In the grand hall, only Xing Yuan sat at the head seat, with Huang Shan and Lu Luo absent.
Called here alone? What is it?
As Ye Cangtian's mind raced, he looked at Xing Yuan. The next moment, cold sweat broke out on Ye Cangtian's forehead.
It wasn't that Xing Yuan displayed anything.
It was simply that upon meeting Xing Yuan's gaze, he felt that the spiritual power cultivated over several days showed signs of collapse.
Little did he know, the moment he entered, Xing Yuan had seen his progress. Their brief eye contact coincided with Xing Yuan's desire to test his depth, hence this feeling.
"Not bad, not bad, you have indeed given this seat great surprises."
"Having only recently broken through, you have already mastered the method of cultivating spiritual power. Truly a celestial talent!"
Xing Yuan withdrew his gaze, his eyes filled with appreciative smiles.
Although Ye Cangtian's spiritual power was still weak, he had already laid a very solid foundation.
Besides, the most difficult part of cultivating spiritual power was the beginning. Even with cultivation methods, not everyone could learn them.
There were many who, even until their deaths, never grasped it, including Earth-rank experts.
For Ye Cangtian to have mastered it in such a short time not only indicated good luck but also showed extraordinary talent and boundless prospects!
"Uh, Lord Xing Yuan, does this spiritual power also have offensive effects?"
Listening to Xing Yuan's words, Ye Cangtian fell silent for a moment before asking.
Although he hadn't been harmed when he met Xing Yuan's gaze, he had clearly felt that as long as Xing Yuan willed it, his spiritual power could be destroyed at any time.
This made him very curious as to why Xing Yuan could do this...
"Of course."
"Spiritual power was also known as soul power in ancient times. Its uses are endless and it was a mandatory subject for ancient powerhouses."
"Moreover, in ancient times, those powerhouses researched a series of cultivation methods related to soul power..."
Xing Yuan did not hide anything from Ye Cangtian's questions, slowly recounting what he knew.
Upon hearing this, Ye Cangtian quickly stepped forward and said, "Lord Xing Yuan, does the headquarters have similar cultivation methods?"
"No."
Xing Yuan directly shook his head and continued, "Similar to other inherited techniques, most of these inheritances can only be passed down once. And those who receive them are unwilling to make them public, so the headquarters does not possess them."
Xing Yuan paused here and continued, "However, your strength is acceptable, and you have good fortune. You will surely have the opportunity to obtain them in the future."
Hearing Xing Yuan's words, Ye Cangtian chuckled inwardly.
If his guess was correct, even Red Demon and Huang Shan had not obtained such cultivation methods!
How many years had they been striving in the Dark Association?
This proved that such cultivation methods were extremely rare. Xing Yuan saying this was nothing more than wanting him to expand the territory for the Dark Association.
Thinking of this, Ye Cangtian changed the subject and asked, "Lord Xing Yuan, why did you summon me here? Do you have any instructions?"
Upon hearing this, Xing Yuan became serious and asked, "Do you remember Badak?"
When Ye Cangtian heard this, he nodded, casting a confused glance. Badak of the Bright Hall had already died at the hands of Cheng Hai. He didn't understand why Xing Yuan brought him up again.
"Badak was a prodigy of the Bright Hall, with aptitude second only to Nancy."
"Recently, it is rumored that the Bright Hall learned of his death, and the entire Bright Hall has erupted."
"Therefore, I decided to act decisively and directly blamed Ye Cangtian for Badak's death."
"..."
Listening to Xing Yuan's words, Ye Cangtian's mouth twitched.
It was clear that this was a case of shifting blame. By using the Bright Hall's desire for revenge, he intended to incite conflict between the Hidden Group and the Bright Hall, allowing the Dark Association to reap the benefits.
Although Xing Yuan's plan was not bad and beneficial to the Dark Association, he was the protagonist. This made Ye Cangtian want to curse Xing Yuan's ancestors.
"Lord Xing Yuan, are you telling me this because you have arrangements?" Ye Cangtian asked.
"Clever."
"I heard that you were always responsible for monitoring Ye Cangtian before. You must understand him best."
Xing Yuan smiled slightly and continued, "Ye Cangtian has become too arrogant lately, so I want to send you to eliminate him!"
Damn it!
As soon as he heard Xing Yuan's intention, Ye Cangtian could no longer restrain himself and began 'cursing' Xing Yuan in his mind.
He was Ye Cangtian, how could he eliminate himself?
This was destined to be a mission that could only fail and never succeed!
He glanced at Xing Yuan and slowly said, "Lord Xing Yuan, didn't you already assign the task of dealing with Ye Cangtian to Red Demon? Has something happened with Red Demon?"
"No, Red Demon has not found the target yet."
Xing Yuan continued, "Because of this, I suspect he has already left the Dark Ruins. I'm sending you to investigate outside. If he's there, eliminate him!"
"Uh, it's not that I don't want to go, but isn't this inappropriate?"
"For so many years, matters outside the ruins have been handled by Qing Dao, Zi Long, and Lan Yue. If I were to go, wouldn't it cause resentment from the three?"
Ye Cangtian was slightly taken aback and quickly said.
"Hmph! Are you questioning my decision?"
Xing Yuan's expression turned grim upon hearing this, but he offered an explanation.
Both Zi Long and Qing Dao had grievances with the Bright Hall.
One of them, in the Saudi ruins, had joined forces with the Bright Hall, only to be betrayed and severely injured by them.
The other was tricked while dealing with the Rattlesnake Mercenary Group and the Ninja Unit.
If they encountered the Bright Hall again, given their volatile tempers, they would likely tear the Bright Hall apart.
At that point, it wouldn't be shifting blame but inviting trouble upon themselves!
As for Lan Yue, she had another mission and could not spare herself at the moment.
Therefore, Xing Yuan directly assigned the task to Po Xiao.
Uh...
Hearing this, Ye Cangtian was speechless. What else could he say?
If he declined again, Xing Yuan would truly be angered, so he could only brace himself and agree.
"Remember, do not act rashly unless absolutely necessary. Our goal is to instigate conflict between the Hidden Group and the Bright Hall, and to eliminate Ye Cangtian. Do not bring trouble upon yourself!"
Seeing that Po Xiao had agreed, Xing Yuan showed a satisfied smile and gave his instructions.
Damn it!
This old fellow is truly malicious!
Ye Cangtian muttered to himself, outwardly responding. He then cupped his hands and turned to leave the hall.
...
Returning to his room.
As Ye Cangtian instructed Fei Yan to pack his belongings, he spoke to Mandala and the other person about the matter.
"After I leave headquarters, you two must be careful, especially of Red Demon."
"Remember, only on the basis of absolute safety should you gather information. If necessary, abandon the information to save your lives..."
Listening to Ye Cangtian's instructions, Mandala stepped forward and said indignantly, "Boss, why aren't you taking us with you this time?"
"Of course."
Ye Cangtian continued, "As you both know, Red Demon harbors deep resentment towards me, so I must know the situation at headquarters. The only ones I can trust are you two."
Hearing this, Mandala fell silent.
After a moment, she looked at Ye Cangtian and said, "Leave this place to us, you can rest assured. As for you, boss, be careful outside, and return soon..."
Upon hearing this, Ye Cangtian nodded, gave further instructions, and left some elixirs and spirit stones before departing the headquarters.