In the dead of night, Jiang Hao was resting with his eyes closed in his little dark room. As he drifted into sleep, he felt as if he could see the path taken by Li Kai.
He also saw the figure of Li Kai himself.
Unconsciously, he followed along, as if driven by instinct.
Then suddenly, a hint of purple qi flickered in Jiang Hao’s vision.
This restored his clarity, yet he remained in his dream.
"Someone is using an enchantment on me?"
The unexpected dream caused Jiang Hao to break out in a cold sweat.
If he had not been cultivating the Primordial Chaos Heart Scripture, he might have ended up battling Li Kai and Ming Zuoqian in his dreams again.
That was close.
Afterward, he turned to leave the forest, showing signs of fear.
He wanted to follow but didn’t dare to.
Just as he turned to leave, Li Kai suddenly appeared and attacked him.
Instinctively defending himself, Jiang Hao questioned Li Kai’s motives.
But Li Kai gave no response, only continuing to attack.
In the end, Jiang Hao was severely injured and fell to the ground.
Li Kai’s bone sword, having escaped his grip, came hurtling toward him.
At the last moment, Jiang Hao awoke.
In the small dark room, he took a deep breath, feeling quite uncomfortable.
He felt as though something had locked onto him, likely some great cultivator’s doing.
This incident made him realize that the consequences of killing a true disciple in the Heavenly Sound Sect were significant.
Next time, he should lure them outside.
No wonder many in the Heavenly Joy Pavilion harbored grudges, yet dared not act against him.
Though he wasn't a true disciple, his name was still in the Law Enforcement Hall.
Killing him would have no less impact than killing a true disciple, possibly even more.
In the Lawless Heaven Tower, who among them would dare to act?
Emerging might render them useless.
In the morning.
Standing outside the Law Enforcement Peak, Jiang Hao watched the sunrise.
It was unexpected.
It was only the fourth day, and he was already out.
Much quicker than anticipated.
Meaning the rabbit wasn’t discovered, and he hadn’t been suspected of anything.
"Congratulations, Junior Brother. You came out earlier than anyone," Liu Xingchen approached with a smile.
"Weren't we supposed to be held for seven days?" Jiang Hao asked after greeting him, voicing his doubt.
"Due to your merits, this matter hasn’t been settled yet. Just having your name up there puts immense pressure on the Law Enforcement Hall, let alone keeping you detained?" Liu Xingchen said as they walked outside together.
"Moreover, the Broken Hearts Cliff isn’t for show. Your contributions there bring tangible benefits, being taken by the Law Enforcement Hall haphazardly would cause pressure from them as well.
So if you’re innocent in the first round, they have to let you out directly.
Others will have to wait another three or four days."
Didn't they pin it on someone else? Jiang Hao was surprised.
How unexpectedly fair.
"Surprised, Junior Brother?" Liu Xingchen chuckled as they walked:
"Though we're called the Demonic Sect, we're not just some rogue sect.
It's forbidden to slaughter comrades. But if a culprit can't be found, the Law Enforcement Hall keeps watch, investigating actively if it reoccurs.
They might even use the Heavenly Origin Divine Mirror.
But don’t think the sect is entirely safe; minor injuries or slight injuries are often overlooked by the Law Enforcement Hall.
It's mostly left to each division.
If the situation worsens, then the Law Enforcement Hall will intervene."
So it appears that everyone is safe, but it is actually quite dangerous. Jiang Hao realized internally.
"Junior Brother, once back, be cautious of Hundred Bone Forest," Liu Xingchen reminded suddenly.
Jiang Hao was puzzled:
"Why?"
“Why?” Liu Xingchen laughed:
"Do you think you blend in here, Junior Brother?
With your name linked to the Law Enforcement Hall, tied to several traitors, and your merits in attacking Azure Sky Mountain in the top ten of the sect.
Regardless of coincidence, it draws attention.
Many were captured, but you outshine them.
If you had to watch anyone here, would you choose someone else?
Moreover, with the discoveries about the Bone Flowers, there's more behind it than it seems.
If they’ve taken an interest in you, tread carefully, Junior Brother."
Jiang Hao was startled, surprised at just how conspicuous he had become.
Although unintentionally, he was indeed too noticeable and needed to lay low.
Quietly disperse the attention.
As for the Hundred Bone Forest, as long as he didn’t exit Broken Hearts Cliff, he might be fine.
"Actually, in the sect, becoming a true disciple might be more favorable." Liu Xingchen suggested, looking at Jiang Hao:
"If you become a true disciple, even if they focus on you, it would reduce trouble."
"But once outside, there are no limits," Jiang Hao remarked.
Once able to venture out, the Heavenly Joy Pavilion would find a way.
Currently, the Law Enforcement Hall was like an insurmountable wall; without it, even Broken Hearts Cliff might breach.
Once outside, the Heavenly Joy Pavilion might act, and if the Hundred Bone Forest targeted him, they'd likely make a move as well.
Not to mention Falling Sunset Sect, Profound Heaven Sect, and Heavenly Saint Sect.
How could a mere Golden Core survive in that?
"The best way might be to become a true disciple and then get your name onto the list," Liu Xingchen proposed.
Become a true disciple and then onto the list? Jiang Hao was surprised. It seemed a viable route.
Yet, it was not easy.
Firstly, getting off the list wasn't difficult.
Next, becoming a true disciple, which was mostly luck, had about a seventy percent chance.
Finally, getting back on the list, which was the hardest part.
"Can I get back on the list after coming off?" Jiang Hao inquired.
"No, as it stands, you can't.
Unless Junior Brother gets involved with another traitor.
But as a true disciple, even if linked, the Law Enforcement Hall wouldn’t easily hang your name without evidence.
Unless the situation escalates significantly," Liu Xingchen explained roughly.
Jiang Hao: "..."
If he entangled himself with another traitor, he'd create problems for himself.
Moreover, it was too risky.
He even suspected Liu Xingchen was using him to pinpoint a traitor.
Merely watching amused.
After hesitating, Jiang Hao activated his Divine Appraisal Technique.
[Liu Xingchen: Vast Heaven Sect true disciple, born with dragon slaying aura, Golden Core full realm, undercover in Heavenly Sound Sect’s Law Enforcement Hall because he finds it dull, befriended you to get close to the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower, and to watch the show. He suspects you might be behind the killings. Currently being possessed by a true dragon remnant soul.]
Most of it wasn’t a concern, but the final sentence left Jiang Hao stunned.
He nearly gasped for breath.
Liu Xingchen was being possessed by a true dragon remnant soul?
Glancing at him, there seemed to be no noticeable change.
This was troubling, Jiang Hao was concerned.
Given the current state, Liu Xingchen was not a threat but rather a support.
Once possessed by a true dragon remnant soul, the balance would shift.
‘Do I warn him? Or how should I go about it?’
Thinking it over, he realized he couldn’t warn him.
It would risk exposing himself, and if the true dragon succeeded, it might retaliate against him.
He could only keep watching and act if necessary.
Midway, they parted ways, with Jiang Hao returning alone to Broken Hearts Cliff.
After greeting his master, he headed back to his residence.
The rabbit was lying near the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower, surveying the surroundings, seemingly wanting to do something.
Upon seeing Jiang Hao, the rabbit jumped in surprise.
It quickly spoke: "Master, you're back?"