Chapter 1195: Jiang Fan Catches Jiang Fan

The demonic energy on the Demonic Venerable's face rippled slightly. He was clearly surprised by their identity as Qintianjian officials.

Suspicion in his voice, he asked, "Where is her token?"

Bai Xin expressionlessly took out her Commander's token. Only then did the Demonic Venerable confirm their identities, and the hidden killing intent in his eyes, previously concealed by demonic energy, receded.

The Qintianjian holds a unique status. Each of the Nine Provinces has its own branch, and all nine are governed by a single Sage. Had he killed someone from the Qintianjian in Taicang Province, the Qintianjian of Great Barren Province would not have let him off lightly.

"Since you are not from the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, this Venerable will not make things difficult for you," he stated. "You may leave!"

How could Jiang Fan leave? This Demonic Venerable was staking out the Heavenly Secret Pavilion's teleportation array, clearly intending to ambush its members and cause them harm. His eyes flickered. Cupping his hands, he asked, "Senior, may I inquire about your connection to the Heavenly Secret Pavilion?"

The Demonic Venerable said lightly, "One of them led the killing of my subordinate. And they stole something that should have been here."

Jiang Fan's heart sank. Wasn't he talking about Jiang Fan? How did this demonic brother and sister pair get entangled with him? His junior sister was seeking him out through the void, intent on causing trouble, while his senior brother was directly waiting at his doorstep.

An idea struck him, and he decided to play along. "What a coincidence, then," he said. "We're also here at the Heavenly Secret Pavilion to apprehend someone."

Before the Demonic Venerable could ask, Jiang Fan added, "There's someone named Jiang Fan at the Heavenly Secret Pavilion."

A sharp gleam flashed in the Demonic Venerable's eyes. He almost exclaimed aloud: the local Qintianjian was also looking for Jiang Fan? He calmly asked, "What crime has this Jiang Fan committed?"

Jiang Fan declared with righteous indignation: "According to our investigation, a month ago, he annihilated a force called the White Bone Alliance. Over a hundred people from the entire alliance, including five Nascent Soul realm cultivators, met their end by his blade. His methods were heinous! Such a degenerate of Taicang Province must be brought to justice, to provide closure for the wronged souls of the White Bone Alliance!"

Bai Xin, standing beside him, turned her head to look at him, her eyes widening slightly. Many people cursed others as degenerates, but she had never heard anyone curse themselves as such before.

Jiang Fan continued without changing his expression, "Senior, we still have an important mission. Farewell!"

The Demonic Venerable's heart stirred. He had previously wondered why the local Qintianjian remained silent after the White Bone Alliance was annihilated and so many had died tragically. So, they *were* investigating. Now, they had finally identified the true culprit and were set to apprehend Jiang Fan.

He called out to Jiang Fan, "Wait."

Jiang Fan halted. "Senior, how may I assist you?" he asked.

The Demonic Venerable said, "To be honest, the White Bone Alliance was founded by my subordinates. They established their sect here peacefully, yet they fell victim to Jiang Fan's vicious attack. This Venerable cannot stand idly by. Waiting here, I intended to wait for a Heavenly Secret Pavilion disciple, disguise myself as him, and enter the Heavenly Secret Pavilion to find Jiang Fan. However, with two Qintianjian officials present, this Venerable can enter openly."

Disguise as a Heavenly Secret Pavilion member? Did this Demonic Venerable possess some special ability to disguise himself as others? And why the need for disguise?

"Senior, with your strength, wouldn't it be easy to just enter the Heavenly Secret Pavilion and demand the person?" Jiang Fan asked.

The Demonic Venerable said indifferently, "That rascal also has the identity of a named disciple of Venerable Sinheart. I find it inconvenient to openly act against him. Venerable Sinheart's background is too formidable; he's not to be trifled with. However, since you Qintianjian are leading the way, this Venerable no longer needs to worry."

The Qintianjian, however, does not fear the Young Emperor Mountain that backs Venerable Sinheart.

Jiang Fan suddenly understood. This person acts surprisingly cautiously. To deal with a disciple of a small sect, he even knew to investigate the opponent's background beforehand. It was just unfortunate for him that before he could even make a move against Jiang Fan, he encountered Jiang Fan himself.

"Senior, do you want to come with us to the Heavenly Secret Pavilion?" Jiang Fan frowned and shook his head, "I'm afraid that wouldn't be appropriate. We are on official duty. If we were to bring you along, outsiders might misunderstand that we are abusing our authority for personal gain, assisting you in avenging a private grudge. What would be the repercussions then? If this gets back to the Qintianjian, at best we'll be dismissed from our posts; at worst, we'll be beheaded. Therefore, please forgive this junior for not being able to take you along, Senior."

The Demonic Venerable chuckled. If the Qintianjian Guard truly wished to refuse, he would have done so outright. Why would he elaborate on his difficulties and risks? By doing so, he was clearly angling for some compensation, unwilling to work for free. Such social dynamics exist everywhere, and the Qintianjian is no exception.

The Demonic Venerable needed their official capacity to act, so he didn't mind offering some incentive. He reached into his sleeve and took out two jade boxes containing a viscous substance as black as ink.

"I won't make things difficult for you," he said. "This is the unique Ethereal Demonic Liquid from my Great Barren Forbidden Zone. Its special feature is its strong stickiness! When you encounter a formidable enemy, splash it on them, and it will completely bind their limbs. These two boxes are for you."

Jiang Fan was slightly stunned. It sounds like something used to catch rats?

"How powerful an enemy qualifies as a formidable one?" Jiang Fan asked.

The Demonic Venerable replied, "It can completely bind even Nascent Soul realm cultivators, and they'll need a lot of time to break free. Even Venerables can generally be bound for twenty to thirty breaths of time."

Jiang Fan's heart stirred; it even worked on Venerables. What a great item! If that woman, Venerable Truth, still relentlessly pursued him, he would make her taste what it was like to be stuck to the ground like a rat, unable to move, completely at his mercy!

He feigned a moment of struggle, then gritted his teeth and declared, "Alright. I truly don't care about this Ethereal Demonic Liquid; I simply can't stand Jiang Fan, that scoundrel!"

He immediately accepted the two boxes of Ethereal Demonic Liquid, handing one box to Bai Xin.

Bai Xin shook her head. "You keep both." This was something Jiang Fan earned by cursing himself. He deserved this gift!

Jiang Fan didn't stand on ceremony and took both, then cupped his hands and asked, "May I ask how to address you, Venerable?"

The Demonic Venerable calmly replied, "Venerable Soulforge of the Heavenly Demon Palace in Great Barren Province."

Soulforge? Jiang Fan recalled Asura King A-Yu's method of refining human souls into soul wine on the spot. Did Venerable Soulforge also excel in this art? He certainly lives up to his name; he's no good person!

"So it's Venerable Soulforge. Then, Venerable, we would be grateful if you would accompany us into the Heavenly Secret Pavilion to apprehend the rogue Jiang Fan."

Venerable Soulforge said lightly, "Lead the way."

Jiang Fan nodded and immediately led the way. In his mind, he pondered how to lead the Venerable to Iceflame Demon Lord and deliver a significant surprise! After seven days of recuperation and absorbing the essence of the Star of Primordial Cold, Iceflame Demon Lord's current state should be far superior to when he fought Venerable Evil Crow. If Venerable Soulforge could be slain, it would be a permanent solution, eliminating the threat he posed to the Heavenly Secret Pavilion once and for all.