The Fourth Calamity: My Sect Has Countless Prodigies

Chapter 105 Refusing to Escape

Two days ago, in the dense forest outside Lianyungang City.

A few people walked among the stars, looking for a suitable place to meet.

The three originally planned to split up.

The main issue is that the reconnaissance missions issued by the sect leader cover too wide a range of topics, so splitting up would be more efficient.

At the same time, if someone is discovered, it will not implicate others, making it an option with only advantages and no disadvantages.

However, everyone's previously unwavering belief was immediately and completely changed by what happened next.

Two bushes suddenly appeared, obscuring the path through the woods.

Li Fan and the others stepped forward and pushed aside the crowd, only to see a figure radiating purple demonic energy suddenly flash by, seemingly chasing something.

At the time, the group didn't take it too seriously, but seeing that something was going on, they naturally continued to follow.

However, in the next instant, something shocking happened.

The figure that had been faintly visible in the distance slowly transformed into a three-foot-tall, pitch-black monster.

A monk was being choked by him and was struggling frantically.

The scene that followed was truly hellish, and the shock it brought to the three of them was far more terrifying than any horror movie from their previous lives.

Li Fan broke out in a cold sweat, but fortunately he reacted the fastest and immediately retreated with the two of them, luckily avoiding being discovered by the monster.

Later, many cultivators went missing in Lianyungang City, and there were even remnants of demonic energy.

Sure enough, it didn't take long for the three major families, led by the market, to discover the existence of the demonic cultivators.

They then imposed a complete curfew on the market and residential areas, prohibiting both entry and exit.

Fortunately, it was winter, so the market wasn't very crowded to begin with, and therefore the losses weren't too great.

If it were just this, the group might not have thought about it too much. It was just an accidental encounter with a demon, right?

Is it possible that we'll run into each other every time?

Li Fan didn't think his luck could be that bad.

But what made him suspicious was that something felt off about this matter, just like the previous market auction.

During the previous auction, Li Fan had a feeling that the three major families were taking so long to make their move.

Although they claim to be Foundation Establishment cultivators on their way, given their abilities, subduing a group of troublemaking rogue cultivators shouldn't be too difficult for them.

Is it because they don't want to risk their lives? But what risks could this group of rogue cultivators possibly bring?

Adding to the current matter of the demonic cultivators, Li Fan felt that there seemed to be an even bigger story unfolding behind the scenes in Lianyun Market.

"Forget it, the situation is complicated right now. For now, it's best to play it safe," Li Fan thought to himself, his teacup trembling slightly.

Inspector Liu sat opposite them and whispered, "Brother Li, don't worry about the large number of people. The connection I found is absolutely reliable."

As he said this, his eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a glint of shrewdness.

This time, he found his good brother who had been his partner for many years. How could he possibly deceive him?

Upon hearing this, Li Fan became interested and immediately asked, "Brother Liu, could you tell me what kind of connections you have? I'll make a decision later. You don't need to be too specific, just give me a general idea."

Inspector Liu took out a map and spread it out on the stone table.

The market has been placed under martial law recently because demonic cultivators have infiltrated it.

This incident caused many cultivators great distress, and they had long wanted to escape as soon as possible.

After all, who wants to wake up one day to find a terrifying demonic cultivator standing by their bedside? Inspector Liu shared the same thought.

This map was the key to his escape from Lianyunfang City.

"Brother Li, this time we've discovered a section of the wall at the easternmost edge of the market. There are few patrols there, and the formation is somewhat flawed, making it difficult to be discovered." His finger lightly traced across the map, stopping at an edge area within the market.

Upon hearing this, Li Fan's eyelids twitched slightly.

Perhaps because he was a player and could resurrect repeatedly, he couldn't feel the oppressive atmosphere inside the market.

Therefore, Li Fan felt that staying here was quite nice, so why did he have to escape?

Seeing that Li Fan had not yet made a move, Liu Xuncha assumed that he wanted to consider the matter for a while longer, and then advised him, "Brother Li, the time to act is tonight. Once we cross this road, this temple will be gone."

"And absolutely no one will know, so the three major families of the market will definitely not settle scores with us later."

Li Fan admitted that what Inspector Liu said did indeed tempt him.

Anyway, we can't find any information in the market right now.

If we retreat first and bring the news of the demonic cultivators back to Zhou Yi, we might even be able to gain merit.

Although he usually acts prudently, that doesn't mean he's unmoved by the server-wide announcement.

Li Fan's heart stirred, and he was about to agree when he was pulled back by the stars beside him.

"Inspector Liu, Cousin Li and we have important matters to attend to, so we won't get involved in the matter of escaping Lianyun Market." Qunxing handed another spirit stone to Inspector Liu. "Of course, we accept your kind offer, and we hope you will understand."

Li Fan looked at the stars, his eyes filled with astonishment.

He didn't expect that Qunxing would actually stop him at the crucial moment and refuse to do it.

This guy keeps talking about triggering hidden storylines, but now anyone with a discerning eye can see that accepting this escape mission will definitely lead to some kind of extraordinary encounter.

But why did the stars stop him at this crucial moment?

Li Fan was puzzled, but with outsiders present, he couldn't make a fuss. He could only wait until Inspector Liu left before raising his questions.

Inspector Liu's face darkened. Li Fan was so eloquent; he really didn't want the other party to die like this.

But as the saying goes, it's hard to persuade a damned person with kind words.

Since the other party insisted on staying, he couldn't very well try to stop them.

"Very well, farewell." Inspector Liu sighed, turned around, and left.

After the other person had walked away, Li Fan asked, puzzled, "Qunxing, why did you refuse someone for no reason? This should have triggered a hidden quest."

Upon hearing this, the stars burst into laughter.

"Haha, just some loose silver? You wouldn't understand."

"Think about it, this Inspector Liu is just a low-level inspector in the market, and his cultivation level is only barely at the mid-stage of Qi Refining."

"If he can find a place to escape, then what's the difference between this martial law in the city and not being in effect?"

"Even if he really does have connections, I feel it's highly likely that someone is setting a trap to lure him out."

Upon hearing this, Li Fan immediately realized that he had indeed overlooked this issue.

If even low-level patrols can find escape routes, then the martial law in the market has indeed lost its original purpose.

But who is behind this sting operation?

Li Fan frowned slightly, picked up the teacup on the stone table, and took a sip.

A winter afternoon.

A refreshing breeze blows, making people feel relaxed and happy.

Qunxing looked at the puzzled Li Fan and explained, "Besides, I think the key to triggering this hidden plot should be on that map, not in the escape mission that Inspector Liu mentioned."

Upon hearing this, Li Fan seemed to realize something and fell silent.

As for the instant-opening immortal...

He only vaguely understood their previous conversation, and when this sentence came out, he was even more caught off guard.

"So what exactly do you mean? Stars, stop keeping me in suspense. I hate people like you who only say half of what they mean." The Immortal of Instant Opening picked up his teacup, drank it all in one gulp, and then asked.

The stars smiled and took out the map photos they had just secretly taken.

It must be said that this new feature is really useful, as it can be completed quietly while recording key task items.

He then pointed to the edge area that Inspector Liu had previously indicated.

"I think we should just sneak in quietly and observe the situation from the outside. That way, we can attack or defend as well. There's no need for us to go in as escapees," Qunxing explained, a smile playing on his lips.

Even the most dull-witted immortal could discern the true intention behind the words of the stars.

"Do you want to sneak a peek at what's going on?" the Immortal with Instant Opening asked first.

The stars nodded: "That's right! Being an outsider, we see everything clearly."

"To be honest, I think this method is feasible," Li Fan replied from the side.

The group quickly decided that they would go to the so-called escape route together tonight.