Chapter 1549: Chapter 924: Mobilization (Part 4)
For a magic artifact of this quality and level, not even a Ghost-level Apostle would have it, let alone a half-step Nether Realm expert. Considering this person’s age and the silent middle-aged master beside him, the Chamber of Commerce duo concluded that this person was definitely not someone hired by the Chamber. The reason was simple; someone who could gather such top-quality artifacts would never be willing to serve as a killer for the Chamber.
This young man must come from a prominent family, and he is a direct descendant. The young man is here for training, and the middle-aged master is his bodyguard, sent by the family to protect him.
Indeed, it must be so, it’s the only explanation!
"Big brother, and the beautiful sister over there, you two are indeed remarkable!" After retrieving the Mirror Ghost and confirming it wasn’t damaged, Yang Xiao smiled and cupped his hands toward them.
Seeing this, the Chamber man didn’t dare be arrogant and immediately cupped his hands in return, speaking much more courteously, "No, young brother is the one hiding his true capabilities. If you hadn’t shown mercy, I might have lost face today."
"This big brother is also a rare master. With you two leading, I think defeating that team of Japanese Apostles wouldn’t be difficult." The man’s words were half sincere and half flattery, considering that they had witnessed the skills of Yang Xiao and Nalan Shuo.
"Hahaha, brother, you’re too polite. It seems we’re already acquainted, so there’s no need to fuss over titles. Let’s keep it simple and just use code names, it will be more convenient," Yang Xiao suggested.
"Okay." The Chamber duo naturally agreed.
After sparring, everyone had a clearer understanding of each other’s strengths, which would greatly aid any future joint battles.
"Number 4, your ability is very suitable for dealing with the Poison Man. He is yours to handle; your task is to keep him occupied. Don’t focus on killing him; just prevent him from using poison to interfere with others’ battles." Elder Ku Wen lifted his heavy eyelids and began assigning tasks.
"Understood." The Chamber woman nodded.
"Number 3, the Half Ghost is your target. According to the data, this individual was heavily injured in previous battles. Once the fight starts, you need to quickly take care of him, then immediately protect Number 5, staying by her side without leaving." Elder Ku Wen stressed.
"Understood." The Chamber man replied.
"Number 2..." Elder Ku Wen lifted his head, gazing at Yang Xiao with an insightful expression. "In the previous fight, how did you pinpoint Number 3’s location?"
This question truly stumped Yang Xiao because he had sensed the opponent’s general location using the Human Bone Staff, yet he intended to keep details about this spiritual artifact private, wanting to maintain a trump card.
"I have a Space-type Magical Artifact that can infiltrate Number 3’s Water World." Yang Xiao replied calmly.
He wasn’t exactly lying because his Soul-Capturing Mirror could indeed utilize the water surfaces created by Number 3 for instant teleportation, though claiming it could locate Number 3’s true form was an exaggeration.
"So that’s how it is." Moments later, Elder Ku Wen slowly nodded.
In the final exchange of glances with Elder Ku Wen, Yang Xiao acutely sensed something unusual; he realized his little trick didn’t fully deceive the other party, at least not completely.
The reason they didn’t expose him was understanding his caution. Magical Artifact abilities are an Apostle’s greatest secret, and since he was invited as a guest by the Yi Sect, if he didn’t wish to disclose information, they wouldn’t force him.
"Number 2, the Shadow Spider is assigned to you. With your possession of Space-type and illusion-breaking Magical Artifacts, you’re the perfect candidate." Elder Ku Wen affirmed, "Additionally, please deploy the Puppet to constrain the Stone Beast. With that armor, the Stone Beast shouldn’t be able to handle it for a while."
"Understood." This perfectly aligned with Yang Xiao’s intentions; he was determined to eliminate this person for the Rongcheng Patrol Division’s honor and avenging a dear friend.
Then Elder Ku Wen slowly turned to Nalan Shuo, "Number 1, your ability is exceptionally rare. I’ve only seen it once in my life on a Netherworld Envoy. The Curse Blade is entrusted to you, as it’s believed your confrontation with him will be highly effective."
"Alright." Nalan Shuo replied deeply.
"There’s one more matter I need to announce; since we are a team, there must be a commander. I now appoint Number 1 as the team leader. Once inside the Secret Realm, everyone must follow Number 1’s orders, including Number 5." Elder Ku Wen seriously declared as he scanned the group.
"I agree." Regarding the assignment of team command to Nalan Shuo, Yang Xiao naturally had full support.
"No problem." Number 3 nodded.
"I have no issues either." Number 4 also expressed agreement.
After some twists and turns, everything was finally settled, leaving only the waiting.
A few days later, Yang Xiao and the others encountered Jiang Qingluan in the training ground. She had recovered well, with a rosy and vibrant complexion. Yang Xiao discreetly checked her physical condition using the Human Bone Staff, discovering her spiritual power remained unstable, which would significantly impact her combat prowess.
However, it wasn’t a concern, as they never relied on her achieving much, and both he and Nalan Shuo had already assured the Yi Sect of her safety protection.
Time flew by swiftly, and ten days passed before they knew it. During this period, Yang Xiao enjoyed good meals and restful sleeps, courtesy of the Yi Sect, whose meals suited his taste perfectly. Once they realized his fondness for chicken legs, they ensured chicken legs were included in his nightly snacks.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that Yang Xiao gained several pounds during these ten days.
Of course, this wasn’t solely due to the diet. Mainly, he was free from disturbances, enjoying a rare period of calm.
Finally, one afternoon, while Yang Xiao was practicing yoga with Jiang Qingluan, a messenger from the Yi Sect arrived, announcing that the elders had detected strong energy fluctuations at the Secret Realm’s breach, indicating the entrance was about to open.
"Where is the entrance? Do we need to head over now?" Yang Xiao inquired eagerly.
"Not yet required. The elders predict the entrance will open precisely at midnight tonight, and someone will directly transport you there." The elder from the Yi Sect explained kindly.
Yang Xiao immediately understood; the transporter was likely Elder Ku Wen, who would set up the Teleportation Gate in advance, transporting them near the entrance directly, ensuring greater secrecy.
For Jiang Qingluan’s safety during this mission, the Yi Sect had made meticulous arrangements, not only organizing an elite squad for escort but also having several high-level elders, including Shao Changyin Ji, managing the matter.
By now, Yang Xiao had discerned some underlying details; Jiang Qingluan held a high status within the Yi Sect, as Director Nalan had noted, she was far more than just a young priest.
The depths within the Yi Sect ran profound.
Anxiously waiting, the night fell quickly, soon reaching midnight.
By now, everyone had packed backpacks, each containing mainly warm clothing, sleeping bags, food, and drinking water.
These items could have been stored in Yang Xiao’s Mirror World secret room, but since Yang Xiao had never entered the Secret Realm, he wasn’t certain about any unusual restrictions inside, worrying about unforeseen incidents.
If once inside, the Mirror World couldn’t be opened, it would create significant troubles—one could tolerate a non-functional artifact, but without water, food, or warm clothing, it would be catastrophic.
The news of two Patrol Division Directors freezing to death inside the Secret Realm would become a laughingstock throughout the world of martial arts.
Around 11 PM, Yang Xiao and the team were led to a room where he indeed found Elder Ku Wen, who wore a solemn expression.
Beside Elder Ku Wen stood a woman with oddly eccentric attire, holding a tray with a square box resting on it.
