Chapter 555 - 551: The Tiejiang Gang’s Secret Action
Chapter 555: Chapter 551: The Tiejiang Gang’s Secret Action
"Any reaction from the Tiejiang Gang?"
Qiu Lan shook her head, recalling the details carefully before speaking.
"No major reaction. They’ve stopped targeting the major powers and have turned to the smaller and mid-sized ones instead. Recently, they’ve absorbed several of them."
Fang Han nodded slightly. The inexplicable sense of unease that the Tiejiang Gang stirred in him finally eased a little.
Ever since the Tiejiang Gang’s rise, the mere mention of its name would put him on high alert, a feeling he couldn’t quite describe.
It was a baseless, unexplainable feeling—not founded on any evidence, just a gut instinct, a primal intuition for danger.
Now that the Tiejiang Gang had halted its campaign against the major powers and could only prey on smaller ones, their rate of expansion had slowed. This was undoubtedly a good thing.
"Continue to monitor the Tiejiang Gang’s movements."
Fang Han set down his teacup, his gaze falling upon the bamboo forest outside the window, which rustled in the autumn wind.
"Report any anomalies to me immediately."
"Yes, Senior Brother."
Qiu Lan replied with a bow.
Fang Han said no more, picking up his chopsticks to continue his meal.
Qiu Lan stood to the side with her hands lowered, the only sound in the side hall being the soft clinking of bowl and chopsticks.
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the bamboo leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground that swayed gently with the breeze.
In the distance, rolling mountains shimmered with a faint golden glow in the autumn afternoon, painting a scene of peace and tranquility.
Fang Han put down his chopsticks, took the handkerchief Qiu Lan offered him to wipe his hands, and rose to walk out of the courtyard.
Although the trace of unease in his heart had lessened, it had not completely vanished.
’The Tiejiang Gang’s threat remains; it’s just lying dormant for now.’
’I can’t let my guard down just because they’ve pulled back for a moment.’
’Only by constantly increasing my strength can I ensure I remain undefeated in the storm that might come.’
...
Inside a secret chamber, candlelight danced on a bronze lampstand, casting two flickering shadows on the rough stone walls.
Yan Wuji sat on the stone chair at the head of the room. His gray robes had a dull sheen in the firelight, and his coarse face was expressionless.
Qi Zhen stood by his side, hands hanging respectfully, but a repressed gloom hung between his brows.
"Supreme Elder."
Qi Zhen began, his expression grim.
"Most of the notable major powers in the commandery have now pledged allegiance to the Seven Sects."
He paused, his voice tinged with resentment.
"It’s no longer convenient for our Tiejiang Gang to move against these powers, or we risk direct conflict with the Seven Sects."
Yan Wuji’s fingers tapped twice on the armrest of the stone chair, making a dull THUD, THUD sound.
"So, the Tiejiang Gang’s actions have only ended up paving the way for the Seven Sects."
His voice was old and flat, betraying no emotion, but a cold glint flashed momentarily in his murky eyes.
"I will remember this debt. In the future, I will settle the score with the Seven Sects."
Qi Zhen’s expression relaxed slightly. He said,
"Supreme Elder, right now the Tiejiang Gang can only target the small and mid-sized powers. But the Cultivation of their Martial Artists is too weak. The boost from devouring their Essence Qi with the Holy Skill is limited. The speed of our Cultivation advancement has slowed noticeably."
Yan Wuji lifted his eyes and looked at Qi Zhen.
"If we cannot move against the major powers openly, then we will do so in secret. Capture their Martial Artists."
Qi Zhen was momentarily stunned, then his brow furrowed in hesitation.
"Supreme Elder, if we secretly capture Martial Artists from the major powers, I’m afraid the Seven Sects will send people to investigate. When that happens—"
"Not to worry."
Yan Wuji cut Qi Zhen off, retrieving a neatly folded slip of paper from his sleeve and handing it over.
"This is a secret elixir formula from a Grandmaster’s Tomb. It can eliminate scents. Masked with this elixir, even top-level Tracking experts will find it difficult to follow a trail."
Qi Zhen took the paper, unfolded it, and his eyes flashed with delight as he scanned the dense script.
"Thank you, Supreme Elder!"
He carefully tucked the paper into his robes and bowed.
Yan Wuji gave a slight nod, raised the teacup beside him for a shallow sip, then set it down.
"Go."
Qi Zhen bowed once more before turning and walking out of the secret chamber.
The heavy stone door slowly closed behind him, sealing the candlelight and the old figure within the chamber.
...
"Senior Brother, a disciple from the Treasure Vault is asking to see you."
Qiu Lan’s voice, tinged with gravity, sounded from outside the Quiet Chamber.
Fang Han slowly ceased his cultivation and opened his eyes. A streak of blue-gold light flashed within them and vanished.
"Have him wait in the parlor."
He stood, straightened his robes, and pushed the door open.
He crossed the corridor and entered the parlor. A young man in a Disciple’s Robe was standing with his hands lowered. Hearing footsteps, he quickly bowed.
"Senior Brother Fang."
Fang Han nodded slightly and sat in the host’s seat, his eyes falling on the disciple’s face.
"Elder Han sent me to inform you, Senior Brother, that this year’s shipment of Earth Core Stone Milk has been stored in the vault."
The disciple spoke at a steady pace, relaying Han Qing’s message word for word.
Fang Han’s heart stirred. ’I’ve been waiting for this news for some time.’
"Thank you."
He rose and straightened his robes.
"I’ll go with you to the Treasure Vault now."
The disciple stepped aside to lead the way. The two of them left Courtyard Thirty-Five, one following the other, and headed up the bluestone path toward the mountain’s peak.
It was morning. The mountain was shrouded in a thin mist, and from the distance, the faint, drawn-out sound of a bell echoed.
Fang Han walked in front, his pace unhurried.
The disciple followed a few steps behind, not daring to walk beside him.
The two walked in silence. Before long, the imposing stone structure of the Sect Treasure Vault appeared at the end of their path.
The building was built against the mountain, half embedded in the rock face and half exposed.
In front of the Treasure Vault, disciples on duty stood solemnly.
Elder Han Qing, who was in charge of the guard today, stood on the stone steps with his hands clasped behind his back, his graying hair casually tied up with a Wooden Hairpin.
His stern face was unreadable, but his cold eyes held a vigilant gleam.
Only when he saw it was Fang Han did his vigilance ease slightly.
"Thank you for informing me, Elder Han."
Fang Han walked up the stone steps and cupped his fists in a salute.
"No need."
Han Qing nodded slightly, his voice hoarse.
His personality had always been cold. Even though Fang Han was the most talented disciple the Sect had seen in centuries and was expected to become a Grandmaster, he had no intention of currying favor.
The reason he had sent someone to inform Fang Han was that he had barely contributed to their previous mission.
He felt he had taken advantage of Fang Han, so he had someone inform him about the Earth Core Stone Milk’s arrival as compensation.
"Elder Han."
Fang Han looked at the stern-faced Elder and asked,
"How did the Sect’s new Entry Level disciples rank in this year’s Seven Sects competition?"
Han Qing’s voice was hoarse and flat.
"Fourth. A little better than last year."
"Fourth..."
Fang Han repeated the number under his breath.
Last year they had ranked sixth among the seven Sects. Fourth this year was indeed an improvement.
He fell silent for a moment, then asked,
"Did the Tiejiang Gang participate this time?"
Hearing this, a faint hint of coldness appeared on Han Qing’s stern face.
"The Tiejiang Gang was interested in participating, but the Seven Sects refused them."
He paused before continuing,
"The competition for new Entry Level disciples of the Seven Sects determines the distribution of the Earth Core Stone Milk. Of course the Seven Sects wouldn’t let the Tiejiang Gang get involved and take a slice of the pie."
Fang Han nodded slightly. ’I’m not surprised.’
Earth Core Stone Milk was one of the Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures capable of improving one’s Root Bone. Every drop was priceless.
The Seven Sects kept a tight grip on this competition precisely to monopolize this resource.
Even though the Tiejiang Gang had a Grandmaster, the Seven Sects would not yield on a matter like this.
"How much Earth Core Stone Milk did the Sect receive this year?"
Fang Han asked the question that concerned him most on this trip.
Han Qing’s stern eyes fell on Fang Han’s face as he said,
"Ten drops."
For a treasure like Earth Core Stone Milk, which could improve one’s Root Bone, every single drop was worth a fortune. Its value exceeded other types of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures that improved one’s aptitude.
In the Seven Sects’ competition for new Entry Level disciples, the higher the rank, the larger the share. Securing ten drops for fourth place was no easy feat.
"Elder Han."
Fang Han met Han Qing’s gaze, his voice steady.
"I would like to exchange for three drops of Earth Core Stone Milk."
He chose to exchange for three drops, not more. ’It’s not that I’m reluctant to spend the merits, but I predict that after taking three drops, the effects of this kind of Heavenly Material and Earthly Treasure will be greatly diminished. Exchanging for more wouldn’t be cost-effective.’
"Follow me."
Han Qing didn’t ask any questions, simply nodding and walking ahead.
Fang Han followed Han Qing through a deep, dark passage, arriving before a heavy gate forged from Profound Iron.
Han Qing took out an ancient-looking Token from his robes, pressed it into a groove on the side of the gate, and released a faint pulse of Inner Qi.
"CLICK—"
With the crisp sound of a mechanism, the gate slowly rose.
Behind the gate, a massive cavern was revealed.
The ceiling soared high above, and the walls were built of bluestone. Luminous Pearls embedded in the stone emitted a cold, clear light, brightly illuminating the entire cavern.
Han Qing did not pause, heading straight for the Treasure Room.
Fang Han followed behind him, his gaze sweeping over Jade Tokens engraved with the words "Weapon Room," "Elixir Room," and "Cultivation Method Room," before finally landing on the ancient seal script characters for "Treasure Room."
Han Qing took a ring of keys from his waist, selected one, inserted it into the lock, and gave it a gentle turn.
CLICK.
The stone door swung open.
He pushed the door and entered, with Fang Han close behind.
The stone chamber was brightly lit. Luminous Pearls embedded in the walls illuminated the room as if it were day.
Against the walls, shelves of purple sandalwood were arranged in neat rows.
On the shelves, Jade Boxes, Wooden Boxes, and Porcelain Bottles were placed in an orderly fashion. Each was affixed with a label detailing the name and origin of its contents.
The air was filled with the faint scent of medicinal herbs mixed with the unique, fresh fragrance of wood, creating a calming atmosphere.
Han Qing walked to a row of shelves near the back and stopped.
On this shelf sat a total of ten small Jade Bottles, which must have been the ten drops of Earth Core Stone Milk.
Han Qing reached out, took three of the Jade Bottles, and turned to hand them to Fang Han.
The Jade Bottles were pure white and warm to the touch, with cork stoppers. The four words for "Earth Core Stone Milk" were carved on their sides in ancient seal script.
"Three drops of Earth Core Stone Milk. That will be three major merits in total."
Han Qing’s voice was flat, with a strictly professional tone.
He wasn’t being intentionally cold to Fang Han; it was simply his nature. Indeed, it was this very personality that made him a suitable guardian for the Treasure Vault.
Fang Han accepted the three Jade Bottles and took his Identity Token from his robes, handing it over.