Misty Cloud Sect's Back Mountain.
On a secluded cliff, Gu He's figure materialized out of thin air.
His soul force spread outward, scanning the surroundings to ensure no one was nearby. Satisfied, his fingers began weaving a series of intricate hand seals.
With each swift motion, mysterious dou qi patterns formed in the air. In moments, dozens of these seals coalesced, manifesting a brilliant constellation of star-like runes in the sky.
Then—a piercing screech tore through the sky as an elegant yet colossal figure emerged from the shimmering starlight.
The phantom of a Vermilion Bird, wreathed in crimson flames, materialized before him. An overwhelming aura of violence and scorching heat radiated from it, as though this sky-blotting beast could incinerate the world itself.
Gu He's body trembled slightly as he stared at the phantom, his eyes alight with exhilaration.
"As expected of an advanced Earth-tier combat technique! With this kind of power, even a Dou Ancestor expert wouldn't dare face it head-on."
With a thought, he directed the Vermilion Bird phantom toward the cliff below.
"Screeeech—!"
The massive phantom let out a deafening cry before transforming into a blazing red streak of light, hurtling toward the base of the cliff at terrifying speed.
At the same time, Gu He's figure flickered, vanishing from the cliff and reappearing in his courtyard.
Though he had left, his soul force lingered at the scene.
"BOOOOM!"
An earth-shaking explosion erupted as monstrous flames surged upward from the cliff's base.
"CRACK!"
Under the overwhelming force, the cliff shattered into countless fragments, collapsing into bits.
As the dust settled, Gu He withdrew his soul force, a faint smile curling at the corner of his lips. He was thoroughly satisfied with the Vermilion Bird Seal's devastating might.
The moment the explosion resounded, a streak of moon-white light descended at the cliff's edge.
A white-haired elder stood there, his aged face etched with solemnity. The aura radiating from him marked him as a peak Nine-Star Dou Emperor.
"Such an intense fire-attribute dou qi…"
His gaze swept over the ruined cliff, his expression darkening.
"Who dares to make a move in Misty Cloud Sect's back mountain? Is it a warning… or a provocation?"
The lingering dou qi in the air was unmistakably potent—strong enough to put even him on edge.
Suddenly, a dense black mist swirled beside him, materializing into a sinister presence.
"Kekeke… Judging by this power, the intruder must be at least a Dou Ancestor. Who would've thought the Jia Ma Empire hid such an expert?"
The voice was mocking, dripping with amusement.
"Is it a friend or foe, I wonder? It seems your Misty Cloud Sect's dominance isn't as unshakable as you believed."
Yunshan's expression darkened further, but the black mist continued, undeterred.
"Yunshan, this Protector will give you one last chance. Cooperate with me, and within two years, I'll ensure you break through to Dou Ancestor. Only then can Misty Cloud Sect maintain its supremacy—or even overthrow the imperial family and rule the Jia Ma Empire outright."
"But my patience is limited. If you refuse again, perhaps I'll approach Jia Xing Tian instead. I'm sure that old fox would be far more… receptive."
Yunshan's pupils contracted.
If his rival, Jia Xing Tian, reached Dou Ancestor first, Yunlan Sect's position would crumble.
After a long silence, he finally spoke, his voice heavy.
"Can you truly guarantee my breakthrough within two years?"
"Kekeke… You still doubt me? A mere Dou Ancestor is nothing to my Hall of Souls!"
The voice turned icy. "Were it not for my mission requiring your sect's influence, I wouldn't even spare you a glance."
Yunshan clenched his fists. Then, with a slow nod, he relented.
"Very well. I accept."
"Kekeke! Wise choice. You won't regret it." The black mist swirled triumphantly before dissipating into the surrounding.
Yunshan exhaled deeply, then vanished in a flash of white light.
Yet, before disappearing completely, the black mist murmured to itself: 'A hidden Dou Ancestor in the Jia Ma Empire… How intriguing.'
…
Unbeknownst to Gu He, the explosion had sent shockwaves through Misty Cloud Sect.
Elders rushed to the ruined cliff, their faces pale with horror.
"Was that a monstrous beast lurking in the back mountain?"
"Or perhaps a passing supreme expert?"
Whispers and wild theories spread like wildfire.
Meanwhile, the man responsible reclined leisurely in his courtyard gazebo, sipping tea with utter contentment.
Just then, his brow furrowed slightly.
"Hm? What's this old fellow doing here?"
Moments later, an elderly man in moon-white robes arrived outside his courtyard.
"Deacon Ge Ye requests an audience with Elder Gu He!"
Gu He set down his cup.
"Enter."
Ge Ye stepped forward respectfully.
"Elder Gu He, the Miteer Family has sent word requesting your presence at their auction house. They wish to discuss a matter with you."
"The Miteer Family?" Gu He's eyes flickered.
'Could it be… Has MiteerTengshan gathered the ingredients for the Deep Green Longevity Pill?'
…
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