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

a few days later.

Early morning, Lingtian District, Tiegu Island.

Fang He walked with his hands behind his back, followed by Zhao Hengdao and Zhou Qing.

The three walked through the spirit fields, seemingly on a casual visit, but in reality, they were gathering intelligence.

The spiritual fields on Ironbone Island are different from those on Green Turtle Island. The ridges of the fields are made of black reefs, giving them a rugged feel.

The spiritual plants grown in the field also tend to be of a strong and vigorous nature, mostly such as Ironbone Grass and Blazing Sun Flower.

"Inspector Fang, the management of the spiritual fields on Ironbone Island is much more extensive than that on our Green Turtle Island."

Zhou Qing said in a low voice.

Fang He nodded: "The Meng family focuses on physical cultivation and is not proficient in the cultivation of spiritual plants."

He stopped and struck up a conversation with a cultivator from the Meng family who was weeding: "Fellow Daoist, this Iron Bone Grass is growing quite well. Did you use any special fertilizer?"

The plant grower was a middle-aged man. Seeing Fang He's extraordinary attire, he quickly stood up and said, "Sir, you are joking. It's just ordinary sea beast bone powder, nothing special."

Fang He chatted with him for a few moments, then changed the subject: "I heard that Young Master Meng has been frequently visiting Lingtian District lately?"

Ling Zhifu's expression changed slightly, and he lowered his voice: "The young master has indeed come a few times, and he's been asking about... the Zhou family."

"Oh?"

"The young master said that the Zhou family is merely clinging to life by relying on formations, and will be swallowed up by the Meng family sooner or later."

Ling Zhifu looked around and lowered his voice, "We old folks are all worried that if a fight really breaks out, we low-level cultivators will probably be the first to be hit."

Fang He's heart stirred.

This aligns with his assessment: Meng Hao does indeed harbor ambitions to annex the Zhou family.

He bowed in thanks and continued walking forward.

---

Afternoon, Ironbone Island pier.

Fang He stood at the edge of the pier, watching the cargo ships coming and going.

The Meng family monks at the dock were divided into two factions.

One group consisted mainly of young cultivators, each with bulging muscles and a fierce aura. They gathered together and talked loudly, their words showing much contempt for the Zhou family.

The other group consisted of older cultivators, who were composed, discreet, and avoided discussing the Zhou family's affairs.

Fang He took in all of this.

As expected, there were disagreements within the Meng family.

"Inspector Fang"

An aged voice came from behind.

Fang He turned around and saw an old man in a gray robe standing with his hands behind his back.

The old man was about sixty years old, with a thin face, deep eyes like pools, and a restrained yet powerful aura, clearly indicating that he had reached the Foundation Establishment stage.

It was none other than Meng Yuan, the eldest elder of the Meng family.

Elder Meng.

Fang He bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

Meng Yuan nodded slightly, his gaze falling on Fang He with a hint of scrutiny: "Inspector Fang, you've been on Ironbone Island for several days now, are you settling in well?"

"Ironbone Island has a unique local culture and customs, from which the younger generation has benefited greatly."

Meng Yuan smiled meaningfully: "Inspector Fang is young and promising, I have high hopes for you."

Ironbone Island... the water's deep, be careful not to get your shoes wet.

Fang He's heart stirred.

This is Meng Yuan extending goodwill to him.

He remained calm, cupped his hands, and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Elder Meng. I will be careful."

Meng Yuan lowered his voice: "Hao'er is young and impetuous, and he has done some things improperly. Inspector Fang, please bear with him."

Fang He smiled: "Young Master Meng is straightforward, and I understand."

Meng Yuan gave him a deep look, then turned and left.

Fang He watched his retreating figure, her eyes flickering.

Meng Yuan's hint confirmed his judgment.

There are at least three factions within the Meng family.

Clan leader Meng Haichuan advocates cooperation with the Zhou family to jointly fight against the Dark Abyss Pavilion.

Young Master Meng Hao is ambitious and wants to take the opportunity to annex the Zhou family.

Grand Elder Meng Yuan was caught in the middle, worried about the Dark Abyss Pavilion but unwilling to break ties with the Zhou family.

And this is precisely the flaw he can exploit.

---

That evening, in the Meng family council hall.

The lights were on, but the atmosphere was somber.

Meng Haichuan sat in the main seat, with Meng Hao and Meng Yuan on either side, and several elders of the Meng family took their seats in turn.

Fang He attended the meeting as a representative of the Zhou family, with Zhao Hengdao and Zhou Qing standing behind him.

"The reason for gathering everyone here today is to discuss the specific terms of the alliance with the Zhou family."

Meng Haichuan cut to the chase, "Inspector Fang, does the Zhou family have a concrete plan?"

Fang He stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "The Zhou family proposes to jointly wipe out three suspected Dark Abyss Pavilion strongholds around Ironbone Island."

The Meng family sent twenty body cultivators, and the Zhou family sent ten formation masters, each displaying their strengths.

He paused, then added, "The spoils of war obtained from the raid will be divided equally between the two sides."

"Splitting it equally?"

Meng Hao sneered, "Father, this plan is unfair to the Meng family."

"My Meng family contributed more, why should we share the spoils equally with the Zhou family?"

Fang He said calmly, "Young Master Meng, you must know better than I do the role of array masters in the cleanup."

Without breaking the formation, all the physical cultivation is in vain.

"A mere seventh-level Qi Refining Array Master dares to speak so presumptuously?"

Meng Hao's gaze was sharp as a knife. "The battle on Black Reef Island relied on the overall strength of the Zhou family, not just your individual achievement."

Fang He remained neither humble nor arrogant: "Although my cultivation is not high, I destroyed the core of the Dark Abyss Pavilion stronghold by breaking the formation during the clearing of Black Reef Island."

If Young Master Meng does not believe this, he may send someone to verify it.

Meng Hao was about to lash out again when Meng Haichuan raised his hand to stop him: "Alright, we can discuss the distribution of the spoils later."

Inspector Fang, do you have any other suggestions?

Fang He pondered for a moment before slowly speaking: "Clan Chief Meng, I recently received news that the Shi family of Qing Shi Island also intends to form an alliance with the Zhou family."

These words caused an uproar at the table.

Meng Hao's expression changed drastically: "What? The Shi family also wants to get involved?"

Fang He sneered inwardly.

Meng Hao fell for the trap as expected.

He pretended to ponder for a moment: "Shi Potian, the young master of the Shi family, sent someone to say that the Shi family is willing to offer three spirit islands as a dowry to form an alliance with the Zhou family."

This was false information fabricated by Fang He, but Meng Hao had no way of verifying it.

Meng Hao, as expected, lost his composure, slamming his fist on the table and shouting, "What are the Shi family! How dare they compete with my Meng family?"

Meng Yuan spoke at the opportune moment, his tone calm yet firm: "Hao'er, sit down."

Inspector Fang only mentioned that he had heard the news; he did not say that the Zhou family had agreed.

Meng Hao realized he had lost his composure, his face flushed red, and he sat down sullenly.

But his hands were still trembling slightly, clearly indicating extreme anger.

Meng Haichuan's eyes flickered as he looked at Fang He: "Inspector Fang, what is the Zhou family's intention?"

Fang He smiled slightly: "The Zhou family prefers to cooperate with the Meng family."

However… if the Meng family's conditions are too harsh, the Zhou family will have to consider other options.

This is a blatant hint.

If the Meng family pushes too hard, the Zhou family might side with the Shi family.

Meng Hao's face darkened, but he dared not object forcefully any further.

If he continues to make things difficult, he may end up pushing the Zhou family towards the Shi family.

After a moment's thought, Meng Haichuan made a decision: "The spoils of war will be distributed as follows: 60% to the Meng family and 40% to the Zhou family."

Inspector Fang, what do you think?

Fang He was satisfied.

This is already a good result.

He nodded: "The Zhou family can accept it."

Meng Haichuan smiled and said, "Alright! The joint operation to eliminate them is settled then."

Three days later, both sides assembled their forces to discuss specific plans.

The meeting adjourned, and everyone left one after another.

As soon as Fang He stepped out of the council hall, Meng Yuan caught up from behind and whispered, "Inspector Fang, you have some impressive skills."

Fang He turned around, cupped his hands, and said, "Elder Meng, you flatter me."

Meng Yuan's gaze was deep: "At midnight tonight, I will be waiting for you in Lingtian District. I have important matters to discuss with you."

Fang He's heart stirred: "This junior will be there on time."

Before turning to leave, Meng Yuan whispered, "I will suppress the matter of the marriage alliance."

But the Zhou family... needs to show some sincerity.

Fang He solemnly cupped his hands in greeting: "The Zhou family will never let Elder Meng down."

---

Midnight, Lingtian District, Ironbone Island.

The moonlight, like water, spilled onto the verdant plants in the sacred field, creating a layer of silvery radiance.

Meng Yuan stood with his hands behind his back on the ridge of the field, waiting for Fang He to arrive.

Fang He arrived on time and greeted Elder Meng with a cupped hand.

Meng Yuan turned around, his gaze deep: "Inspector Fang, let's speak frankly."

I am well aware of Hao'er's ambition; I also understand Haichuan's concerns.

He paused, then continued, "I only have one question to ask: Is the alliance between the Zhou and Meng families genuine, or merely a matter of expediency?"

Fang He said solemnly, "With the Dark Abyss Pavilion posing a threat, the Zhou and Meng families can only protect themselves by joining forces."

This is from the heart.

Meng Yuan nodded: "Okay."

Then I will speak frankly with Inspector Fang.

He lowered his voice: "Hao'er advocates annexing the Zhou family, but I believe that internal strife at this time will only benefit the Dark Abyss Pavilion."

Although Hai Chuan was pragmatic, he couldn't go against the will of the people.

"Elder Meng means..."

"I will suppress the matter of the marriage alliance."

Meng Yuan's gaze was intense. "But during the joint extermination, the Zhou family's array masters must go all out and produce results that will convince the Meng family."

Fang He solemnly replied, "This junior understands."

The Zhou family will never let Elder Meng down.

Meng Yuan smiled slightly: "Inspector Fang is a smart man."

Though the waters of Ironbone Island are deep, clever people... know how to avoid getting their shoes wet.

He turned and left, leaving behind a single sentence:

"Starting tomorrow, we will prepare for a joint operation to eliminate them."

I hope Inspector Fang... won't let this old man misjudge me."

Fang He watched Meng Yuan's departing figure, her eyes flickering.