I Am the True Lord of Running Away

Chapter 182: Chapter 182: Who’s Plotting Against Me?

Although the Flying Shuttle was indeed fast, their destination was quite far. So, everyone sat down, closed their eyes, and began to meditate, conserving their energy for the coming rescue mission.

Qian Jianjun stood at the front of the Flying Shuttle and began to brief them on the mission.

"The Gongsun Clan is a minor Cultivation Clan. Their only Cultivator at the Foundation Establishment Realm is the Patriarch, who is in the Early Stage. The entire clan consists of just over a hundred people, most of whom are mortals unable to practice Cultivation."

"However, they are a vassal clan of our Profound Origin Sect. Since they’ve sent for aid, we cannot simply ignore their plea."

"According to our intelligence, the Gongsun Patriarch has been lured away and won’t be able to return anytime soon. Meanwhile, two Qi Cultivation Great Perfection Demon Cultivators are leading five at the Qi Cultivation Late Stage in an assault on the Gongsun compound. The Gongsun Clan is now in grave danger. Without reinforcements, their defenses will be breached before long."

Qian Jianjun paused, letting everyone digest the news before continuing.

"This will be our support squad’s first operation. Since the enemy has no Foundation Establishment Cultivators, I will not be participating. The battle is entirely in your hands."

"Consider this your first live-fire drill. I will not intervene unless it is a matter of life and death. And even if it comes to that, you’d better pray I notice and can act in time. Otherwise, you’re on your own. Especially a certain person."

With that, Qian Jianjun shot a sidelong glance at Jiang Xu before turning back to the front, closing his eyes to meditate.

The other squad members glanced at Jiang Xu. Some looked curious, others disdainful. A few were simply indifferent, looking away after a single glance, unconcerned.

Everyone knew this guy had offended Elder Qian. It was a given that the Elder would make things difficult for him. As for how long this treatment would last, that all depended on whether Jiang Xu would learn his lesson.

But from the look of him, Jiang Xu had no intention of backing down.

Jiang Xu was at a loss for words.

’This guy just loves to cause trouble for me for no reason. It’s truly infuriating.’

’But I’m not in a position to openly oppose him right now. All I can do is endure and wait for an opportunity in secret.’

And so the journey passed.

After nearly a day of travel, Jiang Xu sensed a distinct change in the surroundings. They had reached the southern region of Dinghai State.

During the day on the Flying Shuttle, Jiang Xu hadn’t been idle.

In addition to observing his surroundings, Jiang Xu began reading the books he had obtained from Shen Ji.

A day was enough for Jiang Xu to get a rough understanding of the surrounding State Domains.

South of Dinghai State lay a bordering State Domain named Wuyin State. It was a strange place, perpetually shrouded in mist, with only a few areas clear of the fog.

Legend had it that Wuyin State was the dwelling place of a Mirage Dragon during Ancient Times.

A Mirage Dragon could swallow clouds and exhale mist, using it to conceal its body and create illusions. This was supposedly why Wuyin State was so peculiar.

Of course, this was only a legend; no one knew if it was true.

After all, a Mirage Dragon was still a type of dragon. Its Realm and combat strength would be at least at the Golden Core level or higher.

Furthermore, the Mirage Dragon was naturally skilled at concealment. Its innate Divine Powers were invisibility and illusion, making it an extremely difficult creature to capture—even for Nascent Soul Cultivators or the even more powerful Divinity Transformation Great Powers.

Thus, the legend was nearly impossible to verify.

As more time passed, the Flying Shuttle began to decelerate and descend slowly.

Jiang Xu discreetly used the Seeking Technique and discovered that he was now very close to Zong Ziqi’s position.

The only reason Jiang Xu had remained so calmly on the Flying Shuttle was that Qian Jianjun’s flight path had been heading in Zong Ziqi’s general direction from the start.

If the shuttle had been heading in the opposite direction, Jiang Xu would have certainly found a way to get off.

"Everyone out!"

Qian Jianjun said, pointing ahead.

"The Gongsun Clan’s compound is ten kilometers ahead. This is the support squad’s first mission. You’re on your own to figure it out. I will only be observing from the sidelines; I will not get involved from start to finish. Even if the mission is about to fail, I won’t offer any advice."

Jiang Xu and the others exchanged uncertain glances. Clearly, they were at a loss as to how to handle this, and a heavy silence fell over the group.

After a moment, someone broke the silence.

"Even though this is our first rescue mission, we can’t afford to delay. Time is life! It’s already been a long time since they sent their distress call. Every minute we waste could mean another life lost. I propose we move out immediately and launch a direct assault!"

But this suggestion was quickly opposed.

"I disagree. Time is precious, yes, but charging in without a plan or any tactics is no way to achieve victory. We won’t just fail to save them; we’ll end up in danger ourselves."

"Then what do you suggest?" someone asked.

When that person fell silent, lost in thought, someone else spoke up.

"How about we send out a scout first? We can gather intel on the enemy Demon Cultivators, find their weakest point, and launch a surprise attack to catch them off guard."

"Sounds good, but who goes?"

"Exactly. We were thrown together at the last minute. We haven’t worked together at all. I don’t even know your names."

"Alright then, let’s do this. Everyone, introduce yourselves. State your specialties, your strengths in Cultivation Techniques and Magic. We can plan our positions based on everyone’s abilities."

Everyone began to offer suggestions, and the discussion quickly became lively.

Throughout the entire discussion, Qian Jianjun watched them without saying a word, his expression unchanging. However, his eyes—and his Divine Sense—never left the squad for a single moment.

Jiang Xu stood amidst the group but didn’t speak, and no one asked for his opinion. It was as if he were invisible.

Jiang Xu was happy to be left alone.

’Right now, there’s no way I can just vanish right under Qian Jianjun’s nose.’

’My plan is to wait until the battle with the Demon Cultivators begins. Once everything is chaotic, I’ll find the right moment to slip away and go find Zong Ziqi.’

As for Qian Jianjun, Jiang Xu wasn’t in a hurry to get his revenge. His Golden Silkworm Gu hadn’t finished altering its venom yet.

’Once the Golden Silkworm Gu’s properties have changed, then I’ll deal with Qian Jianjun. Not only will it be far less dangerous for me, but it might even have some... special effects.’

’Like how I made that Demon Wolf go into heat.’

’If I used it on Qian Jianjun, he’d make a complete fool of himself in public.’

’Making him suffer a complete social death... isn’t that much more fun than simply killing him?’

Qian Jianjun had been concentrating on his subordinates, waiting to see what conclusion their discussion would yield, when a sudden, violent shiver ran down his spine.

’Hm? What was that? Why do I suddenly feel a chill?’