Chapter 512

Chen Mu fell into thought.

The information obtained from the memory chip was more precisely targeted.

The Blood Refining Sect's activities in Huazhou had always revolved around searching for several specific ancient artifacts, including a token inscribed with peculiar ancient characters.

The Cai family was considered by them a possible source of clues, yet they had not dared to act rashly, seemingly wary of the Cai family.

"Cai Cai Yongchang, Earth Altar Realm, Unbroken Divine Form." Chen Mu mused.

This realm was already a formidable figure locally, but in Chen Mu's current eyes, it was plainly insufficient.

The trouble lay in how to extract from the Cai family the origin of the token—and possibly other clues related to the "Xia" character token—without alerting the Blood Refining Sect or other latent forces.

Forcing entry and interrogation was simplest, but too noisy, and risked driving the Cai family to desperation—destroying clues or drawing unwanted attention.

Covert investigation required the right opportunity.

"Has the Cai family had any major events recently?" Chen Mu asked.

Local clans always had weddings, funerals, festivals, or rituals.

Ning Zhixi had clearly done her homework before arriving: "Three days from now is the hundredth yin anniversary of the Cai family's ancestral patriarch—Cai Cai Yongchang's father. The Cai family has sent out invitations far and wide, hosting guests from all directions; the scale will be grand. This is a perfect chance to slip in."

A hundred-year yin anniversary, lavish banquet, a mix of all kinds—indeed an ideal opportunity for investigation.

"Slipping in won't be hard."

Chen Mu nodded. "But to reach the Cai family's core secrets—especially those tied to something like the ancient token—you must find the right key person. Either Cai Cai Yongchang himself, or his confidant."

Ning Zhixi paused to think: "I could pose as a wandering physician and attempt to approach prominent figures in the Cai family, under the guise of offering medical treatment or blessings, to probe for old secrets. Chen Xunchaoshi, you…"

"I have my own method."

Chen Mu's tone was calm.

"We split up. Meet at the Cai residence on the day of the celebration. If you find anything—or encounter danger—use this to contact me."

Chen Mu flicked his finger; a shared-bamboo token landed before Ning Zhixi.

"Understood."

Ning Zhixi tucked the shared-bamboo token away, her gaze resolute.

After enduring the previous life-or-death pursuit, she now felt greater confidence and anticipation in cooperating with Chen Mu on this investigation.

…

Three days later, Tieshan City, Cai Manor.

Lanterns hung, decorations adorned, guests thronged.

The hundredth yin anniversary of the Cai family's ancestral patriarch was held with utmost grandeur; nearly half the prominent figures of Tieshan City attended, and even neighboring cities sent representatives.

Inside the manor, noise surged, the scent of wine and meat thick in the air.

Beneath a quiet corridor in a secluded side courtyard, two men dressed as Cai family guards leaned against pillars, chatting softly.

"This is truly lively—even Lord Li from Heizha City sent someone."

"Of course! Our old patriarch's yin anniversary can't be taken lightly. I heard the master specially hired the 'Hundred Arts Troupe'—there'll be entertainment tonight."

"By the way, have you seen that new accountant who's been hanging around Third Master? Tall and thin, looks unfamiliar."

"Oh, you mean Mr. Ning? Supposedly Third Master brought him in from outside—he's excellent with accounts, very amiable, even knows some medicine. The other day he treated Aunt Liu in the kitchen for her headache."

The "Mr. Ning" they spoke of was now inside the accounting room, tallying the guest gift list with his abacus.

He was tall and slender, with a pale, refined face and three long whiskers—a scholar's appearance—exactly Ning Zhixi, disguised with masterful transformation art.

She responded to managers coming in to report, while focusing her senses on the flow of qi within the manor, especially toward the master's seat.

At this moment, half a step behind the master, Cai Cai Yongchang, stood a middle-aged guard with an ordinary face, average build, and slightly dull eyes.

His aura was merely around the fifth or sixth level of Primordial Qi—unremarkable among the Cai family's guards.

Only when he occasionally lifted his eyelids did a flicker of profound calm reveal his true nature.

This guard was Chen Mu.

Using his Tiangong Realm's exquisite control over his physical form, he had applied transformation techniques—not only altering his appearance and figure, but perfectly mimicking his aura, blending into the Cai family's temporary guard contingent.

He had been assigned near the master due to his "solid skills and quiet demeanor."

Midway through the banquet, the noise reached its peak.

Cai Cai Yongchang rose to go to the back courtyard to change clothes.

The guard impersonated by Chen Mu, along with another guard, naturally followed behind.

Arriving at a secluded garden, Cai Cai Yongchang suddenly halted and said to the other guard: "Go ahead and stand watch. Don't let anyone disturb us."

"Yes." The guard had no suspicion and turned away.

Only Cai Cai Yongchang and Chen Mu remained in the garden.

Cai Cai Yongchang did not turn around, merely gazing at the rockery, then spoke in a low voice, tinged with faint exhaustion and wariness.

"You've followed me this far. What do you seek?"

He had sensed it?

Chen Mu's eyes flickered slightly.

Cai Cai Yongchang, indeed, was no fool—his spiritual perception was sharp, befitting his Earth Altar Realm, Unbroken Divine Form.

Though Chen Mu had masked his aura, such close proximity and deliberate scrutiny had still revealed subtle inconsistencies.

Chen Mu did not panic; he shed the mask of dullness, his voice calm and level: "Master Cai has keen eyes. I mean no harm—I merely wish to ask one question."

Cai Cai Yongchang slowly turned, his gaze sharp as lightning, sweeping over Chen Mu's disguised face, finally settling on his tranquil eyes: "Ask? Your skill, your disguise, your infiltration into my home—surely it's more than a simple question. Are you here for that 'hot potato' as well?"

"Hot potato?"

Chen Mu followed his lead: "Master Cai means the token inscribed with the 'Xia' character?"

Cai Cai Yongchang's pupils contracted sharply; his aura tensed instantly, the oppressive pressure of an Earth Altar Realm martial artist surging forth, locking onto Chen Mu.

"You do know! Who are you? What is your connection to that group?"

The "group" he referred to was clearly the Blood Refining Sect, or possibly other factions coveting the token.

"If I were aligned with that group, I wouldn't be standing here speaking with Master Cai."

Chen Mu appeared oblivious to the pressure of his aura, his tone still calm, "The token is no longer in my possession. But I am deeply interested in its origins and what it might represent. As far as I know, your ancestor, Master Cai, seemed connected to a certain 'Lord Xia'?"

Upon hearing the words "Lord Xia," Cai Cai Yongchang's expression changed again, his eyes filled with shock and suspicion as he scrutinized Chen Mu, as if trying to find some hidden meaning on his face.

This man not only knew about the token, but also knew "Lord Xia"—and spoke with such certainty…

Just how much does he know?

After a moment of silence, Cai Cai Yongchang slowly retracted the aura surrounding him, yet his gaze remained sharp.

"What exactly do you want?"

"Cooperation."

Chen Mu spoke briefly and directly, "Master Cai, holding this secret is like carrying jade and inviting disaster. The Blood Refining Sect has already taken notice—they will not give up easily. Today they sent disciples to investigate; tomorrow they may send elders."

"Though the Cai family is strong, can it withstand the Mo Sect's covetousness?"