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

Wang Xuan made a decision in an instant.

'Then Biyou Village has become a place of trouble; we can no longer stay here.'

It wasn't that he was afraid of the company or Ma Xianhong; he simply found it troublesome.

Ma Xianhong's affair is far-reaching, involving Qu Tong's conspiracy, the hidden dangers of the cultivation furnace, the conflict between the company and the "New Intercepting Sect"... Once it erupts, it will surely be earth-shattering.

Although he was not afraid, being drawn into it would inevitably waste a lot of his time and energy, which contradicted his original intention of seeking tranquility and trying to break through his own limitations.

The company, despite their relatively polite attitude towards him because of his previous treatment of Chen Duo and the capabilities he demonstrated, continued to treat him with respect.

However, if a fight really breaks out, the scene will be chaotic, and misunderstandings or friction are hard to guarantee.

He didn't want to waste his energy on such a pointless struggle.

Wang Xuan sighed softly.

'This place is not safe to stay for long.'

Seeing that Wang Xuan ignored his flattery and instead sighed inexplicably, Zhang Chulan's heart tightened, but he maintained a concerned smile and tentatively asked:

"Senior Wang, what's wrong? Is something bothering you?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan glanced at Zhang Chulan indifferently, his gaze calm and unwavering, yet seemingly able to see through his every thought. He didn't beat around the bush, speaking directly:

"It's nothing. It's just that now that you're here, it means I should leave."

His tone was calm, as if he were stating a perfectly natural fact.

Zhang Chulan froze upon hearing this, his smile instantly turning to ice. The implications of Wang Xuan's words were immense!

"You've arrived?" He really knew who we were and what our purpose was! "It's time to leave?" Was he precognizing us, or was it merely a judgment based on the situation?

Judging from his tone, he seemed to be fully aware of what was about to happen and made it clear that he didn't want to get involved!

In that instant, countless thoughts flashed through Zhang Chulan's mind—was Wang Xuan a friend or foe?

What impact will his departure have on the situation? Should we try to keep him? Or... should we report this important intelligence as soon as possible?

Just as Zhang Chulan was racking his brains and unsure how to respond, Wang Xuan stopped looking at him, as if he were just a pebble on the roadside.

Wang Xuan turned around directly, his steps still unhurried, and strolled leisurely along the path he had come from, heading towards the edge of the village without the slightest hesitation.

By the time Zhang Chulan recovered from the overwhelming information and internal turmoil, Wang Xuan had already reached the end of the path and was about to turn the corner and disappear from his sight.

Zhang Chulan opened his mouth, but ultimately didn't utter a sound.

He knew that with Wang Xuan's strength and attitude, he couldn't keep him even if he wanted to. Forcibly stopping him would only bring him humiliation and might even cause unnecessary conflict.

He took a deep look in the direction where Wang Xuan had disappeared, then stomped his foot and, without bothering to investigate any further, immediately turned around.

They ran as fast as they could towards the temporary accommodations that Ma Xianhong had arranged for them.

He had to tell everyone this big news immediately!

The courtyard where the temporary workers were staying was relatively quiet. By this time, the others had already returned one after another.

After some investigation, using their own methods, they gained a preliminary understanding of the general layout of Biyou Village, its core buildings, the location of some of the upper-level roots, and the distribution of ordinary villagers.

The group was gathered inside the room, exchanging information in hushed tones; the atmosphere was fairly relaxed.

Clarinet leaned against the wall, closing his eyes to rest. Xiao Zizai wiped his glasses. Old Meng was a little restless. Wang Zhenqiu was chatting with Feng Baobao with a grin, trying to get some information out of her, but obviously not very effective.

Just then, the door was suddenly pushed open with a bang, and Zhang Chulan rushed in, covered in sweat and panting, his face still showing signs of shock.

Wang Zhenqiu was the first to look up, and seeing his disheveled appearance, he immediately joked with a grin:

"What's wrong with our little Zhang? Why is he so flustered? Was he chased by a wolf? Or did some pretty country girl come after him asking for his WeChat?"

Zhang Chulan ignored his teasing. Leaning against the doorframe, he gasped for breath, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the room, and said urgently:

"Damn! You're kidding me! I just... I just ran into Wang Xuan in the village!"

The name seemed to possess a magical power, instantly extinguishing all the casual conversation and relaxed atmosphere in the room.

The clarinet opened its eyes, its gaze sharp.

Xiao Zizai put his glasses back on, his gaze behind the lenses becoming focused. Old Meng stood up nervously.

Even Feng Baobao, who had been expressionless the whole time, stopped fiddling with the wildflowers she had picked from somewhere and looked up at Zhang Chulan.

Wang Zhenqiu's smile faded, and he pressed on, asking:

"Wang Xuan? Are you sure? He's in the village too? What did he say to you?"

Zhang Chulan didn't answer immediately. He quickly took out his phone, his fingers flying across the screen, and opened the encrypted chat group they had temporarily created for this mission. He found Liao Zhong's account and sent a concise message that was enough to make everyone in the know tense:

"Uncle Liao, I saw Wang Xuan!"

The notification sound of the message being successfully sent was exceptionally clear in the quiet room.

All eyes were on Zhang Chulan, waiting for his detailed explanation.

Chapter 84 alarms the headquarters of NaDuTong.

About a mile outside Biyou Village, in a secluded mountain valley, the trees are lush and offer a panoramic view of most of the village, yet they are well hidden and not easily noticed.

Liao Zhong's temporary command post was set up here. A disguised communications vehicle was parked to the side, its antenna quietly erected.

Liao Zhong leaned back on a large rock, a half-smoked cigarette between his fingers, his brows furrowed, deep in thought as he stared at a simple map of Biyou Village spread out on his lap.

Every now and then, he would pick up the walkie-talkie and whisper to confirm the location information reported by each temporary worker.

Amidst the swirling smoke, a lingering worry graced his rugged face.

The situation in Biyou Village was more complicated than he had anticipated. Ma Xianhong's strength, those with superior rooted abilities, and the potential threat of the cultivation furnace all made this operation full of uncertainty.

"Ding-dong-"

A crisp message notification sound broke the silence of the mountains from his phone, which was lying to the side.

Liao Zhong clicked his tongue impatiently, assuming that some temporary worker had discovered some trivial matter again.

He casually picked up his phone, swiped the screen with his thumb, and his gaze fell indifferently on the temporarily created encrypted chat group.

When Liao Zhong saw the short message Zhang Chulan sent—"Uncle Liao, I saw Wang Xuan!"—he felt as if he had been struck by lightning.

He suddenly sprang up from the rock, the movement so large that he almost knocked the map off his knee.

"WTF?!"

He let out a low growl, his eyes wide like copper bells, staring intently at the seven short words on the screen as if he wanted to burn them through.

The cigarette butt in his mouth slipped out of his mouth due to shock, falling to the ground and scattering a few sparks.

He never expected this!

The name that was previously considered the biggest variable, discussed solemnly, and even mentioned with awe in the off-road vehicle by the group of temporary workers is now appearing in the mission information of Biyou Village in this way!

Wang Xuan? What's he doing here?! When did he arrive? And what's his relationship with Biyou Village?

A barrage of questions poured over him like ice water, instantly sending a chill down his spine.

"Xiao Zhang! What's going on?! Explain yourself!"

Liao Zhong's fingers trembled slightly as he quickly replied in the group chat, his tone urgent. He even forgot to call directly through the encrypted channel.

Almost simultaneously with his message, another avatar in the group popped up. It was Erzhuang, who was in charge of remote information support. She had obviously also seen Zhang Chulan's message and sent a string of question marks:

"Wang Xuan???"

Due to her unique form of existence, she had not participated in the previous discussions about Wang Xuan in the car and lacked a direct understanding of this person, so she was filled with curiosity at this moment.

Zhang Chulan, far away in Biyou Village, felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He immediately took it out and saw Liao Zhong and Erzhuang asking him questions. He didn't dare to be negligent and organized his thoughts to tell them how he had met Wang Xuan by chance.

Wang Xuan's calm yet information-rich reaction—"Since you're here, it means I should leave"—along with his own initial shock and the subsequent departure of Wang Xuan.

I described it in detail in the group without adding any personal speculation, striving for objectivity.

Liao Zhong stared at the long text Zhang Chulan had sent on the screen, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper, his facial muscles taut.

Wang Xuan's words... are so intriguing! "You've arrived?" He clearly knows that Zhang Chulan represents the company!

"It's time to go?" This seems more like a proactive avoidance based on accurate prediction, rather than a coincidence!

This person seems to be fully aware of the company's purpose in this operation!

The implication behind this sent a chill down Liao Zhong's spine. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, and quickly replied to Zhang Chulan in the group chat:

"Received. The situation is understood. Continue the investigation as planned. Do not make contact with Wang Xuan. Observe the situation and report back as needed!"

After sending the command, Liao Zhong ignored any further discussion in the group. He suddenly stood up, paced back and forth a couple of times, and the pebbles under his feet crunched under his feet.

Things have developed completely beyond expectations. A super expert who has reached the third level of "Reverse Life Triple Realm", whose strength may surpass the Ten Elders, and who seems to have insight into the company's intentions, is at the mission site.

This was no longer a decision that he, a former regional head and current liaison officer, could make on his own.

He must report this to his superiors immediately!

Without further hesitation, Liao Zhong strode to the communications vehicle, opened the door, picked up the satellite phone inside—a phone with the highest level of encryption that connects directly to the top management of headquarters—and pressed the familiar number with a somewhat heavy touch.

After a brief pause, the call was connected, and a steady, slightly aged, yet powerful voice came from the receiver:

It was Zhao Fangxu, the chairman of Nadutong Company.

Liao Zhong immediately straightened his back. Although the other person couldn't see him, he instinctively adopted a respectful posture and reported in a hurried but clear tone:

"Chairman Zhao, it's me, Xiao Liao."

He paused, as if gathering the strength to deliver the next message, and then reported, word by word:

"Just now... Zhang Chulan, who infiltrated Biyou Village, discovered Wang Xuan's whereabouts within the village! He himself has been confirmed to be present!"

A brief silence fell on the other end of the phone. Liao Zhong could even imagine that Chairman Zhao, who was always unfazed even in the face of a collapsing mountain, was probably frowning at this moment.

Indeed, Zhao Fangxu, on the other end of the phone, tightened his grip on the receiver slightly the moment he heard the name "Wang Xuan".

He sat behind a large desk with a huge floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the city's prosperity, but at this moment his mind was completely occupied by the news from the front lines.

Information about Wang Xuan had already been placed on his desk through Xu Si from the North China region, and even earlier through Liao Zhong's reports.

Zhang Chulan's description of Wang Xuan easily suppressing Old Master Lu Jin's triple rebirth on Longhu Mountain was highlighted.

The company's vast database and think tank were not just for show; they quickly retrieved all the long-forgotten files about "Sanyi Gate" and "Reverse Life Triple".

Zhao Fangxu himself had carefully read those yellowed reports.

He clearly remembered that the archives recorded that many years ago, the famous Immortal Zuo Ruotong, who was known as one of the most outstanding people in the world of supernatural beings and was considered on par with Zhang Jingqing, the 64th Celestial Master at the time, spent his entire life but failed to truly reach the perfect realm of the three levels of reverse life, stopping at the peak of the second level.

Based on the current intelligence analysis, this Wang Xuan who suddenly appeared is very likely... to have reached the legendary third level!

That mysterious realm, described in ancient texts as "returning to one's original state" and "almost ascending to immortality," is a profound state of being!

Such an entity possesses individual strength that transcends the company's conventional evaluation system, and its symbolic significance and potential influence are immeasurable.

Zhao Fangxu remained silent for nearly half a minute; the only sound in the office was his steady breathing.

His mind was racing, weighing all the pros and cons, risks and possibilities.

Was Wang Xuan's appearance in Biyou Village a coincidence? Or was it related to Ma Xianhong? Was his departure a statement of his stance, or simply an attempt to avoid suspicion?

Finally, a resolute glint flashed in Zhao Fangxu's deep eyes. He spoke into the microphone, his voice regaining its usual composure and authority, and slowly issued his instructions:

His voice traveled clearly through the radio waves to Liao Zhong's ears.

"Based on all the information we have collected so far, and the analysis of his past behavior patterns, although Wang Xuan's strength is unfathomable, his subjective level of danger, or rather his desire to disrupt the existing order, is not high."

He paused, as if emphasizing what he was about to say:

"Although we don't know how he learned about our plans in advance, his decision to leave voluntarily is a positive sign. It shows that he has no intention of being an enemy of the company and does not want to get involved in this dispute."

Zhao Fangxu's voice carried the prudence and foresight of someone in a position of power:

"For such a person, a pure seeker of the Tao who pursues the pinnacle of personal cultivation, our company's strategy should be to observe and engage, rather than to be hostile."

As long as he doesn't actively endanger social order or cross the company's bottom line, we don't need to, and shouldn't, easily offend him.

He finally gave a clear instruction:

"Therefore, pass on my order: if Wang Xuan chooses to leave Biyou Village, no one is allowed to obstruct, follow, or provoke him in any way!"

Let him go. Our goal, from beginning to end, has always been Ma Xianhong and his cultivation furnace. Don't create any unnecessary complications!

"Yes, Chairman Zhao! I understand!"