Peach Blossom Divine Medical God Chapter 1919 - 1913: Fishing

"Senior, which path should I take?" Chen Yang swiftly inquired.

After a moment of contemplation, the elder responded, "I am unaware of Chen Tianmin’s current whereabouts. However, from what I know, operatives of the Chou Alliance frequently frequent the vicinity of West City. If you are indeed set on discovering Chen Tianmin’s location, perhaps a visit to the West City area might yield some clues."

Chen Yang’s expression underwent a noticeable shift. This snippet of information was incredibly significant for him!

It was highly probable that his second uncle had departed with individuals from the so-called Chou Alliance. Now that he had a general region associated with the Chou Alliance, wasn't he one step closer to locating his second uncle?

"Thank you, senior!"

Chen Yang concealed his burgeoning excitement and gratefully clasped his hands in a gesture of thanks to the old man.

"Haha, it’s nothing, merely a trifle," the elder replied, casually waving his hand before gesturing for Chen Yang to depart.

As Chen Yang and Wang Jingman made their exit, the old man allowed a slight curve of his lips. "Liu Laodao is certainly becoming more intriguing. I wonder where he found such a young man; he's certainly not ordinary."

With that thought, the elder lifted the wine jug from his hip, took a long draught, and then turned back towards the shop.

Emerging from the shop, Chen Yang, with Wang Jingman in tow, navigated through the antique street and returned to the vehicle parked by the roadside.

Wang Jingman had been keenly observing the exchange between Chen Yang and the old man throughout their conversation, her mind brimming with questions. However, the circumstances had not been conducive to voicing them.

Now, safely ensconced within the car, she readily voiced her curiosities.

"Chen Yang, who is this Chen Tianmin? Are you genuinely intending to seek him out?" Wang Jingman probed, her gaze sharp. From Chen Yang’s words, demeanor, and expressions, she had surmised that he was highly likely to take a considerable risk to find Chen Tianmin.

And indeed, her intuition proved correct.

"Yes, I must find him," Chen Yang affirmed with a nod.

Wang Jingman's countenance immediately registered a flicker of concern. She could discern from the elder’s earlier remarks that the Blood Bat Hall was a formidable entity.

Should Chen Yang become entangled, a cascade of troubles would undoubtedly ensue.

"Who is he, precisely?" Wang Jingman also recognized that Chen Tianmin was far more than a casual acquaintance to Chen Yang.

Chen Yang paused for a brief moment, then resolved to confide in Wang Jingman.

She was not an outsider, after all.

"Chen Tianmin is my second uncle," Chen Yang stated.

"What?! Your second uncle?" Wang Jingman had considered various possibilities for their relationship, but a familial connection, particularly one so significant, had never crossed her mind. Chen Yang had never spoken of relatives, nor had she ever heard him mention any from his village.

"Yes, my biological second uncle," Chen Yang reiterated, his nod confirming the statement once more.

"This..." Wang Jingman had initially intended to dissuade Chen Yang from embarking on this perilous quest. However, upon learning of their familial bond, she found herself utterly speechless.

"My second uncle departed the village before I was even born, so very few people are aware of him," Chen Yang offered as an explanation.

After absorbing this information, Wang Jingman remained silent for a beat before inquiring, "Then, when do you plan to head to West City?"

"As soon as possible. I have no other pressing engagements tonight, so I intend to go this very evening," Chen Yang replied.

"Very well, then I shall accompany you," Wang Jingman declared resolutely.

"You're coming too? It could be quite dangerous there," Chen Yang expressed his reluctance to involve Wang Jingman, given the potential perils and the inappropriateness of her presence in such a situation.

However, Wang Jingman remained steadfast in her decision.

"With you by my side, it won't be excessively dangerous," she reasoned.

Chen Yang opened his mouth as if to protest further, but ultimately relented, agreeing to her company.

"Alright, then we shall go together. But you must remain close to me at all times," Chen Yang stipulated.

Wang Jingman smiled, "Of course, I understand."

"Excellent, let’s depart," Chen Yang declared. Having reached an agreement, he wasted no time and immediately drove towards West City.

En route, Chen Yang made a deliberate stop at a tattoo parlor. He had them create a symbol of the Blood Bat Hall – a blood-red bat – and had it inked onto his back.

Following that, he contacted Lisa to inquire about the typical gathering places for cultivators within the provincial capital.

Her response indicated a large stone market in West City, a popular spot for many cultivators seeking to test their fortune.

In the estimation of ordinary individuals, only jade held significant value, and they often failed to grasp the true worth of Spirit Stones, consequently selling them at low prices. This made the stone market a frequent haunt for cultivators seeking a pastime.

"What’s on your mind, Chen Yang? Why are you asking this so suddenly? Have you arrived in the provincial capital?" Lisa’s tone shifted as she sensed something unusual about his inquiry.

Chen Yang offered a smile. "Yes, I’ve come to the provincial capital. I plan to visit your secret bureau if I find the time tomorrow."

"You actually came, and you didn't even reach out beforehand; that feels a bit unfair," Lisa responded, a hint of displeasure in her voice.

"I arrived unexpectedly, and haven’t even contacted Director Ma yet. We can discuss it tomorrow. I still have pressing matters to attend to," Chen Yang stated.

"Very well, you focus on your tasks. Reach out to me when you have a moment."

After the call concluded, Chen Yang proceeded directly towards the stone market Lisa had mentioned.

Wang Jingman possessed some familiarity with this particular market. Her father had a penchant for collecting and frequently frequented the expansive stone market, indulging in purchases and occasionally cutting stones.

However, Wang Jingman was entirely unaware of the cultivation world or the fact that this was also a favored destination for cultivators.

Before long, Chen Yang’s vehicle arrived at the grand stone market.

Despite the late hour of the night, the market remained a hive of activity.

Throngs of people were constantly moving through, nearly everyone equipped with a flashlight, pausing to examine the stones displayed on numerous small stalls.

Within the vast stone market, stones were plentiful, piled high on every stall.

Upon exiting the car, Chen Yang took Wang Jingman’s hand and entered the significant stone market.

They soon melted into the throng, pausing here and there to observe various raw stones.

Chen Yang appeared engrossed, engaging in conversation and laughter with Wang Jingman.

In truth, Chen Yang maintained a keen awareness of his surroundings, deliberately positioning himself to allow the blood-red bat insignia on his back to be visible.

He was deliberately setting a trap.

The members of the Chou Alliance harbored a deep animosity towards those of the Blood Bat Hall.

If any Chou Alliance members happened to be in the vicinity and observed him alone, they would likely be provoked into taking action.

This would then enable him to establish contact with the Chou Alliance members and, through them, investigate the circumstances surrounding his second uncle.

"Jingman, you mentioned your father enjoys collecting, didn't you? Perhaps we should select a fine stone for him?" Chen Yang inquired, approaching a substantial Jade Stone stall with a smile and addressing Wang Jingman.

Initially indifferent to the stones, Wang Jingman's interest was piqued by Chen Yang’s suggestion.

"Certainly! Your judgment should be sound, shouldn't it? If you pick a good stone for my dad, he’ll be quite pleased," Wang Jingman responded with a smile.

Following that, she commenced her perusal of the Jade Stone stall alongside Chen Yang.

This particular Jade Stone stall was a considerable establishment within the market.

The stall was managed by a couple in their forties.

It was evident that this couple had been engaged in this trade for many years; a considerable number of patrons frequented their stall, and judging by their conversations, they seemed to be regular customers.

"Sir, please browse at your leisure. If any item catches your interest, do call out to me. I am briefly occupied over here."

Even Chen Yang did not receive immediate attention, as the couple offered a slight apology before continuing to serve a larger group of customers.