Retirement begins with summoning Yuan Tiangang

As the smoke from the chimneys of Hexi Town rises with the evening glow, the heart of Zhongting, separated by endless mountains and rivers, is just beginning to light up, and the nightlife is just starting.

However, beneath this prosperity, the eyes that truly control the fate of countless people hide in the deepest shadows.

The central courtyard is a vast underground palace complex so heavily guarded that even a fly flying in would be instantly disintegrated.

This is the headquarters of the Bad Guys. After ten years of operation, this place is now impregnable and unknown to most.

Inside the deepest part of the "Tiangang Hall," the lights were dim.

Yuan Tiangang still wore that cold iron mask and a dark gold dragon-patterned robe, standing with his hands behind his back in front of a huge map composed of light and shadow.

The map encompassed all known territories, marked with dense symbols and dots that were incomprehensible to ordinary people.

His aura was even more profound and unfathomable than it had been ten years ago.

Standing there, it seemed not to be a person, but an ancient iceberg, an abyss that swallowed all light.

The pinnacle of terrestrial immortality!

Unlocking fifty percent of his strength has already placed him at the pinnacle of known combat power in this world.

Below the hall, several figures stood respectfully.

Wen Tao, Jing Xinmo, Sanqianyuan, and others were prominently listed, along with many other core members who were later promoted or recruited.

Everyone exuded a refined aura and possessed sharp eyes.

"The donations to the Great Wheel Temple in the Western Regions have been flowing abnormally over the past three years, with 30% secretly flowing into the Black Desert region, seemingly funding some clandestine project, possibly related to the ancient Asura clan's relics. Team C has been dispatched to investigate further."

Mirror Heart Demon's voice had a unique, androgynous tone, and while speaking slowly, it sorted out the complex information in a clear and organized manner.

"The friction between the Northern Profound Azure Cloud Temple and the Soul Palace has intensified. Last month, a small-scale conflict occurred in Broken Soul Valley. The Soul Palace sent three Soul Envoys under the command of Lord Yunzhong, who lightly injured one of the opposing elders. The Azure Cloud Temple temporarily withdrew. Lord Yunzhong sent a message that everything is under control, intending to test the reaction of the Taoist Alliance."

Sanzenin reported in a deep voice, his demeanor becoming increasingly calm and composed.

"The Holy Maiden of the Hundred Poisons Sect of the Southern Desert has secretly arrived in the Central Court and is suspected of contacting the Third Prince. Her intentions are unclear. Team A has already set up surveillance."

"The Valley of Ten Thousand Demons in the Eastern Wilderness has been experiencing frequent strange occurrences recently, with signs of demonic energy leaking out. It is feared that a demon king is about to break through his cultivation."

Intelligence reports concerning the global situation and the movements of various forces were concisely compiled and submitted.

The tentacles of the scoundrels have long since spread throughout the world, infiltrating every nook and cranny.

Yuan Tiangang listened silently, his gaze slowly moving across the map beneath his mask.

Ten years later, the Bad Guys are no longer the shadowy organization that quietly rose to prominence, but have become the true underground emperors.

The powerful and influential in the central court, the elders of the sects, the fierce generals on the frontier... countless people have intricate connections with the Bad People, whether openly or secretly, whether out of fear or dependence.

They control a vast network of resources and intelligence, and can even influence the rise and fall of dynasties and sects to some extent.

All of this stemmed from the initial guidance of Lin Tian, ​​a seemingly lazy young master from Hexi Town, and the continuous, unpredictable supply of "talents".

"Reinforce the Black Desert Ruins with more personnel, focusing on reconnaissance to avoid alerting them. As for Yun Zhongjun... Keep a close eye on the Hundred Gu Sect and find out their true purpose. As for the Ten Thousand Demon Valley... Order the Eastern Wilderness branch to increase vigilance and collect demonic energy samples."

Yuan Tiangang's voice was hoarse and deep as he issued clear and unambiguous commands, carrying an unquestionable authority.

"We will obey the Commander's orders!" the crowd replied in unison.

"also,"

Yuan Tiangang paused.

"Any new discoveries regarding the Sky Patrol Bureau's whereabouts?"

The atmosphere inside the hall tensed slightly.

The Sky Patrol Division, this mysterious and ancient organization, is like the Sword of Damocles hanging over the heads of the Bad Guys.

Ten years after the Tiannanmo incident, the Bad Guys began to search for clues with all their might, but with little success.

The other party is hiding their true intentions too well.

Jingxinmo stepped forward: "Reporting to the Commander, three years ago, when the Western Extreme Sea Ruins experienced unusual activity, a trace of what appeared to be fluctuations from the Sky Patrol Mirror was detected, but it vanished in an instant and could not be tracked. In addition, in the past five years, there have been seventeen cases of cultivators or small forces unexpectedly disappearing in various places. The methods were clean and efficient, suggesting that they were the work of professional cleaners, and it cannot be ruled out that they were the work of the Sky Patrol Bureau. However, there are no clues pointing to its core."

Yuan Tiangang was silent for a moment: "Continue the investigation. This organization has grand ambitions, and we will inevitably have to fight them sooner or later."

"yes!"

The meeting lasted a little longer, during which some specific matters were dealt with.

Finally, Yuan Tiangang waved his hand, and everyone bowed and withdrew, leaving only Jingxinmo and Sanqianyuan behind.

"General, how is the Lord?" Sanzenin asked.

These summoned figures are absolutely loyal to Lin Tian.

"Young Master is well and diligently instructing the young master," Yuan Tiangang said, his tone softening slightly.

"Young Master is intelligent and kind-hearted, but he has not yet come into contact with cultivation."

Jingxin Demon flicked her water sleeves, a thoughtful glint in her eyes: "Hexi Town is an excellent barrier; it's the safest place for the young master to grow up safely. However… those people in the town are ultimately variables. Especially that Elder Yao…"

"It's alright," Yuan Tiangang said.

"They and the young master are currently keeping to themselves. Moreover, the town has its own rules, and under the suppression of the dragon soul, they also have their concerns. As long as nothing fundamental is touched, they will live in peace."

He looked at Mirror Demon: "You are skilled in scheming. Do you have any suggestions for the young master's growth?"

Jingxinmo bowed slightly: "In my opinion, it is best to let things take their natural course. Young Master grew up in an ordinary environment, and his simple nature has made his foundation more solid. When the time is right, Master will make his own arrangements. We only need to ensure that the storms from the outside world do not disturb the peace of the town."

Yuan Tiangang nodded: "That's what I was thinking. Has there been any news from the Soul Palace regarding Lord Yun Zhong recently?"

Sanqianyuan replied: "Palace Master Yun sent a message yesterday, saying that the Northern Profound Taoist Alliance seems to be planning a joint purge of heretics, with the spearhead vaguely pointing at the Soul Palace. He intends to take this opportunity to give a further warning to a few of the most vocal Taoist temples and consolidate his power. In addition, he discovered a secret realm fluctuation on the edge of the Northern Profound Extreme Ice Plains Dead Zone that is suspected to be related to the ancient Soul Clan, and has personally gone to investigate."

"Hmm. Tell Lord Yunzhong to act with discretion and not to reveal his full strength too early. When exploring the secret realm, safety should be the top priority."

Yuan Tiangang gave his instructions. Although Yun Zhongjun is powerful, he is limited by the seal, and the Northern Xuan River is deep and the Taoist sect has been operating for thousands of years, so its foundation should not be underestimated.

"Yes."

After exchanging a few more words, Jingxinmo and Sanzenin also withdrew.

Silence returned to the Heavenly Gang Hall.

Yuan Tiangang stood alone before the map, his gaze seemingly piercing through numerous obstacles, looking towards the distant Northern Xuan Region.

Beixuan has been the ancestral home of Taoism since ancient times, with its influence deeply entrenched.

Five years ago, a mysterious and powerful figure who called himself "Lord of the Clouds" suddenly appeared and founded the "Soul Palace" in the "Cloud Mist Mountain" in the central part of Beixuan.

This person's cultivation level is unfathomable; at least in the eyes of outsiders, he is at the mid-stage of a terrestrial immortal. His actions are both righteous and wicked. He is skilled in the art of controlling souls and exorcising ghosts, which is very different from the orthodox Taoist methods. He quickly attracted a large number of cultivators who were not successful in the Taoist system or who sought alternative powers to join him.

The Soul Palace rose to power very quickly and used ruthless methods, soon clashing with local Taoist forces.

Surprisingly, facing suppression from established Taoist sects, the Soul Palace not only withstood the pressure but grew stronger with each battle, controlling several states in just a few years and becoming a rising hegemon in Northern Xuan that could not be ignored.

The outside world only knew that Beixuan had produced a genius, but they did not know that this "Lord of the Clouds" was also one of the workers that the stay-at-home dad from Hexi Town had casually summoned.

There are the Bad People and the Soul Palace, one in the south and one in the north, echoing each other from afar.

Lin Tian's game is getting bigger and bigger.

"The Celestial Patrol Bureau... ancient secrets... guarded by the Dragon Soul..." Yuan Tiangang murmured to himself.

"This pool is getting deeper and deeper. Young master, you salted fish are probably going to be pushed to the crest of the wave sooner or later."

He shook his head, deciding not to think about it anymore. In any case, he would clear all obstacles in his lord's path.

The figure slowly blended into the shadows of the hall and disappeared.

……

Meanwhile, in the Northern Xuan Region, at Cloud Mist Mountain, at the Soul Palace headquarters.

This place is shrouded in mist all year round, with strange and bizarre mountain formations. The architectural style is also quite different from that of ordinary Taoist temples and monasteries, mainly in black, gray, and dark purple tones. The eaves are upturned like ghost claws, and the hall is always filled with a faint sandalwood fragrance and a cool, strange atmosphere that seems to cleanse the soul.

Inside the main hall, the "Hun Yuan Hall," Yun Zhongjun sat high above.

He looked to be around thirty years old, with a handsome face but a touch of effeminacy. His eyes were deep, and there seemed to be swirling eddies in the depths of his pupils, occasionally flashing with a faint blue light.

She wore a deep purple robe embroidered with dark silver cloud patterns and soul symbols, her long hair was loose, and her temperament was mysterious and majestic.

Unlike Yuan Tiangang's cold and domineering aura, Yun Zhongjun's aura was more ethereal and unpredictable, carrying a kind of intimidating power that went straight to the soul.

At the mid-stage of a terrestrial immortal, the sheer power of his aura alone is enough to make ordinary early-stage terrestrial immortals retreat in fear.

Your Highness, standing beside you are several high-ranking members of the Soul Hall with powerful auras, all dressed in the same uniform Soul Envoy attire.

"Palace Master, the seven Taoist temples, including Qingyun Temple, Chiyang Sect, and Xuanshui Sect, have jointly issued a decree to cleanse evil, claiming that our Soul Palace's techniques are against the natural order and bewitch people's hearts. They have given us three months to disband, or they will jointly attack us."

A pale-faced, eagle-eyed spirit messenger reported.

Upon hearing this, Yun Zhongjun chuckled softly, his voice possessing a unique magnetism yet devoid of any warmth: "The Evil Purification Order? What a grand title. It's nothing more than them getting restless after we occupied their territory and seized their resources."

He tapped his fingertips lightly on the armrest of his chair, making a rhythmic tapping sound: "Since that's the case, let's make them even more restless. Order the three envoys, Ghost Soul, Fiend Soul, and Soul Hook, to each lead their respective units to practice the Soul Formation outside the gates of these seven Taoist temples. Remember, only practice, do not attack the gates. But if they make the first move... kill them without mercy."

"Yes!" The three chilling soul envoys accepted the order, their eyes flashing with bloodlust.

"Furthermore," Yun Zhongjun said, glancing at another Soul Envoy in charge of intelligence.

"How's the investigation into the fluctuations over in the Icefield Dead Zone going?"

"Reporting to the Palace Master, the source of the fluctuations is in the Silent Ice Valley deep within the Dead Domain. It is surrounded by extremely strong natural restrictions and frigid winds, and there is also a soul power barrier that appears to be a remnant of ancient times. We are unable to penetrate it. However, based on the surrounding signs and the comparison with fragments of ancient texts, it is very likely related to the legendary Soul Clan altar."

"The Soul Clan Altar..." A flash of eerie blue light appeared in Yun Zhongjun's eyes.

"Interesting. I will go there myself. The affairs within the palace will be temporarily handled by the judge."

"Lord of the Palace, the Frozen Wasteland is extremely dangerous. You are going there alone..." a Soul Envoy said worriedly.

"It's alright." Yun Zhongjun waved his hand.

"Since this place is related to the Path of Souls, it is my opportunity. You all just need to guard your homes and businesses."

He rose, his purple robe sleeves fluttering without wind, his figure gradually becoming ethereal, as if about to merge into the surrounding mist.

"The Northern Profound Realm has been quiet for too long. It's time they learned that besides the Dao Ancestor, there is also... the Soul Master."

The voice faded away, and the figure had completely disappeared from the hall, leaving only a wisp of cold and lonely atmosphere.

The high-ranking members of the Soul Palace bowed deeply in farewell, their eyes filled with awe and fervor.

They did not know the true origin of the temple master, only that he was powerful and mysterious, and could give them power and dignity that surpassed the orthodox Taoism.

With the Palace Master's guidance, the Soul Palace will surely become a name that strikes fear into the hearts of all in Northern Xuan, and even the entire world!

The outside world is turbulent and full of undercurrents.

The source of all this, the man lying in the rocking chair in Hexi Town, calculating what to cook for his son that evening, only vaguely sensed it all, then yawned and decided to take a nap.

After all, if the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up.

And among his subordinates, there just happened to be a few... who were exceptionally tall.