“Venerable Ao Xiao not only went to the Holy Island but will also remain there for an extended period until the decisive battle against the demon race begins,” the Long Family Patriarch said gravely.
“If that’s the case, the news about the demon ancestor’s descent is likely true. This completely disrupts our plans,” Han Li sighed.
“Indeed! Originally, we planned to endure the initial fierce assaults from the demons and wait for the situation to stabilize before safely entering the demon realm. But now that the demon ancestor is personally descending upon this world, things have become complicated. The outcome of the war will likely hinge on how Venerable Ao Xiao, Mo Jianli, and the Holy Island respond. If our two races are defeated, this territory will inevitably fall to the demons, forcing us to flee immediately, with no chance to consider entering the demon realm.
“Conversely, if we win, all demons will retreat to their realm, and the passage nodes will be heavily guarded by high-ranking demons, making infiltration nearly impossible. However, if we infiltrate the demon realm before the demon ancestor’s descent, the realm will soon be left temporarily vulnerable due to the war, minimizing our risks. From this perspective, the demon ancestor’s departure actually benefits our mission,” the Long Family Patriarch said with a bitter smile.
“For now, that’s the only way to look at it. But Brother Long, have you discussed this with the spirit race?” Han Li asked hesitantly.
“Communication with the spirit race isn’t convenient, so I haven’t had the chance to inform them yet. But as long as we have no issues on our side, the spirit race should be fine. The demon ancestor’s descent won’t target just our two races—nearby foreign races will likely be their targets as well. Thus, their choices will probably align with ours,” the Long Family Patriarch replied confidently.
“I see. But this matter is of great importance. Allow me two days to consider it before giving you an answer,” Han Li said after a moment of thought, his expression solemn.
“Of course, that’s only reasonable. I’ll return in two days for your reply,” the Long Family Patriarch agreed readily, smiling.
“In two days, I’ll give you a definitive answer. But before that, I’d like to hear more about the demon movements in your area. I hope you won’t withhold any details,” Han Li nodded, abruptly shifting the topic.
“I can’t speak for other regions, but our family’s strongholds have been attacked several times by demons, though we’ve managed to hold on. This is largely because the main demon forces are focused on the Holy Emperor’s City. Otherwise, our families would be in grave danger. It seems the demon commander leading the siege intends to concentrate forces on the Holy Emperor’s City first before turning to eliminate secondary forces like ours. The Holy Emperor, being the pinnacle of our human race, has managed to hold his ground despite the relentless demon assaults, though he’s slightly at a disadvantage. Initially, when the demons surrounded the city…” The Long Family Patriarch began recounting the events in detail.
Han Li listened intently, occasionally interjecting with specific questions, all of which the patriarch answered thoroughly.
By the end, Han Li was highly satisfied.
After further conversation, the Long Family Patriarch tactfully took his leave.
Han Li escorted him to the hall’s entrance and casually asked, “Brother Long, in the news you received, was Venerable Ao Xiao alone on the Holy Island, or did he bring any disciples?”
“I’m not entirely sure, but it seems he did bring a direct descendant with him. Why do you ask?” the patriarch replied curiously.
“No reason, just a passing thought,” Han Li chuckled vaguely.
The Long Family Patriarch’s eyes flickered with surprise, but since it wasn’t his concern, he didn’t press further. After a brief farewell, he transformed into a streak of light and vanished from the stone tower.
Han Li watched until the light disappeared completely before returning to the hall with an impassive expression.
Soon, Qilingzi and Hai Dashao entered and stood by his sides.
“Master, have you encountered any troubles? Is there anything we can assist with?” Hai Dashao asked with a grin, his eyes twinkling.
“If you could solve my problems, they wouldn’t be problems at all,” Han Li replied dryly.
“It’s our fault for being too weak to share your burdens,” Qilingzi said guiltily.
“Your talents are exceptional, which is why you’ve progressed so quickly in such a short time. But this matter is perilous even for Body Integration cultivators. It’s natural you can’t help. Enough about me—tell me about the situation in Tianyuan City. Have the remaining demons been eradicated?” Han Li shook his head and changed the subject.
“Master, after you entered seclusion, Senior Gu and the others returned briefly to rest before taking action…” Qilingzi proceeded to update Han Li on recent events in Tianyuan City.
Once Qilingzi finished, Han Li had a clear picture of recent developments. After a moment’s thought, he asked about Ice Phoenix.
“Master, after the battle, Aunt Feng seemed to grasp a breakthrough opportunity and entered seclusion. She said she’d emerge in a few months to a year,” Hai Dashao replied promptly.
“Aunt Feng possesses the bloodline of the Spirit Phoenix. If she’s gained insights from the battle, it’s her fortune. Guard the tower diligently during this time and ensure no one disturbs her,” Han Li said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.
“Yes, Master!” both disciples chorused.
“Good. I need solitude now. You may leave,” Han Li dismissed them.
“Rest well, Master. We’ll take our leave.” Qilingzi and Hai Dashao bowed deeply and retreated.
“Oh, and don’t speak of Patriarch Long’s visit to outsiders,” Han Li added as they reached the door.
The two disciples stiffened but nodded respectfully before exiting.
Left alone in the hall, Han Li sat quietly, chin in hand, deep in thought, his expression distant.
—
Half a year later, above a mountain range, a group of demons shrouded in black mist clashed fiercely with seven or eight human cultivators.
Though their strengths seemed evenly matched, the battle grew increasingly intense, with flashes of light and thunderous explosions filling the air.
Suddenly, a streak of rainbow light appeared on the horizon, darting toward them with a piercing whistle. In an instant, it was upon them.
Both sides paused, wary of the newcomer’s allegiance, and hastily retreated.
But then a young woman’s laughter rang out from the rainbow light: “Since I’ve stumbled upon this, I might as lend a hand.”
With that, the light paused above the demons, revealing a slender, indistinct figure. She raised her hands, unleashing thousands of multicolored threads that pierced the demons like needles, reducing them to ash in a burst of radiant light.
“Thank you, Senior!” the human cultivators exclaimed, bowing deeply in gratitude.
The figure merely laughed softly before vanishing into the rainbow light, disappearing into the sky within moments.
Left bewildered, the humans exchanged glances before hastily departing.
Shortly after, two figures materialized silently in the air—one a towering, armored brute with a fearsome visage, the other a graceful woman in white robes, her face obscured by a veil of pink mist.
“Master, should I eliminate those human cultivators?” the armored man rumbled, eyes gleaming with malice.
“They’re mere mid-tier cultivators. Ignore them. Our task is to follow that woman,” the white-robed woman replied calmly.
“But Master, we’ve been trailing her for over a year with no results. Could your divination have been flawed?” the brute ventured hesitantly.
“Errors in divination aren’t uncommon. But the last casting was successful. When I first saw her, I knew she was the one foretold by the signs. Following her may lead us to the cure for my injuries—or to someone who possesses it. This is far more promising than wandering aimlessly through human territory,” the woman replied coolly, her gaze unwavering.
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