Chapter 453: Arrival at the Heavenly Marten Clan — The Plan!
Wu Zhong nodded and continued leading the way deeper into the Heavenly Marten Clan's territory.
The three of them flew straight toward the depths of the mountain range. A few minutes later, Wu Zhong descended onto a towering peak, and Lin Fan and Lin Dong followed close behind.
Just as they landed, Wu Zhong's figure suddenly stiffened. They soon saw a group of people walking toward them from ahead.
At the front of the group was a man dressed in gray-black robes.
He looked fairly young, with handsome features, though there was a faintly effeminate quality to him. His thin lips were pressed together, and when he smiled, the slight curl of his mouth gave off an unsettling feeling.
"Hehe, Brother Wu Zhong—did something come up that required you to leave?" the man asked, flashing a gentle and seemingly sincere smile.
Wu Zhong forced a chuckle and nodded. "Just brought a couple friends into the clan for a visit. That shouldn't be a problem, right, Young Master Hao Jiu You?"
In the Heavenly Marten Clan, all clan leader candidates were addressed as "Young Master."
"These two must be A Diao's friends—Lin Fan and Lin Dong, correct?" Hao Jiu You's gaze shifted toward Lin Fan and Lin Dong with a smile.
Lin Fan gave a faint nod and said nothing.
Lin Dong, however, greeted him politely with a cupped fist.
"Hehe, guests are guests. Feel free to enjoy your stay in the clan. If you need anything, just come find me," Hao Jiu You said with feigned friendliness as he looked the two over.
"Appreciate it," Lin Fan replied calmly.
"Young Master Jiu You, we have some matters to attend to. We'll be on our way."
Clearly, Wu Zhong didn't want to chat with him. He led Lin Fan and Lin Dong past the group and left quickly.
"That guy's the one competing with Xiao Diao, right?" Lin Dong asked softly, glancing back.
"Yeah," Wu Zhong replied, his face darkening slightly. As someone of the Heavenly Marten Clan, he knew better than anyone just how dangerous that man could be.
"Hmph. If A Diao hadn't been ambushed and disappeared for a hundred years, how could that guy have had the chance to rise? Back when A Diao was around, he didn't even dare breathe loudly in front of him," Wu Zhong snorted coldly.
As he spoke, Wu Zhong brought Lin Fan and Lin Dong to a quiet courtyard. In the distance, they saw a familiar figure.
The three entered, and there in the center pavilion sat a tall figure, cross-legged. Fragrant incense filled the air, lending a peaceful aura to the setting.
As they approached, the figure opened his eyes. A trace of helplessness flickered across his handsome face as he looked at Lin Fan and Lin Dong.
"Didn't think I'd actually have to call you two here," said Xiao Diao with a sigh.
"We're brothers, aren't we?" Lin Dong smiled.
Lin Fan smirked. "Our little brother's being bullied. How could us big brothers not show up to help you out?"
Xiao Diao rolled his eyes but didn't argue.
After catching up briefly, Xiao Diao waved his sleeve, and a light barrier encased the pavilion. His voice turned low as he finally got serious.
"I need someone to go to the Heavenly Abyss—the place where my father entered life-seclusion. He's been in there for a hundred years, with no word. Even when we try to send messages, there's no response. I suspect… something went wrong. Or he's trapped."
"What?"
Wu Zhong jumped to his feet, utterly shocked. The possibility clearly hadn't occurred to him.
Lin Dong's brows furrowed slightly. Xiao Diao's father was the patriarch of the Heavenly Marten Clan—his strength must be terrifying. For him to be trapped for a century without the clan knowing… was that even possible?
Lin Fan, however, remained calm. "Did you discover something?"
"My father left behind a blood feather linked to his life," Xiao Diao said as he stretched out his slender hand. In his palm lay a blood-colored feather.
Once vibrant, it had now dimmed dramatically, and the life force it emanated was fading.
Xiao Diao brushed a finger across it, and the blood light rippled, revealing two faint, cryptic characters:
'Mo Yu' — Demon Prison.
"'Demon Prison'? What's that?"
Wu Zhong stared blankly, clearly unfamiliar with the term.
Lin Fan and Lin Dong exchanged glances, their expressions subtly shifting as a look of understanding passed between them.
"You know what it is?" Xiao Diao asked, noticing their reaction.
"It's a mysterious organization formed by the Yi Mo," Lin Dong sighed. "To put it simply—it may be the most terrifying force in this world."
He proceeded to give a rough explanation of what they had encountered at the Flame God Temple.
"I suspected it might have something to do with the Yi Mo… but I didn't expect it to be an organization," Xiao Diao muttered. His gaze quickly turned icy. "Those bastards… they've already infiltrated the Heavenly Marten Clan without us even realizing!"
Lin Fan said calmly, "To do something like this, it's unlikely the Demon Prison acted alone. There's probably an accomplice within your clan."
"Who the hell is it?!" Wu Zhong growled, his eyes red, killing intent surging uncontrollably.
Xiao Diao gave a cold smile. "Who else could it be?"
"Hao Jiu You."
Lin Dong narrowed his eyes. Other than the guy who suddenly rose to power and started challenging Xiao Diao, who else could it be?
"I'll go kill that bastard right now!" Wu Zhong stood up, furious.
But Xiao Diao barked sharply, forcing him back down. "It's all still speculation. How are you going to kill him without proof?"
Wu Zhong clenched his teeth. "Then what now? If he really gains control of the clan, the Heavenly Marten Clan will be finished!"
Lin Fan said, "The best course of action now is to investigate the Heavenly Abyss and find out what's really going on."
Xiao Diao nodded. "That's why I called you both here."
"I'll go," Lin Dong said after a moment's thought. "I'm the least noticeable. You and Lin Fan can create a distraction outside, and I'll slip into the Heavenly Abyss."
"I'll investigate and try to rescue your father. Only then can we turn the situation around. If not, no one will believe your claims."
"Be careful," Lin Fan said after a moment of thought, making no effort to stop him.
"We're counting on you," Xiao Diao said gravely, locking eyes with Lin Dong. "We'll sneak you in tonight. Rescue my father—and protect yourself too."
"Don't worry," Lin Dong said with a small smile. Over the years, he'd fought many Yi Mo. With two Ancestral Symbols and the Ancestral Stone, he had a natural advantage over them.
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