Chapter 3167 — Joining Forces

After all, they were Wei Zhao's underlings now—how could they know nothing about their own master? At the very least, they had to learn who his current enemies were, and which sects and fellow subordinates were friendly to him!

Against those enemies, the Blood-Robe Huangquan Sect would strike with lethal force whenever the chance arose; and as for friendly sects and fellow subordinates, they had to be clearly distinguished, lest the floodwaters overwhelm the Dragon King's temple and family fail to recognize family. So they decided to stay and investigate more thoroughly.

"Gloom, have the intelligence team move into East Sea City at once and begin looking into our master's affairs. We must know our enemy and know ourselves before we can help our master and prove worthy of the old master's trust!" said Ancestor Huangquan.

"Right, I understand. I'll make the call now!" Ancestor Gloom nodded and went off to phone the intelligence team over.

……………………

In the Eastern family, Eastern Goldstar received important and welcome news today: Ancestor Pure Yin of the Tomorrow Upon Tomorrow cult had come out of seclusion, and Ancestor Pure Yang had already sent word that he was willing to join hands with Eastern Silverstar of the Eastern family to deal with Wei Zhao.

So Eastern Goldstar hurried to the door of Eastern Overlord's room, knocked, and said, "Father, Second Brother, I bring splendid news!"

"Goldstar, come in," said Eastern Overlord. "What has you so excited?"

"Father, Ancestor Pure Yin of the Tomorrow Upon Tomorrow cult has come out of seclusion, and Ancestor Pure Yang has just contacted me—they will join forces with us to slay Wei Zhao!" Eastern Goldstar said excitedly. "This time, Wei Zhao is dead beyond any doubt!"

"Oh? The Tomorrow Upon Tomorrow cult can act now?" Eastern Overlord mused for a moment, then said, "Let us cooperate with them this time. Once Silverstar and I become consummate masters one day, we can make the Tomorrow Upon Tomorrow cult pay a price for it!"

"Father, you approve of my going?" Eastern Silverstar was excited too. He had long wished to kill Wei Zhao, but had not dared go alone for fear of Wei Zhao's ability to slay foes above his rank. Now, with Ancestor Pure Yin at his side—two masters at the peak of the late Heaven Rank—even if Wei Zhao had three heads and six arms, this time he was finished!

"Yes. With Ancestor Pure Yin accompanying you, I am naturally at ease sending you. Otherwise, that brat Wei Zhao is truly uncanny—able to slay masters far above his level in a single blow. One cannot help but guard against it!" said Eastern Overlord. "If the Tomorrow Upon Tomorrow cult were not acting, I would certainly have you set aside this grudge for now. After all, our core strength has already suffered heavy losses; if anything should happen to you as well, our Eastern family would truly slide into decline, and more ancient clans and sects would surpass us. The loss would outweigh the gain!"

"Is that Wei Zhao really so formidable?" Eastern Silverstar frowned, plainly somewhat dismissive.

"Do not underestimate the enemy!" Eastern Overlord waved a hand. "That Wei Zhao has survived to this day without being finished off by his enemies—there must be something unique about him. We must not be too contemptuous, lest we capsize in the gutter!"

"Yes…" Eastern Silverstar answered hastily, though in his heart he remained a little dismissive, thinking Wei Zhao no more than a minor master of the early Heaven Rank, certainly no match for him.

"Remember: if Wei Zhao truly is powerful and the deed cannot be done, then set aside the grudge and flee back at once. Never try to prove your mettle!" Eastern Overlord cautioned.

"I understand, Father! I will be careful." Though Eastern Silverstar said so, his words were full of perfunctory ease, which made Eastern Overlord frown slightly. This son of his was not as steady as Eastern Goldstar—his strength was there, but in conduct he was still very impulsive.

Eastern Goldstar, by contrast, was most obedient—which was why Eastern Overlord felt at ease letting him manage the Eastern family. Still, when he thought about it, Wei Zhao was merely a master of the early Heaven Rank; no matter how formidable, no matter how capable of fighting above his level, he could not possibly be a match for a master at the peak of the late Heaven Rank. If he were, Wei Zhao would long since have run rampant across the ancient strata!

Moreover, back at the cultivators' guild, Wei Zhao should have destroyed Eastern Hardstone rather than let him escape. Seen thus, Wei Zhao's strength was still limited—which slightly eased Eastern Overlord's originally tense mood.

"When do we act?" Eastern Overlord asked.

"The Tomorrow Upon Tomorrow cult is waiting for our reply. The moment we nod, they will send people to join us!" said Eastern Goldstar.

"Good. Tell them the Eastern family is ready as well. Have Eastern Silverstar go rendezvous with Ancestor Pure Yin, then together they will slay Wei Zhao." Here Eastern Overlord turned to Eastern Silverstar. "Silverstar, remember—you must strike together with Ancestor Pure Yin. Do not be so foolish as to charge ahead alone and serve as the probe."

"I understand that!" This much Eastern Silverstar took in. He was no fool; since it was a joint effort of two houses, he naturally wanted Ancestor Pure Yin to take the lead—best if he and Wei Zhao fought each other to mutual ruin, and then he himself could step in and finish Wei Zhao. That would also, indirectly, give the Tomorrow Upon Tomorrow cult a taste of hardship and avenge Eastern Undefeated.

Eastern Goldstar left Eastern Overlord's room and went to call Ancestor Pure Yang.

When Ancestor Pure Yang received the call, he relayed the news to Zhong Yongliang. "Master, the Eastern family has agreed to join hands with us to slay Wei Zhao!"

"So it still comes down to slaying Wei Zhao!" Zhong Yongliang sighed softly. "In truth, now that I have merged with the Mad Dragon's soul memories, destroying Wei Zhao would be easy—I need only send out a few masters at random and he would be done for. But the reason I have not done so is that I wanted to give Paozi a spur to train and improve! Yet as things stand, unless Wei Zhao is removed, he will never escape his inner demon. We have no choice but to kill Wei Zhao first!"

"Master, since you agree, shall I have Junior Brother Pure Yin go rendezvous with Eastern Silverstar?" Ancestor Pure Yang nodded and asked.

"You may. But before he goes, have him come see me—I have something to say to him!" said Zhong Yongliang.

"Very well, Master. I will go find him now." Ancestor Pure Yang nodded and went off to seek Ancestor Pure Yin.

Ancestor Pure Yin had come out of seclusion—but his attempt to break through to consummate mastery at the peak of the late Heaven Rank had failed! RS