Before Daoist Guanzhi could rebut, Bai Yichen continued, "Running away is definitely not a good strategy. Given the power of the Heishi, they will surely know my background. If I go to the Li family in Mingchun County, I fear I won't escape unscathed."
"Moreover, the Li family has ignored me for many years; they have likely forgotten about this illegitimate son."
"As for other places, the world is in chaos right now, making it hard to find a safe haven. Furthermore, if I leave, Daoist, you are likely to die without a doubt. Rather than that, we should gather our existing forces and make a desperate effort; there might be a chance of survival."
Of course, the most important reason was that he had some ominous speculations about what the Heishi Organization was suddenly planning to seize from Xuanzhen Temple.
In his previous life, his death had come suddenly, and many clues regarding his quest for immortality had not been cleared away.
He feared...
But his purpose in this life was to obtain immortality-related items from Xuanzhen Temple, so he would not retreat easily.
Daoist Guanzhi showed a hint of a smile at Bai Yichen's concern, but hearing that he had such determination also brought a measure of distress.
Then, the conversation shifted as Bai Yichen began to carefully inquire about Daoist Guanzhi's knowledge of Xuanzhen Temple and the Heishi Organization over the years.
In response, Daoist Guanzhi recounted everything in detail.
For some questions, he provided clear answers; for others, he answered vaguely, and some questions he completely did not understand.
However, through this Q&A, Bai Yichen combined what he knew, and his logical reasoning gradually became clearer. Daoist Guanzhi, who was also answering questions, slowly began to realize that there was indeed something to be done; it was just that concern had thrown him into confusion.
It turned out that Xuanzhen Temple had encountered a mishap a dozen years ago while cooperating with local government forces to suppress a rebellion.
As a result, the headmaster at that time was severely injured and soon after ascended, leaving only the old master, who was a congenital expert, in the temple. This was why the temple's power had weakened over the years.
The Heishi Organization had also suffered a long decline before experiencing a rapid resurgence in recent decades.
Bai Yichen could guess the reasons for this decline; it was likely due to the Tianhuo meteor incident, which had devastated the Heishi, including several high-ranking members and resources hidden within the palace, forcing them into prolonged hiding.
"Although I'm not clear about the foundations of the temple, the old master has avoided the world for many years, and the temple has long shown signs of decline, while the Heishi Organization's reputation has grown ever larger. I truly dare not gamble," Daoist Guanzhi shook his head and said.
However, after hearing this description, Bai Yichen instead felt a bit more confident.
Seeing that Daoist Guanzhi still seemed uncertain, Bai Yichen began to make some calculations in his mind.
In an instant, Bai Yichen's bones cracked, and a powerful internal energy erupted within the room.
"What? You've mastered your internal energy at such a young age, Chong'er! You've already achieved Acquired greatness!" Daoist Guanzhi looked at Bai Yichen with disbelief.
Before he could react.
At that moment, a thunderous voice echoed in Daoist Guanzhi's ears, as if a bolt of lightning was striking at his very soul.
"Uncle, after being an undercover agent for so many years, do you feel any guilt towards Xuanzhen Temple? Now that things have come to this, it's not too late to remedy the situation!"
The thunderous voice seemed to be pounding on Daoist Guanzhi's heart, causing a deep sense of guilt to flash across his face.
Looking at the powerful and determined face of his nephew before him, he was momentarily reminded of his younger sister's visage, and tears began to well up in his eyes.
Thus, he also made up his mind to take a gamble.
Seeing this, Bai Yichen felt that it was worth showcasing his strength again, and he employed the thunderous voice technique he had learned.
"Please write a letter detailing everything you know about the Heishi organization and its arrangements."
As he spoke, Bai Yichen took out paper and a pen from the room.
"Then, you must tell Heishi that you've established contact with me and, under the threat of poison, you're willing to cooperate with the Heishi organization, working together to deliver the poison. However, we must wait for the right moment, as I have been transferred from the Shumu Hall to the Chuanjing Hall after my master's death, and I cannot approach the kitchen for the time being. I need to find an opportunity after my transfer."
"Are you planning to inform the higher-ups in the temple about this?"
"Sort of. If Heishi can work in conjunction with us, why can't we catch them off guard?"
"But will the temple believe it?"
"The temple master and the three leaders are certainly not fools. The previous incident where my master and others met with disaster must have alerted them. Plus, with your handwritten letter and my testimony as a talented disciple, it will definitely work!"
Bai Yichen spoke with great confidence. Over the past three months, he had gleaned some insights from his teachings with Master Du Jiang.
Upon hearing this, Daoist Guanzhi seemed to gain a bit of confidence, and with a heart willing to atone for his sins, he began writing down all the plans and arrangements he knew on the paper.
"By the way, uncle, if something happens, how can you contact me?"
Daoist Guanzhi continued writing as he replied, "Of course, I can. Having lived in the temple for many years, I understand the situation on the mountain. There's a rock on the east side of the Qinyun Terrace in the Qingkong Mountain's dense forest. If there's news, I will leave a message there; you can come to check every two or three days."
Bai Yichen nodded in agreement and finally reminded him sincerely while bowing respectfully as a younger generation: "This is our best chance to break free from Heishi's control and ensure our safety. I hope you won't take it lightly, uncle."
"In addition, please investigate who knows about our undercover identities."
Bai Yichen was aware that Heishi usually maintains a single line connection for undercover agents to prevent exposure, but it was essential to confirm whether anything had changed.
He looked deeply at his nephew, who seemed to have surpassed him in strength, and said earnestly, "Of course, you also take care, Chong'er. Remember, if things become impossible, prioritize your own safety."
...
The next morning, a horse-drawn carriage left two deep wheel tracks on the official road, heading towards Qingkong Mountain.
With Master Jian present, everyone in the carriage sat cross-legged, seemingly practicing their sect's tranquil meditation.
Among them, Bai Yichen was naturally plotting defensive countermeasures in his mind.
As he had mentioned yesterday, he would not choose to flee easily.
Although the Heishi organization seemed powerful, based on what he knew, they might not be willing to commit all their forces to Xuanzhen Temple.
Conversely, Xuanzhen Temple appeared weak; the old master had not shown himself for many years, but the Daoist sect was adept at cultivating one's nature and life. He suspected that the old master's actions might not be a sign of weakness, but rather a means of avoiding risk.
Moreover, Xuanzhen Temple had a legacy of over five hundred years and adhered to the righteous path. Based on his experience in the martial world, such sects often had connections with some powerful forces or hidden depth.
When it truly came down to a desperate situation, that was when true strength would reveal itself.
Furthermore, crises could very well present opportunities. He had already planned to be the talented disciple of Xuanzhen Temple, striving for advancement to seek the position of temple master and ensure that he could fully inherit the clues of immortality.
The techniques of coercion and plunder inevitably harbored hidden risks, and there was even the possibility of mutual destruction.
But fortunately, no matter what, Bai Yichen possessed the reincarnation Dao seed, which offered unlimited possibilities. He would gamble on this life for the chance of immortality—there was nothing to lose.
Next, he began to think rapidly about how to explain things to the higher-ups in the temple.
After all, once he returned to the temple, he still needed to practice his martial arts morning lessons, not to mention that he had missed some training last night.
Perhaps he could first...