Chapter 913: Eight Zun An, What Exactly Are They Up To?

The Thirteen Void Experts were all highly influential figures from the Five Domains, and old foxes who had roamed the Spiritual Cultivation World for a long time. Having their intentions explicitly stated this time, none of them showed any shame. After all, they were all Void Experts; without any evidence, even Rao Yaoyao couldn't simply apprehend them.

True Immortal Huang Yang of the Xuanmen tradition, holding a whisk, offered a forced smile and said, "Sword Immortal Rao, you're exaggerating. It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the Sacred God Continent. As for treasures..." He looked behind him.

"Treasures are for those destined to find them," the old woman in linen robes chuckled as she took over the conversation. "If we find them, great; if not, so be it." She was the former Grand Elder of the Duling Sect, a Void-level power in the Central Domain. With the emergence of the City of the Sky, and for the sake of the Holy Path Foundation, she had openly lifted her sectarian restrictions and was now a free individual. The several Void Experts behind her likewise assented. Not one of them showed any intention of retreating. During their conversation, they constantly glanced at the supreme treasure in Hong Yi's hand, which still emanated traces of holy power, without any attempt to conceal their intentions.

"Obstinate fools!" Rao Yaoyao let out a low snort, genuinely annoyed by these people. "I know what you're thinking. Since you can't break into the Eastern Heavenly Royal City, you've come here hoping to gain some benefits, but you might just break your teeth!" Without waiting for a reply, Rao Yaoyao turned and pointed at the crack in Void Island, stating emphatically, "This spatial rift is not, as you imagine, a key to entering the City of the Sky. On the contrary, it is an interdimensional spatial rift. Hong Yi is currently carrying out a mission to clear out ghost beasts. Do you truly intend to interfere?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the Thirteen Void Experts' expressions changed simultaneously.

Ghost beasts?

The Sacred God Continent had completely sealed off information regarding ghost beasts; however, the leaders of major powers had still caught wind of it, especially within the Void expert circles. When it came to ghost beasts, the best option upon encountering them was none other than to detour. Because once involved, it meant either death or injury, and even potentially implicating their entire family or sect, leading to their decline. Rao Yaoyao's single phrase, "ghost beasts," immediately escalated the nature of the operation here. Under such circumstances, if the Thirteen Void Experts still intended to meddle, they would be seeking death!

But... if there were no other path to sainthood, no other way forward, who would want to come to the City of the Sky to seek such a slim chance? Among the Thirteen Void Experts present, including those at the Dao-Slaying and King's Throne realms, the former were for themselves, the latter for their elders in the clan. Their aim was nothing more than to break through the highest bottleneck of the Void realm.

Those at the Dao-Slaying and King's Throne realms might hesitate or waver at Rao Yaoyao's words. But the Thirteen Void Experts, each of them, calmed down after a brief moment of panic.

"With a single mention of ghost beasts, Sword Immortal Rao, you intend to seize all the opportunities of the City of the Sky for yourself, leaving not even a sip of soup for other forces on the continent!" True Immortal Huang Yang smiled slightly, his words conveying a casual disregard for the term "ghost beasts." He, too, had left his sect and was now alone. If he failed to find opportunities in the City of the Sky this time, he didn't know how many more years he would have to wait for a chance at breakthrough. But True Immortal Huang Yang's lifespan no longer allowed him to wait any longer. To retreat was to die. To advance was also to die. But if he chose to advance, there was still a slim possibility of achieving sainthood. How to choose? A hint of madness had already taken root in True Immortal Huang Yang's heart. Even if he knew that Rao Yaoyao wouldn't simply use the term "ghost beasts" to deter everyone, and that it was very likely true, licking blood from a knife's edge meant danger and opportunity coexisted, and he truly had no second choice.

"Sword Immortal Rao, I am also a Void Expert," he continued. "It is truly not easy for you to clear out these ghost beasts. If I stay, I can truly lend a hand. And if you doubt me, you are welcome to send someone to investigate my background. My first half of life has absolutely no connection to ghost beasts; I am completely innocent!"

True Immortal Huang Yang's eyes were full of sincerity. He paused, then continued, "Since Sword Immortal Rao has been so direct, I won't hide anything from you either. My purpose in coming here is truly just a glimmer of hope. And if I contribute successfully, I truly will need some treasures to help me break through." As he spoke, he looked towards the treasures on Hong Yi's side that were still carrying out the "ghost-seeking" operation.

Holy power... desired but unobtainable.

Rao Yaoyao's gaze was contained, showing no emotion. She wouldn't be deceived by True Immortal Huang Yang's few words. But on second thought, refusing them would only create enemies. This group would absolutely not choose to leave; they would only hide and wait for an opportune moment to act. However, if utilized properly, the Thirteen Void Experts could indeed be a significant asset.

Rao Yaoyao then let go of her reservations. She turned to look at the others and asked, "What about you? Are your intentions the same?"

"Of course!" replied Granny Tianling, the old woman in linen robes, nodding. "I vaguely recall that Hong Yi has a rule: if there is insufficient manpower when clearing out ghost beasts, experts within the vicinity can be temporarily conscripted to assist, and merits will be rewarded afterwards. Is that correct?"

"Correct," Rao Yaoyao nodded, a wider smile gracing her pretty face. "But I must lay out the unpleasant truth beforehand: once we decide to conscript you, you will not only have no right to refuse; even if there is a risk of death during wartime, you must accept the arrangements and not retreat. Otherwise..."

"Otherwise, you will be charged as a ghost beast host!" A burly man nearby interjected, his eyes overflowing with fierce malevolence. He was also a desperate character, Hong Dang, the Dragon Subduing Hand, at the Void realm.

Rao Yaoyao raised an eyebrow, looked at Hong Dang, and chuckled, "You seem to know quite a lot."

Hong Dang's face was stern and humorless, crisscrossed with flesh. "Since we decided to come here for the Holy Path Foundation," he said, "we are already fully prepared to fight to the death."

Rao Yaoyao nodded slightly, noncommittally, then looked at the others.

"We are willing to follow orders!""Absolutely obedient to commands!""Everything, we will follow Sword Immortal Rao's lead!"

The Thirteen Void Experts each remained calm, knowing what they might face next, but none of them retreated.

"What about the others?" Rao Yaoyao then looked at the Dao-Slaying and King's Throne experts behind them. This group appeared quite hesitant. Their highest cultivation was only at the Dao-Slaying realm. The Void realm was still far off, let alone achieving sainthood. Gathering information for their clan elders was acceptable, and the risks involved were tolerable. But risking their lives, was it worth it?

Except for a few Dao-Slaying experts with a strong sense of belonging, who nodded in agreement and stepped forward. The majority of the others, however, retreated and chose to refuse.

"Without courage, without the bravery to face death, why play the clown?" Rao Yaoyao's eyes gleamed with derision, and she waved her hand. "Those who wish to stay may stay; the rest of you, begone!"

The group behind who dared not step forward, apart from slinking away in embarrassment, dared not utter another word. Rao Yaoyao scanned the remaining people, a strange smile appearing on her face. Then, she turned to look at Teng Shanhai.

"These people are all yours."

The Thirteen Void Experts were slightly taken aback. They had obtained official identities, naturally because of the Sacred God Palace's past credibility; it wouldn't betray those who had contributed. But their direct superior wasn't Rao Yaoyao, but this one-eyed man in full armor?

"You..." True Immortal Huang Yang stared at the armor, vaguely finding it familiar.

"I am Teng Shanhai!" Teng Shanhai stated indifferently.

The Thirteen Void Experts were all startled simultaneously. This big fellow who had been standing silently in the back, ignored by everyone, was none other than Teng Shanhai, the renowned Chief of the War Department of the Sacred God Continent?

Facing the bewildered and uncertain Void Experts, Teng Shanhai grinned. "It's normal that you haven't seen me before, since you haven't caused any major trouble. But since you are now under my command during wartime, I must say one more thing..." As Teng Shanhai spoke, his gaze changed, and a boundless murderous aura pressed down. This imposing aura was on a completely different level from that of the Thirteen Void Experts before him. It was a magnificent aura forged through a lifetime of battles and slaughter, and was considered top-tier even among Void Experts.

"I only have one rule." Teng Shanhai raised a finger, his expression filled with grim intent: "In the War Department, those who disobey orders during wartime have only one outcome... death!"

The expressions of the Thirteen Void Experts changed. This was a ruthless individual! Rao Yaoyao looked young and wouldn't bring such overwhelming pressure to everyone. But Teng Shanhai, if given the chance, could he really kill everyone present?

"Teng Shanhai..." Hong Dang, the Dragon Subduing Hand, tried to speak.

Teng Shanhai turned his cold gaze and sternly rebuked, "You are to address me as 'Chief,' not by my given name!"

Hong Dang's momentum faltered. Teng Shanhai's killing intent was too strong; despite both being Void Experts, he could force Hong Dang into a disadvantageous position with a single glance. Hardening his heart, Hong Dang confronted him, angrily saying, "We are all Void Experts, so why should I call you 'Chief'? This is just a temporary wartime arrangement!"

"Do you think this is a game, and you don't intend to obey?" Teng Shanhai took a step forward, activating the blood-red patterns on his Cangshen Armor. He sneered, "The War Department has many Void Experts as well. If a Void Expert commits a transgression, I'll still cut them down!"

Hong Dang felt as if he was facing a god of war, his scalp tingling under Teng Shanhai's singular gaze. Though both were Void Experts, Teng Shanhai's oppressive force was far greater; it felt as if he could crush Hong Dang with one slap. Of course, this was just an illusion created by his aura. If it came to a real fight, Hong Dang didn't believe he couldn't even withstand a single move. He puffed out his chest, opening his mouth: "You..."

Teng Shanhai interrupted him domineeringly, "Those I can't cut down, the Half-Saints will!"

Hong Dang: "..." He wilted.

"Well?" Teng Shanhai's aura receded, and he sneered, "I'll give you one last chance. What should you call me?"

Hong Dang, the Dragon Subduing Hand, was at least a well-known figure in the Central Domain. But the gap between Void Experts was, after all, too vast. For the sake of the Holy Path Foundation, he chose to temporarily submit.

"Chief..."

Teng Shanhai nodded in satisfaction, his single eye sweeping over the others present.

"Chief!""Chief!""Greetings, Chief!"

Not a single person dared to challenge his authority. Everyone spoke up in succession. Even True Immortal Huang Yang and Granny Tianling chose to temporarily yield. When under another's roof, one must bow their head.

"Very good." Teng Shanhai chuckled, finally saying, "I advise you all of one thing: Since you've chosen to temporarily join my command, put aside any petty schemes. If you disrupt the overall situation... those the War Department wants to kill will have no place to hide on the Sacred God Continent, understood?"

The crowd fell silent; no one replied.

Teng Shanhai flew into a rage: "Have you all become mute when I speak!"

Only then did everyone react, shouting in unison.

"Understood!"

After shouting, the Thirteen Void Experts and the twenty-seven Dao-Slaying experts who chose to stay were all bewildered. What in the world was going on? How was this completely different from what they had expected? They had just left their sects, choosing to pursue opportunities as free individuals. Yet, immediately after obtaining official identities, they had to undergo training and act according to the whims of this one-eyed man?

Some furtively looked at Rao Yaoyao, hoping to ask this seemingly more amiable female Sword Immortal for help, but after handing everyone over to Teng Shanhai, Rao Yaoyao no longer paid them any mind. She was looking at the bigger picture. How could she lose her composure over these old schemers? With Teng Shanhai suppressing them and the War Department's formidable reputation bearing down, it was estimated that even if this group harbored ulterior motives, they would be hard-pressed to make any waves. Teng Shanhai's ruthlessness was precisely the effect Rao Yaoyao wanted to see.

"The Void Island crack..." Looking back at the spatial rift, Rao Yaoyao continued to ponder the intentions of the powerful figures within the Inner Island of Void Island. Did they intend to manipulate people's minds and cause the Seventy-Two Dragon Essence Interception Array to break down on its own? Unlikely... Rao Yaoyao had instantly suppressed everyone, so she naturally didn't believe such crude tactics would be the true intention of those on the Inner Island of Void Island.

Then, would there be another move?

Yunlun Mountain Range.

Above the Fourth Dragon Vein, Xu Xiaoshou was still observing the activity at the Void Island crack. Holy power treasures surged out and were intercepted by the grand formation created by Hong Yi. Others couldn't see clearly, but he could perceive it perfectly with his "Perception." The Yunlun Mountain Range was originally sealed by the Cloud Realm World. Xu Xiaoshou couldn't take away the Cloud Realm World, and it was difficult for him to use it in combat. However, after spending ten days, he had indeed deciphered some of the celestial mysteries of the Cloud Realm World. After all, "Textile Mastery" was best at breaking formations. And after losing the basic spiritual restraints of the Cloud Realm World, he could naturally see the external movements clearly with his "Perception."

"Throwing treasures?" Xu Xiaoshou was puzzled. He couldn't fathom Bazun's intentions. If it was merely throwing out some treasures, even if they came with holy power attacks, that tiny bit of holy power clearly couldn't break through Rao Yaoyao's defenses. On the contrary, if they were just treasure-delivering children, wouldn't that indirectly increase the enemy's combat power?

"Bazun isn't that stupid..." Xu Xiaoshou knew that he likely hadn't seen the second or third layers, let alone more. He quickly dismissed his own judgment. He then turned his attention to the Void and Dao-Slaying experts in front of the Void Island crack, falling into thought. Because the result of that wave of treasure-spraying, apart from helping to arm everyone in Hong Yi's group, was to attract this large group of people.

But... this group ultimately became Rao Yaoyao's aid.

"Not enough to send treasures, now sending people too?" Xu Xiaoshou was confused. He was again baffled by this maneuver. "Could it be that some of their own people are hidden among these individuals?" Xu Xiaoshou speculated again. But if he could think of it, Rao Yaoyao surely could too. A simple investigation and probing would reveal their identities and backgrounds once their abilities were displayed. If someone like Cen Qiaofu was hidden among them, they would be exposed immediately.

"It definitely isn't like that..." Xu Xiaoshou again rejected the idea, utterly bewildered. Previously, he had thought the Void Island crack would spew out ghost beasts, and then the storyteller would send a communication, asking him to provide support or something. But he truly hadn't expected treasures to spray out. Surely it wasn't a mistake, throwing treasures instead of ghost beasts?

"Bazun, what kind of trick is he playing now?"