Ling Tian returned to the Zhuo family villa after temporarily sealing the underground space beneath the local deity temple.
The villa was bustling with activity as Zhuo family members began moving their belongings out. Ling Tian felt a sense of relief, seeing that the Zhuo family's two sons had apparently informed Old Master Zhuo Wujin about the day's events. Though stubborn, Zhuo Wujin was not foolish. Now aware that the villa was an ominous dwelling, he would have to prioritize his family's safety over any sentimental attachment.
Ling Tian sat in the courtyard, watching. Before long, several cars appeared at the entrance. Ling Tian recognized Elder Xie Liheng of the Righteous Path Alliance, accompanied by several others, alighting from the vehicles. Among them was Xie Chong, Xie Liheng's nephew, whom Ling Tian knew. Beside Xie Chong stood a woman in her early twenties, with delicate features and clad in a loose robe. Ling Tian detected a familiar aura from her, indicating she was from the Taoist sect.
"Ling Tian, how is it? Where are Zuo Can and You Que?" Xie Liheng asked anxiously.
"Uncle Xie, there's no need to worry. Those two scoundrels have been brought to justice!"
Xie Liheng let out a sigh of relief before chiding him. "You kid, you're too audacious. Zuo Can and You Que are not just martial arts experts. They belong to the Yin Sha Sect and possess many formidable arcane arts. Even our Righteous Path Alliance would need to enlist the help of experts from the Buddhist or Taoist sects to deal with them. Do you know how dangerous you were at that moment?"
Ling Tian could only offer a wry smile, understanding that Xie Liheng was genuinely concerned for him. "Brother Xie, I had no choice at the time. There were so many people behind me, and those two were about to unleash a massacre. If I hadn't intervened, countless members of the Zhuo family might have perished. Besides, you're well aware of the cultivation levels of my masters. I was confident in dealing with them. See? I'm not injured at all."
"Let it slide this time, but it cannot happen again. By the way, Ling Tian, allow me to introduce you. This young lady is also a member of our Righteous Path Alliance. She is a disciple of Longhu Mountain, under the tutelage of Celestial Master Zhang. Her name is Zhang Caifeng!"
Ling Tian smiled at the woman and greeted her. She remained stoic, exuding an aura of unapproachability, which Ling Tian found rather unappealing. He wasn't keen on offering warmth to someone who seemed indifferent.
The group proceeded through the woods north of the villa towards the local deity temple. The members of the Righteous Path Alliance went to examine the two corpses to confirm their identities. Meanwhile, Zhang Caifeng took out a compass and a peach wood sword from her backpack. As she approached the location of the temple, the compass needle began to tremble violently. Zhang Caifeng's brow furrowed; she had sensed something unusual. To Ling Tian's surprise, Zhang Caifeng immediately noticed the invisible talisman that had been placed there.
Zhang Caifeng looked up at Ling Tian, their eyes meeting. A silent understanding passed between them, a mutual recognition that needed no words.
"Did you do this?" Zhang Caifeng asked.
Ling Tian nodded. "This is a Nine Yin Gathering Sha location. Decades of Yin energy have accumulated here, all beneath this local deity temple. Even with Heavenly Eyes, it's impossible to discern what lies within. Whether we open the passage to let whatever is inside out, or we go in ourselves, it's extremely dangerous. I could only temporarily seal the place."
"Sealing this place was the right choice. However, what do you plan to do next? You can't just leave it like this. What if someone accidentally or intentionally breaks the seal? The trouble that could cause would be immense," Zhang Caifeng stated.
"It's simple. I plan to forcibly break it down!"
"Tell me more?"
"I intend to harness the power of heaven and earth to destroy the space beneath. No matter how much Yin Sha energy is present, it cannot withstand the might of the cosmos!"
Hearing Ling Tian's words, a spark of interest flickered in Zhang Caifeng's eyes. "When do you plan to act?"
Ling Tian pulled out his phone and opened a weather app. "Tomorrow afternoon. It's supposed to rain in the capital! That's when I'll make my move!"
"Um, I have a humble request. May I observe? I assure you, I will only watch and will not interfere. If there are any malevolent entities inside that are not dealt with immediately, I might be able to offer some assistance."
Ling Tian pondered for a moment and then nodded. His enemies were deeply connected with those of unorthodox paths. To seek revenge, the entire unorthodox world would become his adversary. In such a situation, having an ally would strengthen his resolve. "Alright, then you alone may come. It's not good for too many people to witness this."
"Don't worry, I understand."
They exchanged contact information and agreed on a meeting time and place, after which they fell silent. As kindred spirits, they understood each other without needing extensive explanations.
About ten minutes later, the members of the Righteous Path Alliance finished their inspection of the scene, and the two bodies were placed in body bags. Xie Liheng walked over and patted Ling Tian on the shoulder. "Ling Tian, you've achieved a great deed. You have no idea how much effort we put into tracking down these two. These individuals were responsible for over a hundred lives and committed countless sins. I will definitely report this matter to my superiors and ensure you receive a reward!"
Ling Tian shook his head with a wry smile. "There's no need. Let's leave it at that. Please ensure this remains confidential; I don't want to attract trouble."
Xie Liheng considered Ling Tian's words. He realized that Ling Tian was capable and wealthy, likely unconcerned with such rewards. Instead, safety might be what he valued more. "Alright, we'll leave it at that. But remember, next time you encounter someone from the unorthodox path, do not act rashly. Even if you lose them, it's better than risking your own safety! Ling Tian, this is not a suggestion, it's an order!"
"Understood, Uncle Xie. I'll remember that!"
After bidding farewell to Xie Liheng and his group, Ling Tian took a ride to a high-end residential area within the capital city. Within this complex, an entire floor was owned by the Zhuo family. The entire Zhuo family had now moved into this property. Ling Tian had initially been reluctant to visit, but the Zhuo family's persistent invitations, even with the involvement of Elder Lan Ruoting, made it impossible for him to refuse.
In the luxurious dining room of the Zhuo family mansion, the key members of the family were gathered. Some of their children, who lived out of town, had also returned. Of course, apart from Zhuo Wujin, Zhuo Gang, and Zhuo Tie, the others were unaware of the day's events. Old Master Zhuo knew that any leak of this information would have serious repercussions and could even bring disaster upon their family.