https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-330-The-Guardian-s-Execution-Order-Part-1-/12980390/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-331-The-Triple-Threat-s-Scheme-Part-1-/12980392/
Chapter 330: The Guardian's Execution Order (Part 2)
Chapter 330: The Guardian's Execution Order (Part 2)
How can you hide the truth from them?"
"I hope... you can endure this."
"The biggest enemy in this hurdle is yourself. I'm sorry, but you have to be strong."
He stared out towards the direction of White Cloud Continent, lost in thought.
After a long while, he said, "Since it's come to this, my next plan will finally begin."
Returning to his seat, he immediately summoned someone and issued a series of commands with thunderous intensity: "Inform the Southeast Headquarters that Night Demon's role in attracting the Demon Sect's headquarters and noble families is over. Focus all efforts on finding and killing Night Demon! Eliminate future troubles!"
"Seal off White Cloud Continent, no one is allowed in or out! Trap Night Demon in White Cloud Continent!"
"At all costs!"
"This order is issued as the Guardian's Absolute Kill Order!"
"Yes!"
The orders spread like wind throughout the Southeast!
The Ninth Master's written decree was sent out, announcing to the world the Guardian's Absolute Kill Order.
"At all costs, slay Night Demon in White Cloud Continent!"
Instantly, the Seventeen Continents of the Southeast mobilized: "Find Night Demon and kill Night Demon!"
The scale of the operation was massive, and the screening process in the Seventeen Continents became ten times more meticulous and thorough than before.
Then, something unexpected happened.
With the more detailed screening, Night Demon remained silent and untraceable, but surprisingly, they caught many noble disciples of the Only Righteous Sect who had come to the continent for training. These disciples had managed to slip through all previous screenings, but this time, flaws were discovered.
At least hundreds of noble disciples from the Demon Sect were killed.
Meanwhile, the hunt for Night Demon continued.
White Cloud Continent was once again sealed off completely.
"Night Demon, since you've appeared in White Cloud Continent, then... you'll never leave this place again!"
...
Yi Xin Jiao.
Yin Shengong was filled with regret and remorse.
"This... this matter has become too big!"
He never expected the Guardians' reaction to be so intense. Were they not this reactive when so many of their people were killed before? Why such a big reaction now that Night Demon has made a move? And when Night Demon killed the Demon Sect people before, they didn't seem to care, but this time, they've stirred up a hornet's nest?
"Sect Leader, this is normal. The Guardians won't act until Night Demon's threat is revealed. But now that Night Demon has started killing Protectors... they will naturally think of the danger posed by a champion of the Incubation Plan who could grow to rival Duan Xiyou or Xue Fuxiao and Ningsnow Sword."
Mu Lin Yuan also sighed, "They're eliminating potential threats, or you could say, getting rid of a future enemy who might grow to challenge a Grand Elder."
"Night Demon's exposure in White Cloud Continent and the current tight security are the most likely responses from the Guardians."
Yin Shengong frowned with concern, "The scale of this operation is too big. Won't Night Demon be exposed because of this?"
The three of them were speechless.
He was worrying about something he had set in motion himself.
Truly... the contradiction was at its peak.
"It probably won't... right?" Mu Lin Yuan also had his doubts.
This time, the Guardians were clearly serious.
Even the phrase 'at all costs' was used.
Moreover, it was Dong Fang Sansan herself who issued the Absolute Kill Order. The entire Southeast, including all Protectors and Guardians, went crazy!
This was the Ninth Master's personal order!
In this situation, no one could guarantee that Night Demon wouldn't be found and killed.
"Sigh."
Yin Shengong let out a long sigh, filled with regret, "Who would've thought it would even alarm Dong Fang Sansan..."
His brows furrowed as he paced back and forth, deep in worry.
If this matter was only handled by the White Cloud Continent's Guardian Hall or the Southeast Headquarters, Yin Shengong wouldn't be concerned.
But who was Dong Fang Sansan? What kind of force did her personal order carry? If Dong Fang Sansan's order was to kill Yin Shengong, then Yin Shengong would be living in constant fear.
"Night Demon, you must not be found."
Yin Shengong gazed at the Southeast, speaking to himself.
"Sigh..."
A regretful sigh.
...
In the evening, Fang Che transformed into Starlight and walked in the night wind, feeling a bit calmer.
The dark night seemed to offer him some protection.
The chilly night wind ruffled his robes and long hair as he walked alone under the moonlight and starlight.
He looked up at the sky filled with countless stars.
"Old Zuo, if there's a day we achieve victory, I'll visit your grave to offer incense and ask for your forgiveness."
"If I still die in the middle of all this, then we'll meet in the underworld."
"At that time, I believe you'll understand me."
"..."
Starlight Commander arrived at Heaven's Escort.
Inside the escort, Zhao Wu Shang and the others immediately came to greet him.
The Commander hadn't shown up for four days.
Everyone actually missed him.
Especially the girls, who were feeling a bit restless.
Why hasn't the Commander come?
Zhou Meier's heart was pounding. Did I handle the reception of the Sect Leader properly? Did I cause any trouble for the Commander?
Is the Commander not coming because they're discussing something?
What did the Sect Leader say? Now that the Starlight Commander has finally arrived, almost all seventy-two Golden Flowers rushed over.
"Chief Escort Leader, have you been well these past few days?" Zheng Yunqi asked with concern.
Everyone's attention was focused.
"I'm fine," Fang Che replied with a faint smile. "You must have guessed who that person was the other day?"
"We did," they responded.
"Yeah, the Sect Leader is quite pleased with our Branch Office. So, he specifically instructed that there must be no more incidents during this period, as the Headquarters' inspection and evaluation are happening within the next couple of months." Fang Che explained calmly.
"Yes, sir," they acknowledged.
The group sensed that the Commander's mood was not high.
For a moment, everyone's hearts sank.
Fang Che turned, "Meier's performance that day was exceptional, and the Sect Leader couldn't praise her enough."
Zhou Meier's brows lifted with joy, and her heart was filled with satisfaction. "Really?"
"Yes," Fang Che confirmed.
"Starting today, the Escort Agency will stop accepting outsiders."
Fang Che inquired, "Yunqi, how many people do we have now?"
"Currently, we have twenty-seven Headquarters' disciples, and the total number of escort leaders is six hundred and ninety-six," Zheng Yunqi replied.
"Have the new arrivals been evaluated?"
"Yes, they've been tested, and the rules have been explained to them," came the response.
"How are they doing?"
"They're all very obedient, Commander, rest assured."
"Have they sworn an oath to the Celestial Centipede God?"
"They have."
Fang Che nodded. "According to the Sect Leader's information, among all the disciples sent to gain experience in the southeast, aside from us, none have performed better than you, and none have achieved more."
"Many have gone into seclusion, some came just for sightseeing, and some have been hiding in one place since they arrived, never moving... Moreover, the other Branch Offices, especially the ones in White Cloud Continent, are no more."
"As for the other sixteen continents, even if there are Branch Offices established, they are not on the same level as us, Heaven's Escort Agency. It's not just a few levels of difference, but a vast chasm."
"Out of the thousands who may survive and return, only your group of six hundred and ninety-six are likely to have completed the task and exceeded expectations."
Fang Che spoke calmly, "You understand the significance of this mission and its value upon your return. For now, our initial work is just to maintain the status quo, and we'll still receive a reward. So, for those who come in now, even including these twenty-seven who just arrived, they're just reaping the benefits of our hard work."
Zheng Yunqi's eyes flashed with light.
They also felt a twinge of regret.
If they had known this earlier, they wouldn't have let those twenty-seven people in. Damn it, they had been risking their lives, while these newcomers were reaping the rewards!
The thought made them feel uncomfortable.
It was so unfair!
"You can all write home now. With your outstanding performance and mission completion, you have the potential for long-term infiltration in the future... This is considered exceeding the mission. So, now you can ask your families to use their resources to secure your positions." Fang Che instructed.
The group's joy was evident.
This was a moment of triumph and pride, a source of family honor!
And their future was now secure, all thanks to the Commander.
Fang Che reminded them, "But you must also be more cautious. Whether you're traveling through the mountains and rivers or staying in White Cloud Continent, be more careful. Countless dangers still exist... If you die during this final stretch, you'll only have yourselves to blame."
Zhao Wu Shang and the others' smiles faded.
The Commander was right.
If they were to die at this final moment, just before the celebration of their success, it would be a terrible loss.
"I have one more thing to tell you," Fang Che said gravely. "Keep your guard up until you've crossed thousands of mountains and rivers, returned to Headquarters, and stepped into your own homes. Only then can you let your guard down."
"Yes, sir! We will heed your teachings, Commander!" they replied in unison.
"Don't relax your cultivation," Fang Che added. "All of you have survived, and the Protectors know this. So, when you return, there will inevitably be ambushes along the way. You understand the consequences, right?"
"We do!" they affirmed.
"Alright, I've reminded you enough. I feel like an old nag, talking and talking, annoying myself and you," Fang Che said with a chuckle.
The group laughed, "Commander, your words come from the heart, and we will never find them annoying."
Fang Che smiled faintly and said, "Bring in those twenty-seven people."
...
Everyone stood in formation on both sides.
Zhao Wu Shang called in the twenty-seven newcomers.
This was the first time they had seen the Starlight Commander.
When they entered, they saw hundreds of people standing in two rows, straight as arrows, not moving a muscle.
The solemn atmosphere of the hall washed over them, and their hearts trembled.
Looking up, they saw a person sitting on the throne.
His appearance was ugly, hard to look at.
But his demeanor was like a coiled dragon and crouching tiger, as if he could devour the world.
Was this the legendary Starlight Commander, renowned for his extraordinary prowess, unmatched wisdom, exceptional cultivation, and fearsome reputation?
Was this the man whom Zhao Wu Shang, Zheng Yunqi, and the others revered as a deity?
The Starlight Commander exuded a powerful aura, as if he could swallow the heavens and devour the earth.
His eyes were like a vast ocean, capable of swallowing countless ships, hiding immense waves.
"Kneel and pay your respects to the Commander!" Zheng Yunqi shouted.
The twenty-seven newcomers knelt in unison, "We pay our respects to the Commander!"
"You may rise," the Starlight Commander said, his voice deep and detached. He looked at the twenty-seven before him and spoke indifferently, "Originally, five days ago, our Escort Agency was no longer accepting new members. But since Zheng Yunqi and Zhao Wu Shang insisted on bringing you in, it's not right to send you away now."
"Currently, our Branch Office has completed the Headquarters' mission, and we are just waiting for the final inspection and evaluation. All the initial work has been done..."
(End of Chapter)So, you twenty-seven people, are quite lucky."
The twenty-seven couldn't help but show their joy.
But Zheng Yunqi and the others' expressions were unpleasant, and their gazes at these people were as sharp as knives.
Damn it, the fruits of our life-and-death struggles, and these twenty-seven people are reaping the benefits without lifting a finger.
"So, during this time, there must be no problems with the escort agency!"
"Zhao Wushang, Zheng Yunqi!"
"At your command!"
"These twenty-seven people, are under your guidance. If any issues arise..."
The Starlight Commander's tone was grim as he said, "I'll only say this once: even if these twenty-seven people die... the escort agency must not have any problems!"
"Rest assured, Commander. I'll complete the task, and if I fail, I'll offer my head in apology!"
Zhao Wushang and Zheng Yunqi were grateful, knowing that this was a show of power in front of the twenty-seven, and later, they could freely deal with them, instill their values, and have them appreciate themselves...
This was a huge favor and a boost to their future.
Everyone was smart enough to understand, right?
"Hmph, good that you know."
The Starlight Commander nodded and said calmly, "All of you, dismiss."
The crowd dispersed.
But Zhou Meier and about ten other women remained, not leaving.
The Starlight Commander, feeling weary, was about to close his eyes on the throne, but noticing the remaining girls, he frowned, "Do you have something else?"
Zhou Meier stepped forward, concerned, "Commander, are you... troubled? You don't seem very happy."
The Starlight Commander gave her a strange look, "What? So concerned about me? Why don't you marry me then?"
"Sure."
Zhou Meier immediately agreed, very decisively.
Instantly, the ten or so women around her giggled and trembled like blooming flowers.
"..."
The Starlight Commander's eyes bulged, and he coughed, "What nonsense are you talking about? What's the matter?"
Zhou Meier persisted, "Commander, I just agreed."
"Go, go, go..."
The Starlight Commander, feeling awkward, said, "It was just a joke. Who would've thought you'd take it seriously? You really think I, Starlight, can match up with you heavenly beauties? If this gets out, your families will be the first to come after me! I still want to live a few more years."
A hint of loneliness flashed through the eyes of Zhou Meier and the others.
They knew the Starlight Commander was telling the truth.
Even though they were from collateral lineages, they were still far from being matched with a mere subordinate sect's commander.
Zhou Meier fell silent for a moment, then said, "I just saw that the Commander seemed unhappy, so I made a joke."
But in her heart, she sighed.
I wasn't joking.
If you dare to marry, I dare to wed!
"It's nothing, just... this time, the Sect Leader hinted at something. After the inspection is done, and after you leave, I'll hold on for a while, and then there will be another appointment."
The Starlight Commander, feeling tired, said, "It's not a big deal."
"How can the Sect Leader be like this?"
The women were indignant, "Isn't this crossing the river and dismantling the bridge, getting rid of the donkey after using it?"
The Starlight Commander rolled his eyes, "If I'm the bridge being dismantled, that's fine, but I won't be the donkey getting killed."
The women didn't laugh, "This is unfair, Commander, you..."
The Starlight Commander smiled faintly, "After sending you off, this is already a huge favor to me... Alright, don't worry about me. Worry about yourselves. Completing the task is one thing, but whether you can return alive is another."
He waved his hand, "All of you, go back and cultivate! Don't bother me!"
The women, feeling aggrieved, whispered to each other and left.
Zhou Meier left the hall, but she still felt uneasy. She took a few steps outside, then turned back.
The throne was empty.
The Starlight Commander had already left.
Only an empty throne remained, silently standing in its original spot.
She took a few steps forward, staring at the throne in a daze. She reached out her hand to feel the remaining warmth on the cushion.
She murmured, "I agreed."
Two streams of clear tears suddenly fell, dropping onto the throne.
...
Fang Che soared through the night sky, activating his Icy Spirit Platform with full force.
He suppressed all distractions.
Even the guilt in his heart was suppressed.
His gaze once again became as calm as ice and snow.
With the major task at hand, his mind couldn't be disturbed.
If there was guilt, if there was regret, in the future, I'll repay!
Old Zuo, my loyal soul on the path ahead isn't just you and your brothers.
In the future, I don't know how many of my own people I'll have to kill.
In the end, I'll settle this debt with you all.
Back at the Scholar's Residence.
It was already the latter half of the night.
He went to the study and took out the Divine Fusion Pill that Ye Yun had sent from the Hei Yao Sect.
This pill, according to Ye Yun, could be taken after breaking through to Martial Marquis.
To enhance spiritual awareness!
But Fang Che, after breaking through to Martial Marquis, had not used it.
The final beating from Ye Yun directly helped him break through.
It was clear that he wanted me to take the pill immediately after breaking through.
Fang Che always felt there was some purpose behind it.
So he kept delaying, and now, at the peak of Fifth Rank Martial Marquis, he finally began to try taking it!
Activating the Icy Spirit Platform,
Guided by the Infinite Sutra,
He carefully opened the bottle, and inside was a pill emitting mist, and as he took it out, the mist instantly rose like a cloud sea from which a red sun suddenly emerged.
[End of Chapter]
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