Cold sweat matted the surface of Alvin’s skin, and his heart began to pound erratically. No. It couldn't be. He recruited Ryker with promises of a better life and future. If he falls into danger because of him, he would never forgive himself. He took deep breaths, trying to calm himself down. He gave himself pep talks, reminding himself he personally trained Ryker. Ryker was also incredibly intelligent, efficient and tough. It was impossible for him to fall into that kind or cheap trap after surviving in the underworld business for so long. Unless someone familiar was involved…like Tiffany or Qin Li. However, he believed that those two would never do anything to harm him. Qin Li and his qilin palace back home were rigidly devoted to Murong Wuque. Qin Li was famous for his rigid uprightness and high moral compass. He was a true swordsman with a powerful sword spirit, he wouldn't do something despicable without harming his sword soul and cultivation. As for Tiffany, she was very

Su Mei seeing that no elder stepped forward climbed the podium. “First of all, I wish to thank the disciples for staying true to their hearts and honoring the warrior’s code. I know we all are worried about our first brother. Like you all, we also wish and pray he makes it home soonest. There's no need for panic. We only have to believe in him. No matter how tough it is, wherever that place is, we believe he would return safely. He always have.” Many people nodded, agreeing. In the past, no matter the level of difficulty, or how many people had died in an abyssal zone, Murong Wuque always returned alive. Injured most times, but alive nevertheless. Why should this time be any different? Although he's poisoned with the soul eating poison, with his divine emperor cultivation, he should be able to survive. “Regarding the issue of someone using his technique to deceive others, we should treat it as a matter of the highest urgency. All use of techniques taught by our First brother ar

Celestial realm, Medicine sage valley. Jade palace main entrance. The disciples guarding the gates had their brows drawn together, swords crossed, barring the entrance. “Please stay back. Jade palace is off limits. No one is allowed in.” The two messengers scowled at the disciples blocking the entrance, eyes roving all over the interior parts their eyes could reach. As if searching for something, anything. “No one is allowed in? How come I see lots of people who are not members of the jade palace in the courtyard?” One snapped. The head disciple leading the guards sighed, feeling his temple throb fiercely. “No stranger is allowed inside Jade palace. Everyone in there has permits and access tokens granted by our master himself. All working for him.” His eyes zeroed in on the one persistently pushing. “As for you, on what grounds are you demanding to enter? Is our jade palace a place just anyone could enter and leave as they pleased?” “Just anyone?” The elder’s disciple's f

Su Ying shot up from her position on seeing the injured Yang Yang. “Fourth brother, what happened?” “We were ambushed by assasins targeting the energy crystals, artifacts and pills we were carrying.” An Si Feng answered, causing gasps, sighs and sharp inhales to follow in their little group. Su Ying's attention diverted to Zhang Xiao Wei who just landed, his face heavy. Ouyang Tingling shook her head. As expected, nothing good ever came out of the elders council. “What did the elders council want this time?” Su Mei asked, watching Zhang Xiao Wei sit cross legged on the floor. Yang Yang hair bristled on hearing elders council, his disappointment morphing into hatred. “They wanted me to hand over First brother's serpent punishing rod.” Zhang Chen punched the floor, his teeth giving off a harsh grating sound. “Those bastards!” Ouyang Tingling spat. “Because they discovered First brother can use the serpent punishing rod to communicate with us, they want to seize it. Despica

Alvin stayed for a few more minutes to get a hold on his mind. Another few minutes were spent examining the secret compartment again for possible discrepancies. Finding none, he made his way outside to the bathroom. This time, the communication devices were locked in a computerized cabinet inside the hidden compartment. Then he made his way to the bathroom to clean up. Another thirty minutes was spent soaking in a tub of warm herbal water. The soothing herbs did nothing to calm the confusion and guilt in his heart. Confused because he couldn't determine if Murong Wuque was truly the enemy working against him. Guilty because doubting someone who had been nothing but good to you was despicable and traitorous. He groaned and slipped under the water, hoping the lack of air would finally shock his body into getting his shit together. Inside the room, Aurelio finally dozed off. Murong Wuque exhaled and set him down in his baby cot placed beside the adults’ bed. Layers of protective