Beneath the Cliff of Unfeeling, Jiang Hao.

Hong Yuye’s gaze lingered briefly on this name before she closed the list and remarked,"Nothing extraordinary."

"Most are outer sect disciples. Among the inner sect disciples, only a small handful are traitors or suspects. Their identities and positions are low-ranking. Investigating true disciples and elder enforcers will require more time," Bai Zhi quickly explained.

The lack of any high-ranking traitors provided some relief but also a sense of unease.

Logically, if even the sect leader had suspicions, the matter shouldn't have seemed so clean. Yet nothing significant had surfaced thus far.

"Some people cannot be exposed without sufficient temptation. They will remain hidden until the right moment," Hong Yuye said calmly. She reopened the list, her gaze settling on Jiang Hao’s name at the bottom. She asked seemingly offhandedly,"What is Jiang Hao's background on the Cliff of Unfeeling?"

"His background is remarkably clean. He was sold to the sect at a young age and possesses above-average talent. Recently, however, he became entangled with a traitor from the Heavenly Joy Pavilion.

"Moreover, his recent cultivation breakthrough is unusual. Despite his middling talent, he experienced a sudden surge in cultivation after a trip outside a few years ago. He claimed to have eaten a peculiar fruit, gaining a fortuitous encounter.

"More recently, he directly advanced to the Foundation Establishment stage. Normally, this wouldn’t raise suspicion, but he coincidentally killed a traitor. There’s a possibility that the traitor from the Heavenly Joy Pavilion swayed him, even willingly dying by his hand," Bai Zhi explained earnestly.

"And his usual demeanor?" Hong Yuye asked expressionlessly.

"He avoids conflict, is mild-mannered, and never speaks harshly to ordinary people. He seems... out of place in the sect," Bai Zhi replied. She initially wanted to say he didn’t seem like someone from the demonic sect but quickly rephrased to avoid offending the leader.

Hong Yuye remained silent, her expression impassive. After a moment, Bai Zhi spoke again,"The person he killed from the Heavenly Joy Pavilion was naturally alluring and likely used her charms to sway him. While there is no concrete evidence, the suspicion is significant."

After hearing this, Hong Yuye said suddenly,"Then let us test him—and in doing so, draw out those still lurking in the shadows."

"Your subordinate does not understand your intent," Bai Zhi replied, bowing her head in slight confusion.

Moments later, a faint light appeared before her eyes. Startled, she looked up to see a seed the size of a quail egg, black and white in equal measure. As the light faded, the seed appeared ordinary.

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Examining it closely, Bai Zhi’s face changed dramatically."This is..."

Before she could finish, Hong Yuye interrupted with a chuckle, her tone tinged with amusement."Many would come for this alone. Deliver it to that man on the Cliff of Unfeeling. In due time, those hidden in the shadows will surface."

"What if he takes it and flees?" Bai Zhi asked, her gaze filled with astonishment.

"Then that would be your problem, wouldn’t it?" Hong Yuye turned to face her, her expression devoid of emotion.

Under such a gaze, Bai Zhi’s fear deepened. Not daring to press further, she replied,"Understood. I will carry it out immediately."

Leaving the Hundred Blossom Lake, Bai Zhi’s earlier trepidation faded, replaced by a sense of confidence and strength.

Walking through the sect’s forests, she commanded respect from everyone she passed—be they protectors or elders—who all bowed and greeted her with reverence.

This wasn’t just due to her role as the acting representative of the sect leader but also her personal strength.

Yet despite her outward composure, Bai Zhi was deeply perplexed, especially as she glanced at the seed in her hand.

"The seed of the Heavenly Fragrant Dao Flower... Using something like this to test an inner sect disciple and expose other traitors—does it warrant the effort?"

The answer was undoubtedly no. Such an arrangement likely had deeper implications.

"Is it because of that disciple, or is there a more formidable traitor among them?"

With a sigh, Bai Zhi shook off her thoughts.

The sect leader's reappearance was unusual. Her sudden focus on traitors, combined with the introduction of this seed, indicated something extraordinary had occurred.

"The Heavenly Fragrant Dao Flower... It’s said to be the source of the sect leader's strength." Staring at the seed, Bai Zhi couldn’t deny the allure of possessing it.

If she were to take it, her future might be limitless.

This thought sent a shiver down her spine. She broke into a cold sweat, realizing that the sect leader’s first test of this seed was aimed at her.

Determined, Bai Zhi resolved to hand it over swiftly. Any hesitation could spell her downfall.

Still, finding a reasonable way to pass the seed to an ordinary inner disciple was proving troublesome.

[Strength +1][Spirit +1][Cultivation +1][Vitality +1][Spiritual Sword +1]

Walking through the Spirit Medicine Garden, Jiang Hao noticed an increased number of blue orbs drifting toward him compared to before.

"Today’s harvest was decent. Too bad I can’t collect spirit stones."

The debt of a thousand spirit stones weighed heavily on him.

Although he owned a fair amount of low-grade spiritual swords and pills, selling too many would raise suspicions. If he could find higher-quality pills, it might help resolve his predicament.

"So far, I only have 168 spirit stones. Selling a few swords and pills might barely get me to 200. I’m still short 800."

"It seems I’ll have to take on some sect missions."

By midday, after finishing his tasks in the Spirit Medicine Garden, Jiang Hao headed to the base of the Law Enforcement Peak, where sect missions were issued.

"Well, Jiang junior brother, long time no see. It’s rare to find you away from the Spirit Medicine Garden," a cheerful voice called from behind him.

Turning, Jiang Hao saw a slightly delicate-looking young man accompanied by a man and a woman. Though young, their cultivation levels were impressive.