Chapter 458 - 464: Infiltrating the Huo Family

He put down the roasted meat and leaned in a little closer.

"The Huo Clan Leader didn’t dare to give chase, which means he’s already wary of us. Next time, he’ll definitely use the safest possible method to surround and capture us."

"When that happens, the Huo Family’s grounds will be left unguarded. If we can get past their wards, we can enter the Book Collection Pavilion..."

The Huo Clan Leader was more cautious than they had imagined, so they might actually have a chance to take a gamble.

"But there’s a risk. What if the Huo Clan Leader turns the tables and sets a trap for us? Then we’d be walking right into it."

He chuckled as he spoke, leaning back against the trunk of a tree.

Moonlight spilled down, falling upon him and concealing the Evil Qi and dark glint in his eyes.

Hearing this, Song Wanning’s interest was piqued.

A bright light shone in her eyes, and the corners of her mouth slowly curved upward.

"We have no reason to go to the Huo Family, so the Huo Clan Leader would never guess that we’d dare to walk into the lion’s den..."

"But we still have to be careful."

Song Wanning suddenly smiled and gave Baili Shang a mischievous wink.

"However... I’m not that interested in their Book Collection Pavilion right now. The Treasure Pavilion, on the other hand..."

This couldn’t help but remind her of the time back in the Lower World when she had emptied out the Feng Family’s treasury in their Secluded Land.

So satisfying. Incredibly satisfying!

Her malicious smile made Baili Shang laugh along with her.

Even the way she looked while plotting against others was so captivating.

He was starting to hope they could stay in the Central Domain for a while longer.

...

The next morning, Song Wanning and her clone went their separate ways.

The clone had now become the most crucial part of their plan.

Initially, the two had discussed having the clone lure away their pursuers while they snuck into the Huo Family’s estate.

But upon further reflection, the Huo Family was filled with masters. Even if one or two Integration Stage Cultivators left, the remaining members would not be easy to deal with.

The two of them would be in extreme danger.

So, in the end, they switched to a different plan.

Song Wanning’s true self would leave with Baili Shang and deliberately expose their identities to draw out the Huo Clan Leader and his men.

Meanwhile, the clone would take the opportunity to sneak into the Huo Family’s estate. Since the clone could alter her appearance and Cultivation, no one would be able to see through the disguise unless they encountered a Mahayana Realm master.

This was the safest method, minimizing the risk for both parties.

After separating, Song Wanning and Baili Shang picked up their pace. They had to "expose their trail" without leaving a real trail.

They couldn’t afford to arouse suspicion.

The direction she chose was also brilliant—it was precisely where Huo Jinchuan was last seen.

If necessary, they could even use him as a shield. It was simply perfect.

It wasn’t until five days later that Huo Yang, who was within the Huo Clan Territory, finally received a message.

The disciples on surveillance had finally noticed something amiss. Two disguised individuals had entered the city to buy Elixir Pills, then hastily fled outside the city walls, not daring to linger at all.

Not daring to alert their targets, the disciples immediately reported the news back.

Huo Yang held the Communication Talisman, his eyes gradually turning crimson as he watched the images the disciples sent back.

’It’s them!!’

He would recognize those two even if they were turned to ash. A disguise like that couldn’t possibly fool him.

Looking at the location, it was extremely close to where Huo Jinchuan had disappeared.

Huo Yang narrowed his eyes. ’Looks like they’re trying to find Huo Jinchuan?’

"Hmph, do you really think you can escape? In your dreams!"

Huo Yang shot to his feet, immediately summoned two elders, and prepared to set out with them.

’If I can capture Huo Jinchuan along with them, that would be even better!’

He instructed the remaining elders to handle the family’s affairs, then left the Huo Family estate with the two elders.

The Huo Family disciples all knew they were going to capture someone, and they couldn’t help but sigh with mixed feelings.

"We always used to hear that Cultivators from the Four Domains had poor talent, poor resources, and poor strength. Everyone fought tooth and nail to get into the Central Domain."

"But this time, these two people from the Outer Realm have actually drawn out several elders at once..."

For a moment, everyone’s convictions were shaken.

Three Integration Stage Cultivators hunting down just two little cultivators... They didn’t even dare spread the word, feeling it was too embarrassing.

But the Clan Leader must have had his reasons. They only dared to lament privately, not to question his decision openly.

At the same time, the image of Song Wanning and her companion grew ever more imposing and mysterious.

While Huo Yang rushed out with his men, the clone hurried back toward the Huo Family’s estate without stopping.

She first blended into the city where the Huo Clan Territory was located with a completely new identity, then took the place of a disciple to visit the Huo Family estate.

Only after confirming that the Huo Clan Leader was not there did she leave the city again.

When she returned once more, her identity had changed abruptly—she now looked exactly like Huo Jinchuan.

She was wearing the exact same clothes Huo Jinchuan had on when he left, only now they were covered in tattered rips and even a few bloodstains.

As soon as she reached the city gate, the guards recognized him immediately.

"Young Master, you’re finally back!!!"

The guards were overjoyed. After all, everyone knew that the Young Master had been harmed by two people from the Outer Realm and had gone missing.

Everyone crowded around, chattering as they expressed their concern for him.

"Young Master, those people are despicable! Just a couple of country bumpkins from the Outer Realm, yet they dared to lay a hand on you. They’re simply courting death!"

"That’s right! It’s a good thing you’re all right, Young Master!"

Song Wanning listened to them, her expression cold.

’Calling me a country bumpkin and a hick right to my face...’

’Heh heh.’

She gave a cold nod and strode into the city.

Soon, he arrived at the entrance to the Huo Family estate.

Though it was called a clan territory, it actually occupied more than half the city, not to mention its branches in other cities...

"Young Master, you’re back?"

Another wave of concern washed over him as the clan’s disciples rushed out. Everyone was very respectful toward the designated successor.

Song Wanning maintained a cold nod the entire time. Huo Jinchuan was not an outwardly emotional person to begin with, so no one found it suspicious.

But she was even bolder, proactively heading to the clan’s council hall to meet with the remaining elders.

She had already gathered information on these elders and recognized them on sight.

"Jin Chuan, what exactly happened?"

The Fourth Elder’s brow furrowed, curious about what had transpired between Huo Jinchuan and those two.

They were all somewhat displeased. After all, because of the trouble Huo Jinchuan had started, the Huo Family had lost two key members in succession and had been ridiculed by the other families.

Song Wanning naturally noticed this.

He pursed his lips, looking as if he had something difficult to say.

Seeing this, the Fourth Elder grew even angrier and barked, "Are you still going to hide things at a time like this?"

"Do you have any idea that because of you, Huo Yuan and the Great Elder are both dead?!"

"What did you say?"

Song Wanning looked up, her eyes wide with shock. "Fourth Elder, what did you say?"

"Hmph. Because you were harmed by those two, the Clan Leader ordered their pursuit. Who knew..."

As the Fourth Elder spoke, even he found it difficult to continue.

After all, the whole affair was far from glorious.