Is It Wrong to Bully the Novice Village for System Rewards?

Chapter 200: Code Name Pangolin

At the same time.

Qi Yuan found a secluded spot to change into a nondescript black robe and altered his facial features. Only then did he leisurely descend from the mountain housing Ji Chan’er’s cave.

He had learned his lesson. In a treacherous place like the Nether Fiend Sect, paranoia was the default state of existence. Demonic cultivators treated everyone—even their own sect members—like potential predators.

Strangers on the road avoided each other like the plague. Striking up a casual conversation to gather intel was impossible.

Yesterday’s fiasco with Shen Xingxuan proved just how dangerous his ignorance was. He hadn’t even recognized one of the sect’s most famous figures. If he hadn’t been quick-witted, he would be dead right now.

Realizing the critical importance of intelligence, Qi Yuan decided to fill the gaps in his knowledge immediately. He couldn’t risk his undercover mission on another rookie mistake.

He could have asked Ji Chan’er, but she was currently swamped with preparations for the Ancestor’s birthday celebration. She didn’t have time to hold his hand. Besides, if they had free time, they’d be doing something far more… physical.

Of course, as the dignified Holy Scion of the Supreme Mystery Sanctuary, he didn’t need to gather intel personally. The Demon Sect was riddled with righteous spies. He just needed to find a seasoned veteran to brief him.

Lost in thought, Qi Yuan arrived at a massive marketplace within the Inner Sect.

This was the official trading hub established by the sect. It was heavily patrolled, ensuring that—at least within the market boundaries—murder and robbery were strictly prohibited.

Despite the early hour, the market was bustling. Vendors crowded every inch of available space, shouting their wares.

Aside from the merchandise being utterly macabre, it wasn’t much different from a normal market.

“Freshly peeled human skin talisman paper! Guaranteed full of resentment and spiritual power! One hundred Spirit Stones a sheet! No bargaining!”

“Freshly harvested Top Grade ‘Purple River Cart’ (placenta)! Sealed with ten pairs of twin ghost infants! Three thousand Spirit Stones, take it or leave it!”

“Selling mortal death row prisoners! Ten Spirit Stones each! Perfect for blood sacrifices! Bulk discounts available!”

“Top-tier assassins for hire! Quick, clean, ruthless! We don’t accept targets above the Golden Core stage…”

Hearing the sales pitches, Qi Yuan frowned. The cruelty of the Demonic Path was truly eye-opening.

No wonder the cultivation world wants to wipe them out. They really don’t treat human life as anything other than currency.

After searching for a while, he found a shop selling raw materials and natural treasures. He stepped inside.

“Fellow Daoist, what do you need?”

A shop assistant greeted him with a polite, professional smile.

Qi Yuan smiled faintly, his expression calm.

“I wish to buy three Crimson Vermilion Fruits. However, I require only the pits, not the flesh. If you have them, I will also take three ounces of Seven-Colored Flowers—stems only, no petals.”

As he spoke, he couldn’t help but roast the intelligence department in his head.

Which brain-damaged idiot came up with this code? ‘Pits not flesh’? It’s so cringe I want to die.

“Uh… we have those materials. Please wait a moment!”

The assistant froze for a split second before his expression turned serious. He dropped a quick sentence and hurried into the backyard.

Moments later, a slightly plump middle-aged man in luxurious robes rushed out. He bowed respectfully to Qi Yuan.

“Fellow Daoist, the items you requested are in the rear warehouse. Please follow me to select them personally.”

“Lead the way.”

Qi Yuan glanced casually at the door to ensure no one was watching, then followed the man into the back.

The shopkeeper led him into the warehouse and triggered a hidden mechanism with practiced ease. A secret door slid open, revealing a hidden chamber.

Once they were inside, the room hummed with power. Layers of restrictive formations activated, sealing the space and shielding it from heavenly divination.

The middle-aged man let out a breath of relief. He straightened his posture and bowed solemnly.

“Subordinate Xu Qingquan, code name ‘Eight-Eyed Black Bee’, greets Fellow Daoist.”

Qi Yuan clasped his hands in return, his tone light.

“My name is a Sanctuary secret. Inconvenient to disclose. As for my code name… you can call me Pangolin.”

Xu Qingquan didn’t question him. He nodded gravely.

“Fellow Daoist Pangolin. You used the highest-level contact code. What are your instructions?”

The code Qi Yuan had used was reserved for top-priority missions. Any deep-cover agent who heard it was required to cooperate unconditionally or face execution for treason.

“No need to be nervous,” Qi Yuan said with a satisfied smile. “I have infiltrated the Demon Sect on the orders of the Holy Scion to execute a special mission. Being new here, I lack local knowledge.”

“I need dossiers on the sect’s high-level leadership. Appearance, strength, personality, preferences, factional allegiances… everything. The more detailed, the better.”

“So you were sent by the Holy Scion!”

Xu Qingquan’s eyes filled with reverence. He agreed without hesitation.

“Understood! This subordinate will compile the intelligence immediately!”