Yun Lintian's brow furrowed deeper as he weighed Lan Qinghe's options. Seclusion held a certain appeal, but passively waiting while Ren Yuan consolidated power felt wrong. Seeking refuge elsewhere felt like cowardice, unbecoming of him.
Heading to the God Tomb directly should be the top priority here, but the risk of Ren Yuan sending his people after him, as he likely would based on their encounter in the Divine Realm, was significant. Without a doubt, Ren Yuan wouldn't simply sit still.
Exploring the Nine Heavens Realm to eliminate Ren Yuan sparked a flicker of intrigue in Yun Lintian's eyes. It was an active approach, allowing him to gather information and exploit potential vulnerabilities.
Naturally, he wasn't naive enough to believe he could waltz into the Nine Heavens and eliminate Ren Yuan single-handedly.
He glanced at Lin Xinyao, his resolve hardening. He wouldn't hide. He would face this threat head-on, for himself, his loved ones, and the future of the Primal Chaos.
"Thank you, Senior Lan," Yun Lintian declared, his voice firm. "I've made my decision. I'll explore the Nine Heavens Realm first, then head to the God Tomb."
Lan Qinghe, unsurprised, nodded. "Very well. While I can't openly accompany you, I can offer guidance. The Nine Heavens Realm is vast and complex. Be wary of the old fogeys, especially the Shadow Court."
Her return would undoubtedly cause a stir, so remaining here until Yun Lintian reached the God Tomb was best.
Yun Lintian, engraving her words into his memory, acknowledged her advice with a nod. The journey wouldn't be easy, but he was prepared. With his companions by his side and a heavy responsibility on his shoulders, careful planning was crucial.
He turned to face Lin Xinyao and the others, ready to speak, but Yun Qianxue interrupted.
"Trust us," Yun Qianxue said calmly. "We're no longer weaklings."
"Didn't you promise to take us?" Han Bingling pouted, a hint of displeasure flickering in her eyes.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtYun Lintian swallowed his rebuttal. Though he'd promised to bring them, knowing the situation now, he couldn't bear the thought of putting them at risk. Ren Yuan, he knew, would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
"I'll stay back," Mu Qiuxue surprised everyone with her gentle declaration.
Catching the confused stares, she explained, "Traveling to the Nine Heavens Realm in such a large group is unwise. Splitting up isn't an option either."
"I'll stay as well," Shen Liqiu reluctantly agreed.
Yang Ningchang and the others were naturally out of the question. Given their current strength, focusing on cultivation was the most prudent course of action.
"Alright," Yun Lintian sighed in relief.
After a brief discussion, they finalized the team: Yun Qianxue, Lin Xinyao, Han Bingling, Long Qingxuan, Yun Meilan, and Yun Huanxin would accompany him on this journey. The rest would stay here and continue their training.
"Brother Yun," Yang Chen approached at that moment, accompanied by Ouyang Feng, Hua Wanru, and Master Bai.
Yun Lintian acknowledged him with a glance. "Are you leaving now?"
"Indeed," Yang Chen confirmed.
Ouyang Feng stepped forward and cupped his fists respectfully. "Thank you for everything, Brother Yun. I plan to visit my hometown first, but I will definitely return to assist you."
"Take your time," Yun Lintian replied with a smile. "Safe travels."
Ouyang Feng offered a grateful nod. Without Yun Lintian, he would have still been rotten in the Netherworld.
"Don't worry, boy," Master Bai said with a deep look at Yun Lintian.
Yun Lintian readily understood the unspoken message behind Master Bai's gaze. The revelation of Ouyang Feng as a potential inheritor of the Primordial Sun God hadn't escaped Master Bai's notice. He would undoubtedly keep an eye on Ouyang Feng's development.
Yun Lintian produced several golden cards and presented them to Master Bai and his companions. "Please, accept these."
"Gold Class membership cards for the Ten Thousand Treasures Group?" Ouyang Feng exclaimed, aware of their immense value.
Master Bai, however, looked confused. "What is this?"
"These cards grant access to a teleportation service," Yun Lintian explained succinctly. "They'll expedite your travel to the Celestial Realm."
"Oh, I see," Master Bai's surprise was evident.
"Thank you once again, Brother Yun," Ouyang Feng expressed his sincere gratitude. "We'll be on our way now."
"Very well," Yun Lintian nodded, watching as Ouyang Feng's group departed.
With goodbyes exchanged and their team finalized, a mix of anticipation and apprehension crackled in the air. Yun Lintian, his expression resolute, addressed his companions.
"Remember, we're entering the heart of Ren Yuan's territory. Discretion is key. We'll travel incognito, posing as ordinary cultivators."He gestured towards Yun Qianxue, who stepped forward. Her form shimmered subtly, replaced by a woman with fiery red hair and piercing emerald eyes – a stark contrast to Yun Qianxue's usual icy demeanor.
"This is our new appearance," Yun Qianxue explained, her voice slightly altered. "These disguises not only mask our features but also dampen our auras to a certain extent."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHan Bingling, now appearing as a petite woman with an air of innocence, twirled playfully. "What do you think, Lintian? Does it suit me?"
Yun Lintian chuckled. "Definitely different."
"I heard those men on Earth loved something called cosplay," Han Bingling winked at him.
Yun Lintian's blood boiled instantly. He took a deep breath to quell the fire of desire and cursed inwardly. This damn Dragon God bloodline!
Clearing his throat, Yun Lintian turned to Lin Xinyao, whose features had softened with a touch of earthly charm.
"Ready, everyone?" he asked.
"Let's go," Yun Qianxue said calmly.
The disguised group followed Yun Lintian through the gate, first to Earth. From there, they boarded the Fleeting Cloud Profound Skyship and made their way straight for the Nine Heavens Realm.
"This is too slow," Qingqing complained as she sat on the deck, gazing at the vast expanse of stars.
"It can't be helped," Yun Lintian sighed helplessly. The Cloud Dragon Ark would attract too much attention. He had no choice but to resort to his old skyship.
"The atmosphere here feels several times better than the Divine Realm. No wonder there are so many gods here," Yun Huanxin remarked.
Yun Qianxue looked at Yun Meilan. "Have you found anything?"
Yun Meilan shook her head. "No new methods to locate the other inheritors so far."
She'd buried herself in ancient records for the past month, but nothing related to the Primordial God inheritors had surfaced.
"It's alright," Yun Lintian said gently. "They'll make themselves known eventually."
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, everyone noticed a group of profound ships approaching in the distance...