Resolute

After Zhuo Fan's analysis, the Luo clan now understood what to do next. Luo Yunhai was feeling hurt, but the light in his eyes grew stauncher.

At dawn break, people left Dragon Cloud City.

The Esoteric Debate this time was particularly cruel and devastating, but no one expected for a clan to rise after a thousand years and kill its way to the same footing as the seven houses.

Luo clan's legend spread like wildfire throughout the Tianyu Empire.

Luo clan and its allies said their goodbyes at the gates, then went home. Luo clan was getting ready for its big reveal into the limelight, to fight on equal footing with the true powers.

Their allies had already invited their Venerables to fight alongside the Luo clan. Now that they were in the same boat, they had one course of action. Because when the Luo clan fell, Regent Estate would turn to them.

They were backed into a corner.

Why else would they accept following this madman after finding out that Zhuo Fan had just become the imperial family's enemy number one? Now they will go along for the ride called Zhuo Fan. They will thrive and fall together. Neither one could abandon the other.

Dugu Zhantian patted Luo Yunhai's shoulder with a hard face, "Yunhai, won't you join your godfather in battle instead? "

"Godfather, you still have the other four to help you, but I am the Luo clan's only heir. I can only go with my clan. Please forgive me godfather." Luo Yunhai nodded.

Dugu Zhantian sighed, "Alright, Yunhai, you've grown and are responsible now. A true soldier from my army…"

"Godfather…" Luo Yunhai interrupted, "Thank you for your guidance these past five years. If the day ever comes when we cross swords, I ask that godfather shows no mercy, as neither shall I…"

The Four Tigers of Tianyu jerked. Why was their younger brother being so heartless?

But Dugu Zhantian's eyes shrank and he sighed,"It seems you already know the situation. That brat must've told you. But he is he and you are you. As long as the Luo clan has him…"

"Godfather, without him there wouldn't be a Luo clan, nor the relation we have today. You have taught me loyalty so how could I betray him? Moreover, he is the pillar of the Luo clan. A man does not clip his own wings so how can I, a warrior, make the folly of cutting off my arms?"

Dugu Zhantian nodded and laughed, "You are indeed my godson, both righteous and loyal. It will be my pride and joy to meet you on the field."

Dugu Zhantian smiled and turned, "Yunhai, we may be on opposite sides, but our bond will never change."

"Take care… godfather."

Luo Yunhai watched the imposing back and banged his head on the pavement three times.

As for the four tigers, they were totally lost. [What is going on? Why are they suddenly saying goodbyes?]

Not far, Chu Qingcheng had Luo Yunchang called to the side, "Young miss Luo, Zhuo Fan will be in your care."

"That has never changed. What, should he be in your care?" Luo Yunchang pouted, showing her hostility.

She had no clue what Chu Qingcheng did to get him out of his shell but was still grateful. That didn't mean she was about to step back from fighting over her man.

Chu Qingcheng smiled, "I mean that you should take great care of his heart. Help him understand this world. He isn't alone."

Chu Qingcheng then pushed a flickering ring into her hand and left.

Luo Yunchang was shocked. It was a Thunder Ring like Zhuo Fan was wearing. [How did she get it?]

Zhuo Fan only made three, with two given to Xue Ningxiang and Xie Tianyang. [Does that mean there was a fourth? And given to Chu Qingcheng?]

[Why didn't I get one?]

Luo Yunchang was annoyed as she ran to Zhuo Fan. She showed the Thunder Ring and snapped, "Zhuo Fan, what's the meaning of this? Are you giving everyone gifts now? What about me?"

"Where did you get this ring?" Zhuo Fan squinted in a cold tone.

Luo Yunchang let out a shrill cry from fright. Then she lowered her head and mumbled, "Edifice Lord Chu just gave it to me. Saying I need to look after you…"

"Throw it away!"

Zhuo Fan cut her off, "Ning'er and Xie Tianyang have broken ties with me. I don't need these baubles anymore. "

Zhuo Fan set out with the rest of the Luo clan. Captain Pang rushed to Luo Yunchang as her guard.

Trembling, Luo Yunchang now understood Chu Qingcheng's meaning.

Xie Tianyang and Ning'er broke it off with Zhuo Fan. She knew how close the three of them were. For a lone wolf like Zhuo Fan, it was a rare friendship.

But now the two had left him and he had truly become alone.

Luo Yunchang looked at the Thunder Ring and put it on as the light in her eyes changed…

In a lush forest, a black-clothed man looked towards the leaving Luo clan in the distance with a savage glint. Upon closer look, one would recognize him to belong to Hell Valley.

"Wretched Luo clan, you actually have a peak Radiant expert. At this rate, we will never be able to deal with them!" the 5th elder gnashed his teeth.

You Wanshan's eyes were cold, "5th elder, don't let anger get to you. Even without Li Jingtian, Zhuo Fan still wasn't one we could handle. Have you forgotten? He actually bit Huangpu Qingtian to death!"

"Yes, with the Luo clan having Zhuo Fan, a cunning mind like Leng Wuchang, and a powerful expert to protect them, they have reached our level, a true colossus. Hell Valley alone can no longer contend with them. Even worse, if we don't handle it right, we will be eaten whole and our house razed."

Just then, another black robe fluttered over but the owner had a young voice. Compared to all the old guys here, it made quite an odd contrast.

5th elder mocked, "You Ming, you're becoming more and more cocky. You dare interrupt an elder?"

The cowl was removed and it revealed a youth with a grave face, You Guiqi's disciple, You Ming. Just that he had lost his cowardly nature and had gotten bolder instead.

He looked at the elders and house lord without the slightest reaction.

You Wanshan gave him a hard look, then smiled, "Grand Elder, you raised the kid well. He's starting to look like the 7th elder."

"Ha-ha-ha, Valley Lord is exaggerating. He was the 7th elder's disciple to begin with. I only gave him tips. It was a good decision to not let him join the Esoteric Debate, or he would've been another unmarked grave at the hands of that monster. Then Hell Valley would have truly lost all hope."

Recalling the dreadful way Zhuo Fan dealt with Huangpu Qingtian, even Grand Elder shuddered, "Ever since the 7th elder's passing, all our actions have been a mess. We've suffered greatly and even ended up being used. I hope You Ming can assume 7th elder's duty and assist Valley Lord in making the house thrive. As for past grievances, ha-ha, it's best we don't mention them."

"Yes, Zhuo Fan is too much of a menace. Not even that old fox Leng Wuchang could handle him. Now that he has spread his wings, it will be even harder. We'd best rethink our options and take a step back." You Ming approved.

You Wanshan was pensive for a while before nodding .

Thinking back, ever since they came upon Zhuo Fan, everything went south. With Zhuo Fan of today reaching such power, they would lose even more going against him.

You Wanshan turned to You Ming, "Do you have a plan?"

"Valley Lord, master once said that all machinations are revealed when looking from the outside. With the Regent Estate and Luo clan at war, it's best for us to stay clear and think of another course of action."

"And that would be…" You Wanshan asked.

Grinning, You Ming continued, "Zhuo Fan and Leng Wuchang are treacherous men each with his own devices. We won't be a match for either of them even if we join. The best choice will be to play for the future!"

"Future?" You Wanshan asked, as did the rest.

"Correct. Our goal is in the imperial capital!" You Ming spoke with confidence.

As they talked, they were completely oblivious to the fact that every action the houses took in Dragon Cloud City was in plain sight to two gray shadows.

"He-he-he, Xie Wuyue, Tianyu is becoming more chaotic by the day. Not only the seven houses are fighting amongst each other, even the Four Pillars and Imperial family are about to step in. Can your kid survive among these errant armies?"

An aged voice mocked the other shadow.

The only response he got was a sinister laughter, "Hi-hi-hi, my affairs have nothing to do with geezers like you. He caught my eye and I'm sure he won't fail me. After three years, I'll return and you will face humiliation."

"Oh, are you that confident? The other sects' monsters aren't any weaker, you know."

"Humph, a 9th grade pill for a single man. You think I'd take that gamble without some assurance? What about you then? You lent that Anchoring Soul Bead and cheated a lady. Compared to us demonic cultivators, you, a righteous Sect Leader, is far more despicable. Hi-hi-hi…" Xie Wuyue laughed.

The shadow snapped, "Xie Wuyue, if it wasn't for me giving the Anchoring Soul Bead to maintain the girl's soul, your pill wouldn't have worked. How then would you have gotten that crafty brat? Humph, we merely cooperated and got what we wanted. What's despicable about that?"

"True, both of us got what we wanted. But this is where our partnership ends. The next time we see each other, I won't hold back."

"That goes without saying. You think you and your disciples will win? Humph!" The other shadow vanished with a snort.

Xie Wuyue cackled, "Before Zhuo Fan, perhaps not. But the kid will join my sect and I guarantee you will even lose your shirt, hi-hi-hi…"