Because the Flame Sect had quieted down, Gu Qingheng, after much contemplation, ultimately decided to venture into the lion’s den.

Among these people, only Gu Qingheng was immune to all poisons, followed by Gu Qiao and others. Although they weren’t completely immune to poisons, they were stronger than others because they had been taking Dao Xuzi’s medicine pills for a long time. Ordinary miasmas and toxins couldn’t harm them.

Zhou Jiang temporarily replaced Gu Qingheng as the commander, with the Eighth Prince and Tenth Prince assisting.

That night, Gu Qingheng took Gu Qiao, Zhang Tiankuo, and Ming Guang, while Qi Jingyun brought two guards, and under the guidance of Ran Lei and Arang, they re-entered the mountain forests of Miaojiang.

Of course, Gu Qingheng wasn’t stingy and gave everyone another antidote pill.

Ayang originally wanted to join them, but Jin Bao was still too young and couldn’t endure the journey, so she stayed in the camp for now.

The entirety of Miaojiang was vast. Whether looking for one person or a group, searching in such a large expanse of primitive forest was like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Fortunately, Ran Lei and Arang were very familiar with the area. After estimating roughly, they guessed the general location of the Flame Sect’s headquarters.

"Previously, every time Flame went to see the leader, he came from that direction," Ran Lei analyzed with increasing certainty. "He wouldn’t take a detour, because there are high mountains on the other side, and no matter how good his Qinggong is, he can’t cross them." After a pause, "It takes about an hour after delivering the message to reach the leader’s tribe."

"Then let’s go take a look," Gu Qingheng decided promptly.

The group quickly ran through the forest, guided by the two of them, avoiding many unnecessary detours, steering clear of swamps and miasmas.

"Ahead is the former tribe of the leader," Ran Lei pointed down from a hillside, "but now it’s all turned into ruins," he said with a sorrowful expression.

Gu Qingheng patted Ran Lei’s shoulder in comfort.

Along the way, they had seen many villages burned down, and even some skeletons were found, all destroyed by the Flame Sect.

"Let’s go," Ran Lei quickly regained composure. "As long as we destroy the Flame Sect, it will be avenging everyone."

"Master Lei, over the mountain is our village," Arang whispered. "Let me go scout the situation first."

Ran Lei glanced back at Gu Qingheng.

"Let’s go together," Gu Qingheng pondered for a moment. "In case we encounter people from the Flame Sect, we can support each other."

Ran Lei did not refuse.

So, the group quickly headed towards the Huaka Tribe.

Although the mountain peak seemed close, it took nearly two hours using Qinggong to reach it.

"Why is it so quiet?" Ran Lei was puzzled. "The village is there, but where is everyone?"

Suddenly, the wolf-dog Blackhead perked its ears, growled twice, and swiftly ran to the side.

"There is someone over there," Ran Lei hurriedly followed.

"It’s Master Lei!" A short, dark-skinned man shouted, jumping down from a tree.

Soon, more people emerged, members of the tribe, surrounding an elderly gentleman as they approached.

"Grandfather," Ran Lei rushed to the old man’s side, "Where are my father and mother?"

"Alei, you shouldn’t have come back," the old man shook his head at his grandson. "They were all taken by the Flame Sect’s people."