Chapter 4074: The Movements Of The Vault Division

Daoist Bone Ruler’s presence granted the Wild Peak’s investigation considerable legitimacy, and openly refusing to cooperate would amount to questioning the authority of the Law Division itself. That was something the Vault Division elders were unwilling to do.

Furthermore, they were well aware of the Wild Peak’s Closed Fist Doctrine.

Although it had rarely been invoked throughout the sect’s history, its provisions were recorded within the ancient regulations. The doctrine granted the Wild Peak additional authority during certain emergencies, particularly when dealing with threats to its members or matters concerning betrayal and hostile actions.

The Vault Division elders might have questioned whether the present situation justified invoking those powers, but they had little desire to test the matter. Especially when the Head of the Law Division was standing alongside the Wild Peak.

’What a troublesome situation,’ one of the Vault Division elders thought.

He glanced toward the hundreds of cultivators gathered in the sky.

The Wild Peak was famous for its aggressive body cultivators, and the immense vitality radiating from their ranks made their willingness to fight abundantly clear. Of course, the Vault Division possessed formidable defenses of its own.

Its facilities were among the most heavily protected locations within the Heavenly Stream Guardian Sect.

The formations surrounding the compound had been developed and reinforced over countless generations, with numerous defensive measures concealed beneath the seemingly ordinary buildings.

Even a large group of powerful cultivators would struggle to force their way inside. However, the Vault Division had no desire to discover whether those defenses could withstand a determined assault from the Wild Peak.

Besides, merely allowing such an attack to occur would be a tremendous disgrace as the Vault Division had maintained an impressive security record for tens of thousands of years.

Its facilities had endured numerous periods of instability without suffering a major breach, and that reputation was one of the principal reasons the sect continued to entrust it with valuable treasures and restricted materials.

If a conflict with the Wild Peak damaged the compound, the consequences would extend far beyond the immediate losses. There would be investigations, accusations, and questions concerning the competence of the elders responsible for maintaining security.

The Vault Division’s reputation would suffer even if its defenses successfully repelled the attackers. And if the underground storage facilities were damaged, the resulting losses could be enormous.

For these reasons, the elders were becoming increasingly anxious.

"We cannot simply hand over Elder Taegong," one of them transmitted to his companions.

"Then what do you suggest?" another replied. "The Law Division Head is standing right there."

"We should delay them until the High Elders provide instructions."

"They’ve already been informed."

"And what did they say?"

"To maintain the defensive formations and avoid provoking the Wild Peak further."

The first elder nearly cursed aloud. ’Easy for them to say!’

Mengli Zhenyu was standing directly outside their compound, demanding that they produce Taegong. And judging from his expression, he was thoroughly enjoying their discomfort.

Meanwhile, Lin Mu was observing the situation with considerably greater interest than he outwardly displayed. He had already anticipated that the Vault Division would attempt to delay the investigation.

That was precisely why he had arranged for his beasts to investigate the other branches. While Zhenyu stood in the sky with his arms folded, Lin Mu quietly contacted the Yin Yang Twin Serpents through their mental connection.

’Any changes on your side, Xiao Yin, Xiao Yang?’

Xiao Yin answered first. ’Nothing on my side, Master. Everything looks the same as before. There are some guards stationed around the compound, but they haven’t done anything unusual.’

Lin Mu nodded slightly. ’And you, Xiao Yang?’

’Mine are the same t...’ The white serpent suddenly stopped.

Lin Mu’s attention sharpened. ’Xiao Yang?’

’Wait, Master. Several guards just arrived from inside.’ Xiao Yang quickly replied.

’What are they doing?’

Xiao Yang extended his Immortal Sense, carefully examining the guards who had emerged from one of the restricted entrances. The serpent was concealed among the surrounding vegetation, his white scales blending into the pebbles beneath the trees.

Although he was still young compared to many powerful Immortal Beasts, his cultivation and innate abilities had advanced considerably. His Immortal Sense was more than sufficient to observe ordinary guards without alerting them, provided he remained careful.

Several seconds passed.

’They’re talking about some kind of defensive state,’ Xiao Yang finally reported.

’Defensive state?’

’Yes. One of them said that the branch needs to prepare for a possible threat. They’re checking the formations and telling the other guards to report anything suspicious.’

Lin Mu narrowed his eyes. ’So they’re preparing.’

The timing was far too convenient to be a coincidence. The Wild Peak had arrived at the main branch and demanded Taegong’s presence. Now the other branches were suddenly being instructed to increase their security.

It was evident that news of the confrontation had already spread through the Vault Division’s internal communication network.

’They’re responding faster than I expected.’ Lin Mu thought.

That was understandable, considering the importance of the Vault Division and the authority possessed by its elders. Still, the development confirmed that the different branches were coordinating their activities.

A moment later, Xiao Yin contacted him again. ’Master, more guards are appearing here too.’

’Are they doing the same thing?’ Lin Mu asked.

’It looks like it. Some are moving toward the outer formations, while others are entering the buildings. They’re also checking the paths leading into the forest.’ Xiao Yin explained.

Lin Mu’s expression remained unchanged, though his thoughts were moving rapidly. ’So they’re mobilizing all three branches.’

The Vault Division was treating the Wild Peak’s arrival as a potential security emergency.

That alone was reasonable. However, Lin Mu was particularly interested in whether the increased security would be used to conceal Taegong or move suspicious materials between facilities.

’Keep watching them,’ he instructed. ’If anyone leaves through an unusual route, follow them carefully. I especially want to know if any elders depart without using the ordinary entrances.’

’Understood, Master,’ Xiao Yin replied.

’Can I catch them if they run?’ Xiao Yang asked eagerly.

’Only if I tell you to. For now, observe.’ Lin Mu answered.

’Alright,’ the white serpent answered, sounding slightly disappointed.

Lin Mu then contacted Little Shrubby. ’The other branches are increasing their defenses. Be ready to move if either of the twins discovers something.’

’I’m ready, Master!’ Little Shrubby replied immediately. ’I’ve already found a good place to wait.’

’Good. Stay concealed.’

’Okay!’