Chapter 83: Wan Tianjue

Heishi Town, Wang Family's small courtyard.

In the courtyard, the once dilapidated scene had already been tidied into perfect order.

The Wang Family members each performed their duties: some were meditating and breathing, some were polishing weapons, and others were sorting medicinal herbs.

A faint herbal fragrance drifted in the air, mingled with the scent of earth, exuding a sense of stability.

Wang Shan sat cross‑legged on the large blue stone at the courtyard's center, eyes slightly closed, his aura circulating around him.

These days, relying on the system‑accelerated Spirit Plant and the exchanged spirit stones, his cultivation steadily advanced; Refining Body Stage Eight Midphase was already solidified, and he was moving toward the later stage.

The qi and blood within his body were more than twice as abundant as when he first arrived, like a coiled giant dragon ready to erupt at any moment.

"Clan Leader, Manager Qian has news!"

While immersed in cultivation, Wang Zhize hurried over, clutching a palm‑sized Jade Token in his hand—the Contact Token given by the Mercenary Guild's Qian Sihai.

The token flickered with a faint light, clearly having just received a message.

Wang Shan opened his eyes, his gaze landing on the token. Peaceful days are always brief, he knew.

"What news?" he took the token, his Spiritual Sense probing into it.

A moment later, Wang Shan's complexion darkened. The previously calm, still eyes now seemed frozen with frost.

"Damn it!" he muttered softly, his voice low yet tightening the hearts of the surrounding clan members.

Wang Zhize, seeing this, sensed trouble and hurriedly asked, "Clan Leader, is there an emergency?"

Wang Shan did not answer immediately; he repeatedly examined the information in the token.

The intel, from a reliable informant of the Mercenary Guild, said that several hundred li from Heishi Town, in the Man Yun Mountain Range, a suspected Wan Family Foundation Establishment cultivator's activity trace was discovered.

That cultivator seemed to have been injured near Thunderstorm Canyon, staying in a hidden spot to heal; the wound recently improved, and he began to reappear, heading… toward Heishi Town to scout.

Suspected Wan Family Foundation Establishment cultivator… injured in Thunderstorm Canyon… scouting toward Heishi Town…

Linking these pieces, a name instantly leapt out—Wan Tianjue!

Besides that old dog, who else could it be?

"Wan Tianjue…" Wang Shan muttered the name, his teeth chattering.

The lingering spirit won't disperse! Truly, the lingering spirit won't disperse!

He had thought that fleeing to this wild frontier, with the Mercenary Guild and the Shi and Li families' checks, would at least buy some breathing room.

He didn't expect the Foundation Establishment cultivator's recovery to be so astonishing, and that old dog's tracking ability to be truly terrifying. How long has it been? Already within reach!

Heishi Town… is it still safe?

Wang Shan knew in his heart that once Wan Tianjue confirmed they were in Heishi Town, no Mercenary Guild, no Shi or Li families could likely stop a Foundation Establishment cultivator's wrath.

Then, the twenty‑something members of the Wang Family in Heishi Town would be lambs awaiting slaughter.

A sense of crisis instantly pressed down, heavier than when they faced Wan Hong in the dense forest. After all, that was merely a Body Refining Ninth Level, whereas Wan Tianjue is at the Foundation Establishment stage!

"Zhize, gather all core clan members and come here immediately," Wang Shan stood, his voice hoarse yet bearing undeniable authority.

"Yes!" Wang Zhize did not dare to delay, promptly notifying Wang Boyan, Wang Zhitao, Wang Yong, Wang Fang and others.

Soon, several main members of the Wang Family gathered in the courtyard. Seeing Wang Shan's solemn expression, the atmosphere instantly grew tense.

"Clan Leader, what happened?" Wang Boyan stepped forward, asking with worry.

Wang Shan surveyed everyone, inhaled deeply, and concisely relayed the token's intel: "The Mercenary Guild just reported that in the Man Yun Mountain Range, Wan Tianjue's trace was found."

"What?!"

The words shocked everyone. Wang Zhitao's face turned ashen, Wang Boyan's brows knit tightly, and Wang Zhize's expression grew even more solemn. The name Wan Tianjue, to them, was a death god hanging overhead.

"Wan Tianjue… how did that old dog find us?" Wang Zhitao couldn't help a low‑voice exclamation.

"He was injured, perhaps healing nearby; his wound has improved, and he's now scouting toward Heishi Town for information," Wang Shan added.

"Injured? He's a Foundation Establishment cultivator; how could he be injured?" Wang Yong asked, puzzled.

"The intel says possibly near Thunderstorm Canyon," Wang Shan said without elaborating; the name alone indicated it was no safe place.

"Thunderstorm Canyon…" Wang Boyan mused, "That place is indeed perilous, yet it can wound a Foundation Establishment cultivator…"

"Now is not the time to discuss how he was injured," Wang Shan cut off Wang Boyan, "The point is, he's already close to us and is scouting our whereabouts. Heishi Town may soon become unsafe."

The courtyard fell into a death‑like silence. Everyone felt the death threat emanating from hundreds of li away.

"Then… what do we do?" Wang Fang's voice trembled.

Wang Shan looked at them, his gaze firm: "Why panic? We escaped from Qingyang City, survived in the dense forest, and we can find a way here in Heishi Town!"

He paused, his tone turning severe: "From now on, everyone enters the highest‑level alert state! Keep Concealing Breath Art active continuously, suppressing cultivation; no one may reveal their strength! Inside and outside the courtyard, rotate guards day and night without cease; if any suspicious person approaches, sound the alarm immediately!"

"Yes!" the others replied in unison, their expressions solemn.

"Zhize," Wang Shan looked at Wang Zhize, "Go contact Qian Sihai immediately and tell him we need more detailed, timely, accurate intel on Wan Tianjue's movements—where he went, whom he met, what information he gathered, everything! Tell him, no matter the cost! This is the primary condition of our cooperation!"

"Understood, Clan Leader! I'm going now!" Wang Zhize took the order, turned and headed out.

"Wait," Wang Shan called, "Be careful on the way, don't let anyone follow. After you return, besides me, no one may tell Qian Sihai any details about our family."

"You can trust me, Clan Leader," Wang Zhize nodded, hurrying away.

Wang Shan then looked at Wang Zhitao: "Zhitao, continue scouting the town for information, focusing on unfamiliar faces, especially those with deep cultivation and secretive behavior. Also, watch the reactions of the Shi and Li families—whether they have ties to the Wan Family, or if anyone has been bought by the Wan Family."

"Got it, Clan Leader! I will turn the town upside down!" Wang Zhitao pounded his chest in assurance.

"I'm not sending you to your death, I'm asking you to scout cautiously," Wang Shan glared, "Safety first, intel second. Don't cause me trouble!"

"Hehe, Clan Leader, rest assured, I'm being clever!" Wang Zhitao grinned, though a hint of nervousness flickered in his eyes.

"Boyan," Wang Shan turned to Wang Boyan, "Re‑check the clan's internal defenses with Wang Yong and Wang Fang, see if any gaps remain, especially around the courtyard for infiltration points. Also inventory supplies—spirit stones, pills, Talismans, materials… see how long they can last."

"Alright, we'll handle it now," Wang Boyan nodded, taking Wang Yong and Wang Fang to get to work.

The clan members dispersed to attend to their tasks, leaving only Wang Shan alone in the courtyard.

He sat back on the blue stone, but could no longer cultivate peacefully. Wan Tianjue was like a massive boulder, pressing the breath from him.

Foundation Establishment… that is an entirely different realm. Even the strongest Body Refining stage remains within mortal limits, whereas Foundation Establishment is the threshold of cultivation. The gap between them is vast.

He is now in Body Refining Eighth Layer Late Stage, only one step away from Body Refining Ninth Layer. Even if he breaks through to the Ninth Layer pinnacle, facing Wan Tianjue, the odds of victory remain slim.

He must become stronger! Faster, become stronger!

He urgently needs to break through to Body Refining Ninth Layer, even… find a chance for Foundation Establishment!

Foundation Establishment Pill!

This thought resurfaced in his mind. Qian Sihai promised to help investigate clues about the Foundation Establishment Pill and the Purple Monkey Flower, but such things are extremely precious and not easily found. Now the threat of Wan Tianjue is imminent; he cannot wait for Qian Sihai to slowly investigate.

Relying on others is inferior to relying on oneself!

Wang Shan's mind shifted, and he entered the system space. Looking at the Spirit Plants growing in the space, his brows furrowed. Spirit Plant Points! He needs more Spirit Plant Points! Only when he has enough Spirit Plant Points can he exchange for higher‑grade pill formulas, Talisman diagrams, and even… those fate‑defying treasures that can boost cultivation and increase breakthrough chances!

He glanced at the torn scroll of the Wan Beast Method and the Wan Family Token stored in the corner. The items he seized from Wan Hong, he has never stopped researching. Perhaps these items hide secrets that can suppress the Wan Family, or even reveal clues to Foundation Establishment!

Wan Beast Method… could it be that the Wan Family all practice this technique? Does this torn scroll have anything special?

And this token, besides proving identity, what else can it do?

Wang Shan took out the torn scroll and the token, and studied them carefully. He examined every character, every symbol, leaving none unchecked. He knows the time left for him is short. Wan Tianjue, that old dog, is like a shark that smells blood; once it locks onto a target, it will not easily give up.

He must, in this cat‑and‑mouse game, become strong as quickly as possible, strong enough to tear that 'cat' apart!

A fierce resolve rose from the depths of his heart.

Wan Tianjue… you think a few injuries, a period of recovery, will let you make a comeback? Dream on!

Just wait, I'll eventually make you know the fate of crossing my Wang Family!

A cold glint flashed in Wang Shan's eyes as he continued to bury himself in studying the torn scroll in his hands.