Chapter 1236 The Branch

Darren glanced at the strange lightning that flashed across the surface of the fragment in Freda's hand. Everything about the fragment gave him the impression that it was extraordinary.

"Yes." Darren waved his hand and continued, "Just keep it. There's no need to say anything more."

"Thank you, Darren." Freda didn't persist, either. She had been tasked with fetching the divine pattern fragments, and she would be punished if she failed.

"Your name is Freda, right?"

Darren asked. Now that they had tidied up, the group could afford to rest for a short while.

"Yes."

"Why are you in the Tussle Region?" Darren asked.

"Well, our Starry Sword Sect has branches in every region, including the Tussle Region," Freda explained with a shrug.

"Oh, I see." Darren nodded thoughtfully. He glanced at Freda as he asked, "Can I join your branch before I officially become a member of the Starry Sword Sect?"

"Of course! My father is the branch leader. He will be thrilled to learn of the arrival of a nominal disciple of Lord Starry Sword. Shall I take you to him?" Freda flashed him a brilliant grin.

"Well, then, please lead the way," Darren said as he cupped his hands.

"Follow me."

They traveled for five days and five nights. Finally, they reached the mountain where the Starry Sword Sect's branch was located.

"Forgive my curiosity, but might I ask why you didn't go to the Starry Sword Region? Why did you come to the Tussle Region?"

Freda blushed as she questioned. She couldn't suppress her curiosity any longer. She wasn't suspicious of Darren's identity as she knew that no one could play tricks with the Starry Tower.

"It's a long story. Essentially, I came here to escape my pursuers.

How far is the Ninth Precipitous Mountain from the branch?" Darren was straightforward.

"Oh, it's not far. We are actually right at the edge of the Ninth Precipitous Mountain. It takes about a day to reach it. But, you can't go there as it is overflowing with bandits. You can't afford to provoke them," Freda warned.

"I did intend to hide in the Ninth Precipitous Mountain. But now that I am about to join your branch, I don't have to," Darren smiled warmly as he replied.

nth Precipitous Mountain is so desolate. I want to return to my hometown and live with my parents," Murphy sighed.

Darren smiled. He understood that Murphy was so hospitable to him because he had an ulterior motive. He hoped that Darren could help him leave the Tussle Region one day.

"Don't worry. After I formally acknowledge Lord Starry Sword as my master, I will beg him to transfer you back to the Starry Sword Region."

"Thank you." Murphy cupped his hands respectfully as joy coursed through him.

They chatted and drank happily in the pavilion for a long time.

"Darren, how did you win recognition from Lord Starry Sword in the mortal world?" Murphy asked. He had always had great respect for Lord Starry Sword and enjoyed hearing anecdotes about him.

Darren had nothing to hide, and so, he began to share how he had entered the Starry Tower.

"Did Lord Starry Sword ask you to join his army to fight against the fiends?"

"Yes. He said that after he fought me with one move. I was still weak at that time, but he saw potential."

"What a great honor! Since he spoke highly of you, you will have a bright future. I'm certain that you'll reach the Superior God Realm one day. Your prospects are enviable. Come on. Let's drink to your future." Murphy raised his cup and swallowed its contents in one gulp.

"Step out, Darren, you son of a bitch! How dare you kill the young master of our clan?"

A loud voice suddenly echoed through the branch.