The mist surrounding Lankao Mountain finally dispersed.
What used to be a chessboard holding the spiritual energy of heaven and earth has now sunk into the ground, revealing an entrance that spanned ten zhang in diameter, so deep that even sunlight seemed unwilling to venture in.
Some people still had to rush to this place from the small town.
Meanwhile, others had simply set up camp right in front of Lankao Mountain, like the eager folks from the Huanmo Sect who had been waiting with bated breath for quite some time.
“The spiritual energy of Lankao Mountain has finally dissipated.”
“The Immortal’s words are indeed true.”
Tan Zhuyin stood beneath the sunlight, draped in a black robe.
“Saint Son, the things beneath Lankao Mountain, although they originate from our revered ancestor…”
“Are we being a bit too arrogant here?”
The speaker had crossed eyes, and upon closer inspection, you could see the Yin Yang Hall emblem embroidered on his clothing.
Indeed, he was the representative sent by the Yin Yang Hall of Huanmo Sect, keen to reclaim their former glory and accept private jobs.
He never expected this, though.
Typically cautious Saint Son, known for shadowing around, and the Hall of Beasts leader, had made such a fuss this time.
“Ha ha, we also have my elder brother’s protection.”
Luo Yexian crossed his arms, looking down at the common folk:
“He told us to report back to him regularly if we enter, what does this mean? It’s a clear sign that if anything goes awry, he’s ready to step in!”
“We can’t let outsiders know about our whereabouts…”
“So what? You’ve got terrible eyesight and only see the sky from a well!”
“Who says my eyesight is bad?!”
The cross-eyed guy was angry; he hated when others pointed out his poor eyesight.
“Hey, yesterday you were hitting an impressive 800,000 points, and you call that having good eyesight?”
Luo Yexian’s remark made the cross-eyed guy s*ck in a deep breath, his face slightly flushed.
Who told him he was just a novice at the third realm exterior scene and had no family ties to the Saint Son?
“Hmph, with enemies closing in, do you want to make us a laughing stock with your internal squabbles?”
Tan Zhuyin suddenly huffed coldly, his tone serious, and a powerful aura surged around him, as if a ferocious dragon’s roar echoed from behind.
He was clashing with someone in a battle of wills.
The people from the Huanmo Sect were momentarily stunned, looking up at the sky.
In the celestial realm above, a figure adorned with a golden crown seemed to blot out the sun, descending with a cold, indifferent gaze.
Behind him followed a legion of silver-armored Celestial Guards, each radiating overwhelming power.
“You underground insects, defeated little worms, hiding your heads and showing your tails, and still dare to boldly come before me?”
“Ha ha, what does the Da Yu Dynasty mean to me? You have no idea what kind of existence stands behind me!”
Tan Zhuyin scoffed with cold laughter.
Facing the Da Yu Crown Prince, who had nearly sent him to his demise, he stood with his hands clasped behind his back, brimming with confidence.
The two factions faced off, not quite a proper standoff, yet Jiang Yu’s Celestial Guards were each the cream of the crop, one bearded middle-aged man being particularly renowned as a top-tier powerhouse.
But the folks from Huanmo Sect had an absurd level of confidence, not losing an ounce of their intimidating presence.
Both sides were at a tense stalemate, ready for a big showdown.
Various forces and rogue cultivators in the vicinity were observing quietly, fearing that any sudden move could lead to disaster.
“The Holy Son of Huanmo dares to challenge the Crown Prince? Where’s he getting this courage from?”
“Hiss… hard to tell. The Huanmo Sect has a long lineage; they might have some hidden backing.”
“They won’t actually start fighting, will they?”
“I sure hope they do. If they both get hurt, wouldn’t that be a goldmine for us?”
….
Not just the gathered forces had these thoughts; the people from the Da Yu Dynasty were caught in a wave of anxious speculation, with Jiang Yu squinting his eyes.
Why did the Huanmo Sect’s members look so confident?
The tension in the air thickened.
At that moment, a cloud of mist suddenly floated in from a distance.
Two figures appeared on it: one clad in a pure white Sun robe, the other in a dark black Taiyin skirt, looking like celestial lovers descending to the mortal realm…
Well, saying that might not be entirely accurate.
The Cold Fairy was simply too radiant.
Having aged a year, her cool, jade-like complexion and figure had taken on an even more enchanting, mature vibe. Wherever she showed up, she would immediately turn heads.
No one could have guessed that the Cold Fairy, with her delicate lips, had once playfully addressed a certain Childish Ghost as ‘brother’…
“So why is she only ranked third on the Flower List?”
“Is there a chance the Cold Fairy just hasn’t fully matured yet? Ranking her third gives her room for improvement?”
“It’s a conspiracy, or maybe the Yantian Sect is blind!”
If Little Li had heard this conversation, he might have patted the speaker on the shoulder.
Truth be told, it was indeed possible.
But he likely wouldn’t get that chance because the Cold Fairy’s little hand was firmly in his grasp.
“What are you all standing around for?”
Li Mo puzzled for a moment, then grew serious.
“Could there be some dangerous existence at this big tomb entrance? I feel a heavy sense of crisis and killing intent.”
“Um…”
Ying Bing’s eyes were lowered.
The killing intent didn’t seem to be emanating from the tomb itself.
As they arrived, all eyes in the area turned towards the group.
Eventually, all gazes gathered on Li Mo.
“So this is the brat who crashed into the Crown Prince, thinking he’s hot stuff, without any sense of hierarchy?”
The bearded silver-armored commander among the Celestial Guards asked in a deep voice.
Jiang Yu chose to remain non-committal while the cold-eyed being scrutinized them with thoughtful eyes.
“It’s them…”
Luo Yexian’s expression grew complex, a mix of admiration, anger, and even a hint of fear.
“Li Mo, Ying Bing!”
Tan Zhuyin’s expression darkened. The burning hatred in his eyes was no less intense than when he faced Jiang Yu.
It was these two that had caused Master Han’s d*ath, throwing the sect’s grand plans in the South Border off course.
And this pair, rising on the Qianlong List at a speed more exaggerated than Jiang Yu’s in the past, had already overtaken him, undoubtedly threatening his return to the top.
Luo Yexian’s heart raced: “This kid likely carries immense fortune… If they join the Wan Bian Xian Sect…”
“Were you once from the Misty Rain Tower?”
The Holy Son of Huanmo scrutinized the cross-eyed figure that was too outstanding to be ignored.
“Yes.”
“Then after you sneak in, find an opportunity to eliminate them. I promise you rewards afterward.”
“Huh?”
The cross-eyed guy blinked, momentarily stunned.
A single job, double the pay? Now that’s a sweet deal!
Both groups turned their unfriendly gazes towards Li Mo.
Other forces and rogue cultivators… their aggression was palpable.
Mostly directed right at Li Mo.
“Li Mo, you totally deserve to d*e!”
“He must be dragging Ying Bing along because he can’t fly himself, right?”
“That’s definitely it!”
Faced with the scornful looks of countless young talents, Li Mo leaned back slightly, then tightened his grip on Ying Bing’s other hand.
“Ice Chunk, make sure you hold onto me tight.”
“Huh?”
Li Mo said earnestly, “What if this is like the last time in the bl**d Phoenix Secret Realm, and we get teleported to different spots? If we hold on tightly, we won’t get separated. It’s for our safety.”
“For safety?”
Ying Bing squinted her eyes, looking at the boy’s serious demeanor.
She suspected that Li Mo wasn’t actually worried about some teleportation array hidden within the big tomb.
Instead, it was likely the Childish Ghost’s nature acting up again, coming up with this excuse to appear all cozy in front of so many people…
With both hands clasped together, they were almost hugging.
After a moment of silence, she lightly nodded:
“… Yeah, safety first.”
