C2521 Identity Guessing
C2521 Identity Guessing
Another monk shook his head. "It's hard to say, but such strong fire energy isn't something just anyone can wield. Could it be related to the Zhu family? Based on the time they left, they should be nearby."
Hearing this, the monk nodded in agreement. "That's quite possible. Their family is known for that kind of power. But who could be the one using poison arts? Could it be the person who attacked Zhu Fan?"
"He was attacked in town and didn't demand justice. Instead, he left in a hurry, likely trying to draw out his opponent. Zhu Yan must be confident in his abilities. This fire energy is probably his doing."
However, the expert in the reincarnation stage said directly, "This isn't the energy residue of someone at the Mortal Separating Stage. I suspect it might be that young alchemist. Unfortunately, they've already left, so we can't be sure what happened."
"The explosion earlier couldn't have been caused by someone at the Dao Understanding Stage, right?"
The reincarnation stage expert hesitated for a moment. If it were just a clash between those at the Dao Understanding Stage, it wouldn't have caught his attention. He only came because he sensed someone as strong as himself.
"It seems there's another expert nearby who doesn't want to engage with us, which is why they left so quickly. But the one using poison arts isn't completely untraceable. During the recent competition, those three were quite suspicious. It makes sense they'd target Zhu Fan, but it's a shame we don't know who they are."
"What should we do now? Should we keep following them to see where they went? It's a shame we don't know which direction they headed."
The expert hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Here's the plan: you head back and report this to the main office. I'll try to track their trail."
"Understood!"
...
Meanwhile, over on the other side, Zhu Yan was equally shocked.
Jiang Fann's demeanor had completely calmed down, just like when they first met. There was no trace of the crazed state he was in earlier.
"Hey, you're not really into dark arts, are you?"
Jiang Fann chuckled, "Dark arts are relative. I just learned a special technique that lets me stay intensely focused without outside distractions. You're not scared, are you?"
"Scared? Why would I be scared? We're friends, after all. My clan sees things differently than those so-called righteous groups. You've got a vibrant energy about you, definitely a good-hearted person..."
"Stop flattering me. Those guys using poison techniques aren't from the top ranks. I revealed my true self this time to make sure the trouble doesn't fall on your clan. You owe me one for that."
Zhu Yan, being sharp, understood Jiang Fann's intention.
"Don't worry. When we get back, I'll make sure you're well taken care of. The elder has already responded, inviting you to Fire Valley. He wants to meet someone as exceptional as you. With your fire skills, who knows what other benefits you might find there."
Fang Xiang said, "Once we get to the city, I'm going to check out the Nine Heavens Pavilion. Those poison masters have been training there, and they're bound to leave some traces. I want to see if I can find any clues. We can't just let them cause trouble for us in the shadows."
Zhu Yan replied, "The Nine Heavens Pavilion is impressive within its realm, but when it comes to facing more powerful worlds, their tricks don't hold up. Those are masters at the Reincarnation Stage. It's already fortunate if they don't bother us, and you actually want to stir up trouble with them?"
"We need to figure out their identities and be prepared. If it's just those three, Brother Jiang can handle it. But if a Reincarnation Stage master gets involved, even with Brother Jiang's unique skills, he won't be able to manage."
Fang Xiang was clearly wary because of the presence of such a master.
As for Jiang Fann, he wasn't too concerned at the moment. When he faced them before, he remained calm, especially with Xiao Mo as his powerful ally. Even Gu Xie had successfully reached the Reincarnation Stage. If that guy really made a move against him, it would likely end badly for them.
Upon reaching the city, Fang Xiang left first, while Jiang Fann waited with Zhu Yan near the teleportation array in the square.
Zhu Yan was filled with curiosity about Jiang Fann, especially after witnessing so many of his abilities.
"That ability to resist all poisons is something every healer dreams of. Could you give me some pointers? Next time I face an opponent using poison techniques, I won't have to be so wary."
"There’s no special secret. I've focused a lot on strengthening my body, and combined with my medicine skills, it naturally developed over time. Your fire techniques are powerful, and poisonous creatures aren’t much of a threat to you. Most poison techniques are countered by fire anyway. What do you have to worry about? You're not just an ordinary healer; I know your combat skills are quite strong."
Zhu Yan said, "Compared to you, what do my skills even count for? It's hard to imagine how someone your age can master both combat and alchemy. Is it true what you said before, that you're not a practitioner from the highest realms? Are you, like them, from a higher plane, here for training?"
Jiang Fann didn’t hide the truth and said directly, "I’m indeed not from the highest realms, and I didn’t meet Fang Xiang there either."
"No wonder I’ve never heard of someone like you. Don’t worry, I won’t reveal your identity. If our ancestors ask, I’ll cover for you."
The two lingered in the square for about half an hour before Fang Xiang appeared from a distant path and walked straight toward them. They followed Zhu Yan and used the teleportation array to leave. In the spatial passage, Fang Xiang shared the information he had gathered with them.
"We're not the only ones interested in them; many have been asking about their whereabouts, and it started as early as three months ago."
"It seems they've been around for quite some time," Zhu Yan remarked, reminding Jiang Fann.
"You should deal with that spiritual treasure you acquired as soon as possible. Either seal it or hide it somewhere. If you can't erase the soul imprint on it, they might use it to track you down. Having experts from the Reincarnation Realm on your tail is a lot of pressure."
Jiang Fann chuckled, "I'll try to erase the soul imprint once we reach Fire Melting Valley. It's not the right time yet."
Fang Xiang nodded, agreeing with Jiang Fann's plan. "Even if they had the guts, they wouldn't dare storm into Fire Melting Valley. They're definitely wary of the experts from your clan."
Zhu Yan added, "But you can't stay in the valley forever. If you can't erase the imprint, just hand it over to me. I can take a look at those venomous insects."
"You're interested in the medicinal properties of those insects, aren't you? But they won't be of much use to you. To harness their properties, you need poison arts. If someone else tries to use them, the concoction might succeed, but the effects could be completely different. It might even turn into poison, losing its original properties."
Zhu Yan looked at Jiang Fann in surprise, "You even know the methods of a poison master?"
"To be honest, I already have a poison master by my side. Their methods are quite similar, which is why I need this treasure. I can't part with it this time," he said with a smile.
Zhu Yan replied, "I see. This treasure should go to the right person. I just need that imperial-grade pill furnace."
After leaving the teleportation channel, Zhu Yan and his companions found the manager again to activate another teleportation array. They stepped inside and vanished from the city.
...
In another city, a beautiful poison master looked frustrated.
Three helpers were enjoying their meal, seemingly unaffected by the previous events, as was the expert from the reincarnation realm.
He turned to the girl and said, "Miss, I'll get that jar back for you sooner or later. Even if I can't, the valley can always make another one for you. With their skills, crafting a treasure like that doesn't take much time."
The girl tapped her chopsticks on the table, clearly impatient.
"I'm just not satisfied. I've reached the peak of the Dao Understanding Stage, and there are few in our world who can match me. Yet, I can't do anything against that guy. Why is that?"
"Miss, that guy is immune to all poisons and has extraordinary talent in alchemy. His combat skills are off the charts, and his disguise even fooled the people from the Alchemy Sect. He's definitely not ordinary. Losing to him isn't a big deal, but we need to find out more about him. Then we'll have plenty of chances to deal with him in the future."
The cultivator from the cycle of reincarnation asked, "Is it really possible for someone to be immune to all poisons? The Valley Lord is an expert in poisons, and even he wouldn't make such a claim, right?"
The girl replied, "Maybe it's because of my level. None of my poison techniques work on him."
The cultivator who had previously ambushed Jiang Fann said, "I already knew he had considerable combat strength. My poison techniques did have some effect on him, but it was minimal. We shouldn't waste our time on him. He didn't show any fear when facing the master, so he might have some hidden tricks. The young lady brought three of us as bodyguards, and if he's someone of significance, he might have skilled people with him too."
The girl said, "I'll get my spiritual treasure back sooner or later, that annoying guy..."
The three subordinates nodded quickly, clearly not wanting to dampen the girl's enthusiasm.
As for Jiang Fann, he was already on the road to Fire Melting Valley with Zhu Yan.
Jiang Fann and Zhu Yan were in good spirits and didn't need to disguise themselves. Zhu Yan shared some of the rules of Fire Melting Valley, hoping they would adhere to them once they arrived.
A week later, Zhu Yan suddenly slowed his pace. He then gathered a sphere of spiritual strength in his palm, which expanded to envelop both Jiang Fann and himself. About thirty feet later, Jiang Fann's Chapter of Formation Dao detected that they were passing through an invisible barrier.
Due to the energy released by Zhu Yan, they were hardly affected at all. Arriving here, Zhu Yan was clearly in a good mood and turned to introduce the place to the two of them: "Welcome to Fire Melt Valley!"