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At the summit of Thunder Peak, inside Lei Wanhe's cave.

"Did that Han kid really give you the 'Great Evolution Technique'?" Lei Wanhe stared wide-eyed, his teacup hovering in mid-air.

Su Ning respectfully replied, "Yes! This disciple has been studying it for more than half a month."

Lei Wanhe slammed his teacup down, then suddenly burst into laughter: "Good! Good! That old bastard Li Huayuan has finally taken on a decent apprentice!"

He stood up and paced back and forth, his purple robes fluttering even without wind. "To be able to obtain a divine consciousness cultivation technique and be willing to share it with others, such a character is rare in the cultivation world."

Suning bowed and agreed.

He knew that his master and his uncle Li Huayuan were outwardly at odds, but in reality, they respected each other.

Lei Wanhe suddenly turned around, took out three jade slips from his robes, and slammed them on the table: "Since that's the case, your teacher can't be stingy. These are the formulas for 'Thunder Condensation Pill,' 'Purple Cloud Pill,' and 'Thunder Essence Pill,' which are just right for your current cultivation level."

Suning felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

These elixir formulas are priceless treasures in the market, yet the master gave them away so casually.

"And this too." Lei Wanhe took out another brocade pouch and poured out three items...

A purple talisman, a small silver shield, and a jade pendant with thunder patterns.

"The Purple Lightning Escape Talisman can travel a hundred miles in an instant, the Thunder Light Shield can block an attack from an early Core Formation stage cultivator, and this jade pendant can warn of killing intent." Lei Wanhe explained each item one by one, "On this trip to Yan Family Fortress, survival comes first, mission second, understand?"

Suning nodded solemnly and carefully put away the treasures one by one.

Lei Wanhe was still not at ease and added, "Yan Family Fortress appears to be neutral, but in reality, it is in cahoots with the Demonic Sect."

Your mission, ostensibly to escort Dong Xuan'er, is in reality a pawn used by the seven factions to test the Yan family's attitude.

"This disciple understands," Su Ning said in a deep voice.

Lei Wanhe sighed and patted Su Ning on the shoulder: "The great war between good and evil in the cultivation world is about to begin. I don't expect you to achieve great things, I only hope that you can come back alive."

These words were spoken with such sincerity that they made Su Ning's heart tremble slightly.

……

After leaving Thunder Peak, Su Ning went straight to the assembly point at the mountain gate.

From afar, they could see Han Li already waiting there, with a woman in red standing beside him—it was Dong Xuan'er.

Dong Xuan'er wore a red dress that made her skin look as white as snow.

Upon seeing Su Ning arrive, she smiled sweetly: "This must be Senior Brother Su, right? Xuan'er has long admired your name~"

Her voice was as sweet as honey, and her eyes were full of charm.

Suning bowed respectfully, his attitude neither warm nor cold: "Junior Sister Dong."

Han Li coughed lightly: "Everyone's here, let's go."

As he spoke, he summoned a blue flying boat.

This is a mid-level flying artifact bestowed by Li Huayuan. It is not fast, but it is stable.

After the three boarded the boat, Han Li controlled the flying boat to take off and headed northeast towards Yan Family Fortress.

The airship was small, and the three of them sat facing each other, creating a slightly awkward atmosphere.

"Senior Brother Su, you cultivate thunder magic, right?" Dong Xuan'er suddenly leaned closer to Su Ning, her fragrance wafting over him. "I've heard that thunder magic cultivators have the strongest yang energy. Is that true?"

Su Ning calmly moved half a foot away: "Junior Sister Dong is joking. Thunder magic is fierce and has nothing to do with Yin and Yang."

"Really?" Dong Xuan'er covered her mouth and chuckled, her fingertips seemingly intentionally tracing the back of Su Ning's hand. "Then, Senior Brother, would you be willing to give Xuan'er some pointers? I'm quite interested in lightning magic too~"

Han Li stood to the side, keeping his eyes down and pretending not to hear.

But Su Ning noticed that his fingers, which were controlling the flying boat, tightened slightly, clearly indicating that he was also wary of this junior sister Dong.

"My cultivation is shallow, and I dare not presume to offer guidance." Su Ning politely declined, while secretly circulating the Great Evolution Technique, his divine sense probing Dong Xuan'er like a thread.

This investigation revealed a faint, almost imperceptible, feminine aura within her body…

This is clearly a characteristic of the Hehuan Sect's cultivation methods!

Dong Xuan'er seemed to sense something, a strange light flashed in her beautiful eyes, but she quickly returned to normal.

She giggled and changed the subject: "Do you two senior brothers know why Yan Family Fort suddenly invited disciples from seven sects?"

Han Li picked up the conversation: "I heard it's to discuss the fight against the Demonic Sect, and also to see if there's a celebration at Yan Family Fortress."

"Hehe~" Dong Xuan'er smiled meaningfully, "Then why only invite the young disciples? Why are the older generation nowhere to be seen?"

This question hits the nail on the head.

Su Ning and Han Li exchanged a glance, both seeing wariness in each other's eyes.

Yes! If it is truly a grand plan to resist the demons, why not discuss it directly with the elders of each faction?
The airship passed through the clouds, and the mountains and rivers below unfolded like a scroll painting.

Dong Xuan'er seemed tired of the probing and leaned against the ship's railing, pretending to doze off.

Taking the opportunity, Su Ning transmitted his voice to Han Li: "This woman is suspicious; there are traces of the Hehuan Sect's cultivation techniques in her body."

Han Li nodded almost imperceptibly: "I also sensed something. But she is Master Hong Fu's disciple, so it's not convenient for us to expose her directly."

"Let's wait and see," Su Ning replied. "If Yan Family Fortress is truly colluding with the Demonic Sect, she will definitely take action."

After flying for half a day, it gradually got dark.

Han Li maneuvered the flying boat to land beside a stream, deciding to rest for the night before continuing his journey.

Dong Xuan'er volunteered to pick wild fruits nearby, leaving Su Ning and the other to set up a warning formation.

"What does Senior Brother Su think of the Yan Family Fortress incident?" Han Li asked in a low voice while setting up the array flags.

Su Ning pondered for a moment and said, "My master hinted that the Yan family may have already sided with the Demonic Sect. This trip is ostensibly a friendly gathering, but in reality, they want to take the disciples of the seven sects hostage."

Han Li's expression was grave: "It's similar to my guess. But the sect still sent us here, I'm afraid..."

"That's right! Just an insignificant victim."

"Then let's..."

"Let's take it one step at a time! Anyway, if we team up, we should be able to escape."

"Sigh! That's all we can do..."

Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly looked alertly toward the woods.

Dong Xuan'er returned carrying a bunch of wild fruits, a naive smile on her face: "What are you two senior brothers talking about that's so serious?"

"Let's discuss tomorrow's itinerary," Han Li said calmly. "We'll arrive at Yan Family Fort in two more days."

In the stillness of the night, Su Ning sat cross-legged by the campfire, keeping watch.

Suddenly, a fragrant breeze wafted over, and Dong Xuan'er sat down beside him without him noticing.

"Isn't Senior Brother Su going to rest?" she asked softly, her voice completely different from her charming demeanor during the day, instead carrying a hint of coldness.

Su Ning opened her eyes: "Junior Sister Dong, is there something you need?"

Under the moonlight, Dong Xuan'er's expression was unusually complicated: "Senior Brother Su... if you have the chance to leave, please leave as soon as possible. Yan Family Fortress... is not a good place."

After saying this, she quickly got up and left, leaving Su Ning alone, frowning in thought.

Which side is this woman on?
Is this a genuine reminder, or is there an ulterior motive?
The next morning, the three continued their journey.

Dong Xuan'er returned to her charming demeanor, as if the conversation from the previous night had never happened.

But Su Ning noticed that her gaze kept drifting towards the northeast, as if she were looking at something that was both expectant and fearful.

At noon, the outline of a magnificent castle appeared on the distant horizon.

The city walls are towering and entirely black, resembling a lurking giant beast.

That is Yan Family Fortress—a neutral location at the intersection of the seven factions and the Demonic Sect.

"We've arrived." Han Li slowed the flying boat down, his voice low. "Junior Sister Dong, whatever happens next, please be careful."

Su Ning silently checked the Purple Lightning Escape Talisman and Thunder Shield in his arms, and then glanced at Dong Xuan'er, who had a sweet smile beside him.

A storm is brewing; what kind of turbulent waves await them in this seemingly peaceful Yan Family Fortress?
The airship slowly landed in the square in front of the castle.

A group of Yan family cultivators dressed in black were already lined up and waiting. The leader was a middle-aged man with a sinister face, wearing the insignia of a Yan family elder on his chest.

"Distinguished guests from Huangfeng Valley have come from afar; I apologize for not greeting you properly." The man bowed, a formulaic smile on his lips. "I am Yan Yu, and I have been ordered to receive you all." His gaze swept over the three of them, lingering especially on Dong Xuan'er's face for a moment.

Su Ning keenly noticed that when Yan Yu saw Dong Xuan'er, a strange red light flashed in her eyes.

"Please follow me, fellow Daoists from the other sects have already arrived."

The three followed Yan Yu toward the castle gate.

The heavy iron gate slowly opened, emitting a dull rumble, as if some giant beast was opening its blood-red maw...

……

The towering gates of Yanjiabao slowly closed behind us with a dull thud.

Suning paused slightly, his brows furrowing involuntarily.

A faint, almost imperceptible stench of blood permeated the air, nearly impossible to detect amidst the hustle and bustle of the street, yet it did not escape the keen perception of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

"Senior Brother Su?" Han Li noticed his unusual behavior and asked telepathically.

"The malevolent aura in this city is too strong." Su Ning's gaze swept across the bustling streets. Beneath the seemingly ordinary scene of daily life, several cold, sinister eyes were always observing them, these outsider cultivators. "The Yan family is probably already..."

Before he could finish speaking, a blue sign with white lettering suddenly came into view on the street corner...

The four characters of "Mo Family Medical Clinic" in regular script are powerful and vigorous, swaying gently in the wind.

Han Li followed Su Ning's gaze and his body stiffened for a moment.

The two looked at each other and saw surprise in each other's eyes.

"Brother, this..."

"Go take a look," Su Ning said in a low voice, then turned to Dong Xuan'er, who looked impatient, and said, "Junior Sister Dong, Junior Brother Han and I have some private matters to attend to. Why don't you take a look around on your own first?"

Dong Xuan'er pouted: "You two senior brothers are being so mysterious, have you discovered some fun place?"

With a flicker of her eye, she suddenly leaned closer to Su Ning, "You're not going to that kind of place, are you?"

Su Ning took a half step back without showing any emotion: "Junior sister is joking. I just saw traces of an old friend and went to confirm something."

"Boring~" Dong Xuan'er snorted and swayed her hips toward a rouge shop not far away. "Meet at the inn in an hour."

After Dong Xuan'er had walked away, Han Li whispered, "Is it the Mo from Mo Juren's name?"

"You'll find out once you go in." Su Ning straightened his robes and led the way to the clinic.

Pushing open the carved wooden door, a rich aroma of herbs wafts out.

The clinic was simply furnished, with a few rattan chairs neatly arranged. Behind the counter stood a girl of about eighteen or nineteen, grinding medicinal herbs with her head down.

Hearing the door open, the girl looked up...

With almond-shaped eyes, cherry lips, and skin as smooth as jade, her simple attire couldn't conceal her lively and charming temperament, giving Su Ning a pure and innocent feeling.

Are you two gentlemen here for a medical consultation or to pick up medicine?

"What is your relationship with Mo Juren of Jiayuan City?"

"..." The girl's voice stopped abruptly, thinking that Su Ning and Han Li were enemies who had come after them.

The curtain in the inner room was lifted, and a middle-aged woman, still charming and beautiful, stepped out.

Upon seeing Su Ning and the other person, the woman dropped the medicine grinder in her hand with a "thud" to the ground.

"Two... cultivators..." the woman's voice trembled as she pulled the girl behind her. "Our shop only treats mortals, we dare not..."

“Madam, there is no need to panic.” Su Ning bowed respectfully. “I am Su Ning from Huangfeng Valley, and this is my junior brother, Han Li. We have some connection with Doctor Mo Juren.”

Upon hearing the name "Mo Juren," Madam Yan's face turned deathly pale.

She forced herself to remain calm and said to the girl, "Caihuan, go and hang up the door panels. We're closed today."

After Mo Caihuan closed the doors and windows, Madam Yan asked in a trembling voice, "Do the two immortal masters know my husband? He...he is now..."

Han Li took out a cloth bag from his pocket and gently placed it on the counter: "Doctor Mo passed away many years ago. This is his keepsake, which we have entrusted to pass on."

The cloth bundle was opened, revealing a jade thumb ring and half a broken hairpin.

Yan picked up the ring with trembling hands, then suddenly slumped into a chair, tears streaming down her face.

Mo Caihuan rushed to her mother's side, her little face pale but she stubbornly bit her lip and refused to cry.

"Mother, Father..."

"If I had known this day would come..." Madam Yan hugged her daughter, tears streaming down her face, "That old devil insisted on pursuing some kind of immortality..."

Su Ning and Han Li stood quietly to the side, not disturbing the mother and daughter's grief.

After a long while, Madam Yan finally managed to calm down, wiping away her tears and saying, "I'm sorry to have made you two immortal masters laugh at me. I wonder... how did my husband pass away?"

Han Li first glanced at Su Ning, who was standing to the side. Seeing that Su Ning did not stop him, Han Li then briefly explained that Mo Juren's attempt to possess someone had failed.

After hearing this, Madam Yan smiled bitterly: "As expected, I still stumbled on this matter..."

She stroked the ring, "This 'Azure Spirit Ring' was obtained from an ancient tomb when he was young. It's said to help people sense spiritual energy. I never expected..."

During the conversation, Su Ning noticed several suitcases piled up in the corner of the clinic, seemingly ready to be moved at any time: "Why did you leave Jiayuan City, Madam?"

Madam Yan's expression darkened: "A year ago, a group of enemies suddenly broke into the Mo residence, claiming they wanted to find 'Mo Juren's relics.' Fortunately, the guards in the residence risked their lives to protect us, and my daughter and I managed to escape."

She glanced at her daughter, "Caihuan said Yanjiabao is a neutral place, and we have relatives to look after us, so we..."

“Madam, a great battle is about to take place in Yan Family Fortress.” Su Ning suddenly interrupted, “When righteous and demonic cultivators clash, mortals who remain here will inevitably suffer collateral damage.”

"What?" The Yan mother and daughter's expressions changed drastically.

Mo Caihuan asked anxiously, "But we've just settled in, where can we go?"

“Tainan Valley.” Su Ning took out a map and a jade tablet. “There is a junior brother of ours in the valley named Zhang Tie. He will take care of you once he sees this.”

He then took out three more talismans, saying, "If you encounter danger on the journey, tearing these talismans apart will ensure your safety for a while."

Han Li added, "We'll set off immediately. There's a 'Four Seas Escort Agency' at the west gate of Yan Family Fortress. The manager's surname is Zhao. Tell him that Han Li asked him to escort you to Tai Nan Valley, and he wouldn't dare refuse."

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Madam Yan pulled her daughter to kneel down.

Su Ning quickly helped her up, saying, "Doctor Mo has been kind to us, Madam, there's no need for you to do this."

Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the door.

Looking through the crack in the window, a group of Yan family cultivators were checking each house one by one, led by Yan Yu, who was there to greet them.

"You came so quickly." Han Li squinted. "Senior Brother Su, we should go."

Yan understood and quickly packed her luggage: "The two benefactors will leave through the back door. I will deal with them."

Su Ning nodded, but before leaving, he suddenly remembered something, took out a copper coin from his pocket and stuffed it into Mo Caihuan's hand: "Keep it close to your body, it might save your life in a critical moment."

The copper coin may look ordinary, but it actually contains a hidden power of thunder, a little trick taught to it by Lei Wanhe.

The two had barely left the clinic when they heard Dong Xuan'er's sweet laughter coming from the alley ahead: "Why did Senior Brother Yan come to find his little sister in person?"

Hidden in the shadows, Su Ning and Han Li exchanged a glance and tacitly took a detour back to the inn.

On the way, Han Li suddenly asked, "The copper coins that Senior Brother gave that girl..."

“It’s a life-saving technique given to me by my master,” Su Ning said softly. “Although it can’t save everyone, this mother and daughter… are ultimately connected to us.”

Han Li remained silent for a moment, then took out a small bottle from his storage bag: "This is a 'Disguise Pill' that I refined. I'll have the镖局 (escort agency) deliver it to them tomorrow. It will be safer to travel by changing one's appearance."

Back at the inn, Dong Xuan'er had not yet returned.

The two sat down to meditate and regulate their breathing, but neither of them could find peace in their hearts.

The plight of the Mo family mother and daughter starkly contrasts the cruelty of the cultivation world with the fragility of mortals.

In these chaotic times, the chance to lend a helping hand should not be easily let go.

Outside the window, night was gradually falling on Yanjiabao.

Suddenly, more crows began circling above the city walls, their cries mournful, as if foreshadowing some ominous event...

...(End of chapter)