Chapter 1820: Purple Jade Crystal

"Please accept my reverence. I regret my past actions. Fortunately, I have found salvation through you, and from this day forward, my life is yours to command."

Xu Yang offered an unreadable smile and shrugged.

"Very well, if that is your decision, I won't stand in your way. Now, please accept the first command I bestow upon you."

Upon hearing this, the female assassin, visibly relieved, immediately rose and approached Xu Yang. To her surprise, Xu Yang handed her the infant with the Martial God's talent that he had been holding.

A look of utter astonishment crossed the woman's face, leaving her flustered. This woman had spent her life wielding blood-stained daggers, yet now, confronted with a vibrant child, she found herself completely at a loss for the first time.

"My lord, what is it you wish for me to do?"

Xu Yang shook his head with a resigned, wry smile.

"This child hasn't eaten in a long time, and I am unable to feed him. Even with all my power, I am still a man. I trust you understand what I mean."

Upon hearing Xu Yang's words, the remarkably astute female assassin's cheeks immediately flushed crimson.

Indeed, even through the mysterious veil covering her face, Xu Yang could perceive her rosy blush and shy demeanor. However, this moment of bashfulness did not last long.

For the female assassin, this was Xu Yang's command, and she knew she had to obey. With immense difficulty, her arms trembling, she carefully took the infant from Xu Yang's embrace.

She then began to nurse the infant, just like the other female captives.

Seemingly sensing the kind and gentle smiles cast her way by the other female captives, the female assassin gradually shed her anxiety and agitation, becoming calm.

What surprised her most was how the infant's presence softened her heart immeasurably, allowing her to experience the profound radiance of motherhood that had always been within her.

After a brief two-hour rest, Xu Yang decisively issued a new command: to lead everyone towards the empire's second-largest forbidden zone, their original destination.

"My lord, do you intend to lead these women and children into the Endless Desert?"

The female assassin's face registered profound astonishment upon hearing Xu Yang's command.

Xu Yang nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"You heard correctly; this is my plan. I understand your concerns—the desert is indeed a forbidden zone for life. Even powerful martial artists struggle to survive in such a harsh environment, let alone these women and children. However, the most dangerous place can also be the safest. Once we enter the forbidden desert, all threats of pursuit from behind will vanish. We will face new adversaries and the formidable challenges posed by that harsh environment. Beyond this desert lies the border of the Juexing Peak Empire. There, I can ensure these people's true safety. Once they reach the peak of Juexing, they will have the opportunity to return to their homes, and even if they choose to remain, Juexing Peak serves as the best refuge."

The female assassin quickly understood and felt relieved. Juexing Peak was where she and Xu Yang had first met, and she was well aware of the capabilities of the 'living fossil'-level old man residing there.

While he might no longer rival Xu Yang or beings of his caliber, his power was undoubtedly still formidable.

At the very least, he possessed more than enough power to ensure the safety of the refugees accompanying them.

"Very well, then. Since this is your decision, we shall obey."

And so, the group resumed their journey.

Xu Yang and the female assassin took the lead, forging a path at the forefront of the Endless Desert's entrance, clearing the way for the large contingent behind them and eliminating various dangers.

The hundreds of female captives were entrusted to Long Kun and Qing Ya for protection.

With Xu Yang's assistance, the female assassin also gained temporary flight capabilities, allowing her to move forward slowly alongside him through the air.

Xu Yang directly activated his divine eye, scanning the surrounding desert for hidden dangers. The moment he detected a threat, the female assassin would instantly strike, employing her formidable life-stripping techniques to eliminate any lurking dangers or ferocious beasts. Their cooperation was remarkably seamless.

The only bond between the two was the Martial God-level infant cradled in Xu Yang's arms. This combination of two powerful adults and one small child presented a curious sight.

During this initial phase, they encountered no truly challenging adversaries in the entrance region of the Endless Desert.

The female assassin also recounted parts of her legendary life. Through their conversation, Xu Yang learned that she had no personal name; within the mysterious and powerful organization known as Tianzong, every assassin was identified solely by a unique codename.

Her codename was "Dawn."

This was also the name of the two purple-glowing daggers she wielded. From Dawn, Xu Yang learned that Tianzong, the assassin organization, was in fact the most powerful killing force operating covertly behind the ancient Martial God Dao.

However, Dawn herself did not know the full extent of Tianzong's overall structure or membership.

This was because every time she received missions or relayed commands, Dawn's only contact was a massive golden mask, which, in a way, symbolized the power of Tianzong's supreme will.

What person or tactic lay hidden behind that imposing golden mask remained a mystery even to Dawn herself.

As merely one of Tianzong's assassins, she lacked the authority to delve into such deeper secrets.

Since Xu Yang had sealed her within the great monster's stomach, and she subsequently broke free through her own efforts to reappear before him, Dawn's very life essence had undergone a transformation.

Furthermore, Xu Yang had previously infused her with his unique Golden Light Tai Chi power. As a result, Dawn's current life form was fundamentally different from that of other Tianzong assassins.

She was now unable to access the power emanating from Tianzong's colossal golden mask.

According to Dawn, if Xu Yang truly wished to uncover more of Tianzong's secrets, he would need to collect as many purple jade crystals as possible.

Dawn believed these crystal formations were, in fact, vast puzzles sealing a powerful aura. All secrets were hidden within them, and only by melting the crystals could the true key to unlocking all mysteries appear.

"Watch out!"

As the two continued to advance, cautiously exploring the surrounding area, Xu Yang suddenly detected a hint of danger and swiftly pulled Dawn into his embrace.