Chapter Thirty-Three: The Gathering of Master Detectives

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As the day drew nearer for Lin Yanghao to journey to the Spirit Realm, he found himself only one teleportation array away from bringing Feng Shihan with him into that mysterious domain. Yet, there was still no word from Feng Batian; and if he could not be found, Lin Yanghao knew full well that Feng Shihan would be most unlikely to leave her father behind and venture into the Spirit Realm at his side. Thus, Lin Yanghao’s foremost task became clear: he must find Feng Batian.

With this in mind, Lin Yanghao set his sights on Shanling Prefecture. The prefecture itself was unremarkable, but it was home to the renowned Detective Society, an organization whose fame rivaled that of the Treasure Pavilion throughout the Dragon Martial Continent. Both establishments trafficked in commerce, though while the Treasure Pavilion dealt in rare artifacts and precious materials, the Detective Society traded in information. Their boast was simple: with enough wealth, a man could purchase any secret he desired. The society’s network of agents spanned the breadth of the continent, making it Lin Yanghao’s natural first choice for tracking Feng Batian.

“Young master, have you come to buy information?” No sooner had Lin Yanghao entered the Detective Society than an attendant stepped up to greet him.

“Of course I’ve come to buy information,” Lin Yanghao replied, glancing back at the attendant. “What other business could I have with the Detective Society?”

“And what sort of information are you seeking, young master? Is it a person you wish to find, or an object?”

“I’m looking for news of a person.”

Just then, a hearty laugh rang out. “Ah, Hero Lin! What an honor to receive you. Forgive me for not welcoming you sooner!” A middle-aged man strode forward, his bearing as impressive as his stature, which matched Lin Yanghao’s own. The attendant from before bowed deeply, addressing the newcomer as president.

Lin Yanghao surmised that this must be the president of the Detective Society himself. He was not surprised that the man recognized him—indeed, along his journey, Lin Yanghao had already discovered that his own exploits had spread like wildfire, earning him a new moniker: the Calamity Star. All he could do was smile wryly. Soon, he would leave the Dragon Martial Continent behind, and such stories would fade with time.

So this, he mused, was what it felt like to be the object of universal attention. It was not a pleasant feeling. In the future, he resolved, he must remain discreet. One who flaunts himself invites disaster—this truth Lin Yanghao understood keenly.

“I have long admired your reputation, President. To meet you today is indeed to behold a man of rare spirit!” Lin Yanghao replied courteously, matching the other’s tone.

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Lin Yanghao had always lived by the principle: “If others show me an inch of respect, I repay them a yard; if they do me harm, I return it threefold.” He would always repay his benefactors handsomely, and his enemies would receive retribution in kind.

“Please, I am unworthy of such praise. Tell me, who is it you seek? I, Song, can promise you this: as long as the person is still somewhere on this continent, I will find them. The Detective Society may have no other prowess to boast of, but when it comes to gathering information, no one can rival us.” President Song spoke with bold confidence.

Lin Yanghao was delighted and proceeded to tell him about Feng Batian.

“So, the one you seek is none other than Feng Batian, former head of the Feng family in the Great Yan Kingdom. No problem—give us five days, and we will surely bring you satisfactory news.” Upon hearing the name, President Song immediately understood Lin Yanghao’s vendetta against the Mo family—it was to avenge Feng Batian.

“And what will be the price?” Lin Yanghao asked next.

“What need is there to talk of money? Consider it the beginning of a friendship between us, Hero Lin. It would be a slight to our budding friendship to demand payment.” President Song replied cheerfully, intent on recruiting Lin Yanghao as an ally.

Seeing that Song’s intentions matched those of the Treasure Pavilion, Lin Yanghao accepted graciously. With the arrangements made, he found an inn in Shanling Prefecture and settled in to await news of Feng Batian. Five days would pass quickly enough. Lin Yanghao realized he had neglected his cultivation for some time, so he resolved to use the days wisely. Though a breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment stage was impossible on this continent, consolidating his current strength was still necessary.

Yet, the spiritual energy in the Dragon Martial Continent was so thin that after five days of cultivation, he had managed to increase his reserves by only the slightest margin.

“Five whole days, and yet I’ve gained so little spiritual power. The path of cultivation truly demands vast amounts of time. No wonder, it’s said that a cultivator’s closed-door training can last months, even years—sometimes they stake their very lives on a breakthrough, refusing to emerge until they succeed,” Lin Yanghao thought as the fifth day approached. Rising, he made his way to the Detective Society.

“President Song, have you any word of Feng Batian?” Lin Yanghao asked the moment he arrived, seeing Song awaiting him at the entrance.

“Our agents have scoured every lead. At last, we determined that Feng Batian was last seen at the Trial Grounds in the Southwestern Mountains. After entering, he never came out again,” President Song reported.

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With news of Feng Batian finally in hand, Lin Yanghao immediately set out for the Trial Grounds.

He could not help but wonder what business Feng Batian had there. With his cultivation already at the Martial Emperor level, what purpose could such a place serve him? Perhaps only by reaching the Trial Grounds himself could Lin Yanghao unravel the mystery.

Arriving at the outskirts of the Trial Grounds, Lin Yanghao noticed a group of youths whispering among themselves. Drawing closer, he relied on his cultivator’s keen senses—though more than ten meters away, he could plainly hear their conversation.

“What’s going on with the Trial Grounds? Why has no one been able to enter lately? It’s as if the place is haunted!”

“You’re telling me! And have you heard? Not long ago, something strange happened there. Ever since, it’s been impossible to get inside.”

“What happened? Tell us!”

“That night, a brilliant white light suddenly flared over the Trial Grounds. Ever since, no one has been able to enter.”

Lin Yanghao listened, growing increasingly uneasy. If Feng Batian was truly inside, he could only hope nothing terrible had befallen him. Should disaster strike Feng Batian, Lin Yanghao dreaded to think how devastated Feng Shihan would be.