Chapter 573: A New Mission

Suddenly.

Before Chen Mu could fully comprehend this newly acquired power, his heart stirred.

His Tiangong Realm spiritual sense detected five obscure yet powerful energies approaching from afar, heading toward the Wu Quxing Palace.

Clearly, when the "Duan Tianhe Sword Domain" had first opened and merged with "Jian Ming Tian Yan," the three-colored sword pillar piercing heaven and earth, along with the colossal sword intent that shook the stars, had inevitably leaked out, alarming other Star Gods within the "Star Palace."

"They came quickly."

Chen Mu's expression remained calm, unsurprised.

The Star Palace is vast, yet also small; though most Star Lords cultivate in seclusion, such a blatant surge of energy and disturbance of cosmic rules would be impossible to miss—if no one noticed, then the "Star God" organization would be undeserving of its name.

His thoughts flashed, and he pressed his hands lightly before him.

The "Duan Tianhe Sword Armor"—helmet, breastplate, arm guards, leg guards, battle boots—along with the glowing "Tian Zong Yun Jian" in his hand and the flickering crimson-gold flames—all transformed into streams of colored light, swiftly retracting into the space within his palms.

Simultaneously, he activated his Concealment Technique.

In an instant, he shifted from a drawn peerless divine weapon into a raw jade buried deep underground—calm, steady, unruffled.

After completing this, Chen Mu calmly donned his Star Robe and masked his face.

Then he walked to the entrance of the Wu Quxing Palace and opened the great door.

Five figures hovered in midair outside.

All five wore similar-style Star Robes, with subtle differences in star patterns and hues; each also wore identical pure-white masks, differing only slightly in design.

Through their Star Tokens and their unique energies, Chen Mu recognized them—all familiar faces.

Po Jun Star, Tai Yang Star, Tai Yin Star, Di Kong Star, Tian Xi Star.

"Congratulations, Wu Qu Star Lord, on your great breakthrough in sword cultivation and your renewed aura! That sword intent just now shook the Star Palace and left us all in awe."

Tai Yang Star Lord spoke first, bowing with sincere congratulations.

Clearly, he attributed the earlier disturbance to Chen Mu's major breakthrough in sword intent.

"Indeed. Observing that sword intent—it blazed like heavenly wrath, chilled like frost. Wu Qu Star Lord's gains are no small matter."

Tai Yin Star Lord's tone carried a hint of inquiry, but mostly admiration.

"Hah! Wu Qu, your commotion was no small thing—it nearly scattered the demonic energy I've been cultivating!" Di Kong Star Lord's voice held teasing amusement, yet also a hearty tone.

"Wu Qu Star Lord's rapid advancement is truly a blessing for our Star Palace," Tian Xi Star Lord added with a smile.

Po Jun Star Lord simply gave Chen Mu a slight nod, saying nothing more.

Chen Mu stood atop the palace steps, returning their bows, his voice calm and flat through the mask.

"Thank you, all Star Lords, for your concern. I made a minor breakthrough and failed to contain it in time—apologies for disturbing your cultivation."

He offered no specifics on his gains; the Star Palace's rules forbade prying into each other's secrets, and none pressed further.

After brief pleasantries and congratulations, Tai Yang Star Lord shifted tone, growing more serious.

"Wu Qu Star Lord, to be frank, we came not only to congratulate you, but also to deliver urgent news and seek your opinion."

"Oh? I'm all ears." Chen Mu gestured with his hand.

"Star Lord Zi Wei has issued an emergency summons in the Starlit Hall."

Tai Yang Star Lord said gravely, "The 'Beast God' organization has recently shown unusual activity—their target appears to be the Dragon Court of Zhongzhou!"

"The Dragon Court of Zhongzhou?"

Chen Mu's heart stirred.

The capital of the Zhou Dynasty, the heart of the world, symbol of imperial authority—it housed the empire's most elite forces and the greatest concentration of powerful cultivators; its importance was self-evident.

"Correct."

Tai Yin Star Lord interjected, her voice cold, "The exact plan and timing remain unclear, but all intelligence suggests the 'Beast God' organization's move is substantial—they aim for something deep within the Dragon Court, or intend to plunge the capital into chaos."

"The timing is likely early next month. Star Lord Zi Wei has judged this matter critical to the fate of the realm. Our 'Star Gods' and the 'Beast Gods' are irreconcilable enemies—we cannot allow them to succeed."

"Thus, we have decided to gather forces and deploy ahead of time to Zhongzhou's Dragon Court, to secretly investigate, monitor, and strike when opportunity arises."

"Star Lord Zi Wei requires at least ten Star Gods to participate, preferably Tiangong Realm cultivators."

Di Kong Star Lord added, "We've discussed it among ourselves and all decided to go. First, to stop the Beast Gods; second, Zhongzhou's Dragon Court is a nexus of wind and cloud—perhaps each of us will find our own opportunity. Wu Qu Star Lord, are you interested in joining us?"

Tian Xi Star Lord also smiled, "Wu Qu Star Lord, your sword art has just matured—you need battlefield trials. The Dragon Court teems with experts; perhaps this journey will help you advance further."

Po Jun Star Lord spoke only two words: "Go with us?"

All five pairs of eyes, peering through masks, fixed on Chen Mu, awaiting his reply.

Chen Mu fell silent, thinking.

He had never been to Zhongzhou's Dragon Court.

Previously, his strength was insufficient, and as a Zhenwu Si Patrol Commander, his duties kept him in the provinces—he had no chance to enter the empire's heart.

Now, he possessed two Wu Domains, his sword intent had reached the Seventh Heaven, and he held numerous hidden cards—his strength was more than enough to navigate a place like the Dragon Court.

If the Beast God organization stirs trouble in the Dragon Court, it will be a monumental event. Participating could not only strike a blow against his ancient enemy, but might also yield unexpected opportunities.

Moreover, traveling with these five skilled, experienced Star Gods would ensure greater safety.

A mission personally issued by Star Lord Zi Wei would carry a substantial reward.

With these thoughts settled, Chen Mu no longer hesitated. He bowed again to the five.

"The Beast Gods run rampant—Wu Qu cannot stand idly by. I join this journey to the Dragon Court!"

"Excellent! Boldly said!"

Tai Yang Star Lord replied cheerfully, "With Wu Qu Star Lord joining, our chances improve greatly. We depart in three days, at midnight, at the Starlit Hall—there, we'll receive detailed assignments and arrangements. We may exchange information beforehand to prepare."

"Agreed," Chen Mu nodded.

The five exchanged a few more brief remarks on recent rumors about Zhongzhou's Dragon Court and possible supplies needed, then departed without delay, each dissolving into streaks of light back to their own Star Palaces.

Chen Mu turned and returned inside the Wu Quxing Palace.

He did not begin cultivation immediately, but instead pondered.

"The Beast God's target is directly the Dragon Court... what could it be? Assassinating the Zhou Huang Emperor? Sabotaging the Heaven-Worship Ceremony? Or stealing some treasure crucial to the nation's fate?"

Chen Mu pondered.

Given the Beast God organization's consistent modus operandi, any possibility is plausible.

Only someone with immense ambition could create chaos in the Dragon Court, a place so heavily guarded and teeming with experts; the force they mobilize must be astonishing.

The fact that the Purple Micro Star Lord demanded at least ten Star Gods, all of the Heavenly Palace Realm, to participate speaks volumes!