On this extremely cold night, walking among the mountains piled with thick snow is extremely exhausting.
After merely walking seven or eight miles, some people began to sweat profusely, steam rising from their heads, but even so, Hei Yunzi’s subordinates dared not show any slack, biting their teeth and closely following behind.
Because they know that at this critical moment concerning life and death, the usually stern Hei Yunzi would become even more ruthless and cold-hearted.
Any slight disobedience or slack would bring about brutal punishment and perhaps even cost them their lives.
Especially Geng Ying, even though the wound on his forehead had frozen and started itching, clearly on the brink of frostbite, yet he dared not relax even a bit, closely following at the back of the team.
Because his life now is only temporarily in his own hands; if anything goes wrong, Hei Yunzi would undoubtedly kill him without hesitation.
Luckily, after walking another stretch, Hei Yunzi finally ordered a rest.
With a thud, several less skilled individuals immediately fell to the ground, panting heavily, unable to move at all.
Though Hei Yunzi wasn’t as exaggerated as them, he too felt slightly fatigued.
Yet, out of vigilance, he didn’t rest immediately but leaped onto a big tree, carefully observing the surroundings. Only after confirming that no one was tailing them did he slightly relax.
Upon landing, he took out a wine gourd from his pack, uncorked it, took a sip himself, and then handed it to his subordinates beside him.
"Drink some wine to warm your bodies,"
The reason Hei Yunzi was able to establish such high authority among his subordinates was not solely relying on violent means, but also bestowing kindness.
Only by balancing kindness and power can you effectively motivate your subordinates.
Taking turns, the subordinates drank the wine mixed with herbs, which quickly dispelled the external chill, engulfing their bodies in warmth.
Meanwhile, in a valley a dozen miles away, Zhao Ya looked at the empty ground cellars, a playful smile dawning on his face.
"Interesting, such high alertness and careful thought, no wonder no one has been able to catch you for so long."
Just recently, Zhao Ya had returned to a hidden post he had setup outside Azure Dragon Temple, retrieved the needed items, and came back.
Within less than an hour, Zhao Ya had traveled back and forth at least 170 to 180 miles, most of which was snowy terrain, his speed could be deemed extraordinary.
Upon reaching outside the valley, he was surprised to find that the previous sense of someone secretly alert had vanished without a trace.
Then, Zhao Ya saw the climbing traces at the valley’s gap, and faint traces of bait residue in the air.
No doubt, Hei Yunzi must have discovered something and fled.
Yet Zhao Ya didn’t hurry to pursue but gauged from the bait residue’s trace, they had left merely half an hour ago.
With the roads blocked by snow, it was unlikely they could have gone far.
Confident in his speed, Zhao Ya knew he could easily catch up, so he first entered the valley to examine what arrangement lay within.
Don’t underestimate this; sometimes, through observation, one can roughly deduce Hei Yunzi’s character or cultivation level, which would be highly beneficial for the ensuing pursuit.
Sure enough, arriving in the valley, seeing those ground cellars, Zhao Ya chuckled softly.
Because the scent of the poisonous powder wafting from the cellars couldn’t be more apparent to Zhao Ya.
Thus deduced, Hei Yunzi is not only extremely vigilant but also meticulous and cunning.
Encountering someone skilled in Poison Dao like Zhao Ya, those unaware could easily fall for it.
The poisonous powder Hei Yunzi used, though potent, was rather easy to neutralize, more so as Zhao Ya possesses the talent of Immune to Hundred Poisons, making it even simpler.
Zhao Ya stepped into the largest cellar, surveilling thoroughly, yet found no clues of value.
Other cellars were the same, but from the orderly arrangement of items, it showed that Hei Yunzi’s crew retreated without chaos.
This is an important sign, evidencing Hei Yunzi’s strong command over his subordinates.
Thinking thus, Hei Yunzi’s image in Zhao Ya’s mind became increasingly distinct.
Such a stern ruler, paired with high vigilance, certainly proved troublesome, explaining the high appraisal of Hei Yunzi in the sect mission records of Azure Dragon Temple.
At this thought, Zhao Ya wasted no time, turned towards the valley gap, scented carefully the bait’s residual fragrance, confirmed the direction and leaped into the forest, vanishing in several bounds.
Meanwhile, Hei Yunzi and his crew had finished resting and resumed on their journey.
Hei Yunzi had an unsettling feeling something was amiss, but couldn’t pinpoint exactly where.
This sudden intuition knit his brows, deeply worrying him.
Understanding his gut feeling was usually very accurate, aiding his escape from Ghost Gate several times.
Hence, he sensed something significant was about to happen.
Already reaching this far, advancing was his only option; Hei Yunzi could only hope to reach the next hideout swiftly.
He thus urged his subordinates strictly, even if some were nearly coughing blood from running, no relaxation was permitted.
At this juncture, not far behind them, amidst a woodland, a figure gracefully landed atop a big tree, barely rustling the snow.
In scant miles, Zhao Ya had swiftly caught up.
Now, Zhao Ya gazed at the group in the distance, his sight quickly locking onto the target.
Though quite far, under the clear moonlight and snow’s reflection, Zhao Ya could see plainly.
He observed Hei Yunzi’s hawkish nose and sharp eyes, those eyes gleaming brilliantly, clearly showcasing formidable strength.
While Zhao Ya secretly analyzed Hei Yunzi, suddenly he saw Hei Yunzi looking around doubtfully, a dense alertness manifested on his face.
Witnessing this, Zhao Ya couldn’t help but exclaim inwardly.
In Spirit Turtle’s dormant state and at such a distance, Hei Yunzi shouldn’t sense anything logically.
Yet Hei Yunzi’s reaction transparently showed he had realized something.
Could it be Zhao Ya had inadvertently revealed his presence?
While Zhao Ya contemplated, Hei Yunzi’s fear peaked.
Just now, he sensed a subtle, nearly imperceptible surveillance.
This sensation was so faint, Hei Yunzi almost took it for an illusion.
Yet soon, he knew it was undeniably real, for he felt an overwhelming crisis.
This feeling was unprecedented, even fiercer than when narrowly escaping death during an ambush.
Hei Yunzi knew a significant and terrifying individual was eyeing him in secrecy.
Thus risk averse, he abruptly ordered: "Scatter and run!"
Uttering these words, Hei Yunzi dashed away, leaving his subordinates bewildered.
At this moment, Zhao Ya sighed from afar.
Indeed, Hei Yunzi was notably impressive, with the nerve to make bold decisions.
Sensing danger, his decisiveness was beyond ordinary capability.
Yet this only intensified Zhao Ya’s intrigue.
Now exposed, he opted to cease hiding, chuckled softly, and sprinted forward, effortlessly leaping over Geng Ying and others, pursuing in Hei Yunzi’s trail.