Celestial Star Sect’s Two Elders
Tian Zhengxin, who rotated shifts to guard Celestial Star Sect’s barrier hub with another elder, sat in the pavilion as he was on shift for the month, gazing at the vibrant scenery and occasionally checked on those passing through the airspace. Even though members seldom visited the fourth mountain, he remained on high alert at all times because, when someone did visit, it would be an elder or important individual who would visit.
“Well, I don’t mind a little bit of chaos.”
Tian Zhengxin, a Spirit Severing Realm cultivator, smiled disdainfully as he watched someone approaching. As a guardian of the formation hub, he had the privilege of learning the sect’s secrets and was informed of the war’s purpose.
“Wait, why is Ancestor Tian Houyang on the fourth mountain? Isn’t he stationed at Martial Hill City?” Tian Zhengxin hurried out of the pavilion. “Greetings, Ancestor.”
“You may rise,” responded Zhuge Xiaosheng, mimicking Tian Houyang’s voice. Zhuge Xiaosheng learnt how Tian Houyang’s voice sounded while on the frontlines and recorded all the necessary details to pose as Tian Houyang.
“Thank you, Ancestor.” Tian Zhengxin wanted to but did not dare to ask why “Tian Houyang” was back due to their difference in seniority.
“Where is Brother Tian Xingzhou?”
“He is currently training in seclusion and ordered us not to disturb him.”
“All right. I need to see him. Go do what you have to.”
“But he is training in seclusion. Given his personality…”
Everyone took Tian Xingzhou’s directives serious because he even shooed off the women he called for.
“I know, but can we afford to delay it if it pertains to Third Heaven Palace?”
“Please pardon me, Ancestor.”
“Don’t let anyone through.”
“Understood!”
Even Zhuge Xiaosheng was astonished to see the level of luxury Tian Xingzhou indulged with when arriving at the stately edifice. Tian Xingzhou got up from his chair upon seeing Zhuge Xiaosheng arrive and knelt down. “I am at your service, Master.”
What did you do to him, Patriarch? wondered Zhuge Xiaosheng, admiring Mu Yu’s ability to control even Tian Xingzhou. “When I last met you, I was the one who had to bow his head, yet our roles are reversed now. This is your comeuppance for trying to destroy Formation Sect. Follow me.”
“Ancestor ended his training?” Tian Zhengxin got up and tidied his clothing upon seeing Tian Xingzhou accompany Tian Houyang out. “Greetings, Ancestors.”
“Rise. Junior Brother Houyang and I will be heading to the palace. Do not let anyone in, understood?” instructed Tian Xingzhou, referring to the formation hub on the top of the mountain.
“Yes, Ancestor,” Tian Zhengxin replied from his knees.
Even though Tian Xingzhou did two laps of the palace perimeter before head in out of habit, Tian Zhengxin could not shake off the feeling that something was amiss. He headed back into the pavilion, contemplating, Why can’t I see any spiritual energy around Ancestor Tian Xingzhou? Has he already progressed to another realm?
I certainly didn’t expect to be here again, Zhuge Xiaosheng remarked in his mind upon returning to the familiar palace he visited in the past. They don’t deserve to have this formation here. Celestial Star Sect, I shall make you pay for what you did to my sect that year.
Zhuge Xiaosheng located the spots on the formation that Mu Yu had fumbled with, then turned the formations in his hands into white energy to install into Celestial Star Sect’s core formation.