Chapter 760: Time Sand

Yan Buji leaves the sect's base, feeling some worry about Tu Nuo Duo's matter. Although his friendship with Tu Nuo Duo is not deep, they once cooperated in demon‑tribe trade, and Tu Nuo Duo's straightforward nature left a good impression. Now she is in trouble, Yan Buji feels he needs to learn the situation.

He decides to first go to the capital city to gather news. The capital city is Luohuang Zhou's core city and a hub where major forces intersect, so information flows freely. After arriving, Yan Buji goes straight to the demon‑tribe trade outpost, finds Xiong Batuan who leads him to several Rabbit Tribe cultivators.

"What happened to Tu Nuo Duo?" Yan Buji asks bluntly.

A Rabbit Tribe cultivator sighs and says: "A few days ago Tu Nuo Duo clashed with a group of unknown cultivators in the border region and was captured. After much inquiry we learned those cultivators seem linked to a great power, but we don't know which side."

Yan Buji furrows his brows: "Border region? How did she get there?"

The Rabbit Tribe cultivator shakes his head: "Tu Nuo Duo has been investigating some internal matters of the demon tribe lately, apparently uncovered a secret and got into trouble. We suspect she was targeted."

Yan Buji ponders briefly, feeling the matter is not simple. Though Tu Nuo Duo is straightforward, she is not reckless; her sudden border investigation implies an important clue. The fact the opponents could seize her shows the backing force is not to be underestimated.

"Have you tried contacting other demon‑tribe clans, or asking the sect for help?" Yan Buji asks.

The Rabbit Tribe cultivator grimaces: "We've contacted several demon‑tribe clans, but they refuse to intervene. As for the sect… we dare not rashly request aid, since Tu Nuo Duo's status is special and could cause unnecessary trouble."

Yan Buji nods, already having a plan. He decides to personally investigate the border region to see if he can locate Tu Nuo Duo. After all, she has helped him many times, and now she is in danger, Yan Buji feels he cannot stand by.

He returns to the sect and reports the situation to Wu Yuan. Wu Yuan listens, ponders briefly, and says: "Since you've decided to intervene, the sect can provide some support. But be cautious; the border region is a mix of all kinds, and the forces behind it may be more complex than we imagine."

Yan Buji bows and says: "Thank you, Wu Elder, I will be careful."

Wu Yuan nods, then takes a jade slip from his storage ring and hands it to Yan Buji: "This is some intelligence network the sect has in the border region; you can use it to obtain information. Also, if you need manpower, you can contact me at any time."

Yan Buji takes the jade slip, feeling grateful. With the sect's support, his actions will be much easier.

After leaving the sect, Yan Buji heads straight to the border region. The border region borders the outside world of Luohuang Zhou, with various forces active year‑round—cultivators, demon tribes, even caravans and explorers from other continents. The environment is complex, information flows freely, but it is also dangerous.

Upon arriving, Yan Buji first contacts the sect's intelligence personnel there. With their help, he quickly learns that the place where Tu Nuo Duo was taken is near a desolate mountain in the border region. Recently a group of mysterious cultivators appeared there, seemingly searching for something.

"These cultivators move covertly and are quite powerful; even our people dare not approach recklessly," the intel person says.

Yan Buji nods, already having a plan. He decides to go to the desolate mountain area to investigate for clues about Tu Nuo Duo.

Night falls, Yan Buji silently arrives near the desolate mountain. He suppresses his aura, carefully approaches the mysterious cultivators' camp. The camp is brightly lit, several cultivators are patrolling, clearly on high alert.

Yan Buji watches for a while and sees a temporary cage in the center of the camp, holding several demon‑tribe cultivators. He looks closely and indeed spots Tu Nuo Duo.

"So she's here," Yan Buji thinks, beginning to consider how to rescue her.

At that moment, a sudden commotion erupts in the camp. Yan Buji looks closely and sees a cultivator in a black robe emerge from a tent, holding a jade slip that emits an odd glow.

"Is that… the aura of Precious Light Ore?" Yan Buji is startled, not expecting these cultivators to be linked to Precious Light Ore.

The black‑robed cultivator walks to the cage, coldly looks at Tu Nuo Duo, and says: "Speak. What have your demon tribe discovered in the Precious Light Ore? If you tell me, I may consider sparing you a way out."

Tu Nuo Duo snorts coldly, unafraid, and says: "You vile scum, you will get no information from my mouth!"

The black‑robed cultivator sneers, gestures for his subordinates to bring Tu Nuo Duo out. Yan Buji sees this and knows he cannot wait any longer; he must act immediately.

He silently approaches the camp, takes advantage of the patrolling cultivators' distraction, swiftly strikes, knocking several guards down. Then he rushes into the camp, heading straight for Tu Nuo Duo.

"Who are you!" the black‑robed cultivator notices the disturbance, turns to face Yan Buji.

Yan Buji wastes no words, immediately summons his artifact and fights the black‑robed cultivator. After a few exchanges, Yan Buji finds the opponent's strength not weak, at least late Nascent Soul cultivation.

However, Yan Buji's cultivation has increased considerably, gradually gaining the upper hand.

The black‑robed cultivator, seeing the unfavorable turn, orders his subordinates to swarm Yan Buji. Yan Buji fends off the assault while keeping Tu Nuo Duo protected behind him.

"Yan Buji? How did you get here?" Tu Nuo Duo exclaims, surprised.

Yan Buji smiles: "I heard you were in trouble; I couldn't just stand by and watch you die, could I?"

A flash of gratitude passes through Tu Nuo Duo's eyes, but she quickly regains composure: "Be careful; these people aren't simple, they have a great power behind them."

Yan Buji nods, becoming more vigilant. He continues fighting while looking for a chance to break through.

"We can't keep going like this!" Yan Buji frowns, looks at Tu Nuo Duo: "I'll draw their attention; can you hide?"

"No problem!" Tu Nuo Duo nods affirmatively.

"You and I will meet again at this place....."

"Take care of yourself." Tu Nuo Duo looks at Yan Buji, eyes full of worry, but knowing she is now a burden, she slips away into the night.

Yan Buji draws several distractions, finally uses Instant Movement Technique to escape successfully.

He arrives at the agreed location.

"Thank you, Yan Buji." Tu Nuo Duo pants, comes forward and says.

Yan Buji waves his hand: "No need for thanks, but you must tell me what those people are after. How did they get involved with Precious Light Ore?"

Tu Nuo Duo remains silent for a moment, then lowly says: "Actually, while investigating internal matters of the demon tribe, I accidentally uncovered a secret. Hidden in the Precious Light Ore is an extremely rare heavenly treasure called 'Time Sand'. This treasure is said to control time, even letting one glimpse fragments of the future. Those people captured me for that."