Volume 1，Chapter 42: Wei'er’s Rage

After working diligently in the medicinal garden of Li Wu Hall for an hour, Xiahou was finally released to return to the Xingtian residence as daylight broke. His head was buzzing, and his sorcery power was utterly drained. Xiahou came to a profound realization: some sorcerers are genuinely decent people, but female sorcerers, often called witches, are absolutely not to be trifled with.

Li Wu had forced Xiahou to consume a potion that could deplete all his mental energy to ensure the Purple Sun Gourd thrived. She squeezed every bit of strength out of him before being satisfied with the gourd's vibrant purple-gold glow, then mercifully allowed Xiahou to leave Li Wu Hall and rest. Despite this, Li Wu kept Bai behind, insisting she had never seen a white Pixiu and wanted to observe him closely.

Thoroughly frightened by Li Wu, Xiahou paid no heed to Bai's panicked expression. Upon hearing Li Wu's command to leave, he immediately bolted, not daring to look back.

Xiahou's body was brimming with boundless energy, but his vision was dark, and he felt as though he might collapse from exhaustion. On the way back to Anyi from Wu Mountain, he saw numerous sorcerers either flying swiftly through the sky or wandering in groups on the ground, clearly searching for the culprit who had disrupted the Tian Wu ritual. Yet, their faces displayed confusion, indicating they had found no clues. The air buzzed with the activation of sorcery spells, like a swarm of flies around Xiahou, worsening his condition.

Upon returning to the Xingtian residence, Xiahou barely managed to instruct Xingtian Xuanzhi, who was still clutching the Chi You bone, to ask Xingtian E to forge a heavy weapon for him. He then trudged back to his chamber, desperate for rest. Despite his body's vitality, Xiahou, whose mental energy was severely depleted, lacked the strength to do anything else.

As he opened the door to his chamber, he saw Master Wuguang and Cangfeng standing nervously in the hall. Sitting in the main chair was the handsome, almost devilishly so, young man, Tongtian Daoren, now dressed in a pitch-black Daoist robe, holding a bowl of jade-green tea and asking, "When will that boy Chihu return? Can I not even go for a stroll without him?"

Hearing his name mentioned, Xiahou forced his eyes open, bowed to Tongtian Daoren, and asked, "Who might this gentleman be?"

Master Wuguang quickly introduced, "Master, this is Chihu Baolong. Thanks to his help, our Tongtian Daoist Temple was built so quickly. Chihu, this is my master, Tongtian Daoren. His temple is on Jin'ao Island in Biyou Palace. He's here on the Grandmaster's orders to select disciples with potential from Anyi."

Tongtian Daoren? Tongtian Jiaozhu! The leader of the Jie Sect!

Xiahou was shocked, his depleted energy suddenly revitalized. He immediately knelt before Tongtian Daoren, paying his respects. This reaction was ingrained in him. During his previous training, he had been taught to bow to an image of Tongtian Daoren on special occasions. Meeting the real person was even more overwhelming.

Tongtian Daoren, secretly pleased, noticed that Li Wu had not detected the golden elixir in Xiahou's dantian, but his keen eyes, honed by his mastery of Qi refining and Daoist techniques, saw through it. He could see the flow of true essence within Xiahou's body and the unusual transformation of his golden elixir, which made Xiahou an exceptional candidate for Daoist training. He was so delighted that he wanted to make Xiahou his disciple immediately.

However, his face clouded with indecision, and he grumbled, "Chihu Baolong, stand up. You have great potential, and your future achievements will surely be extraordinary. If you can master both sorcery and the teachings of the Jie Sect, you will carve out a unique path for yourself. I wanted to take you as my disciple, but there are significant obstacles, making it very inconvenient. So, how about becoming a nominal disciple of the Jie Sect for now?"

Xiahou stood up, puzzled by Tongtian Daoren's apparent fondness for him and yet reluctance to formally accept him as a disciple. Nevertheless, becoming a nominal disciple was still a remarkable opportunity. The prestige of being a nominal disciple of Tongtian Daoren alone would be enough to command immense respect in the future. Xiahou did not hesitate; he immediately prostrated himself on the ground and bowed several times, fervently calling Tongtian Daoren "Master." Tongtian Daoren, smiling broadly, quickly helped him up.

Holding Xiahou's wrist, Tongtian Daoren studied him closely and sighed, "I wanted to take you as my disciple, but three old immortals insisted that if I found a talented disciple, I must allow them to choose as well. I can't have all the benefits to myself. So, if you ever encounter someone named Taishang Daoren or Yuanshi Daoren, just spit in their faces."

Xiahou smiled wryly and nodded. Spit on those two? If Xiahou were purely Chihu Baolong, he might have dared. But with his other memories, he wouldn't dream of it. Seeing Tongtian Daoren's earnest expression, he could only agree submissively.

A cool energy flowed from Tongtian Daoren's hand into Xiahou's body, rejuvenating his depleted mental energy in an instant. Xiahou felt revitalized, his spirit suddenly lifted.

Astonished, Xiahou glanced at Tongtian Daoren, but before he could thank him, Tongtian Daoren eagerly pulled him toward the door. "No need for thanks, it's a trivial matter. Ignore those annoying fellows who came with me, especially that monkey-like Chijingzi. I've long heard Anyi is the largest city in the Nine Provinces. Living abroad, I've always wanted to see it but never dared due to my master's decree. Now that I'm here, you must show me around."

Chijingzi, a man barely five feet tall and somewhat gaunt, looked helpless and smiled wryly. He and the other Daoists who accompanied Tongtian Daoren shook their heads and followed him.

Tongtian Daoren, pretending not to see them, walked briskly out of the Xingtian residence, pulling Xiahou along. As they strolled down the bustling streets, Tongtian Daoren grumbled to Xiahou about the boredom of cultivating on Jin'ao Island, the strictness of his master and senior brother, the dullness of his disciples, and the annoyance of his entourage. Xiahou learned that Chijingzi and the others had chased after Tongtian Daoren and insisted on stopping at the Xingtian residence for a brief rest, agreeing to accompany him on a tour once Xiahou arrived.

As he watched the bustling streets, Tongtian Daoren's face lit up with joy. "I just gave the stars a little nudge to send that heaven-defying fool to meet the Earth Mother earlier. What's the big deal? Yet there's so much fuss."

Xiahou's sharp ears caught Tongtian Daoren's muttering, and he was terrified. The Tian Wu had been killed by Tongtian Daoren? The nine grand sorcerers were scouring the land for the culprit! If they traced it back to Tongtian Daoren, Xiahou feared he would have to flee alongside them.

Xiahou quickly composed himself and said with a smile, "Master, did you know that last night during the Tian Wu's passing and the inheritance ceremony, there was a major disruption? All the sorcerers with duties are searching for the one who secretly plotted against the Tian Wu. Have you heard this news?"

Ahead, a dozen black-robed sorcerers passed by, their faces filled with anger. Tongtian Daoren, ever astute, understood Xiahou's hint. He glanced at the sorcerers on the street and nodded, "I see, I just found out." He then glared at Chijingzi and the others, blaming them, "Your master had ulterior motives sending you with me. Look, we were just scared into hiding in someone's house by the sorcerers as soon as we arrived. It's none of our business, so why are you so scared?"

Xiahou whispered, "Really none of our business?" Tongtian Daoren had just confessed to the act.

Tongtian Daoren, eyes gleaming with amusement, looked at Xiahou and nodded, "Of course, it's none of our business. They can't find out, so it's irrelevant."

Xiahou realized that Tongtian Daoren's powers were indeed formidable. He had seamlessly eliminated a grand sorcerer without leaving any trace. Such prowess was awe-inspiring. Given Tongtian Daoren's stature, it was inconceivable that he would be caught if he had targeted a sorcerer whose powers had waned significantly. Moreover, during the ceremony at the Tian Wu Hall, the grand sorcerers had all restrained their powers, leaving no one on guard.

Realizing this, Xiahou was even more impressed by Tongtian Daoren's capabilities. It made sense that with his status, any attempt by him to eliminate a weakened Tian Wu would be executed flawlessly, without leaving any trace for others to follow.

Relieved of his worries, Xiahou followed Tongtian Daoren, who was walking with great interest towards the palace along the central avenue of Anyi. As they walked, Tongtian Daoren remarked, "Judging by the geographical position, the palace of Anyi should be located in the northern part of the city. I'm curious to see what the Great Xia palace looks like."

Xiahou's momentary relief was short-lived as his anxiety returned. He finally understood why Chijingzi and the others had such worried expressions. Following Tongtian Daoren was a nerve-wracking experience, particularly for those with weak hearts. If Tongtian Daoren merely observed the palace from the outside, that would be one thing. But if he decided to enter and perhaps even make acquaintance with the Great Xia king, it could lead to serious complications.

With a resigned determination, Xiahou clutched the wooden plaque from Liwu Hall and followed Tongtian Daoren closely, ready to face whatever might come.

"Alright, if things go south, I'll just blame everything on Liwu," Xiahou thought. "Better them than me."

Lost in his thoughts, he was startled by Chijingzi's urgent whisper, "Zhihu, hurry! Our master has already taken several steps ahead."

Xiahou looked up and indeed saw Tongtian Daoren's black robe fluttering as he effortlessly covered a distance of a hundred yards with each step, soon disappearing down the avenue. Xiahou broke into a cold sweat, sprinting with Chijingzi and the others in tow. Ignoring the regulations of Anyi City, Xiahou brandished the wooden plaque to clear a path through the least crowded central lane. Any sorcerers who intended to stop them quickly stepped aside respectfully upon seeing the plaque.

Chijingzi grumbled, "He moves with such ease and speed, but it exhausts us. This city is full of sorcery restrictions, and even though I can use the Thousand Miles Shrinking technique, it's quite taxing here."

Xiahou ignored Chijingzi's complaints, knowing they were pointless. As the leader of the Jie Sect, if Tongtian Daoren's minor spells were constrained by the city's sorcery array, it would diminish his status to that of a second-generation disciple.

They barely caught up to Tongtian Daoren at the Great Xia palace gates. Fortunately, Tongtian Daoren hadn't done anything outrageous. A large crowd of onlookers, including aristocratic youths, wealthy citizens, and even some commoners, had gathered, cheering and jeering. Tongtian Daoren, always one to stir up trouble, stood among them, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.

Seeing Xiahou and the others approach, Tongtian Daoren beckoned them over, "Come, come, look at this! These blonde-haired, blue-eyed people are threatening to storm the Great Xia palace. How amusing! It's barely dawn and there's already excitement."

Due to his height, Xiahou had no trouble seeing over the crowd, unlike Wuguang and Chijingzi, who were on tiptoe. Xiahou cleared a path through the throng with a sweep of his arms, allowing them to squeeze through.

At the palace gates, the newly appointed commander Xiangliu Rou stood with over a hundred guards, facing off against a delegation of Hai people.

Led by Ambassador Weir, over eight hundred Hai warriors, freshly mended and just risen from their sickbeds, were arrayed in resplendent armor, brandishing golden swords in a triangular formation, as if preparing to force their way into the palace. Weir, enraged, shouted in both his native tongue and the official language of Great Xia, gesticulating wildly and abandoning his usual aristocratic composure.

The gathered citizens of Great Xia jeered, with some flashy young nobles egging Weir on to attack Xiangliu Rou. Amidst the laughter and jeers, Weir's fury only grew, while Xiangliu Rou remained unfazed, calmly trimming his nails with a small knife.

With his mind now at ease, Xiahou followed Tongtian Daoren, who was enthusiastically heading toward the palace along Anyi's main avenue. As they walked, Tongtian Daoren commented, "Judging by the geography, the palace of Anyi should be to the north. I'm curious to see what the Great Xia palace looks like."

Just as Xiahou's nerves began to settle, they immediately flared up again. He finally understood why Chijingzi and the others looked so worried. Following Tongtian Daoren was a nerve-wracking experience, especially for those with weak hearts. If Tongtian Daoren merely observed the palace from the outside, it would be one thing. But if he decided to enter and perhaps make acquaintance with the Great Xia king, it could lead to serious complications.

Determined to stay by his side, Xiahou clutched the wooden plaque from Liwu Hall and followed Tongtian Daoren closely, ready to face whatever might come.

"Alright, if things go south, I'll just blame everything on Liwu," Xiahou thought. "Better them than me."

Lost in thought, Xiahou was startled by Chijingzi's urgent whisper, "Zhihu, hurry! Our master has already taken several steps ahead."

Xiahou looked up to see Tongtian Daoren's black robe fluttering as he effortlessly covered a hundred yards with each step, soon disappearing down the avenue. Xiahou broke into a cold sweat, sprinting with Chijingzi and the others in tow. Ignoring the regulations of Anyi City, Xiahou brandished the wooden plaque to clear a path through the least crowded central lane. Any sorcerers who intended to stop them quickly stepped aside respectfully upon seeing the plaque.

Chijingzi grumbled, "He moves with such ease and speed, but it exhausts us. This city is full of sorcery restrictions, and even though I can use the Thousand Miles Shrinking technique, it's quite taxing here."

Xiahou ignored Chijingzi's complaints, knowing they were pointless. As the leader of the Jie Sect, if Tongtian Daoren's minor spells were constrained by the city's sorcery array, it would diminish his status to that of a second-generation disciple.

They barely caught up to Tongtian Daoren at the Great Xia palace gates. Fortunately, Tongtian Daoren hadn't done anything outrageous. A large crowd of onlookers, including aristocratic youths, wealthy citizens, and even some commoners, had gathered, cheering and jeering. Tongtian Daoren, always one to stir up trouble, stood among them, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.

Seeing Xiahou and the others approach, Tongtian Daoren beckoned them over, "Come, come, look at this! These blonde-haired, blue-eyed people are threatening to storm the Great Xia palace. How amusing! It's barely dawn and there's already excitement."

Due to his height, Xiahou had no trouble seeing over the crowd, unlike Wuguang and Chijingzi, who were on tiptoe. Xiahou cleared a path through the throng with a sweep of his arms, allowing them to squeeze through.

At the palace gates, the newly appointed commander Xiangliu Rou stood with over a hundred guards, facing off against a delegation of Atlanteans.

Led by Ambassador Weir, over eight hundred Atlantean warriors, freshly mended and just risen from their sickbeds, were arrayed in resplendent armor, brandishing golden swords in a triangular formation, as if preparing to force their way into the palace. Weir, enraged, shouted in both his native tongue and the official language of Great Xia, gesticulating wildly and abandoning his usual aristocratic composure.

The gathered citizens of Great Xia jeered, with some flashy young nobles egging Weir on to attack Xiangliu Rou. Amidst the laughter and jeers, Weir's fury only grew, while Xiangliu Rou remained unfazed, calmly trimming his nails with a small knife.

Tongtian Daoren kept asking Xiahou if he recognized these people, and Xiahou quickly explained the situation in the briefest terms. Hearing this, Tongtian Daoren's eyes lit up as he stared at Weir and shouted, "Hey, you white-skinned coward! If you're a true warrior, charge forward! Are you afraid of death? What kind of golden noble are you if you can't even draw your sword?" Tongtian Daoren's booming voice silenced the crowd, like a thunderclap on a clear day.

Xiangliu Rou was startled and glanced over at Tongtian Daoren, but instead of focusing on him, he shot Xiahou a sharp look before turning back to the now subdued Weir and shouting, "Weir, your saintess was released by our king yesterday and sent to your embassy. What more do you want? She belongs to our king now. If you expect to take a virgin back with you, that's impossible."

The spectators, previously frightened by Tongtian Daoren's outburst, now erupted in applause and cheers. It seemed they all took pride in their king having claimed the saintess of another nation. It was as if, in spirit, every person present had a share in violating the saintess, making them feel a strange sense of satisfaction.

Weir trembled with rage, waving his solid gold sword at Xiangliu Rou and shouting, "I don't care about the saintess! I want the Sea God's Staff she carried! Where is it? You've returned the saintess; you must return her belongings as well!"

Xiangliu Rou, seemingly guided by some unseen hand, smirked and leisurely said, "Ah, so it's that old staff you want? I've heard without it, you can't select a new saintess, right?" He added, "As a golden noble, you shouldn't lie."

Weir hesitated, then nodded vigorously, "Yes, exactly as you say. The Sea God's Staff is a divine artifact bestowed upon us by our god, representing his will on earth. Please return it to us, just as you returned the saintess."

Xiangliu Rou's smile broadened as he looked at Weir with pity, shaking his head slightly, "Essentially, that's impossible! Our king said the saintess has been sent back, but he has a sentimental attachment to her, so he kept something of hers as a keepsake. The staff was the only thing worth keeping, so he kept it."

Weir blinked in disbelief, hesitated for a moment, then stomped his foot and shouted, "Then leave the saintess, and just give us the Sea God's Staff!"

Both Tongtian Daoren and Xiahou shook their heads, muttering, "Fool."

The spectators saw that Xiangliu Rou was merely toying with Weir and his people, with no intention of honoring any deal. Moreover, Xiangliu Rou had no authority to make such decisions.

As expected, Xiangliu Rou shook his head firmly and said seriously, "Your suggestion is interesting. If you truly leave the saintess, our king would be delighted. But our king is kind-hearted and would surely pity her for being far from home and eventually send her back. Since she's bound to return, the staff will stay in our palace."

Weir's face turned ashen, realizing he was being mocked.

Furious, Weir shouted, "So you truly won't return our divine artifact?"

Xiangliu Rou shrugged, replying nonchalantly, "If you send more saintesses to our king, maybe... it's possible?"

Weir took a deep breath, pointing his sword at Xiangliu Rou, "Then, as a member of the Twelve Golden Families of the Atlantis Empire, I declare war on you and your Great Xia. A full-scale, life-and-death war. You will bear all the consequences!"

Xiangliu Rou sighed, looking at Weir with pity, "Golden Noble Weir, don't you understand? We've been at war with you for thousands of years. Our goal has always been to annihilate Atlantis. Do you only now realize this? All over a staff? It's about time you caught on, congratulations!"

Weir's face turned a ghastly shade, then he roared, "You insult a noble of the golden family, sir! Only blood can wash away such an insult! People of Great Xia, return our bodies to our homeland! When our corpses are laid before our families, it will mark the beginning of all-out war!"

Over eight hundred Atlantean warriors roared in unison, charging the palace gates like moths to a flame.

A commanding voice rang out from within the palace, "Break their limbs and send them back alive! Using blood to wash away insult? Do they think cleaning the palace gates is easy?"

With this order, over a thousand palace guards charged out, clashing with Weir's warriors.

The Atlantean warriors' assault was like waves crashing against a rock, instantly shattered.

Tongtian Daoren shook his head, "Fools, absolute fools. Charging the palace with no real strength? Utterly ridiculous." With a wave of his sleeve, he turned to leave, followed by Chijingzi and the others.

Xiahou lingered for a moment, watching Weir's limbs being methodically broken by the guards, sighing, "I understand his motives. It's a pity, though. Foolish chivalry. It's amazing to see such things still exist."

Shaking his head, Xiahou also turned to leave. The sound of bones breaking echoed behind him, eerily devoid of any cries of pain.