111: Chapter 111 Taking them all out counts as infiltration

"Zixing, I've heard of this wood marrow lotus; it happens to suit your wood attribute spiritual energy."

Liu Qingyan lowered her voice, appearing genuinely happy for him.

"I've only seen records of it in ancient texts. It grows where Yin and Yang converge and requires absorbing a massive amount of vitality to bloom."

"Not only that, but a continuous and even greater supply of vitality must be ensured during harvesting. Once interrupted, the petals will quickly wither, and the medicinal efficacy will be greatly reduced."

Absorbing vitality...

Mo Zixing's eyes shifted slightly as his gaze swept over the injured Qingyun Sect Disciples outside the Stone Hall.

These people were full of blood and Qi, making them perfect ready-made sources of vitality.

Just then.

A sound of footsteps came from the distance.

Mo Zixing immediately made a gesture for silence.

He pulled Liu Qingyan and Sect Master Bai Ruotong to hide behind the thick vines nearby.

A Qingyun Sect Disciple carrying a long sword...

...walked over slowly.

He was even humming a little tune.

Clearly, he felt this place was relatively safe.

But unfortunately.

It was not actually safe.

When he reached the edge of the vines.

Mo Zixing suddenly lunged out.

One hand covered his mouth.

The other hand condensed a Flying Sword and quickly slashed his throat.

The Disciple didn't even make a sound before his body slumped down.

It was completely undetected.

Mo Zixing dragged his body deep into the vines and covered it with fallen leaves, leaving no trace behind.

He poked his head out, glanced at the Stone Hall entrance, and pulled back.

"There are still twelve or thirteen Disciples at the entrance, all appearing to be around the Foundation Establishment Stage or Early Stage Crystallization."

Mo Zixing said in a low voice.

"I don't see anyone else inside for the time being."

"However, since those Disciples just mentioned the Sect Master knows when the wood marrow lotus will mature..."

"The Qingyun Sect Sect Master Kang Qiao is likely waiting in the deepest part to harvest it."

"Yes, and that Disciple said obtaining the wood marrow lotus would allow for a Breakthrough to the Juling Realm."

Liu Qingyan's expression turned solemn, her brows furrowed.

"It seems Sect Master Kang Qiao's actual strength reached Golden Core Ninth Level Perfection long ago, and she is just waiting for the wood marrow lotus to mature to Breakthrough to Soul Formation in one go!"

She grabbed Mo Zixing's hand, worried.

"Zixing, there is a world of difference between Golden Core Ninth Level and Seventh Level Crystallization. You must not fight her head-on."

"I... don't want you to get hurt. If we find a chance to get the wood marrow lotus, we leave immediately."

"If you don't want to attract attention, I happen to know a secret passage to get inside."

Sect Master Bai Ruotong looked around and pointed her pinky at the pile of rocks behind the Stone Hall, interjecting.

"I took note of it back then; there's a secret passage here that leads directly to the rooms inside."

"Entering from there, we can at least avoid the guards at the entrance and won't immediately alert those inside."

"Alright."

Mo Zixing nodded.

"Then we'll infiltrate through the secret passage you mentioned and try not to disturb these Disciples."

"Then follow me."

Sect Master Bai Ruotong took the lead, crouching low as she crept toward the pile of rocks.

Using the vines as cover.

The three of them noiselessly circled to the back of the Stone Hall.

Sure enough.

In a gap between the rocks, there was an opening just large enough for one person to pass through.

It was covered with weeds.

One wouldn't notice it without looking closely.

"I'll go down first to scout the way."

Mo Zixing said, sliding into the gap first.

It was very dark inside the secret passage.

A damp smell of earth permeated the air.

He released a faint flicker of Thunder Fire, illuminating the path ahead.

The passage wasn't narrow.

It was wide enough for a person to walk upright.

"It's fine, come down."

Mo Zixing called out to those above.

Liu Qingyan and Sect Master Bai Ruotong squeezed in one after another.

The three of them walked along the passage.

After walking about dozens of steps, Mo Zixing suddenly extinguished the fire in his hand.

He stopped.

And held back the two women behind him.

Faint footsteps and voices came from ahead.

"Is it really necessary to patrol this hellhole? No one would be stupid enough to barge into our Qingyun Sect's territory, right?"

"Can't be helped, it's an order from above."

"The Sect Master said that until the wood marrow lotus matures, not even a cockroach is allowed in."

"Security has been very tight lately. If anything goes wrong, we're all dead."

Didn't she say it was a secret passage?

Why did the people from the Qingyun Sect know about it too?

Mo Zixing turned back and looked at Sect Master Bai Ruotong speechlessly.

Sect Master Bai Ruotong's face flushed bright red, looking quite embarrassed.

"How was I supposed to know..."

She muttered softly.

"That Kang Qiao woman must have had good luck, finding it like a blind cat stumbling upon a dead rat."

"Besides, you can't blame me for this."

"Alright, stop talking for now."

Mo Zixing took a deep breath and quietly condensed several Flying Swords around him.

When the two patrolling Disciples reached them.

Several flashes of sword light flickered past.

Before the two Disciples could react.

They fell down in unison.

A thin bloodline appeared on their throats.

Not bad.

At least it didn't make a big commotion.

Mo Zixing gestured for the two to keep moving and quickened his pace slightly.

But they hadn't gone far.

A series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from behind them in the secret passage.

Someone was shouting.

"Patrol Team Six! Patrol Team Six!"

"Respond if you hear this!"

Mo Zixing's mouth twitched.

Seriously?

How long has it been, and they've already noticed the patrol is gone?

It seems there's no way to infiltrate quietly.

However...

He looked down at the Flying Swords that hadn't yet dissipated beside him.

Then he glanced in the direction of the footsteps behind them.

No.

As long as he didn't leave a single witness alive...

...that would still count as a successful infiltration.

He turned to Liu Qingyan and Sect Master Bai Ruotong, quickly whispering instructions.

"In a moment, I'll rush up to deal with the people ahead. Revered Master, cover me from the side and watch for any stragglers; don't let anyone escape to report."

"Sect Master Bai, you can't use spiritual energy, so stay close to my Revered Master and protect yourself."

"Remember, make it quick; try not to alert the people inside."

"Don't worry, leave it to me."

Liu Qingyan nodded, condensing her spiritual energy into fine needles.

"Understood."

Sect Master Bai Ruotong also nodded and obediently stood beside Liu Qingyan.

The footsteps grew closer.

Followed by a sudden exclamation.

It seemed the two bodies had been discovered.

"Quick, there must be intruders ahead!"

"Catch them and go to the Sect Master for a reward!"

The footsteps became even faster.

They were about to reach them.

Mo Zixing narrowed his eyes slightly and took a deep breath.

With a surge of spiritual energy beneath his feet, he was the first to charge out.