Chapter 80

Li Mang's move to divert the trouble eastward successfully put Yang Fan and Cai Cai in opposition, and the fire immediately began to burn.

"Cai Cai, before the investigation, you should give me an explanation!" Yang Fan adjusted his black-rimmed glasses and took the lead in confronting him: "You said I killed Liu Junchun and framed the two former secretaries of Group Nine, right?"

The people beside Duan Xingde and the Discipline Group also stared intently at Cai Cai, with the eyes of hawks watching a mouse. If it was confirmed that Cai Cai was a follower of Chi You, he would undoubtedly be a big catch. Their investigation would be enough to become the capital for their promotion and boasting.

Cai Cai's face turned an ugly shade of green. He already hated Li Mang to the bone, but this matter was not enough to leave him at a loss. Since Yang Fan already knew what he was thinking, Cai Cai decided to speak frankly: "I am not trying to frame Manager Yang. Manager Yang is deeply scheming, and my suspicions are not groundless. If I had enough evidence, I would have reported to the Discipline Group long ago!"

"I can't stop your suspicions, but to say these things to Li Mang without any evidence, is that what a manager should do?" Yang Fan pressed relentlessly.

"… I'm sorry, this is my mistake, and I am willing to accept the organization's punishment!" However, Cai Cai's response was surprising. He not only apologized but also bowed deeply.

"…" Yang Fan was speechless, and Duan Xingde beside him was also at a loss. Cai Cai's admission of fault left little suspicion, and even if they continued to investigate, they would likely find no useful clues. In fact, they had already investigated Cai Cai regarding Liu Junchun's death, but found nothing. As for the mistake Cai Cai now admitted to, it would at most result in a public reprimand, far from toppling him.

"Unfortunately…" Li Mang sighed inwardly. Although Cai Cai was deliberately manipulated by him, whether or not he was an internal hawk, Li Mang did not want him to have it easy. However, he did not expect Cai Cai to be so patient. The earlier he bowed his head, the lower the cost, and it would not hurt him physically.

This interrogation was easily passed by Li Mang. Cai Cai was unscathed, and Yang Fan remained shrouded in mystery. Seeing that the investigation made no substantial progress, the people from the Intelligence Group and the Discipline Group left reluctantly after recording the statements.

"Li Mang, you're quite good, knowing how to scheme. But do you think diverting the target of the internal spy can protect yourself? That's a bit too naive," Cai Cai mocked Li Mang's ignorance in front of Yang Fan, coldly snorted, and turned to leave. This move was also calculated.

"Manager Cai, if you continue to sow discord, be careful, I will report you to the Discipline Group. Don't think you can escape just because we can't find evidence of your misconduct!" Li Mang responded with a cold snort, showing his hatred for Cai Cai.

"Hehe!" Cai Cai just smiled in a way that was full of meaning, and his figure disappeared from their sight.

With the others gone, the courtyard of Group Nine was left with only Li Mang and Yang Fan. However, Li Mang did not feel at ease. He still forced a smile and said to Yang Fan: "I'm sorry, Manager Yang, I failed to complete the mission this time."

"No, you did very well, better than I expected." Yang Fan shook his head, not hiding his praise: "The situation this time was complicated. The fact that you returned alive has already surprised us. As for the mission, it was not easy. The organization has already canceled this mission for you, and there will be no negative record."

"Thank you, Manager Yang!" Li Mang was very grateful.

"You're welcome, rest for another day!" Yang Fan waved, indicating that Li Mang could leave.

Watching Li Mang's departing figure, Yang Fan's eyes showed a strange expression. Li Mang's attitude towards him was good, but such goodness in this situation was not normal. He could sense Li Mang's caution and even hostility towards him.

"Cai Cai!" Yang Fan's eyes turned cold.

Back in his courtyard, Li Mang first cleaned the place and then went to the canteen to get various dishes to fill the refrigerator. After doing these things, he came to the library's Xuan Building, hoping to find information about spirit beasts. However, in the vast sea of books, how could he find what he was looking for?

He quickly flipped through the books, searching from morning to afternoon until his eyes hurt, but he still did not find any information about the crystal dragon, let alone a method to awaken the crystal dragon that had turned into a statue.

"What are you looking for?"

The question from behind made Li Mang's body stiffen, and he broke out in a cold sweat. Someone had approached him without him noticing, which was very dangerous. Turning around, he saw the old man who guarded the library, Zang Chao… The old man was actually a powerful figure, showing that every corner of the Yanhuang Academy was full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers.

"Senior!" Li Mang obediently called out. In the world of cultivators, the capable are respected, and the old man's age made him worthy of the title.

"What are you looking for?" The old man smiled and asked.

"…" Li Mang hesitated for a moment, knowing that his blind search was not a good method. Since the old man was the librarian, he might know where the information he needed was, so he humbly asked: "Junior is looking for information about the crystal dragon, but I haven't found it."

"Crystal dragon?" The old man looked at Li Mang in surprise, casually pulled out a book from the shelf in front of him, titled "Chronicles of Oddities," and slowly said: "The crystal dragon is extremely rare, and it is not recorded in ordinary texts. Most people only know of this spirit beast but do not know its uses… Page 309 has the information you need. Next time, ask me directly instead of messing up the books on the shelves."

"…" Li Mang took the book with some doubt, quickly found page 309, and was stunned by the content he saw, which was titled "Crystal Dragon." Watching the old man's departing figure, he could not help but ask: "Senior, can you remember the contents of all the books in the library?"

"Talent, I can't help it!" The old man said without turning back.

"… Such amazing talent, I don't want it." Li Mang could only envy and be jealous. Memorizing the contents of all the books in the library required an incredibly developed brain.

He then focused on the information in his hand, which was written in ancient Chinese, making it a bit difficult to read, but he had read a few years of school, so he was not completely in the dark.

"Crystal dragon, transformed from a crystal dragon snake after a tribulation, a water attribute spirit beast, transparent like crystal, can summon clouds and rain, can become invisible, and becomes stronger in water…"

Li Mang translated word by word, not missing any meaning. At the end, he finally found the information he needed: "The crystal dragon can change size. Before its life force is exhausted, it will transform into a statue to stop energy consumption, able to extend its lifespan for a hundred years. During this period, it can be revived by drinking blood, but not just any blood; it needs to be immersed in spirit blood for a long time."

"Spirit blood? Can the blood of a spirit beast work?" Li Mang asked, re-reading it and thinking it was likely the case. If spirit beast blood was needed, the blood of a mystic turtle should be worth a try.

Getting this information, Li Mang was delighted, but as he continued reading, he was disappointed not to find a method to subdue the crystal dragon. Awakening it was not his original intention; subduing it was his ultimate goal. Awakening it rashly might result in being bitten back, and the power of the crystal dragon was not to be taken lightly.

Helpless, Li Mang turned to the miscellaneous cultivation books, finding various methods to subdue spirit beasts. Unfortunately, most of them were not feasible for him, except for one: forced subjugation.