Chapter 105: Return

After leaving Qingyue Qiu, Zuo Zhicheng walked quickly through the forest and then climbed a tree to rest. Although he had escaped from the underground ruins, both his stamina and mental energy were severely drained.

After eating a Psychic Energy Fruit, Zuo Zhicheng used a rope to secure himself to a tree branch and then lowered his head, pretending to sleep.

Two hours later, Zuo Zhicheng opened his eyes, and it seemed like a sharp light shot out from them. He untied the rope and did not leave immediately. Instead, he thought about what to do next.

Thinking about the power Shen Zong had shown in the records, Zuo Zhicheng thought to himself: ‘It seems the original plan won’t work. I have to take the risk of being exposed and speed things up a little.’ The existence of the Super Ancient Ruins and NASA’s discovery made Zuo Zhicheng feel a strong sense of urgency.

With the Spiritual Energy Food available, the time he could spend practicing martial arts would be greatly extended. Besides, he still had to translate the first and second volumes of the Daoist Canon, practice Night Sea, and breakthrough in Spirit Refining and Human Aspect. Zuo Zhicheng had too many things to do afterward.

‘I need some influence. Relying solely on the Ghost Fist identity is troublesome. I also need to use the power of the Shadow Corps.’ Zuo Zhicheng touched his chin: ‘And as for the martial hall…’

After thinking for a while, he had a general idea of what to do next. In order to speed up his growth in strength, he made some adjustments to his original plan to lay low. Although it would increase the risk of exposure and attract Shen Zong’s attention, it now seemed unavoidable to accelerate his pace.

…

Two days later, Qingyue Qiu looked at the document in front of her, a flash of surprise and understanding in her eyes. She looked up at her subordinate and asked: “You haven’t told anyone about this, right?”

“I wouldn’t dare.”

“Good.” Qingyue Qiu lit the document in her hand, burning it, then looked up and said: “Go out. Act as if this never happened. Don’t mention it to anyone.”

“Understood.”

Watching her subordinate leave, Qingyue Qiu let out a deep sigh. After returning, because of Old Man Song, she became suspicious of Ghost Fist’s identity. After giving it careful thought, she sent people to investigate.

They immediately discovered that during the few days they were away from Xinlu, Zuo Zhicheng from the martial hall had also disappeared. It was said he went to work on a ship, but no news of him was found on any vessel in Xinlu.

Right at that moment, the people she sent to track Zuo Zhicheng were found knocked out in a small alley.

“A warning?” Thinking of Zuo Zhicheng’s appearance, his Innate Primordial Breath was different from Ghost Fist’s, so they probably weren’t the same person. However, the fact that they were both away at the same time indicated a close relationship. Of course, if the other party had the ability or an item to conceal Innate Primordial Breath, that was also possible.

“Even if they aren’t the same person, judging from his request to spare Old Man Song’s life, their relationship must be extraordinary.” Qingyue Qiu thought this, but did not investigate further. The other party’s reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance abilities were clearly much stronger than theirs. Investigating further would only needlessly offend them.

For Qingyue Qiu and the others, knowing that Zuo Zhicheng and Ghost Fist were connected was already a big help.

Tang Xianghui, who was nearby, said: “In that case, should we secretly support Haoran Martial Hall? After all, they are currently at a disadvantage in their struggle with Chaoyang Martial Hall.”

Qingyue Qiu said: “Not necessary for now. Too much interference might instead provoke Ghost Fist’s displeasure.”

Tang Yuan speculated: “We’ve always guessed that Ghost Fist was probably from some secret unit in the past. If he has such a close relationship with Zuo Zhicheng, could Zuo Zhicheng be his former comrade-in-arms?”

“Comrade-in-arms?” Tang Xianghui shook her head: “Zuo Zhicheng doesn’t look the part. I think it’s more likely he’s his son, nephew, or disciple, something like that.”

After the exploration in the underground ruins, the members of the Shadow Corps grew even more awed by Ghost Fist’s strength. They truly understood just how terrifying this person was. Not only was he formidable now, but he also possessed the potential to become a super powerhouse.

Qingyue Qiu said coldly: “No need to bother with all that. We just need to know that Zuo Zhicheng and Ghost Fist are closely connected.”

“What about Old Man Song?” Tang Yuan asked. Although Old Man Song hadn’t been eliminated, to keep the secret, he was temporarily placed under house arrest by the Shadow Corps.

“Let him go.” Qingyue Qiu said indifferently: “Just warn him to keep the secret.”

The exploration of the underground ruins not only brought Ghost Fist and the Shadow Corps closer but also made Qingyue Qiu, Tang Yuan, and Tang Xianghui more intimate.

After the three discussed a bit more, Lin Ganghao, who was responsible for matters related to the Hundred Families Association, hurriedly arrived. He came to report on the situation in Xinlu City during the time Qingyue Qiu was away.

“This Rihuo is getting more and more arrogant. While you were away, he challenged and defeated six martial halls in a row. Plus, the few martial halls Xiao Jingyang bought with money, almost the entire Martial Arts Association is under Chaoyang Martial Hall’s control.”

“But Rihuo’s current skill is indeed profound. The Eagle Claw Technique in his hands is basically much fiercer than even Xiao Jingyang’s. This time, even Jiang Tianzheng was ambushed by him…”

Lin Ganghao spoke halfway, then noticed Qingyue Qiu and the other two staring intently at him. He mumbled: “What’s wrong?”

Qingyue Qiu frowned and said: “You just said Jiang Tianzheng was ambushed? How is that possible? His martial arts should be higher than Rihuo’s.”

“He was drugged.” Lin Ganghao seemed to sense the unusual tension in the atmosphere, and his expression also turned serious: “Rihuo injured students from Haoran Martial Hall. Jiang Tianzheng confronted Xiao Jingyang about it at the dinner table today, and then Rihuo broke his waist. He’s lying at home now, don’t know if he’ll be able to stand up again.”

“Drugged?” Qingyue Qiu said urgently: “Why didn’t you stop it?”

“Wh-why should I stop it?” Seeing Qingyue Qiu, who had never gotten angry before, like this, Lin Ganghao asked somewhat timidly: “The unification of the Martial Arts Association, Rihuo’s rising status in the Hundred Families Association, isn’t that more beneficial for the task assigned by the higher-ups? It also fits the original action plan set by the corps this year, to use barbarians to control barbarians.”

“These idiots.” Qingyue Qiu thought for a moment, then immediately asked: “When did this happen?”

“Just a few hours ago. It was during their gathering and dinner at Chaoyang Martial Hall.”

“There might still be time.” Qingyue Qiu let out a breath: “Gather everyone, all go to Chaoyang Martial Hall. Also, notify the city defense army, have them send a musket team to surround Chaoyang Martial Hall.”

“Miss, are you planning to…” Tang Xianghui asked in surprise from the side.

“Just as a precaution. Tell everyone, without my order, absolutely no one is to make a move.” Qingyue Qiu stood up: “Let’s go too. I hope it’s not too late.”

Qingyue Qiu and the others hurried out, but they didn’t notice that in the shadows outside the wall, the masked Zuo Zhicheng slowly nodded. The Shadow Corps’s judgment was as he predicted, but he didn’t expect things at Haoran Martial Hall to…

…

Under the moonlight, a figure slowly pushed open the gate of Haoran Martial Hall.

Zuo Zhicheng walked towards Jiang Tianzheng, who was lying on the bed unconscious. Jiang Qing was crouched beside him, still holding a bowl of dark medicine.

“A Zuo?” Jiang Qing turned her head, a flash of pleasant surprise in her eyes, but it soon turned into resentment: “You’re back?”

“I’m sorry… I came too late.”

“You left without saying a word, and now you’re back.” Jiang Qing gave a bleak smile, as if wanting to vent all the bitterness and resentment in her heart. She grabbed Zuo Zhicheng’s shoulders and shook them nonstop.