Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1505 - 938: The Splendor of Tang Di (Part 2)

Neither humbly nor arrogantly, she stated, "Young Master, my designation is a guide under 'Tang Di.'

Even though Qingxin's cultivation realm is currently weak, once I embark on a mission, I shall never tarnish the honor of being 'Tang Di's guide.'"

A flicker of emotion crossed Baili An's face.

Within the 'One Drop of Blood' organization, a guide serves as an elder figure, tasked with mentoring newcomers into the Demon Alliance, thereby signifying both ceremony and identity.

Although it bears the name Demon Alliance, its acceptance extends beyond mere demons, encompassing humans like Qingzhi and Qingxin as well.

In the Demon Alliance, prejudice and bias are notably less prevalent compared to other mortal factions.

Nevertheless, demons inherently possess a pride that is deeply ingrained in their very being.

They extend equality to humans, not out of any deliberate condescension, but based on parity in strength.

Alternatively, they might offer newcomers within 'One Drop of Blood' a measure of extra care, born from a sense of camaraderie.

However, for an entity such as Tang Di, an ancient Great Demon with an immeasurable lifespan.

To personally introduce a cultivator at the Seeking Tao Realm is, in truth, a remarkable occurrence.

Baili An, with the assistance of Jun He, established 'One Drop of Blood,' a venture that began with considerable hardship, apart from the crucial task of rescuing various demon clans from the abyssal depths of the Underground Dark City.

Other demon clans, dwelling in remote mountain sanctuaries, held 'One Drop of Blood' in low regard.

Back in those nascent days, Jun He traversed amongst diverse demon clans, and Tang Di, a reclusive Great Demon residing in the Tribulation Realm, was the very first to pave the way into 'One Drop of Blood.'

Throughout the ensuing years, Tang Di evolved into an indispensable covert supporter for Jun He.

The fact that Qingxin was brought in by such a distinguished Great Demon must signify her possession of exceptional qualities.

Baili An, adhering to his principle of not judging based on mere appearance, nor belittling her due to her modest cultivation.

Observing her unwavering self-assurance, he continued, "Do you possess any intelligence or rumors pertaining to the unusual occurrences in Shifang City?"

Qingxin responded, "I recall that Qingzhi is particularly responsible for disseminating news from Shifang City; I have gleaned considerable knowledge from his reports."

Baili An instructed, "I require you to discreetly amass a substantial quantity of top-grade spirit stones, prioritizing the highest quality obtainable, and accumulating as much as humanly possible.

Furthermore, issue directives for the immediate mobilization of all Demon Alliance resources towards the excavation of comet iron and earth crystals. Concurrently, expedite the summoning of individuals skilled in talismanic arts from within the Demon Alliance, awaiting my subsequent commands."

Qingxin acknowledged with a nod, inquiring, "Is the Young Master preparing a considerable cache of materials for the fabrication of Mechanical Puppets, with the intention of dispatching them to Shifang City?"

Indeed, a perceptiveness beyond her years.

Baili An offered no pretense, affirming, "Precisely. Should the Mechanical Puppets in Shifang City eventually instigate a rebellion, it could precipitate a monumental catastrophe; we must proactively establish safeguards."

Qingxin's astuteness was matched by her profound insight.

She discerned that Baili An's undertaking transcended mere personal preparedness; his underlying motive to safeguard Shifang City was manifestly evident.

It suggested the presence of an individual within that city whom he held dear and wished to protect.

Beneath her veil, Qingxin offered a subtle smile, remarking, "Concerning mechanical prowess, Shifang City undoubtedly stands unrivaled globally. Should the Young Master intend to transport such potent materials into Shifang City, securing a trustworthy intermediary is paramount."

Baili An replied, "In Shifang City, Miss Fang is the individual. Prepare all the aforementioned items for her, and if she requires anything further, endeavor to accommodate her needs."

It appeared that Miss Fang was indeed the object of his affections.

Was she the daughter of the Shifang City Lord? It was almost certain that she was deeply implicated in this unfolding conspiracy.

Should the realm of mechanical arts genuinely descend into chaos amongst the mortal populace, it would inevitably draw the attention of the Nine Heavens, potentially even unsettling the revered Immortal Venerable Zhu Zhan.

Below the cosmic beings of gods and deities, even the esteemed Lord of Kunlun Mountain, Zhonghua Immortal Estate, might find themselves incapable of shielding Shifang City.

And Fang Geyu would inevitably face the dire repercussions.

Baili An's current mission bore an immense significance.

Qingxin's fists, concealed beneath her sleeves, clenched subtly, her eyes shimmering with an unyielding resolve as she solemnly declared, "Qingxin shall obey!"

The flames before Baili An flickered, nearing extinguishment, and Qingxin, understanding the conclusion of her assignment, prepared to depart.

She cast a tranquil yet penetrating gaze upon Baili An, poised to withdraw.

Abruptly, Baili An halted her, stating, "The materials I require, whether for their mobilization or procurement, are far from simple undertakings.

In a world rife with espionage, achieving these objectives discreetly becomes exponentially more challenging."

The scrutiny and potential machinations of those harboring sinister intentions would inevitably be drawn.

Should you find yourself in peril, do not hesitate to push beyond your limits. You are permitted to seek assistance directly from myself or Jun He, and we shall ensure your protection."

While not a declaration of earth-shattering impact or profound shock, a subtle easing of the burden within Qingxin's heart had recently occurred.

"Master, I shall hold your words in remembrance."

Baili An nodded, recognizing that her unique standing necessitated her departure without undue delay, preparing to permit her exit.

Just at that moment, the starlight adorning the nocturnal sky began to noticeably dim.

Amidst the undulating currents of wind sweeping across the mountainous terrain, a subtle, almost imperceptible shadow manifested.

The swift trajectory cut through the expanse like an unseen blade, leaving a void in its wake as it sliced through the undulating grasses.

Qingxin made no attempt to conceal her guilelessness from Baili An. Despite her perceptiveness, her cultivation was undeniably her Achilles' heel.

She remained utterly oblivious to the escalating peril surrounding her.

The menacing strike hurtled toward her back, its terrifying aura suffusing the very air, potent enough to rend both flesh and spirit asunder.

Baili An's pupils contracted in alarm. Forsaking any heed of the thunderous power coursing through his limbs, he activated his spiritual power nodes, which flared with brilliant intensity.

His internal spiritual currents surged and ebbed like a tempestuous tide, propelled by his spiritual power as he launched himself forward in a flash.

Qingxin perceived only a fleeting blur; Baili An had vanished from his original position.

Then, a cool arm encircled her waist, enveloping her in a powerful gust of wind, as if intending to lift her with his energy and the breeze.

However, the hidden harbinger of doom had already descended.

The panorama before Qingxin's eyes remained unchanged. She could discern nothing but a flicker of elusive violet light imprinted on her mirrored pupils.

Baili An barely managed to summon a defensive puppet of the earth attribute, positioning it like a colossal, unyielding shield before him.

Yet, in the subsequent instant, the puppet disintegrated into a thousand fragments.

With the Golden Immortal Thunder Power contained within him, Baili An's spiritual energy, already stretched to its utmost, allowed him to rally his remaining vital essence to his shoulder.

Cradling Qingxin somewhat, he shifted her fractionally away from the fatal projectile. Unable to fully evade it, he absorbed the impact with his shoulder.

The spectral red spider lily bloomed and dissipated in the same breath. Baili An's shoulder was rent open by a monstrous crimson gash, flesh and blood erupting, the wound plunging deep to the bone.

An immense force hurled both their forms through the air.

Amidst the searing agony, Baili An caught a faint, familiar floral scent emanating from Qingxin.

This fleeting notion barely registered before Qingxin's cry, laced with sobs, pierced the air.

Baili An glimpsed the long arrow embedded in his body, its true form now starkly revealed in the nocturnal gloom.

The arrow shaft, sinuously curved like a serpent, bore only two sets of fletching, both incandescent with ethereal purple flames.

Its translucent, hollow body pulsed with a peculiar violet fluid, which relentlessly seeped into Baili An's being.

A searing, toxic sensation spread through Baili An's internal organs, maliciously constricting his aura and meridians.

His complexion turned ashen. Reaching for the arrow, he found himself confronted by a multitude of venomous tendrils erupting from its shaft.

These insidious vines ensnared his hand and viciously snaked towards Qingxin beside him.

With no alternative, Baili An resigned himself to allowing the remaining venom to surge into his body.

How could Qingxin fail to grasp that her proximity was hindering him?

Without a second thought, she reached out, heedless of the sharp, poisonous thorns piercing her hands, and forcefully wrenched the arrow free, hurling it aside.

As she helped Baili An to his feet, a deathly black aura had begun to taint his complexion.

Baili An acted swiftly, pressing a top-grade water-attribute spirit stone into her palm.

A water-attribute spirit stone of such high quality possessed potent purifying capabilities.

Within the luminous flow, the darkness radiating from the wound on her palm gradually receded, purified and vanishing.

Baili An's eyebrows rose slightly. His expression remained impassive as his gaze calmly settled upon a nearby tree, where a youth clad in black reclined against a branch.

The youth regarded Baili An, a grin spreading across his face, and declared, "You dare to interfere in the affairs of Shifang City? I suspect you're tired of living!"