After Hai Bodong left, Lin Yuan took out the investigation reports from the storage ring and carefully examined them.
Once he finished reviewing them, Lin Yuan nodded in satisfaction. Hai Bodong handled matters with remarkable thoroughness. Not only had he investigated the Xiao Clan's situation, he had even explored the region where the Gu Clan Dou Ancestor and Protector Wu had clashed.
"All the necessary intelligence is here. There's no need for me to revise or embellish anything. This information alone is enough to make Yao Lao realize the danger and take the initiative to seek my help."
"I wonder what I'll be able to fleece this time. Truly something to look forward to…"
With that thought, Lin Yuan took out a detailed map of Jia Ma Sacred City and the surrounding regions of the Misty Cloud Sect. Then, while staring at the map, he began simulating the upcoming battles and the development of the situation, formulating contingency plans for every possible scenario.
Only by dusk did Lin Yuan let out a long breath.
"All the plans are ready. This way, no matter what situation arises, I can respond in an orderly manner."
Lin Yuan glanced at the darkening sky, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"I should first find Qing Lin and synchronize the battle plans with her, so she can begin deploying surveillance. After that, it will be time for the final meeting with Yao Lao before the Three Year Agreement."
With that thought, Lin Yuan sought out Qing Lin and handed her a marked map. The two of them discussed and refined the battle plan together.
Looking at the capable and efficient Qing Lin before him, Lin Yuan said seriously, "Qing'er, I'll leave the intelligence and communications for this operation to you. Deploy more perception-type familiars as scouts in the locations marked on the map."
Qing Lin nodded seriously.
"Young Master, rest assured and leave it to me. All the clones and familiars have already been recalled. The forces I can currently mobilize are more than sufficient."
Lin Yuan nodded upon hearing this. After estimating the time, he thought inwardly, "It's time for the meeting."
Thus, while wearing the bracelet formed by Queen Medusa, he flew toward Xiao Yan's residence.
After Lin Yuan departed, several concealed auras also quietly left the Mitel Clan residence one after another, heading toward Jia Ma Sacred City and the surrounding regions of the Misty Cloud Sect.
Jia Ma Sacred City, Yan Residence.
Xiao Yan was seated cross-legged on his bed, cultivating. As Dou Qi circulated through his body, he faintly emitted the powerful aura of a three-star Dou Grandmaster.
Moreover, his aura fluctuated between strong and weak, clear signs of an impending breakthrough.
However, Xiao Yan frowned slightly. His hand seal suddenly changed, and all the overflowing Dou Qi and the aura of a three-star Dou Grandmaster were completely suppressed back into his body, forcibly halting the breakthrough.
Immediately afterward, his hand seals shifted once more as he began compressing and refining his Dou Qi.
After a long while, Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes. A sharp gleam flashed through them as a smile curved at the corners of his lips.
"A three-star Dou Grandmaster truly is powerful."
Seeing this, Yao Lao nodded approvingly.
"Not bad, not bad. I thought you wouldn't be able to resist the temptation and would directly break through to four-star Dou Grandmaster."
Hearing Yao Lao's words, Xiao Yan sensed his own condition and laughed while stretching his body.
"Hehe, I've always remembered Teacher's teachings. Two stars of sudden growth are enough. Any more than that may increase my strength in the short term, but in the long run, it wouldn't benefit me."
Yao Lao smiled in satisfaction.
Having spent many years with Xiao Yan, what Yao Lao appreciated most about him was this temperament, even when faced with rapidly increasing strength, Xiao Yan could remain true to himself, neither greedy nor arrogant, knowing when to stop.
It gave Yao Lao the feeling that he had found the most suitable inheritor for his mantle.
This was also one of the reasons why Yao Lao was willing to devote so much effort and planning toward Xiao Yan.
Suddenly, Yao Lao glanced outside, surprise appearing in his eyes. Turning toward Xiao Yan, he said, "Xiao Yan, we have a guest. It's Tian Shu."
The moment Yao Lao finished speaking, Lin Yuan's voice arrived with perfect precision, sounding only within Xiao Yan's room.
"Brother Xiao, pardon the disturbance. Why not come out into the courtyard for a meeting?"
A trace of surprise flashed through Xiao Yan's eyes as he walked outside, only to see Lin Yuan already standing in the courtyard with his hands behind his back.
When the two emerged, Lin Yuan first nodded toward Yao Lao in greeting.
"Greetings, Senior Yao."
Then he looked toward Xiao Yan and smiled.
"Brother Xiao wouldn't blame me for entering uninvited, would he?"
Xiao Yan laughed freely.
"What are you saying, Brother Tian Shu? It's my honor for you to visit. But coming this late, is there something urgent?"
Lin Yuan smiled faintly and spoke frankly.
"A few days ago, when Brother Xiao registered at the Alchemist Association, you purchased a black jade fragment from a middle-aged apprentice. I came specifically because of that item."
Xiao Yan looked somewhat surprised.
"The black jade fragment I bought on the day I went to register at the Alchemist Association? How does Brother Tian Shu know about it?"
Hearing the question, Lin Yuan answered calmly, "Precisely that black jade fragment. I came because of it. As for how I know, it's because I also obtained something similar."
"Oh? A black jade fragment?"
Upon hearing this, Yao Lao raised his brows slightly, revealing an interested smile.
"Xiao Yan, take it out and let me have a look."
After hearing both Lin Yuan and Yao Lao speak this way, Xiao Yan was instantly delighted. It seemed he had truly stumbled upon some kind of treasure.
Thus, he quickly took out the black jade fragment and handed it to Yao Lao.
After receiving the jade fragment, Yao Lao let out a soft "Eh?" His hand slowly stroked the broken jade piece. After a moment, he said:
"Xiao Yan, your luck is quite good. Judging from this texture and craftsmanship, it really is a Fire Jade Storage Device from Burning Flame Valley and quite a high-grade one at that."
"Burning Flame Valley? Fire Jade Storage Device?"
Xiao Yan muttered in confusion.
Seeing this, Yao Lao briefly explained Burning Flame Valley and Fire Jade Storage Devices to Xiao Yan, while Lin Yuan supplemented the explanation with some information about the Central Plains.
After listening, a bright gleam and several traces of anticipation flashed through Xiao Yan's eyes.
"So the Central Plains, the Dou Qi Continent is actually this exciting. One Hall, One Tower, Two Sects, Three Valleys, and Four Pavilions…"
Meanwhile, Yao Lao turned toward Lin Yuan and waved the jade fragment in his hand.
"Tian Shu brat, if it were an ordinary item, I doubt you would care this much. Does the black jade fragment you obtained have some connection to this one?"
"It would be more accurate to say I suspect they are connected," Lin Yuan corrected before explaining, "After all, they were discovered by the same person."
After a brief pause, he continued:
"The one I obtained contains the second transformation of the Heaven Fire Three Mysterious Change. Although it can still be cultivated, lacking the first transformation leaves a considerable flaw. So I came to see whether Brother Xiao's fragment contains the first transformation."
"The Heaven Fire Three Mysterious Change?"
Upon hearing this, delight flashed through Yao Lao's eyes.
"This is a secret technique perfectly suited for Xiao Yan, who cultivates the Flame Mantra."
Thinking this, Yao Lao's expression grew serious.
"So, your intention is…?"
"To exchange them."
Lin Yuan spoke calmly.
"Both Brother Xiao and Senior Yao possess Heavenly Flames, just as I do. This secret technique is extremely useful to all of us. Therefore, if Brother Xiao's fragment truly contains either the first or third transformation, I can teach my second transformation to the two of you, while you teach that transformation to me."
After proposing his suggestion, Lin Yuan looked toward the two of them.
"What do the two of you think?"
Yao Lao pondered for a moment before speaking seriously.
"This item belongs to Xiao Yan, so let him decide. First, let me explain this transaction to him, Xiao Yan…"
Immediately afterward, Yao Lao explained the details of the Heaven Fire Three Mysterious Change and Lin Yuan's proposed exchange to Xiao Yan.
After listening, delight flashed through Xiao Yan's eyes. This secret technique seemed practically tailor-made for him. He glanced at Yao Lao, gratitude surfacing in his gaze. Even at a time like this, his teacher still respected his opinion.
After thinking for a moment, Xiao Yan agreed to Lin Yuan's proposed exchange. The temptation of the Heaven Fire Three Mysterious Change was simply too great for someone cultivating the Flame Mantra.
Seeing that the deal had been settled, Lin Yuan nodded and smiled lightly.
"When extracting the contents of the jade fragment, the disturbance will not be small. We should find a secluded room."
Soon afterward, the group entered a secret chamber within the residence and sealed off all auras inside and outside the room.
Since the Fire Jade Storage Device was a one-time-use item and could not be passed on to multiple people, Lin Yuan proposed a solution. Yao Lao would receive the inheritance from the jade fragment first, and afterward he and Lin Yuan would exchange the contents through soul communication.
As for Xiao Yan, Yao Lao would teach him later, since Xiao Yan was still unable to use efficient soul communication to transmit information.
Very soon, the inheritance within the jade fragment was activated, and the words "Heaven Fire Three Mysterious Change" appeared before everyone's eyes.
Immediately afterward, Yao Lao swiftly accepted the inheritance, inwardly unable to suppress a laugh.
"Haha, the Heaven Fire Three Mysterious Change. Back then, when this old man wanted to borrow it from those fellows of Burning Flame Valley, they flatly refused. Yet now it has still fallen into my hands and so easily at that."
At that moment, Lin Yuan's voice sounded out.
"Senior, which transformation did you obtain?"
Suppressing the delight in his heart, Yao Lao replied, "What I obtained is the first transformation. It seems we can exchange them. This way, each of us will possess two transformations."
"That's good." Lin Yuan smiled faintly and said solemnly, "To show my sincerity, I'll transmit the second transformation to Senior first."
After speaking, Lin Yuan used soul communication to begin transmitting the second transformation of the Heaven Fire Three Mysterious Change to Yao Lao.
An hour later, both sides had completed the exchange. After digesting their respective gains, both Lin Yuan and Yao Lao revealed satisfied smiles.
Afterward, Lin Yuan looked toward Xiao Yan.
"By the way, Brother Xiao, and Senior Yao, I've already confirmed that matter from before. There truly is a massive crater in the Magical Beast Mountain Range caused by the self-destruction of a Dou Ancestor. Judging from the residual aura, it indeed belonged to Yun Shan."
"No matter what, Yun Shan will not be appearing at tomorrow's Three Year Agreement."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan was instantly delighted. He cupped his fists toward Lin Yuan.
"Many thanks for informing me, Brother Tian Shu."
Lin Yuan waved his hand with a smile.
"You're too polite. Completing the terms of our transaction is only natural. In that case, I shall take my leave."
As he spoke, Lin Yuan discreetly made a hand gesture within Yao Lao's line of sight before leaving Xiao Yan's residence.
After Lin Yuan left, Xiao Yan grinned at Yao Lao.
"Teacher, about that Heaven Fire Three Mysterious Change…"
Yao Lao glanced at Xiao Yan and said indifferently, "You brat, don't even think about it for now. This secret technique isn't something you can master in a single night. Go back and rest first. Adjust your condition and deal with tomorrow's battle before anything else…"
Meanwhile, after leaving Xiao Yan's residence, Lin Yuan did not immediately return to the Mitel Clan.
Instead, he leisurely walked to a nearby inn owned by the Mitel Clan. After briefly showing the token Mitel Tengshan had given him, he instructed the attendant, "Do not allow anyone to disturb me," before entering a sealed private room.
Lin Yuan calmly walked to the round table. With a flick of his fingers, three crystal-clear wine cups condensed into existence.
Then, he took out a jug of fine wine and filled each cup one by one.
After sitting down, Lin Yuan waved his hand. An invisible surge of soul power instantly enveloped the entire room, completely sealing it off from the outside world.
Then he looked toward the empty space before him, the corners of his lips curling slightly upward.
"The environment for our discussion is already prepared. The two of you may reveal yourselves now."
As his voice fell, two figures eerily appeared seated on the chairs beside the table. They were none other than Yao Lao's soul clone and Ling Ying.
After appearing, the two wasted no time on unnecessary pleasantries. Lin Yuan directly entered the main topic.
"I have successfully completed the matter Senior Yao entrusted to me. I sent Hai Bodong to Wu Tan City to conduct a thorough investigation. Something indeed happened to the Xiao Clan, and it was no minor matter. These are the relevant investigation results and intelligence reports."
As he spoke, he took out the intelligence meticulously gathered by Hai Bodong from his storage ring and neatly placed it on the table.
Neither Yao Lao nor Ling Ying acted overly formal as they began carefully reviewing the information before them.
Hai Bodong's intelligence work had been extremely meticulous. Not only was the content comprehensive and detailed, it was also supported by testimonies and visual records as evidence.
The reports thoroughly documented the calamity that had befallen the Xiao Clan, along with every crucial timeline.
Following Lin Yuan's instructions, Hai Bodong had led personnel from the Mitel Auction House branch in Wu Tan City, which maintained friendly relations with the Xiao Clan to collect information under the guise of assisting a business partner.
At the moment, the Xiao Clan's Patriarch and several Great Elders had all disappeared, leaving the clan without its pillars. Under such circumstances, they harbored no vigilance or concealment toward the Mitel Clan, fully revealing everything they knew.
In addition, Hai Bodong had also investigated and gathered various images and records from the battlefield where Protector Wu and the Gu Clan Dou Ancestor had fought.
As Yao Lao and Ling Ying reviewed the intelligence, they continuously compared it with the information they already possessed for verification.
After some time, the two finished reading all the reports.
They exchanged glances and nodded, confirming the reliability of the intelligence. This was because the recorded timelines matched almost perfectly with the timing of the disappearance of the soul imprints belonging to the Gu Clan members stored by Gu Xun'er.
Yao Lao frowned slightly, helplessness appearing on his face.
"This is troublesome now. Xiao Zhan has been captured. If little Yan Zi finds out about this, he'll definitely explode."
Immediately afterward, he began organizing and analyzing the information at hand.
"Judging from the Xiao Clan members' descriptions, the attackers were undoubtedly from the Hall of Souls, and the timing coincided exactly with the first day of the Alchemist Grand Meeting. Moreover, judging from the way the Hall of Souls carried out this operation, they don't seem like newcomers to the Jia Ma Empire. It feels more like a long-prepared fatal strike."
"In that case, the possibility that I've already been exposed greatly increases. After all, when I helped Xiao Yan subdue the Wind and Thunder Fury Flame, the commotion was far from small."
At this point, Yao Lao could not help but knit his brows tightly. He increasingly felt that he had already been exposed.
At that moment, Lin Yuan seemingly offered a kind reminder.
"Senior Yao, it appears the Hall of Souls has indeed infiltrated the Jia Ma Empire. Although we don't know why they targeted the Xiao Clan, judging from the massive crater mentioned in the reports, at least a Dou Ancestor-level Protector must have been involved."
"If their target is Brother Xiao or perhaps Senior Yao, who may already have been exposed then the Three Year Agreement will be their best opportunity to strike."
"So, for safety's sake, shouldn't Brother Xiao skip the appointment altogether? You should quickly take him and leave the Jia Ma Empire."
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