Although it was a tactic to divert the topic, it wasn’t entirely unfounded. These two men in black robes, merely at the Xiantian realm, possessed explosive martial arts techniques that enhanced their cultivation—such abilities must have been bestowed upon them by their organization.
Such a generous organization would be extremely rare among the entire human race. Yet such a giant had managed to remain hidden from Li Tan for over a thousand years, just like a shop in the bustling center of a city remaining unnoticed—it was quite strange. Li Tan even suspected that You Kuang’s betrayal might have had their involvement. Therefore, it was imperative for him to uncover the truth about this organization; otherwise, he would never feel at ease.
Li Tan removed the black-robed man’s spatial ring and handed it to Tang Leyin. Tang Leyin carefully examined the spatial ring, softly revealing some information about it. Then, a pale blue soft light enveloped the spatial ring, and soon the process seemed to conclude.
“It’s done.”
Tang Leyin returned the spatial ring, and Li Tan fiddled with it for a moment before channeling his spiritual power into it.
Inside the tall black-robed man’s spatial ring were only some spare clothes and low-grade weapons, making it appear very simple and meager. In contrast, the shorter black-robed man’s spatial ring was much more flamboyant, but it was filled entirely with useless junk.
“They did a great job keeping secrets. Nothing was found.”
With a sigh, Li Tan flung the spatial ring directly into the stream. It was of no use to him now, and to prevent members of the rival organization from tracking it through special methods, even gifting it away was not an option.
This result had been anticipated, yet both of them still felt somewhat disappointed.
At this moment, Li Tan spoke.
“The trail isn’t completely cold yet. Their accomplices will definitely come looking for us.”
“What if they don’t come?”
“Don’t worry, they definitely will. They won’t allow the risk of their existence being exposed.”
Tang Leyin didn’t fully understand Li Tan’s confidence. She thought if she were one of those black-robed men’s companions, she definitely wouldn’t risk coming back to confront enemies who were already on alert.
Seeing Tang Leyin frowning slightly, Li Tan slightly elaborated.
“This isn’t the first time I’ve crossed paths with them. To them, revealing their identities seems to be the gravest offense.”
“I see.”
Though still puzzled, Tang Leyin, just like before, didn’t press further. If those people did show up again, many of these questions would likely receive at least partial answers, so there was no need to rush.
“We’ve caused quite a commotion. The city lord’s people are probably going to come. Let’s clean things up quickly.”
As Li Tan said this, he turned around, and a dagger dropped from his sleeve into his palm.
This was a habit he had developed over a long time; only by having weapons on him did he feel secure.
“Master Li, what are your plans?”
Tang Leyin looked at the dagger in Li Tan’s hand. Li Tan hesitated for a moment, quickly realizing the meaning behind her gaze, and thus responded appropriately.
“These people are under toxic curses. It would be difficult to extract any useful information from them. I previously underestimated their organization, thinking that under the current circumstances, it would be nearly impossible for them to organize a forced suicide. So taking them along would only be a burden. We might as well just kill them.”
Tang Leyin immediately displayed a conflicted expression.
Li Tan sighed helplessly and put the dagger away.
“Anyway, let’s take them to another place first.”
“Alright, you take the tall one, and I’ll take the short one.”
“No need, I can handle it alone.”
Li Tan refused Tang Leyin’s offer to help, lifting the two black-robed men like chickens. Soon, he took a nearby route with few people, climbed over the low city wall, and left Linjiang. Since both of them were also wearing long robes, there was no fear of being recognized.
Outside the city, by the edge of a forest.
The two black-robed men’s hoods fell off as they were tied to a large tree. About a kilometer away, on the official road, a young couple walked side by side.
The boy was half a head taller than the girl, his face handsome, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes. The girl wore green clothes, smiling warmly, giving off a feeling like a warm spring breeze.
“Master Li, I have some questions, not sure if it’s convenient for you to answer?”
“It’s fine, go ahead.”
Receiving Li Tan’s permission, Tang Leyin gently bit her lip before asking.
“Master, the confrontation with those two evil cultivators just now was truly amazing, but was the consumption of true energy too fast? It seemed like you only used the Nine-turns Coiling Dragon Fist once, right?”
Li Tan replied with self-mockery.
“No choice, after all, my cultivation technique is only Yellow Rank.”
Thinking back now, if he had chosen that strange Creation Star Constellation Cultivation Technique back then, the confrontation just now would have been much easier, perhaps even ending within ten moves.
“Yellow Rank?” Tang Leyin suddenly paused and turned to look at Li Tan, her expression confused, her clear eyes brimming with bewilderment.
“How could it be Yellow Rank?” In her mind, she thought Li Tan had an extremely powerful master, so the cultivation technique he practiced should at least be Earth Rank.
Thus, the Yellow Rank classification left her quite puzzled.
Knowing this reaction was coming, Li Tan smiled.
“Yeah, there were some unavoidable reasons.”
“What kind of reasons?”
“Could it be your master was stingy?”
“Cough, cough, how could that be. Let’s not talk about this anymore. Let’s move on,” Li Tan tried to change the subject when a delighted voice came from behind.
“Master Li!”
The voice was somewhat familiar. Li Tan turned around and, as expected, saw Mingde running over.
“Who is this young lady?”
Mingde curiously looked at Tang Leyin.
Tang Leyin nodded at Mingde and then turned to Li Tan.
“Master, your friend has arrived. I won’t disturb you any longer. If you need me, you can find me at the inn in front of the Pill Pavilion.”
“Ahh…” Li Tan glared unhappily at Mingde, who looked innocently back, then resignedly said.
“Alright, see you another day. If I have any news, I will definitely find you.”
“Farewell.”
After bowing, Tang Leyin turned and left. In a short while, her figure disappeared into the crowd.
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