The people in the great hall gradually began to leave.
Ji Haoyuan was among the crowd as well.
However, just as he stepped out of the hall, an unexpected voice caught his attention from behind.
Turning around to look, he was surprised to see Zhang Xingde, the ancestor of the Zhang Family.
"Haoyuan Dao You, would it be convenient for us to travel together?"
As he spoke, he glanced at Liu Hongyu and Feng Wanqing, who were following Ji Haoyuan, and smiled:
"Liu Dao You and Fairy Feng can join us as well."
Seeing Zhang Xingde’s attitude, Ji Haoyuan felt a sudden stir in his heart, and then he smiled and nodded:
"If Dao You Zhang is willing to join us, then it certainly isn’t a problem."
Saying this, he led the way out of the Crimson Sunset Sect.
After they had all left the Crimson Sunset Sect and flown a considerable distance, Zhang Xingde finally broke the silence between them and said with a smile:
"Haoyuan Dao You, and the two fairies, do you know where we will be heading in this war?"
Ji Haoyuan and Liu Hongyu couldn’t help but feel a stirring upon hearing Zhang Xingde’s words.
Ji Haoyuan said, "Does Dao You Zhang have something to instruct us?"
Previously, they only knew that for this war, most of them would be deployed to the front lines.
But the exact location of these so-called front lines was a mystery to everyone.
Yet, observing Zhang Xingde’s current demeanor, it seemed like he had already learned something in advance.
This, however, was not surprising.
His family had a Celestial Spirit Root disciple who had been accepted by a Golden Core True Man.
It was quite natural for some people to try to ingratiate themselves with Zhang Zhilong.
Moreover, Ji Haoyuan believed that with Zhang Xingde’s wisdom, if he genuinely wanted to probe for information under such conditions, it would not be difficult.
Compared to that, Zhang Xingde’s current approach was even more intriguing.
Was he intending to use this opportunity to mend relationships with their families, or perhaps with the Ji Family?
Just as these thoughts crossed his mind, Zhang Xingde continued:
"To be honest, I have indeed managed to gather some intelligence on this matter.
If I am not mistaken, the front line of this war should be located in the western region of the Hongduan Mountain Range."
"Western region of the Hongduan Mountain Range?"
Ji Haoyuan and the others furrowed their brows slightly.
It was widely known that the territories governed by the Crimson Sunset Sect are situated to the south of the Hongduan Mountain Range.
To the north was the domain of the Netherworld Sect.
The central and eastern regions were occupied by other Golden Core sects.
Only the western region, plagued with toxic miasma, remained unoccupied.
Furthermore, the Spiritual Qi there was relatively sparse, making it undesirable for any Golden Core level forces to settle.
Over time, that area became a haven for venomous insects, monsters, and fugitive evil cultivators.
Engaging in war with the Netherworld Sect in such a place was honestly not good news.
Especially for those who had never ventured into that region.
In such a place, one not only had to defend against the enemy sect’s cultivators but also the indigenous venomous insects and monsters, as well as some reckless evil cultivators who dared to exploit the chaos.
Zhang Xingde suddenly retrieved three jade slips from his body and handed them to Ji Haoyuan and the others with a smile:
"Coincidentally, I have some information and maps regarding the western region, which you can take back for study, so you can be better prepared."
Ji Haoyuan and the others did not refuse Zhang Xingde’s obvious goodwill.
Although their family’s capabilities meant they could obtain maps of the western region of the Hongduan Mountain Range in a short period.
But first, it was unnecessary, second, the maps they obtained might not be as detailed as the ones Zhang Xingde provided them.
Ji Haoyuan and the others glanced through them.
The map Zhang Xingde gave them was not something commonly available for purchase in ordinary markets.
"In that case, thank you, Dao You Zhang."
Ji Haoyuan and the others expressed their gratitude with smiles.
They finally parted ways, each returning to their respective families.
Back at the Ji Family, upon hearing the news, Ji Bochang immediately sought out Ji Haoyuan to inquire about his journey.
Ji Haoyuan had no reason to withhold anything and sincerely recounted his experiences to Ji Bochang. Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs NoveI[F]ire.net
This included Zhang Xingde’s attitude towards them throughout the trip.
Ji Bochang was mildly surprised but quickly understood the situation.
"You guessed right, Haoyuan. Zhang Xingde’s actions seem to be an attempt to ease relations with us.
However, we must remain cautious of him and the entire Zhang Family.
Especially in the upcoming war with the Netherworld Sect, it’s essential not to trust them blindly."
After all, there had been tensions, even conflicts and disagreements between them before.
Maintaining a superficial harmony was manageable.
But to trust them entirely and without reservation would be foolish and naive.
"By the way, have you decided who to bring with you after this?
Also, if there’s anything that needs preparing, I will do my best to arrange it in the coming days."
At this point, Ji Bochang no longer insisted on joining the war against the Netherworld Sect.
He knew that given Ji Haoyuan’s past stance, he would surely refuse.
Indeed, with Ji Bochang’s current condition, going to the front lines would mean slim chances of returning.
This was something Ji Haoyuan would never accept or allow.
He pondered briefly and then listed a few names to Ji Bochang.
Then he compiled a checklist of items he needed over the next few days for Ji Bochang and the family to help gather.
Ji Bochang, of course, had no objections.
While Ji Bochang proceeded with the arrangements, Ji Haoyuan didn’t idle either and headed directly to Taiping Mountain.
Over two years had passed.
The Fire Pear Tree obtained from the Han Family had been successfully transplanted onto the Fire Element Spirit Vein of Taiping Mountain.
This caused the Fire Element Spirit Vein on Taiping Mountain to upgrade six months ago.
From first-grade top quality to second-grade low quality Fire Element Spirit Vein.
Inside a cave dwelling on Taiping Mountain.
In front of Ji Haoyuan stood an Alchemy Furnace.
Crimson-colored ground fires were continuously being drawn from the spirit vein below.
This was the main reason Ji Haoyuan insisted on taking over this mountain back then.
A Fire Element Spirit Vein could continually generate ground fire.
For cultivators seeking to advance to the Golden Core stage, aside from the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Fire, it was the best flame for alchemy and artifact refining.
Currently, what Ji Haoyuan was doing was using this ground fire to concoct a batch of pills for the upcoming war.