Above the Galaxy

He waved his hand and said to the two Grey Robes beside him, "Turn him over."

The two Grey Robes obeyed, turning over Scar-faced's massive body. The autopsy officer pointed to the fatal wound at the back of the neck and said, "Look how smooth this cut is... Look at the depth, just right... The sharpness of the blade, and the control of the force... It's practically perfect..."

"He probably didn't even feel any pain when he died... It was like being bitten by an ant, and then his life was gone..."

The autopsy officer stood up, walked over to Bian Feng, and said, "The great battle among Cultivators in Lingyang District a year ago resulted in the deaths of two individuals at the Body Tempering Realm by the hands of masters in Qi Manipulation Skill... The cuts were nearly identical to this one..."

"And three years ago, the bodies at Crocodile Pond, also injured by someone in the Qi Manipulation Realm... Smooth and sleek cuts, filled with aesthetic pleasure..."

Bian Feng walked around Scar-faced's body, squatted down, lightly touched the wound, then nodded and said, "This was indeed the work of a Cultivator. Without the enhancement of Yin Yang Qi, an ordinary weapon couldn't possibly achieve this level..."

He stood up and said to Blood Hand, who was sitting on the ground with a big knife still at his neck, "Let him go, it wasn't him."

He didn't believe Blood Hand's words, nor his character and oath.

He believed only in his own power; these bandit bullies couldn't have done this.

"..." Blood Hand wanted to weep but had no tears to shed.

It wasn't me, really it wasn't me.

How many times have I said it, I'm being framed. But you killed most of my brothers, left me seriously injured, and if Scar-faced had returned just a few seconds later, my head would have been chopped off by you...

You owe me!

Scar-faced, my good brother, it's so great that you're back, it feels so good to have you here!

It was then that Chen Hu retracted his long sword and looked at Bian Feng, asking, "Lord Divine Envoy, has a master in Qi Manipulation Skill appeared in the Henshan Gathering Area?"

"Absurd as it may be, it's indeed true," Bian Feng confirmed.

The situation was already clear; a Cultivator of the Qi Manipulation Realm had killed Bian Zhenxin. To escape retribution from the Flame Shrine, he had killed Scar-faced's band of predators as well, then deliberately left Scar-faced's lighter at Bian Zhenxin's death scene, making it look like the attack was by the predators...

Thinking this, he felt a twinge of sympathy for those who had perished from the Blood Hand Association.

But, isn't this just the fate of ants?

"How can we catch him?"

Bian Feng looked at Blood Hand and said, "I don't care if he's a Cultivator hiding among the crowd or a distinguished guest from New Star... You must find him for me. Even if it means digging three feet into the ground, you must bring him to me."

"Yes," Chen Hu responded through gritted teeth.

Cultivators were immensely powerful, beyond the ability of ordinary people to contend with.

But the Black Robe who had died was his direct superior, the son of his big boss, and this vengeance was something he had to pursue.

Bian Feng, recognizing Chen Hu's determination, said, "I know the prowess of a master in the Qi Manipulation Realm and wouldn't want my brothers to die in vain... The Flame Army I've brought will be under your command, along with the Blood Hand Association..."

Bian Feng looked at Chen Hu and continued, "Predators robbing and breaking laws right under the nose of the Flame Shrine; do you know why we haven't eradicated you all?"

'Because we're on the same side!' Blood Hand thought to himself.

Of course, this was an answer he dared not vocalize publicly.

He prostrated on the ground and loudly said, "The Blood Hand Association is at Lord Divine Envoy's disposal."

"Hmm," Bian Feng was quite satisfied with Blood Hand's response and said, "Contact all the organizations within the Henshan Gathering Area, regardless of size. Everyone should contribute... I want you to help the Flame Shrine find that Cultivator..."

"If you can't find him..." Bian Feng's eyes turned fierce, his voice chilling as he said, "The Henshan Gathering Area will cease to exist."

"Yes, Lord Divine Envoy."

"We will do our utmost."

Chen Hu and Blood Hand pledged their military vows together.

-------

Tang Fei walked in front, carrying two buckets, with Phoenix following, carrying two buckets as well.

Phoenix had shed her eye-catching and pricey interstellar travel suit, now wearing faded jeans and a dim-colored black hoodie, hood pulled up to cover most of her face and black hair, lending her an ash-laden sloppy first impression.

The only flaw were those eyes, as lively and bright as stars in the sky, which were impossible to hide. Tang Fei had stolen an old pair of flight sunglasses that the old man used to hide and let her try them on, and found that they only drew more attention...

With the dim daylight in the ruins and difficult paths, aren't you afraid of falling to death with sunglasses on?

Only the old man would walk from one end of the village to the other every now and then wearing sunglasses, purposely slowing down to flirt with the young widows and wives, acting quite cheekily.

Phoenix had now become one with the land, resembling nothing so much as a tomboy.

Provided she didn't speak up and reveal that mouthful of standard New Star accent...

"Pick up the pace," Tang Fei looked back at Phoenix and urged, "If we're late, we won't get a number."

"You need a number to fetch water?" Phoenix quickened her step to walk beside Tang Fei.