One person: Lu Jin, do I look like your master?

This behavior is completely contrary to his ideal of establishing Biyou Village and opening up a new path for the extraordinary, and is the most thorough defilement of his beliefs!

He didn't speak, his chest heaving violently as if he were forcibly suppressing his surging emotions.

Then, he suddenly picked up the glass of water that was already slightly cold, tilted his head back, and gulped it down in one go, as if he wanted to use the coldness of the water to extinguish the anger and chill in his heart.

The teacup was slammed back onto the table.

Ma Xianhong stood up, nodded to Bi Yuan, and said in a hoarse voice:

"Mr. Bi, I understand. Thank you."

After saying that, he turned around and strode out of Bi Yuan's hut, his figure quickly disappearing into the thick night outside.

Bi Yuan watched Ma Xianhong's departing figure, sighed softly, and shook his head.

He knew what kind of internal struggles and choices this young cult leader was going through at that moment.

Chapter 73 Xia Liuqing Calls!

Wang Xuan neither cared about nor intended to concern himself with the immense shock and torment Ma Xianhong would experience after learning the horrifying truth of "Seven Fiends Gathering in the Body" from Master Bi Yuan.

He sat cross-legged on a futon in his room, the moonlight streaming through the window and casting a cool glow on the floor.

As the image of Ma Xianhong's idealistic enthusiasm flashed through his mind, Wang Xuan's lips involuntarily curled into an almost indifferent smile.

'To aspire to be the all-powerful Master of Heaven, teaching without discrimination and attracting celestial beings to his court? Quite ambitious indeed.'

He thought to himself.

"Unfortunately, you have ambition but lack the discernment to recognize talent. The world is a treacherous place; how can you achieve success by simply opening your doors wide, handing out magical artifacts to everyone, and accepting all comers?"

In Wang Xuan's view, the root of Ma Xianhong's tragedy lies in his excessive naivety and stubbornness.

Establishing Biyou Village to take in extraordinary individuals from all walks of life is perfectly acceptable, but basic screening and vigilance are always necessary.

For someone like Zhao Guizhen to be accepted by Ma Xianhong based on his somewhat unorthodox methods, and even considered as having "superior potential," is simply asking a tiger for its skin.

'Being deceived serves as a lesson for you.'

Wang Xuan's thoughts were cold to the point of cruelty: "Let you learn a lesson and understand that not everyone in this world deserves your ideal of 'education for all'."

If you want to be a saint next time, you'd better open your eyes wider first.

He viewed Ma Xianhong's troubles as a necessary growing pain, without offering any unnecessary sympathy. Everyone must be responsible for their own choices, and Ma Xianhong is no exception.

Calming his mind, Wang Xuan was preparing to enter a meditative state again, immersing his consciousness in inner cultivation.

However, just as his breath was about to settle, a sudden cell phone ring broke the silence in the room.

"Buzz-buzz-buzz-"

The smartphone vibrated on the low table next to me, its screen lighting up to show the caller ID.

Wang Xuan slowly opened his eyes, a barely audible sigh of helplessness escaping his lips.

'It seems tonight is destined to be anything but peaceful.'

He reached for his phone, glanced at the name on the screen, and immediately understood the purpose of the call.

"Hello? Old Xia."

Wang Xuan answered the phone, his tone calm.

Immediately, Xia Liuqing's anxious, even slightly breathless voice came from the other end of the phone, completely losing her usual composure:

"Young Wang! Wang Xuan! This time... this old man really has no other choice! For the sake of... for the sake of the little favors I've done for you before, I beg you, you must help me this time!"

Xia Liuqing's voice was not only rapid, but her breathing was also extremely unstable, as if she had just experienced a vigorous run, or was agitated by extreme worry.

Wang Xuan raised an eyebrow slightly, his tone remaining calm:

"Elder Xia, there's no need for that. Just tell me what's on your mind."

He had already guessed seven or eight parts of it. At this point in time, what could make Xia Liuqing lose her composure like this was most likely related to Jin Feng.

And considering where I am right now, the answer is almost obvious.

It seems that due to changes in certain variables, perhaps because I intervened in advance and resolved the Chen Duo incident, Xia Liuqing did not encounter the temporary worker team as originally planned, but instead came directly to me for help.

"Jin Feng! Something's happened to Jin Feng!"

Xia Liuqing's voice trembled.

"She...she's been kidnapped! Just now, I received a message that the kidnappers...they claim to be from Biyou Village! Kid, do you even know Biyou Village? What kind of hellhole is that?!"

Wang Xuan understood.

This is when Sister Qu Tong started to take action. By manipulating Ma Xianhong, she sent people to take away Mei Jinfeng, who might have key information about the "What is a Person" cave.

"Mr. Xia, I understand."

Wang Xuan's voice was calm and even, as if he were stating something he had already anticipated.

"Please don't worry. Coincidentally, I'm currently in Biyou Village."

"What?! You're in Biyou Village?!"

Xia Liuqing on the other end of the phone was clearly stunned; her voice suddenly rose, filled with disbelief.

Wang Xuan confirmed this, even asking in a relaxed tone.

"Do you need me to send you the specific address?"

"Yes! Of course!"

Xia Liuqing seemed to have grasped at a straw and said repeatedly.

"Good! That's great! Young Wang, you...you help me check the situation first, see if Jin Feng is really there, and if she's safe!"

I...I'll contact that foreigner again. More people, more help! We'll get there as soon as possible!

Wang Xuan gave a brief reply.

Xia Liuqing seemed extremely anxious and, without bothering with any more pleasantries, hurriedly hung up the phone.

All that could be heard from the receiver was a busy tone.

Wang Xuan put down his phone, the light from the screen illuminating his calm, expressionless face.

He slowly stood up, walked to the window, and looked out at Biyou Village, which was shrouded in night.

The village was quiet, with only a few lights occasionally appearing, revealing no sign of the turbulent undercurrents swirling beneath the surface.

'Qu Tong... Ma Xianhong... Mei Jinfeng...'

These names flashed through his mind.

He knew that taking Mei Jinfeng away was part of Qu Tong's plan, with the aim of exploring the Twenty-Four Seasonal Valley, which was closely related to the Thirty-Six Thieves and the origin of the Eight Extraordinary Skills.

Wang Xuan thought to himself.

"Since we've run into each other, and I owe Xia Liuqing a favor, I might as well go. And while I'm at it, I'll see how this 'cult leader,' who's been manipulated by my sister, will handle things next."

He knew that if he went directly to Ma Xianhong to demand the person back, the other party would most likely not admit it, or might not even know the specifics, since he was being secretly manipulated by Qu Tong.

However, it is still possible to sound out Ma Xianhong's reaction and confirm whether Mei Jinfeng has been taken to a certain place in the village.

The water in Biyou Village is getting muddier and muddier.

Zhao Guizhen's matter has not yet been properly resolved, but now it has also become involved in the conspiracy between Mei Jinfeng and Qu Tong.

This series of events is like a tangled mess, leaving people completely baffled.

Wang Xuan's lips curled up slightly, revealing that faint smile once again, but this time, it seemed to carry a hint of watching a show.

He was full of anticipation for what might happen next.

Wang Xuan calmly straightened his robes, as if everything around him was irrelevant.

He knew that Jin Feng would not suffer any real harm, but it was certain that her memories would be read.

He didn't get up and leave immediately. Instead, he took out his phone and sent Xia Liuqing the location information of Biyou Village.

After sending the message, Wang Xuan slowly pushed open the door and stepped into the deep night.

Wang Xuan had a clear goal, and he headed straight for the direction where Ma Xianhong usually was in the center of the village.

Chapter 74 Ma Xianhong's face was full of question marks

As night deepened and the dew grew heavier, Wang Xuan left his temporary hut, his steps unhurried yet purposeful, traversing the quiet paths of Biyou Village.

Most of the lights in the village had been turned off, with only the chirping of insects and the sound of a distant stream punctuating the seemingly peaceful darkness.

His direction was toward the center of the village, to the courtyard that belonged to Ma Xianhong and served as both a residence and a workshop.

The courtyard gate was ajar, and faint sounds of machinery could be heard coming from inside.

Instead of pushing the door open, Wang Xuan raised his hand and tapped the door three times with his knuckles.

"Knock Knock Knock!"

The sound came out somewhat abruptly in the quiet night.

The sound of the mechanism inside the door paused for a moment, followed by a slightly harsh creaking sound, a sound of wood and metal rubbing together.

The door was pulled open a crack from the inside, but instead of Ma Xianhong's face, what was revealed was the head of a doll with bright red blush and an expressionless face.

Wang Xuan's gaze fell on that strange and somewhat comical face, and the corner of his mouth twitched almost imperceptibly.

He could never fully adapt to Ma Xianhong's "masterpiece," which combined pragmatism with a disastrous aesthetic.

These flower-like dolls were quite capable and loyal, but every time Wang Xuan saw their dull round eyes and two patches of red cheeks, he couldn't help but mutter complaints to himself.

Perhaps when Ma Xianhong's so-called "sister" Qu Tong was reshaping his memories, she also messed up his aesthetic sense?

Otherwise, it would be difficult to explain this unusual flavor.

He ignored Ru Hua, who was blocking the doorway, and pushed the door open a little before stepping inside.

As if receiving some kind of instruction, Ru Hua did not stop them, but silently closed the door again, and then stood stiffly in the shadows behind the door like a real decoration.

The scene inside the courtyard was much more complex than it appeared from the outside.

Various unfinished mechanical parts and some unidentifiable metal materials were scattered everywhere, yet they subtly formed a chaotic order.

Wang Xuan walked straight through this "paradise for tech geeks" and headed towards the main house.

The main house door was open, and the interior was brightly lit. Ma Xianhong was sitting in front of a large workbench, which was covered with complex design drawings and various precision tools.

He rested his forehead on one hand, his brows furrowed, his eyes fixed on a certain node on the drawing, but his thoughts had clearly already drifted far away.

The terrifying details about the "Seven Fiends Gathering in the Body" that Grandpa Bi Yuan told him lingered in his mind like a venomous snake, making him restless and unable to concentrate even on his most beloved weapon-forging designs.

The sound of footsteps startled him from his reverie. Ma Xianhong looked up somewhat irritably, and when he saw that it was Wang Xuan, a look of obvious surprise appeared on his face.

Ma Xianhong put down his tools, straightened up, and asked in confusion.

"Why did you come here?"

This really surprised him.

Since arriving in Biyou Village, apart from the unpleasant conversation he had with Zhao Guizhen at the stream and the subsequent reminder about Zhao Guizhen, Wang Xuan has been practically invisible.

He lived a secluded life, rarely even appearing in public areas for meals. Fu Rong even privately wondered if he lived by drinking dew and breathing air.

It's really unusual for someone who's such a homebody to actually come knocking on your door late at night.

Wang Xuan ignored Ma Xianhong's surprise. He walked to the workbench, his gaze sweeping over the complex design drawings, but not lingering on them.

He looked up, staring directly at Ma Xianhong, and without any pleasantries or preamble, stated the purpose of his visit directly, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable air of questioning:

"Ma Xianhong, did you send someone to arrest Mei Jinfeng?"

These words, like a pebble thrown into calm water, instantly broke the already somewhat stagnant atmosphere in the room.

Ma Xianhong's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly, and he subconsciously frowned, a hint of offense and displeasure flashing across his face.

He stared at Wang Xuan, his tone tinged with wariness and confusion:

"How do you know this?"

He did arrange for someone to "invite" Mei Jinfeng, but the matter was carried out in a very secretive manner, and very few people knew about it.

How could Wang Xuan, who stays in his room all day and never leaves the house, be so well-informed?