209: All parties take action! (Fourth update)

Kunlun Academy, Principals Office.

Li Heng scrolled through his phone screen, chat records in the student group rolling upwards.

From Lin Xiao discovering the problem, to Xie Wangsheng analyzing the situation, and then Gao Ningning volunteering, the entire response process was clear, efficient, and not at all sloppy.

Very good.

These little guys have learned to think proactively and solve problems; they are no longer hothouse flowers needing guidance at every turn.

As the dean, he was happy to take it easy.

He only needed to provide them with a strong enough backing, allowing them to venture out and grow without worries... Meanwhile, in the boys' dormitory.

"No, I have to go back."

Fang Yuan put down his phone, his expression grim.

Liu Lian sidled over, hooking his arm around Fang Yuan's neck: "What's up, Old Fang? Didn't we say we'd wait until the jade talismans were ready, then go down the mountain together for a rampage?"

"That grandson named Zhao Peng, the people behind him, their target is my parents," Fang Yuan said, word by word. "I can't let them be in danger."

"Holy crap!" Liu Lian immediately exploded. "Coming after family? These bastards are truly inhuman! Old Fang, wait for me, I'll go with you! We'll scatter Young Master Peng's ashes!"

Han Li also pushed up his glasses and walked over: "Count me in. Anyone who plays such underhanded tricks absolutely cannot be let off."

Xie Wangsheng shook his head, stopping them.

"Moving on Zhao Peng now would only alert the enemy. He's just a pawn pushed to the front."

He looked at Fang Yuan: "You take Uncle and Auntie home first to ensure their safety. Gao Ningning and I will go to Xuhang, and once we've dealt with Sun Fang's matter and gotten the evil elixir's component analysis, we can follow the clues and dig out their entire chain. Then, we'll meet up with you."

With the plan decided, they acted immediately.

Fang Yuan quickly packed his luggage and, along with Liu Lian and Han Li, hurried to the family quarters.

After finding his parents, Fang Yuan only said that the academy had assigned off-campus homework and he needed to take them home to rest for a few days.

Although Fang Jianguo and Wang Li found it strange, seeing their son's firm expression, they didn't ask further and followed him down the mountain.

Several hours later, in the airport waiting area.

The three found a corner and sat down.

"What do we do now?" Fang Yuan was a bit worried. "We know nothing about that Zhao Peng; we can't just confront him directly."

"Start with Lin Xue," Han Li said decisively.

"Zhao Peng contacted you through her; she's the most direct Breakthrough point."

Fang Yuan's expression became even more troubled.

"But... how do I talk to her? Ever since that unpleasant encounter at the bar, she blocked me. I can't just tell her, 'You've been used by an evil Cultivator, tell me where he is,' can I?"

"Oh, what's so hard about that!"

Liu Lian snatched Fang Yuan's phone, his fingers flying across the screen.

"What are you doing!" Fang Yuan panicked, trying to grab it back.

Liu Lian held the phone high, grinning: "Watch me!"

He directly opened WeChat, unblocked Lin Xue from the blacklist, and sent two words.

【Are you there?】

"You!" Fang Yuan covered his face, feeling so embarrassed his toes could dig out a three-bedroom apartment.

What era was this? Who still used such an old-fashioned opening line!

Han Li, however, patted his shoulder, indicating approval.

"Old Liu's move, though unsophisticated, is effective."

"Think about it, Lin Xue must have watched the live broadcast of the finals. She knows who you are now, right? You're a living Immortal!"

"A living Immortal, a former high school classmate, suddenly reaching out to her – what do you think her reaction will be? Will she refuse? She'll only feel like a huge Opportunity has fallen into her lap!"

No sooner had Han Li finished speaking than Fang Yuan's phone chimed.

Lin Xue replied instantly.

【Lin Xue】: I'm here, I'm here! Fang Yuan! Is it really you?

【Lin Xue】: [Excited] [Excited]

Looking at the two exaggerated emoticons on the screen, Fang Yuan fell silent.

"See?" Han Li shrugged.

Liu Lian, meanwhile, smugly lifted his chin and took over the chat.

"Leave it to me; watch how I get the information out of her."

【Fang Yuan】: It's me. How have you been lately?

【Lin Xue】: Good, good, good! I'm especially good! Fang Yuan, are you... are you Cultivating now? That Kunlun Cultivation Academy on TV, is that the one you mentioned before?

Liu Lian glanced at Han Li, who made a "continue" gesture.

【Fang Yuan】: Mm.

One word, full of the profound demeanor of an Immortal.

Lin Xue on the other end was clearly awed by that "Mm," taking half a minute to reply.

【Lin Xue】: So amazing! Fang Yuan, you're practically my idol now! I really regret not believing you back then!

【Lin Xue】: Oh, right, did you need something from me? Whatever I can help with, just say the word!

"The fish has bitten," Han Li whispered.

Liu Lian's fingers flew, typing so fast they blurred.

【Fang Yuan】: There is something. I've encountered a Bottleneck in my Cultivation recently and need to comprehend the Mortal World, so I might need to live near the academy for a while. I wanted to chat with a classmate, and I thought of you.

【Fang Yuan】: Is it convenient?

"Holy crap, Old Liu, you're amazing! You even thought of 'comprehending the Mortal World'!" Han Li was utterly impressed.

"Of course, bro, this is called professionalism," Liu Lian said with a smug look.

The phone chimed again.

【Lin Xue】: Convenient! It's super convenient! I'm free anytime! When are you coming back? I'll pick you up at the airport!

Seeing this reply, which practically screamed eagerness to rush over, Fang Yuan was already numb.

Under Liu Lian's proxy chatting and Han Li's strategizing, the two quickly arranged a time and place to meet Lin Xue tomorrow with just a few words.

And just as Fang Yuan and his group finished everything, a thousand miles away, at the Lin family in Yuhang.

Inside the garden, the atmosphere was heavy.

Lin Xiao put away his phone, the screen still showing Xie Wangsheng's message: "Arriving tomorrow."

He felt relieved.

With Xie Wangsheng taking action, the trail behind Sun Fang would not be broken.

He stood up and slowly walked over to Sun Fang, who was curled up in the corner, his aura weak.

Lin Xiao's towering shadow completely enveloped Sun Fang.

"You'd best think carefully and tell us everything you know."

Lin Xiao's voice was flat, devoid of any emotion.

"That way, you might still save your life."