Chapter 1236: Ambush at the Stronghold

Gong Tianxin strode forward hastily while cupping his hands respectfully. "Your humble servant Tianxin pays respects to the lord."

His eyes soon landed on the girl beside the Young Lord and smiled at her politely. "This must be Lady Yunxin. I am Gong Tianxin, Sect Leader of the Immortal Worshipping Sect in the Central Continent Empire."

Gong Tianxin also understood the root of the problem. It was one of his subordinate's subordinate's subordinate's... who had accidentally provoked this lord's kin.

"You...you're really the sect leader of the Immortal Worshipping Sect?" asked Xia Yunxin, voice cracking with disbelief.

She stared at him, dazed. This man looked nothing like the awe-inspiring, godlike figure she had known.

Within the sect, it was said that the sect leader stood at the pinnacle of cultivation, where his powers were revered across all sects in the Central Continent Empire. Other sect leaders who came across him would treat him with the utmost respect. Why would such a mighty figure pay respect to her cousin?

"I dare not claim such prestige," said Gong Tianxin hurriedly with a laugh. "While I appear to be the Sect Leader of Immortal Worshipping Sect, in reality, I am merely a humble cultivator of Immortal Worshipping Palace. I serve under the lord as an Underworld True God in disguise."

Then, he bowed even deeper and apologised, "It was a lapse in my command. I was unaware someone beneath me had offended Lady Yunxin. I have come today to atone for my mistake."

"There's no need to apologise if you didn't know of the matter," said Fang Chen kindly. "Just tell the cultivators beneath you to avoid traveling to Grand Xia unless necessary. As for the reason, come up with something plausible that won't arouse suspicion."

"Yes, yes, I will! Thank you, Young Lord!" Gong Tianxin breathed a visible sigh of relief and bowed repeatedly.

Once he had left, Fang Chen led the still-dumbfounded Xia Yunxin into the residence. Xia Ji was already waiting for a long time.

"Yunxin, this is your third brother," introduced Fang Chen casually.

The moment Xia Yunxin saw Xia Ji, an unexplainable yet familiar feeling surged within her. Only when Fang Chen spoke did she snap back to reality. This was the third prince of the once-formidable Grand Xia and also her long-lost elder brother.

Xia Yunxin strode forward. There was so much she had wanted to say to him, but in the end, only two words were uttered as she lowered her gaze. "Third Brother..."

Xia Ji smiled and said, "Many years ago, I went to the capital and caught a glimpse of you. Were you brought here by Brother Fang because of a mistake you made?"

"She's now a disciple of the Immortal Worshipping Sect," Fang Chen explained with a smile. "Since she's interested in Dao, I'll leave her to you. Let her broaden her horizons under your guidance."

"Immortal Worshipping Sect... Indeed, they are impressive with the backing of the Immortal Worshipping Palace." Xia Ji sighed. "My Hidden Guard Division has been contending with them these past few years. Had it not been for our special status, we would have suffered greatly."

Xia Yunxin froze and stared blankly at Xia Ji. "Hidden Guard Division...?"

With a curious smile, he exclaimed, "What? Even a mere novice like you has heard of the Hidden Guard Division?"

Xia Yunxin nodded dumbly and quickly added, "Third Brother, is this division under your command?"

Fang Chen interjected, "Your third brother is the Division Monarch of the Hidden Guard Division. Rightfully, the Immortal Worshipping Sect is merely a branch beneath Immortal Worshipping Palace, and the Hidden Guard Division exists to counter its influence."

He smiled faintly and continued, "That's why your aunt wanted you to see the real world. You were like a princess of the imperial family being sent to serve a low-ranking county official."

With that, Fang Chen gave Xia Ji a nod and handed her to him.

As he turned to leave, Xia Yunxin called out instinctively, but Xia Ji raised a hand to stop her.

"Don't call him now. Your cousin is incredibly busy. He's just come out of seclusion and has places to go. Focus on your own path instead. If you truly wish to learn, then stay by my side. When the day I deem you worthy comes, I'll let you be involved in the affairs of the Hidden Guard Division."

Xia Yunxin nodded earnestly and chimed. "I will do my best, Third Brother!"

Fang Chen did not leave the Floating Pagoda Realm and journeyed to a distant city near Dangyin Mountain.

This city bore no name. Within its shadows wandered countless vile Yin Demons who had stolen Yin Lifespan from the living. Their minds had long been eroded by corruption. Yet they still knew instinctively to avoid trouble. None dared to challenge Fang Chen as he passed.

He entered a teahouse and headed straight to a quiet chamber on the third floor. It wasn't long before a figure entered silently and respectfully placed a stack of jade slips before retreating without a word or a glance.

This was a hidden stronghold arranged by Xie Zhi to pass secret messages. According to Huang Qingque, there were over a hundred such strongholds hidden throughout the Floating Pagoda Realm. Over time, these were to serve as the foundation to rival the intelligence network of the Immortal Worshipping Palace.

Though Xie Zhi still relied heavily on Immortal Worshipping Palace's channels, the Hidden Guard Division had taken over a significant portion. Still, Huang Qingque was determined to create a new channel, one he alone could control.

Flipping through the jade slips, Fang Chen saw simple reports. They were mostly tasks executed by Xie Zhi, with a few minor arrests.

The final slip bore a single urgent message from Huang Qingque.

Shura Sea. Immortal Tulu. Come swiftly.

Immortal Tulu?

Fang Chen's thoughts drifted to the terrifying moment when Immortal Tulu snuffed out countless lives from Nine Immortal Mountain with a single breath.

"Immortal Tulu has no ties to the Killing Spiritual Division. Xie Zhi only investigates internal corruption and does not intervene with external matters, like the enforcers of Spirit God Sect..."

Why had Daoist Qingque summoned him to the Shura Sea to confront such a monstrous being?

As he pondered, a surge of terrifying yin energy flooded the city. Instantly, every Yi Demon froze in place, as if trapped by some invisible force.

Fang Chen crushed the jade slip in his hand. Azure battle armor surfaced over his body, and he struck out with a single punch.

Boom!

Like the end of the world, dust and debris exploded in all directions. The city trembled.

When the smoke began to clear, the once-bustling city had vanished and was reduced to desolate ruins. Not even a trace remained of what had stood there.

Standing amidst the wreckage, Fang Chen's gaze turned deathly cold.

Whoever struck had already vanished. They didn't care whether he lived or died. Their intention was to strike once only.

He muttered, "The stronghold has been exposed. I had just arrived, and someone immediately came to attack. This wasn't aimed at me, but at Xie Zhi."

It must be someone from within. How is it related to Immortal Tulu?

Fang Chen lingered for a moment longer, then turned and left.

He had hoped to borrow Huang Qingque's power to battle with Heavenly Monarch Ji. But now that power was faltering.

Huang Qingque was in danger.

That, he could not allow.