Chapter 305: Net's Lan Dushou!

At the foot of Zixia Mountain, the morning breeze was slightly cool, brushing the mountain grasses and trees, producing a rustling sound.

At the secret tunnel entrance, a few strands of sunlight fell in dappled patches, illuminating those several figures.

Suddenly, a burst of hoofbeats shattered the tranquility; in the distance dust rose as several black-clad knights galloped swiftly.

On their black clothing was embroidered the symbol of the Net, an intricate net-like pattern symbolizing the now most mysterious and powerful organization in Cangzhou.

The leader was none other than Lan Dushou, one of the Net chieftains that Su Ye had previously summoned.

He wore a black robe, his countenance gloomy, his eyes deep, as if able to see into people's hearts.

His appearance added a touch of killing intent to the originally tranquil Zixia Mountain.

Lan Dushou lifted his gaze to the hidden, dilapidated tunnel on the mountainside, the corner of his mouth curling into a cold smile.

He waved his hand to signal everyone to stop, then alone stepped forward slowly to the tunnel entrance.

At that moment, the orphans of the Zixia Dao Sect were gathered inside the tunnel, their faces solemn, expressions grief-stricken.

A sudden footstep broke this heavy atmosphere, and everyone turned warily toward the tunnel exterior.

Lan Dushou pushed the door open, his gaze sweeping over everyone, finally settling on the sect leader's second son—that young senior brother.

"I am Lan Dushou of the Net; I have the honor to meet you, young heroes."

He gave a slight smile, clasped his hands in salute, and said.

An Zixiang frowned at this unexpected guest, a vague sense of wariness rising in his heart.

"So it is the Net's leader honoring us with his presence; may I ask what brings you here?"

He rose, returned the salute with clasped hands, and said.

"I have come hoping you will join the Net and jointly undertake a great enterprise."

Lan Dushou said this lightly.

His voice echoed in the valley, as if possessing an irresistible force.

As soon as these words were spoken, the tunnel instantly erupted in an uproar.

The Zixia orphans looked at each other, a vague tension welling up in their hearts.

Although they had heard of the Net, they never imagined they would one day have any dealings with it.

"I know you may have misunderstandings about the Net."

"But please believe, we do not indiscriminately slaughter the innocent."

"In this chaotic world, only great power can protect oneself and those around one."

"Join the Net, and you will gain unprecedented power and opportunity."

Lan Dushou seemed to perceive their hesitation and unease; he smiled slightly and continued.

"Although our Zixia Dao Sect has suffered this calamity, we will absolutely not collude with you!"

Before his words had finished, a young Zixia disciple angrily retorted.

In the eyes of these jianghu powers, even the Great Qian's Suspended Mirror Office, with its centuries of illustrious reputation, is regarded as an imperial lackey and despised all the more.

Let alone speak of the Net, this assassin organization.

Moreover, his master is also the son of the Cloud King, who, like the Night King, is one of the Three Great Lords of Different Surnames.

That makes it even more impossible!

Although Su Ye has no relation whatsoever to the Night King.

But the grief-filled disciples of the Zixia Dao Sect nowadays won't care about these.

Moreover, they now possess most of the Zixia Dao Sect's inheritance.

If they wish, they can go to the Daoist Headquarters.

Out of consideration for their shared Daoist affiliation, they handed over part of their inheritance to some venerable Daoist old monsters for 'safekeeping'.

Relying on the status of the Hundred Schools of Thought Daoists in the jianghu and even on the Tianwu Continent.

Preserving their lives is still possible.

After all, they came begging to the Daoist Headquarters, and the Zixia Dao Sect even wiped you out.

Then they went to the Daoist Gate Headquarters intending to exterminate your entire clan.

That would be rather impolite.

Isn't that basically slapping the Daoists in the face right then and there?

Oh, the orphans of the same Daoist lineage all came knocking to pay protection fees.

And yet they were completely wiped out at your Daoist Headquarters.

How could anyone tolerate this?

By then, Yuzhou might become a gathering of various Daoist old monsters blocking the door.

After all, those Daoist old monsters are famed for their longevity and profound cultivation.

Sometimes, even their own people think a certain elder has silently kicked the bucket in some corner.

However, when people are about to forget him.

He ends up coming back, and his cultivation is absurdly high!

Thus, all powers on the Tianwu Continent dread the Daoists immensely.

This is completely unfathomable!

One cannot see through the Daoists' true strength, nor know in which inconspicuous corner another Daoist old monster will suddenly appear.

This feeling of being uncontrollable makes the major powers both revere and dread the Daoists, while also feeling helpless.

Of course, perhaps the Daoists themselves cannot see through their own foundations.

Because they also don't know which corner of the Tianwu Continent will spawn another Daoist old monster!

This is precisely the Daoists' unique charm.

They are well-versed in the Way of Heaven and Earth, pursuing harmony with nature.

Their cultivation and lifespan surpass ordinary people's imagination.

Therefore, the present-day Purple Cloud orphans do not worry about having nowhere to go.

"Courage is commendable, but overly naive."

"You now have no support; how can you establish yourselves in this chaotic world?"

"Do you really want to watch yourselves become lambs for the slaughter?"

Lan Dushou was not angry; he glanced lightly at that disciple and said.

The Daoist sect will indeed protect them, but it only guarantees their safety.

As for rebuilding the Purple Cloud Sect and seeking revenge against the Night King, etc.

Then we can only be willing but unable to help.

Lan Dushou's words were like a sharp dagger, piercing straight into the hearts of the Purple Cloud orphans.

They knew Lan Dushou was correct; having lost their teachers and fellow disciples, they could no longer survive alone in this chaotic world.

"Now the Purple Cloud Sect exists in name only; you all possess supreme skills—do you really intend to waste your time in the deep mountains of the Daoist sect?"

"Joining the Net, not only can you serve as the king's vanguard, but you can also fully utilize your talents and martial prowess."

Seeing the timing ripe, Lan Dushou continued speaking.

An Zixiang took a deep breath, striving to calm his inner anger.

He knew that although Lan Dushou's words were harsh, they were not without reason.

The Purple Cloud Sect no longer exists; these orphans indeed need to find a new refuge.

However, is joining such an organization as the Net truly what they wish?

"Of course, we of the Net are not those whom strong people find difficult."

"If you are unwilling to join, we will certainly not force you."

"However, in this chaotic world, wanting to keep to oneself is probably not easy."

"Why don't you all consider it carefully?"

Lan Dushou seemed to notice his senior brother's hesitation, and he continued speaking.

Having said that, Lan Dushou turned and left, leaving the room filled with silence.

His words were like a seed, taking root and sprouting in the hearts of the Purple Cloud orphans.

They knew this was a difficult choice, and also a choice concerning their future.

Lan Dushou, having exited the underground passage, heard the whispers inside and merely smiled faintly.

Everything was under his control.

These Purple Cloud orphans will eventually understand.

In this chaotic world, wanting to survive and even take revenge on the Night King.

Then one must rely on great power.

And the Net is exactly the reliance they need.

(End of chapter)