10: Well-known and uninvited guests

The news that D-7 Courtyard had defeated Liu Ming once again—and by using a never-before-heard-of "Super Gentle Wind Talisman" to blast him away—swept through the Outer Sect area like a gale.

This time, the reaction was far more intense than before.

If the first time could be explained away as "trickery" or "stalling," then this time, the sheer power of the Talisman silenced everyone, leaving only shock and curiosity.

"Have you heard? Those trash... those Senior Brothers from the Ding Zi Courtyard have come up with a new Talisman! Its power is terrifying!"

"A Gentle Wind Talisman could knock back Senior Brother Liu Ming, who's at the Qi Refining Fourth Layer, along with his fireball? Is that for real?"

"Absolutely true! Many people saw it at the time. The wind was so strong it was like a small tornado!"

"How did they do it? Did they stumble upon some fortuitous encounter?"

All sorts of speculations were rife. Some were envious, some were jealous, and some even began to harbor ulterior motives.

Consequently, Wen Youyi and the others found that their dilapidated courtyard had suddenly become a "bustling marketplace."

It was no longer just people looking for entertainment or trouble; people were now coming with various genuine purposes.

Some Outer Sect Disciples snuck in, shamelessly trying to buy one of those "high-powered Gentle Wind Talismans," even if the price was high—this thing could save a life at a critical moment!

Other small groups struggling at the bottom sent representatives to "seek advice," wanting to know how that magical "teamwork" was practiced and if they could be taught as well.

There were even one or two Outer Sect stewards who came to "inspect" with an amiable attitude, indirectly asking where the Talismans came from or if they could be produced stably, saying the Sect could purchase them at a "high price."

Facing this diverse crowd, Wen Youyi displayed a composure and sophistication beyond his years.

To those seeking Talismans, he politely declined with the excuse that "Talisman production is difficult, the success rate is extremely low, and there is currently no stock." He wasn't joking; the stability of the Cooperative Force Talisman hadn't been solved yet. If it leaked out and accidentally injured someone, there would be big trouble.

To those seeking advice, he generously shared some superficial experience on completing miscellaneous tasks through teamwork. However, he didn't say a word about the core Breathing Cache Method or the Cooperative Force Talisman production method. He knew well that exposing core secrets prematurely before becoming strong enough was a path to death.

Regarding the stewards' recruitment attempts, he was even more alert. He spoke earnestly, stating that they were just lucky, their methods were immature, and they didn't dare make fools of themselves, needing more time to figure things out. He was as slippery as an eel, leaving the stewards with nothing to grab onto.

His handling of the situation left Zhao Iron Pillar, Wang Wu, and the others in total awe. Had it been them, they would have had their secrets squeezed out long ago.

"Little Wen, how did your brain grow? You're even more cunning than the sliest old fox in our village!" Zhao Iron Pillar praised sincerely.

Wen Youyi just smiled. He hadn't expected his past-life experience navigating between the workplace and clients would come in handy here. He knew they were currently like children walking down the street carrying a massive treasure; they had to be extremely careful.

However, the tree craves peace, but the wind does not subside.

That evening, as the sky was just beginning to darken and the last batch of visitors had just left, Wen Youyi was about to summarize the day's situation with Zhao Iron Pillar and the others when another person arrived outside the courtyard gate.

This person wore a set of washed-out white servant's robes. He had a hunched figure and an ordinary face—the kind that would disappear if thrown into a crowd. He looked like a servant, but his eyes were exceptionally calm, even carrying a hint of shrewdness that didn't match his appearance.

He didn't enter directly like the others but stood outside the gate and bowed respectfully toward Wen Youyi.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Wen." His voice was slightly raspy, but his attitude was neither humble nor arrogant.

Wen Youyi felt a slight stir in his heart. He signaled Zhao Iron Pillar and the others to stay calm, then stepped forward and asked, "And you are, Senior Brother?"

"This humble one is but a servant from Danxia Peak; my lowly name is not worth mentioning," the grey-clothed servant said with lowered eyes. "I have come by the order of Fairy Yun Zhi to deliver a letter to Senior Brother Wen."

Fairy Yun Zhi?

Wen Youyi's heart tightened. That Inner Sect Fairy was indeed keeping an eye on them.

He took the plain white envelope handed to him. It felt slightly cool to the touch and carried a faint herbal fragrance. There was no signature on the envelope.

"Thank you for your trouble," Wen Youyi nodded.

The grey-clothed servant bowed again and, without another word, turned and vanished silently into the deepening twilight, coming and going like the wind.

Wen Youyi took the letter back inside, and Zhao Iron Pillar and the others immediately crowded around, filled with curiosity.

"Little Wen, an Inner Sect Fairy wrote to you? What does it say?" Zhao Iron Pillar craned his neck to see.

Wen Youyi opened the envelope. Inside was only a thin sheet of stationery with a few lines of elegant yet strong handwriting:

"The tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind."

"The path of Talismans requires utmost caution."

"Should you encounter difficulties, you may bring this Talisman to the Bamboo Garden on the Western Slope of Danxia Peak."

At the end of the note, there was a simple cloud pattern drawn that emitted a faint spiritual glow, seemingly a temporary token.

The content of the letter was short, but the meaning was crystal clear.

The first line was a warning; they had been too prominent lately and had attracted unnecessary attention, which would likely lead to trouble.

The second line was a reminder; their Cooperative Force Talisman had drawn interest. This thing was sensitive, so they had to be extra careful.

The third line was an olive branch, providing a possible channel for protection or help.

This Fairy Yun Zhi seemed to have... no ill will toward them, but rather a subtle protective intent.

"This Fairy is a good person!" Although Zhao Iron Pillar didn't quite understand the flowery language, he could tell good intentions from bad ones.

Wang Wu, however, said worriedly, "Junior Brother Wen, the Fairy says there will be trouble. Could it be that Liu Ming's side still hasn't given up? Or... someone else?"

Wen Youyi rubbed the stationery with the cloud pattern, his gaze deep.

The trouble was likely not just small fries like Liu Ming. The potential shown by their Cooperative Force Talisman and the "new technology" it might represent were enough to tempt people at much higher levels.

He carefully put the letter away and looked out at the heavy night sky through the window.

The mountain rain is about to fall, and the wind fills the tower.

It seemed the waters of the Outer Sect were even murkier than he had imagined. And this letter from Yun Zhi might be a key opportunity for them to break the deadlock.

"Brothers," Wen Youyi turned around with a solemn expression, "From tomorrow on, we must be even more careful. Research on the 'Cooperative Force Talisman' will be temporarily shelved. We will first focus all our efforts on increasing our cultivation and consolidating our 'teamwork'."

He paused, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

"Also, find a way to inquire about what kind of place the Bamboo Garden on the Western Slope of Danxia Peak actually is."

His intuition told him that it was likely not just a simple residence.

(End of Chapter)