Presenting a Pledge of Loyalty, Bestowing the Office of Guard

Outside the main gate of the Crimson Blood Cave Mansion, Cha Ge hurried over. Seeing Yun Ce and his group standing before the entrance from afar, the smile on his face grew even wider, and his pace quickened. Upon reaching Yun Ce, he bowed deeply with an exaggerated show of respect, saying, "Junior Cha Ge greets you, Senior! My subordinates were blind and offended you earlier; I beg for your forgiveness!" "Hearing that you all wish to join our Crimson Blood Cave Mansion truly comes as a pleasant surprise to us!" As he spoke, Cha Ge looked at Yun Ce. Judging by their formation, he deduced that this black-robed man was the leader of the group, and most importantly, he could not discern the man's cultivation level.

Yun Ce smiled faintly, raised a hand to signal Cha Ge to rise, and spoke in a gentle tone, "It is of no consequence; one cannot be blamed for what one does not know." His gaze swept over Cha Ge, clearly perceiving the other's Nascent Soul Early Stage cultivation.

Cha Ge's eyes cautiously sized up Yun Ce, then glanced at Qin Yu and the three demonic beasts beside him, a flash of joy crossing his eyes—Qin Yu and Black Feather radiated the aura of the Golden Core Mid Stage, while the Dragon Rock Lion and Red Phoenix were at the Nascent Soul Early Stage. Coupled with Yun Ce, a Void-Piercing Realm powerhouse, this group's strength was not to be underestimated. With such a group joining his Crimson Blood Cave Mansion, their power and foundation would grow even stronger.

"Senior, our Cave Master is already waiting in the assembly hall. I shall lead you and your group inside now!" Cha Ge said hurriedly, stepping aside to gesture the way, his tone remaining respectful, "Please, Senior!"

"I have troubled you, Deputy Cave Master Cha Ge." Yun Ce nodded slightly and, with Qin Yu and the three divine beasts in tow, followed Cha Ge slowly into the Crimson Blood Cave Mansion.

The interior of the Crimson Blood Cave Mansion was extremely spacious. Glowing night-luminescent pearls were embedded along both sides of the passageway, illuminating the cave as if it were daylight. The walls were carved with ferocious demonic beast patterns, emitting a faint scent of blood and fluctuations of demonic power. Patrol guards passed by from time to time; upon seeing Cha Ge and Yun Ce's group, they bowed in succession, their eyes filled with awe. Although they did not know Yun Ce's identity, they could feel the powerful pressure radiating from him, and combined with Cha Ge's respectful attitude, they understood that this was surely a person of great importance.

Black Feather, the Dragon Rock Lion, and the Red Phoenix followed beside Qin Yu with steady steps, keeping their auras restrained at all times. They appeared no different from ordinary sea-dwelling demonic beasts, though their massive forms still caused the passing guards to cast frequent glances. Qin Yu followed closely behind Yun Ce, constantly circulating the Mysterious Concealment Secret Manual to maintain his disguise as a demonic cultivator. He scanned the surrounding environment with vigilance, keeping his master's instructions firmly in mind and daring not to show the slightest negligence.

Before long, the group arrived outside the assembly hall. The hall was magnificent, its doors forged from black mysterious iron and carved with a giant, lifelike Crimson Blood Water Python that exuded a sense of grim dominance. Cha Ge stepped forward, pushed open the doors, and said respectfully toward the interior, "Big Brother, the Senior has arrived!"

Yun Ce led Qin Yu and the three divine beasts slowly into the assembly hall. Inside, Cha Hong sat upright on the main seat. Dressed in a dark red robe with a majestic countenance, he radiated the powerful pressure of the Void-Piercing Realm. Although he did not intentionally release it, it was still enough to make one's heart palpitate—his true form was a Crimson Blood Water Python, and the scent of blood and demonic power fluctuations on him were several times more intense than any other demonic cultivator in the hall.

On either side of the main seat, Cha Po sat with a calm expression, his eyes quietly assessing Yun Ce's group. Below them, thirteen protectors were arranged in neat rows, each possessing formidable auras ranging from the Golden Core Late Stage to the Nascent Soul Mid Stage. They looked at Yun Ce with varying expressions—some curious, some awestruck, and others scrutinizing.

"I am Yun Ce. Accompanied by my good friend Qin Yu and three companions, I greet Cave Master Cha Hong, the two Deputy Cave Masters, and all the protectors." Yun Ce spoke first in a gentle yet neither humble nor arrogant tone, showing no signs of restraint despite Cha Hong's status.

Qin Yu also stepped forward quickly and bowed, "Junior Qin Yu greets the Cave Master, the two Deputy Cave Masters, and all the protectors." Black Feather, the Dragon Rock Lion, and the Red Phoenix lowered their heads slightly, emitting low hisses and cries as a form of greeting—their posture was respectful but not servile.

Cha Hong raised a hand slowly, his tone mild, "Brother Yun Ce, there is no need for such formalities. Since you have come to join our Crimson Blood Cave Mansion, you are one of us. I wonder, what are the cultivation levels of you and your companions?" Although he could perceive the cultivation of the four behind him, he was quite curious about Yun Ce's own strength.

Yun Ce smiled faintly and said slowly, "I am untalented, but my cultivation is the same as the Cave Master's; I am currently at the Void-Piercing Early Stage. This is Qin Yu, at the Golden Core Mid Stage; this is Black Feather, also at the Golden Core Mid Stage; Dragon Rock and Red Phoenix are both at the Nascent Soul Early Stage."

As his words fell, the hall erupted in an uproar. The thirteen protectors looked at Yun Ce's group with shock—a Void-Piercing Early Stage powerhouse, plus a Golden Core Mid Stage cultivator, a Golden Core Mid Stage demonic beast, and two Nascent Soul Early Stage demonic beasts. Such a lineup far exceeded the strength of ordinary protectors; even the two Deputy Cave Masters might not possess such a configuration.

A flash of surprise crossed Cha Po's eyes before he returned to his calm demeanor, secretly calculating—if he could make this group serve the Crimson Blood Cave Mansion sincerely, the mansion's strength would surely increase significantly. Cha Ge was even more ecstatic, his gaze toward Yun Ce becoming increasingly favorable, feeling fortunate that he had taken the initiative to welcome them earlier.

Cha Hong's eyes also flashed with approval as he nodded, "Excellent! Brother Yun Ce is so young yet has already reached the Void-Piercing Early Stage; truly a gifted talent! Little friend Qin Yu and your companions also possess remarkable strength. It is a fortunate event for our Crimson Blood Cave Mansion to have your assistance!"

Yun Ce smiled, then changed the subject, saying respectfully, "The Cave Master is too kind. My group is new here and has nothing to offer in return. Today, I have prepared some modest gifts for the Cave Master and the two Deputy Cave Masters as a token of our sincerity in joining the Crimson Blood Cave Mansion. I hope you will accept them."

As he spoke, three brilliant rays of spiritual light flashed from the storage ring on Yun Ce's left hand. Three spiritual artifacts of different shapes emerged and hovered in the center of the hall, emitting intense spiritual fluctuations far stronger than the mid-grade spiritual artifacts they had seen before—they were three high-grade spiritual artifacts.

The first artifact was a deep blue long fork with wave patterns carved into its shaft, from which the faint sound of flowing water could be heard. It was the Azure Sea Tide-Rising Fork, excellent for water control and perfectly suited to Cha Hong's Crimson Blood Water Python form. The second was a pair of crimson claw-shaped artifacts with sharp, cold edges and a faint aura of flame swirling around them; it was the Heaven-Burning Flame Phoenix Claw, highly offensive and suitable for Cha Po. The third was a black shield carved with a mysterious turtle pattern, exuding a heavy earth-attribute aura with astonishing defensive power; it was the Lieshan Black Turtle Shield, suitable for Cha Ge's protection.

"High-grade spiritual artifacts!"

The hall erupted once more. The thirteen protectors looked on with envy and jealousy—high-grade spiritual artifacts were extremely rare treasures in the underwater demonic beast world. Even Cave Master Cha Hong could not ignore them. For Yun Ce to produce three at once, and each perfectly suited to the attributes of the three brothers, was an incredibly generous gesture!

Cha Hong's expression shifted slightly, a flash of shock crossing his eyes before he regained his composure, secretly pondering—this Yun Ce was so lavish with his gifts that his background was clearly not simple. However, the fact that he voluntarily offered three high-grade spiritual artifacts as a token of sincerity caused his internal vigilance to diminish somewhat.

As for Cha Po and Cha Ge, they could no longer suppress their ecstasy, their eyes fixed intently on the three high-grade spiritual artifacts with burning desire. Cha Ge was trembling slightly with excitement, wishing he could immediately step forward and take the Lieshan Black Turtle Shield—his cultivation was not high, and he had always lacked a decent defensive artifact. This shield was practically tailor-made for him!

"Brother Yun Ce, this... this is too precious. How could we accept this for no reason?" Cha Hong feigned refusal, though his tone could not hide a hint of temptation.

Yun Ce smiled faintly, his tone sincere, "Cave Master, please do not be so formal. My group has been traveling throughout the underwater demonic beast world, and we are grateful that you have accepted us. These few modest gifts are merely a token of my heart; please, Cave Masters, do accept them."

Cha Ge stepped forward quickly and said to Cha Hong, "Big Brother! This is Senior Yun Ce's kind intention; if we do not accept, it would seem like we are being distant! Besides, these artifacts can greatly enhance our strength, which is a good thing for the Crimson Blood Cave Mansion!"

Cha Po also nodded in agreement, "Third Brother is right. Senior Yun Ce is full of sincerity; let us accept them."

Cha Hong looked at Cha Po and Cha Ge, then at Yun Ce, a hint of a smile in his eyes as he nodded, "Very well! Since Brother Yun Ce is so generous, we shall not decline!" With a wave of his hand, three flashes of light appeared, and he took the three high-grade spiritual artifacts into his hands, handing one each to Cha Po and Cha Ge, "Many thanks for your generous gift, Brother Yun Ce!"

Cha Po took the Heaven-Burning Flame Phoenix Claw, and Cha Ge took the Lieshan Black Turtle Shield. Both were impatient to examine the auras of the artifacts, their faces filled with joy and satisfaction. Cha Ge even thanked Yun Ce repeatedly, "Many thanks, Senior Yun Ce! Thank you, Senior!"

Cha Hong looked at Yun Ce, his approval growing even deeper, and said solemnly, "Since Brother Yun Ce is so sincere, our Crimson Blood Cave Mansion cannot be stingy! With a great expert like Brother Yun Ce joining us, how can our mansion not flourish!"

With that, Cha Hong stood up and announced in a booming voice, "Pass on my order! Appoint Yun Ce as the Great Protector of our Crimson Blood Cave Mansion, with a status above the thirteen protectors, reporting directly to me! Furthermore, allocate some guards to Brother Yun Ce's group for their command!"

"Thank you, Cave Master!" Yun Ce bowed slightly with a respectful tone, though he had already understood the situation in his heart—Cha Hong had begun to win him over, but this was exactly the result he wanted. With the status of Great Protector and control over a portion of the guards, he could better infiltrate and slowly erode the power of the Crimson Blood Cave Mansion.

Cha Hong nodded and looked at Cha Po, saying, "Second Brother, tell everyone about the current direct guards and see how they should be allocated to Brother Yun Ce."

Cha Po stood up and said with a steady expression, "Big Brother, fellow protectors, our Crimson Blood Cave Mansion currently has a total of 5,500 direct guards. Among them, the three turtle brothers—Ba Ming, Ba Qiang, and Ba Yong—jointly command 800 guards; the brothers Wu Tong and Wu Feng command 600; Protector Sang Mo commands 300; Protectors Yan Qing and Xi Yan jointly command 600; the four protectors Bai Yin, Ran Lan, Mu Xu, and Zhuang Zhong command a total of 1,200; Protector Teng Bi commands 1,000; the remaining 1,000 are under the direct command of myself and Third Brother, with 500 each."

He paused, looked at Cha Hong, and asked, "Big Brother, now that we are to allocate guards to Great Protector Yun Ce, how do you think we should distribute them?"

In the hall, the thirteen protectors pricked up their ears to listen carefully—the number of guards was directly related to their power and influence. They would naturally be unwilling to have guards taken from their own ranks, but if the guards were only taken from the two Deputy Cave Masters, they would have no objections.

Cha Hong's gaze swept over the crowd, and after a moment of contemplation, he said solemnly, "Since Brother Yun Ce is the Great Protector, he must naturally be equipped with sufficient guards. Second Brother, Third Brother, let all 1,000 guards under your command be managed by Brother Yun Ce's group for their use. Do you have any objections?"

As his words fell, the thirteen protectors exchanged glances, all feeling a sense of relief—fortunately, no guards were taken from their own ranks. Since it had nothing to do with them, they naturally had no objections and spoke in unison, "We have no objections! We follow the Cave Master's arrangements!"

Cha Po and Cha Ge's expressions sank instantly, a flash of displeasure crossing their eyes—if all 500 guards under each of their commands were transferred to Yun Ce, they would lose their direct guard forces, and their prestige within the mansion would be greatly diminished.

However, as they looked down at the high-grade spiritual artifacts in their hands, their displeasure vanished instantly—compared to the prestige of 500 guards, the increase in strength brought by a high-grade spiritual artifact was clearly more important. With these artifacts, their strength would increase significantly, and even without direct guards, their status as the Cave Master's brothers would allow them to act with impunity in the Crimson Blood Cave Mansion.

Cha Ge was the first to speak, forcing a smile, "Big Brother is right! Senior Yun Ce is the Great Protector and should be equipped with sufficient guards. I am willing to have all 500 of my guards managed by Senior Yun Ce!"

Cha Po also nodded, suppressing his reluctance, and said, "Big Brother, I have no objections either. All 500 of my guards shall be at the disposal of Great Protector Yun Ce."

Cha Hong nodded with satisfaction, swept his gaze over the crowd, and said in a booming voice, "Since no one has any objections, it is settled! From today on, Yun Ce is the Great Protector of the Crimson Blood Cave Mansion, in charge of the 1,000 guards under Second and Third Brother. All protectors must cooperate with Great Protector Yun Ce's work; there must be no mistakes!"

"Yes! We obey the Cave Master's order!" Everyone bowed in unison and responded in one voice.

Yun Ce also bowed again, his tone respectful, "Thank you for your trust, Cave Master! I will certainly perform my duties faithfully and not disappoint your expectations!" He calculated in his heart—1,000 guards, while not many, were his first force within the Crimson Blood Cave Mansion. As long as he managed them well and cultivated them slowly, they would surely become an important asset under his command in the future.

Cha Hong nodded, his tone gentle, "Good! Brother Yun Ce has had a long journey, so go and rest first. Second Brother, arrange a top-tier cave dwelling for Brother Yun Ce's group, and send the roster of guards so that Brother Yun Ce can familiarize himself with them."

"Yes, Big Brother!" Cha Po nodded, looked at Yun Ce, and said respectfully, "Great Protector Yun Ce, please follow me!"

Yun Ce nodded slightly, cupped his hands toward Cha Hong and the others, and followed Cha Po out of the assembly hall with Qin Yu and the three divine beasts. Inside the hall, Cha Ge was playing with the Lieshan Black Turtle Shield, unable to put it down, while Cha Hong sat on the main seat, looking toward the outside of the hall with a flash of deep thought in his eyes—although he had let go of most of his vigilance, he still felt that this Yun Ce was by no means as simple as he appeared on the surface.

Meanwhile, Yun Ce's group walked out of the assembly hall and headed toward the cave dwelling arranged by Cha Po...