Li Yuangong's heart brimmed with anguish, and he turned to look at Zhao Qing beside him. Yet ever since arriving, Zhao Qing had kept his head lowered, saying nothing, as though he had gone deaf and mute.
"Senior Brother Zhao, why are you just watching?!"
Cursing inwardly, he made one last desperate struggle, steeled himself, and said:
"Sect Master, please judge this fairly. It is not that we fear Dragonkind or Great Evolution. It is simply that our strength is truly insufficient to accomplish this. Our deaths would be no loss, but if we were to jeopardize your great undertaking, even ten thousand deaths could not atone for our crime."
"Is that so..." Chu Mo drew out the last word, making everyone's hearts pound wildly. He smiled faintly.
"But I never told you to go to your deaths. I only want you to keep watch in the outer areas and report promptly at the slightest rustle of wind or grass."
Only then did Li Yuangong breathe a little easier, but Chu Mo's next words sent his heart dangling again.
Chu Mo reassured them softly, "You needn't worry about jeopardizing my great undertaking. Your True Spirits will fall into my hands after you die anyway, and then..."
Li Yuangong stiffened, abandoning all hope. After a moment of silence, he bowed down dejectedly. "Your subordinate... obeys."
Everyone behind him exchanged looks, but they could do nothing except bow and accept the order.
Chu Mo nodded in satisfaction. "Very good. You will depart tomorrow. Some of you will go to the Eastern Sea, and some to the Western Territory. If you discover anything, send word directly to me."
"Yes..." Li Yuangong answered listlessly. "You may leave."
Li Yuangong obeyed and led everyone out of the Main Hall. Only when he stepped through the