Chapter 25

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...

Shenmu Town.

In one of the superior guest rooms at the Shenmu Inn, the Deng Qianwan couple, Jin Wei, Zeng Yinyin, Xiaodie, and two other middle-aged men of similar age to Jin Wei, a total of seven people, gathered together to discuss how to pursue Shi Huang.

The meeting was chaired by Deng Qianwan, with his wife assisting.

Deng Qianwan's energy seemed to have somewhat recovered; although his voice was still hoarse, it was no longer intermittent.

"… Gentlemen, following the master's plan, we have successfully injured Shi Huang and planted the Heart-Synchronizing Charm in him." Deng Qianwan paused here and glanced at his wife. His wife remained calm and showed no change. Feeling embarrassed, Deng Qianwan had to turn back and continue, "… This person has now fled into the vast forest. With heavy snow and dense woods, it is difficult to track him. I hope everyone will assist us in capturing this corrupt official and major thief. Not only will the master reward us with secret treasures, but I, Deng Qianwan, will also offer substantial thanks."

Zeng Yinyin and Xiaodie had agreed to help this time out of respect for Mrs. Deng. Jin Wei had come to pursue Zeng Yinyin and had no interest in Shi Huang. While Deng Qianwan spoke at length, the three of them were somewhat distracted, whispering to each other. Only the two newly joined middle-aged experts listened intently to Deng Qianwan's introduction of Shi Huang's current situation.

One of the men, with a square face, asked, "Since Jingfu has planted the Heart-Synchronizing Charm, why not activate it immediately to determine the exact location of the traitor? We can then rush in and easily capture him."

Deng Qianwan looked at his wife, but she ignored him.

Embarrassed again, Deng Qianwan smiled bitterly, "Shengchang, you ask a good question! Although we have the Heart-Synchronizing Charm, to activate it, my wife and I need to work together to channel the charm's power, which can only be done twice a day. Otherwise, the charm will cause unbearable pain and self-destruct. Moreover, for someone of Shi Huang's level, any attempt to locate him will surely alert him…"

Shengchang sneered, "The master said, dead or alive. In any case, we must not let the tiger return to the mountain. If he returns to Cangwu, it will hinder our plans. How to proceed is up to you, Jingfu, and we will do our best to assist."

Another man with a clear face and a neatly trimmed beard asked, "Brother, can Shi Huang really match your combined efforts?"

Deng Qianwan lowered his head, "Indeed, this time, we need Brother Nanzhu to put in more effort."

This man was named Tang Nanzhu, the second-in-command of the Manxi Clan and the husband's wife's cousin. Shengchang was the chief elder of the Chenxi Clan, both Dark Realm experts.

Mrs. Deng said, "Brother, my husband and I have done our best but could not stop him. He even kidnapped a hostage and fled."

Tang Nanzhu nodded silently.

"Who is the hostage?" Shengchang asked.

"A peak Bright Realm youth, who seems to have a significant background. Shi Huang suddenly kidnapped him when he fled, and we don't know if he is alive or dead."

The two middle-aged men exchanged glances, their expressions changing.

Mrs. Deng, who was observant and sensitive, immediately asked, "Brother, Sheng, do you know him?"

Both shook their heads. Tang Nanzhu said, "He seems to be a junior mentioned by the master, who should be arriving in the area soon according to the schedule."

A junior from the master's family? The Deng couple were surprised. Deng Qianwan blurted out, "What does the master think?"

Tang Nanzhu smiled, "Of course, we should try our best to save him."

Shengchang said, "The Heirloom Auction of the Merchant Family will start in five days. We must quickly deal with Shi Huang and retrieve the divine bell to avoid any complications."

Everyone nodded silently.

Shengchang suddenly remembered something and asked Tang Nanzhu in a low voice, "Isn't Jingfu Tan also in Songmu Town?"

Tang Nanzhu glanced at Deng Qianwan and remained silent. Shengchang clicked his tongue, thinking, "Forget I said that."

The Xiongxi and Wuxi Clans were at odds over the归属 of the Chisou Tribe. Since Deng Qianwan was leading here, Tan Santuan would definitely not come over.

Meanwhile, Xiaodie said to Jin Wei, "Speaking of this young master, named Qin Yu, he is truly a remarkable person, with outstanding talent, don't you think, Uncle Jin?"

Jin Wei frowned; Xiaodie was deliberately doing this, knowing he didn't want to answer.

"Miss, Qin Yu being captured by Shi Huang is also a misfortune," Xiaodie said to Zeng Yinyin.

Zeng Yinyin looked at Xiaodie with her cool eyes and said, "Yes, since we know him, if we meet him on the way, we will try to save him. However, Shi Huang is ruthless, so be careful if you encounter them alone."

Xiaodie was the weakest among the seven, but her sense of justice was the strongest.

"With Master Jin here, Xiaodie is not afraid!" Xiaodie said.

Jin Wei glanced at her, gave a dry laugh, and said to Zeng Yinyin, "It's cold and damp at night, Yinyin, you should put on a coat."

Zeng Yinyin smiled faintly but did not respond.

Deng Qianwan, who was chairing the meeting, suddenly looked at the three of them, "Master Jin, you will have to work hard these few days, searching to the west."

Jin Wei's eyebrows twitched oddly, about to refuse. Mrs. Deng added, "Please, Yinyin, go with him and be careful."

Zeng Yinyin replied, "I will follow Sister's instructions."

Jin Wei glared at Deng Qianwan and said nothing.

Mrs. Deng continued, "If you encounter the kidnapped youth, please help if you can. If not, please launch a signal flare, and we will come to assist."

Zeng Yinyin nodded in agreement.

Mrs. Deng looked at Jin Wei.

Jin Wei was displeased, "A mere ant of a boy, and she gives such detailed instructions, is it necessary?"

Unable to resist Mrs. Deng's gentle and persistent gaze, he reluctantly nodded, feeling a slight irritation in his heart.

...

Twenty miles east of Shenmu Town, there was a town called Songmu.

The two small inns in Songmu Town were also full, with no vacant rooms.

Therefore, some latecomers had to rent rooms at a high price from the townspeople.

Those who were unwilling to compromise could find a large open area outside the town, clear the snow, dig out the ice, and set up their own tents.

There weren't many such people, as not many could endure the severe cold of the Shennongjia region.

Tan Santuan was one of them.

On this day, the sun was high in the sky, and Tan Santuan was in his large tent, pulling his beard and roaring in anger.

"You bunch of useless fools! I did all this, and you couldn't even keep the person. What good are you?"

In the tent, which was ten zhang in diameter and very clean, with three bonfires burning, the sound of crackling fire provided some warmth in the cold and gloomy weather.

Below the tent, the barefoot warriors of the barbarian tribes were kneeling, with only one standing at the front.

The one standing was Xiao Shuai Tan Xiong, who said shamefully, "Master Jingfu, that old man is too powerful. Many of my men were killed or injured!"

Tan Santuan's eyes flashed with anger, "You lost the person I entrusted to you and still dare to talk back? Xiong, you are getting more and more bold."

Tan Xiong, frightened, quickly knelt and kowtowed, "Xiong dares not!"

"Was your courage broken by that old man?"

Tan Xiong immediately raised his head, his eyes flashing with determination, "Xiong and his men are willing to fight to the death for Master Jingfu."

"Very good, get out!" Tan Santuan nodded, his eyes losing their fierce light.

The group of warriors slunk away.

Tan Santuan's eyes moved, and he pinched a few leopard whiskers, feeling extremely anxious.

"Mother asked me to seize the divine bell, saying it would be useful at the auction. But I made a mistake and let Shi Huang escape. Damn, even with the charm planted by Deng Qianwan, this old man is still so troublesome, and thirty-six elite elders couldn't contain him. What should I do? Hmm?"

As he thought, he saw Tan Xiong sneak back in.

"What is it?"

"Master Jingfu, a guest has come, claiming to be Xu Shu from the Shuiming Manor."

"Xu Shu from the Shuiming Manor?" Tan Santuan was taken aback. He had heard of the Shuiming Manor, and he knew a little about Xu Shu, but he didn't know this person.

"He says he comes from Xiangyang and has news about your relatives."

"Oh, then please have him come in."

A moment later, Tan Xiong led the way, followed by two guests, who entered the tent.

The one in front was a tall young scholar, with a fierce and determined look, walking calmly.

Tan Santuan's eyes moved over his face and then landed on the person behind him.

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