Chapter 379: Exterminating the Bandits

In the Lingbie Bazaar, South Sea.On the fourth floor of Taiyi Palace.Mo Yishan sat in a Grand Tutor's chair, his expression serious. Over fifty Foundation Establishment cultivators stood before him, their expressions respectful. Wang Mingren was among them.

"You are all elite disciples of our sect," Mo Yishan began. "We are now taking you to undertake a mission. Certain villains have conspired to harm a sect elder. By the decree of Martial Uncle Li, those who offend our sect shall be killed without quarter. We have already ascertained the whereabouts of these culprits. This mission may involve life-threatening danger. Does anyone wish to withdraw?" His stern gaze quickly swept over the disciples as he asked in a deep voice.

All the disciples knelt on one knee and declared in unison, "Those who offend our sect shall be killed without quarter!"Mo Yishan nodded with satisfaction. "Very good," he said sternly. "Those who perform exceptionally will be heavily rewarded by the sect. Those who desert in the face of battle will be killed without quarter. To avoid alerting the enemy, you will split up and travel in groups to the Heavenly Shark Sea Domain. You must rendezvous on Qingyu Island within one month. Each team will consist of eleven members. Li Xin, Liu Ru, Chen Hu, Yun Xiaoyao, and Wang Mingren will serve as team leaders, each leading a squad. The route of action will be decided by the team leader. Remember, you must not reveal your identities; wear plain clothes. Your Martial Aunt Leng is already waiting for you on Qingyu Island.""Yes, Martial Uncle Mo," they replied.

The five team leaders, including Wang Mingren, led their respective team members downstairs.Wang Mingren brought his ten team members to his residence. As his cultivation was not the highest, some were bound to be unconvinced by him as their leader.

"I am Wang Mingren, your junior," he began sincerely. "Among those present, whether in terms of ability or seniority, you all surpass me. The position of team leader should rightfully be held by one of you. However, since Martial Uncle Mo has appointed me to this role, he must have given it considerable thought. I hope all of you, my martial brothers and sisters, will follow my command. If my master were to learn that I botched this assignment, he would surely not forgive me. What are your thoughts?"Wang Mingren spoke sincerely. He first acknowledged the strength of his team members, showing his respect. He then invoked Mo Yishan, a warning that his appointment as leader was personally sanctioned by Mo Yishan. Finally, he brought up his master, Xu Zihua, to make it clear that he had powerful backing and that they should not undermine him.

Hearing this, the others exchanged glances, their expressions varied."What?" Wang Mingren's tone grew severe. "Do you intend to defy Martial Uncle Mo's command? You know the consequences of disobeying an elder's orders, according to our sect's rules.""My name is Chen Yang," a sincere-looking middle-aged man said with a smile, cupping his hands towards Wang Mingren. "Captain, please speak directly."With this opening, the others quickly introduced themselves to Wang Mingren, stating their names. Wang Mingren didn't expect to win them over so quickly; he just needed them not to hinder him. He then inquired about their individual specialties, noting each one down.

"Alright, as Martial Uncle Mo instructed, you will travel to Qingyu Island in separate groups," Wang Mingren announced. "For now, you will stay here for three days, and then depart."Naturally, the others had no objections to this.Three days later, Wang Mingren and his ten teammates, totaling eleven individuals, departed in two groups using a teleportation array.

Qingyu Island was named for its resemblance to a green fish, and its vegetation was lush. The Qingyu Bazaar was one of the five large bazaars in the Heavenly Shark Sea Domain, attracting a large number of cultivators daily.In a secluded courtyard, Leng Rumei and a middle-aged Confucian scholar sat in a stone pavilion, drinking tea and chatting. Beside the pavilion stood a three-story green pagoda. Three men and one woman stood respectfully before them.

"Martial Nephew Li, what's going on? Has Martial Nephew Wang not arrived yet?" Leng Rumei glanced at the sky and frowned."No, perhaps he was delayed on the way!""Martial Sister Leng, let's wait a bit longer! We haven't exceeded the scheduled time yet anyway," the middle-aged Confucian scholar interjected to smooth things over."Alright, let's wait for him..." Before Leng Rumei could finish speaking, a young man in green robes quickly walked in."Martial Aunt Leng, Martial Uncle Yang, Martial Junior Wang and his group have arrived. They are just outside.""Bring them in."The young man in green robes acknowledged the order and left. Shortly after, Wang Mingren and his ten fellow disciples entered. They cupped their hands towards Leng Rumei and the middle-aged Confucian scholar and said respectfully, "Disciples pay respects to Martial Uncle Yang and Martial Aunt Leng."

Leng Rumei glared at Wang Mingren and asked with a stern face, "I ask you, the other teams arrived days ago. Why are you only arriving now?""This disciple is unfamiliar with the situation in the South Sea, which caused a delay of several days. I beg Martial Aunt Leng's forgiveness."Leng Rumei was about to scold him, but the middle-aged Confucian scholar stopped her. "Martial Sister Leng, Martial Nephew Wang has not exceeded the deadline. For Martial Brother Xu's sake, please forgive him this once!"Hearing this, Leng Rumei found it difficult to say anything further."Go and rest now! Get a good night's sleep; we depart tomorrow," she instructed."Yes, this disciple takes his leave," Wang Mingren replied. He bowed and led his team members away.

A fellow disciple arranged their accommodation. Chen Yang followed Wang Mingren into a guest room."Martial Junior Wang," Chen Yang said gratefully, "I may not be good with words, but if you ever need my help in the future, just say the word."Their delay of several days was entirely due to Chen Yang. After they teleported to a certain small island, they had to fly to another island as there was no direct teleportation array. Along the way, they encountered a flock of demonic birds. Chen Yang pursued a peak second-tier demonic bird, causing the entire team to lose their way, which resulted in their several-day delay. Wang Mingren had not exposed him earlier and had taken the responsibility himself, for which Chen Yang was immensely grateful.

Wang Mingren smiled faintly and said sincerely, "Martial Brother Chen, you are too kind. We are fellow disciples; we should look out for each other. This time, Martial Aunt Leng didn't blame us because of my master. When it's time to carry out the mission, we must perform well."Chen Yang was at the sixth level of Foundation Establishment and was also a sword cultivator. Perhaps he could be of help to Wang Mingren in the future, which was why Wang Mingren took responsibility for him."Naturally, I will perform exceptionally," Chen Yang affirmed.

Early the next morning, before dawn, Leng Rumei and two martial brothers led over fifty disciples out of the Qingyu Bazaar.After leaving the Qingyu Bazaar, a green-robed Taoist priest with sharp, clear eyes patted the spirit beast pouch at his waist. A ten-odd zhang long azure flood dragon, its scales shimmering ominously, flew out from within. Once everyone had boarded, the azure flood dragon let out a strange roar, spread its claws, and soared towards the sky, transforming into a streak of green light as it flew eastward.

A month later, the azure flood dragon appeared above a vast, boundless sea."All disciples, listen to my command!" the middle-aged Confucian scholar announced loudly. "Three hundred li further ahead lies Great Clam Island. The villains are all on that island. Leave no one alive! All gains will belong to the individual. There are five teams; each team leader will lead their members to eradicate the villains. Not a single one must be allowed to escape.""Yes, Martial Uncle Yang," they replied.The green-robed Taoist priest formed a hand seal, and the azure flood dragon accelerated its flight speed.