Immortality and Cultivation: I can extract entries from all things.

The night was deep, but the study in the Zhou residence was brightly lit.

Fang He and his four companions were soaked to the bone, their Taoist robes stained with blood and seaweed fragments, looking utterly disheveled.

But nobody cared about these things.

Zhou Tieshan sat upright in the main seat, his face solemn and serene.

Manager Zhou, Zhou Xiaolan, Zhou Ming, and others stood on both sides, their eyes all fixed on Fang He.

"Explain in detail."

Zhou Tieshan's voice was low and deep.

Fang He stepped forward and truthfully reported what he had seen and heard on Black Reef Island.

"The island has three layers of alert formations: the outermost layer is spiritual wave sensing, the middle layer is a chain of restrictions, and the innermost layer is shadow strangulation. The Dark Abyss Pavilion has built a large array hub in the center of the island, covering several acres and composed of hundreds of array plates. Once completed, it can control sea beasts within a radius of hundreds of miles."

His tone was calm and his words were clear and logical.

"There are twelve guards: three at the late stage of Qi Refining, and nine at the mid stage. The leader is at the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining, and his face is covered by a black robe."

Zhou Tieshan's brows furrowed more and more deeply.

Fang He took a deep breath and uttered a single word.

"Blue."

The study was completely silent.

Zhou Tieshan's pupils suddenly contracted.

"Qing Yuan Sect?"

Fang He nodded.

"That person had a Qingyuan Sect identity token hanging from his waist, indicating he was an outer sect steward. The Dark Abyss Pavilion is colluding with a certain faction within the Qingyuan Sect."

"Bang!"

Zhou Tieshan slammed his hand on the table, causing a crack to appear in the sandalwood table.

Everyone in the study gasped in shock.

The Qingyuan Sect is the overlord of the surrounding area, with dozens of Foundation Establishment cultivators, and there are even rumors that a Core Formation expert is hidden within the Qingyuan Sect.

The Zhou family is merely a small family that relies on the Qingyuan Sect. If this matter involves factions within the Qingyuan Sect, the consequences will be unimaginable.

Are you sure?

"I asked in a trembling voice," Steward Zhou asked.

Fang He's gaze was firm.

"The token is genuine, the Qingyuan Sect emblem is clear, and the words 'Outer Sect Steward' are engraved below. I saw it with my own eyes."

The study fell into a deathly silence.

Some people turned pale, some muttered to themselves, and most were incredulous.

"If this involves the Qingyuan Sect, it would be better to report it to the sect headquarters and ask the elders for a decision."

A member of a collateral branch of the Zhou family made a suggestion in a trembling voice.

"idiot!"

The other person retorted sharply.

"The token belongs to an outer sect deacon, which means that a certain faction within the sect is involved. If you report it, wouldn't you be alerting them? If they find out, they could destroy the evidence at any time, or even turn around and accuse you."

"What should we do then?"

"It would be better to remain inactive and pretend we know nothing. Perhaps that would preserve the Zhou family."

"Absurd! Once the Dark Abyss Pavilion's array core is completed, Azure Turtle Island will be the first to suffer. Can they even escape?"

The crowd discussed the matter animatedly, each holding their own opinion.

Fang He listened quietly, her gaze sweeping over the expressions of everyone present.

[Divine Sense Warning] It incorporates the spiritual energy fluctuations and changes in expression of each person into its perception.

Some were afraid, some hesitated, and some harbored secret schemes.

After the discussion subsided, Fang He spoke.

"Gentlemen, please allow me to say a few words."

All eyes turned to them.

"That token belongs to an outer sect deacon, which means that those involved are not high-ranking members of the Qingyuan Sect, but rather a faction within the sect."

Fang He's voice was calm.

"If we report this rashly, the news will inevitably leak out as it passes through layers of bureaucracy. At that point, the Dark Abyss Pavilion might relocate or activate the formation ahead of schedule, and all our previous efforts will be in vain. As for the Azure Origin Sect, they can also easily erase all traces, leaving us without any evidence."

"you mean?"

Zhou Tieshan's gaze narrowed slightly.

"Act first, report later."

Fang He uttered four words.

"Within three days, assemble elite troops and launch a surprise attack on Black Reef Island to destroy the array's central core. After cutting off its foundation, decide how to negotiate with the Qingyuan Sect based on the situation. By then, with conclusive evidence, it will be difficult for the opposing faction to deny it."

"Easy for you to say."

An elder of the Zhou family snorted coldly.

"Black Reef Island has a three-layered formation, twelve guards, and a leader at the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining. With the Zhou family's limited manpower, do they really think they can take it?"

"I'll handle breaking the formation."

Fang He said calmly.

"I have meticulously documented the island's array layout, and all three layers of defense can be breached. As for the guards, Commander Zhou can lead the main force in a feint attack to draw enemy fire. I will lead the elite troops to infiltrate from the flank and directly target the array's central point."

The crowd was skeptical.

Are you confident?

The elder questioned this.

Just as Fang He was about to answer, a clear, cold voice rang out.

"I believe him."

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound.

Zhou Xiaolan stepped out of the line slowly, her expression solemn.

"Although Fang He comes from a humble background, he is meticulous and makes accurate judgments. During the previous defense against the sea beast tide, the complex formation he designed successfully blocked tens of thousands of sea beasts, which shows his ability. I trust him."

These remarks drew attention from everyone present.

Zhou Xiaolan is the eldest daughter of the Zhou family, and she has always been arrogant and domineering.

Previously, they had looked down on Fangheduo, but now they are publicly endorsing it, which is truly unexpected.

Fang He glanced at Zhou Xiaolan, her gaze shifting slightly.

Zhou Tieshan pondered for a moment, his gaze shifting between Fang He and Zhou Xiaolan, before finally making his decision.

"it is good."

He stood up, his voice booming.

"Clear Black Reef Island in three days!"

"Zhou Xiaolan will lead the main force of twenty men in a feigned frontal attack to draw enemy fire. Fang He will serve as the vanguard captain, leading ten elite men to infiltrate first, break through the formation, and directly seize the central position!"

"Zhao Hengdao, Zhou Qing, and others are to be assigned to the vanguard and await Fang He's orders!"

The crowd responded with a resounding roar.

Zhou Tieshan looked at Fang He, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.

"From this day forward, Fang He will serve as the Zhou family's External Affairs Inspector, holding a position equivalent to that of a collateral elder, with a monthly salary of fifty spirit stones, and the authority to independently recruit and deploy personnel."

Fang He was startled.

Foreign Affairs Inspector – this marks the official entry into the core circle of the Zhou family.

From a lowly cultivator to a pharmacy owner, then to a patrol team leader, and now to a foreign affairs patrol commissioner.

In just a few years, his identity has undergone a complete transformation.

He bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

"Thank you for your trust, Commander. I will certainly not fail you."

Zhou Tieshan nodded and gave further instructions.

"The Qingyuan Sect's involvement in the case is known only to a few people present. To the outside world, we will only claim it was the clearing out of the Dark Abyss Pavilion's stronghold, and will never mention any sect affiliation. Anyone who violates this rule will be punished according to clan regulations!"

The crowd solemnly agreed.

The deployment meeting lasted until the early hours of the morning. After everyone dispersed, Fang He returned to his temporary residence.

The room was simply furnished with a table, a couch, and a futon.

Fang He took out a white crystal and examined it under the lamplight.

This material was peeled off from a Dark Abyss Guard during the retreat from Black Reef Island.

[Retrievable historical traces detected]

[Item: Shadow Crystal]

[Historical Imprints: Hidden Insights of Predecessors (White), A Late-Stage Qi Refining Cultivator's Experience in Concealing Breath]

【Whether to extract? 】

"extract."

Extraction successful

[Acquired stat: Shadow Concealment (White), Concealing Aura +20%]

Fang He checked the panel and saw that [Shadow Concealment] had been added to the library, listed alongside the existing [Introduction to Concealing Breath].

The two white entries both belong to the hidden category.

Fang He's heart stirred slightly.

After unlocking the entry fusion function at level seven of Qi Refining, he kept trying various combinations.

These two terms are now perfect material for integration.

"Integration".

[Entry fusion launched]

[Shadow Concealment (White) + Basic Concealment (White)]

[Integration in progress...]

Mental energy surged forth like a tide, and the two entries spun, intertwined, and merged on the panel.

Fine beads of sweat appeared on Fang He's forehead. The fusion process had taken a considerable toll, but he gritted his teeth and persevered.

A moment later, the panel flashed.

【Successful integration】

[Acquired stat: Stealth Mastery (Green), Conceals presence by 40%, making you harder to detect]

Fang He closed his eyes and sensed it; a profound understanding surged into his mind.

His understanding of concealing his presence deepened, as if he could blend into his surroundings with every gesture.

This improvement is not simply a numerical increase, but a qualitative change.

With the addition of 【Concealment Mastery】 (green), 【Formation Mastery】, 【Formation Counter】, 【Divine Sense Warning】, 【Fire Control】, 【Water Spirit Affinity】, and 【Sea Beast Resilience】, there are now seven green entries.

Combat strength has increased once again.

Fang He adjusted his breathing and circulated the [Zhou Tian Tong Tai] technique to restore his depleted mental energy.

As dawn broke outside the window, a ray of morning light pierced through the windowpane.

Fang He got up and looked out the window.

The battle three days from now will determine the survival of Qing'ao Island and whether he can truly establish himself there.

He left his residence and headed towards the pharmacy.

---

In the backyard of the pharmacy, the morning light was just beginning to break.

Fang He pushed open the door and entered, only to see a familiar figure standing in the courtyard.

Zhou Xiaolan.

She stood alone in the courtyard, her clothes fluttering, the morning light gilding her silhouette with a golden edge.

Hearing the noise, she turned around and her eyes met Fang He's.

After a moment of eye contact, Zhou Xiaolan spoke first.

Fang He.

The voice was not as clear and cold as usual; it had become more complex.

"Miss Zhou."

Fang He nodded slightly, her expression calm.

Zhou Xiaolan was silent for a moment, then suddenly gave a self-deprecating laugh.

"I, Zhou Xiaolan, pride myself on my discerning eye, but I almost misjudged it."

She looked directly at Fang He.

"When I first met you, I thought you were just an opportunistic rogue cultivator trying to curry favor with the Zhou family. Later, I witnessed your sense of responsibility during the sea monster tide, and my heart began to waver. Now, the Black Reef Island incident has further proven that your abilities and vision far exceed my expectations."

She paused.

"I was wrong before."

It clearly took a lot of courage for her to say those words.

The eldest daughter of the Zhou family has never bowed her head or apologized to anyone.

Fang He looked at her quietly, and after a long while, she spoke calmly.

"Miss Zhou comes from a prestigious family, so it's normal for her to be arrogant. Besides, I am indeed a rogue cultivator with a humble background, so it's not surprising that I'm looked down upon."

His tone was calm, without a trace of resentment.

"Let bygones be bygones. We are comrades now, and we will fight side by side tomorrow."

Zhou Xiaolan looked at Fang He, a strange light flashing in her eyes.

The young man in front of her showed neither smugness nor any intention to blackmail her when she apologized.

This breadth of mind and composure far surpasses that of her peers.

"You have indeed changed."

Zhou Xiaolan said softly.

"Or rather, I never truly saw you clearly."

She stretched out her hand, her fair and slender fingers gleaming like jade in the morning light.

Be careful tomorrow. Come back alive.

Fang He watched her leave, his heart unmoved.

He pushed open the door and went inside.

Inside the house, Su Yun'er was packing her belongings.

On the table were three jade bottles: two bottles of healing pills and one bottle of spirit-restoring pills.

Next to it were three oil paper packages containing dried food and dried meat.

There was also a set of clean, light blue undershirts, neatly folded.

Su Yun'er had her back to the door, her figure slender.

Fang He approached, but she didn't turn around; only her hand paused slightly.

"The shopkeeper is back."

The voice was soft.

Fang He nodded and sat down at the table.

"These……"

He looked at the items on the table.

Su Yun'er turned around, her eyes slightly red, but she forced a smile.

"We'll be clearing out the enemy in three days, so we need to prepare some things. The pills I made are based on the recipe left by Master Wu. Although they're not as good as the shopkeeper's, they should be enough for an emergency."

She paused.

"The dry rations were bought at the market this morning; they're fresh. The clothes were just washed..."

As she spoke, her voice gradually lowered.

Fang He looked at her, feeling a warmth in her heart.

From a down-on-her-luck girl she first met in the market to a capable assistant managing a pharmacy, Su Yun'er has grown a lot.

She was not talkative, but she was thoughtful and always prepared everything when he needed her.

Fang He reached out and patted her thin shoulder.

"Don't worry, I'll be back. The pharmacy still needs you to look after it."

Su Yun'er finally looked up, her eyes slightly red, but she held back her tears.

"Shopkeeper, please stay safe."

Fang He nodded.

"Yes."