In less than the time it takes for a single incense stick to burn, Geng Shuang was drained into a lifeless husk by Elder Gu, who had been waiting in his meditation chamber. This marked the second time Chen An used external forces to poison the elder—successfully, yet again, without him suspecting a thing.
"Two people from the Inner Sect—a steward and now a disciple—have disappeared in such a short time, and both had ties to you. Aren't you afraid this will lead back to you?" Elder Gu asked, stepping out of the blood pool and casually throwing on a robe. His gaze hinted at suspicion.
Chen An responded with calm confidence. "I'm sure there are already eyes on me. But so what? I've left no trace of evidence. Even if they suspect me, they can't act without proof."
Chen An never entertained the illusion that his actions in the Sect could remain hidden forever. Elder Gu's suspicions from the deaths of Wei Ming, Lu Yi, and Han Juan made that abundantly clear. However, none of those doubts led to his downfall. The rules of the cultivator's world were simple: strength and talent justified actions. As long as Chen An's potential outshined those he eliminated, he would remain untouchable.
As for Yun Hengqiu, as long as he didn't personally make a move against Chen An, the elder's hands were tied. Someone else within the Sect was protecting him—none other than Sect Master Meng Wentian.
The private meeting with Meng Wentian was still fresh in Chen An's memory. The Sect Master's subtle but clear support for Chen An's growth likely stemmed from seeing him as a potential counterbalance to Yun Hengqiu's influence in the Sect.
Having deduced Meng Wentian's intentions, Chen An grew bolder, acting decisively to rid himself of obstacles while deepening his collaboration with Elder Gu. To Chen An, this wasn't just survival—it was a trial Meng Wentian had set before him, one he was determined to pass.
Elder Gu couldn't help but marvel at the shrewdness of the young man before him. For someone so young, Chen An had a remarkably clear understanding of the Sect's power dynamics. But given the ruthless experiences that shaped him, it was no surprise. After all, even Elder Gu had been outmaneuvered by Chen An's schemes.
"You should be gone by now, but it seems you've lingered for a reason. Speak your mind," Elder Gu said, recognizing the purpose behind Chen An's presence.
Chen An didn't mince words. "My cultivation is weak. Drawing Geng Shuang here was already a calculated effort. If I am to complete future tasks for you, Elder Gu, I'll need your assistance."
It was a straightforward request for benefits, but Elder Gu wasn't offended. He understood that motivating someone to act required providing sufficient incentive. After a moment's thought, he pulled out a jade slip and handed it to Chen An.
"This contains an early technique I acquired—Flower Plucking Finger. Mastery of this art allows one to manipulate spiritual energy to kill with petals or leaves, striking invisibly. The power is modest, but its nature suits your style. It's easy to learn, and with your talent, you should be able to grasp the basics in just a few days."
Elder Gu's keen understanding of Chen An's needs was spot on. What Chen An required most was a technique he could learn quickly and one that aligned with his combat style. With the impending task of hunting the One-Eyed Giant Toad, this was precisely what he needed.
The description of the technique sparked numerous ideas in Chen An's mind. Its ability to kill silently aligned perfectly with his preference for poison and avoiding confrontation. Even better, once he mastered the basics, he could use the Flower Plucking Finger to deliver poison remotely—no longer relying on Red Ring Snakes to set traps.
Chen An couldn't help but smirk. The very technique Elder Gu had gifted him might one day serve to poison the elder himself.
"Thank you, Elder Gu," Chen An said, smiling as he accepted the jade slip. Without lingering, he returned to his quarters to begin cultivating the technique. However, as he left the chamber, he felt a faint sensation—someone was watching him from the shadows.
"Hmph, quick to act, aren't they? But even with evidence, what can they do to me?" Chen An mused, his confidence unwavering.
Meanwhile, in the Inner Sect, Yun Hengqiu was meditating when he suddenly sensed the shattering of Geng Shuang's life token. He was likely the first to discover the disciple's death.
Knowing that he had personally ordered Geng Shuang to cripple Chen An that night, Yun Hengqiu immediately deduced who the culprit was. Although Chen An had disrupted his plans, Yun Hengqiu wasn't overly concerned. As long as he could prove Chen An had violated Sect rules by killing a fellow disciple, Chen An's fate would be sealed.
"Seal the mountain gates! Guard all paths to the back mountains! Dispatch the Enforcement Team to surround the Outer Sect and monitor Chen An's movements!" Yun Hengqiu barked orders to his subordinates, confident that Chen An had no escape.
Despite his meticulous plans, Yun Hengqiu refrained from taking immediate action. Instead, he decided to visit Meng Wentian's cultivation cave to report the situation. As much as he loathed Chen An, the young man had been in contact with the Sect Master, and Yun Hengqiu didn't want to overstep his bounds without first informing Meng Wentian.
"Let's see how you escape this time," Yun Hengqiu muttered coldly as he strode out of the hall, his eyes gleaming with malice. He went to Meng Wentian's cultivation cave alone.
Yun Hate Autumn knew that Meng Wentian had once received Chen An alone, which meant that Chen An was considered half of Meng Wentian's people, so now that he wanted to take revenge, he naturally had to notify Meng Wentian, the Patriarch, first.
Only then would he not be considered to have overstepped his bounds.