Crow Immortal: I Can Duplicate Infinite Resources

Chapter 223: Destiny Is Such

“You have a plan?”

“What plan?”

Han Yu’s words immediately pulled Sect Leader Qi and the elders back to the matter at hand. Even Elder Wen ceased his teasing.

“Since my breakthrough, I should be able to sense the identity of that Myriad Phenomena Sect disciple, and he will sense mine,” Han Yu explained. “Therefore, I don’t need to worry about gaining his trust or using subtle interrogation tactics. As long as I speak a bit cryptically, he will believe me implicitly.”

Hearing this, Sect Leader Qi and the others were overjoyed.

“So that’s how it is! That makes things much more convenient!”

“Excellent. This will give us a clearer picture of the Myriad Phenomena Sect and the Central Heaven Domain through their own eyes. We can also cross-reference his words with Qi Feiyan’s information to ensure accuracy.”

After a detailed discussion with Sect Leader Qi and the elders, Han Yu moved into action immediately.

Speed was of the essence. If the Myriad Phenomena Sect realized their disciple had been captured, they might use remote means to silence him, turning a valuable asset into a liability.

Sect Leader Qi escorted Han Yu to the entrance of the Sect’s prison but went no further. Instead, he extended his Divine Sense to monitor the situation, ready to communicate telepathically and help Han Yu analyze the prisoner’s reactions.

Han Yu changed into the azure robes of an Outer Disciple. He then activated the Thousand Illusions Secret Art, shifting his features into those of a young man in his late twenties. The disguise was flawless—similar to how the deceased spy “Ling Hui” had once hidden her true face until her death exposed her. The Thousand Illusions Secret Art was truly unique in its efficacy.

Watching from afar with his Divine Sense, Sect Leader Qi thought to himself, This child is truly thorough and clever.

The three major sects of the Central Heaven Domain—Myriad Phenomena, the Demonic Sect, and Joyous Union—along with the Little Sky Net Sect, were all targeting Han Yu. They had already begun probing attacks and knew his true face.

If the prisoner possessed a technique capable of seeing through illusions or recognizing Han Yu’s original appearance, the ruse would fail instantly. A disguised face was a necessary precaution.

Han Yu, clad in azure, walked past the guards at the entrance.

The disciples on duty didn’t recognize this unfamiliar Outer Disciple, but under Sect Leader Qi’s prior orders, they only asked a few routine questions before letting him pass.

Han Yu stopped in front of a solitary cell. Though called a cell, it was originally just a clean, isolated room. Now, however, the occupant inside had his cultivation sealed, his body restrained by a Magical Artifact, and the room itself locked down by a formation.

The prisoner looked up. When his eyes landed on Han Yu, his expression shifted instantly from despair to sheer delight.

“So that’s it! So that’s it!”

“I finally understand everything!”

What exactly do you understand?

Han Yu was curious, but he knew that dealing with these people required playing by their rules. If the prisoner reverted to the mystical, unreasonable logic of the Myriad Phenomena Sect, normal conversation would be impossible.

So, Han Yu didn’t ask. Instead, he silently released the Star Luo Thread, letting its invisible resonance fill the air as he stared at the man.

The prisoner’s gaze grew even more affectionate. “It is precisely because Senior Brother exists that I discounted the omen before. This isn’t my fault; this is destiny.”

“Destiny had me captured and brought to Wanchun Valley solely so I could meet Senior Brother and receive your guidance!”

Han Yu replied coolly, “Correct.”

The disciple beamed, his faith unshakable.

“Senior Brother also sensed the pull of destiny, which is why you came to see me! This is truly wonderful!”

Seeing the man so thoroughly convinced—believing this encounter was ordained by fate itself—Han Yu realized the deception was going even smoother than expected. He cut straight to the chase. “Tell me everything you have discovered since your arrival. Let me see how you have prepared.”

To any ordinary spy, such a direct demand would raise red flags. But this disciple had already decided Han Yu was a fellow member of his sect. In his mind, reporting to a superior was only natural.

“Senior Brother, since arriving in the Southern Region, I initially focused on monitoring Wanchun Valley and the Demon Star. Three months ago, the Sect informed me of the latest shift in the celestial signs.”

“According to the omens, the Demon Star may have quietly left Wanchun Valley. It is believed to be in one of the three nations bordering the Central Heaven Domain: the Great Desert Dynasty, the East Sea Kingdom, or the Boyi Kingdom.”

“My orders were twofold: First, strictly investigate whether the Demon Star is still within Wanchun Valley, verifying if the reality matches the celestial signs. Second, determine the true relationship between the Demon Star and the Valley to facilitate future countermeasures.”

“It is possible that due to karmic entanglement, destroying Wanchun Valley might only strengthen the Demon Star. Conversely, destroying the Valley might cause the Demon Star to fall into apathy or decline.”

“Therefore, we cannot lightly annihilate Wanchun Valley. Controlling its fate serves the Sect’s interests far better.”

Han Yu listened impassively, as did Sect Leader Qi via his remote connection. Both remained stoic on the surface.

“That is the Sect’s arrangement. What have you done? Do you have no thoughts of your own?” Han Yu pressed.

The disciple immediately replied, “Naturally, I have thoughts.”

“Because the ‘Giant Demon Star’ of the Central Heaven Domain has gone into hiding, the nine great sects have launched operations across all five domains to locate and verify potential Demon Stars. They have targeted numerous geniuses and are investigating them one by one.”

“The Demon Star of the Southern Region is one such target.”

“Wanchun Valley has been extremely strict with internal security recently. Agents from the Demonic Sect and Joyous Union Sect were exposed and forced to flee. Our people haven’t had a chance to infiltrate again. We likely have to wait for the next Immortal Destiny Grand Ceremony to insert new operatives.”

“Based on intelligence from the Green Grain Market and our subordinate sects, the Demon Star hasn’t appeared in Wanchun Valley for months. He used to teach in the Battle Hall but hasn’t been seen recently. He must have traveled to the border of the Central Heaven Domain and could cross over at any time.”

“Hmm?”

Han Yu’s voice dropped an octave.

Isn’t this complete nonsense?

I’ve been in secluded cultivation right here in the Valley, breaking through to Foundation Establishment. Yet in your eyes, I’ve quietly fled to the border? And this perfectly ‘confirms’ my identity as the Demon Star?

It seemed the Myriad Phenomena Sect was interpreting Han Yu’s “movements” by matching them to the bright star in the southern sky. Since the star had moved or dimmed in their observations, they assumed Han Yu had done the same.

“Senior Brother, is something wrong?” the disciple asked, sensing the shift in tone.

Han Yu thought to himself, I can’t release this man anyway. I might as well test him.

“The celestial signs given by the Sect indicate that the Demon Star Han Yu has already left Wanchun Valley?”

“Exactly so.”

“But that shouldn’t be. I have been deep undercover in Wanchun Valley and have gained their trust. I know for a fact that the Demon Star Han Yu has been cultivating in seclusion for the past six months. I saw him with my own eyes just yesterday. It was him.”

The disciple froze.

“Senior Brother… are you certain?”

“I am.”

“Then… that’s not right.” The disciple frowned, his mind racing to reconcile the contradiction. “Either the ‘Demon Star’ of Wanchun Valley is someone else entirely, not Han Yu… or Wanchun Valley doesn’t trust you, Senior Brother, and they created a fake Han Yu to deceive you. Or perhaps the Demon Star is so gifted that he left a doppelgänger here while his true self traveled to the border.”

Han Yu watched the man’s mental gymnastics with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

People who believe in destiny really are immune to logic.

No matter what facts were presented, this man would twist them to fit his narrative: A Demon Star must exist in Wanchun Valley. If Han Yu was here, then either he was a fake, or he wasn’t the Demon Star and someone else was. Even a Foundation Establishment cultivator was this deluded. How could anyone ever convince the Myriad Phenomena Sect that Wanchun Valley wasn’t harboring a monster?

There was no point arguing. Han Yu played along. “Perhaps it is as you say…”

He spent the next while cross-referencing other pieces of intelligence.

Finally, Han Yu looked at the prisoner with a solemn expression. “Junior Brother, for the time being, it will be difficult for me to release you…”

“I understand, I understand. Destiny is such!” the man said with a beatific smile.

Han Yu was speechless. Well, at least he’s good at convincing himself.

“It is good that you understand.”

“Senior Brother will take his leave now.”