Zhang Yun arrived where his guests were in no time. He did not wear his usual kingly robes but decided to keep a low profile for a change.

With how tightly guarded his residence was, it was natural for it to be heavily laden with several complex formations.

​​

And one of these formations usage was subtle spying and detection within and without the premises of the huge Zhang ancestral home in Aurora.

Thus, it was easy for Zhang Yun to determine that his 3 visitors today were far stronger than he could ever be in this lifetime. This was why Zhang Yun chose to be prudent in his actions also.

"Good morning, dear guests! How can this lowly junior serve you on this auspicious day?" These were Zhang Yun's first words when he addressed the unknown group in his midst.

He did not grow to be this old and become idiotic in his ways. This old wise man even put on a very ordinary plain white cultivators robe as it symbolized peace and humility.

More than that, Zhang Yun bowed low and did not even dare to look at his visitors for long. No more than a passing glance at all.

"We have come to offer a lucrative business for your people, City Lord." Du Feng stated his purpose frankly.

He did not even have to stand up to reciprocate the greetings of the old man nor did his female colleagues return the polite attitude of City Lord Zhang Yun.

The 3 just sat there with smoking cups of hot teas before them. It did not need saying that the table got more love than our very own City Lord of Aurora.

"May i ask what kind of business, Senior?" Zhang Yun asked in a gentle tone.

He was not ashamed in the least bit to don on the guise of a humble junior in front of these 3 who was aged no more than 25 years old.

To think that Zhang Yun was already nearing his 500th birthday soon. These kids were practically toddlers in his front.

Unfortunately, strength was the greatest basis of status in this xianxia world.

"We are recruiting for able men and women, City Lord." Du Feng was the one who answered again. The two beautiful women at his side remained ever silent as usual.

Perhaps the only respect that Zhang Yun got in this meeting was how he was called by his own title as a City Lord. Du Feng may appear snobbish but he was far from a foolish man at all.

He knew that his quest would be much smoother and easier with the cooperation of the leader of this city.

"A recruitment for what, Senior?" City Lord Zhang Yun queried deeper. He never raised his olden head during the discussion.

"To gather a force to join us in the 769th heavenly expedition towards the Central Continent." Du Feng whispered in both fear and longing.

"The Sacred Grounds of the Gods!" Zhang Yun muttered in awe. This was another name for the Central Continent.

Over the long years of this xianxia world, many have wished to explore the holy lands of the central continent. Alas, only 768 attempts were ever done in the lengthy history of this earth.

And in all those times which had spanned for billions and billions of years already, no one was ever recorded to come back. The central continent was either a path of death or wealth.

It was just sad that no one could tell the true tale amidst this obscure mystery. But that did not mean that nobody was willing to try again.

History has an uncanny habit of repeating itself after all.

"It's good that you are a well read man, City Lord. I want your help to spread the word of the recruitment." Du Feng stated what he wanted.

One should know that the last heavenly expedition happened about 5 million years ago. Though the time was so far back but there was rich information to be found in the books.

This was a rare quest that would see a unity between all the surrounding continents.

The Southern Continent of Fable,

The Western Continent of Emerald,

The Eastern Continent of Odin,

and the Northern Continent of Aria.

A heavenly expedition was truly an event of the ages!

"Thank you for your praise, Senior. I shall do my best to announce this news to the people of Aurora!" Zhang Yun promised boldly.

From start to finish, he did not even inquire about the identities of his 3 visitors.

* * *

Later that day, there was a ruckus amongst the populace. It was easy to tell that almost everyone had the same exact topic on this memorable day. The Heavenly Expedition!

"Did you hear about the handsome rewards?"

"Someone is going to give us 10,000 fucking spirit stones up front just to go on some kind of a trip overseas! Even those who had no cultivation can also come!"

"That's called a Heavenly Expedition, you moron! They give you that kind of big sum because they know they are already paying for your funeral expenses in advance!"

"Take it and get eaten by sea monsters! HAHAHA!"

"I am just a mere mortal and had no hopes of cultivating. I would rather die rich than spend the rest of my life in poverty!"

"I shall give the money to my family! Where do i go in order to get my money! Sign me up quickly!"

There was an abundant and often violent discussion in this topic. As soon as the quest went up, a lot of people became filthy rich overnight.

It was obvious that some robbery was expected to happen but the soldiers of the city were also quite fierce in their response.

Not a few heads on a pike was displayed outside the City Lord's mansion. This has stopped the greed of men rather well. The recruitment proceeded for days without fail.

* * *

In a lavish abode somewhere in Aurora City, a young man was seen wearing a wicked smile. There was no doubt that this person has dark evil intentions in mind right now.

He was weighing the pros and cons of what he had planned to do and spent a couple of precious minutes to clean the details of his shrewd schemes.

Before long, he got out and called for his good servant slash bodyguard.

"Prepare the horses for me, He Jia." The young man ordered.

"Where are we going, Young Master Ren Cao?" He Jia asked.

"To the City Lord's mansion."