by Fang Xiang
Zuo Mo's brow creased even tighter. Suddenly, his hand was tightly gripped. It was A Gui that was holding his hand. Zuo Mo stilled and then showed joy. It had been very long since A Gui had made movements like this, since she had used her shen power outside the mist village. He turned around. A Gui's expression was still wooden but that hand was tightly gripping his hand.
Zuo Mo was instantly put in a good mood.
"Daren, there was a strange situation at the Mo Skill Steles last night, and the three princesses have also reached Great Peace City," Shu Long reported.
Zuo Mo was instantly distracted by the news of the three princesses and automatically dismissed the news about the Mo Skill Steles. He hurriedly asked, "They have already arrived? Remember to go ask where they are staying."
Shu Long was slightly puzzled but he still nodded and noted it down.
Zuo Mo then asked, "How is Ye Ling doing?"
Tao Xing's mo embryos had finally been delivered. He was fearful of being late. The transaction between Zuo Mo and Bie Han scared him half to death. As a result, Zuo Mo was put onto the list of people he would pay off for peace of mind.
Shu Long had a joyous expression again. "His mo embryo processing has been very smooth. He is cultivating. Should I call him over?"
"Do not disturb him." Zuo Mo asked another question "Where is A Wen?"
"He, the orange and black yao, Nan Yue, and the others are all at the Mo Skill Steles." Shu Long said, "Bie Han has been in seclusion as he and Sin Battalion are cultivating."
Zuo Mo nodded. When he had been studying the jinzhi on Sin Battalion, he discovered that Sin Battalion could cultivate. However, the cultivation method was very strange. After he engraved the mo matrices, Bie Han also needed to adjust. For a battle general, any tiny change in the battalion was something that could be crucial to victory.
"How are you processing the mo embryos?" Zuo Mo asked.
Of the mo embryos from Tao Xing, the Day mo embryo was given to Shu Long and the Nether Shadow mo embryo to A Wen.
The other people did not have enough talent and the effects of using mo embryos would not be very good.
"I have been guarding Daren, and A Wen has been at the Mo Skill Steles these days. We did not have the time to use them." Shu Long was slightly embarrassed.
Zuo Mo was moved and said, "Hand the administrative matters to someone else for a few days and focus on processing the mo embryo. As for A Wen, do not disturb him." Even though processing the mo embryo could lead to a short term increase in strength, A Wen was currently enchanted with the Mo Skill Steles. Adding on the epiphanies he had, he should make great gains.
The content on the Mo Skill Steles was detailed and expansive. Once one started to study it, it would be beneficial for the rest of their life. In comparison, the mo embryo boost came fast, but it did not have long-lasting effects as studying the Mo Skill Steles.
Zuo Mo was slightly surprised that Nan Yue and the others also went to the Mo Skill Steles but he decided not to interfere in this. Stopping his thought, he also realized that while Pu Yao seemed strict with these people, he was also very attentive. He would not let them go down the wrong path.
If they were not yao, he probably would not be able to keep these mo embryos from Pu Yao.
Right now, Princess Xia had reached Great Peace City. He also had enough people. Zuo Mo's confidence grew!
He decided to go tonight to take a look. If he could directly save Xiao Guo and Li Ying Feng, that would be the best.
———
Miao Jun was directing Tang Fei.
Without the Celestial Azure Essence, the possibility that he could break through to the next level was not high. Even though Azure Air Kill had allowed him to touch the doorway to understanding Domain, it had been many years Azure Air Kill was still stuck as the Azure Air Kill. He had not advanced from this level for many years.
Losing to Zuo Mo this time, he seemed to have let go of something on his mind and he became lighter. His days became easy and idle. He was the most relaxed and leisurely of all the people in the compound.
He did not have any ambitions about cultivation so his other great love started to show. After teaching Shu Long, he quickly found a new target, Tang Fei.
In his eyes, this young female with the ponytail was a piece of raw jade. When Tang Fei learned that Miao Jun was a gold battle general, she was overjoyed and hurriedly asked for guidance. One was willing to teach and the other was willing to learn, the compound quickly became busy.
Miao Jun frequently used the Celestial Plant Guard and the Guard Camp as subjects for demonstrations. Guard Camp was alright with this. Their strict regulations and their persistent attitudes did not make them resistant to training and they learned with all of their attention. On the other hand, Shou Ping's Celestial Planet Guard was worse off. These people that were usually provided with good food and drink were so exhausted by the training that they felt their bones would come apart.
Many people ran over to Shou Ping to complain. Shou Ping could only go to Ceng Lian'er in search of help. But Ceng Lian'er said lightly, "Other people can manage it, but you cannot? How can my father's Celestial Planet Guard be so useless?"
Shou Ping's face flushed red and he wanted to find a crack in the ground to hide in. He was one of Ceng Yi's closest confidants. When had he been spoken to with such a demeaning tone? Without a sound, he turned and left. Returning to the campsite, he grabbed all the ones that were complaining and beat them up. Instantly, all of Celestial Planet Guard was silenced.
Shou Ping was like a lion released from the cage. He would lead the troops personally in cultivation. Anything that Guard Camp could do, he had to do it as well.
Tang Fei's battalion was not willing to be left behind and also worked hard.
Miao Jun did not feel anything regarding this. He did not consider Celestial Planet Guard was Zuo Mo's troop. There were not many people from Guard Camp and their combat style had already formed. Shu Long was more suited to lead them than he was. Sin Battalion was Bie Han's group. Coming from Xuan Kong Temple, he had the qualifications to lead this famous Sin Battalion. With their compatibility, under Bie Han's command Sin Battalion's strength would be stronger than under Miao Jun. Tang Fei's battalion was the weakest of all the battalions. Even though Tang Fei was willing to give the battalion to Miao Jun to train, Miao Jun was not willing.
This battalion was one that Tang Fei could use to realize her own ideals.
"Teacher, they all say that Xiao Mo Ge is a gold battle general, is it true?" Tang Fei's eyes were wide and filled with curiosity.
Miao Jun thought for a moment and then shook his head in helplessness. "Even now, Daren is someone I cannot understand clearly. I would not find it strange for anything to occur to him."
He looked at Tang Fei's doubtful expression and said with a smile, "I know that you have objections about Daren, but in reality, he is a very good person. Look at the people in the compound, especially his subordinates, they all trust him greatly and are very loyal! Also, have you noticed that his battalion is different than other battalions?"
"Different?" Tang Fei stilled and sank into thought.
"His battalion has a very unique attitude, they are persistent, and will always pursue becoming stronger." Miao Jun's expression started to turn serious. "You are also a battle general and you should know how difficult it is to influence a battalion to be like this. You should also know just how terrifying a battalion like this will be."
Tang Fei pondered Miao Jun's words.
"You cannot just look at the surface of a person," Miao Jun said meaningfully.
———
"Haha! Did you hear? Tian Huan lost in front of our formations? So what if it is Tian Huan? Competing against our Golden Crow Camp in formations, they don't want to live!"
"Che, you are celebrating over such a small matter? So useless! It is a pity that the yao battalion did not charge. I wanted to see the power of the formations I set up."
"I'm
really not used to being relaxed recently! I wonder how Daren is doing?"
Recently there were fewer and fewer mo that needed to have mo matrices inscribed. Other than the fact they needed to meet the threshold percentage of a bloodline, there was also the problem of loyalty. Shi Dong had only taken over Little Savage Jie recently and his control was not firm.
"Daren is so strong, there definitely isn't a problem! Shu Long and the others have reached Daren, don't worry."
"Ah, I really hope that Daren can come back soon."
"Yes … …"
Suddenly, Master Ji Wei and Sun Bao appeared in front of everyone. They all stopped talking and some people's eyes started to turn bright.
The last time the two masters had appeared like this, they had led them in the study of the mo matrices, it had been like a battle. Even though it was unusually hard, it still excited them when they thought back.
It was also this last time that they finally realized the power they possessed!
As the number of mo matrices that needed to be engrave had decreased, they felt restless from the relaxation after the tense times. Many people were dispirited and lazy.
So when the two masters appeared together, their excitement was woken up again. Everyone quieted down and looked at the two masters.
Ji Wei's expression was stern. He did not waste and directly said, "Just now, we received an emergency order from Gongsun Daren!"
Rumbles of noise sounded. People had nervous expressions. Had the state of affairs changed again?
Sun Bao did not stop the discussion below and said in a deep voice, "Please note, this is the highest priority order!"
The crowd instantly quieted and everyone's faces became grave. There was only one circumstance where a highest priority order would be sent out, when the situation was extremely dangerous!
Everyone understood something had happened!
In the silent lecture hall, Sun Bao's deep yet unusually determined voice echoed.
"We need to think of all ways in the shortest amount of time to help Guard Camp increase their combat abilities! All methods are to be considered!"
Master Sun Bao looked around and met each pair of eyes.
"This is not a request, this is an order!"
Translator Ramblings: Thanks for answering my question last chapter … … I never really had a strong opinion on Ceng Lian'er so it was really interesting to read what everyone thought. Training, training, experimenting.What does Gongsun Cha want to do?
Chapter 599: Night Visit
Gongsun Cha stared at the jie map, a thread of darkness flashing through his eyes. Everyone else stared at the jie map with similarly terrible expressions.
"We do not have enough battalions," Wei Ran said gravely. "Based on Gu Liang Dao's speed and the path of his advance, our path to Daren will soon be cut off!"
Everyone was silent. What Wei Ran said was what they were most worried about.
Orchid Home Jie was at the border of Hundred Savage Realm and Dark Realm. Theoretically, it was the best meeting point. Zuo Mo could first reach Orchid Home Jie to meet up with everybody before heading to Dark Realm.
Yet no one had expected for Gu Liang Dao to pop out of nowhere. He coincidentally appeared on the path that Zuo Mo would take to Orchid Home Jie. Xi Xuan had been putting in great effort recently, and caused there to be a higher risk that this path would be cut off.
But Lil' Miss did not have enough battalions on his hands. Orchid Home Jie was not safe. With the yao as their neighbours, he needed a strong battalion to defend it. If they lost control of the chaos rift, everyone understood what that meant.
"I have already sent the highest priority order to Golden Crow Camp," Gongsun Cha said gravely. "If it really comes down to it, we will position Black Turtle Camp here, and Vermillion Bird Camp would be responsible for advancing."
The mood inside the hall was pressuring. Gongsun Cha's idea was extremely risky. Black Turtle Camp was strong, but no one knew if they could hold this chaos rift.
The yao battalion in the neighboring Black Stone Jie was strong. Gongye Xiao Rong had disappeared, but if there was a chance, he would definitely pop out to take a bite.
If Lil' Miss was not here in person, in such serious circumstances, even with Vermillion Bird Camp, no one dared to claim absolute confidence in defending the chaos rift.
But even if Black Turtle Camp could hold this place, it was even more difficult for Vermillion Bird Camp to carve open a path.
Gu Liang Dao's appearance completely disrupted all of Lil' Miss' plans.
If the path was cut off, then there was no meaning to holding Orchid Home Jie. They would need to take a long detour before they could meet up with Zuo Mo. Wei Ran and the others had already calculated this alternative route. If the path was cut off, the nearest point they could meet up with Zuo Mo was one where they had to pass through sixty two jie!
One battalion passing through sixty two jie! Just the number of fights they would encounter was enough to make their scalp feel numb.
In comparison, it was more realistic to fight for control of the path against Gu Liang Dao. Gongsun Cha did not feel any fear towards Gu Liang Dao and Xi Xuan.
But he did not have enough forces in his hands. There was nothing to do if he did not have the manpower. Right now, all these jie needed people standing guard.
Compared to those large sects, their foundations were still too thin.
Lil' Miss stood there silent.
———
In the night, three figures landed and flashed through the air like three ghosts.
Zuo Mo and A Gui were next to each other with Ceng Lian'er half a step behind. Zuo Mo originally didn't want A Gui to come but A Gui whose shen power had increased seemed to have her own ideas now. She did not make a sound, but she would always stay within a step of Zuo Mo. It was useless no matter what Zuo Mo said to her. Ceng Lian'er following them left Zuo Mo puzzled but he did not stop her. She was a very good assistant, and since she wanted to follow, he would let her.
Ceng Lian'er was like a wisp of smoke in the night. Her movements were elegant and held a thread of eeriness.
A Gui was like a puppet that was completely void of life. She was completely silent. Her bare feet moved in her usual pace . But there was no flow of air, no sound, and no vibrations.
Zuo Mo's movements were like that of a cat, relaxed and agile. His movements were balanced as though he was sliding through the air.
All three were wearing masks. These were masks that Zuo Mo had just made and did not have any other use except to stop people from seeing their true faces. The three had even changed the shape of their figures. If they did not take off their mask, no one would think it was them.
Looking at the sumptuous palace in front of them, a light flashed through Zuo Mo's eyes.
Xiao Guo! Li Ying Feng!
I'm coming!
———
"Great Peace Treasure Pavilion … …" Princess Xin sighed lightly. She seemed to be murmuring to herself and that pair of eyes that enchanted countless people showed bewilderment and helplessness. She murmured in light voice, "Is this fate?"
She thought of the shocking scene from last night. At that time, the entire Mo Skill Stele forest had seemed to breathe. She almost cried.
In the corner, a warrior covered in thick armor stood with a sword the size of a door. There was no opening on his entire body. Even his face was securely covered. No one knew of his true features.
Everyone knew that Princess Xin had a heavily armored guard with her, but no one had ever seen him fight. He never spoke and only stood behind Princess Xia with that sword of his as he ignored the suitors.
Princess Xin rubbed the chain ornament on her forehead, something that she never took off, and sighed. Her expression was extremely lonely. She curled up like a cat afraid of the cold.
There was none of the confidence and elegance that she usually had.
Suddenly, the statue-like armored guard suddenly moved wi
th an unusual agileness that was not clumsy at all.
He appeared next to the door.
Princess Xin's eyes were wide as she looked at the heavy armor guard in shock. It was the first time she had seen him react so strongly.
What had happened?
———
"Princess, sleep early." Zhu Ke whose hair and beard were white looked benevolently at Princess Wan as though she was his own grandchild. As Princess Wan was someone he had watched grow up since she was little, she was like his granddaughter.
"Grandpa Zhu, is there really a Great Peace Treasure Pavilion?" Princess Wan's eyes were wide and her expression curious.
Zhu Ke couldn't help but give a smile. His wrinkle-covered face crinkled. "Does Princess like treasure pavilion?"
"Yes yes! It seems very interesting. Grandmaster Shi Zi Ming is so strong, there must be many treasures." Princess Wan's eyes were full of longing.
"Haha!" Zhu Ke couldn't help but laugh. He affectionately caressed Princess Wan's hair. "If Princess wants it, this old servant will go search and see if there are any when the time comes."
"Really?" Princess Wan exclaimed happily. "That's great! Great Peace Treasure Pavilion, it makes people excited just thinking about it! It is much more interesting than eating with those people!"
"It has been hard for Princess these past few days!" Zhu Ke said caringly.
Princess Wan shook her head. "I can help Daddy like this, it is not a hardship!"
"Princess is really mature!" Zhu Ke praised. Suddenly, his hand imperceptibly stilled. He said in a gentle voice, "Princess, go to sleep, it is late."
An indistinguishable presence spread. Princess Wan's eyelids became heavy. She yawned and said, "Grandpa Zhu … … I'm sleeping … …"
Before she could finish, she entered her dreams. Zhu Ke carefully tucked the blanket around her. When he slowly turned around, a thread of harshness flashed through his eyes.
———
"Has the matter of the Mo Skill Steles been resolved?" There was no smile on Princess Xia's smile like there usually was and her tone was harsh.
"Princess, no!" the subordinate trembled and said.
