“Black Nether Mist”
A flash of realization struck Han Li’s mind—he finally understood why the mist felt so familiar.
The black mist seeping from the surface of the stone tower was unmistakably the same eerie fog that filled the misty sea on the peninsula where he had resided.
However, the mist here was extremely faint, as if tightly bound by something.
Han Li was somewhat surprised, but since this place was considered a forbidden zone by the Skywing Race, he naturally had no intention of provoking any trouble.
Following the others, he adjusted his flight path, intending to bypass the area.
But as Han Li swiftly passed by the colossal tower at a distance of several hundred zhang, a bone-chilling aura suddenly erupted from within the tower, soaring into the sky.
A shiver ran down his spine, freezing his movement mid-flight.
What was this…?
Han Li halted his flight, turning his head sharply to fix his gaze on the tower.
The Black Nether Mist emanating from the distant tower had, at some point, thickened into an inky-black, viscous mass. Despite the glowing runes flickering across the tower’s surface, they seemed powerless to stop the surging black energy.
Fortunately, the seven-colored light barrier radiating from the tower’s summit confined the black mist within a certain range. Yet, within moments, the black fog filled the entire space beneath the barrier, causing it to tremble and distort as if on the verge of bursting.
Other passing Skywing clansmen nearby were equally stunned, stopping mid-air to witness the anomaly unfolding at the Sealing Spirit Tower.
Han Li felt his pair of wings suddenly grow scorching hot, sending waves of searing pain across his back.
His expression darkened instantly.
At that moment, a piercing cry erupted from the tower. Upon hearing it, hundreds of Skywing clansmen in the vicinity closed their eyes and plummeted from the sky.
Though Han Li wasn’t as severely affected, the sound still dazed his divine sense, and his wings lost their function, causing his body to sway unsteadily.
Fortunately, he didn’t rely solely on his Wind and Thunder Wings for flight. A flash of cyan light later, he steadied himself, but his gaze toward the tower was now filled with shock.
A thunderous boom echoed as the crystal atop the tower blazed with light, amplifying the seven-colored barrier. Simultaneously, a series of obscure incantations resonated from the tower, as if hundreds were chanting in unison.
Instantly, the fallen Skywing clansmen were enveloped in a seven-colored glow, floating back into the air.
But another shrill cry tore through the tower. The black mist churned violently, and a colossal bird shadow, several hundred zhang in size, emerged above the tower. The phantom, pale black in hue, spread its wings, covering half the tower. With another cry, the black mist surged, doubling in intensity, and the seven-colored barrier twisted violently under the overwhelming pressure.
This time, the Skywing clansmen, protected by the barrier, merely swayed before scattering in panic.
Han Li had intended to flee like the others, but the moment the giant bird shadow appeared, his wings trembled, and a massive cyan bird phantom materialized behind him, mirroring the black shadow’s posture and emitting a clear cry in response.
Simultaneously, the air around him tightened, immobilizing him completely.
Alarmed, Han Li channeled his immense strength, golden light erupting from his limbs as he struggled to break free. Yet, to his dismay, the surrounding air felt as unyielding as steel—he couldn’t even move a finger.
As he debated summoning his True Devil Form to shatter the restraint, the incantations from the tower abruptly shifted, growing louder and clearer, accompanied by the rumble of wind and thunder. Strange runes materialized in the air around the tower, drifting toward the black bird shadow.
At the same time, the massive crystal atop the tower exploded with a deafening crack.
A seven-colored sun slowly rose, casting radiant beams that enveloped the bird shadow.
Under the dual suppression of the runes and the seven-colored light, the giant bird phantom let out a final, unwilling screech before dissipating.
Simultaneously, the cyan bird phantom behind Han Li vanished as well.
The pressure around him lifted, restoring his freedom, but his heart remained unsettled.
Apart from their size, the phantom that had appeared on the tower was identical to the cyan bird shadow behind him—both bore the unmistakable form of the legendary Kunpeng. Could the tower truly be sealing a Kunpeng? But how was that possible?
Han Li’s mind reeled with shock. He desperately wanted to flee, but a glance ahead made him sigh bitterly—he remained rooted in place.
Over a dozen streaks of light had shot out from the tower, closing the distance to within a few dozen zhang in mere moments.
At this range, the Skywing clansmen within the light could clearly see him. Fleeing now would only make him appear guilty.
With no choice, Han Li decided to stay and assess their intentions.
A quick scan revealed two late-stage Deity Transformation cultivators among the group, with the rest at early or mid-stage. Wary, Han Li refrained from any rash actions, hovering silently in the air.
With a series of whooshes, the group surrounded him, their gazes locked onto him.
The two leading elders—one with snow-white wings, the other with pale gold—stared intently at Han Li, their eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Though unafraid, Han Li felt uneasy under their scrutiny. Forcing a smile, he asked, “Why have you surrounded me?”
“May we know your name, brother? Your face is unfamiliar—are you a newcomer to the Holy City?” The white-winged elder spoke with unexpected politeness.
“I am Han Li. I’ve been cultivating overseas and only arrived in the city today,” Han Li replied, his mind racing.
“Overseas? Today?” The elders exchanged glances, their eyes lighting up with excitement.
“Excellent! Regardless of your origins, the fact that you stirred the Kunpeng Spirit within the tower proves your Skywing bloodline is potent enough to inherit the title of Sacred Son and the Kunpeng’s True Blood!” the golden-winged elder declared solemnly.
“Kunpeng’s True Blood?” Han Li was stunned.
Having previously obtained the True Blood of the True Dragon and Heavenly Phoenix, he knew its immense value. For such an opportunity to fall into his lap was unbelievable.
Yet, a chilling thought struck him—he wasn’t a true Skywing clansman. If scrutinized, his deception would be exposed, inviting the wrath of the entire race.
“You must be mistaken. My lineage is ordinary, and I couldn’t possibly qualify for such an honor. The tower’s anomaly wasn’t my doing,” Han Li denied with a dry laugh.
“Brother Han, we witnessed your manifestation of the Kunpeng’s phantom. There’s no error. Please accompany us to meet the elders. Becoming our Sacred Son is a great honor,” the golden-winged elder insisted, ignoring his protests.
Han Li inwardly groaned. The excited expressions of the surrounding Skywing clansmen confirmed their conviction.
“I truly am not your Sacred Son. If you’ll excuse me, I have urgent matters to attend to,” Han Li said firmly, his figure blurring as he slipped between the two elders.
His wings flared, ready to propel him away—until a woman’s voice echoed in his mind.
“Wait, outsider. Do you truly intend to leave? If so, you’ll leave behind those wings of yours.”
The voice was gentle, yet it struck Han Li like thunder, his expression darkening.
At the same time, space rippled above him, and a slender figure emerged—a white-robed maiden with golden wings.
Han Li’s breath hitched.
Though her features were plain, her aura was unfathomable. She was at least at the mid-stage of the Body Integration realm.
His pupils contracted violently.
“Greetings, Grand Elder!” The Skywing clansmen bowed deeply.
She was the Grand Elder of the Skywing Race.
A bitter taste filled Han Li’s mouth.
“Leave him to me. Return to the tower and reinforce the seal. Pacify the Kunpeng Spirit,” the maiden commanded calmly.
“As you command!” Without hesitation, the clansmen flew back to the tower.
The maiden’s gaze finally settled on Han Li.
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