Chapter 1170: Recommending the Vanguard
Hao Shuai also felt somewhat embarrassed, but this was a perfect chance to get rid of Chen Tianlong. Even if he was insulted, as long as he could eliminate Chen Tianlong, after the trial was complete, everyone would go their separate ways, not knowing each other.
Chen Tianlong furrowed his brows, thought for a moment, and realized that Hao Shuai was indeed obstinate. No matter what he did, he couldn’t move him, so he simply ignored him. Now that he had to take on the risk himself, he had to step up.
Because Chen Tianlong knew that the Sect Leader had high expectations for him. If he didn’t go, the Sect Leader would feel troubled. Without someone leading the way, it would be difficult to complete the task. Chen Tianlong’s purpose in coming this time was to let the Five Elements Yin Sub-Attributes strengthen him, as for the six Attribute Female Cultivators arranged by the Pure Yang Daoist, he didn’t care.
Thinking of this, Chen Tianlong planned to undertake this important task. If it was successfully completed, he would take the six girls and stabilize their attributes.
Then naturally, he would also face off against the Divine Beast. Since he had to go anyway, he might as well be a hero.
"Sect Leader, I agree to be the vanguard, to lure out the Divine Beast so the prospective female attribute cultivators can successfully stabilize their attributes." Chen Tianlong stepped forward heroically, making Hao Shuai’s despicable appearance stand out.
Hao Shuai felt somewhat ashamed, but he gritted his teeth and thought: "Hmph! Let him act all heroic, see how he can maintain it once he gets killed by the Divine Beast."
The Sect Leader pondered for a while and then said: "However, it’s important to note that if Chen Tianlong can’t hold out, you must immediately step in and contend with the Divine Beast. Don’t let it return to its cave, otherwise, the attribute cultivators will be in danger and our plan will be ruined."
"Don’t worry, Sect Leader!" Hao Shuai quickly responded, "I will seize the right moment. If Chen Tianlong faces any mishaps, we will certainly step up!"
"That’s good!"
Pure Yang Daoist nodded, "But remember, just lure out the Divine Beast, then contend with it. Absolutely do not fight recklessly or get into a prolonged battle. You must know that the Divine Beast is unimaginably powerful; attempting to kill it is sheer folly."
"Alright, Sect Leader, rest assured, we are not reckless people. Such matters will be well arranged, putting the big picture first," Hao Shuai promised immediately.
Upon hearing the conversation between the two, Chen Tianlong frowned, feeling that Hao Shuai was acting as if he was in charge, how come he wasn’t personally going into battle, leading the charge with himself?
Thinking of this made Chen Tianlong a bit angry, so he said, "Sect Leader, I can be the vanguard, but my ability is limited after all. I need a partner. Two people working together will disperse the Divine Beast’s attention, making it less likely for one of us to get directly attacked carelessly, ending up dead."
Hao Shuai felt a chill run down his spine upon hearing Chen Tianlong’s words; he could certainly understand Chen Tianlong’s insinuation, likely recommending him as the diversionary partner. Wouldn’t that be akin to taking the lead himself?
Feeling anxious, Hao Shuai silently cursed Chen Tianlong.
"Oh? In that case, there is some logic to it. Well then, Brother Chen Tianlong, who would you like to recommend to go with you?" In fact, Pure Yang Daoist had already understood Chen Tianlong’s intention, he was just deliberately asking.
"Sect Leader knows well that Hao Shuai is exceptional in martial arts, and he is young and strong. From his recommendation of me earlier, it’s clear this man is heroically righteous, a rare talent. Therefore, I hope the Sect Leader can approve him to join me, to jointly lure out the Divine Beast and safeguard all the attribute cultivators of the Celestial Pill Sect."
Chen Tianlong intentionally spoke, incidentally giving Hao Shuai enough face, to see how he could refuse.
Pure Yang Daoist deliberately pondered, then asked, "Third Elder, what do you think?"
"I..."
Hao Shuai was about to say something when Cheng Qianjin suddenly spoke while walking over.
"Sect Leader, Hao Shuai is indeed a talent not to be missed, whether in literary or martial prowess, he is top-notch. Thus, I also recommend he goes with Brother Chen Tianlong."
"Yes, yes, Young Hero Hao is highly skilled, let him go." Everyone echoed in agreement.
At this moment, Hao Shuai just felt his face burning; with everyone saying this, refusing would be too difficult, truly self-inflicted, so he had to muster courage and force a smile: "Haha, thank you all for your affection, how about this, let me think it over, I’ll give everyone an answer before tomorrow’s trial."
Moreover, this impromptu tactic by Hao Shuai wasn’t bad, transforming an image seen by everyone as unrighteous into one that is heroically righteous in an instant, big and lofty.
"Hmm, good! Then it’s happily decided, later you will come to the Teleportation Array, return first, and then leave early the next morning; it’s not suitable to linger here!" Pure Yang Daoist instructed.
"Understood, Sect Leader." Everyone responded in unison.
Thus they quickly moved toward the Teleportation Array, completing the task. The Teleportation Array became apparent.
It was evening now, so the Teleportation Array emitted a silvery light, visible at a glance. Earlier, they understood the use of the Teleportation Array, and soon, with the help of the Sect Leader and the four Hall Masters, everyone returned to the Celestial Pill Sect area.
"Hehe, thank you all for your effort, there’s only one final step left, and then you can conclude this trial satisfactorily." Fatty Xu happily greeted everyone as they exited.
"Haha, it’s been a while, Fatty Xu." Chen Tianlong felt a sense of warmth upon seeing such a smile.
"Hehe, it’s good to see you well, Brother Chen Tianlong." It was clear Master Xu, having learned of Chen Tianlong’s prowess, treated him with respect.
"Must be well!" Chen Tianlong didn’t skip the chance to boast, leaving Lin Wushuang somewhat speechless listening; such danger yet speaking of being well, ironically.
At this point, Fatty Xu clapped his hands and loudly declared: "Everyone, please note we are ready with meals to entertain you properly; return tonight and rest well, start the final trial task early tomorrow morning."
Fatty Xu then led the group to the Celestial Pill Sect’s welcome hotel, specifically for welcoming trial takers and attribute female cultivators, thus closer to the Teleportation Array.
The manager here was related to the Sect Leader, so everyone was very courteous to the hotel’s owner. The hotel was lively, adorned with decorations and filled with festive cheer.
Several tables were set with banquets, welcoming the group.
People walked in, heading to the designated hotel. Chen Tianlong, the six beauties, and Du Nong weren’t very hungry, so they strode leisurely, moments later the eight entered the hotel.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is not a regular hotel; a significant meeting inside precludes admission of outsiders, if you’re not here for the meeting, kindly return."
Just as Chen Tianlong, Lin Wushuang, the six women, and Du Nong entered the hotel lobby, they were stopped by a man in a white robe, though his tone was polite, the firmness of his words was undisputable.