"Like-mindedness knows no bounds in time," Bai Yichen blinked.
Upon hearing this, a trace of nostalgia flashed in Yunshou Zhenren's eyes, and he fell into a rare moment of silence.
"From arranging the Monkey to seize the treasure map fragments, it can indeed be inferred this way," Yunshou Zhenren returned to his senses and stopped dwelling on that friend.
Bai Yichen continued, revealing the plans he discussed with Yanbei the previous night. He and Yunshou Zhenren would go to Yukun Mountain three days in advance to inform Qing Song Zhenren, allowing for early arrangements and preparations.
Meanwhile, Yanbei would continue to gather information about the dynamics of the Twelve Zodiacs and test whether the Rabbit was willing to stand with them, discussing matters in the towns at the foot of Yukun Mountain.
Of course, in Bai Yichen's words, Yanbei was referred to as "his friend."
Yunshou Zhenren's eyes showed confusion, and his expression became strange as he couldn't help but ask, "How does this friend of yours know about the Twelve Zodiacs' news?"
"Ahem, this man has his own clever methods and special connections," Bai Yichen replied seriously.
But Yunshou Zhenren seemed to recall something and suddenly asked with intense focus, "Is this person one of the Twelve Zodiacs?"
As the Sitting and Forgetting Heart Refinement method operated, Bai Yichen's thoughts raced.
Perhaps some things would eventually come to light, especially since when the day of action arrived, identities would be exposed.
With his heart settled, Bai Yichen exchanged glances and said, "That's correct."
Upon hearing this response, Yunshou Zhenren fell into deep thought and remained silent for a long time.
Bai Yichen then drew water from the courtyard well and brewed another pot of tea to refill their cups.
Seemingly drawn in by the fragrant tea before him, Yunshou Zhenren snapped back to reality and said, "That friend of yours is Yanbei, isn't it?"
Bai Yichen's pupils contracted slightly, showing a hint of surprise.
Fortunately, he had achieved mastery in the Heart Refinement method and had rich experience, quickly regaining composure.
With a serious expression, Bai Yichen replied, "Since Master has already guessed, I will no longer hide it; that friend is indeed the hero Yan."
"It really is him. That past friendship with Guanlan..." Yunshou Zhenren murmured to himself.
"Did he ever mention whether Guanlan joined the Twelve Zodiacs?" After a moment of contemplation, Yunshou Zhenren continued to ask.
Bai Yichen slightly frowned but thought since the words were already spoken, there was no need to hide further.
"There is indeed such a matter. Senior Guanlan was once a member of the Twelve Zodiacs, but from what Yan said, the Twelve Zodiacs at that time still valued a bit of Jianghu morality."
Then, Bai Yichen asked, "I just wonder how Master guessed all this."
Yunshou Zhenren explained, "In the past, Guanlan suddenly became friends with Yanbei and even mentioned that Yanbei owed him a favor, saying if anything happened, he could seek Yanbei. When the Heishi came to attack, I tried to send a message to Yanbei, and unexpectedly, he really came. This made me suspicious."
"Because these two had little interaction in the Jianghu, it now seems they should have met during their time in the Twelve Zodiacs."
Be cautious in actions! Bai Yichen silently reminded himself.
However, looking through the window of the situation, Yunshou Zhenren was indeed a seasoned veteran in the Jianghu.
Bai Yichen recalled a guess he had made the night before, but seeing how Yun Shou Zhenren had remained so concerned about Guo Lan's past after all these years, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of hesitation.
Yun Shou Zhenren naturally noticed this and gestured for him to speak freely. After all, the events of recent days had already hardened his heart, allowing him to face various matters with equanimity.
Bai Yichen slowly voiced his speculation about the death of Daoist Guo Lan years ago and the subsequent changes in the Twelve Zodiac's behavior.
Unexpectedly, when Yun Shou Zhenren heard this speculation, his expression instantly darkened, his hands, resting on the couch, visibly tensed, and his face sank slightly.
The air became terrifyingly silent, with only their breathing audible, as if a volcano were about to erupt.
"No wonder, with Guo Lan's strength, how could he fall in a siege against the rebels led by the Wheel King!" Yun Shou Zhenren exclaimed angrily.
"Master Ancestor, this is just my speculation; perhaps the truth isn't like this," Bai Yichen comforted.
Yun Shou Zhenren took a deep breath, retracting his hand, leaving behind a distinct imprint of five fingers on the table.
"No, what you said has a high likelihood of being true. I cannot let the Wheel King escape this battle!"
"For this battle, I still need your help, Master Ancestor," Bai Yichen said.
"Speak."
"I need to obtain fifty-year-old Sheyan grass, twenty-year-old Bizi vine heart, and ten Su Zui flowers as soon as possible."
Without hesitation, Yun Shou Zhenren agreed.
A smile appeared on Bai Yichen's face as he bowed in thanks.
As the saying goes, when strength is insufficient, external aids are required.
These herbs were the main ingredients of a deadly poison he had hidden in his previous life, and he had already prepared the auxiliary ingredients over the past few days.
Once the main ingredients arrived, he could concoct the poison and increase his chances of success.
"Additionally, do you have any way to acquire some top-notch hidden weapons, such as the Blood Droplet, the Rain Pear Blossom Needle, or the Heaven and Earth Soul Search Needle? After all, this journey is fraught with danger."
"Hehe, you really know how to think," Yun Shou Zhenren couldn't help but sneer.
Then, with a hint of sadness, he said, "If only Guo Lan had been as cautious as you, sigh…"
Upon hearing this, Bai Yichen fell silent.
After a few moments of quiet, Yun Shou Zhenren seemed to think of something, sighed again, and continued, "I thought of an old acquaintance from years ago. Perhaps I can contact him, but this person…"
He didn't finish his sentence.
However, Bai Yichen sensed the hidden meaning in his words but didn't speak. Instead, he bowed and took his leave, leaving the decision to Yun Shou Zhenren.
Seeing Bai Yichen like this, Yun Shou Zhenren could only smile helplessly.
...
The white dew had fallen, the autumn wind arrived, and the cold cicadas cried, each night growing cooler than the last.
Tap, tap, tap!
A simple yet ancient-looking horse carriage was racing along the official road of Lingzhou.
Through the window, one could see families on both sides of the road busily harvesting rice and sorghum. Although the harvest was good, their faces showed little joy.
"The taxes are burdensome."
Bai Yichen lowered the carriage curtain and sighed.
At this moment, he and Yun Shou Zhenren were riding in the Xuanzhen Temple's carriage, entering Lingzhou, where Yukun Mountain was located. They would reach Yuling City at the foot of Yukun Mountain in a few hours.
Bai Yichen once again closed his eyes, practicing Sitting and Forgetting, and organizing his thoughts.
Since his conversation with Yun Shou Zhenren that day, he received the herbs within three days. After a series of refining, he obtained the poison—Su Bei Qing Feng San, which he had infused into his two swords.
Combined with the delicate Rain Sword Technique, as long as he could leave a few wounds on the enemy, the poison would infiltrate their meridians and obstruct their inner energy circulation.
It was a pity that once innate masters generated their inner energy, it was hard for any poison to make them choke on blood. Gaining even a slight advantage in battle was already difficult.
In addition, during these days, Bai Yichen had, with his innate talent in martial arts, reviewed and simplified various sword techniques he had learned or seen before, creating a new sword move, just waiting for the day to draw his sword!