Chapter 278: Intercept and Kill IV

Xu Tian felt a slight sense of relief in his heart; he knew well that in these turbulent times, maintaining a low profile and staying hidden was of vital importance.

He pondered to himself: "Are there many people just here to stay at the inn? That's fine, as long as I don't go out, no one should be able to discover me at a time like this."

This caution and vigilance were instincts he had honed over many years of experience in the Red Lotus Sect.

Recalling the scene earlier where he used his movement techniques and obstacles to lead his pursuers on a chase for several laps, Xu Tian couldn't help but reveal a cold sneer.

The disappearance of that tracking expert was undoubtedly the result of his decisive and ruthless strike. At the time, he had intentionally killed that hard-body Bone Refining Martial Artist named Fang Lian in front of the pursuer,

just to give the other party a strong warning, and also to test their reaction and strength. Now it seemed this move had indeed worked; the other party had chosen to retreat out of fear.

Xu Tian knew this did not mean he had completely shaken off the danger. On the contrary, he understood even more clearly what a subtle and perilous situation he was currently in.

He had to remain vigilant at all times and could not afford any slack or carelessness. Although he had temporarily found a safe harbor in this inn, the night outside remained full of unknowns and variables.

He gently brushed his lapels, as if dusting off the grime and fatigue from his body. Then he walked to the window, his gaze piercing through the night as he stared into the distance.

His heart was filled with determination and resolve; he knew he had to complete this mission, and no matter how many hardships and obstacles lay ahead, he would press forward.

As long as he could bring back the Thread-Pulling Art, his own strength would see a surge, and perhaps, in his lifetime, he could even step into the True Qi Realm—that would make him the next Divine General.

Cheng Feng brought the Sword Hall disciples to stay at his own inn, so naturally, he had no need for any so-called defensive mindset.

Just out of duty, he asked the Shopkeeper casually: "Has everything been alright in the Prefecture City during this time?"

The Shopkeeper was a slightly plump middle-aged man with kind features and a hint of shrewdness; facing Cheng Feng, the youth who had single-handedly built the Hong Sect, he dared not be negligent.

He cupped his hands and said: "Answering to the Sect Master, according to the sect's orders here in the Prefecture City, other than some minor scuffles, there hasn't been any trouble."

Seeing the look of hesitation on the Shopkeeper's face, Cheng Feng smiled: "If you have something to say, just say it; you won't find another chance like this."

Hearing Cheng Feng say this, the Shopkeeper simply laid it out: "Sect Master, there are many experts in the Prefecture City, and their strength and realms are needless to say far above our people.

I wonder if the sect could send some slightly stronger individuals to sit at the inn? Otherwise, I fear we might suffer losses without outside help. Many small gangs see that we have just opened and keep coming to extort us; if this continues for long, it won't be a solution!"

Cheng Feng instantly grasped the Shopkeeper's meaning: "Fine, no problem. My return this time was originally intended to secure some territory in the Prefecture City. Since you put it that way, this is a very good breakthrough point. From now on, Sword Hall disciples will be stationed in the Prefecture City, so rest assured!"

"Good, good, that way we can also save a large sum of silver." The Shopkeeper, perhaps having suffered some grievances, appeared quite moved to hear his Sect Master say this.

"I wonder if there is anything the Sect Master needs? This subordinate will have someone get it for you right away."

Cheng Feng listened to the Shopkeeper's somewhat exaggerated words and laughed: "We are looking for a black-robed person who came out of the Golden Breath Pavilion tonight. We didn't see their face clearly and couldn't catch up just now. Can you find them???"

The Shopkeeper looked ashamed: "Sect Master, you joke. What I meant was regarding food, drink, or warming the bed; finding people is not my specialty."

Cheng Feng understood in a second and smiled: "Alright, that's enough from you. I don't need that kind of service for now. We are all tired tonight, go get some rest."

The Shopkeeper smiled and retreated, muttering to himself: "A black-robed person? How can there be so many black-robed people that you can't find one? Wouldn't they hide if they saw a big group of people?"

"Wait." A flash of lightning seemed to cross the Shopkeeper's mind.

Didn't a black-robed person just check in not long ago? A hood covered their entire face, so couldn't it be that their face was unseen?

Could it be???

Has this heaven-sent merit fallen into my lap just like that?

The Shopkeeper immediately recalled the details of that black-robed person, then knocked on Cheng Feng's door again.

Cheng Feng had not yet gone to sleep; seeing it was the Shopkeeper, he asked in confusion: "Is there something else?"

The Shopkeeper's face was full of smiles, his eyes flickering with undisguised excitement and anticipation. He said in a low, hurried voice: "Sect Master, this subordinate has an important matter to report, which may be related to the black-robed person you just mentioned."

Hearing this, Cheng Feng raised an eyebrow, a spark of interest rising in his heart. He signaled for the Shopkeeper to enter the room and closed the door. "Oh? Tell me, what clues do you have?"

The Shopkeeper lowered his voice, trying his best not to let anyone outside the room hear his secret: "Just now, when the Sect Master mentioned the black-robed person, I suddenly remembered that a black-robed person did indeed check into this inn tonight.

This person was covered tightly from head to toe in a black robe and hood, making it impossible to see their face, which is extremely similar to the Sect Master's description.

Furthermore, the time they checked in is not much different from the time the Sect Master arrived; it is highly likely to be the same person."

Hearing this, Cheng Feng's eyes lit up, and he immediately pressed: "Where is this person now? Are they still in the inn?"

The Shopkeeper nodded repeatedly: "They are still here. They checked into the Heaven-Grade Room at the very end, and they haven't come out since they checked in."

Cheng Feng pondered for a moment, calculating in his heart. If this person was truly the black-robed person they were looking for, then this was truly a case of 'finding something without effort after wearing out iron shoes.'

He immediately said to the Shopkeeper: "You have done well. If this matter succeeds, there will be a heavy reward. Now, go and help me watch that room; if there is any movement, report it to me immediately."

The Shopkeeper agreed repeatedly and retreated, filled with joy. He had already begun to calculate the reward he might receive this time, while also feeling a bit uneasy; after all, such a "great merit" had come too suddenly, leaving him both excited and nervous.

Meanwhile, Cheng Feng stood where he was, his gaze deep as he looked toward the direction of that Heaven-Grade Room.

The following operation would be crucial; not only did he need to ensure the black-robed person was captured without fail, but he also had to ensure that the noise from his and his subordinates' actions wouldn't be too loud, otherwise, being discovered by other factions would invite another wave of trouble.

While making a fortune in silence, Cheng Feng also held the attitude that it was better to kill the wrong person than to let one go.

Cheng Feng didn't believe in such coincidences either, but since they had met here,

to have it and not take it, one will suffer the consequences.

He quietly called over the Sword Hall disciples who hadn't gone to sleep yet, first having them monitor the outside of the inn to prevent outsiders from discovering anything.

After that, it was time for Cheng Feng's performance.

With a wave of his hand, the Mechanical Dog appeared before him, its bright red electronic eyes glowing in the darkness, and a ferocious aura was released silently and quietly.