Volcanic Age

Chapter 238: The Demonic Path Grows Restless (2)

The Black Shadow Division had always been managed by the younger generation of the Tang Family. Moreover, those involved were either direct descendants or even the next in line to lead the family.

Considering it was the Martial Alliance's hidden darkness and required the utmost secrecy, it was only natural that those involved had to hold significant status.

The current head of the family, Tang Youqi, and the previous head of the family had done the same, and the successor of the family, Tang Mingren, who would become the next head of the family, was currently doing the same.

"Welcome."@@@@

Tang Mingren greeted Zhou Xuchuan and Tang Hui with a tired expression.

He politely cupped his fist toward Zhou Xuchuan and gave a faint smile to Tang Hui.

“It’s been a while, little sister."

However, his smile seemed forced, enough to make one wonder if they were truly blood-related siblings.

"By the way, why did you leave the main gate and come in through the back entrance?"

"I'm sorry. We knocked on the main gate, but there was no answer..."

"Ah, that's my bad. Everyone is so busy here because of the incident with the blood cultists that we must not have heard."

Tang Mingren scratched the back of his head.

"Oh, right, Plum Blossom Order Sword... No, Great Hero Sword Dragon. Please keep the back entrance a secret. While it doesn’t matter that you know about it, since the Alliance Leader has already given you a general explanation about the Black Shadow Division, it’s still a place even the elders have limited information about."

"Of course. I will keep that in mind.”

In Tang Hui's case, although she wasn't a member of the Black Shadow Division itself, as a direct descendant of the Tang Family, she had access to the information. After all, she would need to take charge if anything ever happened to Tang Mingren.

"AGH! SAVE ME! SAVE ME!!!!"

Zhou Xuchuan was about to respond when a scream suddenly echoed from the underground prison.

How vicious.

The man's skin was completely peeled off, and there were other traces of torture.

If Zhou Xuchuan hadn't experienced the hell of war in his previous life, he might have vomited at the sight.

"Oh, my apologies. I didn't mean to show you something like this... let's head up first."

Tang Mingren didn’t even raise an eyebrow and led Zhou Xuchuan and Tang Hui up through another door.

Unlike the hell that unfolded underground, the Poison Institute's main building seemed relatively normal.

Since it was a Poison Institute, wisps of poison occasionally leaked out. However, since it didn't affect him that much, it didn't matter.

The building otherwise appeared ordinary, aside from the many medicinal manufacturing labs and storage rooms.

After drinking the tea Tang Mingren had served, Zhou Xuchuan told him everything he had heard from Nangong Weiwu and Zhuge Xiang.

Tang Mingren nodded strangely, not asking a single question, which made Zhou Xuchuan wonder if he had even been paying attention. Finally, Tang Mingren suggested they step outside.

"While I’m comfortable here, it’s better for us to be seen by others. There’s no point staying hidden in a place no one will venture. Hui, would you like to join us?"

"Yes, Orabeoni."

Tang Hui became prim and proper in front of Tang Mingren. Her usual harsh words were nowhere to be seen, making Zhou Xuchuan doubt his eyes.

"Ha! It's the Sword Dragon and the Poison Phoenix!"

As soon as they stepped into the garden, the trio drew attention.

It was no surprise that Tang Hui, whose stunning beauty turned heads wherever she went, was quickly recognized. She often participated in public events, so she was well known.

As for Zhou Xuchuan, though he rarely showed his face in public, a few people recognized him because of the recent war.

After all, this was Hefei, the center of the Righteous Faction and the headquarters of the Martial Alliance.

"Ha! The perfect couple, really, the perfect couple!"

"I heard that the Sword Dragon and the Poison Phoenix have that sort of relationship."

Because they were so famous, all sorts of rumors circulated. A significant number revolved around the supposed relationship between the Sword Dragon and the Poison Phoenix.

Though no one mentioned it anymore, there had been a time when the Sword Dragon was called the Phoenix Slayer, and the main phoenix that was 'slain' was Tang Hui. So, it would be stranger if the two weren't involved.

"Huh? But, who's that person next to them?"

“However, we lack strength. To put it bluntly, we lack money and manpower.”

There was no need to beat around the bush.

To change people's minds and gain support, he had to speak clearly. In war, vague statements could lead to people's deaths.

"As you know, the Martial Alliance suffered heavy losses while protecting our families and property from the madmen of the Blood Cult. Unfortunately, before we could fully heal from those wounds, the Demon Cult is planning to invade the Central Plains. We need your help.”

During his time as one of the Five High Elders of Mount Hua, he read a lot of books, giving him many chances to pick up different skills. As a result, he had no trouble speaking.

"A little, even a little, is fine. Even that small amount alone would be a great help. Please, we need your support."

Zhou Xuchuan bowed.

"People call me a hero. However, I am not the only hero."

People admired Zhou Xuchuan and followed in his steps.

Zhou Xuchuan admired the people and followed in their steps.

"As long as you want to help someone, as long as you can take a step forward with a little more courage, you are the hero."

Those words moved people’s hearts.

***

“Hahaha!”

Blessed Existence slapped his knee and burst into laughter. His empty sleeve swayed with each movement, a reminder of his missing arm.

"As if anyone would say he wasn't of the Righteous Faction! How hypocritical!"

Blessed Existence looked down at the world and laughed.

"Lao Tzu once said, Fu Wei Bing Zhe, Bu Xiang Zhi Qi, Wu Huo E Zhi, Gu You Dao Zhe Bu Chu."[1]

Weapons were inauspicious tools. Nature itself hated them for that reason.

Therefore, those who obtained enlightenment of the Path would never use them.

"The founder of their Daoist sect said as much, but those who had inherited his will are asking for help because they lack the people to wield their weapons and the money to afford them! If something like this isn't called hypocrisy, then what is?! Zhou Xuchuan!"

Blessed Existence roared in anger.

"What is right, what is wrong?! He's supposed to be a hero! In the end, Righteous, Evil, Demonic? Aren't you all the same?!"

The hero's speech moved both money and men.

When he said the words, 'As long as you want to help someone, as long as you can take a step forward with a little more courage, you are the hero,' money and people both flowed into the Martial Alliance.

Zhou Xuchuan's fortune, the money of Gold Will Merchants, also moved quite a bit.

Others who had once been helped by Zhou Xuchuan, whether in big or small ways, also came forward to contribute. Though each individual’s help seemed minor, the collective effort snowballed into something substantial.

Even the reclusive eccentrics and masters began to come out.

Soon after, the Demon Cult moved on a grand scale.

They numbered ten thousand and they headed to Qinghai, the first battleground, for the invasion of the Central Plains.

"The Seven Swords War, the Evil Valley's Civil War, the Great War of Good and Blood... and now, the Great War of Good and Demonic. They've all happened in less than ten years."

The busybodies all whispered to each other.

“This is truly an era of war!”

1. Dao De Ching, Chapter 31. ☜

Cyncoco's Thoughts

It's me, Cyncoco!

Dao De Ching, Lao Tzu.

Chapter 31

Good weapons are instruments of fear (夫唯兵者不祥之器). All of nature hates them (物或惡之). Therefore, the followers of the Dao never used them (故有道者不處).