"Earn merit?"

Xiao Mu, surprised yet delighted, said, "Elder, what rewards are there for earning merit this time?"

"Rewards? That wasn't mentioned."

Zhou Xuanmen chuckled suddenly, his smile laced with mockery. "It's the old tactic—don't disclose the rewards, and it dampens the participants' enthusiasm."

"Once others stop trying to earn merit, their people will monopolize the credit, naturally."

"This..."

Xiao Mu felt shocked again. Elder Zhou seemed to be implying something—clearly, the situation at the Alliance Headquarters was far more complicated than he had imagined.

Zhou Xuanmen laughed again. "Feeling incredulous, are you?"

Xiao Mu nodded.

Zhou Xuanmen continued, "It's really not that surprising. You couldn't have believed the Alliance Headquarters was unified like an iron wall, could you?"

"Anywhere you find people, there will inevitably be competition. Complete unity is impossible."

"Even at Alliance Headquarters, factions are present."

"However, relatively speaking, these factions have a sense of broader priorities. While internal small disputes are constant, major conflicts have never broken out."

"As you participate this time, compete as you should, strive for credit as you need, but don't over-identify others as allies. At the same time, avoid backstabbing one another for credit."

"Of course, if someone else takes the lead in trying to kill you, that's a different matter."

"If anyone disregards the unity of the Alliance and acts against you first, fight back if you must, and kill when you must. Even if trouble arises, myself and Zun can shield you."

"Thank you, Elder. I'm deeply grateful for your protection," Xiao Mu said, expressing his thanks to Zhou Xuanmen.

The complexities of the Alliance seemed far beyond what Xiao Mu had anticipated. But with Zhou Xuanmen's words of assurance, he felt less unease.

Zhou Xuanmen added, "Remember, earning merit is crucial. Ignore whatever others say to you, and don't let their persuasion sway you."

"I have a premonition. This time, the plan deliberately avoids mentioning specific rewards. It's likely directed against you—to hinder you from earning merit."

"When the time comes, someone might try to persuade you, suggesting cooperation or asking you to help them earn merit."

"Don't involve yourself. Just focus on your own tasks."

Once again, Xiao Mu nodded. Zhou Xuanmen's guidance illuminated many new perspectives for him.

Zhou Xuanmen smiled, "This mission, though headquarters hasn't specified rewards, since they've issued the Merit Record, there must be considerable rewards. I'm looking forward to your outstanding performance."

Xiao Mu quickly assured him, "Elder Zhou, rest assured. I will do my utmost."

Zhou Xuanmen nodded in satisfaction. "Aside from that, there's one more matter, even more critical than earning merit, which I need you to assist me with. It's the main reason I came to find you."

Xiao Mu promptly replied, "Please instruct me, Elder Zhou. I will do everything within my capacity."

Zhou Xuanmen continued, "Actually, it's not particularly difficult—at least, not for you. What I need you to do will take place after the Life and Death Seal battle."

"After the Life and Death Seal battle?"

Zhou Xuanmen's words once again caught Xiao Mu off guard. He froze in surprise.

Would anything still matter after the Life and Death Seal battle?

By then, regardless of whether the Seal's capture succeeded or failed, it seemed unlikely anything else would demand attention.

If successful, the Seal would be obtained, granting their side an additional True God—the Ancestor of Life and Death.

With the Ancestor of Life and Death standing on their side, how could any Heavenly Court emissary match the Human world?

Conversely, if they failed, the Seal would fall into the Heavenly Court's possession.

With the Seal under their control, the Ancestor of Life and Death would join their ranks. The shift in balance would leave the Human world vulnerable to a massive defeat.

At that point, even if he wanted to accomplish something else, he'd likely have neither the means nor the energy.

Zhou Xuanmen discerned Xiao Mu's thoughts. "Don't overthink it. The task I have for you remains essential, whether the Life and Death Seal battle ends in success or failure."

Unfazed? What kind of task could it be?

Xiao Mu took a deep breath. Zhou Xuanmen's words made him keenly aware that this task was likely of exceptional importance—perhaps even overshadowing the Life and Death Seal itself.

He solemnly declared, "Elder Zhou, please give me the order."

Zhou Xuanmen was about to speak further when, suddenly realizing something, he glanced around the room. Then, with a swift wave of his hand, a surge of Curse Power flew out, enveloping the room and cutting it off completely from the outside world.

Only then did he begin, "The matter itself is straightforward. Afterward—whether the Seal is obtained by you or someone else—approximately one hour after the Seal leaves the Pool of Chaos, a stone statue will rise from the pool's depths."

"A stone statue?"

Xiao Mu's eyes flashed with divine light, his astonishment growing.

Zhou Xuanmen displayed an extraordinary familiarity with the Pool of Chaos, even knowing that a stone statue would emerge following the Life and Death Seal's departure.

"Indeed, a stone statue—an ancient one."

Zhou Xuanmen added, "After the statue rises, you'll take this object and place it in the statue's hand."

Saying this, Zhou Xuanmen retrieved a jade token from his storage ring. It was no larger than a fingertip.

The token was white, with a faint grayish light shimmering within it. Though it resembled Curse Power, it was not quite the same.

Moreover, the gray glow exuded a slight spirituality, as though a living being resided within.

"Elder, what is this?"

Xiao Mu eyed the jade token in Zhou Xuanmen's hand, unable to discern its nature.

"Don't concern yourself with what it is. Just keep it safe. Remember, around one hour after the Life and Death Seal leaves the Pool of Chaos, the stone statue will rise. Once you see it, simply take out this jade token and place it in the statue's hand."

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