Half a year had passed with Jiang Hao staying on Broken Hearts Cliff, yet he still kept an eye on Liu Xingchen. Somehow, there had been no news from him for quite a while.
Apart from Liu Xingchen, even that woman had not shown up.
This gave him the perfect opportunity to nurture his body and spirit, honing his state of mind.
Yet, because of the last appraisal, he couldn't help but worry about Liu Xingchen.
Still, he couldn't find the words to warn him and when he saw him again, he immediately noticed something odd.
With the help of the Nameless Secret Manual, he vaguely sensed something unusual in Liu Xingchen's presence, something faint.
Could it be dragon aura?
"Has the takeover succeeded? Or is it about to succeed?"
Without hesitation, he activated the appraisal.
[Liu Xingchen: True Disciple of Vast Heaven Sect, born with dragon evil aura, at the peak of the Golden Core stage. Currently an undercover agent at the Law Enforcement Peak of Heavenly Sound Sect, idly watching a remnant dragon soul attempt to take over his body. The other party's cautious demeanor only adds to his boredom. He befriended you to approach the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower and enjoy the show, and he has considerable interest in you.]
Jiang Hao was taken aback.
What was going on?
Seeing the appraisal result, Jiang Hao, who had always been calm, was momentarily stunned.
Even questioning whether he was hallucinating.
Watching idly as a dragon remnant attempts to take him over because he was bored?
Would any sane person find this boring?
Jiang Hao couldn't help but be amazed by the quality of Vast Heaven Sect's true disciples.
Someone like Liu Xingchen was truly a rare find.
It's just unclear if this is common in Vast Heaven Sect.
"As a disciple of the Demonic Sect, seeing such talented sect members indeed puts pressure on me."
Fortunately, for the time being, Liu Xingchen posed no threat; otherwise, Jiang Hao would have been uneasy.
This appraisal also clarified that his previous worries were somewhat unnecessary.
He should focus more on his own concerns.
A full six months had passed, and the rumors had mostly died down. If someone intended trouble, they would have already come.
Yet, the Heavenly Saint Sect hadn't shown any reaction, leaving him unsure if they gave up or if Senior Sister Ming Yi had taken care of it.
"It's been months and Junior Brother seems more composed," Liu Xingchen remarked with a smile.
"Senior Brother jests," Jiang Hao replied courteously with a bow.
After exchanging greetings, they proceeded in the direction of the Spirit Herb Garden together.
Ahead of them, a rabbit darted to the side of a stream, occasionally catching fish.
Though it played occasionally, it never fell behind.
"Your rabbit has remarkably high spiritual intelligence for its stage.
"To have such intelligence at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment is rare," Liu Xingchen praised.
Typically, spirit beasts during this stage are either just beginning to develop intelligence or haven't yet.
And those born with such intelligence often exceed the Foundation Establishment stage at birth.
Thus, it was indeed rare for it to be so small and intelligent.
Jiang Hao merely commented, "It gives me trouble rather easily."
"Your days seem quite leisurely, Junior Brother. It's been half a year since the Azure Sky Mountain incident.
"Elder Xuanyu will conclude soon, and the Profound Heaven Sect might not take long to negotiate."
"Have you heard?" Liu Xingchen inquired.
"I haven't," Jiang Hao replied truthfully.
He knew this matter would greatly affect him, unsure of what troubles it might bring.
Being the tenth in merit, his entanglement with Xuanyuan Tai was inevitable.
At that time, the prediction that he'd be blamed might come true.
"If the Profound Heaven Sect or the Wind Thunder Sect sends someone, it could pose a problem for you," Liu Xingchen warned gently.
After a moment's hesitation, Jiang Hao couldn't hold back his doubts any longer:
"Normally, it wouldn't be possible for someone at my level to stop Xuanyuan Tai. Why target me?
"Shouldn't Brother Barbarian Dragon be the one involved?"
Liu Xingchen chuckled, "Brother Barbarian Dragon is the chief tenth disciple, and dealing with him would complicate matters."
Is it just easier to find someone who appears less troublesome to deal with? Jiang Hao sighed internally.
It's as though everyone just accepts it helplessly.
"This matter is indeed complex. It may not implicate you, but be prepared nonetheless," Liu Xingchen kindly suggested.
"By the way, be cautious about Hundred Bone Forest, as they're cooperating more with your Spirit Herb Garden."
"It seems a true disciple from Broken Hearts Cliff is involved."
"Are the spirit herbs problematic?" Jiang Hao inquired.
"Impossible, given the Bone Flower issue resulting in a true disciple's death."
"This has greatly impacted those at Hundred Bone Forest, making them cautious now.
"But just because the herbs aren't problematic doesn't mean there's no issue," Liu Xingchen looked around and spoke softly.
"Have you heard of Bai Ye?" he asked next.
"Bai Ye?" Jiang Hao was surprised, but answered calmly, "I haven't."
"That's normal, as Bai Ye is quite reclusive, with few who know of him.
"However, being noticed by him would surely be a problem. His talent is immense," Liu Xingchen expressed with a trace of fear.
"In the realm of spirit herbs especially, his understanding and use are unparalleled, trapping people unknowingly."
"Has this senior brother targeted me?" Jiang Hao felt a pang of unease.
He was aware of Bai Ye's unusualness, evident from certain protective items.
He had used most such items to enrich his courtyard's earth.
Fortunately, the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower allowed him to hide their origin.
These protective items were too dangerous to carry, though he no longer feared searches from the Law Enforcement Peak.
After this ordeal, Jiang Hao thought of finding a hidden storage artifact for safety.
"Likely, after the collaboration," Liu Xingchen warned.
"How strong is Senior Brother Bai Ye?" Jiang Hao asked, a question he long wondered.
"Very, stronger than me," Liu Xingchen replied after a pause, contemplating his answer.
"Though not among the chief ten disciples, his talent closely rivals them."
Jiang Hao remained silent, understanding this meant Bai Ye's power surpassed the Golden Core stage, close to Chief Barbarian Dragon.
Currently, he stood no chance against him.
As a former outer disciple now at the bottom, Jiang Hao knew his limitations well.
"Don't worry too much, as being linked with traitors means your life isn't in immediate danger," Liu Xingchen assured with a smile.
Hearing that, Jiang Hao felt it rather absurd that he'd rely on traitors for safety.
"Also, sect missions are upcoming," Liu Xingchen mentioned unexpectedly.
"Did you realize a year and a half has passed?" he inquired as Jiang Hao showed bewilderment.
"Although your name appears, this time's tasks differ; They're simple.
"Such as selecting new disciples."
Selecting new disciples? Jiang Hao mused, pondering who would join a demonic sect.