366: Chapter 366 Special Token

Inside the Main Sect Hall.

At this moment, Sect Head Sect Leader Xuanyangzi sat upright on the throne.

Beside the throne, Fairy Qingling stood quietly.

Next to Fairy Qingling stood a young girl of about nineteen, with delicate features and glowing skin. Her eyes held a hint of youthful inexperience and reserve, yet they also concealed a trace of liveliness.

Just then, Hu Nan walked in from outside.

As Hu Nan stepped into the hall, his gaze slowly swept across the room. When he saw Fairy Qingling beside Sect Leader Xuanyangzi and the unfamiliar nineteen-year-old girl, his footsteps paused slightly. A trace of imperceptible stagnation flashed through his eyes before he withdrew his gaze.

"Greetings, Sect Head Senior Brother, Senior Sister Fairy Qingling!" Hu Nan cupped his hands.

Sect Leader Xuanyangzi nodded slightly. "Junior Brother Hu, is there something you need today?"

Hearing Sect Leader Xuanyangzi's inquiry, Hu Nan did not speak immediately. Instead, he looked up again, his gaze sweeping over Fairy Qingling and the young girl once more.

Seeing this, Sect Leader Xuanyangzi smiled and said, "Junior Brother Hu, this is the Disciple I have recently taken in, named Xia Qin."

As he spoke, Sect Leader Xuanyangzi looked at Xia Qin and said gently, "Qin'er, greet your Junior Martial Uncle Hu."

Xia Qin hurriedly stepped forward and bowed slightly to Hu Nan. "Disciple Xia Qin greets Junior Martial Uncle Hu."

Far away in the small courtyard, Qin Changsheng suddenly recalled that a few years ago, someone had mentioned that the Heavenly Sword Sect had a Prodigy with a top-grade Fire Spiritual Root. This must be the girl named Xia Qin before them.

"Junior Martial Niece Xia, no need for formalities!" Hu Nan said with a smile.

"Thank you, Junior Martial Uncle Hu!" Xia Qin stood up and walked to the side, while curiously sizing up Hu Nan with her eyes.

Sect Leader Xuanyangzi asked again, "Junior Brother Hu, can you tell me now, what exactly did you come here to report today?"

Hu Nan said, "Junior Brother has just received news that the Yao Race intends to go to the Mortal realm to incite war and harvest the lives of Mortals to break the Seal of the Sealing Tower within the Demon Clan Ruins!"

"What?!"

Sect Leader Xuanyangzi's brows furrowed tightly, a flash of shock and anger crossing his eyes.

At the same time, Qin Changsheng, far away in the small courtyard, suddenly sensed clearly that a faint, cold killing intent was quietly spreading, locking onto Hu Nan.

Qin Changsheng calmly used Hu Nan's vision to scan the hall and instantly found the source of the killing intent: it was Fairy Qingling standing to the side.

At this moment, Fairy Qingling's beautiful face remained gentle and unchanged.

However, the Golden Trait Sensing was firmly locked onto Fairy Qingling.

Qin Changsheng was secretly surprised. Why would Fairy Qingling have such a strong reaction to this news? Could Fairy Qingling be the Empress?

Sect Leader Xuanyangzi's expression was grave, and he was about to ask for details, but Fairy Qingling stepped forward first and asked, "Junior Brother Hu, where did you get this news from? Is this news reliable?"

Her tone was full of suspicion.

"This..." Hu Nan opened his mouth, not knowing how to answer for a moment.

If he said the news came from within the Yao Race, it would inevitably arouse the suspicion of Sect Leader Xuanyangzi and Fairy Qingling, as Hu Nan's identity was already special; if he fabricated another origin, he feared it would be full of flaws and expose many secrets.

Qin Changsheng calculated quickly in his mind but could not come up with a safe explanation. He could only keep his head lowered, his expression slightly hesitant, his lips moving, yet he remained silent.

Fairy Qingling took in Hu Nan's hesitation, her suspicion deepening. She said to Hu Nan in a deep voice, "Junior Brother Hu, seeing you so hesitant, I suspect this news is not true at all, but merely some rumors of unknown origin!"

"Do not easily believe these baseless rumors, and certainly do not bring such rumors before the Sect Head to disturb the Sect's peace of mind."

As she spoke, she turned to look at Sect Leader Xuanyangzi. "Sect Head Senior Brother, there are many important matters in the Sect waiting for you to handle. How can you be delayed by these rumors of unknown origin?"

"The mutiny on the Yao Race front line is still troublesome; we should discuss countermeasures as soon as possible, and not be distracted by such nonsense."

Hearing this, the grave look on Sect Leader Xuanyangzi's face eased slightly. He nodded gently, clearly agreeing with Fairy Qingling's point of view.

Hu Nan's behavior today was already unusual, and now that he couldn't state the source of the news, it was inevitable that people would be suspicious.

Moreover, the mutiny on the Yao Race front line was indeed urgent, concerning the safety of the Southern Region border, and could not be delayed in the slightest.

Sect Leader Xuanyangzi looked up at Hu Nan. "Junior Brother Hu, you may leave first. Also, do not easily believe rumors. Once you are sure the news is reliable and have found concrete evidence, come and report to me again."

After a pause, he added, "Fairy Qingling and I still need to discuss the mutiny of the Yao Race army in the north. This matter concerns the safety of the Southern Region and brooks no delay, so do not disturb us here."

Qin Changsheng in the small courtyard sighed slightly. It was not the time to dwell on this; if he forced an argument, it would only reveal more flaws. It was better to retreat for now and find another Opportunity later to fabricate a reasonable source of information before reporting it again.

A moment later, Hu Nan bowed slightly to Sect Leader Xuanyangzi, his voice still dry and steady. "Junior Brother takes his leave."

After speaking, he turned and walked outside.

"Sect Head Senior Brother, although the Yao Race front-line army has mutinied, their combat power remains. We should not send troops at this moment."

"We should wait and see..." Fairy Qingling said.

Sect Leader Xuanyangzi hesitated for a long time before nodding slightly.

...

Qingyun Mountain Range.

Qin Changsheng and Hu Nan arrived here together.

Qin Changsheng came to the Qingyun Mountain Range to enter the Demon Clan Ruins and see if there were any heavenly dao fragments inside. Then, he would find a way to trick Granny Qing out of the treasure that could triple the Spirit Stones.

At the same time, Qin Changsheng had no solution for the Yao Race's scheme in the Mortal realm.

After all, he was merely a Cultivator at the third level of the golden core, alone. Even if he went to the Mortal realm immediately, it would be difficult to stop the Yao Race's conspiracy. The Yao Race's plan this time was meticulous, and the number of Cultivators sent to the Mortal realm to incite war and lure Yao Beasts was certainly not small. Relying on his own strength alone was akin to throwing an egg against a rock.

Qin Changsheng did not enter the Secret Realm directly but summoned the Heavenly Dao Entry Intelligence.

[heavenly dao fragment: Special treasure, can upgrade a Golden Trait to a Heavenly Dao Trait]

[Holder: Golden Core Demon Leopard]

[Location: Valley north of the Demon Clan Ruins]

[Obtained by the Golden Core Demon Leopard after killing a Cultivator who entered the Demon Clan Ruins to explore]

Looking at the description on the attribute panel, Qin Changsheng instantly understood what had happened. It turned out that a certain Cultivator had obtained the heavenly dao fragment outside. When they entered the Demon Clan Ruins to explore, they were killed by the Golden Core Demon Leopard. Finally, the heavenly dao fragment fell into the hands of the Golden Core Demon Leopard.

At the same time, Qin Changsheng had a plan in mind: he would head to the northern valley to kill the Golden Core Demon Leopard, while Hu Nan would enter the Sealing Tower to obtain Granny Qing's treasure.

However, Hu Nan must use the Golden Trait Disguise, as well as the Golden Trait Disguise. Only in this way could he deceive Granny Qing and obtain the treasure from her hands.

Thinking of this, Qin Changsheng gave the order to Hu Nan. Hu Nan cupped his hands and quickly rushed toward the Demon Clan Ruins.

Watching Hu Nan leave, Qin Changsheng's Divine Sense landed on Liu Feng.

At this moment, Liu Feng and Gou Feng were drinking in a restaurant.

On the table were a few simple side dishes, and a pot of Spirit Wine had already bottomed out. The Spirit Wine in the cup shimmered with a faint luster, emitting a rich Spiritual Qi.

Liu Feng picked up his wine cup and drained it in one gulp.

He slammed the cup onto the table with a soft "clack," then let out a long sigh. His expression was full of worry, and the aura around him seemed somewhat low.

Gou Feng, sitting opposite him, paused his movements. He looked up at Liu Feng with a hint of confusion on his face and asked, "Brother Liu, why are you sighing?"

Liu Feng slowly looked up and glanced at Gou Feng. "Brother Gou, last year we lost so many Spirit Stones. The leader has kept this matter in mind. Now that the situation of the Yao Race is volatile, if the leader brings up old matters, we might fall out of favor with the leader, and could even face severe punishment."

As he spoke, Liu Feng couldn't help but sigh again, his brows furrowing even tighter.

But Gou Feng, upon hearing this, smiled and shook his head. There was not a hint of worry on his face; on the contrary, he appeared indifferent. He picked up his chopsticks and continued to pick at the Spirit Meat on the table, his expression calm, as if the matter Liu Feng mentioned had nothing to do with him.

Seeing this, Liu Feng was secretly surprised, but on the surface, he pretended to be anxious and pressed, "Brother Gou, why aren't you worried at all? Are you not afraid that the leader will hold us accountable for the Spirit Stones lost last year?"

Gou Feng still didn't speak upon hearing this. He just slowly put down his chopsticks, looked up at the wine pot on the table, and gestured with his eyes.

Liu Feng understood, and hurriedly picked up the wine pot on the table, carefully pouring a full cup of Spirit Wine for Gou Feng.

Gou Feng picked up the wine cup, drained it in one gulp, and drank the Spirit Wine in the cup completely dry. Then he put down the cup, wiped the corner of his mouth, and slowly opened his mouth: "Brother Liu, do you know Granny Qing?"

Liu Feng immediately asked in return, "Brother Gou, the Granny Qing you speak of, is it that Granny Qing in the Sealing Tower?"

Gou Feng nodded slightly, a faint smile still on his face. He didn't say anything more, just picked up the wine cup again, signaling Liu Feng to pour him another one.

Liu Feng hurriedly poured the wine full for Gou Feng. After drinking the wine, Gou Feng said, "Brother Liu, that Granny Qing and I are from the same clan!"

"As long as I go to the fifth floor of the Sealing Tower, Granny Qing will hand that treasure over to me!"

Seeming to fear that Liu Feng wouldn't believe him, Gou Feng slowly raised his hand and took out an ancient-looking token from his bosom.

The token was deep cyan all over, about the size of a palm, with fine Yao patterns carved on the edges. A faint ancient aura lingered between the patterns; although not thick, it exuded a Pressure that could not be underestimated. In the center of the token, a blurry character "Qing" was carved, with faint spiritual light flowing through it. One look was enough to know it was no ordinary object.

Gou Feng gently placed the token on the table. A soft "clack" broke the silence between the two.

"This token is a token of trust left by Granny Qing in the clan back then."

Gou Feng picked up the Spirit Wine on the table, took a sip, and said, "As long as she sees this token, Granny Qing will know my identity and will also remember the old affection, showing me much favor."

"As long as I ask, Granny Qing will definitely take that treasure out!"

At this moment, in the forest on the outskirts of the Demon Clan Ruins, Qin Changsheng also heard Gou Feng's words.

Far away inside the Demon Clan Ruins, Qin Changsheng felt a flash of joy in his eyes upon hearing Gou Feng's words.

Originally, Qin Changsheng was still pondering how to trick Granny Qing into giving her approval. But now, hearing Gou Feng's words, he had a plan.

That was to have Hu Nan Disguise himself as Gou Feng, then use Disguise to simulate Gou Feng's aura, and take that token to the Sealing Tower. He believed that as long as he handed this token to Granny Qing, Granny Qing would definitely give the treasure to Qin Changsheng.

The thought flashed by, and Qin Changsheng did not hesitate any longer, giving instructions to Liu Feng in the restaurant.

Having received the instructions, Liu Feng still pretended to be confused and envious on the surface. He cupped his hands at Gou Feng, his tone carrying a bit of flattery: "So Brother Gou has such an Opportunity to obtain Granny Qing's token of trust, truly congratulations! With this token, we will definitely be able to avoid punishment and even make a great contribution. By then, the leader will surely look at us with new eyes!"

As he spoke, Liu Feng picked up the wine pot on the table, and while filling Gou Feng's cup with Spirit Wine, he enthusiastically urged him: "Brother Gou, such a joyous event deserves a big drink! I toast you!"

Gou Feng was already full of pride and satisfaction, and being flattered by Liu Feng made him feel even more delighted. He immediately picked up the wine cup, drained it in one gulp, and said with a smile: "Brother Liu is too polite; there will be no shortage of benefits for you when the time comes!"

Seeing that Gou Feng had already relaxed his vigilance, Liu Feng frequently picked up the wine pot to pour wine for Gou Feng, constantly saying flattering words. Sometimes he talked about the glory after seizing the treasure, and sometimes he sighed about the leader's appreciation, step by step stirring up Gou Feng's interest. The frequency of urging him to drink became more and more frequent.

Gou Feng had no defenses, thinking that Liu Feng was just envious. He was proud in his heart and refused nothing, drinking the Spirit Wine cup after cup.

The noise in the restaurant continued. The two of them were in the private room, drinking Spirit Wine cup after cup, and the wine pot on the table was changed pot after pot.

Liu Feng remained sober throughout, only occasionally taking a light sip. While urging him to drink, he secretly observed Gou Feng's state, while also paying attention to the movements around him to prevent others from noticing anything unusual.

After more than an hour, Gou Feng's face was already flushed, his eyes became blurred, and his whole body exuded a strong smell of alcohol. His speech became slurred, and he could barely hold the wine cup in his hand.

After drinking another cup of Spirit Wine, his body went limp, his head tilted, and with a "thud," he slumped heavily onto the table. His breathing was even, and he was already drunk to the point of unconsciousness, even the chopsticks in his hand dropped to the floor.

Seeing this, a gleam flashed in Liu Feng's eyes, and he quickly put the token into his own Storage Space.

After doing all this, Liu Feng observed for a moment longer. Seeing that Gou Feng was still motionless and there was nothing unusual around, he supported Gou Feng and left the place.