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

Several days later, on Qing'ao Island.

The morning sea breeze carried a salty, fishy smell, and the Zhou family's residence was bustling with activity.

Fang He was discussing defense arrangements with Zhou Tieshan, and several roughly drawn nautical charts were spread out on the table.

"Inspector Fang, after the clearing of Black Reef Island, the Dark Abyss Pavilion's strongholds in the surrounding waters have been basically eliminated."

Zhou Tieshan pointed to the sea chart, "But there are still abnormal spiritual energy fluctuations in the direction of Qing Shi Island, we need to send someone..."

Before the words were finished, a figure stumbled and rushed into the hall.

"Inspector Fang! Young Miss... Young Miss is in trouble!"

Zhou Qing was soaking wet and his face was as pale as paper, clearly having run all the way from the dock.

His clothes were torn, and he had an unhealed knife wound on his right arm.

Fang He suddenly stood up: "Explain yourself."

Zhou Qing, panting heavily, quickly recounted everything that had happened on Qing Shi Island.

Zhou Xiaolan infiltrates the underground passage alone, is ambushed by Shi Meng, discovers the secret stronghold of the Dark Abyss Pavilion, and is captured after being seriously wounded...

"When I finally left, the young lady had already been taken to the dungeon."

Zhou Qing's voice trembled, "The Dark Abyss Pavilion's ritual has begun! A crimson pillar of light shot into the sky!"

Fang He's face was ashen.

He should have realized that since the Shi family dared to pledge allegiance to the Dark Abyss Pavilion, they must have been prepared.

Although Zhou Xiaolan was quite capable, it was too risky for her to venture alone into enemy territory.

"Uncle Zhou, I request immediate assistance."

Fang He turned to Zhou Tieshan, his voice low but firm.

Zhou Tieshan frowned: "The situation on Qing Shi Island is unclear. We don't know the size of the Dark Abyss Pavilion's stronghold or how many experts are stationed there."

Going there rashly, I'm afraid...

"It will take at least half a day for reinforcements to arrive."

Fang He interrupted, "It's hard to say whether Xiaolan will be alive or dead in half a day."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present: "I will lead Zhao Hengdao and four elite troops ahead, Uncle Zhou, you will follow with the main force to provide support."

Zhou Tieshan looked at Fang He and remained silent for a moment.

He could clearly see the anxiety and determination in Fang He's eyes.

This young man, usually calm and restrained, was willing to take risks for Xiaolan at this moment.

"it is good."

Zhou Tieshan finally nodded, "But remember, if things become unworkable, retreat immediately."

Xiaolan is important, and you are just as important.

Fang He didn't answer, but turned and walked out: "Zhao Hengdao, pick four people, meet at the dock in half an hour."

"yes!"

---

Half an hour later, a small speedboat emerged from the waves.

Fang He stood at the bow of the boat, the sea breeze blowing his robes.

The temperature, current speed, and direction of undercurrents of the seawater—all this information was clearly presented in my mind.

"Inspector Fang, at this speed, we can reach Qing Shi Island in two hours."

Zhao Hengdao said from the side.

"Too slow."

Fang He opened his eyes. "The Dark Abyss Pavilion's ritual has begun, and Xiao Lan could be in danger at any moment."

The water flow under the boat suddenly accelerated, creating a thrust that increased the speed of the speedboat by nearly 50%.

The speedboat sped forward like an arrow, white spray rising from its sides.

"this……"

Zhao Hengdao was dumbfounded.

"Hold on tight."

Fang He said calmly, gazing at the distant horizon.

---

Two hours later, in the waters off Qingshi Island.

Fang He did not bring the boat ashore, but stopped it in the rocky area several miles away from the island.

"Approach by diving from here."

Fang He whispered, "There's an underground entrance in the back mountain of the Shi family settlement. We'll sneak in from there."

"Inspector Fang, how did you know...?"

Zhou Qing asked in surprise.

"Xiaolan mentioned it in her message."

Fang He gave a brief reply, saying that the equipment inspection had already begun.

In the seawater, Fang He's senses were exceptionally sharp.

He could sense the underwater currents, the location of the reefs, and even detect the presence of sea monsters in the distance.

After a stick of incense had burned, the seven successfully sneaked to the foot of the mountain behind the Shi family settlement.

Fang He surfaced to observe the situation on the shore.

The sentry posts on the back mountain were even more heavily guarded than Zhou Qing had described, clearly indicating that the Shi family had increased their vigilance after Zhou Xiaolan's capture.

"Inspector Fang, how do I get in?"

Zhao Hengdao asked in a low voice.

Fang He closed his eyes and used his [Mastery of Formations] to sense the surrounding spiritual energy fluctuations.

The area behind the mountain was covered by a layer of warning array, which was even more complex than the one that Zhou Xiaolan had cracked.

However, with the combination of [Formation Mastery] and [Formation Counter], Fang He quickly found the weak point of the formation.

"Come with me."

He led the group around to the base of a rock wall.

There is a natural crack here, and the array's coverage is slightly incomplete.

The seven men passed through the sentry post like ghosts and arrived at the hidden stone gate.

The stone gate was tightly closed, and it was covered with an even stronger security array.

"This formation..."

Fang He observed for a moment, then frowned slightly. "It's three times more complicated than before. Forcing a solution will trigger an alarm."

He pondered for a moment, then took out several array talismans from his robes.

Give me ten breaths.

Fang He affixed the array talismans to various parts of the stone gate and quickly formed hand seals.

【Array Mastery】Analyzes the array structure, 【Array Countermeasures】Find the core nodes. The two work together to find the "key" to the array within ten breaths.

"open."

A flash of light, and the stone door opened silently.

"Once inside, Zhao Hengdao and two others will guard the entrance, while the rest of you will follow me to rescue the people."

Fang He whispered the order, "Once you succeed, retreat immediately. Don't linger."

"clear."

The seven people filed in and slipped into the underground passage.

---

The underground passage wound its way downwards. Fang He used his [Divine Sense Warning] to sense what was ahead and avoided several patrolling Dark Abyss Pavilion cultivators.

A commotion arose at the end of the passage, suggesting that a large number of cultivators had gathered.

Fang He signaled everyone to stop, then crept alone to the iron gate and peered through the crack.

Behind the iron gate lies a vast underground space, where a large array in the center is in operation, its crimson light even more intense than before.

Dozens of Dark Abyss Pavilion cultivators surrounded the formation, seemingly guarding something.

Fang He's gaze swept across the entire space, finally settling on a corner.

There was a stone gate leading deeper into the area, guarded by two guards.

He retreated into the passage and whispered to the crowd, "Zhao Hengdao, you take two men and create chaos to draw the enemy's attention."

I took the opportunity to sneak into the dungeon and rescue them.

"Inspector Fang, it's too dangerous! Let me go with you!"

"Need not."

Fang He shook his head, "Having too many people around makes it easier to be exposed."

After you create chaos, immediately retreat towards the entrance and wait for us at sea.

Zhao Hengdao gritted his teeth and nodded: "Yes!"

---

Moments later, an explosion was heard from the underground space.

"Enemy attack!"

Zhao Hengdao and his two companions rushed out from another passage, their swords flashing and instantly killing several Dark Abyss Pavilion cultivators.

Chaos erupted in the underground space as a large number of Dark Abyss Pavilion cultivators were drawn to it.

Fang He seized the opportunity to sneak in, passing through the chaotic battlefield like a ghost, and arrived at the stone door.

Before the two guards could react, they were struck in acupoints by Fang He's condensed fire needles and collapsed to the ground.

Fang He pushed open the stone door and rushed into the dungeon.

---

The dungeon was dark and damp, and the air was filled with the stench of blood.

Fang He quickly scanned the area and found Zhou Xiaolan in the deepest cell.

She leaned against the corner of the wall, her clothes stained with blood, her face as pale as paper.

Hearing the noise, she struggled to lift her head, and the moment she saw Fang He, an incredulous light flashed in her eyes.

"Fang...Fang He?"

"Don't speak."

Fang He smashed open the iron lock on the prison door with a single palm strike and strode inside. "Can I leave?"

Zhou Xiaolan tried to stand up, but her legs gave way and she almost fell.

Fang He quickly helped her up and found a deep, bone-revealing knife wound on her back, indicating that her spiritual energy was almost completely depleted.

"I... will carry you on my back."

Fang He said in a deep voice.

He carried Zhou Xiaolan on his back and felt her weakness and trembling.

Zhou Xiaolan leaned against his back and whispered weakly, "I knew... you would come."

Fang He did not answer, but gripped his long sword tightly and rushed out of the dungeon.

---

They encountered Shi Meng as soon as they left the dungeon.

"Sure enough, someone came to rescue them."

Shi Meng sneered, his blood-red longsword lying across the middle of the passage. "Inspector Fang, I've long admired your name."

Fang He's gaze was icy: "Get out of the way."

"I captured Miss Zhou; how could I let you take her away so easily?"

Shi Meng grinned maliciously, "Perfect, I'll use your head to claim credit with the Vice Sect Master!"

He swung his sword, and the oppressive aura of a ninth-level Qi Refining expert enveloped the entire area.

He had already observed the array structure of the underground space when he rushed in, and now he directly disrupted the defensive array nodes in the passage.

"boom!"

The formation backfired, and the ground beneath Shi Meng's feet suddenly collapsed, causing him to freeze.

Fang He seized the opportunity and unleashed a blazing fire dragon, forcing Shi Meng back several feet.

"Walk!"

Fang He carried Zhou Xiaolan on his back and rushed towards the direction of the chaos created by Zhao Hengdao and the others.

---

The underground space was already a chaotic battleground.

Although Zhao Hengdao and his two companions were surrounded, they continued to fight desperately.

Fang He rushed into the battlefield, disrupting the operation of the large formation in the center.

"The formation is out of control!"

The Dark Abyss Pavilion cultivators exclaimed in alarm as the crimson light fluctuated violently, causing the entire underground space to tremble.

Fang He seized the opportunity to regroup with Zhao Hengdao: "Let's retreat!"

The seven people broke through towards the entrance.

Shi Meng chased after him from behind, but was blocked by the backlash of the formation and could not catch up for a while.

"Fang He! Put Zhou Xiaolan down, and I'll spare your life!"

Shi Meng roared angrily.

Without turning his head, Fang He stirred up the underground river, creating a water curtain to block the pursuers.

"Want to pursue her? You'll have to get past this first."

---

The seven successfully broke out of the underground stronghold and escaped through a crevice in the back mountain.

At sea, a fast ship was already waiting to pick them up.

On the ship, Zhou Xiaolan lay in the cabin, and Su Yun'er was treating her wounds.

Fang He stood guard outside the cabin, watching the Qing Shi Island gradually disappear into the distance, his gaze gloomy.

"Inspector Fang, the young lady's injuries..."

Su Yun'er stepped out of the cabin, hesitant to speak.

"explain."

"Although the knife wound was severe, it did not hit any vital organs."

However, due to depleted spiritual energy and excessive blood loss, he needs to rest for at least half a month.

Fang He nodded: "Take good care of her."

He turned to look at the sea, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

The Shi family of Qing Shi Island has completely submitted to the Dark Abyss Pavilion. Their underground stronghold is enormous, and there was that grand ceremony... All of this foreshadows an even greater storm to come.

---

Inside the cabin, Zhou Xiaolan slowly woke up.

She saw Fang He standing by her bedside, and a slight smile appeared on her lips: "You... you really came."

"I told you, this trip is dangerous."

Fang He's voice was low and deep, "You shouldn't have gone in alone."

"But I don't regret it."

Zhou Xiaolan said softly, "If it weren't for this infiltration, we wouldn't have known that the Shi family had completely betrayed us, nor would we have discovered that large-scale ceremony."

She paused, looking directly at Fang He: "And... I knew you would come to save me."

Fang He remained silent for a moment, then finally said, "Get some rest and don't think too much."

He got up to leave, but Zhou Xiaolan gently tugged at his sleeve: "Fang He... thank you."

Fang He paused, but didn't turn around. She simply hummed softly and walked out of the cabin.

---

The speedboat cut through the waves, and the outline of Qing Shi Island gradually disappeared into the horizon.

Fang He stood at the bow of the boat, the sea breeze blowing his robes.

He gazed into the distance, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

The Shi family of Qing Shi Island has completely betrayed the regime, and the Dark Abyss Pavilion has established a massive underground stronghold. The large-scale ritual is still in progress... All of this foreshadows an even greater storm to come.

The Zhou family alone is no longer able to cope.

"Inspector Fang"

Zhao Hengdao approached and said, "The young lady has already gone to sleep. Su Yun'er said her injuries are stable and she is not in any immediate danger."

Fang He nodded: "Speed ​​up, get back to Qing'ao Island as soon as possible."

"Yes."

Fang He turned to look towards the cabin, and the image of Zhou Xiaolan's eyes when she tugged at his sleeve flashed through his mind.

He knew in his heart that the Zhou family could no longer remain uninvolved in the factional struggles within the Qingyuan Sect.

And Ye Shuanghua, who is secretly observing everything, may be the key to the next step.