The Fierce Farm Girl Has A Secret Space Chapter 2399: You Harmed Me (3)

"Are you suggesting our fifth brother was abducted by the Miaojiang people?" Qi Jingyi's brow furrowed.

"You're saying the people from the Flame Sect took our fifth brother?" Qi Jingrong mirrored his frown.

The two spoke in near unison.

"Since the Flame Sect's main base is within Miaojiang Mountain, the Miaojiang King is either under their control or has struck a deal with them. It's probable that Miaojiang and the Flame Sect are now effectively one entity," Qi Jingyi deduced.

Qi Jingyi and Qi Jingrong exchanged a look, their eyes blazing with shared anger.

"That is the only logical conclusion," Gu Qingheng stated, observing the brothers. "The Miaojiang King is likely a puppet of the Flame Sect. Therefore, we must dispatch someone into Miaojiang to gather intelligence."

Qi Jingyi and Qi Jingrong exchanged another glance, recognizing the immense difficulty of infiltrating Miaojiang. It was a land teeming with poisonous insects and treacherous flora; an ordinary person would likely succumb within steps of entering.

"But who can enter Miaojiang without raising suspicion?" Qi Jingrong questioned Gu Qingheng, his brow still knitted. "During the previous emperor's reign, there was talk of subjugating Miaojiang. However, it remained merely a concept because most soldiers suffered severe acclimatization issues upon arrival. The moment they set foot in the mountains, they would simply faint..."

Qi Jingyi nodded in agreement. "This is precisely why we granted the Miaojiang leader the title of king and officially recognized their autonomy."

Gu Qingheng tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table. After a moment, he ceased and rose, walking towards the door to peer outside. "There is someone who can go."

"Gu Qingheng, you..." Qi Jingyi began, his expression one of concern.

"Is there anyone more suitable than myself?" Gu Qingheng offered a slight smile. "After all, I possess immunity to all poisons."

"However, you hold the position of Commander of the Three Armies; if you depart..."

Gu Qingheng raised a hand, halting Qi Jingyi's words. "Yet we cannot afford to remain passive. We can wait, but the Cloud King cannot." He approached them, emphasizing the dire consequences. "If we do not attempt a rescue, or fail to demonstrate any intention to do so, it will be a devastating blow, both personally and to the Crown Prince. I may not be with the army, but General Zhou and all of you remain. Would you permit the troops to descend into chaos?"

"Rest assured, we will maintain control of the border garrisons," Qi Jingrong responded promptly.

Qi Jingyi shot a displeased glance at Qi Jingrong, but receiving no acknowledgment, he could only let out a sigh.

Meanwhile, within a military tent situated on the outskirts of Miaojiang.

"Flame." Jin Yuka, now gaunt and alarmingly frail, struggled for breath with each step. "You have brought ruin upon me!"

"My esteemed king, how could I possibly have harmed you?" Flame's voice remained eerily steady.

"You gave me that so-called Divine Incense, which is nothing more than a demonic concoction, cough cough..." Jin Yuka's voice trembled uncontrollably.

"It was you who constantly begged me for it; I never forced it upon you," Flame retorted with a cold sneer.

"You..." Jin Yuka attempted to spew further accusations but was seized by a violent convulsion, wishing for the release of death. He could only collapse to the ground, pleading, "I was mistaken, Master. Please, I implore you, grant me the Divine Incense..."

"Now that's more like it," Flame chuckled, bending down to pat Jin Yuka's emaciated face. "Harmony is paramount; anger is detrimental to one's health."

"Give me..."

"Very well," Flame agreed, extending his hand to reveal a dark, irregular lump that emanated a peculiar, intoxicating fragrance.