Chapter 32: Appointment as Chief Protector

Just as Su Hao’s internal scale was still tipping back and forth, hesitating over whether he should continue to remain on this land stained by the blood of cultivators, a sudden piece of news struck his calm mind like a thunderclap in a clear sky, leaving him deeply shaken.

It turned out that after careful deliberation, the high-level leadership of the Alliance had decided to form a Guardian Group composed of three top experts. The mission was to maintain the peace of this territory, resist the ravages of rogue cultivators, and safeguard the development of the Alliance.

Amidst this heavy burden of responsibility and honor, Su Hao’s name was prominently listed. Everyone had unanimously elected him as the Chief Guardian, to fight side by side with the two other powerful figures, Shui Boyang and Ming Yuhao. Shui Boyang was to serve as the Right Guardian, while Ming Yuhao would serve as the Left Guardian, jointly shouldering the heavy responsibility of protecting the Alliance.

Upon hearing this news, Su Hao felt a complex mixture of emotions. He was touched by the deep trust placed in him, yet he felt uneasy about the unknown burdens that lay ahead. He knew clearly that this appointment was not merely an acknowledgment of his strength, but a heavy duty—a burden he might not be able to sustain in the long run. After all, the future would be complex and volatile; a single moment of carelessness could jeopardize the safety of the entire Alliance.

Su Hao slowly stood up, his gaze deep and distant. It was as if his eyes possessed a magical power, piercing through the stone walls of his dwelling to look toward the far horizon. He seemed to see through layers of space to the war-torn lands in the distance, their devastation laid bare before him. The tragic sight stirred an inexplicable sense of sorrow and mission within him.

He spoke slowly, his voice laced with a hint of helplessness, yet infused with an unquestionable firmness. His words flowed like a clear mountain stream—gentle, yet possessing an aura that made them impossible to refute.

"I appreciate your good intentions, and I am truly grateful for the trust you have placed in me."

He first expressed his gratitude before shifting the tone of his speech:

"However, my path is not confined to this place. I have many unfinished missions awaiting me, and further lands that I must explore and pursue. Therefore, I truly cannot take on this heavy responsibility of Chief Guardian. I hope you can understand my predicament."

Once he spoke these words, the air in the dwelling seemed to freeze. The previous warmth vanished, and everyone stared at him in silence. Their expressions held both admiration for his persistence in his own path and confusion regarding his refusal; it seemed no one had expected him to make such a decision.

"Senior Brother Qingming, please, do not decline again."

Bi Luochun stepped forward. Her voice was like a clear spring in a mountain valley—crisp, yet carrying an undeniable resolve that seemed to spill from her lips with irresistible force.

She held a fluffy bear cub tightly in her arms. The little creature’s fur was soft and thick, and it blinked its large, dark, glistening eyes, looking around with curiosity. It was completely unaware that it had become the focal point of such a significant discussion.

This bear cub was one of three that Su Hao had captured after daring to enter the dangerous "Human Forbidden Zone." He had braved countless hardships and engaged in a fierce battle with two ferocious, notorious demon bears before finally slaying them.

In this land, the Human Forbidden Zone was a place that struck fear into the hearts of all, filled with treacherous traps and powerful demon beasts; few dared to set foot there. Yet, Su Hao had entered it alone, relying on his superior strength and fearless courage, and had returned safely. This feat had long since cemented an indelible image of heroism in everyone’s hearts, turning him into a living legend.

Su Hao’s gaze fell gently upon the bear cub. Looking at its soft fur and adorable appearance, the scene of that heart-pounding battle flashed through his mind—the intense slaughter and the moments between life and death still vivid in his memory.

He smiled faintly, though a trace of complex emotion flickered in his eyes. For him, strength was both an honor and a heavy responsibility, one that forced him to be more cautious when facing the many choices that lay before him.

"Junior Sister Bi, you know me; I am not a person who craves power."

Su Hao’s voice was gentle yet firm, like a spring breeze, yet his words carried an undeniable weight that made his resolve clear.

"The position of Chief Guardian carries too much weight. While I am willing to contribute my part to the Alliance, I still have many goals I must fulfill. I fear I cannot hold this post for long, and I hope you all can understand."

Upon hearing this, a flicker of disappointment crossed Bi Luochun’s eyes, and her once-bright gaze dimmed slightly. Yet, soon after, a firm light rekindled in her eyes, shining as brightly as stars in the night sky. She instinctively held the bear cub tighter, as if it were the source of all her courage, giving her the strength to continue her plea.

Shui Boyang and Ming Yuhao, the two renowned Golden Core stage experts of the Alliance, felt a surge of indescribable admiration and excitement upon hearing of Senior Brother Qingming’s extraordinary feat of entering the Forbidden Zone alone. They knew that this was not just the highest praise for his strength, but a great inspiration for everyone who held justice and courage in their hearts. It was as if he had set a benchmark for them, showing them the direction in which they should strive.

"Senior Brother Qingming, your heroic deeds have already taken root in our hearts, becoming a lighthouse that guides us toward justice."

Shui Boyang’s voice was steady and powerful. His eyes burned with a firm, bright light, as if he intended to turn this respect into endless motivation to become stronger, to follow in Su Hao’s footsteps, and to contribute more to the future of the Alliance.

"We are willing to fight alongside you and share the burden of being Guardians of the Alliance. With you leading us, we believe that no matter what difficulties we encounter, we will surely overcome them."

Ming Yuhao added, his voice carrying a subtle tremor—a tremor containing both anticipation for unknown challenges and a desire for self-transcendence. It was as if, by fighting alongside Su Hao, he could achieve a transformation in his own strength and elevate his cultivation path to a new level.

"Indeed, Senior Brother Qingming, your strength and courage are examples for us all. Every time we think of you venturing into that perilous Forbidden Zone alone, returning unscathed, and even bringing back this adorable cub, we are filled with admiration. We long to contribute our own strength to the future of the Alliance under your leadership, so that this land, plagued by rogue cultivators, may return to peace."

Looking at these sincere and passionate companions, Su Hao’s hesitation grew even heavier. He knew that their persistence stemmed from their trust in him and their deep hopes for the future of the Alliance. If he continued to refuse, it would seem as if he were failing to honor their intentions.

He lowered his head slightly, lost in thought. Past experiences flashed through his mind: the thrilling moments of battle against rogue cultivators, the longing for peace in the eyes of the people on this land, and the sincere faces of his companions.

After a long while, he slowly raised his head. His gaze swept across each person's face before finally settling on the bear cub. The little creature seemed to sense the grave atmosphere, blinking its round eyes as it stayed quietly in Bi Luochun’s arms.

"Very well."

Su Hao finally nodded. His voice carried a subtle sense of relief and resolve, as if he had reached some reconciliation within his own heart.

"I am willing to accept this position temporarily, but I must state this first: as you all know, I am not a cultivator from these parts, and I may leave at any time. I ask for your understanding! However, I promise that as long as I am here, I will do my utmost to protect every inch of our Alliance’s land."

Upon hearing this, a brilliant smile bloomed on Bi Luochun’s face, as radiant and moving as the most magnificent flower in spring. Her eyes were filled with joy and relief, as if she could already see the Alliance marching toward a bright and secure future under the protection of the Guardian Group. She gently patted the bear cub in her arms, as if sharing this joy with it.

"Senior Brother Qingming, I knew you wouldn’t let us down!"

Bi Luochun’s voice was filled with cheer.

"With you leading us, this Guardian Group will surely become the strongest shield of the Alliance. Those rogue cultivators will have to think twice before they try to stir up trouble again."

Shui Boyang and Ming Yuhao exchanged smiles as well, their eyes shimmering with excitement and anticipation. They could already envision themselves refining their skills under Su Hao’s guidance and making a great showing in battle against the rogue cultivators.

"Senior Brother Qingming, rest assured, we will give it our all. We will not let down your expectations, nor the trust the Alliance has placed in us."

Shui Boyang said, cupping his fists in a solemn and serious manner.

"That’s right! We will practice diligently and master everything you teach us, so those rogue cultivators will know the true power of our Guardian Group!"

Ming Yuhao agreed, his words brimming with fighting spirit.