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墨書 Inktalez
Elder Five's actions left Su Ziqing momentarily stunned. After all, from the beginning, Elder Five seemed to harbor hostility towards Zuo Dao, yet now he was protecting him. Although it was a misunderstanding, it was not difficult to see the essence of the other party.
"Hehe, Elder Five, it's all just a misunderstanding!" Tian Yuan chuckled as he stepped between the two.
At that moment, Elder Five himself sensed that he might have misjudged the situation. The instant he appeared, he noticed Su Ziqing's sudden murderous intent. The importance of Zuo Dao to Xuming Hall left no room for error on his part.
This unconscious action also changed Zuo Dao's perception of him. What he did not know was the tradition of Doushuai Palace: it was fine for one's own people to fight fiercely among themselves, but when real trouble arose, everyone united against external threats.
Su Ziqing looked at Elder Five and smiled.
"My fifth disciple, he's my apprentice!"
Although he now understood this was a wonderful mistake, Elder Five still retorted defiantly.
"Isn't it common for masters to kill their disciples here?"
With that one sentence, the crowd fell silent.
Zuo Dao glanced around, feeling as if there was some great story hidden within this situation.
"By the way, when I went to inform the other elders earlier, I found that they had all lost contact." Once the misunderstanding was resolved, Elder Five recalled something very important.
"What!" Su Ziqing and Tian Yuan exclaimed in shock.
"Aside from those present, Palace Master and Elder Seven are in seclusion. The remaining Grand Elder and Elders Six, Seven, and Eight have all gone silent." Elder Five confirmed the information he had received once more.
"At the same time, our halls located throughout Void Bright were attacked by a mysterious force at the same time; we have yet to assess the damage."
Elder Five's expression was extremely serious.
How many years had it been since something like this happened? Moreover, Doushuai Palace had never intervened in the struggles among the various factions within the court; describing Doushuai Palace as self-serving was quite fitting. The attack on Xuming Hall, without any apparent enemies, left several elders utterly perplexed.
At that moment, all the elders turned their gaze toward Su Ziqing, who, as the Second Elder, held the highest status among those present.
After a brief contemplation, Su Ziqing quickly made a decision.
"Increase the manpower to search for the whereabouts of the elders. At the same time, instruct each hall to contract their influence, especially in the remote areas, allowing them to retreat inward."
The distribution of Xuming Hall within Void Bright was quite simple: a central hall, Inner Circle Hall, and Outer Circle Hall formed three concentric rings radiating their influence throughout Void Bright.
This time, Xuming Hall was caught off guard by the attack; otherwise, based on their deployment, they would not have suffered such a blow. The fate of several elders remained uncertain, and even the halls had sustained losses.
This sudden incident overshadowed Zuo Dao's earlier joy at his appearance.
Zuo Dao was also curious about this matter. While Xuming Hall was not considered a major power within Void Bright, it was not something an ordinary person could provoke. More importantly, he held a deep disdain for Doushuai Palace's principles of neutrality.
There was no such thing as absolute neutrality; even if one chose not to assist another, it would ultimately be detrimental to oneself. Doushuai Palace's approach placed them in a precarious position. However, Zuo Dao did not press further; he did not believe these people were unaware of the underlying relationships at play.
"Zuo Dao, you should head back. It’s best not to leave Xuming Hall during this time. If you need anything, just let us know," Su Ziqing said after arranging the relevant matters and turned to Zuo Dao.
The other elders nodded in agreement.
"Master, you have to understand that I still have a shop in the city. I need to check on them! Besides, staying here might not be safe!" Zuo Dao did not want to remain in Xuming Hall. Although it might be the safest place, it could also be the most dangerous since Xuming Hall had become a target.
Zuo Dao's words reminded Su Ziqing and the others.
"He has a point," Tian Yuan said as he glanced at Zuo Dao. "This incident was definitely premeditated; otherwise, Old Fifth wouldn't have been attacked simultaneously in his hall while several elders went missing at the same time."
“Palace Master is going there, Elder Su needs to make a trip. This matter must be resolved in a short time,” Elder Five added.
Su Ziqing thought for a moment and realized this was the only way. Another reason was that Zuo Dao's identity had not been exposed. The previous series of actions would only lead the other Cultivators in the palace to believe that the Identification Pillar was malfunctioning. If they truly protected Zuo Dao, it would instead raise suspicions.
“Then let it be as Zuo Dao suggests, but the Dan Guard must be dispatched,” Su Ziqing stated firmly.
Zuo Dao understood that he could not refuse; they meant well.
“Thank you, Master and esteemed Elders,” Zuo Dao bowed respectfully.
“However, if there is any good news, you must inform us immediately,” Su Ziqing still felt a bit uneasy.
“Rest assured, rest assured,” Zuo Dao waved his hand to reassure everyone.
At this moment, the thoughts of several Elders were entirely focused on the attack and the lives of a few other Elders. They needed to handle this matter quickly while also reporting everything that had happened in Void Brightness to the Supreme Palace.
Meanwhile, in a building somewhere within Void Brightness, several Cultivators cloaked in black robes were discussing something.
“Who is responsible for this operation?” asked one Cultivator with a calm yet slightly heavy voice.
“It’s someone sent from above,” someone replied.
“Although Doushuai Palace is neutral, the master has already received news that they are likely leaning towards Ming Sect.”
“The current Doushuai Palace has fallen into decline; I heard their palace master disappeared while going to the Star Sea for some matter. Otherwise, the master wouldn’t have intervened.”
“This attack was just too hasty, and the results were not satisfactory.”
"This is not something we should consider; the master just wants us to test the reaction of Doushuai Palace," the speaker chuckled lewdly. "Others may not know the ins and outs of Doushuai Palace, but do you?"
"Alright, enough of that. Since we follow the master, we just need to do our part. Haven't you heard about the lessons from past experiences?"
"But why did the master choose Void Bright as the breakthrough point?"
The dozen or so Cultivators present engaged in a lively discussion. Their respect for the master was mixed with a sense of belief; they had witnessed methods they had never seen before.
"Sigh." Zuo Dao sighed, showing no concern for Kun Ru Tao, who was following closely behind him.
"Old Kun, you've been following for quite a while now, haven't you?"
Kun Ru Tao merely smiled and did not respond. With such a significant incident occurring at Xuming Hall, he hadn't expected that the first thing his master would do upon returning was to arrange for him to follow Zuo Dao. He felt quite helpless about it.
Once back in his shop, Zuo Dao did not greet Kun Ru Tao, who simply found a chair and sat down as if he were in his own backyard.
The three assistants felt puzzled, but Kun Ru Tao's Dan Badge revealed his identity to them.
A gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall; Zuo Dao had not anticipated that his first visit to Xuming Hall would lead to such an incident. He wondered whether it was his misfortune or Xuming Hall's.
"Young Master, it seems that something is off with Void Bright lately!" Ergouzi approached Zuo Dao and whispered.
"What have you heard?" Zuo Dao looked up at him. This assistant might not be particularly skilled, but he had extensive connections and was adept at gathering information.
"I just received news that several families and sects have been wiped out, with no survivors," Ergouzi's words caught Zuo Dao's attention.
"Are these forces all local?" Zuo Dao asked cautiously.
"Not really, the three major forces in Void Brightness are the Ming Family, the Flower Sect, and the Bright Ming Pavilion. The families that were wiped out all had connections to these three powers."
"Are you saying these three are fighting among themselves?" Zuo Dao had no respect for the forces in the Celestial Realm.
"There are all kinds of laws now." Ergouzi finished speaking and fell silent.
Zuo Dao glanced at him.
"I know. You can leave now. Notify me immediately if you hear any news. Also, close the shop for now; I have a feeling something's off inside."
Zuo Dao was currently on shaky ground and didn't want to attract too much trouble. Ergouzi's words, combined with what had happened at Xuming Hall, made him keenly aware that changes were indeed occurring within Void Bright.
He didn't know whether things would turn out well or poorly, but he was certain that Xuming Hall was in trouble. And since he had just been taken as a formal disciple by the Second Elder, if anything happened to Xuming Hall, he would inevitably be implicated.
Just as Ergouzi was about to walk out the door, Zuo Dao suddenly remembered that Kun Ru Tao was still outside.
"Call that person in when you go out."
"Yes, young master." Ergouzi turned and closed the door behind him as he left.
Kun Ru Tao quickly responded to Zuo Dao's invitation.
"Old Kun, why do I feel like this situation is too strange?" Zuo Dao spoke up after Kun Ru Tao sat down.
"What’s so strange about it?" Kun Ru Tao countered.
"Damn it, Old Kun, don't tell me you can't see it," Zuo Dao rolled his eyes at him.
"Even if something happens, it has nothing to do with me. I just received a message from my master. Even if Xuming Hall is destroyed, I must protect you." After receiving the message from Su Ziqing, Kun Ru Tao felt turmoil in his heart.
He knew nothing about what had happened after the Dueling Platform, but this command from Su Ziqing made him feel that the Cultivator before him was more important than Xuming Hall. It was important to note that there was a team of Dan Guards stationed just outside the “Humble Abode.”
There were only nine teams in the entire Void Brightness Xuming Hall. What did this imply? Kun Ru Tao didn’t need to think hard to understand.
Zuo Dao was a bit troubled. He hadn’t been in Void Bright for long, and his understanding of the situation was limited. This made it difficult for him to analyze the current events properly.
"Old Kun, we are considered fellow disciples. Just tell me honestly what is going on with Doushuai Palace?"
From the very beginning, Zuo Dao sensed that something was off with Doushuai Palace. It didn’t seem as gentle as the outside world portrayed it.
"Doushuai Palace is just Doushuai Palace. What could be wrong?" After thinking for a moment, Kun Ru Tao replied, "It’s just that it’s no longer the original Doushuai Palace."
This statement carried significant weight, and Zuo Dao didn’t know where to begin his thoughts. Kun Ru Tao’s words left him somewhat confused.
Seeing Zuo Dao's expression, Kun Ru Tao chose not to elaborate further. He knew in his heart that ever since the change of leadership in Doushuai Palace, things had been deteriorating year by year.
"Is there something you haven’t told me?" Zuo Dao stared into his eyes but only saw calmness within.
"What doesn’t matter." At this moment, Kun Ru Tao began to show a sharper demeanor, quite different from how he had previously presented himself to Zuo Dao.
"You bastard!" Zuo Dao raised his middle finger in front of him. The other party’s attitude clearly indicated non-cooperation, which left him feeling quite helpless.
Although Kun Ru Tao didn’t understand the meaning of this gesture or phrase, he could see a hint of heaviness in Zuo Dao’s expression.
"This has nothing to do with you." In conclusion, Kun Ru Tao added one last remark.
After hearing this, Zuo Dao thought it was impossible that it had nothing to do with him. The change in attitude from several elders made him realize that something was wrong.
At this moment, Xuming Hall was tense inside and out. Palace Master Situ had already been awakened from his seclusion by the Second Elder, and after listening to Su Ziqing's report, he remained silent for a long time.
The incident had occurred too suddenly; dozens of branches under their command had been attacked simultaneously, resulting in significant losses, and several elders had gone missing without a trace.
It would be a lie to say that Doushuai Palace had no enemies; however, Master Situ did not believe that anyone would dare to attack Xuming Hall at this time. After all, the Centennial Danbi was a grand event, and everyone in Void Brightness and Xuming Hall was on high alert. Yet, despite this situation, someone still made a move.
"Master Situ, I have already informed Supreme Palace about this matter," Su Ziqing said, looking at the person seated in the Palace Master’s position, unsure of what he was thinking.
"What did Supreme Palace say?" Master Situ lifted his head from his silence.
"It’s not just our Void Alliance Hall; other branches in the Lower Domain have experienced the same thing. Supreme Palace has already sent experts to investigate," Su Ziqing replied with a bitter smile. "It seems our enemies are quite formidable!"
"Have you found out which force is behind this?"
"No, we haven't been able to find any traces at all. In fact, it's not only us; several subordinate forces like the Ming Family were also exterminated around the same time." Xuming Hall reacted quickly and immediately began gathering intelligence after the incident. Information was filtered and categorized by importance.
After listening to Su Ziqing's words, Master Situ fell silent once more. After a long while, he seemed to make a decision.
"Send out orders for all disciples within the hall to enter a state of alert. Have the Dan Guard investigate. Additionally, let all outer branches move into the inner circle. At the same time, issue a bounty; I don’t care how you do it, but you must find out who is behind this."
Master Situ felt he had no other options. If it were just Xuming Hall being attacked alone, it would be easier to handle; however, all twenty domains' branches had been struck. This was now an issue from above, and his priority was to protect his own branch.
This was only the first wave of attacks; Master Situ did not believe that their opponents would simply back down.
"Palace Master, rest assured that I have already made arrangements for everything," Su Ziqing said. Although he was an elder, he still needed to heed the Palace Master's commands.
"Additionally, light the Soul Lantern; I want to know whether those elders are alive or dead." Master Situ sighed, his heart aching for the missing elders.
"I heard you took in two disciples." Suddenly, Master Situ changed the subject.
"Yes, Palace Master." Su Ziqing knew this matter couldn't be hidden, especially since the person before him was the true master of Void Bright.
"Alright, Elder Su, you can go about your business. I need to inquire further about what exactly is happening with the Supreme Palace." This was a dismissal, and fortunately, Su Ziqing didn't wish to linger any longer.
At this moment, the Ming Family, Flower Sect, and Bright Ming Pavilion were in an uproar, everyone clamoring for revenge.
Within the Ming Family, the head of the family, Ming Penghui, sat high in the main hall while several cultivators knelt below.
"Azure Wind, tell me what exactly is going on."
"Family Head, we've already sent people to investigate, but we can't find anything." Azure Wind dared not lift his head.
Ming Penghui toyed with a Jade Pearl in his hand, his eyes half-closed as if lost in thought.
As the leader of a top-tier force in the domain, he sensed a thick aroma of conspiracy surrounding him.
Different positions led him to think of even more. He did not believe that this incident was orchestrated by the other two major forces. In this matter, Flower Sect and Bright Ming Pavilion had shown remarkable unity.
Since no one had made a move, it was clear that another force was stirring trouble within Void Brightness.
"You may leave now; let Mingyue and Ming Fanyu come in."
"Yes, Family Head. I take my leave." Azure Wind didn't even dare to stand up straight and retreated hurriedly. Upon witnessing this scene, Master Situ's eyes flashed with a cold light.
The three factions joined forces, creating an immense pressure that enveloped the other Cultivators of Void Bright. Yet, the culprit seemed to have vanished without a trace. Despite their countless efforts, there was still no sign of him.
Zuo Dao had been staying in the shop with Kun Ruyuan for several days. Sometimes he would read books, while at other times he trained a few of his assistants.
It was unclear how long this turmoil would last, but his series of arrangements left Kun Ru Tao utterly astonished.
A large quantity of elixirs was acquired by him through various means, and he also purchased a significant amount of medicinal herbs and ores. Kun Ru Tao understood Zuo Dao's intentions; however, as a Cultivator of Xuming Hall, he knew that if these resources were truly needed for a battle, they wouldn't last long.
The situation developed just as Zuo Dao had anticipated, beginning to sweep across the entire Void Bright. Not only Void Bright but the entire Lower Domain was thrown into chaos.
A mysterious force continuously struck out, annihilating one sect after another, and Xuming Hall suffered even greater losses. The remaining elders were stretched thin, constantly moving between various halls. It seemed as if the enemy knew their every move; as soon as they left one place, they would be attacked from behind.
If it weren't for Su Ziqing's earlier decision to retract his forces, Xuming Hall would have faced even more severe losses.
Finally, during one attack, Elder Five was severely injured. If Tian Yuan hadn't happened to pass by at that moment, Elder Five would have become the first elder officially confirmed to have fallen in this incident.
The experts sent by Supreme Palace had yet to arrive, making the situation for Xuming Hall even more dire. The entire Lower Domain was in disarray; no one knew the reasons behind these events or which force had instigated this war. In short, the Lower Domain was completely thrown into chaos.
The developments exceeded Zuo Dao's imagination. What troubled him even more was that during an outing, he unexpectedly encountered an attack where he spotted an Outer Sect Disciple.
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