Chapter 3179: Permission To Enter The Darkhan Dynasty

The fact that the Imperial Court of the Darkhan Dynasty had agreed to grant access to them showed both the influence of the Xian Sword Sect and Silent Lotus Temple and the seriousness with which the dynasty viewed the threat.

"What changed their mind?" Lin Mu asked.

Grand Elder Huo folded his hands behind his back. "At first, they were reluctant. They saw this matter as something that belonged outside their borders. But once we showed them evidence of the Hidden Cave Sect’s connections, and hinted at the possibility of the Ephemera Sect’s involvement, their stance shifted.

They are wary of the Ephemera Sect just as much as we are, perhaps even more so. Their silence all these years has made everyone uneasy."

Lin Mu gave a small nod. He had expected as much. The Ephemera Sect was like a shadow creeping across the continent, silent but always looming. To ignore them was to court disaster.

"Where exactly do we go other than of course the Marshes of Silent Skies?" Lin Mu asked.

"The dynasty has agreed to let us investigate specific regions," the elder explained. "We will not have free reign of the entire territory, of course. But the regions most likely tied to the Hidden Cave Sect and their affiliates are open to us. Our teams will split and cover as much ground as possible. You, however, will be sent to one of the more sensitive regions."

Lin Mu met the elder’s gaze. "Sensitive?"

"Yes," Grand Elder Huo replied. "There is a suspicion that the Hidden Cave Sect’s Ancestor may be hiding within the dynasty’s borders. There were certain clues about a strong cultivator, perhaps at the transcendent Immortal realm, being detected by the Dynasty’s people.

They highly suspect that this might be the ancestor of the Hidden cave Sect. We do not know exactly where, but there are signs. If that is true, then finding him is of the utmost importance."

Lin Mu’s expression hardened slightly. "The Ancestor..."

Even the patriarch of the Hidden Cave Sect had not known where the man resided. If he was alive and working with the Ephemera Sect, then he was a hidden danger that had to be addressed.

"What about our allies?" Lin Mu asked. "Will they be joining us in this?"

"Indeed," Grand Elder Huo said. "The Silent Lotus Temple will send its own envoys. Elyon is already there, working quietly with some of his contacts. Cattaleya too has taken another contract to provide assistance in matters that require force but not the direct involvement of the sects. We are moving carefully, but decisively."

"They will join you at the border once you reach there." The Grand Elder added.

Lin Mu considered this for a while, then asked, "And the dynasty? Are they providing any direct support?"

"They will provide escorts and observers," the elder said. "Naturally, they will not let us move freely without oversight. But that is to be expected. We will work within the boundaries we are given. What matters is that we now have access."

Lin Mu inclined his head. "Then it seems our work is far from finished."

"Indeed," Grand Elder Huo agreed. "This is only the beginning of the next stage. Prepare yourself, Lin Mu. We may have uncovered the Hidden Cave Sect’s roots, but the true storm lies ahead. The Ephemera Sect, the Ancestor, and perhaps forces even greater are waiting."

Lin Mu took in the words, his thoughts turning toward the tasks to come. He had spent months in the quiet of study, but the time for action had returned. Whatever lay within the Darkhan Dynasty, he would face it as he always had, steady and unwavering.

For now, he bowed slightly to the elder. "I will prepare. When do I depart?"

"Soon," Grand Elder Huo replied. "I will inform you of the exact details once the final arrangements are in place. Until then, make use of your time. Once we set foot in the dynasty’s lands, there will be no turning back."

Lin Mu talked a few more minutes with the Grand Elder before taking his leave.

A week passed swiftly after Grand Elder Huo’s summons, and all the preparations for the next stage of their campaign were finally complete.

The atmosphere within the sphere shifted from the busy rhythm of reconstruction and cataloguing to the calm anticipation of departure. Lin Mu, who had spent the past months balancing his study of the arrays with the occasional discussions with the elders, now stood ready.

The task ahead required a long journey, one that he knew would be far more efficient with the aid of his companion.

Little Shrubby would be essential. Not only was his speed unmatched across vast distances, but his sensitivity to elemental energies made him a reliable guide through unfamiliar regions. Yet, when Lin Mu reached for his bond to sense the beast, he realized Little Shrubby was not nearby.

"Huh... Usually he’s in the plaza training with Meng Bai at this time." Lin Mu muttered.

Curious, he began asking around.

"Have you seen Little Shrubby?" He asked.

"No, Senior."

"Me Neither."

"Junior Brother Meng Bai is in the library, but I haven’t seen Little Shrubby with him today."

Several disciples shrugged or shook their heads, not having seen the fiery beast.

Eventually, one of the inner court disciples provided him with an answer. "Senior Lin Mu, I believe Little Shrubby is currently with some elders," the young man said hesitantly.

Lin Mu raised a brow but nodded, unsurprised.

It would not be the first time the beast had wandered into the company of others. "Take me there," he requested.

"Of course senior!" The disciple complied quickly, leading him through the winding pavilions that dotted the sphere.

These buildings had once belonged to the Hidden Cave Sect, but now they were appropriated by the Xian Sword Sect and the Silent Lotus Temple. The disciple was nervous. He did not know why Little Shrubby would be with the elders, but to escort someone like Lin Mu, he had no choice but to obey.

Though at the same time he was quite a bit excited too since Lin Mu was the idol of many disciples in the sect.

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