cultivators on my own.”

Her anxious denial made it obvious to everyone. Xiao Ling covered her mouth, coughing lightly to hide her laughter. Zi Xuan’s heart raced, heat rising to his head, leaving him dizzy and flustered.

“What’s so strange? I have plenty of treasures from the artifact room—couldn’t Zi Xuan just pick one? Xiao Ling, aren’t there immortal and divine artifacts as well? He can use one for protection!” Tang Wei, embarrassed and annoyed, tried to change the subject.

“That’s right! Why didn’t I think of that?” Xiao Ling agreed enthusiastically, struck by the idea. “The artifact room may not have innate treasures like Tang Wei’s Five Spirits, but there are still a few innate spiritual treasures. Maybe one of them will suit Brother Zi Xuan! Come on, let’s take a look.”

In a flash, the three of them appeared in the artifact room.

They went to the innermost area, where Xiao Ling retrieved a longsword from an empty rack and explained, “This is a sword formed at the dawn of creation. Because it’s innately proud, it’s never accepted a master. They say it’s powerful enough to split apart a world!”

Tang Wei teased, “Isn’t that just like the old Zi Xuan? Try it—maybe you’re a perfect match!”

Zi Xuan smiled and took the sword from Xiao Ling, probing it with his spiritual energy. Even after holding it for a long time, there was no response at all. Clearly, the sword didn’t acknowledge him.

Xiao Ling handed him another defensive treasure and introduced it, but again, no reaction. The two of them went from innate spiritual treasures to divine artifacts to immortal artifacts, but none recognized Zi Xuan as their master.

Embarrassed, Xiao Ling offered, “Don’t be discouraged, Brother Zi Xuan. If they won’t accept you, I can force them to do so. Just tell me which ones you like, and I’ll help.”

“No need. I want to handle them myself. There’s no rush—when I have time, I’ll come back and try again.” Zi Xuan replied with pride. He had no interest in forced submission—after all, what’s the point of twisting a melon off the vine if it’s not sweet?

Seeing the sympathetic looks on the others’ faces, Zi Xuan’s pride was wounded. He said sternly, “Alright. I’ve decided. We’ll stick to my plan. I’m going to look up the tracking technique now so I can teach it to Long San. You two do as you please.” With that, he vanished in a flash.

Tang Wei and Xiao Ling exchanged a smile and went their separate ways.

Meanwhile, Long San had already returned to the site where the Twin Monsters of Tianshan had been attacked, relaying Zi Xuan’s message to the representatives of the three great clans.

“What! Brother Chen isn’t going with us anymore? That’s impossible! Did you say something to turn him against us?” Xuanyuan Zhe asked suspiciously.

The others wore the same expression, convinced Long San must have been meddling behind their backs.

Long San chuckled, “You three clans have done more than enough wicked deeds in the shadows—you hardly need me to speak ill of you.”

“What wicked deeds have we done? If you’ve got the guts, say it outright instead of sneering here!” Chen Jiayi retorted.

Long San shrugged. “You don’t need me to say it. Just ask your clan leaders when you get back—you might be too embarrassed to show your faces afterward.”

“You—!” Xuanyuan Zhe, though at odds with his own family head, still bridled at criticism from outsiders.

Long San didn’t want to argue further and cut him off, “Enough, I won’t bicker with you. Elder Chen left instructions: his previous promise stands—whoever helps him find the person, he’ll help your clan gain a fasting stage cultivator within twenty years. Instead of wasting time arguing with me, you should hurry back and discuss your next move with your clan leaders.”

“Within twenty years… to gain a fasting stage cultivator…” Xuanyuan Zhe was stunned, stammering in disbelief. The other two were equally shocked—such a promise was outrageous. It was impossible to produce a fasting stage cultivator in twenty years, and letting him make such a decision would surely stir up conflict among the clans. What could he possibly mean by this?

Watching their dumbfounded faces, Long San felt a surge of satisfaction. Now that they’d heard this, the three clans would be thrown into chaos, their delicate balance shattered—let’s see how they manage to keep plotting against others. In high spirits, Long San said, “What? Do you think a fasting stage cultivator would lie to you for no reason? Well, gentlemen, my task here is done, so I’ll take my leave.” With that, he and Long Jiu hurried down the mountain.

Once Long San was gone, Xuanyuan Zhe turned to Ouyang Qihua for advice—the latter had the most experience.

Ouyang Qihua hadn’t spoken at all during the exchange, but he’d been closely observing Long San’s every move, searching for any clues.

Now, asked for his opinion, he thought for a moment and said, “Whatever Long San’s done behind the scenes, we have no way to know. Since Brother Chen made that statement, it’s clear he no longer trusts our three clans. As for his promise to produce a fasting stage cultivator in twenty years—that’s not something we can decide. We need to return to our clan leaders and consult before taking any further action.”

Xuanyuan Zhe nodded in agreement. “There’s no time to lose. Let’s go find Yun Qian and Ouyang Qianru, and head down the mountain together.”

With that, the two of them left to find their companions. Chen Jiayi followed behind, face dark with anger, cursing inwardly, “Damn it, ruining my plans!”