Heavenly Dao Engine
Chapter 854 - 854 0523 Startled and Even More Terrified_1

Chapter 854: Chapter 0523: Startled and Even More Terrified_1 Chapter 854: Chapter 0523: Startled and Even More Terrified_1 Chapter 0523: Amongst the Shock, There Was an Even Greater Chilling Fear

Lin Zhiyuan was a man of great pride and arrogance. Although his cultivation level was not as high as Zhao Haiying’s, he still was the head of a cultivator family in Wanjie City. How could he abandon such a high status and position and condescend to be an Immortal Slave for Qi Tian? It was precisely this point that Zhao Haiying was counting on, which led him to bluntly suggest that Lin Zhiyuan become a servant for Qi Tian.

Lin Zhiyuan was furious. He said, “Zhao Haiying, I treated you as a brother, and yet you mock me like this, suggesting I become someone’s servant. What is the meaning of this? Are you trying to make me turn against you?”

Zhao Haiying sneered, “Lin Zhiyuan, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you. If you understand how to seize this chance, you should come over here without hesitation and kowtow to my lord, acknowledge him as your master. In the future, you will certainly not lack benefits. If you do not understand how to seize this chance, you will definitely regret it later.”

Lin Zhiyuan let out a cold snort; he had initially wanted to get closer to Zhao Haiying to test his intentions and see if he was here for the Imperial Family Secret Territory. Now, he was in no mood for that, flipped his sleeves, and turned to leave.

Zhao Haiying turned around and suddenly saw Qi Tian smiling at him; his heart skipped a beat, and he quickly bowed his head to apologize, “Master, please forgive me for taking the liberty of deciding on my own and angering Lin Zhiyuan with my words without your permission.”

“Zhao brother, what you did was incorrect. In our team, the Master is our leader. All actions must be sanctioned by the Master. If the Master is not around, making emergency decisions is excusable, but with the Master right behind you, you dare to demand Lin Zhiyuan to acknowledge the Master in his presence. Did you even consider the Master’s wishes?” Gao Jinmei questioned Zhao Haiying on behalf of Qi Tian.

Zhao Haiying quickly said, “I did this to steer the situation in a more transparent direction. Regardless, our and Lin Zhiyuan’s group share the same goal—we are all here for the Imperial Family Secret Territory. Sooner or later, we will be competitors, enemies. Rather than maintaining a vague friendship early on and having to guard against them attacking us when we’re within the Secret Territory, it’s better to clearly define our relationship as hostile from the start. That way, we won’t have to be cautious about when they might strike. Master, I had no intention of overstepping, I ask for your discernment.”

Qi Tian responded indifferently, “I understand. If you truly had any intention of overstepping, I would not have let you live past today.”

Zhao Haiying broke out in a cold sweat. He hastily professed his loyalty to Qi Tian, “As heaven and earth can testify, I, Zhao Haiying, am absolutely loyal to the Master…”

Before Zhao Haiying could finish, Qi Tian waved his hand and said, “In this regard, I still trust you. Old Zhao, I now grant you the power to make emergency decisions. Until we enter the Imperial Family Secret Territory, our small team will be temporarily under your command. Do well, and do not disappoint me.”

Zhao Haiying breathed a sigh of relief, wiped the sweat from his forehead, bowed deeply toward Qi Tian, and then glanced at Gao Jinmei. He realized he might have recently overshadowed Gao Jinmei a bit, which might have caused her dissatisfaction and used this opportunity to challenge him. At the moment, he didn’t know how to show good intentions to Gao Jinmei. Frankly, he really did not want to conflict with Gao Jinmei as there was no need. He could only offer Gao Jinmei a smile, regardless of whether she accepted his goodwill, and then turned to face the other forces again.

Wherever Zhao Haiying’s gaze fell, the cultivators there got agitated. The three powers that arrived earlier than Qi Tian’s group were all confused about whether Qi Tian and his followers were friends or foes, worried that they might suddenly attack them.

Zhao Haiying did not immediately make an aggressive move; he called out loudly, “Greetings to all Gold Core Realm cultivators. I have something to say. My lord has an extraordinary talent, truly a rare genius. His future prospects are immeasurable. He is currently in need of capable people and is willing to open his arms and accept heroes from all over. If any of you wish to pledge your service, please step forward promptly, kneel before my lord, and he will graciously take you in. This will significantly bolster my lord’s power, and those who pledge their service will have a bright future ahead—benefiting both parties. Such an opportunity doesn’t come by often; do not miss it as you pass by.”

Zhao Haiying shouted till his throat was hoarse, but apart from some discussion among the other three factions, not a single person was willing to swear fealty to Qi Tian. They weren’t addicted to being someone’s Immortal Slave; how could they possibly be swayed by Zhao Haiying’s few words and rush to serve as someone’s servant?

Zhao Haiying was not content and repeated the offer twice more, yet still, no one came forward. He could only shake his head; such a good opportunity wasted because these people did not know how to seize it was truly a pity.

Zhao Haiying turned around, prepared to check on the Defensive Barrier to decide on the next course of action.

At that moment, from the seemingly disorganized group of cultivators, a Gold Core Realm powerhouse dressed in the Great Zhao Nation’s attire flew out. As he flew, he called out, “New friends, do not misunderstand; I’m not an enemy. I have something I’d like to discuss with everyone.”