Loyal Guard

CH5: The Power of the Magic Array

In October, the temperature abruptly plummeted. Persistent rainfall ensued for several consecutive days, causing the leaves to cascade from the branches. As the northern gale swept through, the leaves danced in the air, creating an ethereal, dreamlike ambiance. The servants, tasked with sweeping and cleaning, intensified their use of incantations to maintain the area's cleanliness. Their workload was so demanding that they scarcely had time to rest. Tianquan, having completed his shift, found himself with idle time. He had been stationed at the main peak for over half a month. Serving as a close bodyguard was typically a coveted position, attracting numerous experts who rotated shifts in the morning and evening. After approximately ten days, Tianquan had only served outside the main hall for two days, as the master was perpetually engrossed in cultivation and seldom left the hall.

It had been less than a month since the master's confrontation with the Shendao Sect's leader at the Hengduo Forest on Guanmu Mountain. Tianquan felt a growing sense of urgency. Fortunately, he had ventured out on several reconnaissance missions and successfully identified several spies, including one who was deeply embedded.

"Ah, this hot spring is so soothing!"

"Indeed. It's truly a privilege to be a steward. We get to enjoy such a splendid place to unwind."

"Absolutely, absolutely!"

"This hot spring was discovered by the steward. We are deeply indebted to him!"

"The servant bows to the steward..."

Several alchemy apprentices were enthusiastically discussing the steward's benevolence in bringing them to the hot spring. They were eager to express their gratitude to the steward who had joined them for a soak, but upon searching for him, he was nowhere to be found. They distinctly recalled the steward reclining in the pool, taking a nap. After a brief search, they surmised he had already departed and resumed their humming and soaking in the hot spring.

This hot spring was a natural formation, untouched by artificial modifications. It was the steward, Qin Hu, who had utilized his palm force to excavate several bathing pits. At this moment, the moonlight cascaded like water, gently illuminating the steam-filled hot spring. The area was enveloped in a light mist, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. However, behind the central mountain rock of the hot spring, the scene was far from the relaxation enjoyed by the alchemy apprentices. Qin Hu's head was submerged underwater by Tianquan. His mouth and nose were filled with water, and he clung desperately to the uneven edge of the pool, emitting choking sounds.

"Hand over the magic array diagram, or this will be your final resting place!" Tianquan threatened menacingly.

Qin Hu struggled even more fiercely. Tianquan, gauging the time, lifted Qin Hu's head out of the water. Qin Hu gasped for air as if resurrected, but he was unable to utter a word. The events had unfolded too abruptly.

His face was drenched, even his eyes were filled with water. He gazed at Tianquan in terror, as if beholding a demon. This individual was exceedingly powerful, undoubtedly a master beyond the Out-of-Body stage. Qin Hu, at the Out-of-Body stage, was no match for Tianquan, who possessed adept sneak attack techniques. Caught off guard and submerged, Qin Hu hadn't even had the opportunity to cast the Water Spell. Were it not for Tianquan's specific demand, Qin Hu would have already perished.

Qin Hu shook his head and was thrust underwater once more. He was deprived of oxygen again, feeling as though he would drown if the submersion lasted any longer.

Tianquan submerged him several times, torturing Qin Hu to the brink of death. Finally, Qin Hu capitulated: "Senior... Senior... Please show mercy... I'll tell you... I'll tell you..."

Tianquan's grip slackened, and Qinhu collapsed limply onto the ground. The poolside was thoroughly drenched, saturating his upper body. Swiftly executing a water expulsion technique, his garments dried instantaneously. With a cunning grin, he propelled himself backward. In a flash, Tianquan materialized before him, delivering a forceful palm strike that sent Qinhu sprawling. Qinhu, both shocked and horrified, exclaimed, "How did you escape?"

Tianquan pressed his foot heavily on Qinhu's chest, his voice menacing, "It appears you have yet to learn your lesson. Since I can demand the array diagram from you, it stands to reason that I know how to dismantle this trap. If you remain silent, I shall subject you to the sensation of drowning once more!"

Qinhu immediately capitulated. He retrieved a jade slip from his storage bag and hurled it at Tianquan, his voice filled with despair, "I acquired it only a few days ago and have not fully comprehended it. How did you decipher it, senior?"

Tianquan maintained the pressure of his foot. He accepted the jade slip, scanned it with his consciousness, and smiled with satisfaction. After storing it in his storage bag, he drew a dagger from his boot and precisely stabbed Qinhu in the abdomen. Qinhu's eyes widened in disbelief. He had never anticipated that this individual would still seek his demise. His body swayed several times as he clutched his abdomen tightly. Blood gushed from between his fingers, and with a mixture of resentment and confusion, he closed his eyes.

Tianquan gazed down at him impassively for an extended period, muttering, "A person will not be ensnared by the same array twice..."

The evening breeze intensified, rustling the bamboo leaves by the hot spring pool. Tianquan had already disposed of Qinhu's body. This time, he had no intention of reporting the incident. He could not provide a clear explanation and wished to avoid further complications. He circumvented the rocks, dismantled the array, and carried the few Dan children who had fainted due to the array's absorption of their spiritual energy out of the forest. They would likely never know that Qinhu had used them as sacrifices for his inaugural array.

On his return journey, Tianquan nonchalantly dragged the sleeping spy from his bed and dispatched him with a single strike. After disposing of the body, Tianquan returned to his quarters in high spirits and retrieved the array diagram jade slip for study. Time was of the essence, and he could not afford to be negligent.

In the Zhaohui Hall, Ji Zhiyan, who had been meditating with closed eyes, raised the corner of his lips. He found this little dark guard increasingly intriguing. Tianquan's soul blood was in his possession. With a mere thought, he could track Tianquan and observe his actions through his divine sense.

"Trapped twice..." he mused. "Oh, there are quite a few secrets."

Ji Zhiyan sent a message to Tian She via a transmission charm.

Shortly thereafter, Tian She bowed respectfully to Ji Zhiyan.

"Rise. Have you uncovered anything?" Ji Zhiyan inquired, his amber eyes opening.

Tian She bowed once more and replied, "Reporting to the Lord, regarding the individuals involved in the purging of the Heavenly Authority, each one has been thoroughly investigated by your subordinate. Nine out of ten have definitive origins and background identities. Some hail from the other three sects, and others from several sects on other continents. A few are connected to the late former sect leader. The longest period of infiltration exceeds a hundred years. If we adhere to the previous deduction, even if someone intended to sacrifice these individuals to elevate the Heavenly Authority to a higher position, it would be implausible to sacrifice a spy who has been in place for a century. Moreover, numerous sects are involved, and there is no connection among these individuals, rendering the conspiracy theory untenable. The remaining one in ten have yet to be investigated."