Chapter 991: Heading to the Jiang Ancient Clan

All the exits were sealed tight, anyone attempting to enter would be immediately spotted by soldiers.

“It appears Jiang Qi values whatever is in this mountain greatly,” Ye Qingchen whispered to Xiao Xiao, his tone weighted with gravity.

Xiao Xiao, understanding the severity of the situation, whispered back, “Master, with such defenses, it’s likely difficult for us to get inside.”

Ye Qingchen nodded, a cold and contemplative look flickered in his eyes.

He knew that with their current situation, forcing their way in would be a path to certain death.

They needed to find another way, a gap to breakthrough.

They observed for a while and noticed that even the dense forests on the mountain were patrolled nonstop by sentries, leaving no blind spots.

The soldiers moved methodically, clearly well-trained.

Any slightest movement would catch their attention, sneaking in unnoticed was next to impossible.

“Looks like we’ll have to think of another plan,” a decisive glimmer shone in Ye Qingchen’s eyes, “Yet such vigilance only proves there’s truly a treasure within this mountain.”

Xiao Xiao nodded, knowing Ye Qingchen was already crafting a countermeasure in his mind, she remained silent, simply following him closely, awaiting his next instructions.

The wind howled through the mountains, while the soldiers continued their strict patrol.

The entire mountain under their guard seemed an impregnable iron fortress, but beneath that fortress, Ye Qingchen and Xiao Xiao were brewing an invisible storm.

Ye Qingchen stood on a slightly elevated rock, his brow furrowed, scanning the surrounding terrain and the soldiers’ defensive arrangement.

Internally, his thoughts surged turbulently, but a genuine way to overcome the current dilemma eluded him.

He was fully aware of the current situation: the Jiang Ancient Clan’s defense was extraordinarily tight, not only were there numerous soldiers, but they were undoubtedly elite forces.

With just their two individuals, attempting a forced entry was almost certainly doomed to fail.

Ye Qingchen clenched his fists tightly, contemplating within.

He’s faced many challenges, but the present one was clearly more onerous than any previous.

Forcing their way through was definitely out of the question, despite his and Xiao Xiao’s strengths, in the airtight blockade, a rash move would inevitably draw stronger reinforcements, leaving them with no escape route.

As for the subtle approach, Ye Qingchen knew well, facing a major force like the Jiang Ancient Clan, mere words or Xiao Xiao’s ploys would scarcely be effective.

Especially with the current fortifications, manifestly ordered directly by Jiang Qi, attempting to sneaking in quietly would prove incredibly difficult too.

Not to mention bypassing those sentry lines, even if they managed to sneak into the mountain, more traps and mechanisms might await within.

He endeavored to calm himself, tirelessly contemplating all possibilities.

What treasure lay in the mountain? Why does Jiang Qi deem it so important?

If Jiang Qi considers this significant, it implies he equally wouldn’t want outsiders interacting with the contents inside.

If so, a rash move would only complicate matters.

A weight settled over Ye Qingchen’s mind, the more he pondered, the more he felt helpless.

However, he also knew retreating was against his nature.

This mountain surely holds the clues they seek, abandoning it now would be giving up halfway.

Nonetheless, the hazards and difficulties ahead thrust him into a dilemma.

He looked up towards the distant sky, night was creeping in, the mountain’s tree shadows lengthened under the sunset, silently reminding him of the urgency of time.

Ye Qingchen finally took a deep breath, inwardly sighing. The current situation made him realize, whether forcing through or not, the risks were vast, chances of success slim.

He slowly turned around, gazing at the quietly standing Xiao Xiao beside him.

Her eyes were filled with trust and anticipation, as though regardless of the decision he made, she’d follow without hesitation.

A slight warmth enveloped Ye Qingchen’s heart, solidifying his resolve: the treasures inside must not fall into Jiang Qi’s hands.

At this moment, a sudden flash sparked across Ye Qingchen’s mind, as if catching hold of something.

He furrowed his brow, diving deeper into thoughts.

Perhaps they could utilize the veil of night, disguise themselves as vagrants or merchants from the mountain, attempting to infiltrate the defense lines? Or, with bolder ambition, find a chance to pose as one of the patrolling soldiers, pulling off a deceptive trick?

But he quickly shook his head, dismissing the idea.

This method’s risk was too immense, if discovered, they’d have no avenue of retreat.

Moreover, among so many soldiers, the chance of recognition was too high, any slight oversight could lead to deadly consequences.

Ye Qingchen stood still, with countless thoughts but struggling to find a reliable solution.

He knew that each next step required utmost caution, any mistake, and it could undo all progress, potentially inciting unforeseen outcomes.

At this point, Xiao Xiao softly asked, “Master, what should we do? Should we continue trying to enter the mountain?”

Ye Qingchen suddenly halted in his contemplation, raised his head slightly, his gaze firm, as if he finally figured out something.

He slowly turned to Xiao Xiao, his eyes revealing a calm and resolute glimmer.

“Xiao Xiao,” he said, low and firm, “For now, we won’t enter this place. The Jiang Ancient Clan’s guards are excessively tight, forcing their way in is too risky. Instead, let’s rethink, and directly deal with Jiang Qi. Once Jiang Qi is down, the place’s defense will naturally be gone, then we can return to claim the treasure at our leisure.”

Given Jiang Qi’s status, if there were treasure inside, he’d have already taken it back; now that it remains, it indicates that even Jiang Qi finds it not easily retrievable.

They need not worry about the treasure disappearing suddenly.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Xiao was taken aback momentarily, then nodded, a look of agreement in her eyes.

She knew Ye Qingchen’s decision was well-considered, and she held absolute trust in him.

As the Saint Heir of the Jiang Ancient Clan, Jiang Qi is formidable both in power and standing within the clan.

Tackling him directly, though risky, is indeed the quickest route.

“Master is right,” Xiao Xiao affirmed resolutely, “We’ll go to the Jiang Ancient Clan, deal with Jiang Qi, and all problems will solve themselves.”

Ye Qingchen nodded, then glanced again at the mountain surrounded by soldiers, with a hint of chill in his eyes.

Since the enemy values the treasures here greatly, their anxiety further proves the place’s significance.

But for now, they must dismantle this defense from the core, and that core is Jiang Qi.

“Let’s go,” Ye Qingchen said decisively, “We’ll head straight for the Jiang Ancient Clan.”