The three elders couldn't think of any good solutions.
Generally speaking, mercenaries were mostly active around the Magic Beast Mountain Range.
However, the Magic Beast Mountain Range was vast, and with only seven days, it was nearly impossible to search the entire area.
Trying to find that person by searching the Magic Beast Mountain Range was simply wishful thinking.
Moreover, the terrain of the Magic Beast Mountain Range was complex. Even if they were lucky enough to find him, if he escaped deep into the mountains and found a hidden cave, they wouldn't be able to locate him.
Even if they died inside, they wouldn't be able to claim credit in front of Master Han.
Not to mention, he was a bowman with the strength of a Fighter.
Most of the Xiao Family members were active in Wutan City, doing escort tasks. They definitely wouldn't be as familiar with the Magic Beast Mountain Range as mercenaries were.
It wasn't a wise choice to engage in a prolonged battle with a skilled archer in terrain he was more familiar with.
Indeed, that was the case. The battles between individuals with relatively low strength in the Dou Qi Continent were heavily influenced by terrain and attack methods.
Exaggerated tactics like shockwaves were unlikely to occur in Wutan City.
"Why don't we just kill all the one-eyed mercenaries inside and outside Wutan City!" the second elder suggested ruthlessly.
"Foolish! If it were that simple, Master Han would just offer a reward in Wutan City, and we wouldn't need to do anything as the Xiao Family.
If that mercenary catches wind of it, he'll immediately flee to another city, and then what?" the eldest elder rebuked the second elder harshly.
The second elder realized his mistake and smiled awkwardly.
Xiao Zhan also felt somewhat helpless. The second elder had a quick temper, which was useful on the battlefield, but when it came to strategy, it could be troublesome.
After discussing for a while, the four of them couldn't come up with any solutions and could only send people to contact the mercenaries to try to gather some useful information.
Two days later, at night, in the Xiao Family's main hall.
"Zhang Kaitao, Eight-Star Fighter, suspected to have mastered a mysterious-grade combat skill in archery.
Self-proclaimed powerful, never associates with other mercenaries, always hunts alone in the Magic Beast Mountain Range.
Once faced with the siege of three second-tier magic beasts, he used his superb archery skills and the terrain of the Magic Beast Mountain Range to kill them all.
It was in that battle that Zhang Kaitao lost one eye."
Xiao Zhan slowly read the information just received.
"Just as expected, only some basic information is available. His activity range, residence, and other key information are nowhere to be found."
Xiao Zhan felt a headache coming on. Fourth-grade elixirs weren't easy to come by.
After another night of discussion, they still couldn't come up with any solutions.
Xiao Zhan left the main hall, looking weary. Today, he planned to go see Xiao Yan.
Ever since his Dou Qi disappeared, Xiao Yan hadn't smiled.
Alas.
Thinking of this, Xiao Zhan sighed. This strange illness was truly troublesome.
Xiao Zhan knocked on Xiao Yan's door.
"Father, why are you here?"
Xiao Yan opened the door, his expression somewhat low, but upon seeing Xiao Zhan, he perked up slightly.
"Just checking up on you."
Xiao Zhan forced a smile on his weary face and patted Xiao Yan's shoulder.
"Yan'er, don't worry too much. Perhaps one day your talent will return."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan smiled bitterly. He knew Xiao Zhan was trying to comfort him and give him encouragement.
Xiao Yan felt touched. Even during his time as a waste, only a few people like Xiao Zhan, Master Han, and Xun'er would still cheer him on.
A few days ago, he even received letters from his two older brothers, obviously sent by Xiao Zhan.
"Father, has anything happened in the family recently?"
Xiao Yan changed the subject, noticing that there seemed to be a lot of activity in the family these past few days.
Xiao Zhan was a bit tired as he sat down on a chair.
Although this matter needed to be kept secret, the family members involved were aware of it. Since Yan'er had been staying in the clan all this time, it was fine to tell him.
Xiao Yan poured Xiao Zhan a cup of tea, seeing the fatigue on his face.
Xiao Zhan took it and finished it in one gulp before putting the cup down.
"Two days ago, Master Han entrusted us, the Xiao Family, and the Gare Family with a task."
Xiao Zhan said slowly.
Xiao Yan nodded.
Although he had been staying in the clan, he still knew about some major events happening outside.
He knew about the massacre of the Oba Family, the betrayal of the Gare Family, and their surrender to Master Han.
"Master Han wants us to kill a person, but these past two days, we haven't had any leads."
Xiao Zhan explained the difficulties they were facing to Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan nodded, his eyes showing signs of contemplation.
This matter was indeed difficult. Although Master Han provided detailed information and they had investigated Zhang Kaitao's details, they still couldn't pinpoint his exact location.
It was not just about finding him; even if they did, they would likely have to deal him a fatal blow. If they failed to kill him with one strike and he fled to another place, it would be troublesome.
Seven days was not enough time to hunt him down.
This matter was entrusted by Master Han, so Xiao Yan naturally took it seriously. Master Han's favor to him was not insignificant.
On the other hand, in Xiao Xun'er's courtyard.
"Ling Lao, have you found out everything?"
Xiao Xun'er sat on a chair, her delicate hand supporting her head, a worried expression on her face as she asked Ling Ying, who was standing beside her.
"Miss, it's clear. Two days ago, that fourth-grade alchemist asked the Xiao Family and the Gare Family to kill someone."
"Oh."
Xiao Xun'er became interested.
"Tell me the details."
Ling Ying nodded and continued.
"The person's name is Zhang Kaitao. It seems he offended that Han Li. He offered a fourth-grade elixir as a reward to the Xiao Family and the Gare Family to take his life.
As for how he offended Han Li, we haven't found out yet."
Xiao Xun'er's brows furrowed in thought.
"Miss, should we help the Xiao Family?"
"No, our identity shouldn't be exposed. That Han Li is not simple.
Being able to refine the Triple Striped Green Spirit Pill, it seems he's not far from reaching the realm of a fifth-grade alchemist.
We don't know if he's lacking in heritage, alchemy experience, or soul power.
If he already has the soul power of a fifth-grade alchemist, even if you personally make a move, he might detect something unusual."
Xiao Xun'er shook her head, not intending to get involved in this matter.
With Ling Ying's strength and the special nature of her dark
attribute, a fifth-grade alchemist wouldn't be able to detect anything as long as she didn't make a move.
But if she did, it would inevitably cause a fluctuation in Dou Qi. With the soul power of a fifth-grade alchemist, it was highly likely that Han Li would notice something was amiss.
Although the possibility was very small, Xiao Xun'er didn't want to take any risks.
She came to the Xiao Family for a very important matter...
So it wasn't worth exposing her whereabouts.
As for why in the original work, Xiao Xun'er didn't consider these things when Xiao Yan went to the Yunlan Sect, well, that was because Xiao Yan's importance in her heart outweighed that matter.
(End of this chapter)