The battle near the harbor did not last long. As red glows and multicolored lights intertwined and flickered, a large number of sinister, pale gray beams joined the assault.
Under the relentless barrage of countless magical artifacts and spells, the formation below could no longer hold. With a deafening roar, the red light flashed violently several times before shattering with a tearing sound.
Whether it was the residual power of the formation or the deliberate action of the Star Palace cultivators below, the fragments of the soaring red light scattered in all directions like a final, dazzling burst, momentarily throwing the ranks of the Inverse Star Coalition cultivators in the sky into disarray. Seizing this opportunity, the Star Palace cultivators below, as if by prior agreement, scattered and fled in all directions.
Among them, several beams of light moved with extreme caution and astonishing speed, breaking out of the harbor at low altitude. These were likely the high-ranking Star Palace cultivators stationed on the island.
Almost simultaneously, more than a dozen equally powerful rainbows shot out from the sky, pursuing them without hesitation. In an instant, these fleeing lights vanished without a trace.
It seemed the higher-ups of the Inverse Star Coalition intended to capture all the Star Palace cultivators on Nanming Island, leaving none behind.
At this moment, numerous Inverse Star Coalition cultivators began descending slowly from the sky. Their attire clearly distinguished them into two factions: one group wore silver robes with golden sashes, while the other consisted of eerie cultivators clad entirely in green robes. It appeared both the righteous and demonic paths had mobilized simultaneously!
Han Li was somewhat surprised by how quickly the battle had ended, yet he also found it reasonable. After all, the disparity in strength between the two sides was too vast. Even if the Star Palace cultivators had wanted to fight desperately, they likely lacked the means to do so.
However, Han Li couldn’t help but wonder if he should take advantage of the chaos to leave the island. Just then, an elderly man in green robes flew out from the group of green-clad cultivators. Han Li’s spiritual sense swept over him briefly, revealing that the man was at the early Core Formation stage.
The old man flew unhurriedly above Han Li and the others, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings before he spoke in a deep voice: “Fellow Daoists, listen carefully. I am Cang Yunlong, a Protector of the Inverse Star Coalition. By order of Elder Wang, I am here to announce something. Our coalition has just defeated the Star Palace forces. To avoid any misunderstandings, we hope all fellow Daoists will refrain from leaving the island immediately. Once we have hunted down the remaining Star Palace remnants in two hours, you may depart freely. Rest assured, our coalition targets only the Star Palace and its accomplices. We will not trouble other fellow Daoists.” Though the old man’s voice was not loud, it was exceptionally clear, reaching every cultivator observing nearby.
Upon hearing this, the cultivators lurking in the vicinity exchanged uneasy glances. No one stepped forward to lead a response, nor did anyone foolishly voice opposition. For a moment, silence prevailed.
Hearing this, Han Li felt somewhat relieved. It seemed the Inverse Star Coalition, in an effort to win hearts, would not cause trouble for people like them. A slight delay was acceptable. After all, even if he rushed to Heavenly Star City now, he had no idea how to infiltrate it.
As Han Li pondered this, the green-robed old man wordlessly flew back to the harbor. Han Li watched his departing figure but showed no intention of leaving his spot.
Whether due to their missions or other reasons, the other cultivators also remained near the harbor, closely monitoring the movements of the Inverse Star Coalition cultivators.
The silver-robed, gold-sashed cultivators were methodically dismantling the original formation and began setting up their own. Meanwhile, the green-robed cultivators split into two groups: one flew out of the harbor to stand guard, while the other passed directly over Han Li’s head, heading inland to conduct searches.
Seeing these cultivators working silently and diligently, Han Li was somewhat astonished. It appeared both the righteous and demonic paths had long been plotting to challenge the Star Palace’s hegemony over the Scattered Star Seas. Otherwise, such well-trained disciples could not have been groomed in just a few decades. This Nanming Island was likely to become a forward base for attacking Heavenly Star City.
However, Han Li also found it strange. Was the Star Palace simply passively waiting for the righteous and demonic paths to attack? Had they weakened to the point of being unable to retaliate? Or were the Heavenly Star Sages still in seclusion, with the Star Palace biding their time to strike back later?
Han Li was puzzled but then chuckled to himself. Whatever tricks or hidden cards the Star Palace and the righteous and demonic paths might have, what did it matter to a mere rogue cultivator like him? There was no need to waste mental energy on such matters. He simply needed to be cautious and avoid getting entangled in their conflicts.
With this thought, Han Li regained his composure.
After quietly observing for over two hours, the green-robed old man returned with three other Core Formation stage cultivators like himself.
“Fellow Daoists wishing to leave the island need only present tokens or demonstrate techniques that verify your identities to depart safely. Those who prefer to stay may remain on the island. As long as you harbor no hostility toward our Inverse Star Coalition, all rules remain unchanged,” the old man declared loudly from mid-air.
His words caused a stir among the cultivators below, but silence soon returned. Though his tone was polite, no one was eager to step forward first.
The righteous cultivators might have been manageable, but these clearly demonic cultivators had a rather notorious reputation. What if this was a ploy to lure them in? Though it seemed unlikely, no one wanted to take the risk, preferring to let others test the waters first.
Han Li also remained motionless. Since the other party consisted only of Core Formation stage cultivators, they couldn’t detect him with their spiritual sense unless he revealed himself. He had no intention of being the first to step forward.
After a prolonged silence, the green-robed old man’s expression began to darken. Finally, a white beam of light shot up from below. The escaping light was not particularly fast, revealing a young cultivator in blue robes.
“Junior is Xin Ming, a disciple of the Kaitian Sect, paying respects to Seniors. This is my token, the White Water Sword,” the young man said respectfully as he flew up to the old man, bowing and presenting a small, gleaming white sword.
“Oh, the Kaitian Sect! I once met your sect leader, Patriarch Liu. This sword is indeed a standard artifact for Kaitian Sect disciples. You may go,” the old man said, examining the sword briefly before returning it with a relaxed expression. The young cultivator in white was overjoyed, bowing respectfully before flying toward the harbor. As expected, none of the Inverse Star Coalition cultivators stopped him.
With someone leading the way and appearing unharmed, other cultivators began to emerge and fly toward the old man.
The old man seemed exceptionally experienced. No matter what token or technique was presented, he recognized it immediately, earning Han Li’s silent admiration.
However, when Han Li saw a Core Formation stage cultivator allowed to leave without issue, he grew impatient. Suddenly revealing himself, he transformed into a blue beam and flew upward.
“And you are, Fellow Daoist?” the old man immediately recognized Han Li’s Core Formation stage cultivation, his tone naturally becoming more polite.
“I am a guest elder of the Miaoyin Sect. This is my identity token. Please take a look, Fellow Daoist!” Fortunately, Han Li carried the elder token given to him by Fairy Violet Spirit. Without hesitation, he presented it.
“The Miaoyin Sect? I’ve heard your sect has two elders, Han and Qu, who often seclude themselves in cultivation and rarely appear. Might you be one of them?” the green-robed old man examined the token carefully before fixing his gaze on Han Li.
Han Li felt a chill but maintained a calm expression, smiling faintly. “I am surnamed Han. I’m surprised Fellow Daoist knows of obscure rogue cultivators like us. I am impressed!”
“Hehe! It’s nothing. Your sect is quite renowned in the Scattered Star Seas, especially Fairy Violet Spirit. Our young master has long admired her beauty. I hope you can relay this message,” the green-robed old man said with a light laugh, unusually courteous.
“Young master? May I ask who…” Han Li showed a hint of surprise, hesitating slightly.
“Our young master is the sole successor of the Sacred Ancestor. Though few have known of him until now, he will surely become famous across the Scattered Star Seas,” another burly man standing behind the old man, who had remained silent until now, interjected coldly.
“Very well. If I see our sect leader, I will certainly convey this message,” Han Li replied, though inwardly puzzled, he agreed readily.
“Good! This token is genuine. Fellow Daoist Han, you may leave,” the green-robed old man seemed satisfied with Han Li’s response. After examining the token for a moment, he returned it without further ado.
Han Li clasped his hands in farewell before flying away unhurriedly.
As Han Li vanished into a blue rainbow, the old man stared in the direction he had disappeared, a strange expression flickering across his face.
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