Chapter 253

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“This inferior understands, this is what they call ‘casting a long line to catch a big fish’.” Ying Fei said with a charming smile.

“Hehe, exactly. We’ve already captured him, so we might as well keep him for now. If we beat the small one, how can the big one not come out? Besides, our cult has no shortage of formidable methods—one per day. I refuse to believe we can’t make him talk.” Qin Daren said viciously.

Though Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t move his body, his ears could still hear, and he had already spread out his divine sense. He couldn’t help but feel bitter in his heart—he was all alone, where was this so-called “big one”? It seemed like he wouldn’t be able to escape a daily round of torture.

Ying Fei hesitated and said: “Qin Daren, but our mission is secret. If we bring along this burden, we might accidentally expose many of the cult’s secrets.”

Qin Daren frowned in displeasure. “Do I need you to teach me how to do things? If we don’t force this wretch’s backers to hand over the cauldron, will you take responsibility for the consequences?”

“I wouldn’t dare, inferior wouldn’t dare.”

“Besides, once everything is settled, we…”

As he spoke, Qin Daren lowered his voice and casually made a throat-cutting gesture. Ying Fei immediately flattered him: “Qin Daren is wise.”

All of this had already been detected by Zhang Xiaohua’s divine sense. He couldn’t help but grow anxious—this Qin Daren was clearly highly skilled in martial arts, far beyond his reach. If he remained in his hands, it would only be a matter of time before he lost his life. His only hope was to prepare an escape plan as soon as possible. But how could he escape?

A thousand thoughts raced through Zhang Xiaohua’s mind as he calculated his options.

The two members of the Divine Cult had no idea that their conversation had already been overheard by Zhang Xiaohua. In fact, even if they did know, they wouldn’t care. To them, Zhang Xiaohua was as insignificant as a bandit was to Zhang Xiaohua—perhaps even more worthless. They could end his life at any moment, so why would they bother about him knowing their plans?

The two mounted their horses and continued forward. Zhang Xiaohua was still placed on Ying Fei’s horse. His acupoints had been sealed by Qin Daren, leaving him completely powerless. He could only lie limply on the horse’s back, lowering his head to observe the blur of galloping hooves beneath him while secretly using his divine sense to search for an escape route.

After identifying the direction, he realized they were heading west, moving further and further from Lu Town. Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but ponder—these two from the Divine Cult were questioning him about the seven people he had killed, but they hadn’t mentioned Li Yinfeng at all. It seemed that the sudden assassination of the stronghold chief had caught them off guard. With Qin Daren’s sudden arrival, Ying Fei had likely already forgotten about Li Yinfeng. Meanwhile, the bandits of West Cui Mountain were surely in chaos. Who would still be thinking about the Li family? Six of the bandits had already been killed by him, effectively silencing them. Ying Fei and Qin Daren surely had no idea that he had come specifically to rescue someone. As long as he kept quiet, they could rack their brains all they wanted, but they’d never figure out his true purpose. Heh, I already told them the truth, but they just refuse to believe it. Oh well, Zhang Xiaohua thought with a sly smile. It looks like I’ll have to fabricate an identity for myself out of thin air.

If not for the fact that the muscles on his face couldn’t move, that sly grin would have already surfaced.

Leaving aside Zhang Xiaohua’s efforts in finding himself a convenient backer, the two cult members traveled for half a day before arriving at a desolate area. Ying Fei said: “Qin Daren, judging by the time, we might not make it. Do you think that brat from the Evil Tiger Gang is still waiting there?”

Qin Daren said: “Isn’t it because of that guy on your horse? However, that brat Situ from the Evil Tiger Gang is usually a cautious fellow. If this were any other day, he would have left long ago. Fortunately, we are far from their Fierce Tiger Gang, so maybe he’s still waiting.”

Ying Fei chuckled and said: “Isn’t this all because of Ten Thousand Swords Peak? They should be focusing on managing their own foundation properly. Why would they interfere with the Evil Tiger Gang? What’s so valuable about a small gang like that?”

Qin Daren said: “There’s no such thing as a profitless venture. According to Situ Liang’s information, Ten Thousand Swords Peak isn’t actually interested in the Evil Tiger Gang itself. They’re merely using them as a cover. As for what they’re really after, even Situ Liang hasn’t been able to uncover anything. But since it’s within the Evil Tiger Gang’s sphere of influence, and his cousin has been placed under house arrest by Ten Thousand Swords Peak, it’s likely related to this secret.”

“Then, what exactly is this secret?”

“Hmph! What kind of sect is Ten Thousand Swords Peak? With such shallow foundations, how could they be after something that would even catch the attention of our Divine Cult? Let them play their games for now. Eventually, Situ Liang will pass the information back to the cult.”

“Daren is wise. If not for Ten Thousand Swords Peak, we wouldn’t have arranged the meeting with Situ Liang so far away.”

“That’s not necessarily the case. Ten Thousand Swords Peak isn’t much of a threat on its own. However, according to intelligence, Ten Thousand Swords Peak, Yanming Manor, the Tan Family, and the Piaomiao Sect have been engaging in some underhanded dealings over the past few years. Their growth has been extremely rapid, and their strength has expanded considerably. In particular, the Piaomiao Sect has even annexed the Luo River Gang, making them even more formidable. Not only has their number of elite disciples doubled, but their quality has also improved significantly. The Piaomiao Sect has always been a sect with an established heritage—if they’re given enough time, they could become a real obstacle for our Divine Cult. That’s why anything related to the Piaomiao Sect must not be taken lightly.”

“This little one understands. However, these four sects don’t seem to be entirely harmonious with each other. Besides, even if our Divine Cult doesn’t intervene, Dalin Temple, Incense-Spreading Cult, and the Heaven’s Way Alliance wouldn’t just sit back and ignore the growing threat of the Piaomiao Sect.”

“You’re absolutely right. These so-called righteous people are always scheming against each other, speaking honeyed words while hiding daggers in their hearts. They are hypocrites, unable to unite as one. Otherwise, how would our cult have any place in this world?”

“Daren is wise. It is precisely because our Divine Cult’s Eight Divisions of Heavenly Dragons support one another like true brothers that we have this thriving and prosperous situation today.”

“Indeed, all thanks to the wise leadership of the Cult Master.”

“Long live the Divine Cult! May we unify the martial world!”

The two of them spoke openly, not even bothering to avoid Zhang Xiaohua, as if they had already decided his fate.

Meanwhile, Zhang Xiaohua was drenched in sweat. The more secrets he learned, the harder it would be to keep his life. But where was his path to escape?

Ying Fei led Qin Daren to an abandoned temple. With his divine sense, Zhang Xiaohua had already noticed a young man, not yet thirty, seated cross-legged inside. The man held a bundle in his hands, and a treasured sword lay beside him on the ground. Even from a great distance, Qin Daren was already smiling as they approached.

The man in the temple heard the sound of approaching hoofbeats and instinctively stood up, swiftly taking a step toward the entrance. He cautiously peeked his head out, then hurriedly stepped forward to welcome them.

Qin Daren and Ying Fei dismounted at the temple entrance. The young man took Qin Daren’s reins and led the horse inside. After scanning the surroundings carefully, he cautiously closed the door.

The two horses were tied to a withered tree inside the temple, while Zhang Xiaohua remained slumped over his horse, completely ignored.

Inside the temple, the young man respectfully saluted Qin Daren and Ying Fei, saying: “This lowly one, Situ Liang, greets Qin Daren and Envoy Ying.”

Qin Daren smiled and said: “Rise, Situ Liang. I was delayed by some minor matters on the way, making you wait.”

Situ Liang replied: “It’s no trouble, no trouble. I only just arrived myself.”

Envoy Ying said: “Situ Liang, Qin Daren already praised you on the way here. You’ve done well and have great potential. Once the tribute you’re offering is presented to the Cult Master, whether or not he is pleased, Qin Daren will put in a good word for you. If an opportunity arises, you may even be granted one of our sect’s divine techniques to cultivate.”

Situ Liang was overjoyed and bowed deeply. “Many thanks, Qin Daren! Many thanks, Envoy Ying!”

Qin Daren said kindly: “You put in the effort. We are merely making the introductions.”

Situ Liang quickly responded: “I wouldn’t dare claim any credit. It is all thanks to Daren and Envoy Ying’s guidance.”

After discussing some matters regarding the gang and Ten Thousand Swords Peak, Situ Liang finally handed over the bundle in his hands. Smiling, he said: “Qin Daren, ever since receiving the cult’s letter, I have sent my men searching everywhere. This is what we have found recently. I don’t know if it will meet the Cult Master’s expectations.”

Qin Daren carefully opened the bundle, revealing several ancient-looking items—jade pendants, hairpins, bracelets, and other ornaments. Under Zhang Xiaohua’s divine sense, many of these objects emitted fluctuations of Yuan Qi.

Qin Daren examined each item carefully, picking them up one by one for close inspection. Situ Liang stood anxiously beside him, watching intently. Only when Qin Daren had finished inspecting the last piece and closed the bundle did he finally speak: “Not bad. They’re all quite good.”

Only then did Situ Liang let out a sigh of relief, smiling. “As long as they are to your liking, that’s good.”

Qin Daren chuckled. “Whether they are to my liking or not isn’t for me to decide. Which of these will truly please the Cult Master—we’ll only know once we bring them back. However, given the capabilities of the Evil Tiger Gang, it’s already commendable that you were able to gather these. You will certainly be rewarded.”

Situ Liang was overjoyed. “In that case, many thanks to Daren and Envoy!”

Qin Daren waved his hand as if to say more, but his expression suddenly darkened. With a frown, he tossed the bundle to Envoy Ying and, in a flash, darted out of the ruined temple like lightning. At the same moment, Zhang Xiaohua, who had been lying motionless on the horse’s back in the courtyard, suddenly flipped over and sprang into the air. His body shot toward the top of the enclosing wall, about to leap over and escape. Seeing this, Qin Daren took a single swift step and, as though the wall was right within reach, instantly caught up with Zhang Xiaohua just as he was about to execute his Qinggong. With a faint smile, he said: “Kid, you’re quite bold. Across the entire martial world, there are few who can escape my grasp.”

With that, he extended a single finger and tapped downward. Zhang Xiaohua immediately collapsed, falling straight down from the wall. His body curled up tightly, his teeth clenched, as though enduring excruciating pain.

In truth, Situ Liang had already noticed Zhang Xiaohua lying on the horse when Envoy Ying was tying them up. However, in such matters, how could he dare to ask questions? Now, seeing something amiss, he cautiously inquired: “Daren, this boy…?”

Qin Daren glanced at Zhang Xiaohua, who was writhing in pain on the ground, and said indifferently: “It’s nothing, just a minor matter.”

Seeing that Qin Daren was unwilling to elaborate, Situ Liang quickly changed the subject. “Qin Daren, please deliver these items to the Cult Master and put in a good word for me. The Evil Tiger Gang is quite far from here, and I must hurry back. Otherwise, the people from Ten Thousand Swords Peak will start getting suspicious.”

Qin Daren asked: “You still haven’t figured out Ten Thousand Swords Peak’s intentions?”

Situ Liang shook his head. “No. They’re very secretive, and their martial arts are superior to mine. It’s difficult to investigate.”