NOVPUB"Master Song can rest assured that this will not cause any delay... Many of you are far from the Sect, and even if you are aware of the situation here, I fear it may not be very clear to you. It’s a good opportunity to discuss everything with everyone on Yuhuang Peak."
Upon hearing this, Song Dongyang, although somewhat anxious, was the first to fly out immediately.
The weakest among them were Golden Core Craftsmen, and within the blink of an eye, everyone had effortlessly ascended to Yuhuang Peak.
It wasn’t until they reached Yuhuang Peak that Wang Ba realized that there were several Nascent Soul Cultivators sitting in meditation, each possessing an aura scarcely weaker than Tang Ji’s.
If it weren’t for their proximity, Wang Ba might not even have sensed their presence.
"This is to guard against a sudden attack by the Kingdom of Immortals; we have specially asked a few senior brothers to hold this position here."
Perceiving the somewhat surprised looks of the crowd, Tang Ji explained softly.
"Isn’t there still the Song State in between?"
Wang Ba expressed some confusion.
But Tang Ji shook his head and replied:
"When Yan State fell, Song State was also attacked at the same time. It was soon occupied by the Kingdom of Immortals, who, after abducting mortals and numerous cultivators from Song State, withdrew back to Yan State."
Upon hearing this, Song Dongyang’s face revealed deep thought:
"Is it because they temporarily don’t dare declare war on Da Jin, that they voluntarily withdrew?"
Tang Ji nodded, "Perhaps that is what they are thinking."
With that, he pointed to the southeast and the east, telling everyone:
"This area is the direction of Song State."
He then pointed to the north and northeast.
"And over there is the position of Fu State."
Tang Ji said solemnly:
"Yuhuang Peak is the foremost pillar of Chen State, from where one can keep an eye on all four of these directions. The Qi State refugees fleeing the capital must pass through the states of Shi, Wei, Qiao, and Lao, ultimately either crossing through Fu State or Song State to get here."
A look of surprise couldn’t help but appear on Song Dongyang’s face.
Then, with a thought, he channeled mana into his eyes and gazed into the distance.
After a few moments, he nodded his head.
"It is indeed as Guardian Tang has said."
But very soon, he frowned and said:
"Although this place is convenient, it is somewhat passive. We know that refugees from Qi State are fleeing, but we don’t know if the primitive Demonic Sect or the Kingdom of Immortals are also aware of this. I fear they may not be willing to let them go."
"Furthermore, with Shi, Wei, Qiao, and Lao all under the rule of the Kingdom of Immortals, it will not be easy for refugees from Qi State to escape through these states. Without someone to meet them, I fear..."
Tang Ji’s expression grew solemn:
"Are you suggesting, Master Song, that we take the initiative to cross through Song State and go to those four states to search for them?"
"Isn’t that a bit too risky? And given the vastness of the four states, searching for these people is like looking for a needle in a haystack..."
Song Dongyang, however, nodded without hesitation:
"Since we’re here, we might as well achieve something."
"Moreover, it’s not without direction. Under the rule of the Kingdom of Immortals, living beings are like domesticated livestock, everything is orderly. As soon as those refugees from Qi State pass through, it will be like a sharp point in a sack, sure to cause a stir. Once there’s any disturbance, it’ll be another matter."
Guardian Tang still couldn’t help but furrow his brows:
"Those Evil Gods and incense-burning Dao Cultivators of the Kingdom of Immortals may not be particularly strong, but they have a myriad of unpredictable methods. Master Song should not underestimate them..."
"There’s no time to delay, or else complications may arise."
Song Dongyang, however, waved his hand and after speaking, turned to look at the people he had brought with him.
Among them, several Enforcers appeared calm and composed.
Those who had cultivated to the Nascent Soul stage were all of resolute Dao-heart and would not be easily frightened by mere difficulties.
Moreover, as monks from Da Jin, they looked down upon these heretical paths of incense fire from the bottom of their hearts.
Thus, they were all composed and calm in response to Song Dongyang’s words.
But in his heart, Wang Ba was somber.
He, like Tang Ji, had previously witnessed the eerie abilities of incense-burning Dao Cultivators.
Although their magical combat wasn’t necessarily very powerful, certain peculiar methods were difficult to guard against.
For example, at the battle outside Yanqiao Pass, a Fire-eating cultivator fought Prince Gao.
In the blink of an eye, a Nascent Soul Cultivator was burnt to nothing but a Nascent Soul.
Such methods, if known in advance, would be one thing, but a rash encounter without preparation, with no defenses, was most susceptible to being taken by surprise.
Yet Song Dongyang was the highest-ranking person present; it would be absolutely improper to question him publicly.
Wang Ba’s thoughts raced, and he quietly sent a message to him.
He quickly shared his previous experience at Yanqiao Pass with Song Dongyang.
And upon receiving Wang Ba’s message, Song Dongyang looked at Wang Ba with a bit of surprise.
It seemed he had not expected Wang Ba to have undergone such experiences.
What puzzled Wang Ba, however, was that Song Dongyang still spoke up:
"We value quality over quantity on this trip. Enforcer Bao, Enforcer Jiang... a few of you, come with me."
"Enforcer Li, you stay here with the Right Enforcer. In my absence, the Right Enforcer will be the highest authority of Diwu Hall here, and you all must obey the Right Enforcer’s orders!"
Li Yingfu quickly agreed.
Wang Ba was somewhat surprised.
He had thought that Song Dongyang would take everyone with him.
After all, it would be difficult to clear the four large states with just a few people.
But since Song Dongyang had arranged it thus, he must have his reasons.
And Song Dongyang then turned to Wang Ba:
"Right Enforcer, while you’re here, please help to check the accounts for the Ghost Market; I will notify you as soon as there’s any situation."
"Master Song, please proceed without worry, Wang Ba will do his best to handle these matters."
As Wang Ba quickly pondered in his mind, he bowed respectfully and accepted Song Dongyang’s arrangement.
