Chapter 228: The Human Emperor's Sorrow

Upon hearing this, the Azure Cloud Sect members all looked in unison toward the direction Chu Xiong had fled.

In their gazes, there was both reluctance to let Chu Xiong escape and a deep yearning for Jiang Taimu's aid.

Jiang Taimu, as the Patriarch of Gods' Dominion Sect, held an exalted status.

Usually high and lofty, like a distant star beyond reach.

How could he possibly obey the Grand Elder of Azure Cloud Sect's summons so lightly?

For a moment, the Azure Cloud Sect members stared at one another, each face filled with hesitation.

Some disciples frowned slightly, their eyes darting between the direction Chu Xiong disappeared and Jiang Taimu.

Others whispered to each other, discussing softly, trying to find a feasible solution.

Just as the surrounding air grew tense enough to almost solidify,

Jiang Taimu's expression remained calm, his robe sleeves fluttering lightly in the wind.

He spoke slowly: "The Grand Elder is absolutely right; we must not let that good-for-nothing escape."

"Please wait a moment, Grand Elder; I'll be right back."

Jiang Taimu's words were full of respect, as if the Grand Elder were his direct superior.

This gave everyone an unreal feeling.

But just as his words fell, Jiang Taimu's form instantly turned into a brilliant stream of light.

The speed was incredible.

Like a meteor streaking across the night sky, he vanished from everyone's sight in an instant.

He headed toward the position where Chu Xiong had fled.

Seeing this, everyone was stunned dumbfounded.

Their jaws nearly dropped to the ground.

In their view, the Gods' Dominion Sect Patriarch was exalted above all, his every move radiating supreme authority—how could he possibly obey the Azure Cloud Sect Grand Elder so readily?

Jiang Taimu's unexpected action was like a massive stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring up thousand-layered waves in everyone's hearts.

The shock intensified like a volcanic eruption.

Even Jiang Shanhai and Nangong Batian were left gaping.

A sect Patriarch, yet he showed such deference.

After a long while.

Jiang Taimu stammered: "How…… how is this possible? The Patriarch actually obeyed the Grand Elder's words and went after Chu Xiong!"

"Could it be true that the Patriarch has actually joined the Azure Cloud Sect?"

At first he doubted it, but this scene naturally confirmed the fact.

Everyone also came to their senses, murmuring in discussion one after another.

They marveled incessantly at this sudden turn of events.

But regardless, Jiang Taimu indeed pursued in the direction Chu Xiong had fled.

Only the Azure Cloud Sect members, along with Jiang Shanhai and Nangong Batian, remained in place.

They remained unable to recover from the shock for a long time.

…………………………

Meanwhile.

Outside Cloud City, in a pavilion amidst the mountains and forests.

Lin Yang and Dongfang Lao Yang sat opposite each other, relaxed.

Around the pavilion, verdant bamboo swayed; a breeze passed, making the bamboo leaves rustle like a graceful melody.

On the stone table, the roasted chicken legs were gone, replaced by countless bottles and jars—clearly both had drunk plenty.

At this moment, Dongfang Lao Yang set down his cup, his gaze deep as a black hole in the night sky.

He narrowed his eyes at Lin Yang and said slowly: "Lin Yang, you're amazing—even that old fool Jiang Taimu obeys you."

"It seems the request you made could be an opportunity for me."

Lin Yang did not respond directly.

Instead, he wore a mysterious smile, like a enigmatic star in the night sky, inscrutable.

After a moment.

He whispered: "Be there on time tomorrow, and you will know."

Dongfang Lao Yang heard this, merely frowned slightly, his gaze sweeping over Lin Yang.

He seemed to want to uncover some secrets from his expression.

In the end, he could not see through Lin Yang, so he nodded and said: "All right, see you tomorrow morning."

Lin Yang rose to leave.

Seeing this, Dongfang Lao Yang hurriedly called out: "The Azure Cloud Sect's crisis has passed—won't you stay for a few more drinks?"

Lin Yang shook his head: "No."

Afterward, he glanced toward a certain spot and said: "Someone's been looking for me; I need to meet him."

Dongfang Lao Yang's brows furrowed, his expression turning grave; he also guessed which youngster Lin Yang intended to meet, and warned: "That kid's talent is not bad."

"However, the karmic ties behind him are tangled and complex, and those people's methods are far from simple."

"Are you sure you want to get involved in this turmoil?"

Lin Yang smiled, his eyes flashing with determined light, like the brightest star in the night sky.

He said slowly: "They seek to dominate the Mysterious Yellow Continent, and so do I."

As his words fell, Lin Yang's form instantly turned into a stream of light, vanishing into the vast night.

Dongfang Lao Yang gazed in the direction Lin Yang had left, standing still for a long time, like a statue.

Just then, a withered yellow leaf drifted down silently.

It swept across his field of view, stirring memories of the past.

"To dominate the Xuanhuang Continent..."

He gave a bitter smile and shook his head, saying, "Back then I too had such lofty ambitions, yearning to dominate this land."

"Unfortunately, I met with misfortune midway, like an eagle with broken wings, gradually wearing away my fighting spirit."

"Now this kid wants to walk my old path again."

"This road is truly not easy to walk..."

Dongfang Lao Yang raised his wine cup.

He drained it in one gulp.

The liquor slid down the corner of his mouth and dripped onto the ground.

He gazed into the distance and finally muttered, "Enough, I'm old; after all, the world belongs to the young."

Just as Dongfang Lao Yang was moved to tears by the scene, a figure suddenly descended before him.

It was a masked man, his posture heroic, his bearing extraordinary, beneath the mask a hint of cold killing intent.

Evidently, he was extremely extraordinary.

He respectfully approached Dongfang Lao Yang and said, "Your Majesty the Human Emperor, what are your orders?"

The title of Human Emperor belongs to none other than Dongfang Lao Yang standing before him.

Dongfang Lao Yang's eyes were deep as he looked into the distance and said slowly, "Our opportunity may have come; let all forces gather."

The masked man paused slightly, but said nothing more, merely replying respectfully, "As you command."

Immediately, he prepared to leave, but just then—

Dongfang Lao Yang called out to him again.

That person asked, "Your Majesty the Human Emperor, do you have any further orders?"

Dongfang Lao Yang said slowly, "Issue the order: no faction may clash with Lin Yang or anyone of the Qingyun Sect; violators will be beheaded."

"Yes!" The masked man received the order and vanished before Dongfang Lao Yang.

………………………