You, a living person, are telling me I've served in the underworld for ten years?

"Oh?"

Chen Yang's gaze sharpened.

"Not a specific family? Then what is it?"

Liu Yu organized her thoughts and analyzed the situation.

"Based on the context of these records and the pattern of this code name, I suspect that... 'Heavenly Path' is likely not a single family or sect, but rather... an 'alliance' or 'secret organization' secretly formed by multiple domestic forces, specifically to liaise with and provide protection to this black-clad organization!"
Because it is a collective entity, it uses such a seemingly grand and vague code name, which can both conceal the true identities of its members and highlight its self-proclaimed 'status'.

"An alliance? A secret organization?"

A sharp glint flashed in Chen Yang's eyes.

"'The Way of Heaven'... What an arrogant tone! What is your basis for this claim?"

Liu Yu pointed to several details in the document.

"Look, here it mentions a batch of medicinal materials provided by 'Tiandao'. Their age and origin characteristics are consistent with the unique cultivation characteristics of the Li family in the Southwest and the Zhao family in the Northeast, respectively."

Here, it mentions a border crossing coordinated by 'Heavenly Dao,' utilizing a network of connections involving both a military system and a local powerful clan. Also here, the assessment of 'Heavenly Dao's' slow response in a particular operation is phrased in the tone of an ancient sect…

These clues may be vague when viewed individually, but taken together, they strongly suggest a network comprised of forces from different sectors and regions.

She concluded.

"Therefore, I think that what is opposing us is likely not a simple family of traitors, but a deeply entrenched and powerful domestic interest alliance—'Tiandao'!"
They colluded with foreign black-clad organizations, each seeking their own gain.

The Black Organization provides genetic technology, special resources, and even military support, while 'Heavenly Path' provides them with shelter, resources, intelligence, and operational convenience within the country.

"The destruction of their Northwest stronghold has resulted in heavy losses for them. The 'Heavenly Path' Alliance will undoubtedly be shaken. Their subsequent frenzied attacks on the Mountain God Temple are likely their retaliation and a test, perhaps even... an attempt to capture Ali and the others as leverage against you, Sect Leader!"

As Chen Yang listened to Liu Yu's clear and logical analysis, his expression grew increasingly cold.

A hidden "Heavenly Dao" alliance? This is far more troublesome than dealing with one or two families alone! But no wonder the Black Organization can infiltrate so deeply within the country and operate so rampantly!

"'Heavenly Dao'...an organization?"

This was indeed the first time he had heard this title, but the weight it carried and the potential threat it posed instantly put him on alert.

"Yes."

Liu Yu nodded, lowering her voice even further.

"It's just speculation at the moment, but all signs point to this possibility. I have secretly arranged for several absolutely reliable disciples and external contacts who are good at intelligence gathering to investigate the clues of this 'Heavenly Way' from different channels."

However, the other party is extremely well-hidden and seems to possess counter-surveillance capabilities; it will likely take some time before we can make any progress.

Chen Yang nodded slightly, his eyes flashing with a thoughtful light.

"This matter is of utmost importance."

If it is truly an alliance of multiple forces, its power and harm far exceed that of a single family or sect.

Elder Liu, you did the right thing. This matter must be kept strictly confidential. Our Qingwei Sect has expanded rapidly recently, and its members are a mixed bag. It's hard to guarantee that there aren't spies planted by other forces or those with wavering resolve.

Before the investigation is completed, no information may be leaked except to you, me, and the most trusted confidant directly in charge of the investigation.

"Don't worry, Sect Leader, I understand the implications."

Liu Yu said seriously.

"It is precisely because I considered the possibility of an inside traitor that I have kept it from you, Sect Leader, for the time being. I wanted to wait until the investigation had taken shape and I had obtained more conclusive evidence before reporting to you in detail."

"It's better to be cautious."

Chen Yang gave Liu Yu an approving look.

"Then I'll leave this matter entirely to you. Utilize all available resources to find out the details of this 'Heavenly Way' as soon as possible, especially who the core members are! Tell me directly what support you need."

"Yes! Your subordinate will do everything in his power!"

Liu Yu solemnly accepted the order, then took his leave and hurriedly departed, clearly to expedite the arrangements for the investigation.

After Liu Yu left, Chen Yang sat alone in the side hall, his fingers unconsciously tapping the table.

"The Way of Heaven"... This name is arrogant and eerie.

If they have indeed been supporting the men in black all along, then they will not let the fall of their Northwest stronghold go unpunished, and the attack on the Mountain God Temple is probably just the beginning.

Thinking of Ali's worries on the phone, Chen Yang felt increasingly uneasy.

He immediately picked up his phone and dialed Gu Jinghui's number.

The phone rang a few times before being answered, revealing Gu Jinghui's steady but slightly tired voice.

"Chen Yang? Did Ali say something to you?"

“It’s not just Ali.”

Chen Yang got straight to the point.

"Senior Gu, let me ask you, regarding these men in black who frequently attack the mountain god temple, have you and Uncle Li found out more specific details about their origins? For example, their local hideouts, contact points, or the like?"

Gu Jinghui paused for a moment on the other end of the phone, seemingly considering his words, before speaking.

"I've investigated. Uncle Li once used a tracking technique to secretly follow a man in black who was injured and retreating."

The man eventually entered an office building called 'Tianchen International' in the western CBD area of ​​the city.

The building looked like a legitimate business office, but I secretly approached and investigated. The security level inside was very high, with a dedicated security team, and... I could vaguely sense that there was at least one aura inside that was no weaker than mine, which was likely the other side's expert.

Because the situation was unclear and we were worried about alerting the enemy, Uncle Li and I didn't dare to venture further in.

"Tianchen International?"

A cold glint flashed in Chen Yang's eyes.

"It's local? Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Gu Jinghui explained.

“We only confirmed it recently, and we only tracked it down to that place. We’re not sure if that building is their hideout; it could just be a transit point or a disguise. We were thinking of telling you after we found out more or had more solid evidence, so you wouldn’t make a wasted trip or act rashly and disrupt our plans.”

"plan?"

Chen Yang's tone was slightly cold.

“They’ve got a knife to Ali’s throat now, what are we waiting for? Send me the exact address. I’ll go check it out myself.”

Gu Jinghui sensed the determination and anger in Chen Yang's tone and stopped trying to dissuade him.

"Okay, I'll send you the address right away. It's good that you're coming; with you there, we'll have a better chance of success. Do you need Uncle Li and me to meet you?"

“No need. You all guard the mountain temple and protect Ali. I’ll go by myself. Remember, don’t tell Ali before I come to investigate this matter, so she won’t worry.”

Chen Yang gave instructions.

"clear."

After hanging up the phone, Chen Yang glanced at the location and brief message sent by Gu Jinghui and didn't linger. He walked out of the side hall and happened to run into Master Huang, who was on night patrol passing by.

"Sect Leader, are you going out so late?"

Seeing Chen Yang's hurried manner, Master Huang asked him a question.

"Yes, I have something urgent to take care of."

Chen Yang nodded.

"Elder Huang, please keep a close eye on the sect, especially on unfamiliar faces and unusual movements."

If Elder Liu needs to contact me urgently, she can call me directly.

"Don't worry, Sect Leader, I understand."

Seeing Chen Yang's serious expression, Master Huang knew that something important must be on his mind, so he didn't ask any further questions and simply bowed in agreement.

Chen Yang said no more. With a flash, he disappeared from the spot and appeared directly outside the Qingwei Sect's protective formation.

He discerned the direction, and his inner magical power surged, transforming into a streak of light indistinguishable to the naked eye. It tore through the night sky and sped toward the location of the mountain god temple!

With Chen Yang's current True Immortal level cultivation and speed, traversing hundreds of miles at full speed was nothing unusual. About half an hour later, the familiar mountain god temple shrouded in the faint spiritual light of the array in the forest below came into view.

Chen Yang did not land directly, but instead found a secluded spot in the surrounding mountains and forests to land, and then dialed Gu Jinghui's number.

“I have arrived at the old locust tree, three miles northeast of the mountain god temple.”

Chen Yang said in a low voice.

"Wait a moment, I'll be right there."

Gu Jinghui responded.

Before long, a ghostly figure silently swept in from the direction of the mountain god temple; it was Gu Jinghui.

He was still dressed in a simple, old-fashioned style, but his eyes were sharp and his demeanor was composed.

"Chen Yang, you're here really fast."

Gu Jinghui said in a low voice.

"The situation is urgent."

Chen Yang got straight to the point.

Where is Uncle Li?

“I told him to stay and guard the mountain temple in case the other side lured us away from the mountain.”

Gu Jinghui said.

"That 'Tianchen International' building is in the city center, about a 20-minute drive from here. How do we get there?"

"Fly directly there to save time."

Chen Yang said.

"Give me directions."

Without further ado, Gu Jinghui and the two took to the air again. However, this time, in order to avoid attracting attention, they flew at a low altitude and tried to stay close to the shadows of the mountains, forests and buildings.

Guided by Gu Jinghui, the two quickly arrived at the edge of the city. In the distance, they could see a brightly lit CBD area. Among them, a 30-plus-story glass curtain wall building with a modern design stood out. The four neon characters "Tianchen International" on the top of the building shimmered in the night.

The two landed on the roof of a nearby low building, concealed their presence, and observed carefully.

"That's the one."

Gu Jinghui pointed to the "Tianchen International" building.

"The strong aura I sensed earlier seems to be located in the upper part of the building."

The security in this building is noticeably tighter than in other office buildings. Look at the guards at those entrances; their gait and expressions are unlike those of ordinary security guards.

Chen Yang focused his senses and, sure enough, on several floors of that building, especially the middle and upper floors, he could detect several energy fluctuations, some strong and some weak, carrying a murderous aura and a bloody smell. One of them, located on the twentieth floor, was the most condensed and powerful, faintly reaching the peak of the Pseudo-Core Realm, and even having one foot in the Nascent Soul Realm!
This person would definitely be considered a master in the lower realms.

"It seems that even if this isn't our main base, it's definitely an important stronghold."

The coldness in Chen Yang's eyes intensified.

"Senior Gu, I'll go in later and try to lure out the strongest expert inside, or at least divert their attention. You sneak in during the chaos and focus your search on the president's office, the server room, and the archives—places where important documents might be stored. Remember, be quick; once you find something, leave immediately and don't linger."

Gu Jinghui nodded.

"No problem. I should be able to handle the ordinary guards and low-level cultivators inside. Be careful, the expert in charge is no ordinary person."

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

After Chen Yang finished speaking, his figure flickered, like a wisp of smoke merging into the night, and he silently swept towards the "Tianchen International" building.

Instead of using the main entrance, he flew directly to the upper middle part of the building, selecting a window that was unlit and appeared to be either vacant or used as a storage room. With a flash of light from his fingertips, the window's lock snapped open, and he gently pushed it open, gliding into the room like a nimble cat.

The room was indeed a storage room filled with miscellaneous items, and it was completely empty.

Chen Yang did not act immediately. Instead, he released a faint trace of his aura. It was not strong, but it was clear and provocative enough, like a lamp suddenly lit in the darkness, clearly "shining" in the general direction of the strongest aura.

Sure enough, less than ten seconds later, a sharp and hostile divine sense swept over like a searchlight, instantly locking onto the floor area where Chen Yang was located!

"Who goes there? How dare you trespass here!"

A cold, middle-aged man's voice, amplified or transmitted through some kind of loudspeaker, echoed directly inside the building, carrying an undeniable air of authority and murderous intent.

Chen Yang covered his face with a mask, sneered, and without answering, suddenly smashed through the storage room door and appeared in the corridor.

Instead of taking the elevator, he sprinted up the stairs, deliberately making his footsteps loud and maintaining a defiant breathing style, like a reckless intruder.

"court death!"

The middle-aged man's voice carried a hint of anger. Immediately afterward, Chen Yang felt that powerful aura rapidly approaching from above!

A glint of triumph flashed in Chen Yang's eyes. He immediately changed direction, no longer going upwards, but rushing horizontally into the office area on this floor.

It was late at night, and the office area was deserted, with only a few computer indicator lights flashing faintly.

He moved through the cubicles like a whirlwind, casually waving his hand to create gusts of wind that smashed computer screens, filing cabinets, water dispensers, and other items along the way, making a huge commotion with loud banging and crashing sounds!
"You scoundrel! Stop right there!"

The middle-aged man finally appeared at the entrance to this floor.

He looked to be in his forties, with a sinister face, wearing a black suit, his eyes gleaming, and exuding a powerful spiritual pressure. He was none other than the expert at the peak of the Pseudo-Core Formation stage.

Seeing Chen Yang's masked and wanton destruction, he was enraged. His figure transformed into a blur as he rushed forward, unleashing a punch with a fierce wind that even carried the sound of air being torn apart!

Chen Yang was prepared. The moment the opponent's fist was about to hit him, he slid to the side and back in an uncanny way, narrowly avoiding the attack. At the same time, he slapped the fire alarm next to him with a backhand palm strike!
"Waaaaah—!!!"

The piercing fire alarm instantly resounded throughout the entire building!

The middle-aged man's expression changed, but his attack continued. He transformed his fist into a claw, his five fingers like hooks, and with a fierce gust of wind, he grabbed at Chen Yang's throat. His moves were ruthless and skillful. (End of Chapter)