C12 Righteous Alliance

After fleeing for a full ten miles, the trio realized the Demonic Beast wasn't pursuing them, and they finally stopped to catch their breath. They had been running on pure survival instinct, but now, utterly spent, they collapsed onto the ground, each gasping for air.

Once they had regained some strength, Ge Bin was the first to break the silence.

"Brother, we owe you a debt of gratitude for your assistance today. I'll never forget this act of kindness. May I ask your name?" Ge Bin said, bowing with his fists clasped in gratitude towards Wu Shanbao.

"You give me too much credit, brother. I merely lent a hand where I could. I'm just glad I didn't interfere with your affairs!"

"May I ask where you've been cultivating, and what brought you to Broken Dawn Mountain?" inquired Yan Fei, who had regained a bit of his strength.

Yan Fei had been lurking in the shadows, only to emerge at a crucial moment to drive away the Demonic Beast. He found Wu Shanbao's arrival somewhat mysterious.

Upon hearing the suspicion in Yan Fei's voice, Ge Bin also caught on, "Did you come here for the Seven Star Map as well?"

Wu Shanbao looked at their earnest faces and couldn't help but smile wryly to himself.

"To tell you the truth, I was just passing by. Curiosity got the best of me when I saw the six of you discussing the Seven Star Map," Wu Shanbao explained calmly. "As for the map, it's of no use to me. I'm merely a mortal with no insight into the Dao. Even if I had this treasure, it would be pointless!"

"What do you mean?" Yan Fei was puzzled. Given Wu Shanbao's ability to fend off the Demonic Beast, his cultivation must be formidable, possibly even surpassing that of some of Yan Fei's seniors. And yet, he claimed to have no insight into the Dao. Was he trying to conceal something?

"I don't even have a disciple to call my own, let alone make use of this Taoist treasure."

"If you're not inclined to disclose your master's lineage, we won't press you. Nevertheless, you've earned a share of the Seven Star Map. How would you like to divide it?" Yan Fei asked, taking the map from Ge Bin and examining it closely.

The Seven Stars Diagram was an intricately crafted star map disk, complete with magnetic needles for direction. This small five-inch disk, etched with constellations, was considered a rare Profound Grade magical artifact in Taoist circles.

"I've already told you, the Seven Stars Diagram is of no use to me. Feel free to keep it," Wu Shanbao insisted earnestly, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

Yan Fei grew more suspicious, sensing Wu Shanbao's sincerity wasn't an act. "If you have no need for the Seven Stars Diagram, then perhaps there's something else you desire. I'm Yan Fei, a man of principle. Speak freely if there's anything you want," he offered, convinced Wu Shanbao was after some other treasure he possessed.

"I didn't come for treasures. Curiosity was my only guide in following you. I have no intention of asking for anything. I must continue on my journey, so I bid you farewell," Wu Shanbao declared, rising to leave.

Wu Shanbao was eager to depart, driven by a need to understand what had saved him. The Demonic Beast's strength was unmatched, and only his enigmatic master could have repelled such a force. But his master had been slumbering within the fan for ages, and it made no sense for him to emerge now...

Yan Fei and Ge Bin were taken aback by Wu Shanbao's abrupt departure. Yan Fei, in particular, who had encountered a myriad of characters, found Wu Shanbao to be an enigma.

The two hurried after Wu Shanbao. "Before you go, we must at least learn your name, as a token of gratitude for saving our lives," they implored.

"I am Wu Shanbao," he replied.

"Mr. Shanbao, where are you headed?" they inquired.

"I wish to travel to Spirit Refining Mountain," Wu Shanbao answered.

"Spirit Refining Mountain?" Yan Fei's curiosity deepened. "May I ask which Taoist priest you seek? We are both disciples of Spirit Refining Mountain!"

Hearing this, Wu Shanbao's spirits lifted. "You're disciples of Spirit Refining Mountain? That's wonderful!" He shared his journey with Yan Fei, revealing how he had sought a master but found none willing to take him in, and how he had resolved to make his stand at Spirit Refining Mountain.

"Are you Wu Shanbao, the young master from the Wu Mansion near Mist Clear Monastery?" inquired Yan Fei.

"Indeed! How did you come to know of me?"

"Mr. Shanbao, I've heard about the tragic fate that befell your family at the hands of a formidable foe. It's quite serendipitous to encounter you here today. Truly, it must be destiny," Yan Fei reflected, deeply moved upon confirming Wu Shanbao's identity.

To his surprise, the first person he couldn't fully understand was this obscure youth from the southern territory of Level One Heaven—and he owed him a significant debt of gratitude.

"It's an honor to meet two brothers from Spirit Refining Mountain. I, Wu Shanbao, am certainly in esteemed company! Could you perhaps enlighten me on what I should be aware of if I wish to seek tutelage at Spirit Refining Mountain?" Wu Shanbao inquired, eager for guidance.

After a moment of contemplation, Yan Fei responded, "I suggest you consider other paths. Given your current standing, it's unlikely that Spirit Refining Mountain would grant your wish to join them."

Wu Shanbao's heart sank at Yan Fei's blunt words. He had understood the implication all along but hadn't been ready to let go of his hope.

Noticing Wu Shanbao's contemplative silence, Yan Fei continued, "I'm not questioning your talent, brother. It's just that the current criteria for apprenticeship at Spirit Refining Mountain are quite stringent. But when it comes to innate ability, Mr. Shanbao, you may very well surpass us all!"

Yan Fei, are you jesting with me? Alas, to think that in this vast world, there's no place for Wu Shanbao to call home," Wu Shanbao lamented, his hopes dashed once more as he felt lost in the immensity of the world.

"Don't lose heart, Mr. Shanbao. After surviving today's ordeal together, we recognize your noble spirit and wish to become sworn brothers with you. Would you be open to such a bond?"

"Sworn brothers with me?" Wu Shanbao could hardly believe what he was hearing.

"Yes, indeed! We've shared adversity, and today we shall become sworn brothers right here. Should you face any difficulties in the future, do not hesitate to call on us for aid," Yan Fei urged, keen to ensure Wu Shanbao's agreement.

"Hehe, who would have thought that I, Wu Shanbao, would stand alone against the world's scorn. If you both are willing, let's become sworn brothers right here and now!"

All three were in agreement, and they hastily fashioned a mound of earth as a makeshift altar to swear their oaths to heaven and earth.

"I, Yan Fei, pledge to become sworn brothers with Wu Shanbao and Ge Bin! From this day forward, we shall share in each other's fortunes and face adversity together!"

"I, Ge Bin, pledge to become sworn brothers with Yan Fei and Wu Shanbao. Henceforth, we shall face life and death as one, sharing in all prosperity and honor!"

"I, Wu Shanbao, pledge to become sworn brothers with Yan Fei and Ge Bin. From now on, we will support each other through thick and thin, standing side by side in the face of any peril!"

After kneeling and taking their vows, they established their fraternal order by age: Yan Fei as the eldest brother, Ge Bin as the second brother, and Wu Shanbao as the youngest.

...

After a brief but warm exchange, Yan Fei and Ge Bin noticed the day had grown late and prepared to depart for Spirit Refining Mountain.

Before parting, Yan Fei presented Wu Shanbao with a pouch of silver coins, saying, "Youngest brother, it's become too difficult for you here. I urge you to seek refuge with the True Dao. I hope to see you at the Three Dao Gathering in three years. Then, we'll raise our glasses in celebration and together attend the Sky Reaching Gathering in five years!"

"Are you suggesting I should pledge myself to the True Dao?"

"Exactly! Although the True Dao's spirits are low at the moment, all Three Dao have the potential to reach the heavens. I have every confidence that you, youngest brother, will distinguish yourself within the True Dao!"

"Indeed! Plus, joining the True Dao means you won't have to endure the indignities you faced with the Great Dao. Your path of cultivation will be much smoother!" Ge Bin added, nodding in agreement.

"Alright! I'll heed the advice of my elder brothers!" For the first time, Wu Shanbao felt the warmth of friendship's aid. With gratitude, he clutched the silver Yan Fei had given him and set off toward the True Dao.