Dapeng's Time Travel Life

Chapter 163 Crisis Undercurrents: Intelligence and Planning

Inside Qingfeng Sect, a scene of bustling activity unfolded. Under the guidance of the elders, disciples were clearing the ruins of the battle and repairing damaged defensive structures. Zhang Peng, supported by Lin Wan'er, returned to his residence. He sat cross-legged on the bed, circulating his spiritual energy to heal his injuries. The power of the Dragon Pearl flowed slowly through his meridians, soothing his damaged organs and gradually improving his condition.

Li Ming stood guard at the door, anxiously watching the room. After a long while, Zhang Peng slowly opened his eyes, exhaled a breath of stale air, and his face regained some color. "I'm alright, don't worry," he said to Li Ming and Lin Wan'er.

The three sat together, discussing their next move. "The black-robed man who came this time is called Wang Sha, a minor leader in the dark forces," Li Ming said, frowning and looking serious. "According to the prisoners we've captured, they have an extremely mysterious and powerful figure behind them, controlling everything."

Zhang Peng nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "No matter who the mastermind is, we must be fully prepared. We were able to repel them this time thanks to the Qingxin Bell, but we may not be so lucky next time."

Lin Wan'er bit her lip, her eyes filled with worry: "What should we do? The dark forces will definitely not let us go. They might be even more insane next time they come."

“We need to gather intelligence first, to understand their strength and plans,” Zhang Peng said. “I plan to go to the intelligence trading market in the cultivation world to see if I can find any useful clues.”

Li Ming immediately stood up: "I'll go with you. The more people there are, the better."

Lin Wan'er wasn't to be outdone: "I'll go too, maybe I can be of help."

Seeing the determination in their eyes, Zhang Peng felt a warmth in his heart and nodded in agreement. After making some preparations, the three of them left Qingfeng Sect and headed towards the intelligence trading market.

The information trading market was located in the heart of the cultivation world, a place teeming with all sorts of people and rumors flying around. As soon as Zhang Peng and his companions stepped into the market, they felt the bustling and noisy atmosphere.

They arrived at an intelligence shop called "Tianji Pavilion". The shop was decorated in an antique style, and an elderly man with white hair sat behind the counter, leisurely sipping tea.

"Gentlemen, what kind of information do you need?" the old man asked with a smile.

Zhang Peng stepped forward and said respectfully, "Old man, we would like to inquire about the dark forces that have been causing trouble in the cultivation world recently. Do you have any information here?"

The old man put down his teacup, a shrewd glint in his eyes: "Information about the dark forces doesn't come cheap. But seeing that you're genuinely interested, I'll give you a hint. I've heard they're searching for an ancient artifact, one that possesses world-destroying power. If they find it, the cultivation world will face annihilation."

Zhang Peng was startled: "An ancient artifact? Do you know what kind of artifact it is?"

The old man shook his head: "I don't know exactly what kind of artifact it is. I only know that this artifact is sealed in a mysterious place, and the dark forces are searching everywhere for the location of the seal."

Zhang Peng thanked the old man and left the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion with Li Ming and Lin Wan'er. "It seems we need to find this mysterious sealed place as soon as possible, and not let the dark forces get there first," Zhang Peng said.

The three wandered around the market for a long time, collecting some scattered clues, but none of them were of much value. Just as they were about to leave, a mysterious person suddenly blocked their way.

The mysterious figure was short, shrouded in a black cloak, obscuring his face. "Are you looking for information about dark forces and ancient artifacts?" the mysterious figure asked in a low, hoarse voice.

Zhang Peng looked at the mysterious man warily: "Who are you? Why do you ask that?"

The mysterious man let out a low laugh: "Don't be nervous, I mean no harm. I have the information you want, but I need your help."

Li Ming said impatiently, "What kind of help? Stop beating around the bush."

The mysterious man slowly said, "I need your help to find something for me. This thing is very important to me. If you help me find it, I will tell you the detailed information about the place where the ancient artifact is sealed."

After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Peng asked, "What do you want us to find?"

The mysterious man took out an exquisite jade pendant from his pocket, on which was engraved a strange symbol: "This is the other half of the jade pendant. I only know that it is in a place called Blood Demon Valley, a place full of dangers. Do you dare to go there?"

Zhang Peng looked at the jade pendant, weighing the pros and cons in his mind. He knew Blood Demon Valley was an extremely dangerous place, but in order to obtain information about the sealed location of the ancient artifact, he decided to take the risk. "Alright, we agree. But you must promise that after obtaining the jade pendant, you will truthfully tell us the information."

The mysterious man nodded: "It's a deal. Come find me here once you get the jade pendant." With that, he turned and disappeared into the crowd.

Zhang Peng put away the jade pendant and exchanged glances with Li Ming and Lin Wan'er. "Let's go, we're going to Blood Demon Valley," Zhang Peng said firmly. The three of them headed towards Blood Demon Valley; a new adventure was about to begin.