If there was evidence that I had killed Wang Hu, the visitors would definitely not be just two formal disciples. No matter what, a manager or Elder from the [Punishment Department] would certainly be accompanying them.

Therefore, the people before me were merely suspicious, nothing more.

Jiang Chen replied calmly, “I only knew him, that’s all.”

Lei Wei narrowed his eyes slightly, a sharp glint flashing within them. His expression was playful as he said, “But how come I heard you had a grudge against him?”

Outer Peak disciples being exploited by formal disciples was common knowledge. But it couldn’t be made public; otherwise, it would cause unrest among the outer disciples. Therefore, even if it existed, it had to be treated as if it didn’t. Everyone abided by this unspoken rule; no one dared to break it.

Jiang Chen continued, “Myself, Lin An, Zhao Ziyao, and Zhao Ying—all four of us became formal disciples after passing Senior Brother Wang’s assessment.”

At this moment, he decisively dragged the others into the conversation. To put it bluntly, if there was suspicion, they should all be suspected together.

He absolutely must not fall into the trap of having to prove his own innocence. If he followed the other party’s lead, he would definitely fall into a pit.

Right now, as long as no evidence was produced, there was absolutely no problem.

Although there had indeed been a dispute between the two at the periphery of the Spirit Farm…

Lei Wei frowned, still unwilling to give up. “Someone saw you and him boarding the same giant flying sword together, heading to the rogue cultivator market.”

Jiang Chen nodded. “We did indeed board the same giant flying sword.”

Lei Wei immediately sneered. “Then that matches up?!”

Yet Jiang Chen remained composed. “Although I don’t know what you’re trying to imply, if I remember correctly, Senior Brother Wang arrived later. Many people saw that at the time.”

The sneer on Lei Wei’s face instantly froze, and his brows furrowed tightly.

Seeing the other party speechless, Jiang Chen took the initiative to ask, “What exactly happened to Senior Brother Wang?”

“Wang Hu is missing.” At this moment, Wang Bing, who had been on the other side, gave up chasing the dog and slowly approached.

Jiang Chen was stunned. Then, with an inquiring look, he scanned the two people before him and asked, as if seeking confirmation, “Senior Brother Wang is missing?”

Seeing this reaction, Lei Wei and Wang Bing exchanged a glance.

Then Wang Bing nodded and said, “Wang Hu hasn’t returned since he went to the rogue cultivator market. It’s been over two months now. The people who went with him are also missing. We suspect they’ve all disappeared.”

Lei Wei abruptly interjected coldly, “It’s possible he’s already… dead!”

Jiang Chen looked quite displeased. “Are you sick or something? Why are you cursing Senior Brother Wang?”

“You…” Lei Wei choked on his words, his expression turning angry.

Seeing the atmosphere turning awkward, Wang Bing quickly stepped forward. With a smile and a wave of her hand, she said, “Alright, alright. We’re just here for routine inquiries. No need to make things so tense.”

Only then did Lei Wei suppress his anger, though he still felt somewhat displeased inside.

Perhaps to change the subject, Wang Bing pointed at the nearby second-grade Spirit Farm and said, “I see all this straw has been burned to ash. It seems you’re using a very primitive slash-and-burn method?”

She added with some regret, “It’s a bit wasteful.”

Jiang Chen looked at her in surprise. “What do you mean?”

Wang Bing explained, “Straw is also one of the raw materials for drawing talismans. If you had kept it, we could have traded this time.”

Seeing that things were about wrapped up, Wang Bing waved at Lei Wei. “Alright then. We’ve asked what we needed to ask. It’s time for us to go back and report.”

The two summoned an ink-black flying shuttle and soared into the air.

“A mere mid-stage Qi Condensation cultivator—tell me how he could kill three late-stage Qi Condensation cultivators? Even one who was at Qi Condensation perfection?”

“Strange. Wang Hu is a member of your same cultivation family. You actually don’t care?”

“If he’s dead, there’s no need for me to care about a dead person. If he’s still alive, then there’s even less need to care!”

With that, the two departed in high spirits.

Jiang Chen watched them disappear over the horizon before withdrawing his gaze.

He hadn’t expected it would take over two months for someone to start looking for Wang Hu and the others.

However, he wasn’t worried at all.

Wang Hu and his group had died without leaving even a trace behind. Even their items had been disposed of thoroughly.

The extra Spirit Stones, Spirit Rice, and other valuables were hidden under a stone mountain on the other side. Even if these two wanted to open his small storage pouch for inspection, they wouldn’t find anything.

“No wonder Zhao Ziyao and Zhao Ying were in such good moods. So it’s because they already knew something had happened to Wang Hu and have escaped their misery!” Jiang Chen suddenly realized.

Afterward, he headed toward the stone mountain.

As soon as he got close, he caught the scent of Mutated Spirit Rice. He hurried into the cave.

Reaching the depths, he saw cluster after cluster of Mutated Spirit Rice gleaming with golden light. Whether it was the mutated offspring rice or the mutated mother rice, all the ears were heavy and full.

One look told him they were ripe and ready for harvest.

Jiang Chen released his spiritual sense, immediately enveloping them to carefully perceive their state.

Because one plant was missing, this time’s yield was lower.

Seeing this, Jiang Chen didn’t mind. He immediately raised his sickle.

He harvested until only the mutated mother rice remained before stopping. In total, he obtained 39.4 jin of Mutated Spirit Rice.

As for the mutated mother rice, he only cut off its nine heavy, full ears.

After finishing the processing, Jiang Chen began moving spirit spring water, continuously irrigating the area. Confirming everything was fine, he turned and walked out.

Just as he emerged, a communication talisman within his small storage pouch vibrated.

Jiang Chen immediately took it out.

“Oh, I forgot. You’re single-mindedly focused on farming and don’t pay attention to outside matters.”

“What exactly do you want to say?”

“At the end of Red Leaf Valley, there is a sea of flowers. Every year when they bloom, a gathering is held among those with spiritual roots. To put it bluntly, it’s for finding cultivation companions!”

“You’re not interested? Then come with me.”

“You’re not even fully grown yet, and you’re looking for a cultivation companion?”

“You’re the one who’s not fully grown! Finding a cultivation companion has nothing to do with age. The path of cultivation is long, my friend!”

“Fine. I just finished harvesting anyway. I’ll hand over the Spirit Rice to you while I’m at it.”

Although Jiang Chen wasn’t looking for a cultivation companion right now and thus had no interest in the gathering, he did need to meet Jin Fugui.

The two agreed to meet tomorrow morning.