The break of dawn sees the top of Chonghe Peak shrouded in dense mist.
Qing Yu and his group tread the morning dew as they ascend, halting at the last layer of white clouds.
"You all have co for the stolen 'Heavenly Scroll' and 'Earth Scroll', haven't you?"
Before Qing Yu could speak, a faint voice from the clouds revealed his group's intentions.
To this, Qing Yu showed no surprise; after all, the commotion last night was significant, and they pursued for a full two hours. It would be strange if Qing Yu were unaware.
"Indeed," Qing Yu replied respectfully. "Xuan Lin entered Tianxuan Pavilion last night, stole the two scrolls of scriptures, and has now fled the Sect. Qing Yu failed in pursuit, and asks for the Sect Leader's forgiveness."
"This was my oversight, leaving the 'Soldier Armor Martial Scripture' carelessly in Tianxuan Pavilion. This cannot be blad on Qing Yu,"
The voice within the mist held no anger, like gentle flowing water, unusually calm. But in the next mont, a solemn presence erged from the fog, revealing a deadly intent.
"However, Xuan Lin's betrayal is irritating, and he must be captured, dead or alive."
The resolute killing intent and decisive order prompted Qing Yu to respond imdiately, "I understand."
"Then go, there will be assistance from Northern Zhou as well."
As the words fell, the mist surged. When the mist cleared before their eyes, they found themselves had already moved out of the foggy area.
"This...," Xuanming looked at his footing in astonishnt, filled with disbelief. "This is simply incredible; we retreated directly to this place."
The distance from where they had stood was nearly two hundred Zhang, yet they had moved this distance in an instant, causing awe.
"I originally thought rumors from the outside might not be true, perhaps the Sect Leader had encountered so difficulty. But now it seems that the Sect Leader's strength has greatly increased and is consolidating it," Xuan Shang remarked.
The recent occurrences have been quite unusual, though they didn't speak of it, there was a lingering unease in their hearts. But now they feel assured.
"The Sect Leader's skills are unparalleled, we can hardly fathom them. We just need to attend to our own duties," Qing Yu added.
The group descended the mountain again, ready to pursue Xuan Lin. Compared to before, their expressions were more invigorated, lacking the previous obvious anxiety.
This change was also conveyed by certain ears, reaching aware individuals.
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Hou Qian Imperial City, Imperial Study Room.
Ji Chengtian held the newly obtained intelligence, his expression neutral, showing no sign of emotional fluctuation. He spoke casually, "The spy reports that after Qing Yu and others t Qing Yu at Chonghe Peak, they seed much more stabilized, as if finding their backbone, unlike before. Are you sure Qing Yu is heavily injured?"
"It's just a strategic illusion," Elder Shiming gestured, "I used the Sacrificial Blood Inquiry Technique once, reducing my already limited lifespan. Do you think I'm joking about this?"
"Qing Yu definitely was hit by the Sun Stealing Arrow; I'm certain."
"Now he doesn't show himself, only giving Qing Yu and others confidence while letting the below panic, proving further he's outwardly strong but truly weak, not as he once was."
"That's also reasonable," Ji Chengtian nodded.
Such inspiring tactics have been played by such old foxes quite a lot. If they were heavily injured, they'd also resort to such tricks.
Of course, this could also be another illusion, Qing Yu's ploy.
Qing Yu might have sensed others' plotting, aiming to counter trickery by luring his foes to erge.
Anyway, to these two suspicious old foxes, the matter has two sides.
Whether Qing Yu is heavily injured or not remains plausible, the difference only lies in probability. According to Elder Shiming's calculations, the forr has a strong likelihood, with signs leading to certainty.
"Nevertheless, even a damaged ship has three thousand nails. Even if Qing Yu truly is heavily injured, he's not easy to deal with. We need more forces to pressure him, send others to their death, paving our way," Elder Shiming advised.
"Agreed,"
The two have witnessed Qing Yu's unusual rapid rise, cultivating such deep fear for him. Even if they remain basically sure of his injury, they wouldn't be the first to take the risk, instead seeking substitutes.
Qing Yu has made many enemies over the years, and among them are notable warriors (the weak were already eliminated by Qing Yu long ago). Finding unfortunate souls to take risks is feasible.
"Xuan Lin's theft and escape with the two scrolls will serve as a testing point."
Thus, the two set their plan. Using Xuan Lin as bait, to lure man-eating fish to test the waters, while further probing Qing Yu.
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Slightly later than Ji Chengtian and Elder Shiming, but not much afterwards, other forces also received news of Xuan Lin's escape.
Their intelligence wasn't as keen as Elder Shiming's, and they expressed suspicion towards Qing Yu and Xuantian, even doubting Yi Yeshu's identity, yet their focus on Xuan Lin's escape was not lesser than Elder Shiming's.
The reason is the two scrolls Xuan Lin possesses, 'Heavenly Scroll' and 'Earth Scroll'.
Qing Yu has been hailed as a legend of this era, rising from obscurity in ten years to reach today's status and skill, unmatched in history.
Among current warriors, who wouldn't covet his accomplished learning?
Even without learning 'Soldier Armor Martial Scripture', using it to research Qing Yu's background and devising ways to counter him is worthwhile.
Thus, Xuan Lin's whereabouts beca the focus of the world. From Daqian's Imperial Family, Netherworld Palace, East Province Jiang Family, Southern Border Witch Clan, Northern Zhou, Demon Path, even the Peacock Remnants hiding in the Western Regions are paying attention.
Among them, so wish to seize the scriptures, so aim for their rightful return, and others harbor unknown motives.
Diverse intents with a common goal: capture Xuan Lin and seize the two scrolls he holds.
For a ti, worldwide unrest arose due to Xuan Lin, or rather, the two scrolls in his possession. Greed, ambition, killing intent... these scrolls entangle countless hearts.
"Ding," the system's chanical voice was heavenly in Qing Yu's ears.
"Host has directed and launched the plot 'Calamity of Armor', using 'Soldier Armor Martial Scripture' to wreak havoc across the world. The chaos caused by 'Soldier Armor Martial Scripture' will be systematically tallied, ultimately converted into corresponding Villain Points awarded to the host. Please indulge in mischief; effort brings rewards."
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