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墨書 Inktalez
Zuo Dao had never paid much attention to the conflicts in Void Bright. However, with the emergence of a Heterodox Cultivator, he could no longer remain indifferent.
Although it was just a fleeting glimpse, the distinctive artifact and specific Cultivation Method of the Heterodox were enough for him to recognize them.
The already murky Void Bright felt even more ominous to Zuo Dao, as if a thorn had been deeply embedded in his heart due to the presence of the Heterodox Cultivator.
Outside Voidlight City, a group of Black-Clad Monks was flying swiftly through a mountain range. Though it was only a ten-member team, their movements revealed that they were well-trained.
"I think I just sensed the Sect Master," one of the Black-Clad Monks said to a teammate beside him.
"I felt it too," the teammate's response made the first Monk's body tremble slightly.
"I thought it was just my imagination. When the Sect Master led us through Transcend Tribulation, most of our team gathered under His guidance, except for a few."
"Should we report this?"
"Yes, this is important. Although we are currently under His command, the Sect Master has treated us well!"
The two speakers were members of the Outer Sect Disciples. Their conversation was very discreet, using a unique method of communication characteristic of the Heterodox.
The team's actions were very cautious; from a distance, several other teams were searching through the mountains. However, the leading Cultivator seemed very familiar with the terrain, and from above, it was clear that this team was pulling further away from the others.
Navigating through the mountains with agility, they quickly shook off their pursuers. When they reached a Mountain Valley deep within the range, they suddenly vanished from sight.
"Zhu Liu Team reporting back."
This team had inexplicably appeared before a waterfall in the Mountain Valley.
The leading captain halted his steps and spoke towards the waterfall.
A beam of light shot out from within the waterfall towards the Black-Clad Monks, who seemed to have anticipated this, allowing the light to sweep over them without resistance.
"Identity confirmed, Zhu Liu Team returning."
As the voice echoed again from within the waterfall, a crack suddenly opened up along its surface, and the Black-Clad Monks filed in one after another.
Once they entered the waterfall, it was as if they had stepped into another realm. Or perhaps a different planet altogether. If Zuo Dao were here, he would recognize just how familiar this planet felt.
Meanwhile, Zuo Dao became increasingly low-key upon discovering the presence of Outer Sect Disciples. However, there were some matters he needed to clarify, and to do so, he couldn't remain at home. He had to determine whether the appearance of the Outer Sect Disciples was a coincidence or part of a larger scheme.
The atmosphere in the Void Alliance Hall was tense, primarily due to Zuo Dao standing before several elders.
"We cannot agree to your request," Su Ziqing stated firmly as she looked at her wayward disciple.
"Our answer is the same as your master's," Tian Yuan echoed with equal certainty.
"Do you really need to make such a big deal out of this?" Young Master Zuo glanced at the group of protective elders. "Isn't the situation at Xuming Hall quite dire right now?"
"Even if it is dire, you cannot go out," Su Ziqing's words dashed Zuo Dao's hopes in an instant.
"But my master, I want to help Xuming Hall too!" The attitude of these elders left Young Master Zuo feeling quite frustrated.
To understand why Heterodox disciples were involved in the conflict, Zuo Dao had no choice but to venture out. The best locations for this would be various halls within Xuming Hall.
Currently, Xuming Hall was in a precarious situation; external forces had contracted significantly, and even the Inner Circle Hall was beginning to undergo planned restructuring.
The enemy's attacks were completely random and highly aggressive; it was impossible for the faction to withstand them solely based on its own strength. The remaining elders were exhausted, and after a series of intense battles, the Palace Master finally abandoned this approach.
Now, the Inner Circle Hall had been reorganized into at least three factions combined into one. This not only significantly enhanced the faction's combat power but also provided the elders with a chance to catch their breath.
However, they had barely rested when trouble knocked at their door. Zuo Dao wanted Su Ziqing to participate in the battle at Xuming Hall, which put the elders in a difficult position.
They were well aware of who Young Master Zuo was. Zuo Dao was not only their hope but also the hope of Xuming Hall. Surprisingly, upon learning of Zuo Dao's identity, the Palace Master remained silent and left everything to the elders.
Although they did not know what the Palace Master was thinking, the elders felt reassured. If the Palace Master reported that Xuming Hall had a suspected Star Diamond alchemist, it would not take anyone else; just the Main Palace's team could wipe out Void Bright entirely.
According to Doushuai Palace's rules: Star Diamonds could only appear in the Main Palace. If any other branch hall had a Star Diamond appear—massacre.
There was no reasoning behind this; no one knew why the Main Palace had such a regulation. Every golden-tier alchemist would transition to the Main Palace after a certain period.
Zuo Dao had been negotiating with these elders for a long time, but they remained steadfast in their refusal. In Voidlight City, Zuo Dao could go wherever he pleased, but he was absolutely forbidden from participating in this incident at Xuming Hall. In the end, Zuo Dao had no choice but to play his trump card.
"I'll say this one last time: whether you agree or disagree, I will go." After saying this, Young Master Zuo turned and walked away, completely disregarding the feelings of the elders.
Just as he was about to exit the hall, he finally heard Su Ziqing's helpless voice behind him.
"As long as you agree to one condition, you can go."
Zuo Dao halted his steps, secretly amused, but his face showed no emotion.
"What condition?"
"You're not allowed to act alone." Su Ziqing knew that if Zuo Dao was determined to go out, no one could keep an eye on him. They all had other matters to attend to; it would be better to keep Zuo Dao within their sight at all times.
Upon hearing the condition, Zuo Dao immediately agreed. This time, he was only going out to gather information, and having people around would make things easier.
The result of the negotiations was that, in addition to Kun Ru Tao, two teams of Dan Guards would accompany Zuo Dao. Their primary mission was to ensure Zuo Dao's safety.
Zuo Dao was at a loss regarding the elders' arrangements. The two teams of Dan Guards had members with at least Golden Immortal Practitioner status, and their leaders were True Immortal Realm practitioners. The fact that Xuming Hall allocated two teams of Dan Guards to him in such a critical situation showed how much they valued Zuo Dao.
When Zuo Dao reappeared outside the hall, three people had joined him, including Kun Ru Tao. The other two were the captains of the Dan Guard teams.
Xuming Hall maintained a high level of secrecy regarding Zuo Dao's identity; aside from the Palace Master and a few elders, no one else knew.
The two captains found the elders' decision strange, but out of loyalty to Xuming Hall, they accepted the order.
"I still don't know your names," Zuo Dao said, glancing at the two captains who followed him like black-faced guardians. He thought it was necessary to establish a good relationship among them.
"Youzheng."
"Wan Boxiong."
Although they were reluctant to engage with Zuo Dao, they reluctantly responded when they realized they would be following this young master in the future.
"Are you unhappy about this?" Zuo Dao raised an eyebrow and stopped in his tracks.
"We dare not disobey the elder's orders," Youzheng replied, which made Zuo Dao chuckle.
"So it's the elder's command!" Zuo Dao smirked coldly. "Then you can go back."
Kun Ru Tao felt anxious upon hearing this. Before leaving, his master had repeatedly instructed him not to let anything happen to Zuo Dao. Without the protection of the two teams of Dan Guards, it would be impossible for him to accomplish such a daunting task alone.
"Junior Brother, Youzheng, you both should tone it down a bit. Wan Team, you haven't said a word either," Kun Ru Tao began to mediate.
Wan Boxiong did not respond to Kun Ru Tao's words; he merely shifted his stance a step towards Youzheng. The meaning was clear: I stand with him.
Zuo Dao was someone who considered the bigger picture. He understood the good intentions of the elders, but these two were taking themselves too seriously.
"Do you really think you can guarantee my safety?" Zuo Dao said, his expression filled with disdain.
"What did you say?" Youzheng snapped back. Although they were just Dan Guards, no one in Xuming Hall dared to look at them with such contempt except for the elders, and Zuo Dao's implication was unmistakable.
"Did you not hear me clearly?" Zuo Dao replied flippantly. "Should I repeat myself?"
Even Wan Boxiong could no longer maintain his composure; anyone could see the arrogance displayed by Young Master Zuo.
"Don't forget, this is an order from the elders, not something I requested from you. If you don't want to follow, I don't want you either," Zuo Dao said, holding back from making things too difficult for the two due to the elders' feelings. But these two were truly...
"Hmph." Wan Boxiong exhaled sharply, clearly irritated by Zuo Dao.
"What are you huffing about? Do you even know what your mission is?" Zuo Dao's gaze was piercing as he looked at the two of them. His aura erupted alongside his words.
Given the current situation in Xuming Hall, there weren't many people in the square, and Youzheng and Wan's attire made their identities clear; ordinary people wouldn't dare approach.
Zuo Dao controlled this pressure well. The two captains felt as if they were carrying a heavy mountain on their backs.
"Don't think that being Dan Guards makes you impressive. If it weren't for the elders' presence, I'd have you kneeling right now," Young Master Zuo declared. When he unleashed his power, it was like a landslide or tsunami.
Seeing this, Kun Ru Tao simply stepped aside, marveling at Zuo Dao's strength. Didn't he notice that the legs of those two were already starting to tremble?
Youzheng and Wan Boxiong were struggling under the immense pressure exerted by Zuo Dao. As the leaders of the Dan Guard, they held their own pride, and the Elders' decision had already left them feeling resentful.
Fighting was erupting all around Xuming Hall, and at such a critical moment, they had been assigned to protect this young child whom they deemed inexperienced. It would be a lie to say they had no objections.
However, the Zuo Dao that had once appeared to them as a mere cat suddenly transformed into a fierce tiger, and it was then that they realized where they had gone wrong.
They had misjudged him; bluntly speaking, they had looked down on him.
Yet Zuo Dao understood when to hold back. Just as they were about to reach their breaking point, he retracted his imposing aura.
"Follow me and heed my commands. I do not wish for any treachery. If it comes to that, I won't hesitate to send you on your way myself." The murderous intent from Zuo Dao vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
"Yes, Young Master." Even though the two were still rebellious at heart, they now clearly recognized the gap between them. Just his presence alone rendered them immobile—was this really who they were meant to protect?
"You won't suffer by following me. Fighting is inevitable; just don't run away when the time comes," Zuo Dao grunted a couple of times before signaling Kun Ru Tao to move out.
Wan Boxiong and Youzheng exchanged glances, both drenched in sweat, and couldn't help but smile wryly.
"It seems this mission is truly not simple."
"Indeed. I wonder how many familiar faces will return."
Surprisingly, neither of them harbored any resentment towards Zuo Dao's earlier actions; instead, they were contemplating the difficulty of the task ahead. Did someone like him really need their protection?
"Junior Brother, you really are full of surprises!" Kun Ru Tao thought about what had just transpired and sent a message to Zuo Dao.
"These people are insufferable; they won't behave until they've been taught a lesson." Zuo Dao's words made Kun Ru Tao's expression brighten even more. The two leaders of the Dan Guard found themselves utterly disarmed.
"Junior Brother, what Realm are you in?" Gossiping Flame blazed in Kun Ru Tao's heart.
"I don't know, I really don't know," Zuo Dao scratched his head, looking innocent. He truly had no idea what Realm he was currently in; the Celestial Essence within him was in a strange state. More importantly, he had no clue how the Realm here was classified—he only knew the names of the levels and nothing else.
Kun Ru Tao twitched at the corners of his mouth, deciding not to ask such a foolish question again.
Back at the shop, Zuo Dao quickly arranged everything. He instructed several assistants to focus on their cultivation and wait for his return. He also told Ergouzi to pay close attention to the current situation and inform him immediately if anything happened.
After making all the arrangements, Zuo Dao led the three of them on their way. As for the other Dan Guards, he knew they were nearby and couldn't be bothered to greet them.
Everything needed a goal. Although Zuo Dao was currently in a state of quiet contemplation, it was still somewhat difficult to find a few Cultivators in Void Brightness. However, he came up with a plan: first, resolve the immediate danger posed by Xuming Hall.
Although Ergouzi's gathered intelligence was limited, it was still much more than that of an average person. Zuo Dao made his decisions based on this information.
He wouldn't delve into anything too profound; although Void Brightness was chaotic now, it hadn't reached an irretrievable state yet. If those people were targeting Xuming Hall, then resolving the current crisis there would make it easier to track their movements.
"Wan Team, how is the situation at Inner Circle Hall?" Zuo Dao needed a point of entry, and he placed that focus on the halls within the inner circle.
"Not optimistic. Fallen Horse Hall and Huangshan Hall are about to collapse," Wan Boxiong's response startled Zuo Dao. This meant that even the inner hall was on the verge of breaking down?
"Which one is in more danger?"
"Huangshan Hall, because it previously supported the outer hall and suffered greater losses. Although the three halls have recently merged, the other two halls that merged also suffered losses in strength," Wan Boxiong was assigned by the Elders to be by Zuo Dao's side—a strong fighter paired with a tactical expert. This was the best combination the Elders could muster at this time.
"Then we will go to Huangshan Hall first," Zuo Dao decisively stated. "From now on, we will be a fire-fighting team; wherever there is danger, we will go."
"Junior Brother, you mustn't!" Kun Ru Tao exclaimed in shock.
"Senior Brother, I understand what 'Elders' means. Don't worry, I'm someone who is very afraid of dying," Zuo Dao said, patting Kun Ru Tao on the shoulder to reassure him.
Youzheng and Wan Boxiong's eyes lit up at Zuo Dao's words. Everyone fears death, but few dare to step out like this.
"And you all, tell your subordinates that if anyone is unwilling to go, they don't have to," Zuo Dao paused. "You should already know about the dangers inside."
Looking into Zuo Dao's sincere eyes, the two captains felt a surge of passion.
"Live for Void Bright, die for Void Bright."
The Dan Guard was born from Dan Hall; every branch's Dan Guard was cultivated to be completely loyal to Dan Hall. If anyone cared more about Dan Hall than they did, no one would dare to be the first.
"Very good." Zuo Dao was quite satisfied with these two; loyal individuals are always easier to accept.
Heading to each hall became much simpler since each hall had a Teleportation Array leading to Xuming Hall.
At this moment, the Teleportation Array had become a top priority. Just that area alone was filled with countless defensive formations and prohibitions. Especially now, a team of Dan Guards was lurking in the shadows, guarding it.
Even Zuo Dao and his companions had to go through layers of checks before arriving at the Teleportation Array.
An expressionless Cultivator stood in front of the Teleportation Array and addressed Zuo Dao and the others.
"Identity confirmed. Please wait; we need to ensure safety on the other side."
This incident was equivalent to a war for Xuming Hall. The continuous falls of the halls left no room for carelessness. These Teleportation Arrays were bidirectional; usually, it was fine, but during this time, the checks were incredibly strict.
Although the halls needed to secure the Teleportation Array immediately when under attack, sometimes mistakes could still happen due to differences in strength. Fortunately, only the inner halls were equipped with such Teleportation Arrays; if the outer halls had them too, Xuming Hall would truly be doomed.
At this moment, both teams of the Dan Guard had fully appeared before Zuo Dao. Each guard looked so serious, and every cultivator radiated a fierce battle intent.
The cultivator responsible for teleportation quickly confirmed the situation at Huangshan Hall and nodded to indicate that Zuo Dao and his group could pass through.
As Zuo Dao and his companions stepped through a light screen, they found themselves inside Huangshan Hall.
Although Wan Boxiong had previously mentioned the urgent situation at Huangshan Hall, it was only upon arrival that Zuo Dao realized how dire the circumstances truly were.
“Dan Guard, this is great.”
As soon as they stepped out of the teleportation array, the cultivator in charge of the teleportation array at Huangshan Hall was overjoyed and stopped what he was doing.
“Is Huangshan in such danger already? Do we need to set up a Life-Linked Formation?” Zuo Dao said calmly as he looked at the cultivator from Huangshan Hall.
“Sir, the Hall Master has already fallen in battle; now it is Deputy Hall Master Yu who is holding the fort outside.”
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