Ye Cangtian ultimately chose to refuse.
Firstly, he did not need these benefits.
Secondly, if the two women's strength increased, and the Bright Hall attacked again, the two women might have to go to the front lines, which would be too dangerous.
The most important point was that he was not yet capable of destroying the Dark Association.
Therefore, it might not be a good thing if all the Earth-level deacons of the Dark Association truly stood on his side.
After all, a tall tree in the forest would be destroyed by the wind.
His rise had already turned Purple Dragon into an enemy, driving him to irrational jealousy. If he were to attract the jealousy of some powerful figure in the Dark Association, it would be troublesome.
On the main seat, listening to Po Xiao's words, Xing Yuan pondered for a moment and ultimately did not force the issue.
As a superior, he naturally would not greet someone with a cold shoulder.
However, he was not angry either. He believed that Po Xiao had his reasons for rejecting his benefits.
Thus, in the next moment, Xing Yuan took out a file bag containing the information of over a dozen people, including Sha Ying, Man Tuo Luo, and Fei Yan.
The rest of the people included branch managers from various cities within the ruins, as well as key personnel from headquarters.
His goal was simple: to choose the people he wanted to promote from these dozen or so individuals.
Following this, Xing Yuan began to discuss and rank these individuals with Hong Mo and Po Xiao.
Not long after, Huang Shan and the other three Earth-level deacons returned from the headquarters' treasure vault.
The four displayed the treasures they had selected.
Under Ye Cangtian's instruction, Huang Shan and Luoluo, along with Lanyue and the other two, ultimately chose weapons with inherited legacies.
As expected, the remaining Zi Long chose a Dao Comprehension Pill.
Seeing that all four had finished their selections, Xing Yuan nodded and said, "Put them away. I hope you will continue to work hard and contribute to the Dark Association."
"Yes!"
The four responded respectfully, then stored their treasures and stood aside.
The next moment, Xing Yuan's gaze turned serious and he said, "The Bright Hall suffered heavy losses this time. They will definitely not let this matter rest.
Therefore, Po Xiao, Zi Long, and Lanyue, you three will return to the outside world to investigate the true intentions of the Bright Hall!"
Xing Yuan understood that some strategies could only be used once against an enemy.
For example, this operation involved luring all of the Bright Hall members into the desert and then catching them all at once.
Having suffered such a significant loss, the Bright Hall would be exceptionally cautious the next time they attacked.
At that time, if they did not understand the opponent's intentions, the Dark Association would still be in a passive position, being led by the nose.
Therefore, he made this decision.
"Yes!"
The three responded in unison. Zi Long then stepped forward and asked, "Lord Xing Yuan, who will be the overall commander for this mission?"
"Hmph!"
At this question, Xing Yuan suddenly let out a cold snort.
He instantly saw through Zi Long's ulterior motives and said grimly, "Zi Long, the current situation is unfavorable to the Dark Association. I hope you will put aside some of your foolish thoughts!"
"Lord Xing Yuan, I have no other intentions. I am just thinking, if Po Xiao and I have conflicting opinions, who should take precedence!"
Seeing Xing Yuan's anger, Zi Long trembled slightly and then, bracing himself, spoke.
"This question is superfluous. With your abilities, it will certainly not be your opinion that takes precedence!"
Xing Yuan glanced coldly at Zi Long, the meaning very clear: it would be Po Xiao's opinion.
As for Xing Yuan's decision, Hong Mo, the only one present who might have raised an objection, did not speak out against it. Instead, he looked at Zi Long with a hint of disdain.
In his opinion, Zi Long was overestimating himself. If this continued, Zi Long might not even know how he died.
On the other hand, Zi Long's expression was extremely grim, but he did not dare to say anything more. He could only cup his hands and agree.
After receiving their missions, Ye Cangtian and the others returned to their residences to prepare.
When he saw Man Tuo Luo again, he hesitated for a long time before telling her about the promotion of new Earth-level deacons.
When Man Tuo Luo first heard the news, she was puzzled and even resentful.
After all, this was a rare opportunity. It was better to promote one's own people rather than others, as the saying goes, "Don't let good things go to outsiders."
If one's own people's strength increased, they could protect themselves and bring more benefits.
However, after hearing Ye Cangtian's reasons, Man Tuo Luo thought carefully and came to understand Ye Cangtian's actions.
However.
The next moment, when Ye Cangtian produced two Nine-Revolving Golden Pills, she was completely stunned.
He had refused Xing Yuan's kindness and thought that she and Fei Yan were not suitable to be Earth-level deacons, so why was he giving them two pills?
"I refused Xing Yuan's kindness because you lack the qualifications and I don't want you to go to the front lines in the future, but that doesn't mean I will prevent you from improving your strength..."
Sensing Man Tuo Luo's gaze, Ye Cangtian slowly explained.
It was beneficial for the two women to improve their strength for self-protection when they were in the dangerous headquarters.
However, Ye Cangtian explicitly stated his requirement: they were not allowed to display Earth-level strength unless it was a matter of life and death.
This was to avoid being discovered by others and causing unnecessary trouble.
As for whether they could evade Xing Yuan's scrutiny, Ye Cangtian did not care.
Xing Yuan knew that he had withheld the Nine-Revolving Golden Pills. It was reasonable for him to use these pills to enhance his subordinates.
Not only would he not blame Ye Cangtian, but he would also be grateful to him.
After all, the two saved pills could allow Xing Yuan to cultivate two more confidants.
Listening to Ye Cangtian's explanation, Man Tuo Luo gave him a look of mild annoyance and said, "Boss, can you just tell me the result next time? You made me feel very sad just now, and I almost misunderstood you!"
Humph!
Seeing Man Tuo Luo complain, Ye Cangtian snorted lightly and said, "Next time, have more confidence in me! Alright, help me pack my luggage. We'll be departing for the outside world soon."
Man Tuo Luo immediately agreed and began packing.
Bright Hall.
A figure clad in silver armor walked step by step onto the main hall.
He bowed slowly to the Pope on the main seat, but his face was grim and devoid of any respect.
This person was none other than Lyon, the leader of the Silver Armored Knights of the Bright Hall's inner sanctum.
"Your Holiness the Pope, I am here on orders. I wonder how the progress of the inner sanctum's request is proceeding?"
On the other side.
Upon seeing Lyon, the Pope's expression became extremely grim.
He knew very well the purpose of the other party's visit. As expected, after meeting, the other party was too lazy to exchange pleasantries and directly inquired.
"There is no news yet. Please be patient and wait, Your Holiness. I believe that soon, we will receive word..."
The Pope could only try his best to appease Lyon, as the inner sanctum was the biggest supporter of the outer sanctum.
Lyon frowned upon hearing this and said, "Your Holiness, it has been so long, and the outer sanctum has made no progress. If I report this, I am afraid the higher-ups will be very disappointed in Your Holiness!"
"Lyon, why don't you stay in the outer sanctum for a couple of days?"
"I have dispatched nearly 30 cardinals into the Dark Ruins this time."
"But as you know, we do not know what we are looking for, so the operation is like searching for a needle in a haystack. It is not easy to complete the mission smoothly, so it will take some time..."
The Pope explained with great embarrassment.
Although the other party's status was not as noble as his, he had no choice. The other party represented the inner sanctum, so even if he did not want to answer, he had to provide a corresponding explanation.
"Your Holiness, I will relay your words truthfully to the higher-ups. As for what they will think, it has nothing to do with me..."
Upon hearing the Pope's words, Lyon's expression darkened and he said slowly.
However, before he could finish speaking, he saw a hurried figure walk into the hall.
The panicked appearance immediately caught his attention. It was undoubtedly not good news.
The next moment, the guard bowed to the Pope and then said, "Your Holiness, something bad has happened. All the cardinals who went to the Dark Association have been annihilated..."
What!
The Pope's eyes suddenly widened. He flashed in front of the guard and grabbed him.
That was nearly thirty cardinals. How could so many experts be wiped out in such a short period!
He truly could not believe it.
Lyon, who also heard the news, was equally astonished.
Nearly 30 cardinals would undoubtedly be a catastrophe in the eyes of the Dark Association.
Even if they couldn't destroy the Dark Association, they could still inflict heavy damage on them.
But now, all of them were wiped out, which seemed impossible to him...