However, the "martial genius" talent does not solely refer to physical prowess; it also encompasses comprehension of martial arts, combined with Bai Yichen's martial experiences from two lifetimes.
One could say that for nearly all martial techniques, he found them incredibly easy to grasp; just practicing a few times would lead to mastery.
Otherwise, Bai Yichen would not have been able to simplify and develop a unique technique in just half a month.
One must understand that in his previous life, he spent countless years devising four moves to break the Drizzling Rain Sword Technique.
After some cordial exchanges.
Yun Shou Zhenren took on a serious expression and slowly recounted the reasons for their late-night visit:
From discovering that Heishi intended to replace the Zhang family's young lady, to the Monkey of the Zodiac seizing the treasure map, and finally realizing that Heishi's chief assassin was also the Snake of the Twelve Zodiac.
He subtly indicated to Bai Yichen, who opened his package and took out tokens, masks, letters, and a fragment of the Mingzong's treasure map as evidence.
Qing Song Zhenren had excellent cultivation skills; even upon hearing that the Wheel Turn King was planning to gather the two hidden organizations, Heishi and the Twelve Zodiac, to make a move during his birthday banquet, he did not erupt with anger, but his gaze became considerably grave.
He turned to observe the evidence in Bai Yichen's hands, ultimately fixating on the fragment of the treasure map.
Then, Qing Song Zhenren took out a piece of torn cloth from his long sleeves, which was another fragment of the treasure map.
He sighed and said, "Money moves the heart. In the early years, I obtained this fragment and kept it buried in my heart. Recently, a disciple under my guidance just happened to bring me another fragment of the treasure map, which rekindled my desire to collect them, so I took it out again."
"It seems that Heishi has already collected the other four pieces, leaving just these last two."
Since entering the main hall, Bai Yichen had been operating the Sitting and Forgetting Heart Refinement method, and at this moment, he felt a stirring in his heart. He quickly handed over the fragment in his hand and said, "This is just returning what belongs to the original owner."
After all, he had already memorized it, and under the operation of the Heart Refinement method, he could recall even the two fragments that Heishi had collected in his past life.
However, Qing Song Zhenren shook his head slightly and said, "This piece was obtained by the young friend after killing that Shen Monkey, so it rightfully belongs to you."
"I couldn't save that friend from Yukun Mountain at the time, which was truly regrettable. Now, returning this fragment is my way of making amends." Bai Yichen sincerely replied.
"In the jianghu, virtue must match treasure; otherwise, there will be calamity. You don't have to blame yourself." Qing Song Zhenren still refused.
Seeing this, Yun Shou Zhenren smiled wryly and advised, "You should just accept it, Shaochong. It's not too late to share once we've collected the remaining pieces. The most important thing for us now is dealing with Heishi."
He then laid out the plan that Bai Yichen had proposed earlier:
"If this battle unfolds during the birthday banquet on Yukun Mountain, even with the home-field advantage and help from fellow practitioners, we may be able to repel the Wheel King, but it will surely lead to heavy casualties."
"Moreover, if the Wheel King sees that things are not going well, amidst the gathering of heroes, he might publicly reveal the matter of the Ming Zong treasure, which could lead to even more troubles. Therefore, this is truly a suboptimal strategy."
"Instead, if we can take advantage of their unpreparedness when the Twelve Zodiac gathers, and strike directly at the root, we can fend off the enemy outside, kill the Wheel King, and quell the turmoil in secret. This would also allow your birthday banquet to proceed smoothly."
Although this plan was proposed by Bai Yichen, he had a lower seniority, so it was more appropriate for Yun Shou Zhenren to present it in persuasion.
After hearing this, Qing Song Zhenren nodded slightly and said, "This idea is quite good, but how can we find out the location where the Twelve Zodiac will gather?"
Indeed, this question was once again placed before them. Just as Bai Yichen was about to speak, he saw Yun Shou Zhenren step forward first, speaking firmly, "This matter is complex, but I am willing to stake my decades of friendship and reputation to guarantee that the news about the gathering point of the Twelve Zodiac is true!"
Upon hearing this, Bai Yichen's gaze trembled slightly. Considering what Yun Shou Zhenren sought, he established another small goal aside from seeking immortals—reviving the Xuan Zhen Guan in this lifetime!
Qing Song Zhenren was slightly taken aback but quickly regained his composure, with a hint of helpless laughter as he said, "With nearly fifty years of friendship between us, I naturally believe you. Very well, I will go and take a look!"
Then, the three began to assess the combat strength of the Wheel King's side: a suspected innate perfect master Wheel King, a suspected great success master Yinh Tiger, and two ordinary innate Rat and Pig.
On the other hand, they had an innate perfect master in Qing Song Zhenren, two great success masters—Yun Shou Zhenren and Yan Bei—and Bai Yichen, who possessed combat strength comparable to a great success master.
This did not even count the other three innate masters on Yukun Mountain, nor the old friends Yun Shou Zhenren might invite.
Considering only those below the innate level, after a comparison, Bai Yichen felt assured, even thinking that his preparations were excessive. His hard work in forming alliances had not been in vain.
After hearing this thorough comparison and analysis, Yun Shou Zhenren also showed a joyful expression, his confidence soaring.
However, after pondering for a moment, Qing Song Zhenren said, "To ensure nothing goes wrong, I will bring along Junior Brother Qing Liu and Disciple Mo Qiu."
How cautious! The Qing Liu Daoist is just an ordinary innate master. But that Mo Qiu Daoist is indeed a true great success master.
Qing Song Zhenren had kept the fragment of the treasure map hidden for decades, only to take action after reaching the innate perfect state. Bai Yichen couldn't help but admire his caution.
Yun Shou Zhenren's expression was somewhat strange, but this was ultimately a matter within Yukun Mountain, so he said nothing.
After the three concluded their discussions, they decided to gather at the North Red Maple Forest in Yuling City at the second watch of the night. Qing Song, Yun Shou, and the others would hide there first and wait for Bai Yichen's signal before taking action.
Once back in the guest room of Yuling City, Bai Yichen leaped out of the window and headed towards a small alley in the city.
Bai Yichen looked around, sensing for a moment, and confirmed that no one was present. He then lifted the seventeenth brick from the outside in the alley, placing the information they had agreed upon regarding when to strike during the gathering of the Twelve Zodiac inside, before pressing the brick back down.
This was the special means of communication he had established with Yan Bei, to avoid being detected by the Wheel King's subordinates and exposing Bai Yichen's identity.
After finishing everything, Bai Yichen returned to the soft couch and finally let out a long sigh, feeling relieved to rest.
...
During the day, in order to avoid drawing attention, Bai Yichen and Yun Shou Zhenren did not leave the room, quietly meditating to cultivate their Essence Qi. Even meals were sent to the guest room by Huogong Zushi.
As time passed, the golden crow sank in the west, and the jade rabbit rose in the east.
At the second watch of the night, the atmosphere was tranquil and intoxicating. The autumn wind howled, and the red leaves fell, the harmonious sounds of nature seemed to be filled with a sense of desolation and killing intent.
Dark clouds drifted by, and for a moment, the stars and moon in the sky dimmed, making the beautiful scenery lose its luster.
Crack! A crisp and short sound of a step breaking the silence echoed.