Chapter 1017 - The Shadows (2/2)

“Have you been well, everyone?” Tang Xiu looked at them and finally nodded. “It’s been several months, but you guys truly surprised me. Each of you now has the threshold of becoming a cultivator with—experts at the Qi Refining Stage. Tell me, do you regret your choice?”

“NO REGRET!!!”

More than 20 people replied in unison.

“Great!” Tang Xiu nodded and said, “Since you don’t regret it, then I hope you won’t regret what you are about to face next. We’ll soon be facing other powerhouses of the world’s major forces, many of whom are the experts among the experts. Some even comparable to the Golden Core Stage experts. But all of you will participate in this fight. Now I ask you, are you afraid of them?”

“NEVER!”

The group shouted again.

“Good.” Tang Xiu nodded. “Since you’re not afraid, then take your time to practice and be prepared for battle! Any of you who scores great merits in the upcoming battle can join the Tang Sect when you’ve advanced to the Foundation Establishment Stage. I think you’ve heard the name of Tang Sect in the last two days, right?”

“That’s great!”

“I’ve heard about it.”

“It’s an opportunity.”

More than 20 people looked surprised and happy with burning eyes filled with battle spirit. Becoming a disciple of the Tang Sect was a must for them to be stronger and go further. It was an issue they had figured out in these two days. As long as they became Tang Sect’s disciples, they would be able to get more cultivation resources and study more advanced cultivation art manuals to master more abilities.

All in all, it was an opportunity that would make them like carps that leaped through the dragon gate. As long as they earned great merits and advanced to the Foundation Establishment Stage, it was equal to moving towards their own success.

“Alright, everyone. I still have things to do. Go to tend to your own,” concluded Tang Xiu.

Shortly after, Tang Xiu spent a lot of materials to arrange the array that covered the whole ninth deserted island. Besides the island’s protective array, he even laid out the illusion array that would make anyone who broke the protective array to bump into an illusion and enter the illusory world.

The Ninth Dragon Island was planned to be a substitute for Nine Dragons Island. It was set to be exposed as the vault of the rumored treasures for the major forces who were searching for it, and would also serve as the main battlefield. After arranging the array, Tang Xiu didn’t hurry to leave but sent orders to dispatch a large number of peripheral members to participate in the upcoming battle.

“What date is today, Awen?” asked Tang Xiu suddenly as he stood on the coastline of the ninth island.

“It’s September 4th, Sect Master,” replied Mo Awen.

September 4th?

Tang Xiu was stunned and looked dull as a wry smile appeared on his face. It was the date the Shanghai University began schooling. Just like his first year, he also skipped classes on the first day of his sophomore year now.

Haih, I must go back as soon as possible…

Tang Xiu then recalled the Violet Fairy in his interspatial ring and the thought led to Han Qingwu. He had been thinking to use this Violet Fairy to confirm something with her, which the result was something he was very concerned about.

Whoosh…

A shadow flashed from the distant sea and stood in front of Tang Xiu and Mo Awen in a flash. It was Spectre.

“I got a situation to report, Boss.”

“What is it?” asked Tang Xiu.

“There has been a liner sailing around the nearby waters recently, but what made us surprised is that there’s no passenger on it on the outside,” said Spectre. “Then, I sneaked inside. I only found a dozen crew members inside. I also asked the crew members, but they said that there’s only one passenger on the liner who chartered the ship to sail here. But the strange thing is that we didn’t find any of her traces when looked for her.”

“You didn’t ask who she is?” Tang Xiu frowned.

“I only know that the person is a woman around her 20s.” Spectre forced a smile and said, “She is said to wear black robes and a mask, so the crew members don’t know what she looks like. Ah, that’s right. They said she’s good at music since they heard her playing several instruments while they were sailing on the sea. The music she played was very pleasant to hear, they say.”

Skilled in music?

Tang Xiu’s face slightly changed and he suddenly recalled the incident that happened in Bangkok when they fought the Death Dhyana Buddhist Master. An expert who was proficient in music appeared in the dark and yet didn’t show up. He also sent some men to find her, but couldn’t find her traces.

Could it be… the mysterious woman in that liner is the same person who helped out in Bangkok? If not, who else could the mysterious figure be? But if she’s the same person, who exactly is she? Why would she always come and go like a shadow and stalk me wherever I go?

“Where is this liner now?” asked Tang Xiu with a deep voice.

“It’s about 100 nautical miles from this island,” said Spectre. “However, the ship has been sailing around in the nearby waters without a fixed destination. I reckon that it’s time for it to sail back.”

“Take me to the last spot you found that ship!” said Tang Xiu with a deep voice. “I really want to know who this mysterious stalker is.”