Chapter 913: Ba Zun An, What on Earth Are You Up To?

The thirteen Tai Xu were all individuals with deep roots in the Five Domains, each a seasoned veteran who had wandered the Lian Ling Jie for countless years.

This time, with their intentions so clearly laid bare, not a single one felt any embarrassment.

It was no laughing matter; everyone was Tai Xu, and without solid proof, even Rao Yaoyao couldn't simply arrest them outright.

Huang Yang Zhenren of the Xuan Men Dao Tong held his horsetail whisk, smiling without genuine warmth as he said,

"Rao Jianxian, you're being overly harsh. Contributing to the Sheng Shen Da Lu is our sincere desire. As for treasures..."

He glanced behind him.

"Treasures are for those destined to find them. If we acquire some, that's fortunate; if not, so be it."

The elderly woman in hemp robes chimed in with a chuckle.

She was the former Grand Elder of the Du Ling Men, a Tai Xu force from the Central Domain. With the rise of Tian Kong Zhi Cheng and her pursuit of the Feng Sheng Dao Ji, she had openly renounced her sect affiliation and was now a free agent.

The other Tai Xu behind her voiced their agreement, not one showing any sign of backing down.

Throughout their conversation, they kept glancing at the treasure in Hong Yi's hand, which still pulsed with sacred energy fluctuations, their interest completely unconcealed.

"Obstinate fools!"

Rao Yaoyao snapped in a low voice, genuinely irritated by the group. "I know exactly what you're all thinking, but if you couldn't breach Dong Tian Wang Cheng, and now you come here looking for scraps, I'm afraid you'll just end up breaking your teeth!"

Before anyone could respond,

Rao Yaoyao turned and pointed at the Xu Kong Dao rift, declaring firmly, "This spatial rift is not what you imagine—a gateway to Tian Kong Zhi Cheng. On the contrary, it's a rift leading to a separate dimension. Hong Yi is currently undertaking a mission to cleanse Gui Shou. Are you all truly planning to get involved?"

Upon hearing these words, the thirteen Tai Xu all changed color.

Gui Shou?

Although the Sheng Shen Da Lu had completely suppressed any information regarding Gui Shou, the leaders of major forces, particularly those in the Tai Xu realm, had heard whispers of it.

When it came to Gui Shou, the wisest course of action upon encountering them was to steer clear.

Because getting entangled could lead to death or severe injury, and might even result in the downfall of an entire family or sect.

By mentioning "Gui Shou," Rao Yaoyao had elevated the gravity of the activities taking place here.

Under these circumstances, if the thirteen Tai Xu still insisted on interfering, it would be sheer suicide!

However...

If they hadn't been blocked on their path to Feng Sheng, with no other options available, who would come to Tian Kong Zhi Cheng seeking such slim opportunities?

Among the thirteen Tai Xu, including the Zhan Dao and Wang Zuo experts, the former sought it for themselves, the latter for their clan elders—all aiming to break through the highest bottleneck of Tai Xu.

Zhan Dao and Wang Zuo might hesitate or falter at Rao Yaoyao's words.

But the thirteen Tai Xu, after a brief moment of alarm, quickly regained their composure.

"Rao Jianxian, are you attempting to claim all the opportunities in Tian Kong Zhi Cheng for yourself simply by mentioning Gui Shou, leaving nothing for the other forces on the continent?"

Huang Yang Zhenren smiled faintly, his tone dismissing the term "Gui Shou" as if it were insignificant.

He too had left his sect and stood alone.

If he couldn't find an opportunity in Tian Kong Zhi Cheng this time, who knew how many more years he would have to wait for a breakthrough—and his lifespan wouldn't permit it.

Retreat meant death.

Advance meant death.

But advancing still offered a glimmer of hope for Feng Sheng.

How to choose?

Huang Yang Zhenren's heart was already filled with a desperate determination.

Even though he knew Rao Yaoyao wouldn't lightly use "Gui Shou" to scare them away, and it was likely true, living on the edge meant danger and opportunity went hand in hand. He truly had no other choice.

"Rao Jianxian, I am but a humble Tai Xu."

"Cleansing Gui Shou is no easy task for you. If I remain, I can offer my assistance."

"And if you doubt me, feel free to investigate my background. My past life has no connection whatsoever to Gui Shou—I am completely clean!"

Huang Yang Zhenren's eyes were filled with sincerity. He paused, then continued, "Since you have been forthright, Rao Jianxian, I won't beat around the bush. I am here solely for that one sliver of hope. If I contribute effectively, I do require some treasures to aid my breakthrough."

As he spoke, he looked toward the treasure on Hong Yi's side, still being used for the "Gui Shou hunt."

Sacred energy...

So close, yet so out of reach.

Rao Yaoyao's expression remained neutral, revealing nothing.

She was not about to be deceived by Huang Yang Zhenren's few words.

But upon reflection, rejecting them would only create enemies. This group would absolutely not leave; they would merely hide and wait for opportunities to act.

However, if handled properly, the thirteen Tai Xu could become a valuable asset.

With that thought, Rao Yaoyao relented. She turned to the others and asked, "What about the rest of you? Is that your thinking as well?"

"Of course!"

The old woman, Tian Ling Granny, nodded in agreement. "I vaguely recall that Hong Yi has a rule: if manpower is insufficient for cleansing Gui Shou, they can temporarily recruit experts from the surrounding area, then reward based on merit. Is that correct?"

"Yes."

Rao Yaoyao nodded, her smile widening. "But I will be upfront: once you decide to be recruited, you have no right to refuse. Even if there is a risk of death in battle, you must follow orders without backing down. Otherwise..."

"Otherwise, you will be treated as a Gui Shou host and punished accordingly!"

The burly man beside her interjected, his eyes blazing with fierceness. He was a ruthless individual—the Jiang Long Shou Hong Dang, a Tai Xu level expert.

Rao Yaoyao raised an eyebrow, glancing at Hong Dang with a smile. "You seem quite well-informed."

Hong Dang, his face covered in scars, spoke grimly, "Since I have decided to come for the Feng Sheng Dao Ji, I am already prepared for a fight to the death."

Rao Yaoyao gave a slight nod, neither confirming nor denying, then looked at the others.

"We will follow your arrangements!"

"Absolute obedience to commands!"

"Everything as you say, Rao Jianxian!"

Each of the thirteen Tai Xu was clear-headed, knowing what they might face next, but none backed down.

"What about the rest of you?"

Rao Yaoyao turned to the Zhan Dao and Wang Zuo experts behind them.

This group appeared more hesitant.

Their highest cultivation was merely Zhan Dao, with Tai Xu still a distant goal, let alone Feng Sheng.

They could accept the risks of gathering intelligence on behalf of their clan elders.

But risking their lives—was it worth it?

Apart from a few loyal Zhan Dao who nodded and stepped forward,

Most of the others retreated, choosing to refuse.

"No guts, no courage to face death—why bother being a nuisance?"

Rao Yaoyao sneered, waving her hand. "Those who wish to remain, stay. The rest, get out!"

The crowd behind who hadn't stepped up slunk away without a word, too ashamed to speak.

Rao Yaoyao scanned those who remained, a peculiar smile on her face.

Then, she turned to Teng Shan Hai.

"These individuals are all under your command now."

The thirteen Tai Xu were slightly taken aback.

They had official status because of the reputation of the Sheng Shen Dian Tang, ensuring they wouldn't betray those who served diligently.

But their direct superior wasn't Rao Yaoyao—it was this armored one-eyed man?

"You..."

Huang Yang Zhenren stared at the armor, feeling it looked vaguely familiar.

"I am Teng Shan Hai!"

Teng Shan Hai spoke indifferently.

The thirteen Tai Xu were all shocked.

This silent figure standing in the back, whom everyone had overlooked, was the renowned Zhan Bu Shou Zuo of Sheng Shen Da Lu—Teng Shan Hai?

Facing the uneasy crowd of Tai Xu, Teng Shan Hai grinned.

"You all probably haven't crossed paths with me before, as you haven't caused any major disturbances—perfectly normal."

"But now that you are under my wartime command, I must say a few more words..."

As Teng Shan Hai spoke, his gaze sharpened, and a wave of killing intent swept over everything.

This aura was on a completely different level from the thirteen Tai Xu before him.

It was a majestic presence forged through endless battles and killings, top-tier even among Tai Xu.

"I have only one rule."

Teng Shan Hai held up a finger, his voice heavy with menace, "In the Zhan Bu, anyone who disobeys orders during wartime has only one fate... death!"

The thirteen Tai Xu's expressions shifted.

He was a ruthless one!

Rao Yaoyao seemed young and approachable, not radiating such intense pressure.

But Teng Shan Hai—given the opportunity, he could likely slaughter everyone here.

Teng Shan Hai...

Jiang Long Shou Hong Dang started to say something.

Teng Shan Hai turned a cold eye on him and barked, "What you should call me is 'Shou Zuo,' not my name directly!"

Hong Dang's momentum faltered.

Teng Shan Hai's killing intent was overwhelming; even as a fellow Tai Xu, it pinned him in a subordinate position.

Steeling himself, Hong Dang faced him and retorted, "We are all Tai Xu—calling you 'Shou Zuo'? It's just a wartime arrangement anyway!"

"You think this is a game and don't plan to obey?"

Teng Shan Hai stepped forward, the blood-red patterns on his Cang Shen armor activating as he sneered, "The Zhan Bu has plenty of Tai Xu. If a Tai Xu breaks the rules, I chop them down just the same!"

Hong Dang felt as though he were facing a war god, Teng Shan Hai's single eye making his scalp tingle.

As a fellow Tai Xu, Teng Shan Hai's dominance was stronger, as if he could crush him with one hand.

Of course, this was merely an illusion from the aura—if they were to fight, Hong Dang didn't believe he would be defeated in a single move.

He puffed out his chest and opened his mouth, "You..."

Teng Shan Hai interrupted him assertively, "Anyone I can't chop, there's always a Ban Sheng to do it!"

Hong Dang: "..."

He deflated.

"Well?"

Teng Shan Hai reined in his aura and scoffed, "I'll give you one last chance. What should you call me?"

Jiang Long Shou Hong Dang, a notorious figure in the Central Domain, recognized the vast disparity between Tai Xu and chose to temporarily submit for the sake of the Feng Sheng Dao Ji.

"Shou Zuo..."

Teng Shan Hai nodded in satisfaction, his single eye sweeping over the others.

"Shou Zuo!"

"Shou Zuo!"

"We have met the Shou Zuo!"

No one dared to challenge him.

Everyone spoke up, even Huang Yang Zhenren and Tian Ling Granny choosing to yield for the time being.

Under the eaves, one must bow.

"Very good."

Teng Shan Hai laughed and added, "A word of advice—since you have chosen to temporarily join my ranks, abandon those petty schemes. If you disrupt the greater plan... the targets of the Zhan Bu will have no place left for you on the Sheng Shen Da Lu. Understood?"

The crowd fell silent, no one replying.

Teng Shan Hai erupted in anger, "When I ask a question, have you all gone mute?"

Only then did everyone react, chorusing,

"Understood!"

After shouting, the thirteen Tai Xu and the twenty-seven Zhan Dao who had stayed were all stunned.

What in the world was this?

They had just left their sects to pursue opportunities as free agents.

And now, freshly recruited, they were being disciplined and had to watch this one-eyed man's every move?

Some sneaked glances at Rao Yaoyao, hoping this more approachable sword immortal might intervene, but after handing everyone over to Teng Shan Hai, she paid no further attention.

She was focused on the bigger picture.

She wouldn't let these scheming old-timers throw her off balance.

With Teng Shan Hai keeping them in check and the reputation of the Zhan Bu looming, any hidden agendas they had would likely amount to nothing.

Teng Shan Hai's severity was exactly what Rao Yaoyao wanted to see.

"The Xu Kong Dao rift..."

Gazing back at the spatial rift, Rao Yaoyao pondered the intentions of those great powers within Xu Kong Dao's inner island.

Trying to manipulate hearts and minds to make the Seventy-Two Jie Long Yuan Zhen fall without a fight?

Unlikely...

Rao Yaoyao quickly dismissed the idea, not believing such a crude tactic was their true aim.

Therefore.

There must be more moves to come?

In the Yun Lun Shan Mai.

On the fourth dragon vein, Xu Xiao Shou continued to monitor the activity at the Xu Kong Dao rift.

Holy power treasures surged out, only to be blocked by the Hong Yi formation. While others couldn't see clearly, he used his "perception" to observe it all plainly.

The Yun Lun Shan Mai originally had the Yun Jing Shi Jie sealed around it.

Xu Xiao Shou couldn't seize the Yun Jing Shi Jie, nor easily use it for battle.

But after ten days of effort, he had unraveled a portion of its heavenly mysteries.

After all, "Fang Zhi Jing Tong" excelled at breaking arrays.

With the basic spiritual constraints of the Yun Jing Shi Jie lifted, he could naturally use "perception" to see the outside world clearly.

"Throwing treasures?"

Xu Xiao Shou was puzzled.

He couldn't fathom Ba Zun An's intentions.

If it was just tossing out some treasures, even with sacred energy attacks, that tiny bit of sacred energy clearly couldn't breach Rao Yaoyao's defenses.

On the contrary,

Acting as a treasure delivery boy would only strengthen the enemy's forces.

"Ba Zun An isn't that foolish..."

Xu Xiao Shou knew he hadn't seen the second, third, or even deeper layers of the plan, so he quickly rejected his own guess.

He turned his attention to the Tai Xu and Zhan Dao gathered at the Xu Kong Dao rift, deep in thought.

Because that wave of treasure eruption, aside from arming the Hong Yi people, had attracted this large group.

But...

In the end, they had become Rao Yaoyao's allies.

"Sending treasures wasn't enough—they had to send people too?"

Xu Xiao Shou was completely baffled.

This move left him utterly confused.

"Could there be hidden allies among them?"

Xu Xiao Shou speculated.

But if he could think of it, Rao Yaoyao surely could as well.

A simple investigation or test would reveal their abilities, backgrounds, and identities.

If there was a Cen Qiaofu hidden in there, he would be exposed immediately.

"It can't be that..."

Xu Xiao Shou dismissed the idea again, utterly perplexed.

Earlier, he had thought the Xu Kong Dao rift might spew out Gui Shou, or perhaps the storyteller would send a message for him to provide support or something.

But spewing treasures was something he never expected. Could it be that they accidentally threw out treasures instead of Gui Shou, could it?

"What kind of trick is Ba Zun An playing?"

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