After two days of continuous flight, Wang Li and Wang Xiangyi finally arrived at the bustling streets of the Ironwood Republic. The city was alive with activity, merchants peddling their wares, and travelers hurrying to their destinations.
Wang Li and Wang Xiangyi wasted no time and quickly made their way to an inn, where they booked a single room for their stay. As they settled in, they discussed their plans for the days ahead.
"Xiangyi, I'll start gathering information about the Blood Moon Sect," Wang Li said, his voice determined. "Meanwhile, you can focus on making connections at the Pill Tower."
Wang Xiangyi nodded in agreement, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Got it. Let's split up and cover more ground."
Over the next few days, Wang Li visited various taverns and drinking establishments in the Ironwood Republic. With a friendly smile and a generous hand, he bought drinks for the patrons and engaged them in conversation, hoping to glean some information about the elusive Blood Moon Sect.
Inside the bustling taverns, the air was thick with the scent of ale and the sound of laughter. Wang Li mingled with the locals, sharing stories and swapping gossip in an attempt to uncover any whispers of the Blood Moon Sect's presence in the city.
However, despite his best efforts, Wang Li's luck seemed to be running dry. No matter how many drinks he bought or how many conversations he struck up, he couldn't find any solid leads on the Blood Moon Sect.
Meanwhile, Wang Xiangyi stationed herself near the entrance of the Pill Tower, observing the comings and goings of its members. She watched closely, noting the hierarchy and interactions between the practitioners of the Pill Tower.
As she observed, Wang Xiangyi was careful not to draw attention to herself, blending into the crowd with ease. She listened intently to the conversations around her, hoping to catch wind of any valuable information that could aid their mission.
Despite the bustling activity of the Pill Tower, Wang Xiangyi managed to glean some useful insights into its inner workings. She noted the different ranks among the members and identified a few key individuals who seemed to hold sway within the organization.
As the days stretched into weeks, Wang Li's frustration grew with each passing moment.
Despite his best efforts, he still hadn't managed to uncover any information about the Blood Moon Sect's members. Meanwhile, Wang Xiangyi found herself facing a similar challenge as she struggled to make contact with the members of the Pill Tower.
In their cramped room at the inn, Wang Li paced back and forth, his brow furrowed in frustration. "This is getting us nowhere," he muttered, his voice tinged with annoyance. "We need to do something drastic to shake things up."
Wang Xiangyi sighed, her expression reflecting her own feelings of frustration. "But what can we do? We've tried everything, and we're no closer to finding the Blood Moon Sect."
Wang Li stopped pacing and turned to face his cousin, his eyes gleaming with determination. "We need to draw them out," he said firmly. "I have a plan, but it's risky."
Wang Xiangyi raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind of plan?"
Wang Li grinned, his confidence returning. "We'll set a trap," he explained. "I'll target the disciples of the Azure Peak Sect, and we'll make it look like the work of the Blood Moon Sect. Once they're riled up, we'll join one of their parties and track down the real members of the Blood Moon Sect."
Wang Xiangyi's eyes widened in surprise. "That's... bold," she admitted.
Wang Li nodded. "But it's our best chance at finding them," he said determinedly. "We'll strike fear into their hearts and force them to reveal themselves."
With their plan set in motion, Wang Li wasted no time in putting it into action. He carefully selected the locations of the Azure Peak Sect's disciples' inns and set up hundreds of explosive talismans around them. As he finished his preparations, a sense of anticipation coursed through him, mingled with a hint of nervousness.
Once everything was in place, Wang Li activated the explosive talismans and quickly retreated to a safe distance. The explosions rang out with deafening force, causing chaos and panic among the Azure Peak Sect's disciples.
As the smoke cleared and the dust settled, blood-red words appeared in the sky, proclaiming the attack as the work of the Blood Moon Sect. The Azure Peak Sect was incensed, and they quickly mobilized to hunt down the perpetrators.
Meanwhile, Wang Xiangyi focused her efforts on contacting a woman member of the Pill Tower under the guise of needing a specialized pellet. She approached the woman with a polite smile, concealing her true intentions beneath a facade of innocence.
"Excuse me, miss," Wang Xiangyi said, her voice sweet and melodious. "I was wondering if you could help me with something."
The woman glanced up from her work, her expression curious. "Of course," she replied. "What do you need?"
Wang Xiangyi leaned in closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "I'm in need of a special pellet," she whispered. "One that can enhance my spiritual energy and aid in my cultivation. Do you think you could make one for me?"
The woman's eyes lit up with interest. "Certainly," she said with a smile. "I have just the thing in mind. Meet me later, and we can discuss the details."
As Wang Xiangyi left the Pill Tower, she couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Her plan was working, and she was one step closer to achieving their goal.
Back at the inn, Wang Li awaited news of the Azure Peak Sect's retaliation with a sense of eager anticipation.
Two days after the explosive events orchestrated by Wang Li, the disciples of the Azure Peak Sect arrived in Ironwood Republic. Among them was Su Yuerong, a familiar face to Wang Li, and several other inner sect disciples, each with their cultivation at the Core Formation Realm. Leading them was the formidable Fourth Elder Gong, whose Nascent Soul Realm cultivation commanded respect and authority.
When Wang Li learned of Su Yuerong's presence among the disciples, excitement surged within him. He knew her well and believed he could persuade her to allow him to join their party in seeking revenge against the Blood Moon Sect.
As Wang Li approached Su Yuerong, he made sure to keep his face concealed behind a mask. He couldn't risk revealing his identity and jeopardizing their plan. "Su Yuerong," he greeted her warmly, his voice muffled by the mask. "It's been a while."
Su Yuerong turned to face him, her expression one of surprise. "Wang Li?" she exclaimed, recognizing him despite the mask. "What are you doing here?"
Wang Li quickly motioned for her to keep her voice down. "I'll explain later," he whispered urgently. "But for now, I need your help. I want to join your party in seeking revenge against the Blood Moon Sect."
Su Yuerong's eyes widened in surprise, but she nodded in understanding. "I'll vouch for you," she said quietly. "But be careful. Gong won't tolerate any trouble."
Wang Li nodded gratefully, relieved that Su Yuerong was willing to help. With her endorsement, he approached Fourth Elder Gong and respectfully requested to join their party.
Fourt Elder Gong regarded him with a scrutinizing gaze, but after a moment's consideration, he nodded his approval. "Very well," he said gruffly. "But remember, you're under my command. Follow my orders without question."
Wang Li bowed respectfully. "Of course, Elder Gong," he replied. "I'll do whatever it takes to help bring justice to those responsible for the attacks."
With Wang Li now officially part of their party, the disciples of the Azure Peak Sect set out on their mission, their resolve hardened by the desire for revenge.
Meanwhile, Wang Xiangyi embarked on her own mission to gather the necessary materials for the pellet she required. With determination in her heart, she ventured into the wilderness, her senses alert for any sign of danger.
As she traversed the dense forest, Wang Xiangyi kept a keen eye out for the spiritual herbs and beasts she needed. She moved swiftly and silently, her movements graceful and calculated.
After several hours of searching, Wang Xiangyi finally came across the first of the spiritual herbs she required. With practiced hands, she carefully harvested the herb, storing it safely in her pouch.
But just as she was about to move on, a low growl echoed through the trees, freezing her in place. She turned slowly, her heart pounding in her chest, to face the source of the sound.
Before her stood a massive beast, its fur bristling with aggression as it eyed her hungrily. Wang Xiangyi's breath caught in her throat as she realized she was facing a formidable opponent.
Despite the fear coursing through her veins, Wang Xiangyi refused to back down. With a steady hand, she reached for her sword, ready to defend herself against the beast's ferocious onslaught.
The beast was eventually defeated by a series of attacks launched by Wang Xiangyi. Despite having killed the beast, Wang Xiangyi was a bit dissatisfied because she hadn't experienced much excitement in that fight.
She wanted more excitement!