Due to the disappearance of the Guoshi from the central cave, the group of cultivators had conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area after their meditation. However, despite their efforts, they found no trace of him and were forced to return to the base for further deliberation. As a result, Lin Xiao did not remove the protective formation around the Jishi Mine.
After spending some time safely returning the nine mortal women to their homes, Lin Xiao followed the group of cultivators from various nations back to the Alliance Army's main camp.
"Thanks to Lin Daoyou's help, we were able to capture those treacherous individuals successfully," one of the cultivators said as they landed at the camp's gates.
"Indeed, it's just a shame that the despicable Guoshi managed to escape again!" another added with frustration.
"If it weren't for Lin Daoyou, we would have been at a loss dealing with that vile Guoshi," others chimed in, expressing their gratitude.
Outside the main gates of the Alliance Army's base, the cultivators gathered around Lin Xiao, bowing to him in thanks.
"You're too kind, fellow Daoists," Lin Xiao replied modestly. "The Guoshi may have escaped this time, but the heavens have eyes. With everyone working together, I believe he will be captured eventually. Speaking of which, I have an important matter to discuss. Could any of you help arrange a meeting with the commanders?"
Since none of the other cultivators present were the leaders of their respective sects or nations' delegations, they all hesitated. However, Jiang Sisi, who led the Qinglian Sect's team, stepped forward after a brief moment of consideration and said softly, "I'll take you."
After assigning the still-recovering Yuan Jinsheng and Zhao Yunzong to the care of the Qinglian Sect's disciples, Jiang Sisi led Lin Xiao toward the main command tent of the Alliance Army.
"Many thanks to Daoist Jiang," Lin Xiao said, expressing his gratitude before bidding farewell to the other cultivators.
When they arrived at the command tent, Jiang Sisi arranged for someone to report Lin Xiao's request before excusing herself to attend to her duties, leaving Lin Xiao alone to wait in the reception area.
As Lin Xiao waited, his thoughts turned to the issue of Huyang Village. After much consideration, he had concluded that the villagers' symptoms were not due to a plague but likely caused by some unknown environmental factor affecting the land itself. Given that the newly reinstated Zhao clan had just regained control of Huan You Kingdom, it wasn't surprising that a small, remote village suffering from strange illnesses hadn't caught their attention amidst the kingdom's many pressing matters.
The Alliance Army, focused on their campaign against the Jishi Cult, would care even less about the plight of a distant village. Their mission had nothing to do with Huan You's internal affairs or its people's well-being.
Lin Xiao took a sip of tea, quietly mulling over the situation. Before long, he heard voices outside the tent.
"Greetings, Revered Ones!" a soldier called out.
"Mm, you may leave," responded a voice deep and resonant like a bell, clearly audible even from inside the tent.
Moments later, two figures entered the command tent, lifting the heavy curtain as they stepped inside.
The two men who entered were strikingly different from each other, despite both being male.
One was an elderly man with silver hair like frost, hunched over with a thin and frail figure. His face was lined with deep wrinkles and age spots, and he leaned on a cane for support. Dressed in simple brown and black robes, he embodied the image of an old man nearing the end of his years.
The other, in contrast, was a flamboyant figure dressed in a bright red robe that flowed as he walked. He carried an ornate fan set with gemstones and wore a gold crown encrusted with jewels. His skin was fair and smooth, and his eyes held a seductive charm, giving off an air of luxury and opulence. Yet, despite his flamboyance, there was nothing vulgar about him. His gender was unmistakable, unlike the androgynous appearance of Shen Yingzi.
Lin Xiao instantly recognized them from the intelligence he'd received from Qin Jianghe.
The elderly man was most likely the Revered Zhi Yu from Tui Yi Kingdom, while the more flamboyant one was the Revered Xun Fang from Ju Hui Kingdom. Both were Nascent Soul cultivators at the peak of their cultivation, among the most powerful in the neighboring kingdoms. Although Pu Si Kingdom had initiated the campaign against Huan You Kingdom, the highest command of the Alliance Army had been handed to these two revered ones due to their immense strength.
Lin Xiao immediately rose to greet them with a bow. "Greetings to the two revered ones."
"Mm, no need for such formality, Daoist friend," Zhi Yu's voice, though booming, did not match his frail appearance. He was the one whose voice had been heard earlier from outside the tent.
Meanwhile, Xun Fang raised an eyebrow and, with a teasing smile, asked, "Oh? And where have you met me before?"
His voice was smooth and melodious, like pearls rolling down jade steps.
But Lin Xiao remained composed, meeting Xun Fang's playful gaze without embarrassment, and smiled. "Only through the stories that have reached my ears."
Xun Fang chuckled, clearly pleased with the response, and turned to walk further into the tent. "Interesting. Come, let's discuss further," he said, though the amusement didn't fully reach his eyes.
Zhi Yu shot a brief glance at Xun Fang's retreating back but said nothing. He merely gestured for Lin Xiao to join them inside the main hall of the tent.
Unbothered by the subtle exchange between the two revered ones, Lin Xiao followed them inside.
Once they were seated, Lin Xiao began to recount the events in Huyang Village, explaining how the villagers' symptoms were eerily similar to those caused by Jishi and speculating that it might be connected to the sinister stones. As for the recent incident in the mine, the revered ones didn't ask, and Lin Xiao chose not to mention it. He assumed others would have already informed them in greater detail.
"You say you sensed a presence similar to Jishi within Huyang Village?" Zhi Yu asked, frowning slightly.
"Yes," Lin Xiao replied. "But it seems to be blocked or contained in some way, making it difficult to detect. Only the villagers seem to be affected."
Xun Fang, who had been lounging lazily in his seat while fanning himself with his jeweled fan, suddenly spoke up with little enthusiasm, "Well, since we have so many idle troops in the camp, and if this is related to those black stones, we might as well send some men to investigate. It'll give them something to do instead of sitting around bored, causing trouble."
Lin Xiao had no objections. His primary goal in coming here was to ensure the Alliance Army would take this matter seriously and send people to investigate.
Zhi Yu, though his eyes remained half-closed and expression unreadable, gave a slight nod, indicating his agreement.
Having achieved his goal, Lin Xiao took his leave from the command tent.