Dual Cultivation God Returns Chapter 1071: True Calling

"Hey, hey, Darling~", Hong Ye spoke in a giddy, secretive tone, as she and her twin followed Wu Long through the narrow, dark alleys of Iron Claw City’s Western Outskirts, "Are we going to pilfer that treasure from the Crow King’s Nest you mentioned to Sister Zhiqiu?"

"Hahah, I see you’re already adapting to the mindset of a Theft Dao practitioner," Wu Long chuckled.

"Hehehe~, I’m a quick study. Besides, now that I think about it, it’s far more enjoyable~", Hong Ye giggled, proudly puffing out her chest beneath her cloak, "You could say I’ve discovered my true calling~"

"That’s wonderful to hear," Wu Long nodded with a smile, "I suppose tonight’s excursion is merely a formality then, giving you a chance to learn the ropes. And to answer your question, yes, we are going to steal it. My initial plan was outright force, but a stealthy approach works just as well, perhaps even better. However, that treasure within the Crow King’s Nest presents a different caliber of challenge. As you heard from Zhiqiu, we’ll essentially be attempting to seize the core component of their protective formation."

"I always suspected Symbol Arts were complex, but it seems I underestimated their profound depths," Hong Yue commented, recalling Wu Long’s earlier conversation with Lian Zhiqiu.

"Hehe, rii~ght~? All those intricate symbols and patterns, the layers of complexity and natural Laws required to achieve specific effects... I can’t even fathom where one would begin to understand it all~. It’s fortunate I have no connection to any of it," Hong Ye giggled with amusement.

"I wouldn’t be so certain about that, Ye ’er," Wu Long replied with a hint of amusement, "The Theft Dao, after all, is intricately linked with overcoming obstacles. One of the most frequent challenges involves Arrays and Formations, so dealing with them is inherently part of the job and, consequently, the Cultivation Path."

"...", Hong Ye abruptly halted her steps, causing Wu Long and her sister to stop and turn towards her. A slightly fidgety and uncertain voice emerged from beneath her veiled bamboo hat, "H-hehe... y-you know? I was pondering, and perhaps the Theft Dao isn’t truly for me after all~... I mean, it’s rather immoral, isn’t it? To simply pilfer someone’s belongings~..."

Hong Yue was utterly speechless at Hong Ye’s sudden about-face regarding the Theft Dao, especially after her earlier confident declaration of finding her calling.

Wu Long let out a soft chuckle, "Doesn’t the Assassination Dao, which you two have practiced your entire lives, also face the same obstacle of Formations?"

Hong Ye paused for a moment, and then a sigh of helplessness escaped from behind the veiled bamboo hat as she shook her head slightly, "Haa~, I suppose I’ll have to completely alter my professional direction then~ towards something that doesn’t involve sneaking around a formation at all..."

"Wha~...?!?!", Hong Yue’s bewilderment intensified, now struggling to comprehend her younger twin’s abandonment of both her old and newfound Cultivation Paths.

Meanwhile, the latter added in an upbeat and remarkably inspired tone, perking her head back up and striking a pose of anticipation for a brighter future, "Welp~, nothing can be done about that~, it’s time to stride forward onto a new path. ...! You know what? You were right, Big Sis. It’s truly liberating and wonderful to maintain an open mind about the future, rather than dwelling or fixating on the paths we’ve already trod~ ah~ I can feel it..."

Wu Long’s words were now interspersed with barely suppressed laughter, "You don’t need to master Symbol Arts to pursue the Theft Dao or the Assassination Dao, Ye’er. Merely grasping a few key principles of how Formations operate is sufficient. You’ll understand what I mean tonight, and it’s not too late to reconsider after that."

"You’re not just saying that to placate me, are you, Darling? If it involves even a sliver of what you discussed with Sister Zhiqiu earlier, you know it’ll be an absolute disaster if I need to comprehend any of that to succeed," Hong Ye’s completely serious tone made it even harder for Wu Long to suppress his laughter, while Hong Yue stood utterly stunned and silent.

"Of course not, Ye’er. I pinky promise you that this is something you can excel at if you choose this path," he chuckled, extending his pinky finger.

"Hehehe~ fweh~ and here I was worrying I’d have to change Cultivation Paths permanently~", Hong Ye intertwined her own pinky with his, and they shook hands as she hummed a pinky promise song. Anyone else might have found it chilling, but Wu Long seemed to find it endearing as his head, concealed by the veiled bamboo hat, bobbed in rhythm to her singing.

At the same time, Hong Yue let out a sigh, her head shaking as she pondered whether her twin was merely jesting or being entirely earnest. Ultimately, she elected to dismiss it as one of Hong Ye’s typical playful antics without seeking direct confirmation.

They continued onward toward their intended destination: a modest, dilapidated hut nestled against the rugged face of a mountainous ridge.

Before approaching the dwelling, Wu Long produced a communication talisman. Upon receiving the affirmative signal, he deployed further talismans to bolster the security of the immediate vicinity.

The trio entered the hut, which contained a solitary, small room. A table occupied the center, surrounded by a few aged chairs, some of which bore signs of disrepair.

Instead of his customary attire as a proprietor of a prosperous arena, Qian Ying was clad in a black ensemble. This outfit bore a striking resemblance to the standard garb of Bahshi Assassins, with the sole distinction being a low-slung hat in place of a silver mask. He removed his cloak, revealing an equally dark and nondescript outfit beneath.

"You have arrived, Manor Master," Qian Ying stated, rising from a resting posture near the hut's rear wall. His chosen form of address served as a diplomatic compromise. He opted against calling Wu Long 'Valley Master' since Wu Long was not presently acting in his official capacity as leader of the Eternal Duality Valley. Conversely, 'Boss' felt too plebeian for someone of Wu Long's high status. As Wu Long held the position of master of the Wu Family Manor, 'Manor Master' emerged as the most fitting substitute.

"Indeed, I had anticipated arriving ahead of schedule, yet it appears we have caused you to wait. Thank you for graciously accepting my eleventh-hour request to accompany you," Wu Long replied, offering a smile as he removed his bamboo hat.

"Naturally, Manor Master. It's just..." Qian Ying nodded, his words trailing off as his gaze shifted slightly towards the two figures flanking Wu Long.

"You need not concern yourself with them impeding tonight's operation; their mastery of stealth techniques is more than sufficient to meet the demands of this task," Wu Long chuckled. As he spoke, the twins similarly shed their hats and cloaks, unveiling the silver masks and Bahshi Assassin uniforms that lay beneath.

Qian Ying gasped, his eyes widening beneath his own bamboo hat. "B-Bahshi-... but..."

His initial utterance halted abruptly as he appeared to forcibly restrain himself. His subsequent attempt at a vocal reaction also faltered, as if he were consciously suppressing a barrage of questions.

"You shall gain a deeper understanding as we collaborate further," Wu Long responded with a smile, acknowledging Qian Ying's bewilderment with a nod. "Suffice it to say, they shall not prove to be a hindrance. Our sole desire is to witness a true virtuoso of this particular craft at work."

A flicker of pride crossed Qian Ying's features as he smiled. "Indeed, if they are Prime Demons from the Bahshi Assassination Group, then I hold absolutely no reservations. Rather, it is my distinct honor to showcase my own capabilities."