They turned out to be two young men with strikingly different appearances.
One was clad in silver armor, with snow-white hair but a handsome face.
The other wore a yellow robe, short and gaunt, with pointed ears and a monkey-like visage.
Both exuded the spiritual pressure of mid-stage Body Integration cultivators. As soon as they appeared, they immediately bowed to the green-robed woman and the elderly man.
The silver-armored youth spoke with particular reverence:
“Greetings, Seniors. May we ask why you have summoned us juniors? Is there something you require?”
“No need for formalities. You must have noticed the commotion outside the city earlier,” the green-robed woman said impassively.
“Indeed, we did catch a glimpse. The intruders seemed no ordinary foes,” the silver-armored youth replied cautiously, his heart tightening.
“Elder Yi and I have some suspicions about their origins, but further investigation is needed for confirmation. That’s why we called you here—to send you on a mission,” the green-robed woman said slowly.
Though the silver-armored youth and the gaunt youth had already guessed as much, their expressions still shifted uneasily upon hearing this.
“But… the opponent is a Great Ascension cultivator whose powers rival yours, Seniors. Given our limited strength, even if we were willing, we might be detected and jeopardize your plans,” the silver-armored youth replied with forced composure, his unease growing.
“Hmph! So you’re afraid? Rest assured, I’m not asking you to provoke that Great Ascension cultivator. I merely want you to use your unique concealment techniques to scout the Minor Asura Realm and see if there are any other outsiders besides him. Surely, you can handle such a simple task?” The green-robed woman’s expression darkened slightly, her tone impatient.
“Ah, in that case, there’s no problem at all. We’ll set out immediately,” the gaunt youth, equally uneasy, replied as if granted a reprieve, bowing deeply.
The silver-armored youth still looked hesitant but, after a moment’s thought, also bowed in compliance.
“Good. Begin at once. This realm isn’t vast. I want a full report on all outsiders within a few days,” the green-robed woman said with a satisfied nod.
“Yes, we’ll spare no effort,” the two youths chorused before excusing themselves and exiting the hall.
The moment they stepped outside, they exchanged glances, each seeing a trace of bitter resignation on the other’s face.
“Let’s go. Since we’ve accepted this task, we’ll have to split up and do our best. If that intruder is alone, fine. But if he has companions, they’re likely no pushovers either. Brother Wan, do be careful,” the silver-armored youth said gravely, clasping his fists.
“Thank you for the warning, Brother Wuying. Though I can summon thousands of avatars, even if I encounter a Great Ascension cultivator, I’m confident in escaping. But your concealment technique, while profound, could be countered by certain abilities. You’re the one who should take care,” the gaunt youth replied with a smile, returning the gesture.
The silver-armored youth chuckled but said no more. With a single hand seal, a gust of wind enveloped him, and he soared into the sky.
Meanwhile, the gaunt youth curled his lips before his body burst apart into countless specks of yellow light—each revealing a thumb-sized giant wasp.
With a collective buzz, the swarm, led by the largest wasp, shot into the distance.
Back in the hall, the green-robed woman and Elder Yi were discussing another matter.
“For safety’s sake, I still believe we should bring the entire Skyfish Clan into the city. With them under our control, even if something unexpected happens, we needn’t worry too much,” Elder Yi said gravely.
“If that clan were so easily controlled, I’d have done it long ago. As you know, they can only survive long-term in the Dryfire Zone and refuse to leave. Moreover, they once swore a blood oath—if we force them, they’d rather activate their bloodline power and perish than yield,” the green-robed woman replied slowly.
“That is indeed troublesome. But I’ve recently mastered a new technique. If you’re willing to accept some losses, there might be a way,” Elder Yi said, frowning.
“Oh? What losses do you mean?” the woman asked, her interest piqued.
“Some casualties among the Skyfish Clan, of course,” the old man replied without hesitation.
“Impossible. Their numbers are already scarce. I’ve worked hard to increase their population to this level. If we reduce it further, our plans will be delayed indefinitely. Besides, who else knows their secret besides us? They’re unlikely to attract outsiders’ attention. Forcing them would only arouse suspicion,” the woman flatly refused.
“Ah, true. Had I not stumbled into this realm and discovered the Skyfish Clan and your people, I’d never have known the ancient secret would one day prove useful. If you’re unwilling to take the risk, so be it. But as a precaution, we should still send people to monitor the Dryfire Pool. If anything goes wrong, we may have to resort to drastic measures,” Elder Yi said after a pause, his tone resolute.
“That much I can agree to. I’d planned to do so anyway,” the woman conceded.
Thus, the Spider Queen and Elder Yi began discussing whom to dispatch…
Meanwhile, Han Li, using his Wind Lightning Wings, had already fled beyond the mountain range.
With a thunderous boom, he reappeared in the void, now a hundred thousand miles away.
Glancing back, he swept the area with his immense spiritual sense, confirming no pursuers before smirking coldly.
He’d anticipated that, after witnessing his spiritual power, the enemy wouldn’t dare chase him without knowing his true strength or motives.
His earlier provocation had served two purposes: confirming the Spider Clan’s lair and their approximate strength, and tying down their movements.
With a powerful foe lurking outside, the Spider Queen and the other Great Ascension cultivator wouldn’t risk leaving their base unguarded.
Had they pursued him, however, he’d have gladly ambushed them.
On neutral ground, without reinforcements, he was confident in taking them both on.
Moreover, he’d left a hidden contingency in the mountains—should they mobilize en masse, he’d know immediately.
Since they hadn’t pursued, it now served as surveillance, ensuring they didn’t relocate or hide.
That said, the Spider Clan’s strength had exceeded his expectations.
Facing them alone was too risky. It was wiser to regroup with Mo Jianli and the others.
With all four working together, they’d stand a better chance.
Lost in thought, Han Li wasted no time, his escape light streaking toward the horizon.
Two days later, above a vast lake, Han Li hovered silently, watching a colossal turtle and a two-headed black serpent locked in mortal combat.
One was the size of a small island, its moss-covered shell glinting in the light. The other stretched a hundred zhang, its obsidian scales gleaming.
Nearby floated a golden aquatic plant, half-submerged, bearing three vermilion fruits exuding a rich fragrance.
The surrounding waters were littered with mutilated fish and aquatic beasts, their blood staining the lake crimson.
The turtle and serpent were the last beasts standing.
Han Li ignored the plant and fruits, focusing instead on the battling creatures with keen interest.
When the turtle, ensnared by the serpent, suddenly radiated deep-blue runes, Han Li smiled faintly and murmured, “As I thought—this beast carries a trace of the ancient Xuanwu’s bloodline. With this, my ‘Awakening Seal’ technique can advance further.”
Without hesitation, he flicked his sleeve, releasing a green streak that shot toward the beasts.
In a flash, the serpent was sliced into segments.
The turtle, terrified, dove for the depths—but the green light plunged after it.
A moment later, Han Li casually raised his hand.
The waters parted, and the turtle, bound in green ropes, was hauled into the air.
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