Over the next several days, Lin Yun began to work with the others, moving in secret.
At first, the Crimson Ghost Sect and the other evil sects didn't even notice their presence. Not until they had successively rescued the disciples of the Constant Sun Sect and the Xuan-Kun Palace.
Less than one in ten of the disciples from these sects had survived. But even so, Lin Yun let bygones be bygones and rescued them one by one.
When these rescued disciples first saw Lin Yun, their subconscious reaction was to raise their weapons. If Xia Yijing hadn't stopped them in time, blood would have likely been spilled on the spot.
After a round of explanations, everyone finally understood what the Spirit Realm had become. In the process, many also came to a realization.
Lin Yun was not the ungrateful traitor that Gu Xiande had described. If Lin Yun were truly as cruel and unscrupulous as he claimed, why would he possibly put himself in peril to save so many people?
Once a person's image changes, many things naturally follow suit. Before, many of them had looked upon Lin Yun with disdain. But now, knowing the slander he had been forced to bear, they all felt sympathy for him. If they had been the ones so wrongfully accused, they likely would have abandoned themselves to despair long ago. But Lin Yun had never given up.
"What has happened to me is trivial," Lin Yun said to the united group. "The most pressing matter now is for everyone to find as many of our companions as possible and gather them together."
Under Lin Yun's leadership, the various sects became unprecedentedly united. Although their current strength was no match for the Crimson Ghost Sect in a direct confrontation, Lin Yun had no intention of fighting them head-on. Instead, he used continuous harassing tactics to slowly deplete their forces.
Yunlu Mountain:
This was a rare place in the Spirit Realm, an area of green mountains and clear waters. The Crimson Ghost Sect had temporarily established their base here. The spiritual energy was abundant, and it was located in the very heart of the Spirit Realm. Setting up a formation here allowed them to draw upon the Yuan Qi of the heavens and the earth.
Zhao Teng had chosen this spot for precisely that reason. He had planned to gather all the disciples from the so-called righteous sects, and then his plan could proceed logically. And indeed, things had gone just as he'd imagined. These disciples had no idea that the Crimson Ghost Sect had even invaded the Spirit Realm. So, the moment his forces struck, the disciples could only surrender without a fight.
The situation had been excellent. But just a short while ago, Zhao Teng had received news.
Qi Desheng had vanished without a trace.
He knew that Qi Desheng had been in charge of capturing the disciples from the Beast Taming Sect. Of the Four Great Sects of the Daye Dynasty, the one he was most worried about was, ironically, the Beast Taming Sect.
"These past few days, they have been continuously harassing us. In less than a week, we have already lost half of our hostages." Zhao Teng looked at Jiang Qingshuang beside him. "Ghost King, what do we do now?"
Jiang Qingshuang slowly opened her eyes. She was, of course, aware of what had been happening in the Spirit Realm. But to her, these were all trivial matters, things that could be left to her subordinates. Her own time was precious; there was no need to waste it on such problems.
"You can't even handle such a simple matter? If the Sect Master finds out, do you understand what your fate will be?" Jiang Qingshuang looked at Zhao Teng coldly, her voice tinged with displeasure. "We sent you here hoping you could resolve this problem quickly, not so you could come here and ask me questions."
Seeing Jiang Qingshuang's frosty demeanor, Zhao Teng felt as if he were sitting on a cushion of needles. After a moment of thought, he understood. The one most likely making a move was the boy who had made a great name for himself at the Chen Family Fort: Lin Yun.
Zhao Teng sighed. "The Ghost King is right. However, the one who has acted against us this time is no simple character. I wonder if the Ghost King remembers the great battle at the Chen Family Fort."
As expected, Jiang Qingshuang's previously contemptuous expression changed. The battle at the Chen Family Fort had been a disastrous loss for the Crimson Ghost Sect. They had lost many lives, and even then, had failed to obtain what they wanted. And everything they had been after was taken by Lin Yun. This was a grudge their sect had never forgotten. Even after so much time, they were still trying to find a way to reclaim those treasures from him.
But it was easier said than done. Lin Yun had been staying in the Beast Taming Sect, the one place the Crimson Ghost Sect was most wary of.
Hearing Zhao Teng's words now, however, sparked an idea in Jiang Qingshuang's mind.
"Are you saying that the one making a move against us this time is indeed Lin Yun? And the two key clues we need are in his hands?"
Zhao Teng nodded eagerly, like a small chicken pecking at rice. He couldn't directly tell the woman before him what to do, so he could only guide her in this way. As it turned out, his words did indeed give Jiang Qingshuang some ideas.
"Interesting," she mused. "In this situation, instead of hiding, he dares to cause trouble for us. Since he has come knocking on our door, it wouldn't be right for me to pretend nothing has happened. I will personally act and ferret this boy out."
Hearing these words, Zhao Teng finally breathed a sigh of relief. This was exactly what he had been waiting for.
"The Ghost King is brilliant! With your strength, it is only a matter of time before you deal with that boy. As long as he dares to appear before you, he is dead for sure!" Zhao Teng didn't forget to lay on the flattery.
Jiang Qingshuang just sneered, paying him no mind as she rose and left.
Zhao Teng watched her retreating back, his own expression gradually turning sinister.
Perhaps in the eyes of others, he was just a sycophantic dog. But only Zhao Teng himself knew the truth. Jiang Qingshuang was indeed powerful, and there was no need for him to clash with her head-on. Moreover, while she was strong, she lacked emotional intelligence. Controlling her, therefore, was not as complicated as one might think. Just like now, with only a few words, he could make her obediently do his bidding. Even if his own strength couldn't match hers, he could still maneuver her to his will on this matter.
Let the two of you fight it out first.
Afterward, I will sit back and reap the fisherman's profit.
Zhao Teng looked at the large map spread out before him. The places where they had suffered losses, where all their captives had been freed… he didn't believe Lin Yun would have killed so many people. But at the same time, keeping so many people hidden would take a considerable amount of time and effort. It would be more than enough time for Jiang QsHuang to catch that little rat, Lin Yun.
"Men!" he called out.
"Send someone to follow Jiang Qingshuang. See what she is up to."