The Shen Nong Medical Codex, in addition to containing methods for refining potent elixirs, also held numerous formidable martial techniques. Among these were several that specialized in concealing one's presence. Some were so advanced that they could seamlessly blend with the environment, making one imperceptible even to those who saw them, as if they simply did not exist.
Lin Xiao Tian ultimately settled on two specific techniques. One was the Qi Concealment Art, capable of completely hiding one's aura – an essential skill for covert operations. The other was the Grand Unity Art, which could deceive an opponent's senses, causing them to actively overlook one's presence even when seen directly. While these two techniques could be used in tandem, their cultivation difficulty was considerable, requiring Lin Xiao Tian to dedicate substantial time. However, mastering them would provide him with significant advantages when venturing into forbidden areas in the future.
Without hesitation, Lin Xiao Tian commenced his studies with obsessive dedication. As a novice cultivator, he encountered many uncertainties. If not for the Shen Nong Legacy forcefully instilling knowledge into him, mastering even a single one of these techniques on his own might have taken a century. Yet, in less than a week, Lin Xiao Tian grasped the essence of these martial skills. Beyond the aid of the Shen Nong inheritance, personal effort was crucial for cultivation. Lin Xiao Tian was exceptionally diligent, devoting almost all his time to practice, save for essential needs.
Thus, a month passed. One early morning, Lin Xiao Tian emerged from his room and walked towards the main gate of the Lin family residence. Astonishingly, no one noticed him. He glanced back at the monitoring room; his image was still visible on the screens, but with a magical twist: unless Lin Xiao Tian himself pointed it out, the monitoring personnel would not detect his presence within the footage. He was highly satisfied with this outcome, signifying that the Grand Unity Art had reached a nascent stage of mastery.
Another day passed. On this day, Lin Xiao Tian, as usual, went out. No one in the Lin family realized he had left. In the surveillance footage, Lin Xiao Tian seemed to merge seamlessly with his surroundings.
Lin Xiao Tian arrived at Black Mountain. This time, Xiao Bai did not come to meet him. Despite her formidable sense of smell, she was completely unable to detect Lin Xiao Tian's presence; he was standing right outside her dwelling. Only when Lin Xiao Tian called out did Xiao Bai react, profusely suspecting that her nose had malfunctioned. Being able to deceive Xiao Bai gave Lin Xiao Tian a degree of confidence.
Of course, this was still not enough. The Wang family's internal defenses were formidable, and Lin Xiao Tian was unsure of any arrangements Wang Zhao Tian might have in place. His final recourse was to lure him out. And to achieve this, there was only one method: Lin Xiao Tian himself.
Upon returning from Black Mountain, Lin Xiao Tian informed the Wang family of his intention to enter the Sea of Death. "Hahaha, Xiao Tian, you're finally going in. It seems you gathered quite a bit of insider information from your previous trip to the desert?"
This time, it was another member of the Wang family who came to meet Lin Xiao Tian. Lin Xiao Tian knew this individual; he had previously assisted Fang Wen Hua in his escape. Lin Xiao Tian smiled faintly and did not conceal anything. "Naturally. To tell you the truth, my people discovered a person deep within the desert."
Upon hearing this, the other man's expression visibly shifted. "Is that so?" Lin Xiao Tian could tell he was clearly forcing himself to remain calm. However, Lin Xiao Tian did not expose him, instead continuing along his line of questioning. "There's no mistake! My people also reported that the person could fly!"
"Really? Could it be an immortal?"
Lin Xiao Tian chuckled. "Whether they are an immortal is not for me to say; it's for that person to declare."
"What do you mean?" The other man did not understand.
"I mean, go in and capture that person!" Lin Xiao Tian said in a placid tone.
"This... is it feasible? After all, the other party is an immortal?"
"Heh! Where are there any immortals in this world? It's all deception. No matter how powerful they are, can they withstand firearms and bullets?" Lin Xiao Tian grinned. "Back in the Kunlun Valley, even those monsters could be killed by guns; how much more so him?"
"You want to bring weapons in? That's not allowed."
"Only I know that person's location. If you're unwilling, then we'll have no further cooperation," Lin Xiao Tian threatened. His words struck at the Wang family's Achilles' heel. They desired Lin Xiao Tian's blood and flesh and were unwilling to miss an opportunity to cooperate with him.
"I cannot make this decision. I need to consult with the family elders."
"Very well! However, I do not wish to wait too long!"
...
Three days later, a representative from the Wang family approached Lin Xiao Tian again. "Xiao Tian, regarding the matter you raised, our Wang family agrees. When do you plan to depart?"
"Anytime!"
"Anytime means when?"
"I'll notify you once I've handled my current affairs."
The Wang family's capitulation was entirely within Lin Xiao Tian's expectations. Lin Xiao Tian bid farewell to the old lady and Qin Yu Xiang. During this period, Lin Xiao Tian had been diligently working to persuade the old lady. Upon learning that Lin Xiao Tian had avenged his grandfather, her inner resentment had considerably eased. Although she was displeased that Lin Xiao Tian had gone to the Sea of Death without her knowledge, the fact that he had returned alive demonstrated his considerable strength. Coupled with Qin Yu Xiang's counsel, the old lady eventually agreed to Lin Xiao Tian's plans.
Another three days passed. Lin Xiao Tian, leading an exploration team, entered the desert. This team was impeccably equipped, with each member being a top-tier expert. Combined with Lin Xiao Tian, a cultivator, they could virtually traverse the Sea of Death unimpeded. Upon entering the desert, Lin Xiao Tian covered his mouth and nose with a mask. People from the Lin family were stationed at the desert's edge, ready to provide support to Lin Xiao Tian at any moment. The group soon vanished beyond the desert's perimeter. The remaining Lin family members set up a nearby camp, constantly monitoring the desert's movements.
The desert nights were cold; at the edge of the sand sea, the sand was covered by a thin layer of ice. This was the peculiar nature of the Sea of Death. Without a professional team, one could not last even a single day inside. For the team deep within the desert, this night would indeed be arduous. But for Lin Xiao Tian, such weather had no effect. His aura was suppressed to its lowest point, making him seem as if he had vanished.
As the night deepened, the ground froze, yet it rained from the sky. The group set up tents and arranged for guard duties. Lin Xiao Tian, naturally, did not need to do this; he only needed to remain in his tent. However, at this very moment, he was no longer in the tent. On a night like this, he didn't believe Wang Zhao Tian could resist making a move.
Indeed, in the latter half of the night, Lin Xiao Tian sensed a peculiar aura. This presence was faint, clearly an attempt to conceal their intentions, but their technique was too crude. Lin Xiao Tian easily detected them.