Gu Zuo stood up.

This movement appeared carefree and casual. Although he was now two years older, he still had the appearance of a teenager. His eyes were as crystal clear as they were in the very beginning. Not even the slightest of changes had occurred.

Gongyi Tianheng stood next to him, and gently patted his hair.

The friendship of these two people had also grown stronger over the course of time, becoming even deeper. Above all, in terms of intimacy, even the younger siblings Tianyang and Mingxia felt endless envy and admiration for Gu Zuo.

Gu Zuo asked: “Big brother, you said that the Sect has summoned us. What for?”

Tianheng smiled and said: “They’ll probably be granting those Heaven’s Eye Stones to us.”

Gu Zuo heaved a sigh: “I don’t know if it’ll happen. Ever since that time, Senior Sect Brother Qin hasn’t given us any news. If we pursue the matter with him, it’s not good manners…”

Tianheng said: “Ah Zuo, don’t be worried. There’s still a few days before the departure date. If it’s no good, there’s still time to think of another way… Besides, the people being summoned this time includes you. If it really wasn’t for this purpose, then why would it be like this?”

Gu Zuo felt a bit more reassured.

To be honest, he wasn’t unaware of worldly matters like when he first came to this place. From beginning to end, his goal had never changed. He wanted to return to his family in the modern era, and to take care of his dad. But now, he discovered that the Southern Expanse was too small. He had been cultivating here for this long, and the most he obtained were Golden-Level medicinal prescriptions. However, the Void Pill didn’t exist in the Golden-Level prescriptions — This showed that the Void Pill’s rank was much higher. With this continent’s resources, he probably wouldn’t even be able to collect all of the medicinal ingredients!

As such, Gu Zuo needed to proceed towards even vaster continents.

— The Central Continent was undoubtedly that kind of continent.

As a result, he was determined to win a quota.

Gu Zuo suddenly thought of something. Shouldn’t the system have announced a mission?

The very next second, a voiced echoed out in his consciousness.

Side Mission: Go to the Central Continent.

Mission Items: None.

Completion Method: Unrestricted.

Completion Time: One month.

Completion Reward: One Life-Substitution Beast Pearl.

Gu Zuo: “…”

Speak of the devil — The system really was a timely rain.

It was normal for this mission not to have any mission items, but the completion reward of a Life-Substitution Beast Pearl seemed very special. From then till now, this was the first time he would receive something from the system that wasn’t an item book.

What’s a Life-Substitution Beast Pearl?

After using a drop of blood to recognize an owner, it can directly take the place of a life below the Immortal Realm.

Gu Zuo almost cried out in surprise.

It could take the place of a life? Wasn’t that saying he was picking up a free life token?! This was simply inconceivable. What kind of thing was a Life-Substitution Beast Pearl to be this incredible?

Gu Zuo’s pupils suddenly contracted, and he promptly asked.

Then, what about at the Immortal Realm and above?

Insufficient authority, unable to inquire.

Gu Zuo powerlessly held his forehead.

Tianheng discovered Gu Zuo’s unusual behavior: “Ah Zuo, is something wrong?”

Gu Zuo shook his head: “It’s nothing. I’ll tell you later.”

Tianheng smiled and nodded.

It really wasn’t convenient right now — At this time, the Gongyi Clan children and numerous subordinates were waiting out in front. Their bearings were reverential, and the reluctant looks they cast towards this side were like they were unwilling to part.

Because he wasn’t sure whether he and Gu Zuo would be able to return after being summoned, Tianheng handed over all other matters just in case. Apart from what was discussed previously, Tianheng took all those nominal disciple placements that he obtained but never used, and placed them into Tianyang’s hands.

He said: “Tianyang, the majority of my subordinates, the Tianlong Guards, are still at the clan residence. You’re already Xiantian. Once you break through to stage three, you can make a return trip back. Receive the Tianlong Guards who’ve advanced to the Xiantian Realm as nominal disciples. They’ll be of assistance to you.”

He paused, before saying: “I know you have personal guards, too. You can use the pills that Ah Zuo has left behind to properly raise them and bring them over… Nowadays, you can already shoulder some matters. How those placements are used will be up to your discretion.”

In his heart, Tianyang was moved.

Tianheng smiled and said: “You aren’t just my kid brother anymore.”

Immediately following which, Tianheng instructed the Tianlong Guards in front: “You all have also been accompanying me for some time. Hereafter, Dragon One shall take charge. Once the clan residence Tianlong Guards come over, Dragon One and Dragon Two shall assign the manpower. You all shall act as squadron leaders, and train them properly. Use Ah Zuo’s remaining pills to raise your strengths, and do your best to cultivate.

“Finally, there will come a day when I shall return.”

These words weren’t actually that trustworthy, but for some reason, they suddenly became very trustworthy when they came out of Tianheng’s mouth.

Tianheng didn’t have absolute certainty, but he had this natural determination that, in the future, he was bound to spare no efforts in keeping this promise.

The Tianlong Guards naturally affirmed in a chorus of voices. The expressions that they used to look at Tianheng had also become more fervent.

In their hearts, the young master’s words were the truth. He would certainly be able to accomplish what he said!

Soon after, Gu Zuo and Tianheng departed.

The Inner Sect disciple who came to summon them was a new face. Seeing the expressions of those Tianlong Guards, the disciple’s eyes flashed with a trace of admiration. Following that, the disciple brought them straight to the core region, in front of a large discussion hall.

In this hall, some people had already arrived.

Among them, there were about four or five peak Xiantian stage nine disciples. The other martial artists were all at the low and mid Immortal Realms. Each one’s qi emissions were boundless, and they looked very powerful. All of them were top-quality geniuses. Such personages were the Sect’s treasures, and it was an enormous loss to the Sect that it was willing to send them off.

Gu Zuo was actually a little puzzled.

If they weren’t sent off, what did it matter to the Central Continent? Although it was said that the Central Continent wanted to restrain this side’s development, there was the existence of that barrier. Moreover, the Central Continent was just too powerful. No matter how good the development over here was, in reality, the Peripheral Continents couldn’t threaten them.

In fact, the Sect could totally persuade its geniuses into staying behind…

Tianheng smiled.

Ah Zuo, if it was me, I certainly wouldn’t be willing to stay behind.

Gu Zuo nodded his head to show his understanding.

But can’t some people be persuaded by the Sect?

Tianheng lost his smile.

How would Ah Zuo know if the Sect has never tried to persuade its geniuses before?

Gu Zuo was momentarily dumbstruck.

Tianheng hadn’t been persuaded. That was because the ambition in his eyes hadn’t been deliberately concealed. The Sect knew that it was incapable of persuading him. But other geniuses were different. Those who were somewhat loyal and considerate, and who weren’t that conceited and pretentious, were convinced. Those who would stay behind would do so. As for those who weren’t willing, the Sect naturally wasn’t going to become enemies with them.

Moreover…

Tianheng lowered his eyes.

The more talented one was, the greater the probability of breaking through and the more resources one would occupy. An ordinary genius wasn’t important, and if it was one or two of those apex geniuses, it also wouldn’t cause any issues. However, if there were crowds of geniuses who wanted to acquire resources to reach the highest realms, even Qingyun Sect wouldn’t be able to afford it.

Previously, Tianheng hadn’t made contact with lots of matters. However, he had already taken some glimpses now.

The ambient qi on the Peripheral Continents was limited, so there was a limit to what could be provided to apex geniuses. The Peripheral Continents were basically incapable of supplying everything that they needed. Rather than hindering those apex geniuses who were unwilling to be dragons entering a great ocean, it was better to draw in the faction who were utterly loyal to the Sect or those who were just a little bit inferior. In this way, it would form a bond of good karma with those apex geniuses, and alleviate the pressure on resources. In addition, the Sect wouldn’t be short of powerhouses who would carry the responsibility of the Sect.

At this point, Tianheng saw the reason why Qingyun Sect often only had a small number of powerhouses at the Atomic Realm or above in each generation. It wasn’t just because there was a lack of top-notch medicinal pills. There was another, bigger reason. The majority of those geniuses who didn’t need to take too many pills to advance had entered the passage of that Road of Heaven’s Chosen, which opened once every three hundred years. They went in, and never returned.

While Tianheng was speculating, Gu Zuo’s line of sight swept from left to right. Then, he saw a purple-robed teenager striding over with a head held high. His expression was arrogant, his appearance was elegant, and his entire body’s imposing aura was astonishing.

His voice also couldn’t conceal his haughtiness: “Junior Sect Brother Gu!”

Gu Zuo looked at this person, and his heart was gladdened: “Senior Sect Brother Xu, what are you doing here?”

Xu Lingxiu raised an eyebrow: “What’s so strange about it? I came here for the same thing as you!”

Gu Zuo was shocked: “Does the Hall Master know?”

Xu Lingxiu coldly harrumphed: “Worrywart. I’ve handled it, so naturally nothing can be held against me!”

Gu Zuo revealed a flustered smile.

Once Xu Lingxiu saw Gu Zuo’s expression, he couldn’t help furrowing his brows, but he also didn’t say anything.

At this moment, Tianheng lightly pressed on Gu Zuo’s shoulder: “Senior Sect Brother Xu, do you have any news?”

Xu Lingxiu wasn’t too happy: “If I don’t have any news, would you forbid me from talking with Junior Sect Brother Gu?”

Tianheng shook his head: “I meant no such thing.”

Gu Zuo forced a laugh: “Senior Sect Brother Xu…”

Xu Lingxiu looked at these two people, and suddenly felt it was a little harsh on the eyes. He turned his head, and walked to the other side.

There truly were no future prospects. What the eyes didn’t see, the heart wouldn’t grieve over!

Gu Zuo and Tianheng exchanged glances, and both of them smiled.

Not long after, the ordinary-looking Sect Master appeared at the seat of honor of the main hall.

However, he didn’t look kindly and amiable like the last time Gu Zuo saw him. Rather, he was faintly emitting a bit of suppressive might. It made him seem incredibly dignified, and the other disciples didn’t dare to look upon him. It was like they were going to be injured by that discharged might.

All of the genius disciples took their seats.

Gu Zuo also saw that, aside from Xu Lingxiu, there was a small number of pharmacists who had also appeared here. His mind immediately had a few ideas.

Perhaps, he really could…

Sure enough, the Sect Master spoke: “Ladies and gentlemen, this trip for the Road of Heaven’s Chosen is extremely dangerous. If you can pass through it, you’ll be met with the boundless seas and skies. If you can’t, then you’ll perish in foreign lands. My Sect doesn’t have too many resources to bestow. Each of you will be granted some travel expenses as a final send-off as disciples of my Qingyun Sect.”

After he finished speaking, some enforcement disciples who were originally guarding both sides of the hall came forward. In each of their hands, they carried a small package, which delivered to the people who were seated.

Gu Zuo opened his own package and took a look. Inside, there was a jade box and a wooden box.

In the jade box, there were five transparent crystals. Meanwhile, in the wooden box, there was a stone that was around the size of a pigeon egg or a human eye.

All of a sudden, he recognized that the transparent crystals were spirit crystals, which were suitable for the cultivation of Xiantian martial artists. As for that human-eye like stone, it was clearly a Heaven’s Eye Stone.

The things in Tianheng’s package were exactly the same.

T

/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

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