The kilt continued its ascent, soaring higher and higher until it finally broke through the dense sea of clouds. Once above, its trajectory shifted, pushing steadily forward toward the distant Recn Continent.
Only a short time had passed when suddenly, thirty to forty enormous beasts burst out from the misty clouds below and began pursuing them with terrifying speed.
"Where did these come from?" Yu Hao exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief as he watched a massive flock of radiant peacocks giving chase.
Each beast was colossal, stretching nearly ten feet in length. Their plumage shimmered in vibrant emerald, laced with delicate black lines, with streaks of gold dividing their feathers like veins of molten metal. Their tails shimmered in radiant hues of green and gold, and as they flew, their wings left behind luminous trails of light that painted the skies in brilliant shades. Their golden eyes burned like twin suns, their sharp beaks gleamed with lethality, and their wings—each spanning ten feet—moved with unmatched beauty in the current moment. When they screeched, the sound rolled across the heavens, echoing for miles.
"Water Peacocks," Li Min muttered coldly, her eyes narrowing in recognition.
"Judging by their timing, it's clear they're under control," Elder Lei Mou added, his voice grim. "And their formation… they're too well-organized. All of these are rank six or seven. There must be a rank eight Water Peacock commanding them from the shadows."
"How did so many gather here?" Yu Hao's brows furrowed as unease appeared in his expression. "This number shouldn't have emerged so suddenly and that too in the first wave."
"One thing is certain," Li Min said gravely, glancing at the disciples. "If they manage to catch up, we'll be forced into a battle. And in that fight, I doubt we'll be able to shield the disciples."
The moment those words fell, the disciples' faces paled. Fear clawed at their hearts, but not one of them dared to voice a word.
"No choice left," Yu Hao finally declared, his tone solemn. "Before their leader reveals itself, we must thin their numbers. Lei Mou, Li Min…" His gaze swept toward the elders.
The elders nodded without hesitation.
In the next instant, the group split apart. The canoe detached from the kilt, and a translucent barrier, shimmering like glass, enveloped those inside. Yu Hao formed it with his own method.
Then, with a sudden lurch, the canoe plummeted downward. Yu Hao amplified its descent, accelerating it until it slammed into the ocean with a tremendous splash, finally vanishing beneath the waves.
High above the clouds, Li Min maintained her course, pushing the kilt forward with unwavering resolve.
The flock of peacocks also divided. The majority followed the elders, while only four rank six and two rank seven beasts continued their pursuit of Li Min.
"Only you six dare chase me? Are you even worthy of this kilt, let alone myself?" Li Min's cold voice cut through the sky.
With a flick of her wrist, the kilt's mouth opened, releasing a creature.
A sleek, two-winged bird shot forth from the kilt's mouth—its wings as thin and delicate as cloth, stretching two feet wide. Its body measured scarcely a foot long and a few inches thick, yet every line of its form radiated danger. Its beak jutted forward in a triangular spear, razor-sharp like forged steel, while its tail mirrored its shape, extending like a deadly blade behind it. The bird's entire body was pitch-black, its four eyes gleaming an eerie, pure white. With wings beating at a speed invisible to the naked eye, it darted into the flock.
In the blink of an eye, it pierced a rank six Water Peacock as if slicing through butter, killing it instantly. Without pause, it twisted midair and lunged at its next target.
Beneath the waves, Yu Hao pressed his palm against the barrier's inner surface. A powerful gust of wind surged forth, propelling the canoe through the dark waters at tremendous speed.
Moments later, a piercing scream shook the heavens, its sound traveling for hundreds of miles.
Yu Hao's eyes narrowed, his tone heavy. "It's here… the rank eight Water Peacock. I wonder which party it will target. I only pray it's not us."
The moment the cry rang out, every cultivator within range grew tense. The atmosphere thickened with dread, even among forces outside the Iron Clad Sect.
Still, Yu Hao didn't stop. None of them did. They all understood—the rank eight beast would only choose one prey, and the rest needed to flee as swiftly as possible.
Then, cutting across the sky, it appeared. A thirty-foot peacock descended with terrifying majesty. Its vast tail shimmered green at its core, rimmed in gold along the edges. Emerald eyes blazed, while golden pupils shone like molten fire. Each feather of its colossal wings bore intricate patterns that glowed as it beat them, scattering dazzling particles of light into the air. Its tail stretched behind it, leaving behind a radiant trail of shifting emerald and gold, painting the heavens in breathtaking hues. With every movement, the colors of its wings flickered and interchanged, forming a sight so mesmerizing that even its prey momentarily froze in awe.
Yet within that beauty lay deadly peril. Every gaze upon it was tinged with vigilance, every heart tightened with unease. Even Yang Zhai's eyes narrowed.
"You all, brace yourselves," Yu Hao warned grimly. "Whether it chooses us or not, I'll be forcing more speed." Around him, the disciples and servants of Iron Clad Sect clenched their teeth, gripping tightly to their hopes.
Water Peacocks possessed the power to manipulate water itself, a terrifying gift shared by few beasts. At rank eight, however, this ability ascended to horrifying heights. Not only could they command rivers and oceans, but even the water within a living being's flesh and blood. Right now, this majestic monster wasn't merely displaying its beauty in the sky—it was issuing a dire warning for all intruders to retreat.
Those who lingered would be slaughtered. Yet the vast span of its territory left cultivators trapped in torment of mentality. Yu Hao understood this well. That was why he didn't increase their speed immediately. To draw attention now would be suicide. The other sects surely think the same. Even at full speed, no one could hope to escape its reach quickly enough, but separating from the crowd would almost guarantee death.
And so, they all waited, holding their breath, silently praying that someone else would be chosen. For whoever was marked would become the scapegoat, allowing the rest to escape unscathed.
These were Yang Zhai's thoughts.
Just as they settled in his mind, another scream shattered the sky. Yu Hao's tense expression loosened, relief flashing across his face as he surged forward at full speed.
The rank eight Water Peacock had already chosen its prey. From Yu Hao's reaction, Yang Zhai immediately realized—the Iron Clad Sect had been spared.
Hours passed, and the sun tilted towards sunset destination.
Finally, just before leaving the beast's vast domain, Yu Hao guided the canoe upward, breaking free from the depths of the ocean. Yang Zhai turned back and saw only an endless, empty sea stretching behind them.
Yu Hao slowed their advance and announced firmly, "This is far enough. We're clear of the Water Peacock's territory. Let's wait here for the others."
One by one, the other sect members arrived. The last to appear was Li Min. Upon her return, Yang Zhai immediately noticed the strange bird perched upon her shoulder.
Neru. A beast infamous for its blinding speed and blade-like beak, capable of slicing through nearly anything. Yang Zhai's thoughts churned. So she had been carrying not one, but two beasts all along. No wonder Yu Hao trusted her to remain above the clouds alone.
"Yu Hao," Li Min spoke as she approached, her voice cool, "do you know who the Water Peacock chose?"
Yu Hao's expression turned confused. "No. Who was it?"
"Del Mo," she replied softly.
At that name, silence fell. Yu Hao said nothing, his face unreadable. Li Min, watching him, did not press further.
She thought to herself, I only meant to test him, to see how he would react. It seems I truly must speak with the former Sect Master upon our return. At first, I wanted to leave it to him, but now I think I need to interfere after all.
At last, Yu Hao broke the silence. "Enough. Let's move on." He leapt onto the kilt as another canoe materialized upon its back. The others quickly followed.
This time, however, they did not rise above the clouds. Instead, they dove once more into the endless ocean.
"From here onward lies the Forest of Mist," Li Min whispered, her tone low and cautious. "We must tread carefully."
Yu Hao gave a firm nod.
!|!*****!*****!|!