685 Mercury Attacks! (1/2)

Dugu Lin was an extremely intelligent man. He knew that the Never-Ending Clan currently held the upper hand in the war. Daoist You Ran had exploited the greed inherent in the Dao Palace disciples' nature, and they were now following him almost willingly into war.

The best option for him was to join them and fight for resources in this war that would allow him to build his cultivation.

However, he simply couldn't get himself to cross that final hurdle. It wasn't for the sake of the Federation or the sect, it was for his master. He couldn't do it because of his master. Opinions of his master generally skewed towards the negative. His temperament was inconsistent, and he was vicious. But still… Dugu Lin couldn't forget the care his master had given him, the time and energy he had poured into grooming him, and everything he had done for him.

There was only one way to save his master. Daoist You Ran had to be killed!

That was why Dugu Lin had been severely shaken when he sensed Feng Qiuran appearing in the teleportation array formation. He had hesitated then. He had no idea if Feng Qiuran had become like his master, a puppet. He dared not risk it.

Then, an enormous, fat figure had appeared next to Feng Qiuran. Alongside it had been those familiar red tentacle-like meridians. He had recognized Wang Baole then. That was when Dugu Lin had clenched his jaw and made a decision.

As a precautionary measure, he had first misled the others into approaching the array formation. Then, he had pulled out the jade slip that would sound the alarm. He had spoken calmly, his eyes shining brightly as he watched the two figures—one large and one small—step out slowly from the mist.

Feng Qiuran had a fierce look in her eyes, while Wang Baole's thoughts appeared indiscernible. However, he was flooded with a myriad of emotions. Both of them surveyed the area as soon as they stepped out of the teleportation array formation. After being sure that Dugu Lin was the only person still alive and standing, and that the rest had all been killed, they turned towards Dugu Lin again.

Their eyes stared at the jade slip in his hand!

\”Fellow Daoist Dugu Lin, it's been a while.\” Wang Baole had his Thearch Armor on. Red meridians swayed in the wind around the armor. As he spoke, his helmet shifted away and revealed his face.

Dugu Lin narrowed his eyes as he studied Wang Baole, then Feng Qiuran. Finally, assured that Feng Qiuran's eyes weren't dazed and lost but instead bright and clear, he released a sigh of relief. He immediately spoke.

\”The Federation has retreated to Venus. The Never-Ending Clan battleship lacks resources for repair, so it is unable to be deployed for the time being. Daoist You Ran is inside the battleship, guarding it. Based on my observations, he won't be able to split his attention between the battleship and other matters as long as the battleship remains damaged!

\”My master, Mie Liezi, is being controlled. However, I've observed him for some time. He has shown signs of losing focus sometimes. It seems that his spirit is not completely destroyed!\”

\”Your humble disciple is willing to remain here. I will spy on the enemy and provide both Elders with military information. I only request that you… save my master when the time comes! Please leave immediately. The Never-Ending Clan will sweep the area with their spiritual senses every thirty minutes. There's not much time left…\” Dugu Lin said urgently. Then, he cupped his fists and bowed towards Wang Baole and Feng Qiuran!

Before Wang Baole or Feng Qiuran could speak, Dugu Lin raised his left hand and hit himself hard on the chest. There was a heavy thud. He shuddered, then spat out a mouthful of blood.

It was a brutal blow. He almost destroyed his own meridians. The injury was so severe that he staggered back and passed out instantly. The jade slip held tightly in his hand was now proof—he had been seriously injured and lost consciousness before he could sound the alarm.

\”Elder Qiuran, let's go!\” Wang Baole spared the unconscious Dugu Lin a long, unfathomable look before he turned and raced towards the heavens. Beside him, Feng Qiuran hesitated, then said softly.

\”There must be many other disciples like Dugu Lin still left in the Dao Palace. We could expose the truth and activate all Dao Palace cultivators. This might be more effective than escaping to the Federation.\”

\”If there are really cultivators who seek the truth in the Dao Palace, do you think they're really so stupid that they haven't found the answer for themselves yet?\” Wang Baole said softly, an icy glint flickering in his eyes.

Feng Qiuran opened her mouth, ready to retort. Wang Baole shook his head.

\”Elder Qiuran, I read this autobiography once. There was a line inside that went something like this: 'once the gates of greed are opened, they can never be shut again!'\” Wang Baole flew out and raced towards the skies as he spoke, his speed picking up.