Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8464 8464: Change _1

Feng Zhongxin's remarks left Wen Liren in shock. Noticing the look on Wen Liren's face, Feng Zhongxin felt a hidden surge of delight inside. Yet, he kept his composure, putting on a thrilled demeanor as he continued, "If that treasure is truly located here, it would be wonderful. The Ghostwind bandits used to frequent this spot, after all. Oh, and I recall a tale about the elder from the Sharp Sword Sect clashing with the Ghostwind bandits, and the site wasn't far from this place, was it? Back in those days, even though this area belonged to the Thirteen Clan Alliance, they didn't turn away rogue cultivators since it was under clan control. So, it's completely reasonable for the Ghostwind bandits to appear around here."

Feng Zhongxin had deliberately brought up these points. His aim was to convince Wen Liren that Zhao Hai likely had no knowledge of the Ghostwind bandits' treasure. If he did, Zhao Hai would have set off to claim it already, rather than lingering in this spot. Moreover, the Ghostwind bandits had shown up repeatedly in this region before. Didn't that suggest their treasure could be right where they had been pursuing the Ghostwind bandits initially?

Feng Zhongxin understood perfectly that his words were directed at Wen Liren's ears. What he intended to convey was that Zhao Hai remained unaware of the Ghostwind bandits' treasure. Still, he knew he couldn't voice it directly. Wen Liren's fixation on this issue was too intense. If he outright suggested to Wen Liren that Zhao Hai might not know the treasure's location and they should leave him alone, Wen Liren would grow wary at once. He might suspect Feng Zhongxin wanted the treasure all to himself and even strike him down.

So, Feng Zhongxin rephrased his approach toward Wen Liren, adopting a tone of doubt. By highlighting Zhao Hai's ignorance of the treasure, he subtly informed Wen Liren that the treasure could be close by. In that scenario, dragging Zhao Hai into their plans would be unwise, as it risked exposing the secret. After all, Zhao Hai's power was evident to them. They still lacked a solid plan to handle him.

Wen Liren remained silent for quite a while, seated there pondering Feng Zhongxin's statements. The words carried weight and logic to him. If he were in Feng Zhongxin's position, would he hesitate to seize the Ghostwind bandits' treasure upon learning of it? Absolutely not—he'd rush to claim it right away, fearing someone else might snatch it first. Such an outcome would spell disaster.

Yet Zhao Hai stayed put, sticking around and even joining Feng Zhongxin on a mission. What explained that behavior? If Zhao Hai truly knew the Ghostwind bandits' treasure location, would he bother with tasks that yielded just a handful of Jingshi? Clearly not, yet he persisted. Why was that?

Wen Liren knitted his eyebrows tightly. He'd long assumed that since Zhao Hai wiped out the Ghostwind bandits, he must know where they stashed their treasures. But this reasoning now appeared flawed. They were aware the Ghostwind bandits had visited this place over the years, possibly protecting something valuable. However, they'd dismissed the idea that the Ghostwind bandits' descendants were safeguarding treasures here. If they were, why hadn't they utilized those riches? For nearly a millennium, they'd observed the Ghostwind bandits closely and knew their existence well. The descendants lived scarcely better than average rogue cultivators, inheriting only their cultivation techniques—nothing more distinguishing. The same held for the Ghostwind bandits themselves.

Should the Ghostwind bandits' heir truly be watching over that treasure, they would've claimed it ages ago for their use. They wouldn't endure such hardship endlessly. Thus, the group had concluded the Ghostwind bandits were merely honoring their ancestors' remains, not some hoard of wealth.

Still, Feng Zhongxin's comments planted a seed of doubt in Wen Liren's mind. Soon, though, he devised another explanation and spoke gravely, "I believe that tracking down the Ghostwind bandits' treasure will require confronting Zou Xiao. If they're truly protecting it in this area, they couldn't ignore it forever. The treasure likely bears some kind of seal that Zou Xiao can't break yet, forcing him to return here. He'll gather crystals in the meantime while plotting to lift the restriction. I also think the seal might demand a blood sacrifice. Remember, over the years, how often have the Ghostwind bandits' successors lured people to their vanishing spot? It can't all be for murder and looting, can it? More probably, it's for the ritual. After so long, we've failed to locate the Ghostwind bandits' treasure entrance ourselves, so the burden now rests on Zou Xiao."

Feng Zhongxin's pulse quickened at Wen Liren's declaration. He recognized it sealed their intent to target Zhao Hai. A bitter smile tugged at his thoughts inwardly. His final chance to shield Zhao Hai had vanished. Yet he knew displaying any oddity now would spell his doom if Wen Liren noticed. Thus, he replied, "Yes, Brother Wen, I get it. I'll uncover the poison Zou Xiao employed and its antidote quickly. That'll give us a stronger edge against him."

Wen Liren gave a nod and responded solemnly, "We must act fast. Grant him too much time, and if Zou Xiao cracks the Ghostwind bandits' seal to seize the treasure, we'll end up empty-handed. A thousand years of pursuit would go to waste."

"Yes, Brother Wen. Rest assured, I know how to proceed," Feng Zhongxin affirmed resolutely. With that, he rose, offered a bow to Wen Liren, and exited the room. He missed the peculiar gleam that flickered in Wen Liren's gaze right after he departed.

Wen Liren stared at the shut door and whispered, "Soft-hearted? Heh, does he think I wouldn't see through his motives? Looks like I need to watch him closer." Finishing that, Wen Liren reached out and retrieved a communication disc. He then set a jade slip upon it. A flash of white light ensued, and the jade slip vanished. Only then did Wen Liren gaze at the disc and murmur, "Little brother, it all depends on you now."

Should anyone overhear Wen Liren's mutterings, astonishment would follow. No one realized Wen Liren had a younger sibling—not even Feng Zhongxin or the others. Yet here he was, dispatching a message to his brother. How could that not shock them?

Feng Zhongxin had gone back to his quarters. He settled on the bed, eyeing the interspatial bag before him. He murmured, "I'm sorry!" Then he stored the bag away. A steely resolve filled his eyes. He'd considered one final effort to rescue Zhao Hai, given how kindly Zhao Hai had treated him. But now he saw it was futile. Persisting would endanger him too. So, he resolved to abandon saving Zhao Hai. As Wen Liren noted, they'd hunted this treasure for a millennium. Quitting at this stage wouldn't end well, thus he committed to pursuing those riches.

With his decision firm, Feng Zhongxin furrowed his brow in deep thought. How to obtain Zhao Hai's poison formula? It was no simple feat. For any poison cultivator, their recipe was their most guarded secret, never to be revealed. Without it, facing Zhao Hai would leave them vulnerable—a fate Feng Zhongxin refused to accept.

At times, human nature works this way. A person might feel inspired by another and offer aid willingly. But once the situation endangers them, they swiftly abandon the cause to safeguard their own goals. Feng Zhongxin fit this pattern. Zhao Hai had shown him kindness, and he'd assisted as much as possible. Yet for Zhao Hai's sake alone, he'd never risk everything.

In truth, his earlier words to Wen Liren served to persuade himself too. He genuinely believed Zhao Hai might be clueless about the Ghostwind bandits' treasure. But Wen Liren's counterpoint made sense, suggesting they must confront Zhao Hai. Though it left a sour taste, securing the Ghostwind bandits' treasure would boost his power immensely. He yearned to reach Island Lord status, ascend, and gain eternal life. Thus, sacrificing Zhao Hai became essential.

Feng Zhongxin had aided Zhao Hai out of gratitude and lingering morality. However, with such vast rewards dangling before him, morality crumbled against the allure. He steeled himself to oppose Zhao Hai fully.

While Feng Zhongxin pondered in his room how to extract Zhao Hai's poison recipe, a soft rap echoed at the door. Jolted, he approached and swung it open to see Wang Liang waiting. Upon spotting him, Wang Liang urged, "Come to Boss Wen's room—there's great news." Feng Zhongxin's eyes sparked with interest. He agreed promptly and trailed Wang Liang to Wen Liren's quarters.

Upon entering Wen Liren's room, they found most of the group assembled. Wen Liren surveyed them with a grin and announced, "Good, everyone's here except the one monitoring Zou Xiao. I gathered you all to share some excellent news. Wang Liang discovered a stalk of Thousand Days Intoxicating Herb at the market. No need to explain its purpose, I trust?" He scanned the faces after speaking. Excitement gleamed in their eyes. They all recognized the Thousand Days Drunk Vanilla well—a unique plant that, when steeped in water, released an alcoholic aroma and flavor like fine wine. Its standout trait, though, was its potency: one sip induced instant inebriation and blackout. Without a cold water dousing, the stupor lasted no less than a thousand days. Its effects were that formidable.