"Abbot, do you mean Han Xiyao is also a Pulse Protector?" Zhang Yang's eyes widened in disbelief.
The Abbot of Lingtai Temple maintained a calm expression.
However, seeing Zhang Yang's interest, he felt relieved.
He immediately nodded with a smile and said,
"Heh heh, benefactress Han is more than just a Pulse Protector; she is intertwined with the Dragon Vein of Jiangnan City, complementing each other."
"Benefactor Zhang, do you know why other factions are vying for the Dragon Vein?"
"I'm not entirely clear on that. I only heard that the Dragon Vein is of great use to martial arts experts," Zhang Yang shook his head.
The Abbot of Lingtai Temple chuckled and explained to Zhang Yang.
"Heh heh, in this current era, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth is scarce. For martial arts powerhouses who have reached the peak of the Qi Condensation realm, if they wish to break through their limitations and transform their internal energy into primal energy."
"There is no way to rely solely on themselves. The only method is to borrow the power of the Dragon Vein."
"The Dragon Vein, born of heaven and earth, contains powerful Dragon Crystals, which is why it attracts every expert in the Hidden Origin realm."
"Because above the Hidden Origin realm lies the True Origin realm, which is also the origin of the Hidden Origin realm's name."
"Strictly speaking, the Hidden Origin realm is merely the saturated peak of the internal martial arts Qi Condensation realm. This is a classification made by later generations; there was no such realm name in the past."
So, there was such a secret.
Zhang Yang suddenly understood.
No wonder most of the experts from various factions who had recently arrived in Jiangnan City were in the Hidden Origin realm.
Wait!
Zhang Yang suddenly recalled something.
"Abbot, you just said that the Dragon Vein of Jiangnan City is intertwined with Han Xiyao, complementing each other."
"Then, if the Dragon Vein is taken by someone else, wouldn't Xiyao...?"
"Indeed, they share the same life and death. If the Dragon Vein is taken, benefactress Han will also perish."
The Abbot of Lingtai Temple nodded and continued.
"Because Pulse Protectors can discover the special nature of the Dragon Vein, they have been coveted by many factions. Over time, Pulse Protectors have become increasingly rare."
"Now, there aren't even enough Pulse Protectors to rally behind a leader."
"Eight years ago, by chance, we discovered the uniqueness of the Dragon Vein in Jiangnan City, and an idea was born."
"Using a secret technique, we bound benefactress Han with the Dragon Vein of Jiangnan City. This would greatly increase the chances of a leader emerging among the Pulse Protectors in a short period."
This!
Zhang Yang's eyes widened.
He never expected that Han Xiyao held such a secret.
"Benefactor Zhang, you should also be aware of Han Xiyao's frequent comas."
"In fact, this matter is closely related to the Dragon Vein. The Dragon Vein of Jiangnan City is currently in its growth phase and does not feed any energy back to her."
"However, once the Dragon Vein matures, Han Xiyao will naturally receive the Dragon Vein's boon."
So that's how it is.
The truth surrounding Han Xiyao was slowly coming to light.
Eight years ago.
My accidental encounter with Han Xiyao in the old residential area was not a matter of fate.
It was due to the Dragon Vein.
"Benefactor Zhang, after hearing all this, do you have any further concerns about my request?" the Abbot of Lingtai Temple asked.
Zhang Yang heard this and shook his head slightly.
This matter concerned Han Xiyao.
There was no way he could avoid it, no matter what.
"I have no concerns, but there is one question I am very curious about."
"Why did you choose me?"
The Abbot of Lingtai Temple sized up Zhang Yang, a smile in his eyes.
"Benefactor Zhang's alchemy skills are already at their peak, and he has developed feelings for Han Xiyao. This is the first reason."
"As for the second reason, there are many. Everyone has their secrets. For example, Benefactor Zhang is not interested in the Dragon Vein at all."
"Or perhaps it can be understood that Benefactor Zhang can go further without the Dragon Vein's help?"
The Abbot of Lingtai Temple hinted, without directly revealing it.
However, Zhang Yang felt a chill down his spine.
Was the other party implying that he knew his cultivation method was unusual by saying he wasn't interested in the Dragon Vein?
Fortunately.
The Abbot of Lingtai Temple was also a wise person and did not reveal it directly.
"Benefactor Zhang, rest assured, very few people in this world can see through this. Whether Benefactor Zhang agrees or not, this old monk will keep this secret," the Abbot of Lingtai Temple said.
"Then thank you, Abbot." Zhang Yang nodded silently, without any gratitude.
Who would be happy if their secret was seen through?
Afterward, Zhang Yang got straight to the point.
"Abbot, tell me about your plan."
"Amitabha, Benefactor Zhang, please listen to me..."
"..."
Half an hour later.
The Abbot of Lingtai Temple handed a crystal stone to Zhang Yang.
Zhang Yang quietly put it away. After learning about the other party's plan, Zhang Yang couldn't help but marvel at their boldness.
This monk, with his kind and benevolent appearance, harbored a wrathful Vajra within.
He gave the impression of an executioner.
Zhang Yang was very curious how he managed to become the Abbot of Lingtai Temple.
However, although the other party's plan was good.
There was one point.
Zhang Yang still needed to remind him.
"Abbot, one part of the plan is inseparable from Xiyao. Do you know that Xiyao is missing, and I can't find her?" Zhang Yang said.
"Amitabha, this old monk is naturally aware of this," the Abbot of Lingtai Temple clasped his hands together, as if everything was within his grasp, and said mysteriously.
"Moreover, this old monk also knows where benefactress Han is."
With that said, the Abbot of Lingtai Temple closed his eyes.
A strange fluctuation emerged from him, unlike internal energy, very mysterious.
He seemed to be sensing something.
However, with this sensing.
The Abbot of Lingtai Temple's calm and composed expression suddenly changed drastically.
"Strange! Why has she disappeared?"
"You said who disappeared?" Zhang Yang frowned.
For some reason, he suddenly felt a sense of unease.
"I... I can no longer sense benefactress Han's current location. Strange! How is this possible!" the Abbot of Lingtai Temple's expression was solemn.
As he finished speaking, he suddenly rushed out of the room.
Knowing that something was amiss, Zhang Yang also followed.
Soon.
The two arrived at a newly handed-over residential complex.
Not many owners had moved in yet.
Faintly, one could see many construction workers carrying materials inside the complex.
The Abbot of Lingtai Temple followed the direction he had been sensing and arrived at the entrance of a villa.
Seeing the slightly ajar door, he quickly pushed it open and entered.
What greeted their eyes was a scene of devastation, with several corpses lying on the ground in gruesome states.
"Damn it, someone got here before us," the Abbot of Lingtai Temple said grimly.
He quickly walked into a room within the villa and kicked the door open.
Half an hour ago, this room was where Qin Shengnan had imprisoned Han Xiyao.
However.
The room was now empty.
The chair in the room was empty, and a thick rope, severed, lay on the ground.
Apart from these, the room was completely bare.
Zhang Yang, who had followed, surveyed the room.
He also found a clue on the ground.
"This is the bracelet Xiyao was wearing. Could she have been moved by Qin Shengnan?" Zhang Yang frowned.
"It shouldn't be," the Abbot of Lingtai Temple shook his head grimly.
"If she were merely moved, I should still be able to sense benefactress Han's current location."
Han Xiyao and the Dragon Vein of Jiangnan City complemented each other.
As a Pulse Protector, the Abbot of Lingtai Temple could naturally sense Han Xiyao's location.
But now...
The Abbot of Lingtai Temple's sense of Han Xiyao had vanished.
This could only mean...
Someone had discovered Han Xiyao's secret and had somehow shielded or blocked her.
But...
Who could this person be?
"Benefactor Zhang, the old residential area is still undergoing demolition. It will take a few more days to excavate the Dragon Vein."
"You should do as I instructed for now. This old monk will contact you proactively when the time comes."
After speaking.
The Abbot of Lingtai Temple turned and left.
Zhang Yang looked stunned, "Don't you need my help?"
"No need. This old monk will find benefactress Han."
With that, the Abbot of Lingtai Temple disappeared.
...
After all, strictly speaking.
The Abbot of Lingtai Temple was more concerned about Han Xiyao's safety, as it concerned the fate of all Pulse Protectors.