Free Web NovelChapter 586: Chapter 586: Nine Lives Alliance (Part 1)
Zhang Yuan quietly returned to his dwelling.
Since the place he rented was on the outskirts of Crescent Oasis, the huge commotion around Central Lake barely affected this area.
People huddled in their rudimentary earthen huts and straw houses, with hardly anyone coming out to watch the excitement.
Zhang Yuan’s choice was undoubtedly the right one.
Moreover, Zhang Yuan’s surprise attack on the Red Tiger of the Desert Wind Army tonight was evidently very successful. Although the number of bandits he killed was limited by the environment, it definitely dealt a heavy blow.
Aside from the Tier Six leader, Zhang Yuan also took down several Tier Five and Tier Four experts.
Without these top combat forces, this band of bandits naturally wouldn’t pose a threat anymore.
Zhang Yuan planned to stay in Crescent Oasis for a while longer.
If the Desert Wind Army continued to send forces over, he would let these bandits taste the flavor of blood again!
Bandits fear might, not virtue; only by thoroughly hurting them would the trade route from West Plain City to the Western Regions truly be safe.
Additionally, Zhang Yuan wanted to continue harvesting some Source Materials.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t execute his plans freely tonight and lost the opportunity to gain quite a bit of Source Material.
While pondering, he sat cross-legged on the mat and soon entered a state of cultivation where he forgot both himself and his surroundings.
The next morning, Zhang Yuan, as usual, took a stroll inside the oasis.
Mainly to gather information.
Unsurprisingly, the incident of the Red Tiger Camp being attacked the previous night was already being talked about fervently within the oasis.
The customers in the teahouses and taverns were almost all discussing this matter.
People had all sorts of stories to tell, some so absurd and strange that even Zhang Yuan, the person involved, didn’t know whether to laugh or cry listening to them.
Then, through the vision of the Red-eyed Crow, Zhang Yuan saw many Hawks being released from the oasis.
Including the Token he was most familiar with!
Crescent Oasis truly lived up to its reputation as a place of mixed fish and dragons, with who knows how many forces stationed or deployed there.
Presumably, it wouldn’t be long before this news spread throughout the surrounding regions, making it known to more people.
And the reaction from the Desert Wind Army was something worth anticipating!
It wasn’t until dusk that Zhang Yuan returned to his dwelling again.
He wasn’t returning empty-handed; he brought a package of pig head meat and a jug of rice wine for his neighbor, Scholar Guan.
Zhang Yuan had quite a bit of admiration for this elderly scholar.
"Wait a moment."
What Zhang Yuan didn’t expect was that this time Scholar Guan actually spoke to retain him: "Have a seat and chat a bit."
Zhang Yuan was slightly taken aback, faintly sensing something was off.
Because the old scholar’s tone was different from usual.
"Alright."
Zhang Yuan sat down calmly in the small courtyard.
Scholar Guan went to the kitchen and brought back a pot of hot water, brewing a cup of tea for both Zhang Yuan and himself.
"Please."
The white-haired old scholar offered a toast to Zhang Yuan with both hands.
"Thank you."
Zhang Yuan reciprocated the toast and gulped down the hot tea in one go!
Scholar Guan sipped his tea and looked at Zhang Yuan with his clouded eyes, saying: "If I didn’t guess wrong, you should be Dao General Zhang Yuan of the West Plain, right?"
Hmm?
Zhang Yuan suddenly lifted his head, his gaze turning exceedingly sharp.
At the same time, he instantly activated Primordial Gang Force, equipping himself with Invisible Armor!
Zhang Yuan never imagined that Scholar Guan would know his true identity.
He had disguised himself perfectly, making use of "Face Eater" to change his appearance and employing Divine Treasure and Divine Concealment Technique to suppress his aura when entering Crescent Oasis again.
He believed his disguise was flawless, without any loopholes.
Yet now, an elderly man appearing shadowless and powerless had discerned his secret!
This elderly scholar could not possibly be an ordinary person.
And Zhang Yuan had never noticed anything unusual about him, his proud perception ability also failed.
The only explanation was that Scholar Guan’s cultivation realm far exceeded his own!
Zhang Yuan was suddenly horrified, nearly activating the Godslaying Saber nurtured in his Qi Sea Dantian on the spot.
Only this Divine Soldier could grant him a modicum of security.
"Dao General Zhang..."
Scholar Guan seemed oblivious to Zhang Yuan’s sudden surge of combative intent and hostility, and said with a smile: "I just want to chat with you, I don’t have any other intention. I’m just an old man, not a match for you youngsters."
Zhang Yuan was silent for a moment, then dispelled the Gang Armor he had just formed.
Scholar Guan was right; if he had harbored enmity toward Zhang Yuan, he could have launched an attack to capture Zhang Yuan in one fell swoop without saying a word of nonsense.
Most importantly, Zhang Yuan indeed did not sense any malice coming from Scholar Guan.
"My apologies."
Zhang Yuan cupped his fists and saluted: "May I ask the senior’s esteemed name?"
A figure like this was definitely not an unsung person.
"My name?"
Scholar Guan showed a hint of wistfulness, saying: "Long forgotten by others, you may call me Scholar Guan, or Old Guan."
Since he was unwilling to divulge, Zhang Yuan naturally couldn’t compel him, so he asked another question: "How did the senior know my identity?"
Scholar Guan smiled slightly: "Your aura is hidden well. At first, I didn’t notice it either, but you shouldn’t have been cultivating in the room; the house here is too shabby."
Zhang Yuan suddenly realized—it was his own lack of caution!
Scholar Guan continued: "The person who attacked and killed the Red Tiger Camp Beacon Master last night was you, wasn’t it? When you returned, the Blood Evil Qi on you was still intense."
Zhang Yuan gave a bitter smile.
"Dao General Zhang, among the younger generation, you are the most outstanding genius I have ever seen."
Scholar Guan lamented: "It’s a pity you’re not a direct lineage of Upper Scenic Celestial, unable to receive the full support of the sect."
Zhang Yuan shook his head: "It’s good enough already."
Zhang Yuan was indeed aware of this.
But he did not care at all.
Because Zhang Yuan never intended to continue in Upper Scenic Celestial for long.
After finishing his term as Dao General, he would almost be able to reach Tier Seven Divine Realm, at which point he would undoubtedly leave the sect.
Scholar Guan’s eyes flashed with a peculiar light and he asked: "Zhang Yuan, would you be interested in joining our Nine Generations Alliance? I can recommend you for a core disciple position!"
Zhang Yuan was intrigued: "Nine Generations Alliance?"
He had never heard of the Nine Generations Alliance.
But with people like Scholar Guan in it, it must be an extremely powerful or mysterious organization.
Scholar Guan didn’t directly answer Zhang Yuan’s doubts.
He asked solemnly: "Zhang Yuan, I believe you must have learned quite a bit about Celestial Beings."
Zhang Yuan nodded: "Indeed."
"Then let me tell you."
Scholar Guan’s voice became incomparably serious: "Your knowledge of Celestial Beings doesn’t even scratch the surface, and our Nine Generations Alliance was founded to fight against them."
"Celestial Beings are our mortal enemies!"
