Chapter 527

It's time to shift our focus to the Ziyun Clan.

He decided, "We need greater strength to deal with the possible crises that may arise."

Lu Yuan sat in the secret cultivation training ground of the Heavenly Gang Mountain Range, all around quiet.

This is a place of seclusion for cultivators; although located within the mountain range, it can keep out the world's clamor.

Lu Yuan felt his responsibility was great; he clearly saw that his actions had triggered a chain reaction, bringing risk and trouble to the Ziyun Clan.

He took a deep breath, and his mind settled.

Suddenly, a disturbance came from the entrance of the cultivation training ground.

Soon after, Lei Juefeng rushed over anxiously, looking nervously at Lu Yuan.

"Lu Yuan! Are you alright?"

Lei Juefeng's face full of worry: "I just heard the news that you defeated Hong Lietian; I was worried you were injured."

Lu Yuan shook his head: "Don't worry about me, Lei Juefeng."

"I'm fine now," he reassured.

Lei Juefeng looked grim, lowering his head guiltily: "Wasn't it because of my plea for help that you got dragged into this battle?"

"If it weren't for my personal matter involving you..."

Lu Yuan interrupted him: "Lei Juefeng, this isn't entirely because of you."

"I have a duty to protect the Ziyun Clan and my companions; I chose this path willingly."

Lei Juefeng lifted his head, admiration in his eyes: "Lu Yuan, you are a true hero."

"You are of vital importance to the Ziyun Clan and to all of us."

Lu Yuan smiled and nodded.

"No need for more talk; we have too much to do."

"The Ziyun Clan faces greater danger; we need stronger power to protect them."

Lei Juefeng looked at Lu Yuan's firm and confident gaze, feeling endless emotion in his heart. Lu Yuan and Lei Juefeng remained in the secret cultivation training ground, beginning to discuss the next steps of their action plan.

They knew that Hong Lietian's defeat was only a temporary victory; among the Nine Great Families, some bore grudges against him and had already begun secretly plotting to check him.

As time passed, Lu Yuan realized the situation was becoming increasingly dire.

To enhance his own strength and protect the Ziyun Clan, he decided to seek the help of the Supreme Dao Ancestor.

On the other side, the gathering place of the Nine Great Families—the Netherworld Valley.

This place lies deep within the mountain range, sealed by a thick magical formation; the outside world can hardly peer into what happens inside.

In the Netherworld Valley, lights blazed; some important members of the Nine Great Families were holding a meeting here to discuss the recent blows suffered by the Ziyun Clan.

Their faces were solemn and stern, their auras powerful and imposing.

Although they had not yet expressed their stance or taken action, they were jealous of Lu Yuan's abilities and status.

All that could be seen was the Supreme Dao Ancestor leaning on his staff, slowly walking into the Netherworld Valley.

He glanced around, then his gaze settled on Lu Yuan.

"Lu Yuan."

The Supreme Dao Ancestor smiled as he approached Lu Yuan: "Your strength has already attracted much attention and dissatisfaction."

"Now is the time for you to join the Star Mercenary Corps, conceal your identity, and increase your strength."

The Supreme Dao Ancestor continued explaining: "The Star Mercenary Corps not only possesses various rare resources and immense wealth, but also numerous powerful immortal arts manuals waiting for you to master."

"Only under their protection can you better safeguard the Ziyun Clan."

Lu Yuan fell silent for a moment, then nodded in agreement: "Alright, Master, please guide me to the Star Mercenary Corps."

The Supreme Dao Ancestor nodded satisfactorily: "Very good."

"I will prepare a special identification document for you to use when joining the Star Mercenary Corps."

"Now, let's leave this place first."

Lu Yuan's heart welled with endless emotion; he understood he was about to embark on a completely new journey. After leaving the Netherworld Valley, Lu Yuan followed the Supreme Dao Ancestor's instructions all the way toward the headquarters of the Star Mercenary Corps.

The headquarters of the Star Mercenary Corps lies at the edge of a dense forest, filled with towering trees and vast grasslands.

Sunlight filtering through the gaps in the leaves fell upon the earth, forming dappled and warm light and shadow.

Lu Yuan arrived at the main gate of the Star Mercenary Corps headquarters.

A woman in black armor wielding a spear—Li Ying—stood there waiting.

"Welcome back!"

Li Ying smiled as she greeted Lu Yuan and gave him a salute.

"Li Ying, long time no see."

"Please take good care of me," Lu Yuan said.

Following Li Ying's steps, Lu Yuan and Li Ying entered the headquarters of the Star Mercenary Corps.

In a spacious and splendid hall, Lu Yuan saw two newly joined members.

One was a burly figure wielding a huge axe, a brave and mighty man.

The other was a petite and delicate girl holding a bow and arrow, with lively eyes.

"This is Leng Ren of the Azure Dragon Tribe and Xue'er of the Heavenly Mountain Tribe; they are the new members of our team." Li Ying introduced to Lu Yuan.

"Nice to meet you, I am Lu Yuan." Lu Yuan smiled and shook hands with the two.

Leng Ren puffed out his chest: "Comrade Lu Yuan, rest assured."

"With me here, you will face no danger."

Xue'er also smiled and said: "We won't look down on you like others do."

Lu Yuan's heart stirred slightly; he suddenly sensed a faint hint of danger.

He furrowed his brow: "Everyone be careful, I think there might be an enemy attack."

Li Ying and the two new recruits did not take it seriously.

Leng Ren even laughed and said, "Comrade Lu Yuan, you're being overly cautious."

"Here we are under the protection of the Stellar Mercenary Group; how could there be an enemy attack?"

Lu Yuan said no more, he deeply understood that the sense of danger he felt was not unfounded.

They continued forward, walked out of the regiment headquarters' hall, and stepped into the tranquil forest.

The edge of the forest was a lush and peaceful area, sunlight filtering through the leaves and forming beautiful light patches.

Birds sang joyfully on the treetops, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of flowers and grass.

However, Lu Yuan felt something odd.

He sensed that something was off around them, a tense and heavy aura faintly coming from deep within the dense forest. Lu Yuan felt the atmosphere unusually tense, he quickened his pace, leading Li Ying, Leng Ren, and Xue'er swiftly deeper into the forest.

As they passed through a dense thicket, the sight before them made their hearts tighten.

In a wide clearing, a group of huge and ferocious wolf-tigers stood there.

Their fur was black-red patterned, and their eyes flashed with crimson light.

This was precisely the Blood Underworld Human Wolf pack, demons that live by feeding on blood.

"These Blood Underworld Human Wolves are quite difficult to deal with."

Li Ying said warily, "They are not only huge and powerful, but also possess agility and ferocity."

"But we are far from enough." (End of chapter)