Xu Yi and Zhan Fei were both eager to uncover the truth behind the events, so after a brief discussion, they decided to depart as soon as dawn broke the next day.
"Sect Leader Zhan, besides the two of us, I'd like to bring someone else along," Xu Yi said with a gentle smile.
"Could it be that fellow Daoist Xu wishes to bring Wen Yi?"
Zhan Fei mused for a moment before guessing Xu Yi's intention.
Xu Yi nodded, "Exactly. I want to start investigating from the Mingyue Pavilion. Wen Yi is very familiar with the situation there, and her presence will make things much simpler."
True Master Jing Qiu had died seven days ago, the most recent cultivator death they were aware of.
Xu Yi believed that if the mastermind behind it had left any clues, investigating from the Mingyue Pavilion would undoubtedly be the most straightforward approach.
"Certainly. I also wish to bring someone," Zhan Fei said, lifting his chin slightly. "My young disciple, Chi Xiaoxi, is proficient in pharmacology, and she might also be of assistance."
The cultivators had died without a sound, leaving no visible wounds, suggesting they might have been poisoned.
If Zhan Fei's suspicions were correct, Chi Xiaoxi would surely be able to discern any anomalies.
"That's fine."
Since Wen Yi was already being brought along, Xu Yi didn't feel it would be a burden to have Chi Xiaoxi join them.
The North and South Martial Uncles also wanted to accompany their Sect Leader, but if they both left, the Fire Talisman Sect would truly be left unattended. Thus, they suppressed their regret and nodded silently.
That evening, the Fire Talisman Sect hosted a small banquet to entertain Xu Yi, Wen Yi, and the other disciples.
During the banquet, the guests and hosts alike were in high spirits. Wen Yi and the others, who had been worried about not being able to integrate into the Fire Talisman Sect, gradually relaxed amidst the warm atmosphere.
After the banquet concluded, Xu Yi called Wen Yi over and informed her that she would be accompanying her to the Mingyue Pavilion tomorrow to investigate the cause of True Master Jing Qiu's death.
Wen Yi was initially somewhat disbelieving upon hearing the news.
Once she registered it, she covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face.
No one believed what she said; everyone insisted her master had died due to an accident.
Yet, Xu Yi not only believed her but also intended to personally investigate the cause. How could Wen Yi not be moved?
"But... Senior Xu, I, I'm worried the elders won't let you in, after all..." Wen Yi stammered, but Xu Yi understood her meaning perfectly.
Xu Yi had avenged Wen Yi by dealing with Lan Ke Ren and others who had pursued them, and she had also declared that True Master Jing Qiu's treasures were in her possession. The elders of the Mingyue Pavilion surely harbored deep hatred for her and would never permit her entry into their sect.
Xu Yi smiled nonchalantly, "Don't worry, I'll make them agree."
There were truly not many places on the Nine Continents Continent that could stop her.
At the very least, the Mingyue Pavilion certainly wasn't one of them.
Wen Yi's tear-washed eyes sparkled as she thought of something. "Alright, I'll lead the way for you tomorrow, Senior."
"Go rest. We depart first thing tomorrow morning."
"Yes!"
Meanwhile, Zhan Fei also summoned his four disciples to inform them of his departure with Xu Yi the next day.
Upon learning that Chi Xiaoxi would be accompanying her master, the four disciples displayed varied expressions.
The greatest contrast was naturally between the overjoyed Chi Xiaoxi and the devastated Wang Yang.
"Master, why aren't you taking me? I want to go with you too!" Wang Yang protested loudly, his voice filled with indignation.
"Does that even need asking? Naturally, it's because you aren't as well-behaved and sensible as I am, so Master doesn't want to bring you. You just stay obediently in the sect. Humph."
Chi Xiaoxi made a face at Wang Yang, declaring triumphantly.
"Junior Sister, you wound your Senior Brother so deeply." Wang Yang clutched his chest, feigning utter devastation.
Zhan Fei watched his disciples bicker with a smile. Sensing the opportune moment, he waved his hand to interrupt them.
"The reason I'm bringing Xiaoxi is her talent. If any of you believe you can surpass her in herbalism, then I can reconsider my choice."
Upon hearing this, Wang Yang, however unwilling, fell silent.
Not only within the Fire Talisman Sect but even across the entire Ang Prefecture, no one could match Junior Sister's talent.
"Very well, during my absence, sect affairs will be handled by the North and South Elders, with Wang Yang assisting. All disciples are forbidden from leaving their posts and must await instructions."
"Yes, we respectfully obey your command!"
After the others had left, Zhan Fei kept Chi Xiaoxi behind.
Chi Xiaoxi looked at her master curiously, not understanding the reason for being kept back.
"Xiaoxi, this is a rare and excellent opportunity. You must seize it well," Zhan Fei said earnestly.
"Master?" Chi Xiaoxi tilted her head, bewildered. "I don't seem to understand what you mean."
Zhan Fei gestured for Chi Xiaoxi to sit beside him. "Among all disciples, you are the one I worry about the most. Do you know why?"
Chi Xiaoxi shyly lowered her head and whispered, "Because I'm the youngest and most playful."
"No, it's because of your talent."
Chi Xiaoxi's head shot up at Zhan Fei's words, her expression astonished.
Her talent?
Chi Xiaoxi became even more confused.
"Xiaoxi, you don't realize how much turmoil your talent could cause if it were to get out. If you were targeted by cultivators who specialize in demonic and unorthodox arts, even the entire Fire Talisman Sect couldn't protect you.
Therefore, after much deliberation, I believe the only way to completely eliminate this hidden danger is to find a greater patron for you."
Chi Xiaoxi paused for a moment. "The patron you speak of is Senior Xu?"
"Precisely. I have thoroughly investigated Xu Yi's background. She hails from the Xuanji Sect, one of the five major sects, and her status is likely not that of an ordinary Xuanji Sect disciple.
If she is willing to shelter you, then your future life will undoubtedly be smooth and worry-free."
Zhan Fei finally revealed the personal motive he had harbored for a long time.
The claim that Chi Xiaoxi was proficient in pharmacology and would be helpful in finding clues was all a fabricated excuse. His true intention was to use this journey to foster a good relationship between Chi Xiaoxi and Xu Yi, ideally for Xu Yi to take a liking to Chi Xiaoxi, which would give him more confidence to ask for favors.
He knew his intentions were not entirely pure.
But for Chi Xiaoxi's sake, he had no other choice.
Chi Xiaoxi's talent should not be wasted.
"Master, I understand. I will definitely perform well."
Chi Xiaoxi grasped Zhan Fei's well-intentioned motives and nodded emphatically.
She already liked Xu Yi a great deal. Even if her master hadn't said anything, she would have found ways to leave a good impression on Xu Yi.
"This journey may involve danger. If you sense anything amiss, remember to prioritize your own safety first," Zhan Fei added, unable to resist another reminder.
"I understand, Master."
After leaving Zhan Fei's room, Chi Xiaoxi went directly to the medicinal garden.
She was departing tomorrow, and she needed to carry some herbs with her for emergencies.
She spent an hour in the garden, gathering all the harvestable medicinal plants into her storage bag. Finally, she went to the place where the sacred tree grew.
"Sacred tree, I'll be leaving the sect for a while. You must eat well, and I'll see you when I get back."
Chi Xiaoxi reached out and gently stroked the tender leaves of the sacred tree. After a long while, she reluctantly departed.
She didn't notice that after she left, the trunk of the sacred tree suddenly shook violently, making rustling sounds.