PFC Chapter 227 Clues Lead to a New Crisis
Chapter 227 Clues Lead to a New Crisis
The black smoke dissipated, leaving only a deathly silence. Zhang Peng stood there, his brow furrowed, his heart filled with doubt and resentment. Ai Yuhang's mysterious disappearance at the crucial moment had once again brought the plan to uncover the mystery of the force to a standstill.
"Patriarch, what... what exactly is going on?" Wang Yongli asked, stepping forward in astonishment.
Zhang Peng slowly stood up, his gaze sweeping over his surroundings, and said in a deep voice, "There must be an extremely powerful force controlling Ai Yuhang. To be able to eliminate him right under our noses without leaving a trace, this force should not be underestimated."
Xia Lijuan also came over, her face filled with worry: "Zhang Peng, what should we do now? The trail has gone cold."
Zhang Peng pondered for a moment, a resolute glint in his eyes: "No, the trail hasn't completely died out. Although Ai Yuhang is dead, his previous actions and his last words revealed some crucial information. Since the real mastermind is so concerned about our actions, it means our investigation is on the right track and has already crossed their bottom line."
Wang Yongli nodded, his eyes thoughtful: "The patriarch is right. We can start with Ai Yuhang's previous activities. He frequently appeared near spirit stone mines and cultivation markets, so the forces behind him are likely related to spirit stone trading and mines."
Zhang Peng agreed, "That's right. Let's go back to the sect first and carefully sort out all the clues we've collected. Let's dig deeper into the spirit stone line. I don't believe they can hide it without any flaws."
Upon returning to the Qingyun Sect, Zhang Peng immediately summoned all the disciples involved in the investigation and listed all the clues they had collected. They discovered that recently, several mysterious spirit stone transactions had frequently occurred. The transaction locations were secluded, and the people involved were all very cautious, as if they were deliberately concealing something.
"The sheer volume of these spirit stone transactions, coupled with prices far below market value, suggests that a mysterious force is secretly manipulating the market by selling spirit stones at low prices to disrupt it and achieve their objectives," Zhang Peng analyzed.
Xia Lijuan pointed to one of the clues and said, "Zhang Peng, look, the source of these spirit stones all points to a place called 'Spirit Mist Valley,' which may be one of their strongholds."
Zhang Peng's eyes lit up: "Lingwu Valley? I've never heard of this place before. It seems we have to go and find out. Wang Yongli, arrange for a few capable disciples to go and gather information near Lingwu Valley. Remember, be very careful and don't alert them."
Wang Yongli accepted the order and left. While waiting for news, Zhang Peng didn't idle around; he continued to study the Chaos Spirit Technique, trying to improve his strength. He knew that facing such a powerful and mysterious enemy, improving his own strength was crucial.
A few days later, the disciples who went to gather information returned with shocking news. "Patriarch, there is indeed a mysterious force hiding in Spirit Mist Valley. The valley is heavily guarded, with traps and defensive formations everywhere. We finally managed to get close and discovered that they are stockpiling spirit stones, seemingly preparing for some large-scale event."
Zhang Peng's expression turned grave: "It seems our guess was right; Spirit Mist Valley is indeed one of their key strongholds. Their hoarding of spirit stones is likely related to the previously mentioned spirit power-driven ritual."
Wang Yongli said worriedly, "Patriarch, Lingwu Valley is so dangerous. If we go there rashly, we may never return."
Zhang Peng pondered for a moment and said, "We cannot act rashly; we must be fully prepared. On the one hand, we will continue to strengthen our surveillance of Lingwu Valley and find out their every move; on the other hand, I will contact Valley Master Qingfeng as soon as possible to see if they have any new clues, and at the same time discuss a joint attack plan on Lingwu Valley."
Just as Zhang Peng was about to contact the Valley Master of Qingfeng Valley, another piece of bad news arrived. A large-scale conflict had broken out in the cultivation market, with caravans from multiple sects being attacked and their spirit stones looted. The scene was chaotic, with heavy casualties.