The flesh and blood essence of monstrous beasts was more potent than humans, their lifespans extended. Upon breaking through the Gui Yuan realm, they could initially transform into human form, though residual beastly characteristics would remain.
"Why has the Demon King of the Prisoner Spirit Abyss emerged? It's known that the Prisoner Spirit Abyss generally doesn't interfere in human affairs. The Immortal Feather Sect truly has great influence."
"Brother, the Prisoner Spirit Abyss?"
"Alas, the Prisoner Spirit Abyss is dominated by a powerful monstrous beast. Legend has it that four thousand years ago, a beast suddenly appeared and, with thunderous might, firmly seized control. The millions of beasts in the Prisoner Spirit Abyss revered it as their sovereign. However, for a thousand years, no one has seen this beast's true form!"
"One can imagine that what appears to be the Star-Abyss Demonic Flame Moon Wolf King is actually a representation of that terrifying existence which has lived in the Prisoner Spirit Abyss for a millennium!"
"So, the Immortal Feather Sect's influence is indeed vast, earning a semblance of respect even from the great terror of the Prisoner Spirit Abyss!"
"Nonsense, how can a monstrous beast live for four thousand years?"
"Monstrous beasts are different from humans. Their flesh and blood essence is vigorous, extending their lifespan, though their cultivation talent is about one-fourth weaker than ours!"
A buzz of discussion erupted among the onlookers.
All of this was captured by Yuan Tiangang’s Heavenly Eye.
The two arrived in unison, conversing jovially, further astonishing the gathered crowd. If the State of Chu were to ally with the Star-Abyss Demonic Flame Moon Wolf King, who among the myriad states could oppose them?
Behind the Star-Abyss Demonic Flame Moon Wolf King lay an ancient being that had lived for four thousand years, supported by the top powers of the Prisoner Spirit Abyss. Even the three overseas sects might pale in comparison.
In days of yore, a single kingdom had challenged the ancient existence of the Prisoner Spirit Abyss. Innumerable beasts from the abyss had then flooded into the kingdom, annihilating it overnight. Since then, for a thousand years, no one had dared to provoke its might.
For a millennium, human martial artists could only operate on the periphery of the Prisoner Spirit Abyss.
"Wei Yu pays respects to the Grand Tutor of the State of Chu and the Star-Abyss Demonic Flame Moon Wolf King!"
Wei Yu hurried forward, greeting them respectfully.
The two nodded slightly. The Grand Tutor of the State of Chu, Liu Ao, fixed his gaze directly on Yuan Tiangang and Xu Chu: "This Grand Tutor has long admired the name of the Han State. May I ask your esteemed title, sir?"
According to the intelligence gathered from the Han State, there was no information on this individual.
"Yuan Tiangang, Director of the Imperial Observatory of Great Han!"
"Xu Chu, General of the Tiger Guards of Great Han!"
Yuan Tiangang and Xu Chu spoke calmly, their expressions serene, devoid of any ripples.
Boom! Boom!
In the distance, the clouds in the sky churned, sound waves whistled, and several dark specks gradually enlarged. Five figures flashed out, landing before everyone.
Among them, four figures were young women dressed in green robes, their faces veiled in white silk, concealing their exquisite features. Each held a parasol.
The leader wore a mi li, made of black gauze, with a wide brim and a dangling net underneath, extending to the neck and completely covering everything above it.
This woman, appearing to be around twenty years old, was clad in a white long dress. Her head was slightly tilted, and a transparent blue gem was set between her brows. Her eyes were like a bottomless abyss, indescribably calm, as if a fairy had descended to the mortal realm.
Her jade-like hands were placed before her, her bare feet standing in the void, thirty centimeters above the ground. Each step she took stirred ripples like a dragonfly skimming water.
Even with her face completely hidden, it could not conceal her captivating, world-ending beauty. Her every movement exuded a unique charm.
"Is that??"
"People from the Kingdom of Loulan!!"
"The Immortal Feather Sect has such immense power to invite the most mysterious Loulan Kingdom!"
"The Loulan Kingdom has always remained aloof from the various affairs of the states. How can they be present at the Immortal Feather Sect at this time?!"
All eyes turned towards the Loulan envoys.
"Wei Yu pays respects to Princess Han Yue."
Wei Yu bowed respectfully.
Princess Han Yue nodded slightly in return and then, bypassing everyone, proceeded towards the courtyard pre-arranged by the Immortal Feather Sect for the Loulan Kingdom.
The Star-Abyss Demonic Flame Moon Wolf King approached the Grand Tutor of the State of Chu and whispered in his ear, "Grand Tutor!" The Star-Abyss Demonic Flame Moon Wolf King's eyes were entwined with murderous intent.
"Do not act rashly. The King's plan is at a critical juncture. We must remain patient and not attack Loulan lightly, lest we ruin major affairs."
The Grand Tutor of the State of Chu, Liu Ao, narrowed his eyes, gazing at the five figures who had disappeared from sight. Suddenly, a drop of deep red blood on the woman's brow flashed.
Yuan Tiangang's gaze instantly locked onto the flashing brow of the Grand Tutor of the State of Chu. He felt a deep sense of unease concerning this individual, the Star-Abyss Demonic Flame Moon Wolf King behind him, and the King of Chu's extremely peculiar actions. This entire sequence of events filled him with foreboding.
The King of Chu's deep foray into the Prisoner Spirit Abyss must conceal an earth-shattering secret!
Perhaps it was intricately linked to the ancient being within the Prisoner Spirit Abyss!
"Xu Chu, let's go."
Yuan Tiangang glanced at the Grand Tutor of the State of Chu, then at the Star-Abyss Demonic Flame Moon Wolf, before heading towards the rooms arranged by the Immortal Feather Sect within the pavilions.
This time, they were not here for sightseeing or to make enemies. Everything must be in accordance with the King of Han Yang Hao's royal decree.
...
Behind the Immortal Feather Sect's mountain.
"May I inquire why Princess Han Yue has graced us with her presence?"
Jian Sanbei, the Sect Master of the Immortal Feather Sect, stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at Princess Han Yue of Loulan.
"We heard that your esteemed sect discovered a secret treasure on an island some time ago, from which you obtained a Xuanyuan Token, and this token has become the prize for this Tri-Yuan Grand Assembly, drawing the ire of many states!"
Han Yue, wearing her mi li, could not be seen beneath the veil, but a faint shimmer flickered in her eyes.
"Princess, you jest. This is merely to satisfy the wishes of the various states. Their kings care little for anything else, but they have been deeply infatuated with the elusive Xuanyuan Dynasty's secret treasure for a thousand years!"
Sect Master Jian Sanbei of the Immortal Feather Sect shook his head slightly, his expression calm and unperturbed, save for a faint, wry smile at the corner of his lips.
"Oh, the Immortal Feather Sect is truly remarkably kind, going to such lengths for the states without reward. I find myself increasingly perplexed as to what your sect truly serves."
"However, I have come today, under my father's command, to present a Xuanyuan Token and join this game, offering it as a prize alongside yours!"
Han Yue retrieved a Xuanyuan Token from her waist and presented it to Sect Master Jian Sanbei of the Immortal Feather Sect. The weathered Xuanyuan Token floated serenely in the air.
"Hmm!"
Sect Master Jian Sanbei of the Immortal Feather Sect's eyes flashed with a cold light: "What is this?"
As he spoke, he pointed his right index finger upwards.
Han Yue nodded slightly, gave a faint laugh, and vanished in the blink of an eye from the back mountain of the Immortal Feather Sect.
"You, who stand so high, for the sake of an ephemeral object, have set up this thousand-year-old chessboard, using countless lives as pawns to oppress the states of the present era. Is it worth it?"
Sect Master Jian Sanbei of the Immortal Feather Sect's eyes welled up, his voice trembling, his hands unable to conceal their shaking.
...