The next morning, before the spiritual energy in the Crimson Blood Cave Mansion had fully circulated, the sound of orderly footsteps rang out from the lower guard camp. Dressed in black, Yun Ce stood with his hands behind his back in the middle of the training grounds. His aura was restrained, yet he exuded an unquestionable authority. Qin Yu stood beside him, while Black Feather, the Dragon Rock Lion, and Red Phoenix guarded them both. Their auras were disguised perfectly, making them seem like three docile, ordinary sea-dwelling demon beasts.
A thousand guards stood in neat ranks, their backs straight and their expressions solemn. The two commanders, Zhao Hu and Li Bao, waited respectfully at the front of the formation for Yun Ce's orders. After feeling a trace of Yun Ce's pressure the day before, the guards had already developed a deep respect for him and dared not slack off in the slightest.
"I've gathered you all today to formally take charge of the guard unit and establish a few rules." Yun Ce's voice was not loud, but it reached every guard clearly. "First, obey the rules of the Crimson Blood Cave Mansion. Do not leave your post without permission or fight among yourselves. Violators will be severely punished. Second, follow the orders of me and Commanders Zhao Hu and Li Bao. When an order is given, carry it out without hesitation or excuses. Third, assemble for training at the hour of the Dragon, rest at noon, and patrol at the hour of the Rooster. Do not be late. Fourth, do not disclose the mansion's secrets or collude with outsiders. Anyone caught doing so will be executed without exception!"
As his words fell, a trace of pressure from the early Void-Piercing Realm spread from Yun Ce, instantly enveloping the entire training ground. All thousand guards stiffened and answered in unison, "We obey!" Their voices were strong and resolute, without the slightest hesitation.
Yun Ce gave a slight nod, swept his gaze over the ranks, and continued, "Zhao Hu, Li Bao."
"Present!" The two commanders hurried forward and bowed.
"From today onward, the two of you will divide the work between you. Zhao Hu, you're responsible for the guards' daily training. Use the cultivation techniques I provide to hone their combat abilities. Li Bao, you're responsible for patrol assignments and coordination. Divide the patrol areas and ensure the safety of every level of the mansion." Yun Ce spoke gently, but with a note of gravity. "Within ten days, I expect to see a change in the guard unit. If you fail to meet my expectations, I'll hold you both accountable."
"We understand! We won't let you down!" Zhao Hu and Li Bao replied in unison, not daring to be careless. They could tell that their new Grand Guardian seemed mild-mannered but was, in truth, exceedingly strict. He was no pushover.
Then Yun Ce took out two cultivation manuals suited to demon cultivators and handed them to Zhao Hu. "These are the Sea-Splitting Art and the Monolith Art. They're suited to offensive and defensive guards, respectively. Take them and lead the guards in practicing every day to improve their strength."
Zhao Hu accepted the manuals, his eyes full of surprise and respect. Though these weren't top-tier techniques, they were considered high-grade techniques by their standards, and were far stronger than the techniques the Crimson Blood Cave Mansion had previously given its guards. Yun Ce had clearly prepared them especially for this purpose. "Thank you, Grand Guardian! I'll make sure the guards learn them well!"
With everything arranged, Yun Ce stood at the side of the training ground with Qin Yu and the three divine beasts, quietly observing the guards' training. Zhao Hu lived up to his expectations. As Yun Ce had instructed, he split the guards into two groups, one practicing the Sea-Splitting Art and the other the Monolith Art. The training was orderly, and discipline was strict.
Standing beside Yun Ce, Qin Yu said softly, "Master, Zhao Hu and Li Bao seem loyal, and they're capable, too. It looks like they'll be a great help to us."
Yun Ce smiled faintly, his gaze settling on several guards whose auras were somewhat stronger than the rest. His tone was mild. "Although they used to serve Cha Po and Cha Ge, they're perceptive enough to know who they should rely on now. As for the guards, most of them come from humble backgrounds. If we give them enough benefits and room to grow, we can gradually win them over and make them our trusted people."
His divine sense silently spread out as he observed the guards' training and monitored the activity inside the mansion, especially in Sang Mo's neighboring cave. The day before, he had sensed that Sang Mo's aura was somewhat restless. The brutal Guardian was surely curious about and wary of the new Grand Guardian.
Sure enough, before long, a faint aura approached the guard camp and stopped at the passageway not far away. It was Sang Mo. Dressed in a dark red robe, he had a sinister face and sharp eyes. The demonic power of the Nascent Soul Early Stage rippled around him, though he deliberately restrained most of his aura and pretended to be passing by. His gaze remained fixed on Yun Ce and his companions in the middle of the training ground, full of scrutiny and curiosity.
At the council hall the day before, Sang Mo had already been suspicious of Yun Ce's origins. Why would a Void-Piercing Realm expert lower himself to join the Crimson Blood Cave Mansion? And he had offered three High-Grade Spirit Artifacts right off the bat. Such generosity was no ordinary demon cultivator's doing. What made Sang Mo even more wary was that Yun Ce had been appointed Grand Guardian as soon as he arrived and had taken over the thousand guards who had once belonged to Cha Po and Cha Ge. His standing was now above Sang Mo's, which greatly displeased the arrogant and overbearing Guardian.
"So you're the new Grand Guardian, Yun Ce. You certainly have an impressive bearing." Sang Mo slowly walked over, forcing a smile onto his face. His tone, however, carried a hint of probing. He glanced at Yun Ce, then at Qin Yu and the three divine beasts, and a flicker of surprise passed through his eyes. Qin Yu and Black Feather were only at the Golden Core Mid Stage, while the Dragon Rock Lion and Red Phoenix were at the Nascent Soul Early Stage. No wonder Cha Hong, the cave master, had taken a liking to Yun Ce.
Yun Ce had sensed Sang Mo's arrival long ago but had pretended not to notice. Only after Sang Mo spoke did he slowly turn around and offer a faint smile. "So you're Guardian Sang Mo. I've heard a great deal about you." His divine sense quietly examined Sang Mo, clearly detecting the violent demonic power inside him and the hostility hidden in his eyes. Yun Ce understood at once: Sang Mo had come to test him.
Qin Yu hurried forward and bowed. "Greetings, Guardian Sang Mo." Black Feather, the Dragon Rock Lion, and Red Phoenix lowered their heads slightly and gave soft growls and cries. They appeared respectful but remained on guard, revealing nothing.
Sang Mo's gaze fell on the three divine beasts, and a flicker of greed passed through his eyes. Though their auras seemed no different from ordinary demon beasts, they were strong and agile, with steady auras. They were far less dull-witted than common beasts. They would make fine fighters if he could tame them. But he knew they were Yun Ce's companions and didn't dare act on his thoughts, so he suppressed his desire and smiled. "The Grand Guardian certainly has a wealth of talent under his command. These three demon beasts are all quite extraordinary."
"You're too kind, Guardian Sang Mo. They're just a few companions who travel with me." Yun Ce replied blandly, then casually changed the subject. "You must have come here for more than just passing by. Is there something you need?"
Sang Mo's heart stirred. He hadn't expected Yun Ce to be so direct, and hurriedly replied, "You jest, Grand Guardian. I was just passing the guard camp and saw you reorganizing the guards, so I came over to take a look. You've only just arrived. If you need any help, just say the word. I'll do whatever I can."
As he spoke, he quietly released a trace of demonic power from the Nascent Soul Early Stage, trying to test Yun Ce's strength. If Yun Ce's Void-Piercing Realm cultivation was an act, he wouldn't be able to withstand the test. If he really was a Void-Piercing Realm expert, he would easily dispel Sang Mo's demonic power.
Feeling Sang Mo's demonic power, Yun Ce's eyes flashed with cold amusement. Without showing it, he released a trace of pressure from the early Void-Piercing Realm and instantly dispelled Sang Mo's demonic power. Then he said mildly, "Thank you for your kind offer, Guardian Sang Mo. Commanders Zhao Hu and Li Bao are helping me reorganize the guards, so I don't need to trouble you for now. You're responsible for maintaining order in the mansion every day. It must be hard work."
The pressure seemed faint, but it carried an irresistible force. Sang Mo stiffened, and a tempest rose in his heart. So Yun Ce really was a Void-Piercing Realm expert! His pressure was far stronger than Sang Mo had imagined. Sang Mo had no chance of resisting him!
The smile on Sang Mo's face grew even more strained. He quickly withdrew his demonic power, his tone becoming more respectful. "You're too kind, Grand Guardian. It's my duty. Since you're busy with official business, I won't disturb you. I'll take my leave."
"Very well. Take care, Guardian Sang Mo." Yun Ce nodded, calmly watching him leave, a deep look in his eyes.
Sang Mo hurried out of the guard camp. Only after he had gotten far from the training ground did he finally breathe a sigh of relief. His back was already drenched in cold sweat. He knew Yun Ce was far stronger than he was and that he stood no chance against him. From now on, he could only swallow his resentment and refrain from provoking Yun Ce again. But his suspicions had not diminished in the slightest. Yun Ce's origins remained a mystery, and Sang Mo would have to keep watch in secret and uncover his true intentions.
Inside the guard camp, Qin Yu watched Sang Mo's retreating figure and said softly, "Master, Sang Mo really did come to test us. He didn't even try to hide his hostility."
Yun Ce nodded, his tone mild but serious. "Sang Mo is brutal and ambitious. He's also an old Guardian, and he's unwilling to be beneath me. It was only natural that he'd come to test me. I've given him a warning. I doubt he'll dare provoke us again anytime soon."
He paused, then continued, "But we can't let our guard down. Sang Mo is at the Nascent Soul stage, and he's been building his influence in the Crimson Blood Cave Mansion for years. He has deep roots and must have people of his own working behind the scenes. From now on, we'll continue reorganizing the guards and building a circle of trusted followers while keeping an eye on Sang Mo and making sure he doesn't cause trouble in secret."
Black Feather sent a message through their spiritual connection. "Don't worry, Master. I'll keep an eye on Sang Mo. If he makes a move, I'll tell you at once!" The Dragon Rock Lion and Red Phoenix nodded as well, clearly ready for anything.
Yun Ce nodded with satisfaction, his gaze returning to the guards on the training ground. Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the cavern ceiling and fell across the training grounds, illuminating the guards' upright figures. The plan to reorganize the guards and win their loyalty was steadily moving forward.
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