Chapter 1014: Crisis

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Zhuo Fan's brow shook, his eyes filled with doubt, "The strongest barrier, one that even a Sword King can't breach?"

They all lowered their heads. Zhuo Fan spoke, "Central area is the strongest. Central area has the most talents, with plenty of array masters. Yet they can't set up the strongest barrier while the barren northern lands can?"

"Well they have that Heaven Sealing divine sword." Bali Yuyu added.

Zhuo Fan rose an eyebrow, his eyes sharp, "You mean the barrier is connected to the divine sword?"

"That is indeed so, sir."

The man bowed again, "From our investigation, the Sea Bright Sect's barrier relies on their divine sword to remain. No one in the lands knows the extent of the divine swords because no one has managed to unleash their full power. But Sea Bright Sect uses arrays to witness the might of their divine sword."

"The inner disciples told us that the Heaven Sealing Sword remains at the top of the grand hall on Beyond Heaven Island, while not in use. Through many arrays, the Heaven Sealing Sword's power is being leveraged to protect the sect by forming the strongest barrier. Sir, watch..."

The man opened a window and pointed at the calm sea, "These waters hold the sea demon, of incredible power, defeating the best in northern lands with one strike. It had unleashed sky-high swells that drowned hundreds of Genesis Stage experts. But even this amazing power failed to scratch the sect's barrier. This place is so safe and at peace all due to the Heaven Sealing Sword's power. The sword is beyond anyone's comprehension."

"After hearing this as well, I went to check out the barrier. Sure enough, not a trace of my Yuan Qi can slip through, having no gaps I can use. I dare say that not even my full power can scratch it." Bali Yuyu sighed and shook her head, like a hero past his prime.

Looking at the peaceful waters, Zhuo Fan said, "So what you're saying is that this great barrier isolates the sea demon from the Sea Bright Sect. If I were to venture deeper into the sea and find the sea demon, I need to first break the barrier?"

"Regarding that..." The same guard frowned, "I believe not even the strongest, Baili Yutian, can do..."

"Ahem!"

Bali Yuyu's icy glare landed on the man, getting his attention as she cleared her throat.

Sometimes it was best to leave her dear Patriarch out of it.

The man flinched and lowered his voice...

Zhuo Fan's eyes shone, "We have no choice but to take the Heaven Sealing Sword and break the barrier."

"Steal the Heaven Sealing Sword?!" Everyone cried out, "The Sea Bright Sect will know the instant it's taken and they'll come at us in force. There'll be no escape for us!"

Zhuo Fan smirked, "I'll be the one grabbing it not you, so what are you afraid of? And once I get it, I'll run straight for the sea to find the sea demon. They'll only be following me to see the sea demon. As for you, you'll use the chaos to escape. Your mission is over."

"Sir, the risk is too great, be it going for the sea demon or having the Sea Bright Sect hunt you down..."

Zhuo Fan raised his hand to stop him, his mind made, "That's an order."

"Ugh, yes, sir." They all saw Zhuo Fan's firm stance and sighed.

Just then, there was a sudden knock at the door that got everyone jumpy.

[Who can it be? We're just a bunch of merchants. It can't be that Sea Bright Sect is suspicious, right? Or is our cover blown so soon?]

Everyone tensed, with sweat trickling down their faces. Zhuo Fan shouted, "Who's there?"

"It's me, open up."

Zhuo Fan jerked and rolled his eyes with a sigh, "What's this wench doing here?"

Zhuo Fan opened the door and Shangguan Qingyan burst right in, looking happy to see him, "It's really you! I was right, you're using Qian Fan as a cover."

"Ha-ha-ha, yeah, now why are you here?" Zhuo Fan looked bitter.

The rest relaxed finding them so casual with one another. Bali Yuyu mocked, "My, what a romantic you are, Qian Fan. You find charming friends wherever you go."

"Who's she?" Shangguan Qingyan started at Bali Yuyu's presence.

"A grandma the merchants gave us to stitch and babysit."

"You're the grandma! Try mocking me again and I'll pummel you!"

Zhuo Fan rolled his eyes at Bali Yuyu's outburst.

Shangguan Qingyan looked at them and her heart sank. She asked again, "Sir Gu, this is terrible. Sect Leader Ling is suspicious of you and sent the best disciple in northern lands, Ouyang Changqing to look into you!"

[What, that fast?]

Zhuo Fan looked grave. He knew he was too flashy back then, but didn't think the gentle old man would be so responsive.

He needed to act faster than the inspection.

"Also, how did you get on Murong Lie's bad side? Sister and brother Murong are looking for you as well. But luckily you sealed Soaring Sword's sword spirit back then and I mentioned it to them so they can go help dad with it. Or they would've come with Ouyang Changqing to see you."

Shangguan Qingyan complained again.

Zhuo Fan's heart seized, a chill going up his spine. Not just Sect Leader Ling, but even Murong Lie?

[That was too close!]

With those two coming to see him, he'd be exposed on the spot. He wagered that being part of a merchant group, he'd have some time to use this cover and figure some things out to increase his odds.

But reality showed he had none. Every second he remained here would only exacerbate the crisis.

Zhuo Fan gave Shangguan Qingyan a deep bow, filled with sincerity, "Thank you, miss Shangguan for your timely assistance. Without you, I would've been in grave danger. I will never forget this."

"Hey, it's all for young Sanzi..."

Shangguan Qingyan turned bashful but a smile still formed, "Since Mister Gu will remember this favor, would you be willing to trust me with your real name? How would I know if you're sincere if I don't even know your name?"

Zhuo Fan paused, then looked in her hopeful eyes with a nod, "Alright, I am Zhuo Fan of western lands."

"Zhuo Fan..."

Shangguan Qingyan's eyes shone as she smiled wider, "I'll remember it well. Better not be another fake name or you'll be sorry!"

"It's genuine, trust me. Only, you better not mention it to anyone, since I'm supposed to be dead."

"How come?"

"You'll know with time." Zhuo Fan smiled, "Oh right, you said Murong Lie went to deal with the sealed Soaring Sword. What about the others?"

Shangguan Qingyan was quick to reply, "Brother Murong had asked Ouyang Changqing to find his father and go there as well!"

"That's good. Since war is knocking, the more people unsealing the sword, the better and faster." Zhuo Fan's eyes shone as he planned his next move.

Shangguan Qingyan hurriedly said, "Zhuo Fan, there's something I want to ask you. When you returned the Soaring Sword to the Shangguan clan, did you seal it on purpose?"

"Oh, not at all. I sealed it when I had to deal with the Soaring Sword. Everything happened so fast that I forgot to unseal it." Zhuo Fan said, "You know as well how critical young Sanzi's condition was. I had no mind to worry about other things..."

"I know, you didn't fool us on purpose."

Zhuo Fan explained casually and Shangguan Qingyan perked up on the spot, pecking his cheek.

Everyone stood dumbstruck, even Zhuo Fan, his gaze lost in the distance and unresponsive...