"Disciple greets Holy Son Qiu He!"
Yan Luo released him, smiling slightly. "Qiu He, why are you here? It's alright, I was just playing a joke on my junior brother."
Qiu He replied grumpily, "Master is looking for you. Go immediately."
Yan Luo nodded. "Okay, I'll leave things here to you."
After Yan Luo left, Qiu He gave the beaten disciple a thousand-grade medicinal pill and helped him up, earning much goodwill.
Ming Zhi Tian hid nearby, not daring to draw attention. For now, the lower his profile, the better.
As its name suggested, the Shi Mo Heavenly Domain had plenty of everything, especially Shi Mo mountains. Ming Zhi Tian hiding in the mountains to cultivate was not a bad hiding place.
...
Hall of the Heavenly Domain...
The Holy Lord Qian Chen Ru Yi was guiding a young maiden in their cultivation. She was pure and lovely, with a voluptuous figure that made men's hearts ache.
"Disciple greets Master!" Yan Luo cupped his fists in greeting.
Qian Chen Ru Yi said, "Rise."
Yan Luo smiled faintly and looked at the woman. "Junior Sister!"
Qin Min, who was at the third heaven of the Supreme Emperor Realm, cupped her fists in greeting. "Senior Brother."
Qian Chen Ru Yi said, "Yan Luo, you've arrived at a good time. From today onwards, you will be responsible for accompanying your junior sister in dual cultivation."
"I couldn't ask for more!"
"What?"
Yan Luo quickly waved his hand. "No, nothing. As a senior brother, I am willing to guide Junior Sister Qin Min."
"Go."
"Yes!"
...
It had been three days, and news of Ming Zhi Tian's capture had not subsided. Emperor Hong Xuan was furious! He decided to personally lead three thousand divine guards to the Six Domains and Eight Wastes.
Shi Mo Heavenly Domain...
"This is bad, this is bad!" A celestial guard ran into the Shi Mo Heavenly Domain in a panic.
Qiu He stopped him. "Stop! Why are you so flustered? What's happened?"
The celestial guard, too anxious to explain, said, "Reporting to Holy Son, I have... urgent matters that I must report to the Holy Lord immediately!"
Qiu He frowned. "I'll accompany you."
"What is it?"
With two flashes, they arrived at the Hall of the Heavenly Domain. Qiu He knocked on the door. "Master! Master!"
Qian Chen Ru Yi's voice came from inside. "Hmm? It's midday. Didn't I tell you not to disturb me unless it's a special matter? What is it?"
Qiu He said, "Master! This is dire. Please meet with us quickly!"
"Hmm? You? Come in."
The celestial guard explained everything truthfully. Qian Chen Ru Yi stood up from his seat. "Scoundrel! Emperor Hong Xuan, how dare you march your troops to my Shi Mo Heavenly Domain? Do you think my Heavenly Domain is empty? Qiu He!"
Qiu He cupped his fists. "Disciple is here!"
Qian Chen Ru Yi said, "Summon Yan Luo and Qin Min, and immediately issue an order. All disciples of the Shi Mo Heavenly Domain are to cease their cultivation! Activate level one alert! Follow me out to meet them!"
"Yes! Master!"
...
Outside...
Emperor Hong Xuan was growing impatient. "Qian Chen Ru Yi! If you don't come out, I'll break in."
"Who are you calling?"
Qian Chen Ru Yi, clad in a dark robe, appeared!
Emperor Hong Xuan glared at him. "What tone are you using to speak to me? Have you forgotten the pain once the wound has healed?"
"I haven't forgotten!" This was his territory. Qian Chen Ru Yi was not afraid. Soon, eight thousand disciples were assembled and arrived in an orderly fashion.
Yan Luo, Qiu He, and Qin Min, the three direct disciples, approached and bowed respectfully. "Master! Eight thousand disciples have assembled!"
Qian Chen Ru Yi became even more brazen. "So it's you, old Emperor, gracing me with your presence. How thoughtful. I am already perfectly fine, please return."
Emperor Hong Xuan was enraged. "Stop playing these games with me. You should have heard why I've come. It's for a villain named Ming Zhi Tian. I've received the latest intel; this villain is hiding within your Shi Mo Heavenly Domain!"