Chapter 1120
Be careful
Upon hearing this, Shi Ji frowned slightly, knowing full well that Feng Wuhen's words were true. Black Wind Valley, a force renowned for its unorthodox practices, must have an even more powerful backer. He looked at Liu Yichen, his eyes gleaming with unwavering resolve: "Brother Liu, it seems our journey is far from over. But no matter how powerful Black Wind Valley may be, we cannot back down. For justice, for the peace of this continent, we must eradicate them completely!"
Liu Yichen nodded, his eyes equally resolute: "Shiji, you're right. Although Black Wind Valley is powerful, we also have our own strength and beliefs. As long as we persevere, justice will surely prevail over evil!"
Listening to their conversation, Feng Wuhen's eyes flashed with a hint of mockery: "Hmph, justice? Evil? In this world where the strong are respected, what is the difference between justice and evil? There is only the difference between the strong and the weak!"
Liu Yichen sighed softly, his eyes revealing profound wisdom: "Indeed, power may bring temporary victory, but only a righteous heart can win lasting respect and peace. Feng Wuhen, you chose the path of evil arts, but forgot the responsibility and morality behind power. This is your greatest failure."
Feng Wuhen gave a bitter smile, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. His eyes held both resentment and a hint of realization: "Perhaps... I really was wrong. On this path, I've lost too much, including my own heart. But even so, the shadow of Black Wind Valley won't easily dissipate. You must be careful..."
Upon hearing this, Liu Yichen's eyes flashed with a hint of coldness, but it was quickly replaced by gentleness: "Feng Wuhen, pursuing the peak is not wrong, but if it comes at the cost of sacrificing others and destroying justice, then the path to the peak will eventually be full of thorns and cannot last. A true strong person should prove himself by protecting rather than destroying."
Shi Ji stepped forward, her tone firm: "That's right, Feng Wuhen, power is meant to protect, not to wreak havoc. If you persist in your own way, you will only plunge yourself into deeper darkness. As for us, even when facing the most powerful enemy, we will uphold the path of justice. Gods and Buddhas will not stand in our way, for we have our own light in our hearts."
Feng Wuhen's gaze lingered between the two men before he slowly closed his eyes, as if making a decision: "...You are right, I was lost. But the power of Black Wind Valley...is far beyond your imagination. If you want to climb to that peak, you must be prepared, because...it will be a war without gunpowder."
Liu Yichen nodded slightly, his eyes revealing determination and wisdom: "Feng Wuhen, we have taken your reminder to heart. Indeed, the power of Black Wind Valley may be unfathomable, but the light of justice can also illuminate the darkest corners. We will not underestimate any battle, whether it is fought or not."
Shi Ji gripped the Apocalypse Sword tightly, its blade emitting a faint light, as if echoing his resolve: "No matter how powerful Black Wind Valley is, we will face them one by one and defeat them one by one. Because we have the belief that our voice can travel a thousand miles—the voice of justice will eventually reach every corner and awaken the dormant conscience."
Upon hearing this, Feng Wuhen's eyelids trembled slightly, seemingly moved by Shi Ji's words. He opened his eyes with difficulty, his gaze flashing with a complex light: "...A thousand-mile transmission, a voice of justice... Perhaps, this is the last thing I can do for you. Remember, behind Black Wind Valley, there is an even more terrifying existence... Beware... the 'Lord of Shadows'..."
As Feng Wuhen finished speaking, his body gradually lost its vitality, but his eyes remained open, as if telling his unfinished last words.
Liu Yichen and Shi Ji exchanged a glance, both seeing the solemnity and determination in each other's eyes.
Liu Yichen took a deep breath, his gaze fixed firmly on the distance: "We cannot ignore Feng Wuhen's last words. Returning to Qianyin Valley, we need to gather more strength to prepare for the upcoming challenges. The Lord of Shadows, whatever it may be, we will uncover its true nature."
Shi Ji nodded, the Apocalypse Sword trembling slightly in his hand, as if responding to the impending battle: "That's right, Brother Liu, we must act quickly. The Black Wind Valley's power is just the tip of the iceberg; the real threat may still be lurking in the shadows. Back in Qianyin Valley, we need to formulate a meticulous plan to ensure we can deal with any possible crisis."
Without further delay, the two turned and left, their shadows elongated in the afterglow of the setting sun, as if foreshadowing the beginning of a difficult journey. Feng Wuhen's body was left behind, but his last words weighed heavily on the hearts of Liu Yichen and Shi Ji.
On their way back to Qianyin Valley, night deepened, and stars dotted the sky, as if guiding their journey. Liu Yichen and Shi Ji walked side by side, each with a heavy heart.
Liu Yichen suddenly stopped, his brows furrowed, as if something important had come to mind: "Shiji, I suddenly remembered that an elder in the Seal Valley recently passed away. I originally thought it was due to natural causes, but now I think it might be related to the Lord of Shadows."
Upon hearing this, Shi Ji's expression changed. She lightly drew a deep mark on the ground with the tip of her Apocalypse Sword: "Are you saying that the elder might have been murdered? What does this have to do with the Lord of Shadows?"
Liu Yichen's gaze was deep, and his tone was heavy: "I'm not sure either, but Feng Wuhen's last words make us wary. The elder's passing was too sudden, and his research was always related to the dark forces. Perhaps he discovered something during his investigation of the Shadow Lord, which led to his death."
Shi Ji gripped the hilt of her sword tightly and said as if making a vow, "If that is the case, then we cannot stand idly by. When we return to Qianyin Valley, I will immediately investigate the cause of the elder's death. No matter who is involved, I will pursue them to the end to avenge the elder and to uncover the true face of the Lord of Shadows."
The two exchanged a glance and saw the determination and anger in each other's eyes.
On their way back to Qianyin Valley, night deepened, and stars dotted the sky, as if guiding their journey. Liu Yichen and Shi Ji walked side by side, each with a heavy heart.
Liu Yichen suddenly stopped, his brows furrowed, as if something important had come to mind: "Shiji, I suddenly remembered that an elder in the Seal Valley recently passed away. I originally thought it was due to natural causes, but now I think it might be related to the Lord of Shadows."
Upon hearing this, Shi Ji's expression changed. She lightly drew a deep mark on the ground with the tip of her Apocalypse Sword: "Are you saying that the elder might have been murdered? What does this have to do with the Lord of Shadows?"
Liu Yichen's gaze was deep, and his tone was heavy: "I'm not sure either, but Feng Wuhen's last words make us wary. The elder's passing was too sudden, and his research was always related to the dark forces. Perhaps he discovered something during his investigation of the Shadow Lord, which led to his death."
Shi Ji gripped her sword hilt tightly, speaking with a vow-like tone, "If that's truly the case, then we cannot stand idly by. Upon returning to Qianyin Valley, I will immediately investigate the elder's death. Whoever is involved, I will pursue them to the end, avenging the elder and uncovering the true face of the Shadow Lord." The two exchanged a glance, both seeing the resolve and fury in each other's eyes. Liu Yichen said in a deep voice, "Investigating the elder's death is not only about giving him justice, but also about revealing the Shadow Lord's true face and preventing him from continuing to harm this continent. Upon returning to Qianyin Valley, our first task is to thoroughly investigate the elder's whereabouts and the people he contacted before his death, searching for any possible clues."
Shi Ji nodded, her eyes gleaming with determination: "That's right. We need to start with the elder's research direction and see if he has made any important discoveries or progress recently. At the same time, we also need to investigate whether any suspicious figures or forces have appeared in the valley, as they may be related to the elder's death."
Liu Yichen added, "Yes, and we also need to pay attention to whether there is any unusual atmosphere or emotional fluctuation in the valley. Sometimes, rebellious thoughts are often hidden beneath a seemingly calm surface. The passing of the elder may have caused some people to feel uneasy or panicked. They may try to cover up the truth or even become hostile towards us."
Shi Ji gripped the hilt of her sword tightly, her tone icy: "No matter who it is, if they dare to obstruct our investigation or are involved in the elder's death, I will not let them go. Our rebellious spirit will only make us more determined to uncover the truth and seek justice for the elder."
Liu Yichen nodded slightly, his eyes revealing deep thought: "Indeed, rebellious thoughts often stem from a desire for power or dissatisfaction with the status quo. We must be wary of those who might try to usurp power or change the order of the valley because of the elders' passing. Their actions may expose their true colors."
Upon hearing this, Shi Ji's lips curled into a cold smile: "Let those with ulterior motives try their luck and see if they dare to challenge our patience and determination. Brother Liu, what storms haven't we weathered along the way? How can a few rebels hiding in the shadows stop us from uncovering the truth?"
Liu Yichen's gaze was firm. He exchanged a glance with Shi Ji, and the two were of one mind: "That's right, Shi Ji. No matter how cunning they are, or how they try to cover up the truth, we will find them one by one."
Before Liu Yichen finished speaking, he had already started walking and was heading towards the direction of Qianyin Valley. Shi Ji followed closely behind, both of them burning with a fierce desire to find the truth.
“We must start by investigating the elder’s residence.” Liu Yichen said in a deep voice as he walked. “We cannot overlook any detail. Whether it’s a piece of paper or a pen on the desk, or a strand of hair by the bed, they may all contain crucial clues.”
Shi Ji nodded in agreement, his eyes sharp as an eagle's, as if able to pierce through all the fog: "I will be responsible for examining the elder's belongings, and you will go and question the disciples and servants in the valley to see if they noticed any unusual behavior or words before the elder's death."
The two had a clear division of labor and acted swiftly. Upon returning to Qianyin Valley, they immediately launched a comprehensive investigation. Liu Yichen questioned each of the disciples and servants in the valley, leaving no detail overlooked. Shi Ji, on the other hand, meticulously searched the elders' residences and workshops, leaving no corner unchecked.
In the elder's study, Shi Ji meticulously searched every corner, his eyes sharp and discerning, not missing a single clue. Suddenly, his gaze settled on an unfinished letter on the desk, with an inconspicuous red stain on the edge.
"Brother Liu, come and look at this." Shi Ji frowned and handed the letter to Liu Yichen, who had just entered the study. "What do you think this red stain is?"
Liu Yichen took the letter and carefully examined the red stain. He pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "This red stain looks like blood. Moreover, it's on the edge of the letter, so it's very likely that the elder accidentally dripped it while writing."
Upon hearing this, Shi Ji's eyes narrowed: "Bloodstains? If these are the elder's bloodstains, then his cause of death may not be as simple as we imagine. We need to further investigate the source of this red stain; perhaps it can become a key clue for us to uncover the truth."
Liu Yichen nodded in agreement and continued, "That's right, we must find out what this red stain is. I will ask the doctors and pharmacists in the valley to see if they can identify the composition of this stain. You, on the other hand, will continue to search for other possible clues here."
Before Liu Yichen could finish speaking, he turned to leave, but suddenly he stopped, his brows furrowed, as if he realized something was wrong.
"Wait, Shiji, you said the doctors and pharmacists in the valley... where are they usually?" Liu Yichen's tone revealed a hint of unease.
Upon hearing this, Shi Ji was taken aback, then her expression changed slightly: "They are usually in the clinics and pharmacies in the valley, on standby at any time. But now..."
The two exchanged a glance, and an ominous premonition welled up in their hearts.
"This is bad, we have to go to the clinic and pharmacy immediately," Liu Yichen said in a deep voice, his pace quickening unconsciously.
Shi Ji followed closely behind, the two of them hurrying along, their hearts filled with anxiety and unease. When they arrived at the clinic and pharmacy, they found them deserted, all the doctors and pharmacists nowhere to be seen.
"What...what's going on?" Shi Ji stared at the scene before him in disbelief, his heart filled with turmoil.
Liu Yichen frowned, his gaze sweeping across the empty clinic and pharmacy, trying to find any possible clues. He said in a deep voice, "It seems we've been targeted by someone. They not only knew we were investigating the elder's death, but they also moved the doctors and pharmacists ahead of time to cut off our leads."
Shi Ji gripped her sword hilt tightly, her tone revealing anger and determination: "These guys are truly cunning. But the more cunning they are, the more it proves that there's a hidden secret behind the elder's death. We absolutely cannot let them succeed; we must uncover the truth!" (End of Chapter)