Ax to Grind

"I will lead them into the world beyond! Hahaha" Sect Master Bai Lizi announced as his laughter echoed within the Nefarious Sanctuary.

Although the Overlords had enmity towards each other, they knew that protecting their world is a top priority. And after all these years, they had fought a few foreign worlds that tried to invade theirs and had stood victoriously. In all of history, this trio had conquered and defeated three foreign worlds together. And these three foreign worlds had become the foundations to each of their own Immortal Sects. This was the reason of their unprecedented power compared to the rest of the unrenowned Immortal Sects of this world.

Sect Master Griffith nodded in acknowledgement towards Sect Master Bai Lizi, having a Sect Master venture into the unknown world would be a great help in keeping a foot hold into the unknown land. Sect Master Zhou Yi also acknowledged Sect Master Bai Lizi's decision.

As the plans were already set, Meng Fu finished his preparations along with the four disciples of the Divine Void Sect. Meng Fu still felt intense anger towards Neebo and Zhu Hongwu, but because his Sect Master had suddenly appeared before everyone along with the other Sect Masters; he couldn't do anything but to follow his Sect Masters orders.

Sect Master Zhou Yi noticed Meng Fu's actions, and he wonders why Meng Fu was so determined to punish a weak youngster. Meng Fu wasn't just an ordinary expert; he was the renowned Formation Grandmaster of the world. Yet Meng Fu looked as if he wanted to rip the flesh out of Neebo's existence.

Sect Master Zhou Yi left this grudge alone, as it was a matter that concerns Meng Fu; he was the only person that could solve it. This is to avoid any backlash in Meng Fu's cultivation.

As everyone was preparing, Neebo got close to Zhu Hongwu. He didn't want to venture into the foreign world, he didn't know what dangers lies inside Grecians world. And although he had Grecian, he still couldn't trust him with his life. Thus, he wanted to plead Zhu Hongwu to not bring him along.

Zhu Hongwu was meditating seating crossed-legged, a few meters from him; Neebo who was tensed up and didn't know what to say walked back and forth behind Zhu Hongwu.

Namgoong Yoh followed Neebo around, he wasn't tasked with anything so he was eager to get to know who this kid that his Uncle Master had took interest with.

"Hey, Neebo!" Namgoong Yoh asked.

Neebo, who was in a daze, came to his senses. He nodded towards Namgoong Yoh; he was not in the mood to flatter Namgoong Yoh at this moment. He wanted to get out of this place as soon as possible.

"What is it senior brother?" Neebo still replied amicably.

"You seem to be out of sorts, why don't you hang with me. If you do so, you might learn a thing or two from me hehe and in that way, I can protect your life as well. That will lessen the burden from Uncle Master." Namgoong Yoh proposed to Neebo.

Neebo didn't know how to react; he couldn't understand what Namgoong Yoh was implying. Did he want him to shadow him around, or does he want me to become his subordinate or a friend?

"uhm honestly senior, I don't know how I could be of service. I don't have much cultivation to begin with, and for sure, I will only become a baggage for you guys. I don't want that to happen." Neebo tried to reason out with Namgoong Yoh.

"Leave him alone Yoh, he wouldn't be coming with us." Zhu Hongwu on the side interjected their conversation. This sentence brought an elated relief towards Neebo, as he wouldn't be joining these people into Grecians world.

"Thank you Senior!" Neebo happily replied.

His reply caught the attention of everyone around them. Especially the ones that was the closest, which was the people from the Heavenly Sword Mountain Sect. If your part of a Sect, one must observe proper greetings. One should know the manner which you must address a certain person. Zhu Hongwu was on a same generation as their Sect Master Griffith, thus both could call each other as "brothers" in private.

Since Namgoong Yoh and the rest of the Heavenly Sword Mountain Sect disciples address Zhu Hongwu as "Uncle Master", this implies that they were a generation behind Zhu Hongwu. And If Neebo have truly become one among the Heavenly Sword Mountain Sect apprentice disciples then his rank is below Namgoong Yoh and the rest. Thus, the proper way to address Zhu Hongwu was "Uncle Grandmaster or "Grandmaster". By calling Zhu Hongwu, Senior; this implied that Neebo was on the same rank or generation as Zhu Hongwu and their Sect Master.

Kira Musashi seems to be unaffected, but deep inside he was very shocked. He was an over thinker, and this had become his greatest weapon that he had taken advantage. Thus, after hearing Neebo; he couldn't help but over think. 'Was this kid Neebo, Uncle Master's long lost brother? Was this the reason why he was so eager to protect him and risk his life? It would definitely make sense now!'

Kira Musashi thought of ways to get closer to Neebo and befriend him. This way, he could give Zhu Hongwu a very good impression of himself.

Namgoong Yoh was different, he was caught off guard, but he was more understanding. 'This kid Neebo mustn't have known the proper manners in addressing his elders and seniors since he had just joined.' He knocked Neebo's head, enough that Neebo's nose bled, He scolded him of the proper ways to address his seniors.

"You ignorant brat, you can't just call anyone your senior that easily. That's just silly, if you call me your 'senior brother' and call our Uncle Master 'senior' as well, that would just mess things up in our Sect. I am your senior brother, and you should address Uncle Master Zhu as Uncle Master Zhu. Got it?"

Neebo didn't know the implications of his words. He didn't intend to mess the hierarchy. Thus, he bid his apology to everyone, especially to Zhu Hongwu and Sect Master Griffith. It was never his intention to announce that he was of the same rank as these esteemed experts.

Sect Master Griffith didn't take it to heart; normally their Sect wouldn't accept apprentice disciples at such level. The least was that the person must attain the Fourth Level of Qi Condensation Stage, before anyone could be called an outer Sect disciple.

Sect Master Griffith didn't take Neebo seriously; he still didn't know Zhu Hongwu's reason for protecting him. But because Zhu Hongwu was earnest at protecting him, he let such matter go.

Zhu Hongwu noticed this; as such he sent his Sect Master a voice transmission that only the both of them could hear. "Senior Brother, you must keep this boy away from the hands of the other Sects. I have made a promise that our Sect will protect his life at all cost."

"Why should I accept that, Junior Brother?" Sect Master Griffith retorted.

"Because I have gave him my promise. Isn't that enough, Senior Brother?" Zhu Hongwu replied.

Sect Master Griffith was silent for a time before responding to the insisting Zhu Hongwu, "And how do you plan on protecting him from afar? Do you expect me to babysit him?"

Zhu Hongwu seems to have a plan already, as he assured Sect Master Griffith. "Don't worry Senior Brother, I wouldn't ask that much of you. I wouldn't be able to release him while everyone is still here, especially when Meng Fu and Bai Feng around. Thus, I ask you to release Neebo from this Sanctuary after everyone enters the spatial crack."

Sect Master Griffith didn't answer immediately, as he pondered about it.

Zhu Hongwu continued, "Senior Brother, promise me. Don't let any harm befall unto that kid."

Sect Master Griffith didn't know what to say after that, he sighed at the sight of Zhu Hongwu pleading. "Junior Brother, I'm not that cruel. You have my word, I will make sure that the boy may leave this place safely and alive. Rest assured."

Zhu Hongwu felt relieved at the confirmation of his Sect Masters words. He didn't want to slight Neebo in any way; rather, he wanted his Sect to form a relationship with him. The Spider creature's prowess is a huge asset to be kept by their side, and the Blue Pearl World is such a small world that whoever gains such asset would for sure break the power struggle of the Overlords and gain complete authority to rule over the world.

He didn't reveal to his Sect Master about Grecian being contracted as a pet by Neebo, he feared that if anyone would discover it, they would rather kill the boy than to take advantage of such opportunity. Zhu Hongwu thought that he could take advantage of this opportunity to groom Neebo and to keep him closer.

Zhu Hongwu expressed his gratitude and said, "Fret not Senior Brother, after my return, you will understand my reasons for protecting Neebo."

Sect Master Griffith didn't want to dwell on it any longer as he supervised their preparations.

…

After half a day, everyone had gathered and was ready to enter the spatial crack.

Neebo hid behind Sect Master Griffith, as he was instructed by Zhu Hongwu to always be near the Sect Master for his safety and protection. "If you don't want to die an early death, stand close to our Sect Master. He had promised to take you away from this place after everyone enters the spatial crack."

"I will do as you have instructed, Uncle Master! I don't know how I can repay this kindness, but I will promise, that I will repay it someday" Neebo replied earnestly.

Neebo truly felt immense gratitude towards Zhu Hongwu; although they began with enmity, Neebo had grown dependent on Zhu Hongwu's instructions this entire time. He had a peak of what the Immortal Cultivation World was like, and he was greatly intimidated at how kids at his age were far stronger than he was. The likes of Namgoong Yoh and Kira Musashi had made him feel like he was just an ant before them. And Neebo didn't want to have such feelings in him; he had an urge to be among them. To feel immense power and authority, he wanted to become stronger.

As Meng Fu settled down his preparations, he activated a formation which covered the entirety of the spatial crack. And after a few seconds, the spatial crack seem to grow wider and wider. It was like an eye lid that was about to open up.

After expanding, enough to fit five person side-by-side; everyone didn't dally any longer. Each of the Sect Masters gave their final instructions and warning, and then they made their way into the other side.

Meng Fu and Sect Master Bai Lizi was the first one to enter, as Meng Fu was assigned to make sure no ripples of their own Qi escape uncontrollably into the foreign world. And Sect Master Bai Lizi was to assist Meng Fu to make sure that everything is under control.

After which, everyone followed. The last one to step into the spatial crack was no other than Zhu Hongwu himself. He gave Neebo a final nod before stepping into the spatial crack.

Who knows what danger awaits them, and if they would be able to survive the Nine Seas Demon World and gain a foothold.

Neebo felt melancholic, as Zhu Hongwu disappeared before his sight, as the spatial crack quietly mended back together, completely shutting off both worlds. From now on, he had to depend on Sect Master Griffith for protection and his long awaited freedom.

But before Neebo could move on and react from the happenings, he heard Grecian shouting within his mind. Grecian's voice was a bit noisy, as he couldn't make a word out of it. In a short amount of time since Grecian shouted, a loud slap reverberated within the pit as Sect Master Griffith who was behind Neebo; slammed his right hand into Neebo's back.

Paaaaaaaaaaah!