Chapter 558 - 554: Tracking

Chapter 558: Chapter 554: Tracking

Fang Han’s brow furrowed even deeper.

The lowest cultivation among these missing people was Third Grade, while the highest had reached the Late Stage of Second Grade, approaching First Grade.

Moreover, they all belonged to major powers affiliated with the Seven Sects.

This didn’t seem like a coincidence.

Instead, it was as if some power was deliberately targeting the Seven Sects!

"Have you found out which power is responsible?"

Fang Han asked.

Qiu Lan shook her head, her voice tinged with helplessness.

"These people all lost contact in remote locations. Although the Seven Sects sent Elders skilled in tracking to investigate, they found nothing."

A brief silence fell over the side hall.

Fang Han lifted his teacup, took a light sip, and set it down. His gaze drifted to the bamboo forest outside the window, swaying gently in the morning breeze.

’What power would dare to move against forces affiliated with the Seven Sects?’

A name surfaced in his mind.

The Tiejiang Gang.

This power had originally intended to annex the various major forces, only failing because those forces pledged allegiance to the Seven Sects.

Now that the major forces had the protection of the Seven Sects, it wasn’t convenient for the Tiejiang Gang to act openly, so they resorted to covert actions.

In his view, this was the most logical explanation.

After finishing his morning meal, Fang Han put down his chopsticks, took the handkerchief Qiu Lan offered, wiped his hands, and rose to walk out of the courtyard.

A few yellowed bamboo leaves twirled in the wind, drifting down to land on the flagstone ground with a faint rustle.

He was just about to head to the Cultivation Field in the rear courtyard when a flurry of hurried footsteps sounded from outside the gate.

A young man wearing the Disciple’s Robe of the Sect Leader’s Hall strode in quickly, bowed to Fang Han, and spoke with a sense of urgency:

"Senior Brother Fang, the Sect Leader requests your immediate presence at the Sect Leader’s Hall for an urgent matter."

Fang Han paused and nodded slightly. "Understood."

Without asking further questions, he straightened his robes and followed the disciple toward the mountain’s peak.

The ancient trees on both sides of the mountain path rustled in the autumn wind. The faint, distant, and lingering sound of a bell could be heard.

Fang Han walked at a leisurely pace, but his mind was racing, speculating on the reason for the Sect Leader’s summons. Recalling what he had heard that morning, a guess formed in his mind.

The majestic silhouette of the Sect Leader’s Hall soon appeared at the end of his line of sight.

Seeing Fang Han approach, the disciples on duty before the hall’s entrance quickly stepped aside to clear a path.

Fang Han strode into the hall.

The hall was brightly lit, with coils of sandalwood incense smoke rising in the air.

Chen Tianyuan sat on the large chair at the head of the hall, holding an unfolded letter.

Hearing footsteps, he looked up and placed the letter on the table.

"Disciple Fang Han pays his respects to the Sect Leader."

Fang Han took a few steps forward and bowed.

"No need for formalities. Sit."

Chen Tianyuan waved his hand.

Fang Han took a seat in a pearwood chair below and looked at Chen Tianyuan’s face.

Chen Tianyuan lifted his teacup, took a light sip, set it down, and his gaze fell upon Fang Han as he asked.

"Have you heard about the successive disappearances of experts from the major powers within the county?"

Fang Han was slightly taken aback, then nodded.

"I heard about this matter this morning."

Chen Tianyuan nodded slightly and asked.

"What are your thoughts on this matter?"

"I believe the Tiejiang Gang is the most likely suspect."

Fang Han pondered for a moment before voicing his suspicion.

"The Tiejiang Gang originally wanted to annex the major powers but failed because they pledged allegiance to the Seven Sects."

"Now that the major powers have the protection of the Seven Sects, the Tiejiang Gang can’t act openly, so they’ve resorted to covert methods."

Chen Tianyuan listened quietly without an immediate response. After a moment, he spoke slowly:

"Your speculation aligns with the judgment of several of the Sect’s Elders, however—"

He paused, frowning as he said:

"The Tiejiang Gang has also had an Elder go missing."

Fang Han’s brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

"An Elder from the Tiejiang Gang is missing too?"

"That’s right."

Chen Tianyuan nodded slightly.

"According to the Sect’s investigation, an Elder from the Tiejiang Gang has indeed gone missing."

Fang Han couldn’t help but frown.

Experts from the major powers affiliated with the Seven Sects had been disappearing one after another. Logically, the Tiejiang Gang was the prime suspect.

But now that the Tiejiang Gang also had a missing Elder, his suspicion might be wrong. It was possible another power was responsible.

Of course, he couldn’t rule out the possibility that the Tiejiang Gang had staged it themselves, sacrificing an Elder to clear their name.

"Previously, the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, which is affiliated with our Qingxuan Sect, had an Honored Guest Elder disappear. The Sect sent Elder Yan Tao, who specializes in tracking, to investigate, but he returned empty-handed."

Chen Tianyuan’s voice interrupted Fang Han’s thoughts.

"He didn’t find any clues?"

Fang Han’s gaze sharpened slightly.

"None."

Chen Tianyuan shook his head.

"Elder Yan Tao reported that he found the location where the Honored Guest Elder went missing, but he couldn’t detect any scent of an attacker at the scene."

Fang Han was silent for a moment, then asked.

"The attacker either has a high-quality scent-eliminating potion or has cultivated an extremely advanced Breath Concealment Secret Technique. Didn’t the Sect try tracking their physical traces?"

"We dispatched Elder Liu Hong, who specializes in tracking physical traces. Elder Liu Hong did indeed find tracks that likely belonged to the attacker, but they vanished completely after he followed them into the city," Chen Tianyuan said.

"It seems the attacker is highly experienced in evading pursuit," Fang Han said with a frown.

Compared to scent tracking, there are many ways to evade trace tracking.

The most common method is to enter a city. In a bustling city, footprints and other traces are quickly covered up and disappear, leaving not a single mark behind.

Besides that, one could also use methods like changing shoes.

Therefore, compared to trace tracking, scent tracking, which can directly lock onto an attacker’s scent, is often considered the superior method of pursuit.

"Just recently, the Zhang Family, which is also affiliated with our Qingxuan Sect, had an Elder go missing."

Chen Tianyuan’s gaze fell on Fang Han, his voice growing more solemn.

Fang Han’s brow furrowed even deeper.

First it was the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, and now even the Zhang Family had an expert disappear.

"If we can’t uncover the truth behind the continuous disappearance of experts from our affiliated powers, the prestige of our Qingxuan Sect will suffer a severe blow."

Chen Tianyuan stood up, clasped his hands behind his back, walked to the window, and gazed at the dissipating morning mist as he spoke.

"Under these circumstances, I have no choice but to disturb your cultivation and ask you to take charge of the investigation."

"I accept your command."

Fang Han did not hesitate, cupping his hands as he replied.

Chen Tianyuan nodded slightly, a trace of gratification flashing in his gentle eyes.

"You once successfully tracked a Grandmaster Level Demon. When it comes to tracking ability, few in Qingyang County can match you. With you in charge of this matter, I can rest easy."

Fang Han straightened up, his voice steady:

"I will do my utmost to uncover the truth as quickly as possible."

Chen Tianyuan nodded. He said no more, simply waving his hand.

Fang Han bowed once more, then turned and exited the Sect Leader’s Hall.

As he stepped out of the hall, the morning light washed over him, dyeing the distant mountains a warm gold.

...

「One day later, in the Commandery City.」

The afternoon sun slanted across the flagstone steps in front of the Zhang Family’s residence, making the two stone lions appear exceptionally solemn in the light and shadow.

Dressed in a green robe with the Cloud Splitting Sword at his waist, Fang Han ascended the steps with a calm gait.

The guards on duty at the gate recognized Fang Han and hurried inside to announce him. A moment later, a rush of footsteps could be heard from within.

Zhang Yuanshan, the Patriarch of the Zhang Family, emerged to greet him. He wore a deep purple brocade robe and walked with a steady stride, followed by two of the family’s Stewards.

Upon seeing Fang Han, Zhang Yuanshan cupped his hands in a salute, his voice deep and steady.

"True Inheritor Fang, your presence honors us. My apologies for not greeting you sooner."

Although he was a First Grade Martial Artist of the older generation, he didn’t dare act arrogantly in front of Fang Han, having witnessed his strength not long ago.

"Patriarch Zhang, you are too kind."

Fang Han returned the salute and got straight to the point.

"I have come regarding the disappearance of your Elder, Zhang Yuanheng."

Hearing this, a trace of gratitude flashed in Zhang Yuanshan’s world-weary eyes. He stepped aside and gestured, "Please, Young Master Fang, come inside. We can speak in more detail."

The two of them crossed the front courtyard and entered the main hall.

After they sat down as host and guest, a Maid served fragrant tea and then retreated silently.

"Young Master Fang, I am endlessly grateful that you are willing to handle this personally."

Zhang Yuanshan said sincerely, setting down his teacup.

"Whatever you may require, Young Master, the Zhang Family will cooperate with all its strength."

"Patriarch Zhang, you are too serious."

Fang Han shook his head slightly and stated his purpose.

"I cultivate a Scent Tracking Secret Technique. Before I can begin tracking, I need to memorize Elder Yuanheng’s scent."

"Do you have any of Elder Yuanheng’s clothing? Preferably something worn close to the skin, and unwashed."

Zhang Yuanshan nodded, turned, and gave a few instructions to a Steward behind him.

The Steward bowed, accepted the order, and quickly departed.

Before long, the Steward returned, holding a neatly folded gray long-robe. He presented it to Fang Han with both hands.

"Young Master Fang, this is a robe that Elder Yuanheng often wore in the days before he disappeared. It has been kept in his room since his disappearance and has not been washed."

Fang Han took the long-robe and unfolded it.

A faint scent entered his nostrils.

He closed his eyes. The Thousand Mile Soul Lock technique activated, and he firmly committed the strand of Zhang Yuanheng’s aura to memory.

After a moment, he handed the long-robe back, opened his eyes, and said, "I’ve got it."

Zhang Yuanshan took the long-robe, handed it to the Steward to put away, and only then sat down again.

"Patriarch Zhang."

Fang Han lifted his teacup, took a light sip, set it down, and asked.

"What was Elder Zhang doing before he disappeared? What was his approximate route?"

Zhang Yuanshan fell silent for a moment as if gathering his thoughts, before speaking slowly:

"Before he disappeared, Yuanheng went to inspect the accounts of three of the Zhang Family’s properties in the county. He personally made this trip at this time every year. The route is fixed."

He paused, then continued, "He left the city through the north gate, first heading to the Zhang Family’s medicinal fields two hundred li away, then to the Blood Rice Estate five hundred li away, and the last stop was the Spirit Iron Mine seven hundred li away."

Fang Han asked for a map of these three properties, committed the route to memory, and stood up.

"Patriarch Zhang, I will go investigate now. If I find anything, I will send someone with a message."

Zhang Yuanshan also stood up, cupped his hands in a salute, and said solemnly:

"Thank you for your trouble, Young Master Fang."

Fang Han nodded slightly and turned to walk out of the hall.

Zhang Yuanshan personally escorted him to the residence gate. Fang Han turned, cupped his hands again, and then walked down the long street toward the north gate.

Outside the city gate, the official road seemed particularly empty under the autumn sun.

The fields on both sides had already been harvested, leaving only yellowed stubble that rustled in the wind.

HUMMM—

Fang Han stopped outside the city gate, closed his eyes, and activated Thousand Mile Soul Lock with his full power.

The Tracking Secret Technique, at the Realm of Perfection, was unleashed without reservation. His perception spread out in all directions like a tide.

Within a ten-li radius, the auras of all things flooded his senses.

He filtered out the irrelevant, miscellaneous auras—the earthy scent of the soil, the dry smell of withered grass, the scorched odor of distant cooking smoke. His mind highly focused, he searched through the vast sea of auras, trying to capture that single strand belonging to Zhang Yuanheng.

’Found it.’

The aura extended from the city gate, winding its way north along the official road.