No one knew what had transpired during that time in Zuo Dao's room. It was only after the Four Beauties emerged with swollen eyes that they threw themselves into frenzied cultivation.
Even Elder Zhao could not extract any information from Zhao Yanwu, who instead contributed a significant amount of cultivation resources. If it weren't for the fact that everyone could see the Four Beauties were still in their original Yin bodies, they might have thought Zuo Dao had done something terrible to them.
However, from that day on, the atmosphere in Zhao Wang Village began to grow tense, primarily due to Zuo Dao's significant actions.
Since its establishment, Heterodox had always been directly managed by Tang Fengyue. Zuo Dao had never interfered with logistics before this day. Yet afterward, he gathered the high-ranking officials of Heterodox and the Tiger Soul War Division together.
Aside from some routine inquiries, he ultimately reclaimed command over both War Departments. While no one voiced dissent, questions began to arise in their minds.
In fact, Zuo Dao did more than just this; he also engaged in deep discussions with Chang He and the Zhao Twin Kings. The end result was that Zuo Dao directly controlled three forces.
Heterodox, Tiger Soul, and Zhao Wei.
Simultaneously, a large influx of resources continuously flowed into Zhao Wang Village through Zhao Wang's hands. No one knew what Zuo Dao intended to do, nor did anyone dare to ask him.
The Four Beauties' cultivation was intense; even Zhao Yanwu, who previously disliked cultivation, displayed a completely different attitude. There was no limit to how fierce one could be. Those who had once looked down on the Four Beauties found themselves living and cultivating together, their bonds surpassing even those of New Sisters.
Zuo Dao observed the changes in the Ladies but remained indifferent. He understood that after that incident, the four should grasp his intentions.
Promises are not eternal; however, failing to fulfill a promise is deceitful. Regardless of the reasons, Zuo Dao did not wish to deceive them. Although he did not reveal himself, the Ladies understood his thoughts; sometimes, in interactions between two people, certain matters or words could be conveyed through a gesture or a glance.
Under this inexplicable pressure, Zuo Dao officially began his own cultivation. The three integrated forces were divided into two War Departments. He completely disrupted the organization within the War Departments—not out of distrust but to maximize combat effectiveness.
What he desired was the sharpest spear and the strongest shield. Initially, there were murmurs among the divisions, but after integration, the Side Door Combat Division and Tiger Soul War Division showcased such strength that it astonished everyone.
Zuo Dao aimed for comprehensive improvement; not only within the War Departments but also in personal cultivation. For the first time as the leader of Heterodox, he issued a command regarding individual advancement.
Ordinary members were required to reach the Master level; captains needed to attain Celestial Sovereign realm status, while Yan Zhen and others had to reach Celestial King Realm.
When the command was issued, everyone was taken aback. It should be noted that the average combat power of Heterodox was currently at the level of a Celestial General. This was a feat that could only be achieved by breaking through.
Zuo Dao had considered this point, but pressure breeds motivation. Moreover, resources were not lacking now; he had various methods to enhance everyone's Realm without any side effects. However, he chose not to intervene, believing that only in this way could he ignite their fighting spirit.
The Three Kings were also shocked by Zuo Dao's reckless actions. Even in the Great Celestial Domain, no sect had ever made such a bold move by issuing such a command.
The path of cultivation is long and profound; nothing can be achieved overnight. Everyone knows that if the foundation is not solid, it would ruin one's future. Yet, Zuo Dao seemed completely unaware of this.
Regardless of whether they believed it or not, after a period of training under Zuo Dao, everyone in Heterodox experienced significant improvements. When they realized this, they could hardly believe it.
However, Zuo Dao himself knew very well that if time were not an issue, he could create an Immortal Emperor War Department under the right conditions, and this was certainly no joke.
He stood at the highest point of the Nine Monoliths, gazing down at the figures by the Daoist Pool, his thoughts drifting to who knows where.
His journey from Moling Star had only spanned a few short years for him, yet he had discovered countless things. Each time he thought he had reached the ultimate point of this world, he found that the road ahead remained shrouded in confusion.
Looking at the tattoo of the Mirror Realm on his right hand, he felt a moment of daze. Here he saw his future but could not reclaim his past; he felt like a drop of water without roots, lost and unanchored.
With the existence of the Daoist Pool, Yan Zhen and others' progress was no longer a concern for him. The integrated Heterodox had also entered the right track, and with the Three Kings watching over them, he felt quite reassured.
Ten Yin Corpses were floating above the Yin Vein. The power of the Six Paths of Reincarnation Great Formation exceeded his expectations. Tang Fengyue and Nine Flows Generation's Realm rapidly ascended and had subtly reached the requirements for the first tier; although they were still weaker than Yan Zhen in terms of Realm, their combat power had completely surpassed him. The main reason lay in the strength of the Yin Corpses.
Everything was falling into place, and Zuo Dao was ready to enter seclusion. After acquiring the Yin Corpses over twenty years ago, Zuo Dao had been busy enhancing others and had little time to focus on himself.
Even at this moment standing atop the Nine Monoliths, he still felt that the sky above him was far beyond reach. News of Zuo Dao's seclusion quickly spread among everyone; only Yan Zhen and his Five Companions understood its significance.
From the moment they met him, they knew that Zuo Dao's opportunities for seclusion were limited, but each time he entered seclusion signified an impending calamity.
Upon hearing that Zuo Dao had entered seclusion, everyone tacitly agreed to gather together. This was due to the significance and uncertainty surrounding Zuo Dao's recent series of actions leading up to this retreat.
The courtyard in front of Zuo Dao's residence had been cleared by the group, with a large table laden with various spiritual fruits and numerous jars of celestial brew.
Everyone sat together, and the Three Kings awkwardly approached, earning disdainful glances from the Ladies. However, the Three Kings completely ignored their presence, as their focus was solely on the jars of celestial brew.
The celestial brew originated from Zuo Dao, crafted using ancient methods, and was a delicacy that no cultivator in this realm could resist.
"Daozi, how long do you plan to be in seclusion this time?" Yan Zhen asked, holding a jar of celestial brew and taking a generous swig. The others turned their eyes towards him upon hearing his question.
After opening a jar of celestial brew, Zuo Dao gestured to everyone and replied, "It's still unclear; it could be ten years, or even one hundred years."
Hearing this response from Zuo Dao, Yan Zhen subtly furrowed his brow.
"That's fine; you're just an oddball. In terms of cultivation, none of us can compare to you; just manage your own pace," Yan Zhen said, unusually verbose for him. The others did not interrupt.
"As long as you know we are brothers."
Zuo Dao held great respect for this senior brother. He understood that there were some things he couldn't hide from him; although he spoke the least among his brothers, it didn't mean Yan Zhen was the dullest.
"By the way, let me borrow your sword when the time comes," Zuo Dao suddenly seemed to remember something and said to Yan Zhen.
"Take it," Yan Zhen replied without hesitation, casually unfastening the Great Guardian Sword from his back and tossing it to Zuo Dao.
The Three Kings watched with twitching mouths. Damn it, that was a Celestial Artifact! Not just any Celestial Artifact but one of the finest, imbued with Dao Intent Will, tossed around like it was nothing.
However, they were ignored by the Ladies, and everyone else also overlooked their presence.
The Four Beauties sat quietly around Zuo Dao, not uttering a word. No one understood better than they did the reason for Zuo Dao's seclusion.
During this gathering, everyone drank to excess, letting their guards down. The ladies even got into the spirit of the moment, singing and dancing lightly, especially Zhao Yanwu, which infuriated the Zhao Family's Second Brothers to no end.
This girl, after a few too many drinks, was audaciously patting the shoulders of several elders, babbling on about brotherhood, making the Two Kings wish they could slap her. Meanwhile, Chang He was carefree, joining Zhao Yanwu in her nonsensical antics.
Everyone indulged in the revelry; even Zuo Dao shared some amusing tales from his past life. When the guests heard about the massive steel ships that spanned hundreds of meters and the iron birds that could soar through the sky without needing Celestial Stones, they were all captivated.
Laughter and conversation flowed freely. The entire courtyard radiated warmth. Deep down, they sensed that such moments would be rare in the future, and each person cherished it deeply.
They drank joyfully until they were thoroughly intoxicated.
In that moment, they felt like ordinary people, letting the effects of alcohol swirl within them. They knew that once they stepped out of that courtyard, they would reminisce about this beautiful time for a long while.
The drinking lasted three nights until one by one, everyone departed, leaving only Zuo Dao standing alone in the courtyard. He finally rose to dispel the heavy scent of alcohol.
"Though I don't know what you young folks think now, if possible, give them a proper title. No matter the reason, they owe you nothing. Focus on your seclusion; we old men will keep watch outside. You can rest easy."
The voice of Zhao Elder drifted from outside, growing fainter as he walked away.
Indeed, they did not owe him anything.
Zuo Dao thought to himself, but some matters cannot be dictated by one's own will unless one's strength has reached a level capable of handling everything.
Silently, he clenched his fists and looked up at the starry sky.
Just wait; it won't be long now. When I reappear, I will have an answer for you all.
This was not a promise; he knew that all theoretical pale comparisons to the reality of action felt utterly powerless.
No one expected that Zuo Dao's seclusion would last this long. It was not the ten years he had mentioned, nor even a decade, but a full One Hundred Years.
During these One Hundred Years, everyone in Zhao Wang Village diligently practiced their cultivation. There were times when many emerged from their own seclusions, only to find that Zuo Dao was still in his retreat. Each time, they did not linger and continued their training.
In this One Hundred Years, Zuo Dao first utilized the abilities of the Mirror Realm for his cultivation. At the same time, the power of the Mirror Realm exceeded his imagination.
Each time he emerged from the Mirror Realm, bloodied and battered, he felt a lingering fear. Yet, every time he stepped out, he discovered that his strength had significantly increased.
It was like an important node in the Teleportation space, allowing him to reach any place he could access—except for the past.
He understood that this was simply because he had not fully mastered this artifact, unlike the Nine Monoliths. The Mirror Realm could exist independently yet was also dependent on him.
On this day, Zuo Dao shook off the dust from his body and stepped out through the door.
Time flew by, and the years sang like a melody.
What awaited him next?
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