339: Chapter 339: Infiltrating

Li Changsheng sat behind his desk, watching the door slowly close, and let out a long sigh.

Through the Soul Link, Xiao Ran's voice rang out again: "Did she agree?"

Li Changsheng: "She agreed."

Xiao Ran: "Do you think she'll find out?"

Li Changsheng: "Find out what? That I deliberately sent her to you? At most, she'll think I'm using her to spy on the Demonic Path."

Xiao Ran: "Aren't you afraid she'll hate you, then?"

Li Changsheng remained silent for a moment. "She'll find out sooner or later anyway that the one who truly sent her over was you."

Xiao Ran fell silent for a long time, then laughed. "Old Li, you're a fucking good guy."

Li Changsheng smiled as well. "Back at you."

Su Qinghan returned to her quarters, closed the door, and leaned against it.

She closed her eyes, her heart beating slightly fast.

She didn't know why she had agreed.

Perhaps she really wanted to investigate the movements of the Demonic Path, perhaps she wanted to use this opportunity to completely give up hope, or perhaps she simply didn't want to stay in this place that made her feel so conflicted anymore.

She didn't know, nor did she want to ponder it too deeply.

She only knew that she was going to see someone.

And this time, she would not run away again.

...

Three days later, Su Qinghan left the Supreme Dao Palace.

She changed into the colorful robes unique to the Hehuan Sect, wore a half-mask on her face, and hung a short blade from her waist.

Her aura was suppressed to the Nascent Soul Early Stage by a specially made jade talisman—neither too high nor too low, perfectly matching Liu Ruyan's identity.

The mountain gate of the Supreme Dao Palace gradually receded behind her, and she did not look back.

Heading all the way north, she passed through several small towns and wildernesses. She encountered a few groups of Loose Cultivators and merchant caravans along the way; some spared her a few extra glances, while others asked no questions.

Her pace remained calm and steady, neither fast nor slow.

After walking for about five days, she arrived at a small town called Blackstone Town.

This was already the edge of the Demonic Path's sphere of influence, and most of the people in the town had gloomy expressions.

She entered an inn, requested a room, and closed her eyes to regulate her breathing.

She had to wait for someone in this town—a contact arranged by Li Changsheng who would be responsible for escorting her to the vicinity of the Eternal Night Demon Sect.

The contact was an ordinary-looking middle-aged Loose Cultivator wearing a dusty old gray robe. Upon meeting, he only handed her a travel pass and a map.

"Follow this road. In three days, you will reach Canglang Ridge, where someone will meet you."

"They will tell you what to do after that."

Without asking any questions, he turned and left.

Su Qinghan took the travel pass and said nothing. She simply tucked it away and waited until the man had walked far away.

She stood up, walked out of the inn, and continued heading north.

Su Qinghan knew very well that from now on, she was Liu Qingyan.

A Hehuan Sect Disciple who had escaped back from the border, a lonely soul wanting to return to the protection of her Sect.

After walking for a few more days, she finally saw the mountain gate of the Eternal Night Demon Sect.

It was a massive gatehouse built of giant black stones. On either side of the gatehouse stood a ferocious stone statue, baring its claws and fangs as if ready to pounce on anyone who approached.

Carved above the gatehouse were four large characters—"Eternal Night Demon Sect."

The brushstrokes were sharp, carrying an indescribable sense of oppression.

Su Qinghan stopped in front of the gate, took a deep breath, and handed the travel pass and identity jade token to the guarding Disciples.

"Liu Qingyan of the Hehuan Sect. I have returned today to request an audience with Fairy Hehuan."

The guarding Disciple glanced at her, then at the jade token in her hand, and frowned. "From the Hehuan Sect? How come I've never seen you before?"

Su Qinghan's expression remained normal. "I went missing at the border many years ago, and the Sect believed I was dead."

"I was fortunate enough to survive, and only recently found my way back."

"If you do not believe me, you can ask Fairy Hehuan."

The guarding Disciple hesitated for a moment but turned and went inside anyway.

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a woman wearing a pink dress walked out from the gate.

Fairy Hehuan's gaze swept over Su Qinghan. "Are you Liu Qingyan?"

Su Qinghan bowed slightly. "This Disciple is indeed she. Many years ago, I was attacked at the border and luckily escaped. I only recovered recently, which is why I dared to return."

According to records, Liu Qingyan cultivated a special Cultivation Technique.

Every once in a while, she would lose her memory, and her appearance would undergo a drastic change.

Under these circumstances, she would forget everything to Cultivate.

Under certain specific conditions, her memories would resurface, and her strength would advance even further.

This was an incredibly unique Cultivation Technique.

This was why Li Changsheng had Su Qinghan disguise herself as Liu Qingyan; even if her appearance and temperament were completely different, it would not arouse suspicion.

Fairy Hehuan sized her up for a moment. "You indeed look somewhat different from back then."

"But the timing of your return is quite coincidental. The Alliance Leader is currently consolidating the affairs of each Sect. If you are willing, you can first report to the Alliance Leader's side."

Su Qinghan's heart stirred. "The Alliance Leader's side?"

Fairy Hehuan nodded. "The Alliance Leader has been looking for manpower recently. Since you've returned, it would be good for you to show your face."

"No need to be nervous, it's just a meeting."

Su Qinghan lowered her head. "This Disciple understands."

She followed Fairy Hehuan through the mountain gate, passing through several corridors and courtyards before arriving in front of a grand hall.

The hall doors were wide open, and a figure could be faintly seen sitting on the main seat inside.

Fairy Hehuan stopped outside the hall doors. "Go on in. The Alliance Leader is waiting for you."

Su Qinghan took a deep breath and stepped into the grand hall.

The lighting inside the hall was somewhat dim. Xiao Ran sat in the main seat, holding a Jade Slip in his hand, his gaze landing on her.

His expression did not change much, but a barely perceptible glint flashed in his eyes, as if he recognized her, yet also as if he was waiting for her to speak.

"Are you the Disciple who returned to the Hehuan Sect?"

Xiao Ran spoke, his voice flat, as if asking about an ordinary matter.

Su Qinghan lowered her head, maintaining the posture that Liu Qingyan ought to have. "Replying to the Alliance Leader, this Disciple has been wandering outside for many years and only returned to the Sect today."

"Hearing that the Alliance Leader is consolidating affairs, I have come specifically to report."

Xiao Ran put down the Jade Slip. "What was your name again?"

"Liu Qingyan."

"Liu Ruyan..." He repeated the name, as if savoring something.

"You've been wandering outside for so long and still managed to return alive. Your luck is quite good."

"It is because this Disciple was fortunate."

"People who are fortunate often have more than just good luck."

Xiao Ran stood up, walked over to her, and his gaze lingered on her for a moment.

"Since you've just returned, settle in first. In a few days, I will have someone show you around the Sect to familiarize yourself with the environment."

"Now that you are back, stay here with peace of mind."

Su Qinghan: "Thank you, Alliance Leader."

As she backed out of the grand hall, she felt a gaze resting on her from behind, only shifting away once she stepped out of the hall doors.

Standing outside the hall, she took a deep breath. The cold wind rushing into her lungs cleared her mind a bit.

She did not know if Xiao Ran had recognized her during that brief conversation.

But she knew this was only the beginning.

She had already stepped into the headquarters of the Demonic Path, and the person in that grand hall was her target for this journey.

She did not know where the road ahead would lead, but she knew there was no turning back.

Su Qinghan gripped the short blade hidden in her sleeve tightly and walked toward the pitch-black night.

Behind her, the lights of the Eternal Night Demon Sect lit up one by one, like countless open eyes watching her receding figure.