As soon as the colossal silver ark entered within a hundred miles of the giant city, it was spotted by the guards atop the city walls.
A commotion erupted along a section of the battlement, and soon a squad of demonic cultivators soared into the sky, flying toward the ark.
“Welcome back, Venerable Ancestor!”
These demonic beings were clad in various battle armors, most possessing cultivation levels around the Core Formation and Nascent Soul stages. When they were still about a mile away from the ark, they halted their flight and bowed deeply in reverence, their expressions filled with awe.
Clearly, these demonic beings were extremely familiar with Ao Xiao the Transcendent’s ark, hence their reaction.
“Rise. I must return to my cave abode first. You may continue with your duties,” Ao Xiao’s voice drifted faintly from the ark, carrying an irresistible authority.
“Yes! We obey the Venerable Ancestor’s decree!”
Ao Xiao had dominated the demonic race for tens of thousands of years, revered by ordinary demons as a deity. Naturally, none of these kneeling demons dared to defy his words.
Immediately, the demonic cultivators split into two groups, standing respectfully on either side. The silver ark emitted a low hum before transforming into a streak of silver light, streaking toward the heart of the Cottonwood City.
Moments later, the void ahead shimmered with multicolored radiance as layers of defensive barriers automatically parted, allowing the ark to fly directly into the highest level of the city. It slowly descended onto a heavily guarded plaza.
Almost simultaneously, a teleportation formation at the corner of the plaza flashed, and a white-haired old man silently materialized. His gaze swept over the descending ark before he smiled faintly and strode forward.
The old man had a kindly face, with unusually long ears that nearly reached his shoulders. Each seemingly effortless step carried him dozens of feet, and after a few such movements, he appeared right before the ark. The guards of various races stationed nearby only then reacted, bowing deeply in reverence to the white-haired elder.
“Haha, Ao Xiao, you’ve finally deigned to return. You’ve been gone for quite some time. Had you delayed any longer, I might have suspected your old bones had been left behind in the demon realm,” the white-haired elder boomed with laughter as he halted his steps.
“Hmph! A few measly demons could never hold me back. Though if I truly hadn’t returned, you’d be the one cursing in frustration, wouldn’t you, Old Ghost Mo?” Ao Xiao’s cold voice echoed from the ark in response.
The entire ark then erupted in dazzling silver light, rapidly shrinking in size.
When the radiance faded, the ark had vanished, leaving behind several figures in its place.
At the forefront stood a strikingly handsome man with an aloof demeanor—Ao Xiao the Transcendent. Behind him were two men and two women: Han Li, Silvermoon, and the others.
The white-haired elder was slightly taken aback by the sudden appearance of so many people, but his expression remained unreadable. Instead, he smiled at Ao Xiao and said, “Brother Ao Xiao, our human and demon races have always advanced and retreated together. In these dire times, losing a pillar like you would leave me struggling alone.”
“I believe those words are sincere. But rest assured, though my lifespan is waning, I won’t perish anytime soon. At the very least, I’ll hold on until this demonic calamity passes. By the way, Fellow Daoist Han, come meet Old Ghost Mo. His name is no stranger to you—he’s a senior of your human race,” Ao Xiao replied indifferently before beckoning Han Li forward.
“Senior Mo Jianli’s reputation has long thundered in my ears. This junior, Han Li, pays his respects!” Han Li stepped forward with a respectful bow.
Though Ao Xiao hadn’t mentioned the elder’s name, among human cultivators, only one Great Ascension-stage expert bore the surname Mo—Mo Jianli.
“Han Li? The one who reached the Body Integration stage in just over a thousand years? I heard you, along with that brat from the Long Family, ventured into the demon realm. To see you here now—have you just returned?” Mo Jianli’s eyes lit up with delight as he spoke, accurately deducing Han Li’s recent whereabouts in just a few words.
Clearly, this human Great Ascension elder had long taken notice of this rising star.
Han Li was momentarily stunned before replying with a wry smile, “Senior’s insight is impeccable. This junior has indeed just returned from the demon realm, hence my presence in the Wood Tribe’s territory and my fortunate encounter with Venerable Ao Xiao.”
“Haha! To infiltrate the demon realm for so many years and return unscathed—truly a prodigy unseen in our human race for millennia!” Mo Jianli laughed heartily in praise.
“Old Ghost Mo, don’t celebrate just yet. Take a closer look at the fellow beside him,” Ao Xiao interjected with a smirk.
“This one… Hmm? His aura feels familiar. Have we met before?” Mo Jianli’s gaze shifted to the Crab Deity, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.
“Take a good look,” Ao Xiao urged with a chuckle.
“Oh? If you say so, there must be more to this. Strange—this isn’t a flesh-and-blood body. You—you’re that Sacred Crab from the demon realm!” Mo Jianli’s pupils shimmered with golden light before he gasped in shock.
“I recognize you. Tens of thousands of years ago, you and several others from the Spirit Realm attempted to enter the Bitter Spirit Island through the Demon Source Sea but were repelled by the lightning barrier, retreating severely wounded,” the Crab Deity stated impassively, confirming Mo Jianli’s identity.
“So it really is you, Brother Crab! How did you take human form and leave the Demon Source Sea? And why has your cultivation dropped to the Body Integration stage?” Mo Jianli’s face briefly flushed with embarrassment before he pressed on eagerly.
“Old Ghost Mo, Fellow Daoist Crab took a liking to Han Li and signed a contract to accompany him for a time,” Ao Xiao interjected meaningfully.
“Such a thing is possible? Fellow Daoist Han… is this true?” Mo Jianli’s voice trembled with excitement, his tone shifting to one of equals.
“Though the circumstances were unusual, it is indeed so. Fellow Daoist Crab’s cultivation drop is temporary, a result of a prior technique. Given time, it will recover,” Han Li replied humbly.
“Excellent! Countless powerhouses across realms have sought Brother Crab’s aid over the millennia, yet none succeeded. For you to accomplish this, Fellow Daoist Han, bodes well for the future of our human and demon races!” Mo Jianli exclaimed in elation.
“Old Ghost Mo, there’s more. But this isn’t the place. Let’s continue in your residence,” Ao Xiao said with a roll of his eyes.
“Another piece of good news? I must hear it. Come, my temporary abode has two bottles of ‘Immortal Leaf Wine’ gifted by the Wood Tribe. Perfect for toasting our guests,” Mo Jianli said eagerly.
Han Li and the others naturally agreed, and the group proceeded toward the teleportation formation.
Half an hour later, in a grand hall constructed entirely of purple spiritwood, Mo Jianli sat at the head of the table, with Ao Xiao, Han Li, and the Crab Deity seated to one side. Silvermoon and Zhu Guo’er stood respectfully behind them, the former composed, the latter brimming with excitement.
At that moment, Han Li downed a cup of wine as thick as syrup. The moment it touched his throat, it dissolved into pure energy, suffusing his limbs with warmth and comfort.
“Excellent wine!” Han Li couldn’t help but praise.
“This Immortal Leaf Wine is brewed from the sap of the Wood Tribe’s sacred tree. The entire tribe produces only a hundred bottles per century. Were it not for welcoming you and Brother Crab, I wouldn’t have parted with it,” Mo Jianli said with a smile after sipping his own cup.
“Pity the sacred tree was uprooted from the Wood Tribe’s forbidden grounds during the demon invasion. Transplanting it here to Cottonwood City cost it much of its vitality,” Ao Xiao added coolly.
“Moreover, the Wood Tribe’s Grand Elder is currently recuperating within the tree, hoping to restore his Great Ascension cultivation. But in my estimation, even if possible, it would take far too long to aid us against the demons,” Mo Jianli sighed.
“The Wood Tribe’s elite forces were decimated in the war. They barely cling to survival thanks to our aid. We can’t expect much from them,” Ao Xiao remarked dismissively.
“Whether the Wood Tribe can remain independent after this is uncertain. But that’s a concern for after the demons retreat. For now, Ao Xiao, what’s this other good news you mentioned?” Mo Jianli redirected the conversation.
“Now that we’re in your abode, eavesdropping shouldn’t be a concern. Old Ghost Mo, do you know that Fellow Daoist Han entered the Spirit Cleansing Pool in the demon realm, consumed the Pure Spirit Lotus, and achieved what we failed to in our time?” Ao Xiao’s eyes gleamed as he spoke gravely.
“What?! How?!” The white-haired elder, who had been sitting calmly, shot to his feet, his face a picture of shock.
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