Chapter 321: Protecting Shu

"Do you know the location?"

Xia Tao showed a surprised expression, "Where did you find it?"

You said, "In the deepest part of the Dark Shadow beings' hearts."

"Really? That's so mysterious?"

Xia Tao didn't quite believe.

Gu Yan said, "No kidding, perhaps brother Shu really has that talent. I also heard that in the former world there was a powerful race called Nine-Tailed Fox that could read minds."

Xia Tao smiled, "Go see and you'll know."

The team members were also very curious.

Under your Guidance, the team set off without pause for the second operation.

You actually found the Great Hammer Sect's central Treasure Vault.

"Whoa! Shu, you really are a Deity!"

Team leader Gu Yan shouted, using an ancient interjection to express his astonishment.

Xia Tao said gravely, "Shu brother, you can truly see the memories of Dark Shadow beings? How many people have you told about this ability?"

You replied, "Only told you all."

"That's good then."

Xia Tao stared tightly into your eyes and warned, "Sister tells you, from now on, many things must not be spoken carelessly to others."

"Even within Jing Tu, there are many bad people."

"Understood?"

"But I know Sister Xia Tao won't hurt me; our Flame Squad are all good people," you replied earnestly.

Xia Tao paused, "Sometimes bad people also pretend to be good."

Gu Yan added, "Even good people can become bad; Shu, you're still young and don't understand this."

"In short, be careful with words and deeds."

"Got it, thank you Team Leader, thank you Sister Xia Tao," you nodded, half-understanding.

The flaw of the innocent Divine Heart was unmistakably revealed at this moment.

If it were Lin Chuan's conscious mind, it would be impossible to reveal his ability so easily to others.

But in Shu's view, as long as someone seems trustworthy, many important matters can be spoken.

"The heart is as pure as flawless crystal, the blood like an Immortal's tears."

Lin Chuan muttered the sentence.

Too much evil is filtered by the innocent Divine Heart; it cares more about salvation, compassion, and mercy.

……

After giving you a piece of instruction.

Flame Squad returned once more to the main subject of exploration.

Gu Yan said, "The Great Hammer Sect's resource Treasure Vault is so hidden and guarded by formations; the erosion it suffers should be much less."

"There must be priceless treasures inside."

You could feel everyone's yearning for cultivation resources.

Today's cultivation methods have been simplified, requiring fewer resources, but resources are extremely scarce; to obtain them, sufficient contribution is required.

"The Great Hammer Sect's strength is not to be feared; prepare to act."

With the precedent of the 'Library Hall' battle, Flame Squad's members were brimming with confidence, rubbing their fists, eager to try.

"After this battle, the Pure World spirit artifact's power should be almost exhausted; prepare to return."

Gu Yan's eyes shone brightly, joy evident in his expression.

The battle plan deployment was the same as before.

You were in charge of guarding the team banner, while Team Leader Gu Yan and Deputy Leader Xia Tao led the main attack, and the other members cleared the surrounding areas.

"Prepare to act!"

The Dark Extinguish Squad's actions emphasize speed, precision, and ruthlessness.

The two captains surged toward the Great Hammer Sect's Treasure Vault.

Buzz!

You again saw a gray circle expand, and as they entered the first layer's defense of the vault, they encountered the Great Hammer Sect Master.

"Mortal Dust Seventh Realm complete?!"

You heard Team Leader Gu Yan's angry shout.

The intelligence contained an error.

But Gu Yan and Xia Tao did not retreat; the arrow was on the string and had to be released, and before clearing all Dark Shadow beings in the area, you had no room to withdraw.

Given Gu Yan's and Xia Tao's strength, this mistake was still within tolerable limits.

Only your pressure increased.

Over twenty Dark Shadow beings rushed at you; the strongest had already reached the early Sixth Realm of Mortal Dust.

"Shu! Hold on!"

In battle, Xia Tao shouted loudly, her tone urgent, "Hold out for thirty breaths; sister will definitely save you!"

Her eyes turned blood‑red, she swung twin swords, beheading hundreds of Dark Shadow beings.

Your hand on the sword remained steady.

Kill! Kill! Kill!

The Dark Shadow beings' combat power was too weak, lacking thought; even though their realms were higher than yours, their numbers were vast, you still blocked their attacks and defended the team banner.

Even when you harvest their lives, you still feel sorrow.

You will keep all their suffering in your heart.

In the end, return everything to An Ying Zhu.

During the battle, you notice that among the shadow lives that came to destroy the squad flag, the strongest one's attire seems different from that of other Great Hammer Sect disciples.

When the blade harvests his life, you see a completely different memory.

Darkness! Despondency! Pessimism! Jealousy! Hatred! Killing!

In his memory, you retrieve a keyword—Blood Demon Sect Saint.

"Damn!"

The subsequent memory makes your face turn pale, "Blood Demon Sect Saint is coming to visit? The Great Hammer Sect Master has already fallen into demonic ways?"

"Is this the key to the intelligence error?"

What makes you more desperate is that in the memory you see, the Blood Demon Sect Leader has already entered the deepest part of the Great Hammer Sect Treasure Vault.

The Blood Demon Sect Leader's former realm was already Mortal Dust Eighth Realm mid‑stage.

Even after becoming a shadow life, his strength wanes; Captain Gu Yan and Captain Xia Tao can cope, but the outcome will still be bad.

Because this is the An Ying Shi Jie!

Countless thoughts flash through your mind, your heart pounding, and you shout out urgently.

"Captain! Sister Xia Tao! Do not open the Treasure Vault doors!"

"What?!"

A vague echo comes from below.

In the next instant, a gray circle expands, larger than before, almost covering most of the Great Hammer Sect area.

More shadow lives are awakened.

"It's over!"

You were ultimately a step too slow.

Gu Yan, who opened the Treasure Vault doors, also realized something was wrong, "Intelligence error! Unexpected situation! We have encountered Mortal Dust Eighth Realm shadow lives."

"I cut off the rear! Xia Tao, take them and flee!"

In the next instant, Gu Yan issued the order, utterly decisive; he had long prepared for life and death.

Even though a moment ago he was immersed in triumphant joy, at this moment he is equally resolute.

The Dark Annihilation Squad's rule is to protect the strongest and retreat, preserve resources as much as possible, but that does not apply here.

Because if Gu Yan retreats, the entire squad will be annihilated.

Swish!

In three breaths, Xia Tao bursts out, grabbing you tightly.

At the same time, Gu Yan also stepped back out.

He takes your place at the squad flag; to cover the team's retreat, the flag cannot be taken down and must be used to attract shadow lives.

Gu Yan's loud voice, tinged with sorrow, issues the final command.

"Remember! From this moment, the Flame Squad's first mission! Protect Shu!"