"Bad news?"
Xin Yuyue blinked, looking at her senior brother with curiosity.
"Yes." Zheng Shijiu gazed into the distance and replied, "Once the three meet, only one side is likely to make it back. It's no surprise the two from the Heavenly Joy Pavilion returned; that's to be expected. But if Jiang Hao is the only one who returned, what does that say?"
"Did the Heavenly Joy Pavilion fail?" Xin Yuyue wondered.
"It's more than just failure. When those three meet, the chances of all returning are slim. So if only Jiang Junior Brother comes back, it's clear the two from the Heavenly Joy Pavilion were taken down." Zheng Shijiu spoke solemnly.
"That's impossible. How could someone at the early Foundation Establishment stage take down one at the late stage and another at the pinnacle?" Xin Yuyue shook her head in disbelief.
"Indeed, if such a thing happened, it would be disastrous, wouldn't it? It means we're aware that Jiang Junior Brother has the power to kill someone at the pinnacle. Do you think he'd let us go to keep that secret? After all, with you and me at the early and late stages of Foundation Establishment, it wouldn't be hard to kill us," Zheng Shijiu chuckled.
However, just as he finished speaking, Xin Yuyue's face turned to terror as she nudged her senior brother, whispering, "Senior Brother, look."
Hearing this, Zheng Shijiu turned his gaze, puzzled by the change in Xin Yuyue's tone. Yet, in the next moment, he saw a young man emerging from the forest.
This young man walked steadily, his breath calm, showing neither joy nor anger, no hint of anything unusual. But upon seeing him, Zheng Shijiu's pupils contracted, and his heart raced as if facing a grave threat.
"What should we do, Senior Brother?" Xin Yuyue whispered anxiously.
"If I hadn't heard the analysis earlier, I'd not be worried, but after hearing it and seeing the person coming, I feel like we might be attacked at any moment," Xin Yuyue thought to herself.
The one approaching was none other than Jiang Hao, fully recovered.
"Stay calm. Keep your distance, and let's not linger here. The quicker we leave the demon cave, the safer we are. Also, let's not stand too close. As long as one can escape, he won't risk making a move," Zheng Shijiu cautioned.
By now, Jiang Hao had drawn closer. Zheng Shijiu moved slightly away from Xin Yuyue, forcing a smile and asked, "Junior Brother Jiang, did you have any gains this time?"
"The demons are mostly cleared," Jiang Hao said.
He noticed these two seemed wary of something, likely because he returned while the two from the Heavenly Joy Pavilion did not, raising suspicion. But Jiang Hao didn't care. With no evidence, no one knew what really happened.
As for possibly silencing the two before him, that would only make things more suspicious outside. No real advantage in doing so. This way was better.
"Have the Senior Brother and Sister from the Heavenly Joy Pavilion not returned?" Jiang Hao inquired.
"They must have been delayed by something. The appointed time is almost up. So we needn't wait; let's head out first," Zheng Shijiu suggested with a smile.
Typically, he would wait for a day or two but dared not now. The longer they waited, the more dangerous it became. Even if he was guessing wrong, it's better to be safe.
"They're not kids; they'll return once the task is done," Xin Yuyue added.
Jiang Hao nodded in agreement. After spending more than two months in the demon cave, he was concerned about the condition of the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower.
Soon, all three exited the demon cave. Upon stepping out, both Zheng Shijiu and Xin Yuyue breathed a sigh of relief. Now, if they died, an investigation would ensue, making anyone hesitant to act rashly. Nonetheless, they remained vigilant.
It was almost inconceivable that the greatest pressure on them would come from the person they least expected.
After bidding farewell, Jiang Hao reported the mission. Later, someone would investigate the demon cave, and once verified, he would receive his reward. Jiang Hao estimated he would get a few hundred spirit stones, a decent haul.
As for whether the bodies of the two from the Heavenly Joy Pavilion would be found, he didn’t care. They had already become demon food. Without an investigation by the Law Enforcement Hall, no one could prove it was him.
But whether Liu Xingchen would investigate privately was uncertain. In a month's time, the scene should’ve been destroyed enough to leave no traces.
Leaving Law Enforcement Peak, Jiang Hao greeted his master and returned to his quarters. Seeing his master surprised at his unscathed return, Jeff smiled and nodded without more comments.
After two months, Jiang Hao finally returned to his own courtyard. Upon entering, he saw two blue bubbles floating over the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower.
[Cultivation +1]
[Vital Qi +1]
The Snow Lotus Flower had no bubbles and looked withered, and the Blue Lotus Flower was close to wilting with no bubbles in sight.
He tended to them, watering the spirit herbs with water from the creek.
"Seems no one dared to touch the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower."
After inspecting the area, he relaxed. Resting for a short while, he pulled out the Shadow Blade. Now, the blade was filled with cracks. The battle with Qing Xue from the Heavenly Joy Pavilion, though the opponent was slain, had pushed the Shadow Blade to its limit.
"The reward this time is not worth losing this artifact."
Shaking his head, Jiang Hao placed the blade aside as a mere display.
Opening his status panel, he reviewed his current state.
[Name: Jiang Hao]
[Age: Twenty]
[Cultivation: Foundation Establishment Completion]
[Techniques: Hundred Revolutions of Heavenly Sound, Primordial Chaos Heart Scripture]
[Divine Abilities: Nine Revolutions Death Substitution (Unique), Daily Appraisal, Clear and Tranquil Heart]
[Vital Qi: 9/100 (Not cultivatable)]
[Cultivation Progress: 11/100 (Cultivatable)]
[Divine Abilities: 1/3 (Unobtainable)]
"Only about nine months since reaching Foundation Establishment, and already at completion. For the first time, I feel that the Golden Core stage is within reach."