Thump.

Xiang Shaoyun felt his heart go cold. He had not expected that even Old Urchin would think that he was in big trouble. If that was the case, things would be very dangerous for him in the Holy Earth Hall.

"How about this, you just send me away from this place. I will definitely repay the favor I owe you in the future," pleaded Xiang Shaoyun.

Even if he did not care about his own safety, he had to think about Liang Zhuangmin and his sister-in-law. He had no choice but to lower himself and beg.

Old Urchin smiled. "Yes, you're in big trouble. But so long as you listen to me obediently and complete my task for you properly, no trouble will be an actual issue. Furthermore, you can even benefit a lot from completing my task."

"Don't worry, Senior Urchin. I will definitely complete your task perfectly," Xiang Shaoyun promised.

He was out of options, and he had to make his stand clear.

"Hehe, don't be so quick to brag," said Old Urchin. "Alright, stay here for a few days. I'll come get you when it's time."

"What if they come again?" Xiang Shaoyun pointed at the guards that were sprawled everywhere.

"They won't have the guts to come anymore," said Old Urchin confidently. "The old donkey will be staying here for a few days to teach you the Turbid Origin Gas Technique. As for me, I need to go and see if that tigress is still angry. If she is not angry anymore, I'll give her butt another grab. Ahh, this is life."

He then drifted away.

"A bastard that abandons friends for women," complained the old donkey unhappily. He then looked at Xiang Shaoyun and said, "Kid, come, let me continue teaching you the Turbid Origin Gas Technique. Remember to learn it properly. This is an amazing and fatal technique."

Xiang Shaoyun wanted to refuse, but he did not have the courage to do so. As for Ning Pengcheng and the other guards, they had left. Ning Pengcheng's current explosive hairstyle was rather comical, and even Xiang Shaoyun secretly laughed.

Ning Pengcheng turned back and glared at Xiang Shaoyun as he thought, I won't spare you, kid.

He then returned to the Holy Hall with the guards. The Holy Hall was different from other places, and it had an imposing and minimalistic architectural style. Numerous ancient carvings could be seen on the castle walls, adding a sense of mystery to the place. One who looked at this place would have an urge to explore its secrets.

The place was guarded by a heavy military presence at all times. Clad in battle armor and with weapons in hand, these guards gave the Holy Hall a solemn and dignified look. When Ning Pengcheng arrived, he sent the other guards away. After tidying himself up, he headed toward one of the palaces.

It was a side palace where only those with extraordinary status could reside. As someone with a leadership position, Ning Pengcheng had the Holy Hall Token and could freely enter.

When he arrived, he said something to the guards before proceeding to wait silently. Soon, a guard returned and invited him in.

Ning Pengcheng carefully stepped into the palace. Looking at the old man seated ahead of him, he saluted deferentially and said, "Seventh guard commander, Ning Pengcheng, greets the third elder."

The third elder had a medium build, with a white cloth tied around his head. He had a yellow beard and a serious expression. His eyes constantly emanated a sharpness that nobody dared look straight at. With one look, it was obvious he was unfriendly and was of considerable status.

The third elder looked at Ning Pengcheng and frowned. "Why does your hair look like a bird's nest? What is this?"

Ning Pengcheng panicked and quickly explained, "Third elder, this is not by choice. Rather, this hairstyle is the work of Old Urchin's donkey. All my subordinates were also injured by that donkey."

"Tell me. How did you offend that Old Urchin?" said the third elder flatly.

Ning Pengcheng gave the third elder a rough recollection of all that had happened. Naturally, he did not forget to add additional details to his story. Even so, he was clear he couldn't tell complete lies, or he would suffer after the third elder found out about his lies.

The third elder sank into momentary thought before saying, "You sure that kid is only a third-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator?"

"I am absolutely sure. He can punch above his class, so he is probably a rather powerful genius," said Ning Pengcheng.

"Even so, he should not be the kind of man to catch the young lady's favor," said the third elder who was looking visibly conflicted.

"Yes, but that kid looks as pretty as a woman! I don't know if the young lady will be charmed by him. Also, Senior Urchin is rather protective of that kid. Perhaps he is willing to see the young lady together with that kid. Too bad I can't bring him back to be judged by you, third elder. We won't have to be making wild guesses here otherwise," said Ning Pengcheng.

"Um. Continue monitoring that kid. With Old Urchin protecting him, nobody in the Holy Earth Hall can touch him. Let me see what childish game Old Urchin is playing this time," said the third elder in a displeased manner. "Are the people from the Xiang Clan here yet? We can't allow any mistakes on that end."

"We estimated that they will arrive by tomorrow. All the preparations are complete."

"Good. You will personally welcome them and bring them here tomorrow. I'll meet them first. You can do as you see fit for the other affairs."

...

A group of extraordinary individuals had appeared at the Desert of Despair. Their presence was imposing, each individual was powerful, and they moved in an orderly fashion like well-trained soldiers. The leader was a young man mounted on a purple clear lion.

The young man looked to be about 30 years old. He had a handsome and smart appearance. He wore a feathered headgear and a set of armor while a purple sword hung at his back. He radiated an air of arrogance, and anyone who saw him would have the impression that he was a rare genius.

To his left and right were two middle-aged men, one dressed in black and the other in white. They appeared completely unassuming, and their steps were stable and firm. They were great experts, known as the Black and White Guardians.

"Uncle White, how long until we're there?" asked the young man.

"Soon, but we won't be able to enter directly. We need someone to bring us in," said White Guardian.

"Is that place really so mysterious? Isn't it just a tiny sealed space?" asked the young man doubtfully.

"You are unaware of this, young master, but that place is not so simple. It is an underground dynasty, and if you can obtain some gains from this trip, it will make your journey to inheriting the clan leader's position smooth," said Black Guardian.

"Are you not exaggerating? Looks like I need to open my eyes wide this time," said the young man with a smile.

Abruptly, a person appeared from the sand ahead of them and asked, "Is this the group from the Xiang Clan?"

"Yes," White Guardian answered.

"I am the guide from the Holy Earth Hall. Please come with me," said the other person.