Miasma Tide

Translator: Cinder Translations

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After Guo Tao paused for a moment, he continued, "Today, Yiwen deliberately provoked and publicly humiliated him. Ji Yin dared not speak out. After receiving the Gathering Qi Pill, he even felt grateful. It shows that this person is timid and spineless, unworthy of further concern."

Yan Zhengming heard this and gradually relaxed his furrowed brow, nodding in agreement. "You make some valid points, but we mustn't be complacent. Despite Ji Yin's calm demeanor in the face of Yiwen's humiliation, his Qi cultivation is still decent. Most other cultivators at the age of fifteen or sixteen would react with anger, if not outright rage."

At this moment, a burly man in the room spoke with a booming voice. "Brother, you're overthinking it. Given our Yan family's foundation, would a Qi Refinement Stage 3 junior dare to rage? If you're truly concerned, why not take decisive action and eliminate the kid directly? That way, there'd be no risk of exposing the secret of the Rainbow Grass."

Yan Zhengming glared unkindly at his third brother, displeased with his strong but muscle-headed demeanor. "Foolish! Ji Yin is still young and weak in strength, easy to deceive. Killing him might attract attention from the Corpse Demon Sect and increase the risk of exposing the secret of the Rainbow Grass."

After reprimanding his third brother, Yan Zhengming turned his gaze to Guo Tao and said, "Xiao Tao, for the sake of the family's development, you've endured a lot over the years."

TL Note: Xiao Tao – Guo Tao's nickname Xiao is a prefix meaning little or small, often used as a term of endearment by the older generation for youngsters.

"A few years ago, you concealed your identity and infiltrated the Corpse Demon Sect alone. Without any help from the family, relying solely on your talent and relentless effort, you became an inner disciple, which was no easy feat. At this critical juncture, you've even secured the task of inventorying for the family, a significant contribution indeed."

"If the family's plan succeeds this time, your hard work will be remembered. In the future, there will definitely be a Foundation Establishment Pill for you."

Guo Tao's expression became slightly emotional upon hearing this, saying, "I am Yan Family's man, dedicated to the Yan Family, willing to give my all, even unto death."

Yan Zhengming continued, "Although Xiao Tao is in charge of this inventory mission, necessary arrangements are still needed. After all, Ji Yin is also involved. If he hasn't even inspected the Spirit Field, it would be unreasonable."

"We cannot relax our vigilance towards Ji Yin. Xiao Tao, you must keep a close eye on him. If you sense any suspicion from him, report it promptly. If absolutely necessary, you can even execute him on the spot."

"Yes," Guo Tao replied.

Yan Zhengming then asked the others in the room, "How many days will it take to set up the Spirit Field?"

"Approximately seven days," someone answered.

"Move swiftly with the arrangements."

"Yes," responded the others in the room.

...

The next morning, at dawn.

Song Wen opened his door, intending to explore the nearby area and observe the surroundings while stretching his body.

"Creak."

At that moment, Guo Tao's neighboring door also opened.

"Junior Ji Yin, up so early. Where are you off to?" asked Guo Tao.

"Senior Guo, just exploring the new surroundings. It's unfamiliar, so I thought I'd take a look around," replied Song Wen.

Guo Tao's expression turned slightly serious as he said, "I just received word from Master Yan that there's been a sudden outbreak of miasma tides in the Poisonous Miasma Swamp. The miasma outside the Yan family's residence has surged, becoming more toxic. The entire swamp is now unsuitable for human activity, even for a late Qi Refinement cultivator like me."

"The inventory mission will be postponed for a few days. During this time, the two of us should stay in our rooms and not wander around. We're unfamiliar with this place. If we accidentally enter a miasma-infested area, we might lose our lives."

A look of fear appeared on Song Wen's youthful face. "Just as I stepped out, there's an outbreak of miasma tides! That's truly terrifying. I'll stay in my room for safety. I'm going back."

With that, Song Wen turned and walked back into his room.

Watching Song Wen's door close once more, Guo Tao's lips curled into a faint smile.

"A rookie like him is really easy to deceive."

Back in his room, Song Wen's mind was filled with suspicion.

Guo Tao's behavior seemed odd. He had just stepped out, and Guo Tao immediately opened his door, which seemed too coincidental, as if Guo Tao had intentionally waited for him.

Moreover, Guo Tao mentioned the miasma tide, which was also mentioned in the jade slip provided by Chen Yi. The appearance of miasma tides had no regular pattern; they occurred roughly every two to three years, accompanied by colorful auroras in the sky.

Regarding the phenomena during miasma tides, some had speculated that there might be hidden treasures in the Poisonous Miasma Swamp. However, after generations of cultivators searching, there had been no findings. Gradually, no one mentioned it anymore.

When Song Wen observed outside the door just now, he noticed that the sky beyond the large array barrier was normal, as usual, murky gray. There were absolutely no signs of the miasma tide phenomenon mentioned in the intel.

Furthermore, since entering the Yan family, Guo Tao had repeatedly warned him not to wander, seemingly concerned for his safety but more like intentionally or unintentionally confining Song Wen.

Also, Guo Tao's words just now had inconsistencies. It was absolutely not foolish for Song Wen to wander near the boundary of the Yan family array.

Song Wen couldn't believe that miasma could infiltrate the array. If that were the case, the lower-level disciples and ordinary people in the Yan family would have long since perished.

Song Wen couldn't help but harbor some suspicion towards Guo Tao. He suddenly realized that Elder Shen's message before his departure was not without purpose.

However, Song Wen did not directly express any doubts to Guo Tao.

If Guo Tao was indeed in league with the Yan family, then Song Wen was alone in this. For now, he could only let the other party manipulate him to ensure his survival. The sect mission would have to be put on hold for the time being.

Over the next few days, Song Wen's door remained closed, only occasionally opening it to get some fresh air by the doorway before returning to his room.

Song Wen knew that there must have been some problem with the Spirit Field, and the Yan family was using this time to make certain preparations. In collusion with Guo Tao, the Yan family only needed to deceive him, a seemingly Qi Refinement Stage 3 cultivator on the surface, to smoothly pass this sect inventory.

(End of the Chapter)