"Hello, respected Excellency Bo Siqi. The small spaceship 'Silver Moon' you requisitioned is at berth 1254..."
The Flight Vehicle connected to the docking Port, and a guiding voice came from the internal channel.
Hum— The cabin door opened. Su Chen stepped down from the Flight Vehicle, the soles of his feet landing on the anti-gravity cushion pad.
A boiling and clamorous air came Rushing Toward One, and his ears were filled with low hums and noisy sounds.
In the Starport corridor, people were coming and going, rubbing shoulders and following closely on each other's heels. There were people everywhere, all of them Sect members. Some were young, some were old, some had excited expressions on their faces, and some were crestfallen.
Su Chen stopped, looked left and right, and secretly sighed with emotion: "It's indeed been a long time since I felt such lively human energy."
Merging into the flow of people, he hadn't even taken two steps before he heard someone shout: "Brother Bo!"
It was a patrol guard stationed on the side, and even a captain.
"It's you ah." Su Chen had a look of pleasant surprise on his face, "Are you on duty today?"
The other party wasn't old and sported a Bearded Man look. He exchanged pleasantries: "Yeah, Big Brother Bo is going out on business again?"
"Right, going out for a trip."
"Then you go busy yourself quickly." The other party hurriedly stepped aside.
"You're too polite, too polite. I'll call you for a drink when I'm free." Su Chen waved his hand and walked away.
He didn't have any foundation in the Sect. Bo Siqi and Ming Lin were the same as him. Because of their experiences on the Barren Planet, they were best at communicating with the middle and lower classes.
He was most familiar with these patrol guards, inspector guards, and the like at the passes.
Walking along the way, Su Chen didn't know how many acquaintances he encountered, and used that same set of rhetoric, not exposing any flaws.
"Old Bo, you're really excited enough. Have you recovered from last night?" The person responsible for security was very sturdy, winking and making faces.
Su Chen paused slightly, similarly revealing an ambiguous smile: "What do you think?"
"Hahaha." The other party laughed loudly. While using various instruments to scan Su Chen's body, he waved his hand unconcernedly, "Go on, go on, I'll find you when you get back."
Su Chen walked straight through the security channel. His disguise with the Shadow of the Past was almost Flawless Perfection, unless a deep inspection of the physical and mental levels was conducted using special methods.
But conducting such an inspection for no reason was tantamount to forging a deadly enmity.
Using Su Chen's Access Level, he requisitioned a high-specification small spaceship for Bo Siqi, whose sailing speed within the Star Gate was extremely fast.
Under the fastest circumstances, arriving at the Mount Tai Nexus from the Bronze Sect only required ten days.
This was a benefit belonging to the Sect's higher-ups.
Following the Port signs, Su Chen arrived at the spaceship's berth. This Silver Moon was indeed not very big, taking the shape of a streamlined shuttle, composed of dark silver metal, its surface gleaming with a cold and hard metallic luster.
"The manufacturing craftsmanship specifications are very high." Su Chen swept his gaze over it. The outer shell wasn't smoothly integrated into one piece, but rather embedded with countless hexagonal alloy plates, overlapping layer by layer like scales.
The edges of every piece of metal meshed precisely, revealing a cold silver-gray. The energy conduits at the seams, as fine as spiderwebs, faintly glowed.
After verifying his identity and entering, the lights gradually lit up: "Hello, respected Excellency Bo Siqi. Welcome to using the Silver Moon spaceship. Do you agree that all energy and ammunition consumed during the period of use will be your responsibility, as well as damages..."
This was the Sect's spaceship; he was just temporarily requisitioning it. There was a large string of usage regulations, which Su Chen naturally agreed to.
Following that, the intelligent system connected to the Sect's navigation templates and selected the Mount Tai Nexus as the destination.
Hum— Under the operation of the artificial intelligence, the engine nozzles faintly spewed out deep blue light, and the spaceship gradually set sail following the tractor beam.
Su Chen stood at the porthole, looking at the endless stream of spaceships near the Star Gate, both large and small. The brilliant flames they spewed out intertwined into a magnificent net.
"I really haven't had much time to properly look at this magnificent world." He sighed with emotion. Strictly speaking, this was the first time he had left since entering the Bronze Sect.
The planet he went to last time was still under the Sect's dominion, but the Mount Tai Nexus he was heading to was completely outside the Bronze Sect's sphere of influence.
The spaceship gradually submerged into the Star Gate. The Star Gate sailing route was bizarre and motley, not having much worth looking at. Su Chen pushed the speed rate to the maximum.
Immediately, he took out various metal Materials, preparing to use this gap to upgrade his Mystic Tools, while also casually opening the Status Panel's Dispatch tab.
When a Dispatched Profession returned, there wouldn't be a prompt. Su Chen had already developed the habit of checking at any time.
The last time he checked was yesterday. At that time, all Professions were still in the Dispatched state, but today there was a change.
"Oh? Eternal Physique returned?" His brows raised slightly—
[Eternal Physique has brought back an item that might be helpful to you. Do you wish to Extract it?]
"This time it's an item?" Su Chen sensed it slightly. Extracting it this time required consuming ten portions of Divine Blood, even more than last time.
After choosing to Extract, an item gradually appeared before his eyes, crackling and flashing with Lightning Glow. It was only about the thickness of a hair, yet extremely dense, to the point that even he faintly felt somewhat palpitating and horrified.
[A wisp of Ten-Thousand-Year Lightning Arc: Can slightly reduce the Profession Requirements difficulty for Lightning Element Main Professions, Specialized Classes, and Holy Classes.]
"It indeed is somewhat helpful to me..." Su Chen was quite satisfied. "This kind of good thing doesn't exist in the Dust Star Sea. Even in the Abyssal Domain, I estimate it wouldn't be that simple to obtain."
The Crimson Flame was a large-scale reduction; this lightning arc was a small-scale reduction, one tier weaker, but definitely also very precious.
"I wonder if these things are created out of nothing, or if they have some relationship with reality..."
There were too few cases, so he couldn't deduce it either. Not planning to let Eternal Physique rest, he directly Dispatched it out again. Getting everything moving was the way to go.
Putting away the Status Panel, piece by piece, metal Materials melted and gradually submerged into the various Mystic Tools.
...
At the Mount Tai Nexus, several ultra-large Star Gates were surrounded by a large number of small Star Gates. The number of spaceships flowing in and out here was extremely terrifying.
From among them, a black, spindle-shaped small spaceship slowly sailed out. The intelligent voice in the cabin sounded: "Hello, respected Excellency He Peiting. Welcome to the Mount Tai Nexus. An express channel has already been arranged for you to proceed to the Bronze Sect. Please wait patiently."
Black Buddha stood before the porthole, looking down at the scene below, the depths of his eyes a patch of cold silence.
Sure enough, no unexpected situations occurred this time. He very smoothly obtained all the Divine Objects.
The only trouble was whether he needed to open his portable Space and undergo an all-around inspection when returning to the Sect.
Black Buddha was pondering in his heart, when he suddenly heard a voice sound in the broadcast channel: "Hello, respected Excellency He Peiting. Someone at the Bronze Sect station has requested you to go report in."
"Someone wants to see me?" He Peiting frowned slightly. Not wanting any unexpected situations, he only wanted to return to the Sect as soon as possible, and then look for an opportunity to make a move against Su Chen.
He said in a deep voice: "I don't have time."
"Alright, your request has been conveyed."
But in the next moment, the broadcast voice sounded again. Not only that, the spaceship that was originally being towed in its set course suddenly paused, actually detaching from the set course and drifting out:
"Apologies, Excellency He Peiting. Based on the station agreement signed between the Mount Tai Nexus and the Bronze Sect, the Bronze Sect has the right to dispose of its internal members. Please prepare for landing."
"Forcing me to go?" Black Buddha didn't understand why. He didn't know what had happened, even suspecting whether his own identity had been exposed.
But right now, it was impossible for him to resist or refuse. He could only watch helplessly as the spaceship was towed, constantly switching courses, and gradually landing at the berth in the Port.
Just after stepping off the spaceship, he saw a security officer of the Mount Tai Nexus waiting: "Is this Excellency He Peiting?"
Black Buddha nodded, "That's right."
The leader was extremely sturdy, wearing full-body armor. Glancing at the virtual photo in his hand, he said: "Let's go."
Their attitude was actually quite gentle. He Peiting remained silent, following behind them.
After changing to an internal Flight Vehicle, He Peiting arrived at the Bronze Sect's station and went straight to the top floor.
The one stationed here year-round was an 8th-Tier Professional named Peng Hui. At this moment, he was already here waiting for him.
"You are He Peiting?" Peng Hui was quite old, his temples already white. He sported a goatee, was hale and hearty, and carried a scrutinizing look in his eyes.
"Yes, I wonder what matter you sought me for?" Seeing him in this state, He Peiting felt increasingly uneasy in his heart.
"Haha!" Peng Hui suddenly laughed loudly. "Old Zhou has shown off to me both openly and secretly quite a few times. Seeing you today, you're indeed not bad."
"It's related to my Teacher?" Black Buddha made another fierce mark against Zhou Yunyang in his heart.
"You don't need to care about this." Peng Hui shook his head, saying mysteriously: "The higher-ups have assigned a good task to you."
"A good task?" Black Buddha revealed a blank expression, "Please explain in detail."
"It's a guiding task. In a few days, two important figures will arrive. All you need to do is guide them to the Bronze Sect. You'll just be picking up Sect contributions for free."
Black Buddha was speechless in his heart. Naturally, he didn't want to accept this task, only wanting to return as soon as possible.
But with his identity, it was completely impossible to say words of refusal. He could only reveal a joyful expression and say: "Many thanks for your care."
"Not only that, there are other benefits too." Peng Hui gave a mysterious smile. "Those are benefits that many people beg for but cannot get."
Black Buddha had almost no patience, but could only squeeze out a look of anticipation and excitement: "Please do tell."
"Hehe." Peng Hui pinched his beard but shook his head, saying, "You'll know when the time comes."
Another one courting death! Black Buddha secretly made a note of this person, but found himself becoming increasingly impatient.
Regardless, with He Peiting's identity, he could only helplessly stay here and wait for those two so-called important figures to arrive.
...
"Brother Taixuan, the other person who obtained Recognition has the True Radiance Talent and is also at the 7th-Tier. If you can Challenge him successfully, it would also be boundless merit..."
In the Cultivation Sanctum, Kong Ming looked at Taixuan Tianyi with an earnest expression.
It was unknown which Faction in the Abyssal Domain that person came from. If he came next time and learned that the Buddha Land had already intervened, he would definitely sell this place to others at a higher value to obtain maximum profit.
The only Method he could think of right now was to have Taixuan Tianyi attempt to Challenge the other party, or even beat him to death, in order to drag it out for a while longer.
"Let me go Challenge him?" Taixuan Tianyi's heart jumped. Methods had already been planted on him by the Immeasurable Buddha, so naturally it was impossible for him to resist.
Hesitating slightly, he inquired: "Is that True Radiance 7th-Tier you spoke of located on the Third Level, in the sixth Palace from the left?"
"You know?" Kong Ming seemed somewhat surprised.
It really is that Taixuan Hong. How did he become True Radiance? Taixuan Tianyi verified his guess, but grew increasingly puzzled.
"You seem to be hiding some things..." The Immeasurable Buddha had already looked over.
Taixuan Tianyi came here with them. After the Cultivation Sanctum opened, he was thrown in. It was completely impossible for him to know the locations of the Palaces below, yet he could point it out in one sentence right now.
Taixuan Tianyi's heart tightened as a mountain-like pressure descended. He was also very helpless. If it really was that Taixuan Hong, having already Challenged him once, there was absolutely no way to Challenge him again. If he didn't speak now, he would be exposed sooner or later. He could only say helplessly:
"Actually, I have already Challenged him once."
"What?" Kong Ming was stunned. "You Challenged him once and failed?"
"If you failed, how are you still alive? He actually didn't kill you?"
The Immeasurable Buddha, however, had a guess. Slowly standing up, he said, "This person defeated you but didn't kill you, and you even covered for him. Do you know this person?"
Taixuan Tianyi hesitated and said: "He calls himself Taixuan Hong."
"Taixuan Hong?" Astonishment flashed past the Immeasurable Buddha's eyes. "He's someone from your Taixuan House. Why haven't I heard Taixuan Yan mention him?"
Taixuan Yan was precisely the name of his Second Uncle. Taixuan Tianyi hesitated and said: "It's just that he calls himself Taixuan Hong, but whether he actually is or not, I'm not certain either..."
The Immeasurable Buddha twirled a string of prayer beads in his hand, considering: "Your Taixuan House, ever since the Sovereign of the Purple Zenith died, its numbers have gradually withered. As far as I know, apart from you all, there are probably three other branches outside..."
"Three other branches?" Taixuan Tianyi was surprised; he didn't even know about this.
He suddenly had a strange feeling in his heart. Could that guy really be someone from the Taixuan House?
"If this person comes from Taixuan, we truly must find a way to eradicate this threat..." The Immeasurable Buddha frowned. The Taixuan House was different from others. After all, they had worshipped this Spirit of the Vast Sun for tens of thousands of years. If this person was kept alive, there was no guarantee when he might become the Chosen.
But Taixuan Tianyi failed the Challenge and already lost his qualifications. Kong Ming was one tier higher than him, yet was unable to Challenge him.
"This matter is truly somewhat thorny. Unless we forcefully break through the Cultivation Sanctum and beat him to death, but those guys outside definitely won't just stand by and watch."
Because he was caught secretly using Means last time, the peace between the two sides that was already floating on the surface had been torn apart.
The Immeasurable Buddha suddenly asked: "When you came last time, you were subdued by those several guys outside. How could you Challenge this person?"
Taixuan Tianyi could only recount the general events once, omitting the minor detail of "Su Chen."
"The relationship between those two sides is also not good?" The Immeasurable Buddha was thoughtful. His expression suddenly shifted slightly, and he looked towards Kong Ming: "It's about time, right?"
Kong Ming nodded: "Yes, Master. But your current body..."
"A few minor injuries are no hindrance. Take it out."
Kong Ming followed the advice. His hands actually gradually sank into his own chest, slowly scooping out a resplendent Ball of Light.
Taixuan Tianyi on the side saw clearly that within that Ball of Light was a small tree about the size of a palm, bearing seven branches.
This is... His expression suddenly underwent a Startling Change, "This is the Seven-Branch Wondrous Tree?"
"Oh? You actually recognize it?" The Immeasurable Buddha extended his palm, and Phantom Images of completely different forms emerged around his body—either a burly Vajra, a blue dragon, or a giant white tiger, and the like.
All of them spat out wisps of radiance, gradually merging onto this Mystic Tree. The branches and trunk trembled, its brilliant light resplendent.
Taixuan Tianyi's breathing was rapid. He murmured: "It's rumored that this tree is the foundation of the World-Honored One of the Buddha Land, possessing all kinds of Unimaginable effects..."
Immediately after, Kong Ming also cut his palm. Drop by drop, resplendent fresh blood watered upon it, emitting a "ding-ding-dang-dang" sound, and its radiance seemed to blaze a bit more fiercely.
A long time later, Kong Ming carefully cupped this small tree again, seeming preparing to take it back into his body.
"If it were the true Seven-Branch Wondrous Tree, it would naturally be the foundation of a World-Honored One. However, this item is merely a seed." The Immeasurable Buddha completely didn't mind, and turned to consider the matter from just now again: "If I ally with others..."
But before his words faded, his pupils abruptly contracted. His expression, which hadn't changed much even when facing the siege of six people, suddenly twisted. A terrifying Aura boiled and rippled outward!
Kong Ming's eyes, which were like unrippled water, also surfaced with panic and fluster. He cried out in alarm: "Master!"
Taixuan Tianyi was forced to retreat repeatedly, crashing into the wall. His Adam's apple bobbed, yet he wasn't the slightest bit surprised by the Startling Change in the two. He just stared blankly at Kong Ming's palm.
He saw clearly that the Seven-Branch Wondrous Tree, with almost no warning whatsoever, had abruptly vanished from Kong Ming's hand.
...
At the Mount Tai Nexus, Su Chen was unhurriedly chewing a piece of juicy red meat, the tip of his tongue wrapped in the rich meat aroma and a trace of mildly spicy seasoning.
This was a restaurant located in the core area of the Mount Tai Nexus. It had silver-gray curved walls, and embedded lighting strips flowed with a soft amber halo.
"The taste is indeed not bad..." While savoring the fine food, Su Chen was pondering in his heart: "Lao Hei has already been kept behind. Lu Huai and Ni Chuan should also be arriving soon. The plan should be feasible."
He casually opened the Status Panel, swept his gaze over it, and his expression shifted slightly.
[The World-Slaying Manifestation, based on the Intelligence provided by the Flash-Shadow Body, has obtained an item that might be helpful to you.]
"Oh, they can actually link up." Su Chen was quite surprised. This time the World-Slaying Manifestation and Flash-Shadow Body returned together. He was actually somewhat curious in his heart about what kind of thing they had obtained.
He attempted to Extract it, but revealed a Surprised Expression, "Three hundred drops of Divine Blood!?"
What the hell is this thing?