Chapter 1208: Reconnaissance

The wind blew through the window, dispersing the stifling air, but the silence, thick as if frozen, lingered in the room.

The sudden revelation of the Six Paths and the myths swept through the minds of the five reincarnators like a storm, shattering their thoughts into fragments, leaving them unable to form coherent words for a long while.

Having experienced so many reincarnation worlds, they had all, at some point, entertained the thought of uncovering the secrets of the myths or the true identity of the Six Paths. But never had they imagined learning it in such a simple, effortless manner—it was almost absurd and ironic.

What in the world was going on?

What kind of nightmare world was this?!

Amidst the chaos, panic, confusion, and shock, including Yu Jinghua, they all shared the same feeling—loss.

Yes, loss!

Setting aside the Six Paths’ forced missions and the dangers of reincarnation, being part of a mysterious organization with an omnipotent “leader,” where one could exchange for all sorts of wondrous things as long as they paid the price, then descend into bizarre worlds to alter local events or change others’ fates—all of this had given most reincarnators a strong sense of superiority.

Thus, when facing “natives,” they often looked down upon them, standing aloof above the world. Even when acting with goodwill, it was a condescending kindness, like deities playing in the mortal realm, helping mortals fulfill their wishes.

But in this nightmare world, even the seemingly omnipotent “leader” of the Six Paths had been stripped bare, exposed before the world. Their sense of superiority and condescension had been utterly shattered, leaving nothing behind.

The Six Paths were indeed incredibly powerful, but in this nightmare world, they were merely one of the strongest, not the only one. There were plenty of experts who could rival them!

Thus, the mystery faded, the halo dimmed.

“This nightmare world is too terrifying…” Mao Jin murmured after a long silence.

This wasn’t the first time he had lamented something similar, but this time was different—it carried a hint of the fear they once held for the Six Paths.

Luan Yaqian, her thoughts wandering, responded, “The All-Worlds Communication Talisman can connect to the so-called myriad realms. If the Yuanhuang Immortal Venerable of the Jade Void Palace wished, he could probably become the master of the Six Paths of Reincarnation…”

The big boss here could be more accurately described as Six Paths-level!

The others snapped out of their daze, piecing their shattered thoughts back together, and let out meaningless yet heartfelt sighs.

After a quarter of an hour, the group, still in a dreamlike state, returned to the main topic.

Mao Jin said gravely, “Memorize all the parts about the Six Paths and the myths in the Defense Manual. They might prove invaluable in the future.”

These were secrets countless reincarnators had dreamed of obtaining!

No matter how easily they had come by them, they were still priceless secrets—though, for reincarnators from this nightmare world, they might be worthless.

At this point, Yu Jinghua spoke up, “Actually, we might also be able to uncover some secrets about ‘Immortal Trace.'”

“Huh?” The other four looked at her blankly.

If this really was the work of “Immortal Trace,” it would mean they had deep ties with the Great Zhou Dynasty and this nightmare world. How could their secrets possibly be exposed?

Were they supposed to kidnap high-ranking officials of Great Zhou—those with access to such classified information?

Yu Jinghua explained, “I took a closer look. The ‘Celestial Emperor’ Han Guang of ‘Myth’ wasn’t captured, and the Demon Sect didn’t suffer a devastating blow. This shows they’re adept at hiding, but it also means ‘Immortal Trace’ isn’t omnipotent.”

“If this really was ‘Immortal Trace’s’ doing, would the ‘Celestial Emperor’ just let it slide? Even if he didn’t retaliate immediately, simply leaking some of ‘Immortal Trace’s’ secrets would be enough to sow discord. Where there’s light, there’s shadow. No matter how capable Great Zhou is at enshrining deities, they can’t erase all the filth. A city as vast as Changle must have its dark corners. If the demonic factions wanted, they could spread certain secrets far and wide.”

“The reason we haven’t found anything is likely because Great Zhou has obscured the surface. If we can connect with the underworld, we’ll eventually uncover some of ‘Immortal Trace’s’ secrets and learn the real identities of some of their members.”

As for what they would do after discovering these identities, Yu Jinghua didn’t elaborate, but Mao Jin and the others already had their own plans—such as making contact with “Immortal Trace.” Under the protection of the “Primordial Heavenly Venerate,” whose power rivaled the Six Paths, they might finally break free from the cycle of reincarnation and no longer live in perpetual danger!

The thought flashed through their minds, but none dared voice it—doing so would mean instant annihilation.

Looking at Yu Jinghua, Mao Jin suddenly sighed. “Jinghua, do you regret refusing ‘Immortal Trace’s’ recruitment back then?”

Yu Jinghua replied, “I feel loss, but no regret. At the time, they only wanted me to join.”

Her tone was flat, seemingly devoid of emotion, but the deep affection hidden beneath moved Mao Jin and the others. The usually mechanical Yu Jinghua harbored such intense, profound feelings.

“Good! Our team has survived mission after mission because we stand united, sharing life and death. You’ve never failed us, and we’ll never fail you!” Mao Jin declared passionately.

After this emotional exchange, Yu Jinghua regained her composure. “Investigating ‘Immortal Trace’ isn’t urgent. We can weave it into our separate efforts to establish clean backgrounds and find ways to infiltrate Prince Jin’s residence.”

The five of them had to blend in separately—otherwise, they’d draw too much attention!

Luan Yaqian chuckled. “Given how mind-boggling this nightmare world is, we might not even need to investigate. We could just step outside and see a sign for ‘Immortal Trace Office’ hanging in the most conspicuous place…”

The well-timed joke lightened the heavy atmosphere.

—

Two months later, the five pretended to be mere fellow villagers, each finding work and fully immersing themselves in their roles.

One night, in Jiao Li’s dilapidated rented room, the team secretly gathered to discuss their next major move—infiltrating Prince Jin’s residence!

They avoided using the All-Worlds Communication Talisman, wary of anything controlled by Great Zhou’s Six Fan Gates or the Jade Void Palace of Kunlun.

This caution stemmed from an early mission in a technological world, where they’d been awed by the convenience of remote communication and carelessly discussed their mission in a chat group. They were soon discovered by cyber police and raided by local authorities, suffering a major setback. Fortunately, they hadn’t yet begun their “plot” or mentioned reincarnation, and the Six Paths had provided them with legitimate identities, so they only received a verbal warning.

Since then, they’d been extra cautious with similar tools.

“We haven’t had time to investigate ‘Immortal Trace,’ but I’ve finally found a lead…” Zhu Tianming, the team’s expert in mental arts, was sharing his findings when he suddenly stopped—someone was approaching the room.

“It’s Old Zhang. The guy’s a heavy drinker—no one in the residence can outdrink him except me. Probably here for another round,” Jiao Li said after sensing the newcomer. “I’ll get rid of him quickly.”

Yu Jinghua and the others nodded, using their skills to hide in the cramped room.

Knock, knock, knock. After a pause, Jiao Li walked over, grumbling, “Who is it? Oh, Brother Zhang! Here for another drink?”

Old Zhang, a burly man, carried a wine jar and a package of cooked food, laughing heartily. “The wife’s nagging. Told her I had business with you to get some peace.”

They set up bowls and chopsticks, poured wine, and downed a bowl each without a word.

After a few rounds, Old Zhang began gossiping about the residence, concluding with a sigh. “Kids these days have no patience. All dreaming of making it big with the Spark Divine Art. So many young servants hired, but how many stay? At least you know your place, brother!”

“I may not be as learned as them, but I know one thing—not everyone can be a hero or rise to the top. Someone’s gotta sweep the floors and wash the clothes! People are born into ranks. They’re too young, too naive—they’ll regret it sooner or later!”

Jiao Li, thinking of how to send him off, casually remarked, “Aren’t there immortal arts to summon laborers to do the chores?”

“Hey, you know a lot! Can you read?” Old Zhang asked, surprised.

“A little. I browse the All-Worlds Network sometimes,” Jiao Li said modestly.

Old Zhang sighed. “My downfall is illiteracy. But I’ve got ears and friends—I know just as much as what’s on that network!”

Jiao Li’s interest piqued. “I’ve been reading the ‘Great Zhou Defense Manual.’ You know about that?”

“Of course! The ward chief made sure us illiterates heard it,” Old Zhang boasted.

“I’ve been wondering—the manual mentions the Six Paths and ‘Myth,’ but not ‘Immortal Trace.’ I’ve heard ‘Immortal Trace’ is part of the Six Paths too,” Jiao Li ventured, not expecting much.

Old Zhang snorted. “How could ‘Immortal Trace’ be in there? The Six Fan Gates long ago—” He mimed wiping something away.

“Brother Zhang, are you saying ‘Immortal Trace’ is on good terms with Great Zhou?” Jiao Li feigned shock. Yu Jinghua and the others pricked up their ears.

Old Zhang took a swig and hummed a tune. “Better than good…”

He lowered his voice. “Even Prince Jin is one of ‘Immortal Trace’s’ people!”

“What?!” Jiao Li’s shock was genuine.

Prince Jin, a deity-level figure, was a member of ‘Immortal Trace’? He knew all about the Six Paths of Reincarnation?

Mao Jin and the others felt their minds explode again. Prince Jin was a member of ‘Immortal Trace’—their target was a member of ‘Immortal Trace’!

Another deity-level member?!