Yue Qianlian's expression tightened. He pulled the disciple aside and asked, "Explain clearly. The Venerables and the soldiers have all disappeared?"
While reporting the matter to the Righteous Path Alliance, Yue Qianlian also sent people to investigate. For Heaven-Forging Stronghold, which specialized in artifact forging and had no particular strengths in other fields, this was the safest course of action.
The Golden Core cultivator who had been speaking suddenly uttered a single word.
Conflict soon followed. After the first group of martial artists gathered at the ancient city's gates, they swiftly came to blows over the struggle for benefits. Following a chaotic melee, the various parties left behind more or fewer corpses and entered a standoff directly before the city gates.
A Golden Core cultivator could not help asking and answering himself. He formed a Magic Incantation and cast a spell to enhance his eyesight, wanting to see what lay beyond the gates. Yet the darkness inside the ancient city seemed like some tangible energy, cutting off his gaze.
Yue Qianlian instructed them with a steady expression, "Look at those fellow disciples around you who did not greet me. Whether for Heaven-Forging Stronghold or for me, Yue Qianlian, a greeting or two does not matter. Within the workshop, the quality of the artifacts taking shape in your hands is more important than courtesy."
Yet for some reason, an ominous premonition lingered in Yue Qianlian's heart, impossible to dispel.
But Eastern Mausoleum Kingdom could be considered a nation under Heaven-Forging Stronghold's protection. Several of the king's Venerables were disciples of Heaven-Forging Stronghold as well. Since the king had personally asked for aid, Yue Qianlian, as the Sect Master of Heaven-Forging Stronghold, had to make some response.
After making his usual round through the workshop, Yue Qianlian left and was preparing to