In a flash, three young men and women of striking appearance were sketched out, leaving everyone utterly astonished.

"Feiyan, are you certain you didn't misremember?" Yingzhen Qiuyun gasped, staring at the portrait depicting a youthful face with azure hair and emerald eyes, set in a somewhat vacant smile.

"No mistake, sir," Yingzhen Feiyan replied respectfully.

"It's him," Huxiao Shanlin growled. "That despicable brat."

"Incredible. This Blue Lightning is so young," Yingzhen Qiuyun felt a sharp sting of shame and awkwardness.

It wasn't just him; Mo Zhanting, Longyuan Canghai, Xiong Ba, and Cang Mang also found their aged faces flushing crimson. For these masters, considered the absolute pinnacle experts of the age, along with a hundred elites from the Four Sects and One City, to be manipulated so easily by a mere adolescent—if this ever got out, all their reputation would be shattered.

The four of Yingzhen Kuangren looked equally aghast. This youth, who appeared significantly younger than them, was the very architect of their mission's failure. Truly, one should never judge by appearances.

The four stared at the image—a face so tender it bordered on cute—and felt an overwhelming sense of absurdity, yet no one doubted the discernment of Huxiao Changyuan.

"But Kuangnü Yan Luo didn't look like this, did she?" Shabalik, who had seen Yan Luo, questioned.

"Is that so? What if we changed her eyes and hair color to golden-yellow, and adjusted the hairstyle to Yan Luo’s?" Mo Zhanting suggested.

"Disciple will try," Yingzhen Feiyan said, her brush moving like flying. With just a few deft strokes of her magical colored quill, the Yan Luo in the portrait instantly transformed, her appearance now perfectly matching the records kept in the archives.

"It really is Yan Luo," Huxiao Shanye exclaimed in shock.

"That’s hardly surprising," Longyuan Canghai remarked. "The royal houses of every nation on the continent possess treasures called the Eyes of the Illusion Demon. Wearing them allows one to change their eye color at will. As for hair color, that’s even simpler; any dye will suffice to alter style and hue. With the Moon Sect’s resources, acquiring a few sets of the Eyes of the Illusion Demon would be no great feat."

"Now we can confirm this boy is Blue Lightning," Mo Zhanting stated. "Whether he disguised himself, or what his true face looks like—it no longer matters."

"Indeed. Since he appeared with Yan Luo, they must belong to the Moon Sect!" Yingzhen Qiuyun concluded.

"There's little point in trying to capture them now," Longyuan Canghai mused. "Since we’ve confirmed Blue Lightning was involved, we can be certain the Zuma Totem has fallen into Moon Sect hands."

"If the Moon Sect has the Zuma Totem, they will inevitably seek the treasure. But the treasure lies in the underground palace of Shaba City. This means the Moon Sect will be forced to come looking for us. Then, they won't have a choice," Huxiao Changfeng said. "We still have a chance."

"For now, let the Pigeon Group closely monitor the Moon Sect’s movements," Mo Zhanting ordered.

"As for your task, continue pursuing Blue Lightning with full force," Longyuan Canghai ground out, his teeth clenched. "I absolutely must have satisfaction for this insult."

"However, you must capture him alive," Yingzhen Qiuyun added. "I am extremely curious what treasures he possesses that even the magic of the Zuma Patriarch couldn't affect him."

"Yes!" Before the five nearly exploding super-masters, the four supposed finest young masters dared not draw another breath, their faces the color of ash as they fled the lean-to as if their lives depended on it.

Three days later, in an inn in Jian City!

Longyuan Feixue, Huxiao Shanye, Yingzhen Kuangren, Xiong Ba Tianxia, Li Xie, Yingzhen Feiyan, and Huxiao Shanlin—seven of them—sat listlessly. The world was vast; where were they to hunt down the phantom-like Blue Lightning?

These four young masters, now hailed as the continent's strongest, had nothing on their minds but that accursed child. As for Li Xie, he was utterly bewildered. While this brute was adequate in a fight, that was about it. He was brought along only because, among the group, he was the only one familiar with the style of Blue Lightning’s martial arts.

Yingzhen Feiyan and Huxiao Shanlin were included because they had previously crossed paths with Blue Lightning, making recognition easier. In truth, Yingzhen Feiyan alone would have sufficed, but Huxiao Shanlin clung to her like sticky candy, insisting on joining. Thus, this peculiar capture detail was formed.

For three days, the seven young experts traveled south toward the Moon Sect’s headquarters: Bairi Tianmen. They reasoned that since Blue Lightning had secured the Zuma Totem, he would naturally hurry back to Bairi Tianmen to hand it over. If they were fast enough, they might intercept him en route.

Their guess was correct, though no one anticipated that Xingchen was already thousands of miles away at Bairi Tianmen. If they knew that Xingchen was currently sulking over a drink, they would surely cough up blood in anger. However, Huxiao Shanlin among them felt only elation. This mission provided the perfect opportunity to spend time with the lovely Yingzhen Feiyan, a prime chance to win her heart. He still felt a smug satisfaction recalling the envious looks of his fellow disciples. Yet, his mood soured when he noticed Yingzhen Feiyan gazing intently at the portrait, lost in thought. For the past three days, whenever there was a lull, she would hold that drawing, her focus so absolute that it made Huxiao Shanlin feel a pang of jealousy. This wasn't surprising, though. Perhaps due to innate talent, Yingzhen Feiyan possessed an astonishing eidetic memory. Anything she saw—be it books, portraits, or other sights—she could reproduce perfectly with her brush. Many said that if she devoted her full attention to Daoist cultivation, she would undoubtedly become the second Celestial Master in history. Unfortunately, Yingzhen Feiyan, blessed with this gift, felt an inexplicable aversion and avoidance toward the brawling world of martial adventurers. Her talents were usually channeled into painting or dance, niche skills disdained by warriors. Over time, Yingzhen Qiuyun and the sect elders simply let her be, allowing her to cultivate as she wished. Even so, her youth belied her level; she had already reached the professional standard of the Early Crimson Moon stage, marking her as a true anomaly.

"Feiyan, daydreaming over that portrait again!" Among the seven, Longyuan Feixue was the only other female, so the two seemed to get along well.

"Oh, heh heh," Yingzhen Feiyan chuckled lightly. "Nothing much, just marveling at the sheer disbelief of it all. What kind of person is he? He looks utterly harmless, yet..."

"Smitten, are we?" Longyuan Feixue teased.

"Perhaps," she admitted. "Right now, I just want to burn his image into my memory, because this fellow changes his appearance. Miss him for a second, and even if he stood right before me, I wouldn't recognize him."

"So you keep looking at it whenever you have a moment," Longyuan Feixue noted.

"It's a habit," Yingzhen Feiyan replied. "I can memorize most things at a glance, but these three individuals are exceptions. I just don't want to forget."

"Heh, the ever-memorable Yingzhen Feiyan," Longyuan Feixue remarked.

Dragon Shadow Manor! A study somewhere!

"Is this news reliable?" Jian Qiu asked, his expression changing drastically upon seeing the messenger.

"It is confirmed, sir. Huxiao Shanye is leading the other three young experts toward Bairi Tianmen," the Pigeon Group executive reported respectfully.

"Hahahaha!" Jian Fei burst into roaring laughter. "Good boy! Such audacity—to trick those old fogeys into running circles!"

"Indeed," Jian Qiu quickly recovered. "Longyuan Canghai and the others must be spitting blood with rage right now."

"Hahaha!" Jian Fei laughed until his stomach hurt. "This boy truly doesn't speak unless he has something stunning to say. He’s an absolute shocker!"

"Now, those so-called Longyuan Feixue and Yingzhen Kuangren can all get lost," Jian Qiu seemed to vent years of pent-up resentment. "Compared to Blue Lightning, who are they? They dare to scheme against the main forces of the Four Great Clans and the Lord of Shaba City. How many people in this world possess such courage?"

"And he succeeded purely by chance," Jian Fei cheered.

"What chance?" Jian Qiu immediately corrected him. "This is premeditation, understand? It was absolutely meticulously calculated. Otherwise, how could he have slipped through the fingers of the Zuma Patriarch and the Five Great Masters?"

"Damn, this is exhilarating! Too bad Jianli isn't here; he’d be ecstatic," Jian Fei commented. "I truly never imagined the kid had this much nerve."

"This is what makes him exciting! This is worthy of being a disciple of our Dragon Shadow Manor!" Jian Qiu declared. "Pity I wasn't there to witness it; I would have laughed those old geezers to death."

"What if we announced right now that Blue Lightning is a disciple of Dragon Shadow Manor? How would those old men react?" Jian Fei asked with a mischievous grin.

"I imagine they'd smash their heads against a wall," Jian Qiu chuckled. "No, we can't wait any longer. This news must reach Jianli immediately, or I'll burst!"

"Look at you," Jian Fei chided. "I have an even better trick."

"An even better one?" Jian Qiu was momentarily stunned.

"Think about it: what if this news reaches every corner of the continent? How would those old men react then?"

"Hahahaha! Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!" Jian Qiu realized. "Those old fools being played for monkeys by a junior disciple of our Dragon Shadow Manor! If I were them, I'd dig a hole and bury myself alive."

"Jian Qiong, go handle this immediately. Make it as sensational as possible. This time, I’ll infuriate those old men to death!"

"..." The Pigeon Group executive stared blankly at the two unscrupulous elders, but quickly understood. "Yes, this disciple will see to it at once."

"Hahahaha," Jian Qiu suddenly stopped laughing. "Wait, come back."

"Does Martial Uncle have further instructions?" Jian Qiong asked somewhat nervously.

"Yes. Also, find the whereabouts of Xingchen immediately. Damn it, if we don't hurry, that girl Longyuan Feixue might find him first, and the situation won't be favorable."

"Yes!" Jian Qiong replied. "This disciple guesses Martial Brother Xingchen will appear at Bairi Tianmen."

"We need confirmed details," Jian Fei stated.

"This disciple will investigate immediately." Jian Qiong confirmed.

"Good," Jian Fei mused. "Send twenty outer hall disciples to Bairi Tianmen at once. We must find Xingchen first and bring him back."

"Yes!" Jian Qiong acknowledged.

"Brother, are you also eyeing that treasure?" Jian Qiu teased.

"Who wouldn't want more treasure?" Jian Fei chuckled darkly. "But I'm not rushing. Xingchen is a disciple of Dragon Shadow Manor. That cunning girl from Divine Moon Palace knows exactly what to do."

"Heh heh," Jian Qiu smiled too. "If the Moon Sect wants that treasure, they can't possibly contend with Shaba and the Four Great Clans alone. They’ll have no choice but to ask us for help."

"Hahahaha!" Jian Fei laughed more smugly. "While we were busy searching for the Crimson Blood Demon Sword, those old guys were secretly up to their little tricks. Now we've caught them red-handed! I’d like to see their old faces now."

"But Xingchen’s identity—is that secure?" Jian Fei finally brought up a serious point after his laughter subsided.

"Don't worry. When we were investigating Xingchen, I took care to erase any traceable clues about his family. Even if those old fools investigate further, they’ll only find he never existed."

"That puts my mind at ease," Jian Fei replied. "Now, we can calmly wait for the Moon Sect people to come knocking."

"Heh heh, exactly." The two unscrupulous elders let out chilling, sinister chuckles. A few night owls circling in the black sky let out strange cries, hesitant to descend to the ground, adding a layer of gloom and eerie atmosphere to the deep night.

Crimson Moon Villa!

"The effort ended in failure," Gao Huan exclaimed in surprise.

"Yes. According to reliable intelligence, the Zuma Totem was snatched by an unknown expert," the Pigeon Group executive reported respectfully.

"Hmph! It seems those five old men are fit to explode with anger this time," Gao Huan observed. "Did you manage to find out who stole the Zuma Totem?"

"It is said to be the work of the recently emerged young expert, Blue Lightning."

"Blue Lightning?" Gao Huan mused. "Is that the same Blue Lightning who killed the Crimson Flood Dragon and ruined the plans of the Mad Dragon Gang?"

"Yes," the executive confirmed. "However, Blue Lightning is only ranked eighty-ninth on the Mafa Expert Rankings. This subordinate believes that given Blue Lightning's capabilities, he shouldn't have been able to accomplish this."

"Nothing is absolute in this world," Gao Huan said slowly. "I hear this Blue Lightning possesses incredible speed and is immune to magical attacks, is that true?"

"Yes," the executive replied respectfully.

"If that's the case, with his specialties, accomplishing this feat might not be impossible," Gao Huan concluded. "Keep a close watch on Blue Lightning’s movements. I believe we may require such talent in the future."

"Understood."

South of Bairi Tianmen, Moon Sect Headquarters!

"Wonderful!" Sect Master Suyue of the Moon Sect was ecstatic. "Hahaha! A Return Scroll! Yan Luo does indeed possess one, and the return location is set just outside Bairi Tianmen city. If I’m not mistaken, the Zuma Totem has already been delivered there."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Palace Master Chaoyue of the Twin Moons Palace urged impatiently. "Let’s rush there immediately, find Blue Lightning, and make him hand over the Zuma Totem!"

"Agreed, the sooner the better, lest complications arise," Palace Master Shenyue of the Divine Moon Palace was even more thrilled. "I never thought that girl Yan Luo could stir up such a storm."

"Don't celebrate too soon," Mingyue cautioned. "None of us knows what Blue Lightning looks like. Furthermore, knowing Yan Luo's cautious nature, she wouldn't let Blue Lightning reveal himself unless they had already reached Bairi Tianmen. So, even if we search, we won't find him."

"Then we need to contact Yan Luo as soon as possible," Tingyue suggested.

"Yan Luo has already reached Su City; she is half a month’s journey from Bairi Tianmen."

Just as they were speaking!

"Urgent Report from the Pigeon Group!" A Pigeon Group executive rushed in, clutching a dispatch. "It’s from Yan Luo in Su City!"

"Ah!" Everyone gasped in surprise.

Shen Yue unfolded the letter, her expression shifting rapidly from doubt to a smile. "That girl is cunning as a fox. We just need to wait for the Zuma Totem to be delivered to us."

"What is this?" Sect Master Suyue asked, equally delighted.

"I’m not entirely sure," Shen Yue explained, "but by noon tomorrow, the Zuma Totem should arrive. Moreover, Yan Luo has provided us with an excellent strategy: ally with the Dragon Shadow Manor and use their strength to secure the treasure together."

"Dragon Shadow Manor?" Suyue was astonished. "What’s this about?"

"It turns out Blue Lightning is actually the fifth inner disciple of Dragon Shadow Manor. Now that Yan Luo and he have teamed up to steal the Zuma Totem, Yan Luo suggests we use this opportunity to establish ties with Dragon Shadow Manor, allowing us to jointly oppose the combined might of the Four Clans and One City."

"I see!" Mingyue exclaimed happily. "If we can truly forge a relationship with Dragon Shadow Manor, that would be an immense benefit for the future development of our Moon Sect!"

"But would Dragon Shadow Manor be willing to join forces with us?" Chaoyue wondered.

"Rest assured," Shen Yue replied. "This is beneficial to Dragon Shadow Manor as well. The prestige of the Four Great Clans is growing, and their disciples are increasingly overshadowing those from Dragon Shadow Manor, Flowing Cloud Manor, and Crimson Moon Villa. Dragon Shadow Manor is already looking for a place to vent that frustration. They would undoubtedly welcome finding trouble for those clans. Moreover, having an ally brings endless benefits. They have no reason to refuse, especially considering the wealth within that treasure—I doubt they can resist it. So, once we propose it, Dragon Shadow Manor is bound to agree."

"Furthermore, if Dragon Shadow Manor joins, this can serve as the catalyst for Crimson Moon Villa and Flowing Cloud Manor to join as well. They might not care much for the wealth, but this is a perfect opportunity to unite the Three Manors and the Moon Sect. Faced with the powerful alliance of the Four Great Clans and Shaba, Dragon Shadow Manor certainly won't sit idly by; finding suitable allies is an urgent necessity. In the past, the Three Great Manors hesitated due to old grievances and couldn't swallow their pride to reach out. If we act as the intermediary, it is bound to succeed."

"So, the Zuma Totem not only involves immense wealth but also the potential unification of the Three Manors and the Moon Sect?" Chaoyue summarized.

"Precisely. Just imagine the might of the Three Manors allied with the Moon Sect—a force capable of opposing the strong coalition of the Four Great Clans and Shaba. I believe the Three Great Manors understand this implication, but they lacked the right trigger. Now, for us to step in as the peacemakers is utterly perfect."

"Treasure, no matter how vast, eventually gets spent. But the benefits derived from a strong alliance cannot be measured in gold coins. I believe that even if we gain little from the treasure itself, once the league is formed, the future returns will be limitless."

"You are correct." ................................... Bairi Tianmen, Fulong Inn!

"Identity exposed! Send the Totem to Moon Sect HQ immediately! Wait for my return." Signed, Lan Yue!

Identity exposed! My head felt like it was splitting open! This time, the trouble was enormous!