Chapter 1006: Subordinates
"Earlier I was too impatient, now everything has settled. What is your decision?" Yuan Ming's voice was calm as water, yet carried an undeniable authority.
East Killer bit his lip, a hint of unwillingness flashed in his eyes, but eventually, he spoke in a low voice, "I... I admit defeat, willing to submit."
Seeing this, West Killer and the others did not insist further, lowering their heads to show submission.
"Your methods are indeed surprising, but to want me to submit is still somewhat lacking. Today's defeat was merely my momentary carelessness; we shall meet again someday." Seven Spirits Daoist remained unmoved, speaking indifferently.
Before his voice fell, the Divine Soul Power within her Sea of Consciousness suddenly erupted, interacted with the Desire Power, transformed into a seven-colored light, and exploded instantly. The intense Soul Power fluctuation swept out like a storm but quickly dissipated without a trace.
Seven Spirits Daoist's body swayed a few times and eventually fell powerlessly to the ground. Seeing this, Yuan Ming slightly furrowed his brows and gently said, "So it was just a soul splitting..."
Afterward, he turned to the others, inquiring about the planning process of this attack. Learning that it was Su Wu's instigation from behind, Yuan Ming wasn't surprised. He had also planted marks within the Divine Souls of the Four-direction Killing Gods to ensure they could not betray him. Then, he had Fire Wing Immortal inform them about the matter of worshipping the Nether Moon God and confined them all within Yin Capital City, temporarily restricting their activities.
Once everything was arranged, Yuan Ming maneuvered the Shura Palace through the Void Turbulence and returned to Beihai City.
Inside Beihai City, Lu Jianxing and Yun Luo Fairy and others had already detained Si Rong, Zhong Tuhu, and the Su Nu Sect disciples and elders they brought along. When Yuan Ming's figure reappeared in front of everyone, they gathered around him.
"Are you alright?" Wulu stepped forward, carefully examining Yuan Ming, and upon seeing no apparent injuries, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Yuan Ming shook his head with a smile, indicating he was fine.
"What about Seven Spirits Daoist and the others?" Wulu waited for a long time but didn't see anyone else appear, he couldn't help but ask curiously.
"I've already suppressed them," Yuan Ming said easily.
"Suppressed? Which one?" Yun Luo Fairy asked somewhat surprised.
"None of them escaped, all suppressed," Yuan Ming replied with a smile, then briefly narrated their situation.
Hearing this, everyone fell into a prolonged silence. The news was so shocking that they found it hard to believe. Seven Spirits Daoist, Fire Wing Immortal, Four-direction Killing Gods, these were all legendary cultivators known in their regions, yet together they couldn't defeat Yuan Ming and were instead entirely suppressed by him.
This battle carried far more significance than Yuan Ming's previous suppression of eighteen City Lords, securing the position of Master of Demon Mountain Range. After a while, Lu Jianxing came to his senses and sincerely praised, "City Lord Yuan, this battle should be proclaimed across the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range to deter all petty villains and make them dare not harbor treacherous thoughts again!"
Yuan Ming nodded, not objecting. He raised his hand, directly grabbing Zhong Tuhu.
"You... you can't kill me... I am an elder of Taixuan Sect, I am..." Zhong Tuhu's voice was filled with terror as if he saw the Grim Reaper descending.
Yuan Ming, however, showed no expression. He reached out, pressed Zhong Tuhu's head, his eyes flashing with cold light, staring into the other's eyes. Zhong Tuhu's pupils instantly expanded as if swallowed by an invisible force; his gaze lost focus, and his shouting came to an abrupt halt under this force.
Yuan Ming closed his eyes, beginning to forcibly Soul Search. Moments later, a hint of a cold smile appeared on his face. It turned out this incident was indeed Zhong Tuhu's instigation, colluding with members of the Three Realms Sect, targeting him in a surrounding kill action. The entanglement between Yun Luo Fairy and Su Nu Sect was merely an excuse he used.
Yuan Ming withdrew his gaze, his palm suddenly exerted force, while a strand of Divine Soul Power quietly submerged into Zhong Tuhu's body. With a "bang" sound, Zhong Tuhu's head exploded like a ripe watermelon, blood splattering, and his Divine Soul being annihilated in an instant.
Lu Jianxing was shocked and couldn't help but remind, "City Lord Yuan, this Zhong Tuhu holds a high position within Taixuan Sect, and his relationship with Young Master Que Yue is quite unusual. Killing him like this might bring trouble."
Yuan Ming heard this, his face showing no surprise.
He said indifferently, "Isn't it just Young Master Que Yue, he's not Taixuan Sect's Sect Leader, no need to be so alarmed. If he wishes to seek revenge, then I would welcome it."
Lu Jianxing heard this and wanted to say something, but remembering the fate of Seven Spirits Daoist and the others, he realized he'd still been underestimating the Master of Demon Mountain Range. He shook his head helplessly and closed his mouth.
At this moment, Yun Luo Fairy glanced at Si Rong and the others bound at the side and hesitantly asked, "Yuan... City Lord, how should they be dealt with?"
Yuan Ming pondered for a moment and said, "They are from your Su Nu Sect; naturally, I'll leave it to you to handle. But for convenience, let's suppress them in Shura Palace first."
Yun Luo Fairy heard this, a hint of delight appeared in her eyes, and she hurriedly thanked him. Si Rong already seemed drained of all spirit, looking defeated, with empty eyes, unresponsive to external stimuli.
Afterward, Yuan Ming glanced at the devastated Beihai City and spoke to Lu Jianxing, "City Lord Lu, this time they came targeting me, causing unprovoked disaster to your Beihai City, I'm truly sorry."
Lu Jianxing heard this, first feeling surprised, then he spoke fearfully, "City Lord Yuan, such words are too estranged. The nineteen cities of the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range share the same branch and are inseparable. Regardless of other cities, my Beihai City respects you and White Emperor City, willing to serve loyally. This companionship through hardship means little."
Yuan Ming was moved upon hearing this.
He solemnly said, "Fellow Daoist Lu, your sincere words indeed touch the heart. Then, I'll trouble you to handle the aftermath and quickly repair Beihai City. White Emperor City will soon send people over to help; all expenses required will be covered by the White Emperor City treasury."
Lu Jianxing was overjoyed upon hearing this, and quickly cupped his fists, saying, "Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Yuan, I will do my utmost."
Then, Yuan Ming bid farewell, and brought all the disciples of the Su Nu Sect into the Shura Palace.
He, along with Wulu and Yun Luo Fairy, headed to the City Lord Mansion, and returned to White Emperor City via the Teleportation Array.
Upon returning to White Emperor City, Yuan Ming immediately summoned Wang Fulong and instructed him to properly settle the disciples of the Su Nu Sect brought by Yun Luo Fairy.
Wang Fulong quickly accepted the order and his figure swiftly disappeared from outside the palace.
However, Yun Luo Fairy did not leave with him but stayed in the hall, seemingly having more to say.
She had followed Yuan Ming around, witnessing with her own eyes his domineering presence as he slew in all directions and strategized, causing waves to stir in her heart once again.
Her gaze towards Yuan Ming became more and more entranced, as if a pool of spring water was flowing within, filled with inexplicable meaning.
"Fellow Daoist Yun Luo, do you have anything else to discuss?" Yuan Ming noticed that Yun Luo Fairy had not left, and asked.
His voice was calm and distant, seemingly unaware of the complex emotions in Yun Luo Fairy's eyes.
Yun Luo Fairy was slightly startled, then concealed her inner disappointment and regained her composure.
"Fellow Daoist Yuan, I wish to formally join the Alliance of Ten Thousand Immortals with the disciples of the Su Nu Sect." She took a deep breath and said seriously.
"Previously, all you asked for was a place of refuge, and I have already agreed. You and your disciples only need to cultivate in peace, there's no need to worry about more." Yuan Ming was somewhat puzzled upon hearing this.
"You may not know, Fellow Daoist Yuan, although you promised to protect us, you only let us pray daily and occasionally do some chores. Over time, it inevitably causes unease in the disciples' hearts and is not conducive to cultivation. I want the Su Nu Sect to become a part of the Alliance of Ten Thousand Immortals and face the future together with you." Yun Luo Fairy gently shook her head and explained.
Yuan Ming suddenly realized that Yun Luo Fairy wanted the Su Nu Sect to truly become his subordinates, rather than just being guests under his protection.
"Alright, I agree to your request. I will formally issue an order later, appointing you as an elder of this alliance, to manage White Emperor City alongside Wang Fulong. As for the disciples of the Su Nu Sect, they can be arranged by you personally." Yuan Ming nodded in agreement after a brief contemplation.
"Thank you for your kindness, Fellow Daoist Yuan. Yun Luo will not disappoint your trust." Yun Luo Fairy was excited upon hearing this and quickly bowed in gratitude.
Her voice was filled with gratitude and respect, as if she had already fully aligned herself under Yuan Ming's command.
Yuan Ming calmly accepted this salute, then personally wrote the letter of appointment and handed it to Yun Luo Fairy to give to Wang Fulong.
Wulu, seeing this, wisely prepared to take his leave as well: "Brother Yuan, since everything is settled, I will return to continue my cultivation."
"Hold on, Brother Wulu, I have one more inquiry. Do you have any news about a Seventh Level Array Master?" Yuan Ming suddenly called out to Wulu, his expression becoming somewhat serious.
"Brother Yuan, do you have a need for this? I do have some leads on a Seventh Level Array Master." Wulu was slightly taken aback, then replied candidly.
"I have recently encountered a powerful restriction that requires elevating my array formation cultivation to the seventh level to break. You know my aptitude, without guidance from a skilled master, I fear it will be difficult to make a breakthrough." Yuan Ming explained, a bit surprised in his heart.
Although there had been hints previously, he didn't expect Wulu to actually have a lead on a Seventh Level Array Master.
"I see, I can help get in touch. However, he may currently be preoccupied with other matters and may not be able to come immediately." Wulu nodded, showing understanding.
"As long as he can be invited, that would be great. If his situation is particularly difficult, you can also tell him that I am willing to lend a hand, as a gesture of my sincerity." Yuan Ming breathed a sigh of relief.
"Alright, I will convey your message to him." Wulu nodded in agreement.
After bidding farewell to Wulu, Yuan Ming turned and entered the Shura Palace to begin organizing the Fire Wing Immortal and others.
Unlike Wang Fulong and the others, the Fire Wing Immortal and the Four-direction Killing Gods belonged to the Three Realms Sect, notorious for their past evildoings, so Yuan Ming did not let them out for work.
While the Soul Descent Rune alone could ensure their loyalty, Yuan Ming added another layer of security by transforming them into Tree Puppets using the branches of the World Tree.
In this way, their physical bodies were also under Yuan Ming's control, making it impossible for them to betray him.
Yuan Ming also lifted the mana restrictions on them and ordered them to continue their cultivation.
He himself then used the Stealing Heaven Tripod to possess the body of the Fire Wing Immortal, and comprehended the Fire Emperor True Intent.