Xuanming gazed at the terrified face in the mirror and fell silent for a moment.
"Zhao Qing, you've done well." His voice was calm. "Since that is so, I shall give you a chance."
Zhao Qing trembled and lowered his head further. "Thank you, Sect Master! I will spare no effort and will not betray your trust!"
"Can Province does indeed need more hands," Xuanming said slowly.
"The Dao Lords of Great Evolution are eyeing that strange grotto-heaven like hungry tigers. Although we of Tribulation Deliverance have dispatched members of the Life-Ending Society, they concern themselves only with killing, nothing else. You may take the Enforcement Hall's people there to keep records and maintain order."
"Understood!" Zhao Qing answered.
"As long as you handle this well, I shall reward you handsomely. Go."
"Yes!"
Xuanming waved a hand, failing to notice the faint gleam that flashed through Zhao Qing's eyes behind the fading mirror. He merely stood where he was, his thoughts turning.
"The Azure Origin Spirit-Perching Grotto-Heaven..."
After some thought, he raised his hand and summoned another mirror. Looking at the seductive, alluring woman within, Xuanming said coolly, "Yingnian, there is something I need you to do..."
... Tens of thousands of portions of spirit matter hung suspended in midair. Stirred by a streak of radiance, they were instantly consumed, fading into nothingness.
"Cultivation at middle Spirit Transformation really does demand a great deal."
Sensing the slight increase in his cultivation, Chu Mo clicked his tongue in wonder. Still, he had expected as much. With a thought, his consciousness arrived on Youxuan Peak, where Ji Heng was already waiting.
"Fellow Daoist Chu, I never expected that bastard Xuanming to get lucky for once."
Ji Heng sounded somewhat surprised, then added, "But this is only a temporary means of escaping his