"I am sorry Head Enforcer Zhen, I had to override your orders for the Fang brothers and send them on an urgent task. Something happened, and it is closely related to these tunnels. Disciple Xiao explained to me that you found a possible entrance? If it so, then we are in luck"

"What happened to make the Palace Master act in such a hurried manner? And can Xiao Feng stay? We haven't told him anything yet"

"This is closely related to him as well" Noting the surprised expression that everyone had after hearing this, Elder Chen explained further

"It is related to the mission he is currently performing for the sect. Let's sit down in the dressing room while this pool drains and I will explain everything"

After everyone entered the dressing room, Zhen Mang took out a small paper talisman with the sole 'Isolate' character painted on it. After it was activated, Wu Guang noted that the talisman had the same functions as the runes in the wisdom floor, isolate their conversation from the outside world

"Don't be surprised, I trust my men and all the people in the tower. But there is a way to enter and leave this tower without us knowing, who can say if spying runes or treasures weren't added?"

"Good, now let me explain what happened yesterday. From this, you will understand everything.

Yesterday noon, a group of people were traveling to the City by using the Boundary Road. They indeed entered the road but never arrived. One could guess that they were assaulted by bandits, a beast, or whatever, if not for the fact that the one guarding this group was the Stone Wolf Clan best warrior, Lang Zheng"

"Wait, Lang Zheng? What was he doing on the boundary road? And what could happen to him? He is at the pinnacle of the Soul realm, and it's rumored that he was about to reach the Sage Realm and take the mantle of the Chief of Chiefs?" After Old Rui interrupted with these sudden questions, he quickly apologized

"Excuse me, Palace Master"

"Do not worry, I will explain further. As you know, thanks to negotiator Shu, the assembly decided to work more closely with us. The arrangement also touched the youths and it was decided that some of their young people would come and join the Sect to train in our ways. As well that some of our disciples would go and train in the Wildlands, especially as a new challenge for the tournament.

They were supposed to arrive here under the escort of Lang Zheng, while Xiao Feng mission was actually to accompany them to the sect"

"I see, and you think someone used the tunnels to ambush them? Maybe kidnap them? Who would be so bold as to attack the Clans? The information we have found until now only shows signs of the Flowing Leaves city involvement before, but even they don't have experts of that caliber, plus they failed before" Zhen Mang spoke these words in a surprisingly calm manner, but a glint of anger was seen in his eyes.

"I fear there is someone else behind both incidents. But it's not of use to discuss the possibilities. We need to react and quickly." said Elder Chen.

"Old Rui, return to the Lord's Manor and under the guise of looking for some document, listen to the rumors. I caught the runner before he informed anyone, as he came directly to the tower. So if there are rumors, we may be able to find a clue from who spread them." Elder Chen instructed.

He then turned and continued, "Xiao Feng, go to the canteen area and meet the runner that came from the Clan's Assembly, he is unnerved as one of the young people in the group seems to be the daughter of a Chief. They only sent a runner because Lang Zheng didn't send them a message when arriving at the city, so we need to calm him before he agitates the Clan assembly."

"If the clans decide to send their warriors here, even if all goes well rivers of blood will flow." He said with a grave look on his face.

"Also, ask for information regarding about the group. Take Wu Guang with you, he used to live in the Wildlands and knows their language and customs, so it will be ease communications."

"Head Enforcer Zhen, I sent the Fang brothers to the North and the other four to the South. They will cover the locations of the entrances we have found. We will break through the entrance here in the tower, go scout the tunnels while I remain here as a support for anyone of you." After he said this, Elder Chen motioned to Zhen Mang and the latter dispelled the talisman's effect.

Everyone stood up, saluted with cupped fists, and spread out to different directions. About the time when Xiao Feng, Old Rui, and Wu Guang reached the first-floor Canteen area a shake was felt. Seemingly neither the Elder nor the Enforcer wanted to lose time in deciphering the runes and directly opened the way. Parting ways with Old Rui who left the tower, the young pair spotted the clansman that they were supposed to meet. His short stature, stocky build, and short brown hair were enough to guess that he was from the Brute Boar Clan.

Wu Guang came closer first, greeting the clansman in the traditional Wildlands manner, which was to speak and introduce yourself without bowing or asking anything from the other party. He then presented Xiao Feng as the inner disciple of the Sect that was waiting for the group.

The messenger didn't say his name, introducing himself only as a scout from the Brute Boar Clan. This was also part of the Wildlands customs, they seldom used their names, only stating their clan and occupation.

After the costumal handshake that almost squished Wu Guang's hand, they quickly informed him that the Sect's experts were already on their way to search for the group and that it would take no longer than tonight to get some clues on their location. After that, Wu Guang asked all the details that were known to the clansman about the group composition, he had a pretty basic level of common language so his response was stiff and incomplete. Wu Guang asked him again in the Wildlands one.

After this was finished, Ji Yong was called to accommodate him in a guest room and Xiao Feng accompanied by Wu Guang went to the dressing room to tell Elder Chen about their findings.

The dressing room was empty, so they entered the Bath. They quickly saw the Elder, who was standing near a big hole in the pool floor, near the rear wall of the room.

"Reporting to Palace Master," Xiao Feng quickly recounted the first part of the talks with the Boar Clan scout and then motioned for Wu Guang to take over.

"The group consists of six people that intend to join the sect and were accompanied by Lang Zheng and a warrior from the Assembly retinue. From these six people, there are two 14-year-old non-cultivators from the minor clans in the assembly, two 14-year-old beginner cultivators from the Bear Clan," here, Wu Guang paused for a moment.

"For the other two, one is a 13-year-old genius from the Boar Clan who has already cultivated to the 7th level of the Body Realm, and the other is the daughter of the Wolf Clan's Chief. The latter is about to turn 14 years old and her cultivation should be around the 6th level of the Body Realm. She is also one of the main reasons why Lang Zheng is the one accompanying them. As part of the training traditions of the Wildlands, no servants were accompanying them."

"I see. We should have news from Enforcer Zhen in a bit, so you can stay here as well" After hearing the information, Elder Chen spoke calmly, but inside his eyes hints of nervousness could be seen.

After an hour or so, a message glyph in the form of a small rock flew out the hole and landed in the hands of Elder Chen, who had not moved from the place he was standing. His face tense after finishing, he fell in thought. Some moments later, several glyphs were sent by and he turned to both youngsters who were sitting down near the pool

"Enforcer Zhen found the group. The young ones are uninjured and imprisoned. The experts should be somewhere nearby, but there are guards so he can't search for them openly.

Wu Guang, you just started cultivating, did you have any advances? and are you proficient with any weapon?"

"Yes Elder, I managed to reach the 3rd level of the Body Realm during these days. As for weapons, I can use most of the hunting weapons thanks to my stay in the Brute Boar Clan's Town"

"Good! I didn't expect you to advance so quickly. I would not make you accompany me, but the situation is dire and all hands will be needed.

Go to the ninth floor of the Tower, equip yourself in the armory. Xiao Feng, show him the way. Also, take some rope and oil jugs from there, a decent preparation is always needed"

The two quickly arrived at the armory, it was a medium-sized, forty square feet room full of weapons, barrels, jugs, and armor. Practically every inch of the room was filled, although most of the stuff looked a bit old and was of normal quality, all the weapons and armor were in perfect condition.

After a glance, Wu Guang took a small composite bow made of bone and a quiver of standard military arrows. He also took a pair of hunting knives with traditional Clans sheats, made to be bound to the ankles.

Xiao Feng stored several bundles of rope and two jugs of oil inside his Holding Pouch, seemingly reaching the maximum space as he had to take out his weapon, which resembled two thick connected poles.

With a closer look, Wu Guang saw that it was a folding spear, and between the thick poles, a wavy foot-long blade was hidden.

Seeing the questioning look on Wu Guang's face, he said

"Everyone reacts like that, this spear is five feet long, but folded it only two feet. It will unfold only if I apply my qi to it. It's called 'Hidden Waves'. It's my family second treasured spirit weapon"

"I see, well, let's go. We don't want the Elder to wait for us"