235: The Shadow of Poison Appears

The morning mist in the core hall of Beyond Heaven had not yet dispersed. Jun Xiaoyao sat behind a sandalwood desk, his fingertips lightly tapping on a secret report.

The report featured a map of the three southern prefectures drawn in cinnabar.

The location of Yun Prefecture was circled three times, with labels next to it: "Ten Thousand Poisons Valley Branch," "Blood Saber Sect Stronghold," and "Murong Family Shop."

Zhao Gao stood before the desk, his voice kept very low.

"Young Lord, Fragrant Bat has sent word back. Murong Fu and Blood Saber Old Ancestor held a secret meeting for an entire night in a ruined temple outside Yun Prefecture City, seemingly discussing how to seize back the Ice Fire Flower."

Jun Xiaoyao raised his eyes, his gaze landing on the words "Ten Thousand Poisons Valley Branch," and a cold smile curled at the corners of his mouth: "They want it? That depends on whether The Net agrees."

He pushed the report to Zhao Gao, "Have Marshal of the Unruly take a team of Luowang Assassins to Yun Prefecture. Remember, do not act directly; first, figure out their transaction route."

1. summoning array Re-activated, Divine Catcher Enters the Game

At this moment, the summoning array in the center of the hall suddenly lit up with a pale golden light, runes rotating like flowing water, forming a vortex.

When the light dissipated, a figure wearing official robes appeared in the array.

He had a resolute face, a rusted iron sword hanging at his waist, and a tattered bundle carried on his shoulder; it was Zhan Zhao, the Southern Hero from "three heroes and five gallants."

[Summoning Successful]

[Character: Zhan Zhao]

[From: Classical Wuxia World]

[Realm: Grandmaster Initial Stage]

[Martial Skill and Cultivation Technique: 1. Zhan Zhao Sword Technique (Perfection) — Sword Aura is steady, combining both offense and defense, skilled at controlling movement through stillness. 2. Lightness Skill "Ladder Cloud Ascending" (Major Achievement) — Agile figure, can shuttle freely between buildings. 3. Catcher Mind-Cultivation Technique (Perfection) — Keen sensitivity to Qi, can track and hide traces.]

[Loyalty: 100%]

Zhan Zhao bowed, his voice resonant: "Subordinate Zhan Zhao, greets Young Lord."

Although he had long heard of the name Beyond Heaven, he did not expect such a young Young Lord. A trace of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he immediately returned to a respectful demeanor.

Jun Xiaoyao pointed to Yun Prefecture on the secret report: "Does the Southern Hero know the terrain of the Yun Prefecture area?"

Zhan Zhao unfolded the map he carried, which was densely marked with the mountains, rivers, towns, and villages of Yun Prefecture; clearly, he had already done his homework.

"Yun Prefecture is mountainous. Among them, Black Wind Ridge is easy to defend and difficult to attack; it is a place where bandits often frequent. If Murong Fu wants to trade, he will most likely choose that place."

"Very good." Jun Xiaoyao nodded, "You take five Luowang Assassins and rendezvous with Marshal of the Unruly, focusing on investigating the defensive layout of Black Wind Ridge. Remember, if you encounter people from the Blood Saber Sect, do not alert them; first, record their facial features."

After Zhan Zhao left to carry out the order, Zhao Gao added: "Young Lord, Poison Scorpion Woman from Ten Thousand Poisons Valley has also set off. She is taking ten Snake Slaves and heading towards Yun Prefecture. It looks like she wants to help Murong Fu seize back the Ice Fire Flower."

Jun Xiaoyao picked up his teacup and gently blew away the foam: "Poison Scorpion Woman? Just right, have Medical Immortal go as well. His Rejuvenating Hands are exactly the counter to the poison arts of Ten Thousand Poisons Valley."

2. Investigating Black Wind Ridge, The Net Lays a Trap

Three days later, Black Wind Ridge, Yun Prefecture.

Marshal of the Unruly led the Luowang Assassins, lurking deep in the dense forest. He wore black night-traveling clothes, his face covered by a mask, revealing only a pair of sharp eyes.

Beside him, Zhan Zhao was using a branch to draw a simple map on the ground: "According to my investigation, there are three entrances to Black Wind Ridge. Among them, the 'Sky-Line' on the west side is the narrowest, only wide enough for one person to pass; it is an excellent ambush point."

Marshal of the Unruly whispered: "Fragrant Bat sent word that Murong Fu and Blood Saber Old Ancestor have agreed to trade at noon tomorrow, using three chests of Mysterious Iron in exchange for support from the Blood Saber Sect. After seizing back the Ice Fire Flower, they will split the medicinal herb market in Yun Prefecture."

"Mysterious Iron?" A trace of vigilance flashed in Zhan Zhao's eyes, "The Blood Saber Sect has been searching for Materials to forge weapons recently. It seems they want to expand their influence."

Just then, a Luowang Assassin returned silently and knelt on one knee: "Reporting to the Commander, Poison Scorpion Woman is camping on the east side of Black Wind Ridge with the Snake Slaves. They seem to be setting up a poison array; the grass and leaves on the perimeter have turned purple."

Marshal of the Unruly sneered: "Just tricks from Ten Thousand Poisons Valley. Zhan Zhao, you take people around from the west side to figure out the range of the poison array; I will take men to attract their attention from the front. Wait for Medical Immortal to arrive, then break her poison array."

Zhan Zhao nodded: "Subordinate understands." He used Ladder Cloud Ascending, his figure skimming over the treetops like light smoke, quickly disappearing into the depths of the dense forest.

3. Clash of Poison Arrays, Medical Immortal Breaks the Situation

The next morning, Poison Scorpion Woman's poison array was completed.

In the valley on the east side of Black Wind Ridge, purple poison mist permeated the air. The vegetation was stained with eerie colors, and occasionally birds and beasts would wander in, struggling for a moment before falling to the ground.

Poison Scorpion Woman stood at the center of the array, a smug smile on her lips: "As long as the news of the Ice Fire Flower spreads, whether it's people from Beyond Heaven or the Blood Saber Sect, they will all walk right into the trap."

Just then, a breeze blew, and a corner of the poison mist was actually blown away.

Poison Scorpion Woman frowned, only to see an old man walking over with a medicine box on his back—it was Medical Immortal. He held a petal of the Ice Fire Flower in his hand and said with a smile: "Little girl, your poison array is still lacking a bit of heat."

Poison Scorpion Woman shouted angrily and waved her hand, releasing ten poisonous snakes: "Seeking death!"

Medical Immortal was unhurried. He took a handful of silver needles from his medicine box and scattered them with a wave of his hand. The silver needles accurately pierced the vital spot of each poisonous snake, and the snakes froze instantly.

He took out a small porcelain bottle, poured out a few pills, crushed them, and scattered them into the poison mist with the wind: "This 'Clear Miasma Pill' is specifically for breaking poison mist. You might as well save your effort."

The poison mist dissipated rapidly under the effect of the pills, revealing the Snake Slaves inside.

Medical Immortal smiled and gestured to Marshal of the Unruly, who was hiding in the dark: "Done, the rest is up to you."

Marshal of the Unruly saw this and signaled the Luowang Assassins to act. The assassins rushed out like cheetahs and engaged in a fierce fight with the Snake Slaves.

Although the Snake Slaves were skilled in using poison, they gradually could not hold their own against the fierce blade techniques of the Luowang Assassins. Poison Scorpion Woman saw that the situation was bad and turned to flee, but was blocked by Zhan Zhao.

"Stay." Zhan Zhao's long sword was unsheathed, his sword Aura steady, which perfectly countered Poison Scorpion Woman's tricky movement techniques. After a few rounds, Poison Scorpion Woman had her poisonous whip knocked out of her hand and was captured without a fight.

4. Transaction Scene, Mantis Stalks the Cicada

Noon was approaching, at the Sky-Line of Black Wind Ridge.

Murong Fu waited there with three chests of Mysterious Iron. The chests were opened, revealing the cold-glinting Mysterious Iron, making Blood Saber Old Ancestor's eyes glow.

"Young Master Murong is indeed trustworthy." Blood Saber Old Ancestor licked his lips, "My men are already in place. As long as we get the Ice Fire Flower, I guarantee the people from Beyond Heaven will not return."

A trace of calculation flashed in Murong Fu's eyes: "Old Ancestor, don't forget, after it's done, the medicinal herb market in Yun Prefecture must be split three ways with us."

"Easy to say, easy to say." Blood Saber Old Ancestor laughed loudly.

Just as he was about to say something else, he suddenly heard the sound of fighting behind him. Turning his head to look, he saw his subordinates falling to the ground one by one. Marshal of the Unruly was walking over with the Luowang Assassins, and Zhan Zhao was following behind, escorting Poison Scorpion Woman.

"Murong Fu, you are under arrest." Zhan Zhao's long sword pointed directly at Murong Fu, "Colluding with the Blood Saber Sect, intending to seize Beyond Heaven's property, the evidence is conclusive."

Murong Fu's expression changed drastically. He didn't expect the people from Beyond Heaven to arrive so quickly. He looked at Blood Saber Old Ancestor: "Old Ancestor, help me!"

Blood Saber Old Ancestor took a step back and chuckled: "I didn't agree to help you fight; I only came to trade." After speaking, he actually turned around with his men, wanting to leave.

"Want to leave?" Marshal of the Unruly stepped forward, his Aura erupting, "When The Net handles business, how can you come and go as you please?" The Luowang Assassins behind him quickly formed a circle, surrounding the two of them.

5. Beyond Heaven Closes The Net, Southern Border Initially Settled

When Jun Xiaoyao received the news, he was looking at the newly sent account book of the Yun Prefecture medicinal herb market.

Zhao Gao walked in with a smile on his face: "Young Lord, Marshal of the Unruly and Zhan Zhao have already returned with Murong Fu, Blood Saber Old Ancestor, and Poison Scorpion Woman. The Mysterious Iron has also been put into storage. Additionally, Medical Immortal interrogated Poison Scorpion Woman and found out the location of the secret vault of Ten Thousand Poisons Valley, which contains quite a few rare medicinal herbs."

Jun Xiaoyao put down the account book, a trace of satisfaction flashing in his eyes: "How was Zhan Zhao's performance?"

"Very outstanding. He not only uncovered Murong Fu's transaction location but also captured Poison Scorpion Woman alive. His tracking skills were a huge help."

Zhao Gao handed over a report, "This is the distribution map of forces in Yun Prefecture compiled by Zhan Zhao. It is marked very detailedly; even the background of every shop has been investigated clearly."

Jun Xiaoyao flipped through a few pages and nodded: "Let Zhan Zhao be responsible for the intelligence network in the southern border; he is suitable for this position. Additionally, notify Medical Immortal to refine a batch of antidotes using the Ice Fire Flower and distribute them to the people of The Net to prevent a counterattack from Ten Thousand Poisons Valley."

"Yes, Young Lord." Zhao Gao bowed and withdrew.

The sunlight outside the hall shone through the lattice window onto the desk, illuminating the seal with the three characters "Beyond Heaven."

Jun Xiaoyao picked up the seal and stamped it heavily on the cover of the Yun Prefecture account book—from today on.

The medicinal herb resources of Yun Prefecture were officially incorporated into the control of Beyond Heaven. And this was just the beginning.