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

A month later.

Early morning, Lingtian District, Tiegu Island.

Fang He walked with his hands behind his back along the ridges of the fields, followed by Zhao Hengdao and Zhou Qing.

Before the morning mist had dissipated, glistening dewdrops clung to the leaves of the spiritual plant, shimmering softly in the morning sun.

"Inspector Fang, although the spiritual fields on Ironbone Island are not as exquisite as those on Azure Turtle Island, the concentration of spiritual energy is not bad."

Zhou Qing said in a low voice.

Fang He nodded: "The Meng family focuses on physical cultivation and has indeed neglected the cultivation of spiritual plants."

He stopped and chatted briefly with a wandering cultivator who was weeding, then changed the subject: "Has anything unusual happened lately?"

The rogue cultivator looked around and lowered his voice: "Reporting to my lord, there have been unfamiliar faces wandering around the Spirit Field District recently, and they don't look like members of the Meng family."

Fang He's heart stirred.

On the edge of Lingtian District, several obscure auras could be faintly seen.

"Okay, go back to what you were doing."

Fang He remained calm and continued walking forward.

Meng Yuan walked over from a distance, leaning on his iron staff, a faint smile on his face: "Inspector Fang, you're up very early."

Elder Meng.

Fang He bowed respectfully. "How are the preparations for the joint operation progressing?"

"The manpower has been assembled, and we are ready to take action in three days."

Meng Yuan walked to Fang He's side and lowered his voice, "However... I still feel somewhat uneasy."

Fang He's gaze sharpened slightly: "What does Elder Meng mean?"

"Although the Dark Abyss Pavilion has been wiped out, its remaining forces have not yet been eliminated."

Meng Yuan looked around. "Ironbone Island has a complex terrain. If a hundred or so people are hiding in the black reefs, they would be completely undetectable."

A strong sense of crisis surged in like a tide.

He suddenly looked up and saw more than a dozen dark figures emerge from the black reefs at the edge of the Spirit Field District. Each of them wore the iconic black robes of the Dark Abyss Pavilion, and the leader was a cultivator at the ninth level of Qi Refining, holding a blood-red short blade.

"Enemy attack!"

The remnants of the Dark Abyss Pavilion were clearly prepared; instead of launching a full-scale attack on the core area of ​​the Meng family, they headed straight for the Spirit Field District.

This area is home to a large number of independent cultivators employed by the Meng family, making it the most vulnerable in terms of defense.

The leader of the men in black robes sneered, "The Meng family, today is your death day!"

A blood-red short blade was swung out, and a streak of blood-red light slashed towards the rogue cultivator in the spirit field.

More than ten unsuspecting rogue cultivators fell instantly, their blood staining the spirit field red.

Meng Yuan's expression changed drastically, and his Foundation Establishment cultivation erupted instantly as he struck the black-robed leader with a palm.

But the black-robed leader was prepared. He dodged with a strange movement and directed the remaining followers to launch a scattered attack.

"Form the array! Protect the rogue cultivators!"

Fang He roared, and with a flurry of movements, a temporary warning array quickly took shape in a corner of the Spirit Field District.

The array flashed with light, protecting the dozens of surviving rogue cultivators in the center.

The black-robed men's offensive was thwarted, and they turned their attention to bombarding the formation.

"Damn it!"

Upon hearing the news, Meng Hao rushed over and, seeing the horrific state of the spirit field, his eyes widened in fury. "You treacherous dogs of the Dark Abyss Pavilion, prepare to die!"

He unleashed his full power from his ninth level of Qi Refining cultivation, throwing a punch at the nearest man in black robes.

The man in black robes was only at the seventh level of Qi Refining. He was blasted away by this punch, his bones shattered, and he died on the spot.

However, the remnants of the Dark Abyss Pavilion were well-trained and fought a retreating battle, rather than engaging the Meng family in a direct confrontation.

Their goal appears to be to create chaos and casualties, rather than a direct confrontation.

"Elder Meng, they're leaving!"

Seeing that things were going badly, the black-robed leader let out a shriek, and the remaining rebels retreated and disappeared into the black reefs.

From the attack to the retreat, only a few dozen breaths had passed, yet more than ten rogue cultivators had been killed or injured.

Meng Hao was furious: "Chase them! I'll tear them to pieces!"

He was about to lead his men in pursuit when Fang He stopped him: "Young Master Meng, please wait!"

"Get out of the way!"

Meng Hao's eyes were bloodshot. "These scoundrels killed members of my Meng family. How can I let them escape?"

Fang He said in a deep voice, "The enemy's retreat was orderly, and they were clearly prepared."

A hasty pursuit risks falling into an ambush.

Meng Hao sneered: "Are you scared?"

"Fang wasn't afraid, he was just cautious."

Fang He's eyes were sharp. "Young Master Meng, please look. These remnants know the terrain of the Spirit Field District like the back of their hand. They went straight for the weakest point in the defenses, and their retreat route was clear. Obviously..."

He paused, then added, "There are people within the Meng family who are colluding with them."

Upon hearing this, both Meng Yuan and Meng Hao changed color.

Meng Yuan said in a deep voice, "What do you mean by that, Inspector Fang?"

Fang He pointed in the direction the man in black robes had retreated: "That route is a secret passage known only to the Meng family."

It's impossible for an outsider to be so familiar with it.

The anger on Meng Hao's face gradually froze, replaced by solemnity.

He wasn't stupid; once Fang He pointed it out, he realized the problem.

"Damn it..."

Meng Hao gritted his teeth, "There's a traitor in the Meng family!"

---

Afternoon, Ironbone Island Council Chamber.

The atmosphere was somber. Meng Haichuan sat in the main seat, with Meng Yuan and Meng Hao on either side. Fang He was present as a representative of the Zhou family.

"Inspector Fang, are you sure it's an inside agent?"

Meng Haichuan asked in a deep voice.

"pretty close."

Fang He nodded, "The route the enemy took when they retreated was the secret passage inside the Meng family compound."

They couldn't have attacked Lingtian District so precisely without someone tipping them off.

Meng Yuan leaned on his iron staff, his face grim: "Haichuan, this matter must be thoroughly investigated."

Meng Haichuan pondered for a moment, then looked at Meng Hao: "Hao'er, what do you think?"

Meng Hao took a deep breath, suppressing his anger: "Father, I request permission to pursue them and wipe out these remaining villains!"

"No."

Meng Yuan shook his head, "To pursue rashly would play right into the enemy's hands."

"What should we do then?"

Meng Hao was unwilling to give up. "Are we just going to watch them escape?"

Fang He spoke up: "Clan Chief Meng, I have a suggestion."

"explain."

"The enemy has set up an ambush, so there must be a reason for it."

We might as well turn the tables and send men to pursue them, but we must be fully prepared.

Meng Haichuan's eyes flickered: "Is Inspector Fang willing to lead the team?"

"I am willing to go."

Fang He said solemnly, "But the Meng family's cooperation is required."

Meng Hao scoffed, "You're going alone?"

"Of course not."

Fang He looked at Meng Hao and said, "Young Master Meng is familiar with the terrain of Ironbone Island. If you are willing to come along, I would be more than happy to oblige."

Meng Hao was taken aback, not expecting Fang He to take the initiative to invite him.

Meng Yuan's gaze was deep. After a moment of contemplation, he made an unexpected decision: "Hai Chuan, let Fang He and Hao'er lead the team together, each with five people, and cooperate with each other."

"You two, one is the young master of the Meng family, and the other is the representative of the Zhou family."

Meng Yuan looked at the two of them and said, "This collaboration is not only to track down the remaining villains, but also to prove the sincerity of our cooperation."

He paused, then said, "I hope... you can put aside your prejudices."

Fang He and Meng Hao exchanged a glance, both seeing complex emotions in each other's eyes.

"it is good."

Meng Hao said in a deep voice, "Fang He, I will trust you this once today."

But if I find out you're holding me back...

"Young Master Meng, rest assured, I, Fang, would not risk my life."

---

Afternoon, Black Reef area.

Fang He and Meng Hao each led five people into the rocky outcrops at the edge of Ironbone Island.

The Black Reef area has a complex terrain and numerous secret passages, making it an excellent hiding place.

The reefs are jet black, with sharp edges all over their surface, and they make a wailing sound as the sea wind howls.

Meng Hao led the Meng family's physical cultivators, ready to engage the enemy head-on at any time.

"There are fluctuations in the formation ahead."

Fang He suddenly stopped, sensing that a warning formation was hidden among the reefs ahead.

"Can it be cracked?"

Meng Hao asked in a low voice.

"Yes, but it will take time."

Fang He pondered, "Moreover... the way this formation is set up is exactly the same as the formation at the Dark Abyss Pavilion stronghold on Black Reef Island."

Meng Hao's pupils contracted: "You mean..."

"These remnants are the same group of people as the Dark Abyss Pavilion on Black Reef Island."

Fang He's gaze turned serious. "They are not scattered soldiers, but rather the remnants of an organized force."

Just as Fang He was about to break the formation, it shook violently again!

"Oh no, an ambush!"

Before they finished speaking, more than twenty dark figures sprang out from behind the surrounding rocks and surrounded them!

The leader in black robes sneered, "Young Master Meng and Inspector Zhou have indeed taken the bait."

We've fallen for their trap!

The enemy deliberately left clues to lure them in, and then ambushed them!

Meng Hao's face was ashen, but he remained calm.

He roared, "Form ranks!"

The Meng family cultivators quickly formed a defensive formation, protecting Fang He and the others in the center.

With a wave of his hand, the black-robed leader sent out a barrage of spells and magical artifacts at the Meng family's formation.

"Fang He, can you break their formation?"

While fending off the attacks, Meng Hao asked urgently.

Fang He activated his full power to sense the surrounding array structure: "They have set up a 'Black Reef Trapping Array,' using reefs as a base to trap the enemy inside."

but……"

A glint of light flashed in his eyes. "The core of the formation is beneath the largest black reef in the northeast corner!"

"I'm going to destroy it!"

Meng Hao was about to rush out.

"etc!"

Fang He stopped him, "If you can't break through, the enemy will be waiting for you to escape."

He took a deep breath. "I'll disrupt the formation. You lead the men to break through from the front and attack the core!"

"you?"

Meng Hao looked at him suspiciously, "You're only at the seventh level of Qi Refining, how could you disrupt the formation?"

Trust me this once.

Fang He's gaze was firm.

Meng Hao met his gaze for a moment, then suddenly nodded: "Alright! I'll believe you!"

The array patterns of the Black Reef Trapping Array appeared clearly in his mind, and he found the weak point of the array!

"Now!"

Fang He suddenly opened his eyes, slammed his palm into the ground, and injected spiritual energy into the array node, instantly disrupting the array's operation!

The Black Reef Formation flickered with light and paused briefly.

"Rush!"

Meng Hao roared and led the body cultivators like tigers released from their cages, rushing straight to the northeast corner!

The black-robed leader was shocked, not expecting Fang He to be able to disrupt the formation, and hurriedly called for people to stop him.

But when Meng Hao unleashed his full power at the ninth level of Qi Refining, every punch landed squarely, and no one could stop him!

He smashed the black-robed man who was blocking his way with a single punch and went straight for the core of the formation!

"Damn it!"

Seeing that the situation was not good, the black-robed leader took action himself, slashing at Meng Hao with a blood-red short blade.

Meng Hao and the black-robed leader fought fiercely. Both were at the ninth level of Qi Refining, and it was difficult to determine a winner for the time being.

"Zhao Hengdao, protect Zhou Qing!"

"clear!"

Zhao Heng's blade flashed like lightning, and together with Fang He, they killed several men in black robes.

The tide of battle gradually turned.

After a fierce battle of dozens of moves with the black-robed leader, Meng Hao finally found an opening and struck his opponent in the chest with a punch.

The black-robed leader coughed up blood and flew backward, but he did not die. Instead, he used the momentum of his fall to let out a shrill scream: "Retreat!"

The remaining rebels retreated again, disappearing into the black reefs.

Meng Hao wanted to give chase, but Fang He stopped him: "Don't pursue a desperate enemy. This Black Reef area is their territory. If we continue to pursue them, things might go wrong."

Meng Hao, panting heavily, looked at Fang He with a complex expression in his eyes.

In the battle just now, if Fang He hadn't disrupted the formation, they would probably have been completely wiped out.

"...Thank you."

Meng Hao managed to utter two words.

Fang He smiled slightly: "Young Master Meng, you're too kind."

This is how it should be for the two companies to cooperate.

"The Blood Fiend Technique that this person cultivates is exactly the same as that of Zhao Xuanting from Black Reef Island."

Fang He said in a deep voice, "They are indeed remnants of the Dark Abyss Pavilion, and..."

He picked up a token with the character "副" (deputy) engraved on it.

"It is related to the faction of the deputy sect leader of Qingyuan Sect."

Meng Hao's expression was grave: "It seems that the remaining forces of the Dark Abyss Pavilion are more troublesome than I imagined."

Fang He nodded: "Moreover, there is a traitor within the Meng family, and we must find out as soon as possible."

The two looked at each other and saw the same worry in each other's eyes.

---

Black Reef area, the sun is setting.

Fang He and Meng Hao led their team back to the core area of ​​Ironbone Island.

Meng Yuan had been waiting for a long time, and he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that the two men had returned in good condition despite their injuries.

"how?"

Meng Hao handed the "Deputy" token to Meng Yuan: "It's related to the Deputy Sect Master of the Qingyuan Sect."

Meng Yuan's expression turned grave: "As expected..."

Fang He said in a deep voice, "Elder Meng, the matter of the traitor must be investigated and clarified as soon as possible."

The enemy is in the shadows, we are in the light; without eliminating the traitors within, any joint operation to wipe them out is just empty talk.

Meng Yuan nodded: "I understand."

He paused for a moment, then said, "Three days from now, the Meng family will have a guest advisor who specializes in formations and reconnaissance."

He will then assist in investigating the traitor.

"Guest advisor?"

Fang He's heart stirred.

"Qin Wujiu, a master of the ninth level of Qi Refining Formation."

Meng Yuan's gaze was deep. "This person... might be able to help us uncover some secrets."

Fang He silently memorized the name.

Qin Wujiu...