Demon Immortal

"Hmmph, then what about the culprit? Do you know where he is?" Envoy Ming asked a little dissatisfiedly.

"We have some luck on that front. When we were deployed, the culprit was already done with the deed. He immediately escaped after seeing us arrive. The City Protecting Formation wasn't activated and the culprit's cultivation was high. So, we lost track of him soon."

"But, luck is on your side. Some mercenaries who returned to the city told us that a man matching the culprit's description had barged into the Greenwood Forest," Captain Yu said with a weird look on his face.

"Since you know where he is, why haven't you captured him yet?" Envoy Ming asked hastily.

"First, this sighting was three days ago. We don't know where he is currently. All we know about the culprit is that he had some issues with the Wang Clan and he is currently a disciple of the Heavenly Demon Sect. His name is Duncan," Captain Yu said and watched the myriad emotions play on the envoy's face.

The moment he heard that culprit was from the Heavenly Demon Sect, Envoy Ming felt a headache coming. He really didn't want to deal with those lunatics. They never acted as per common sense. In a way, he understood Captain Yu's reluctance to get involved in this matter.

"Moreover, even if we want to, we can't get into the Greenwood Forest right now," Captain Yu shrugged nonchalantly causing Envoy Ming to look at him. "The Little Heaven Sect has blockaded the entire forest and isn't allowing anyone to enter. If the City Lord is alive, I can use that token and forcefully enter. But…" Captain Yu spread his hands to indicate that this was out of his hands now.

"What do you mean?"

"It is exactly what I said. The mercenary remembered the culprit because he broke through the blockade of the Little Heaven Sect. If possible you can go over and talk with them. Maybe, they will be willing to help," Captain Yu spoke calmly.

"Hmmph," Envoy Ming snorted angrily.

Everyone in this region knew that his Iron Mountain Sect and the Little Heaven Sect didn't see eye to eye. Asking them for help was impossible. But, this matter was related to Wang Yunlong.

The Young Master of the Wang Clan had made tremendous progress after entering the Iron Mountain Sect and was even taken in as a disciple by a Nascent Soul elder. His cultivation had grown leaps and bounds and was already at the level of the Green Sea realm.

Everyone in the Iron Mountain Sect knew that Wang Yunlong would soon enter the transformation stages and become one of the pillars of the sect. The entire sect had high hopes for that boy. So, half-assing this assignment will only bring him endless trouble.

Envoy Ming looked at Captain Yu coldly. He snorted once, waved his sleeves, and left angrily. Captain Yu watched him go with a small smile on his face. He was glad that he was able to transfer the target to the Little Heaven Sect. Let these unruly sects bang their heads against each other. He can concentrate on maintaining the order of the city.

Soon, envoys from several more sects also arrived in succession after hearing about the death of the other three patriarchs who were assassinated. Everyone learned of the ins and outs of the matter. In the end, all their attention turned towards the Greenwood Forest either because of Duncan or the Little Heaven Sect's blockade.

They all wanted to enter the Greenwood Forest…

*****

"The information has been verified, my lord," an attendant said politely causing Envoy Ming to turn and look at him. "The last location of Duncan, who murdered Senior Wang's clan, is recorded to be at Greenwood Forest. The Blue Wind Society Hall confirmed this matter."

"What about the news regarding the Little Heaven Sect?" Envoy Ming asked frowning a bit.

"The Little Heaven Sect had indeed blockaded the entire Greenwood Forest for a week now. The murderer probably didn't know this. He barged into the Greenwood Forest without bothering to stop. It is reported that at least four elders of the Little Heaven Sect are present in Greenwood Forest at the moment. As for other transformational experts, we don't know."

"Huh, what caused four of those old foggies to come out for a stroll as a group? From our information, the murderer was only at the peak of the Spirit Sea realm. Those old foggies are Golden Core experts. To make them move, whatever is inside the Greenwood Forest must be something very valuable," Envoy Ming muttered.

A gleam of interest flashed across his eyes and he looked up sharply.

"I am sure the other sects will also have heard about the matter by now. They too will be eager to know what caused these monsters in the Golden Core realm to move. Send back the information to the sect. Request for them to dispatch backup immediately. I will visit the other envoys and try to unite them. Whatever is inside the Greenwood Forest, we need to take a look at it as well," Envoy Ming said decisively.

The attendant nodded and retreated.

Soon, Envoy Ming visited other envoys present in the city. They too were of the same mind. They decided to use the pretext of searching for Duncan as an excuse and enter the Greenwood Forest.

As for the Little Heaven Sect refusing entry, the envoys were sure that they wouldn't dare to do such a thing. Refusing entry to one or two sects was doable. But, with more than five sects present, they didn't think the Little Heaven Sect was that bold.

So, they swaggered their way over to the entrance of the Greenwood Forest and stated their intention to search the forest for a murderer boldly. The disciples guarding the entrance were a little flustered to see these envoys. All these envoys were at least in the Violet Palace realm. They didn't dare to fall out with them. So, they sent the information over and asked for further guidance.

Deep in the inner regions, Old Seventh's eyes flashed.

"What is it this time?" Old Sixth asked in annoyance.

"Several envoys from other sects are clamoring for entry into the forest. They claim to be searching for a murderer and want us to lift the blockade so that they can search the forest. They say the person who barged in three days ago was the murderer," Old Seventh stated.

"Envoys, eh? Aren't envoys usually in the Violet Palace realm? Do those ants in the Violet Palace realm really dare make trouble for us these days? Don't they know how to cherish life?" Old Sixth asked dissatisfiedly.

"What are the sects they claim to be from?" First Elder interrupted calmly.

"They are from Hundred Rivers Sect, Five Seasons Sect, Red Sword Manor, South Heaven Sect, and…. the Iron Mountain Sect," Old Seventh said a little irritatedly.

"Hmmm, four second-tier sects and the Iron Mountain sect," the First Elder hummed. "No wonder they are daring. They know that we can't kill them because they have a legitimate reason. So, they dared to come and make trouble. They most probably want to spy on what caused us to move. As for searching for the murderer, that's just their excuse."

"How dare they!?" Old Sixth roared angrily. "First Elder, allow me to head out. I will deal with those pests. I have long been restless. My sword is itching to drink some blood."

"Go, but…" First Elder paused. "Do not kill anyone. If they don't listen, it is fine to injure them. But, keep note of moderation. It is most likely that they will have called reinforcements from their sects. If they come, don't allow them inside easily."

First Elder's eyes turned towards the treasure that was sucking qi violently in the distance.

"When the treasure is born, the natural phenomenon will let everyone know about it. There is no use in hiding it. But, we have the advantage of being here first. The longer you delay entry to others, the easier it will be for us to obtain this treasure. Keep them occupied until the treasure is born. Old Seventh, you also head over. But, remain in distance. If Old Sixth needed assistance, you can jump out."

"We will do as you say, First Elder," Old Seventh nodded and stood up.

"First Elder, don't worry. I will not let anyone inside," Old Sixth thumped his chest and rose up as well.

The First Elder watched them go and waited for a while. Then he turned towards the last old man and spoke.

"Old Third, you also head over and guard the entrance to inner regions. If you come across that junior who they are searching for, kill him and throw the corpse over so that they can shut up. I will guard here," First Elder ordered.

"First Elder, will you be fine dealing with the guardian beast alone?" Old Third asked doubtfully.

"Don't worry about the issues here. Make sure no one trespasses into the inner region. Once the treasure is born, you can rush over here," the First Elder thought for a while and spoke.

Old Third nodded and immediately left. The First Elder watched him go and turned to look at the treasure that was being born. He could perceive the strength of the guardian beast nearby. It was a peak sixth-tier demonic beast. It would be a hard struggle to deal with it. But, he had confidence in himself.

Right now, the treasure wasn't born yet. So, both sides didn't want to make any moves. However, once the treasure was born, all bets were off. Their Little Heaven Sect needed this treasure very urgently. No matter who stood in their path, there is only one result – death.

Still, he decided to be extra cautious with this affair. This treasure was too precious to lose because of an accident. He took out a message talisman and injected his spiritual consciousness.

"Little Ninth, come quickly to the Greenwood Forest. Make sure to conceal yourself and only act when necessary."

After sending the message, the First Elder closed his eyes and once more started meditating calmly.