Forging Immortality through the Dao Seed

"Let me warn you beforehand," Zuo Qingtian said, the thunder in his voice echoing ominously in everyone's ears. "If anyone disobeys the arrangements and affects the overall situation, don't blame me for resorting to drastic measures. Do you all understand?"

The voice, laced with indescribable terror and authority, exploded beside each person's ear.

For a moment, the field fell silent, after which every creature spoke in unison, their voices merging into a chorus as tumultuous as landslides and tidal waves:

"We understand!"

"Very good," Zuo Qingtian nodded in satisfaction, "Now let's start with the specific assignments. Ni, you and the other two will lead the first armored division of cultivators and stand by at the eastern district of Immortal City, Dongqing Pavilion."

"Yes."

"Wu, you lead the second armored division to White Pavilion."

"..."

Time trickled on.

Under Zuo Qingtian's methodical arrangements, numerous Combining Dao beings, led by feathered True Immortals, dispersed toward various locations throughout the Land of Ultimate Bliss, awaiting the final moment to arrive.

A sudden surge of battle intent began to boil.

Witnessing this scene,

A man from another alliance could not help exclaiming from below the stage:

"Hiss—such is the prestige of Brother Zuo, truly terrifying."

"Haha, of course."

Upon hearing this, the Tragic Abyss Alliance Hierarch grew stern, "After all, he is... Zuo Qingtian!"

Having said that, he looked unconsciously at Gong Yu and Wu Yusheng, who were sitting quietly next to him, and upon realizing something, he asked, "Both of you, why haven't I seen those two brothers from your alliance? Could it be that you forgot to inform them?"

As soon as his words fell, everyone's gaze unconsciously turned to Gong Yu and Wu Yusheng.

Under the scrutiny of dozens of probing and puzzled looks, Gong Yu managed to squeeze out a reluctant smile and braced himself to explain:

"Perhaps... perhaps Yinguo and Hei Shui are still in the midst of their cultivation retreat, hence they didn't receive the message in time."

"Tsk, those two brothers really are something. Perhaps a retreat just in time could indeed boost their strength," the Tragic Abyss Alliance Hierarch said, a meaningful smile on his face.

Meanwhile, as they spoke,

Zuo Qingtian's indifferent voice rang out again: "Wu Yusheng, you and Hei Jiao will lead the members of Division Yi Eleven to Minglou Pavilion."

"Yes!" Wu Yusheng promptly stood up and respectfully complied.

Next to him, Hei Jia got to his feet as well but spoke with an awkward expression, "Um, Brother Zuo, could I wait a bit longer?"

"Hmm? What do you intend?"

A cold smile flashed through the dark pupils of Zuo Qingtian.

This was the first time someone had objected to his arrangements—but the timing couldn't have been better. This fellow was perfect to serve as a warning to others, to prevent those relying on their strength from secretly defying him.

Below, under Zuo Qingtian's scrutinizing gaze, Hei Jiao tightened his scalp but still mustered the courage to say hesitantly:

"I think... I should wait for the boss to arrive and follow his orders."

"Insolent! Do you take my words for idle chatter?"

Zuo Qingtian's thunderous rebuke was followed by the readiness to demonstrate his authority.

It was a mere matter of spending a few Copper Coins; to him, this was insignificant.

The atmosphere of violent Dao instantly spread, and seeing this, the many creatures present froze in place, not even daring to breathe loudly.

"Is this what it means to be transcendent? To be so brazen in using force within Immortal City?" everyone thought in unison.

Behind Hei Jiao, the group of feathered beings who had been following him involuntarily retreated quickly, and even Gong Yu and Wu Yusheng rapidly distanced themselves.

But the next moment,

"Brother, calm your anger," A gentle voice suddenly echoed across the square, filled with an unruffled tranquility.

Instantly, the waves of Dao subsided.

Everyone couldn't help but look in the direction of the sound.

Atop the highest platform, two figures had appeared on the other two empty mats at some point—one as gentle as water, the other extraordinary—and compared to the half-suspended Zuo Qingtian, their aura was no less imposing.

Yinguo! Hei Shui!

Simultaneously, the same two names surfaced in the minds of all beings present. Perhaps only these two beings of nearly equal standing could maintain such composure before Zuo Qingtian.

"Hmph, you two should better discipline your subordinates. If the ranks above and below do not follow rules, it would make a laughingstock if the word got out," Zuo Qingtian's gaze brushed over the two figures, begrudgingly abandoning his initial plan and coldly hinted with his comment.

He was displeased with these two.

After all, in Zuo Qingtian's view, their late arrival clearly showed a lack of respect for him, so his words naturally lacked courtesy.

The gaze of the Water Dao Being turned cold, ready to retort, but was promptly stopped by the Causal Dao Being.

He said with a soothing tone:

"Haha, it's our fault. Brother, please don't take it to heart."

The Causal Dao Being knew they were at fault, so he did not wish to argue, especially since there was no need. After all, their goals were aligned; the other's arrangements indeed suited his wishes.

As for Hei Jiao, the loyal fellow, he would certainly not say anything.

In a flicker of his gaze,

The Causal Dao Being then turned to Hei Jiao and instructed indifferently, "Since Brother Zuo has said so, just do as he asks."

"Yes, master!"

Only at this moment did Hei Jiao bow respectfully and promptly echoed in agreement.