The moment Lu Yuan sensed the movement outside, he did not hesitate in the slightest. Rising immediately, he walked out the door.
Soon, a figure appeared before him—it was Jiang Haokong. After a period of secluded cultivation, he had finally emerged. The aura radiating from his body was far more formidable than before, and his eyes brimmed with confidence.
"Not bad. You've entered the Demi-Saint Realm," Lu Yuan said with a smile, genuinely astonished to see him.
The youth's original realm had undoubtedly been above the Demi-Saint Realm; otherwise, it would have been impossible for him to reach this level in such a short time. Even for a true sequence prodigy, progressing so quickly was an immensely difficult feat.
And if Jiang Haokong could reach the Demi-Saint Realm, then in the near future—or perhaps even now—extraterrestrials of that realm would be able to descend to Earth.
Indeed, Lu Yuan had to stay one step ahead at every stage, or things would become exceedingly troublesome.
Lu Yuan's words plunged Jiang Haokong into deep contemplation, but he soon spoke up. "What's so hard about that?"
He cared deeply about his pride, and having just broken through, he could barely contain his eagerness. Paying no heed to anything else, Jiang Haokong stepped forward, his aura surging around him, and continued, "Now, let's compete in physical strength! We're at the same realm, so let's see who is stronger."
He raised his head slightly, exuding an air of arrogance. Obviously, Lu Yuan's praise sat very well with him, especially that compliment, which stroked his pride immensely. "Naturally, stop the idle chatter and fight me directly!"
To this, Lu Yuan shook his head slightly. "Not right now."
"Why not?" Jiang Haokong frowned with confusion.
"If we fight, we must use our full strength," Lu Yuan replied, speaking with deep earnestness and a sincere smile. "If either of us gets injured, I won't be able to set out three days from now."
"Three days from now, I will be departing for a mythological secret realm. At that time, many beings will be heading there. I will be taking my people along, but as you know, the Milky Way Star Sector has only just revived. My subordinates cannot hold their own against truly powerful experts, so I must stay in peak condition at all times. I know your strength, and among the arrivals, there are likely those no weaker than... Take the Eternal Clan, for instance. If I get distracted, I could very well be injured. That is what I am worried about right now."
The two had grown familiar enough that certain things did not need to be stated directly.
Lu Yuan continued, finally revealing his true objective: "You know as well that if those who have descended join forces, it will be hard for me to stop them alone."
With a troubled expression, he added, "If that happens, I'm afraid I won't be able to battle you immediately upon returning."
Jiang Haokong pondered for a moment, then said, "I'm not unreasonable. If that's the case, we can simply wait until you return to fight."
"Then I thank you," Lu Yuan said. "It's just that even after returning, it might still be difficult to fight right away."
"Just leave those people to me when the time comes! As it happens, I've been wanting to explore this world more anyway."
Hearing this, Lu Yuan's heart stirred. He knew his objective had been achieved, yet he still put on a troubled expression and hesitated. "That wouldn't be right, would it? You know I've offended quite a few people. If the Ji clan or the Eternal Clan make a move..."
"What Ji clan? What Eternal Clan?" Jiang Haokong seemed piqued and snapped, "That isn't your concern! Forget their so-called sequences—even if their Divine Sons and Holy Maidens show up, I have nothing to fear from them! It's settled, then. In three days, I'm coming with you."
Without waiting for Lu Yuan's reaction, Jiang Haokong turned and left for his quarters.
Shortly after, Jiang Ningxian walked out of the house. She had obviously witnessed what had just occurred, but had remained silent until now. Shaking her head, she could not help remarking, "That little trick of yours only works on a boy like him."
Lu Yuan knew his scheme had been seen through. Smiling, he said, "My apologies for not discussing it with you first."
"It doesn't matter. With how he is, he really does need someone who can completely keep him in check," Jiang Ningxian replied with a smile. In her heart, she also felt her younger brother needed some tempering, worried that he might suffer a loss against those factions.
She continued, "I will probably go into seclusion again soon. However, if anything major happens, you can use this to notify me at any time."
Saying so, she produced a jade pendant. It was pure white, untainted and flawless like her white dress, with the character 'Xian' inscribed upon it, signifying her identity.
"Understood. Thank you." Lu Yuan did not refuse and accepted it.
After chatting a bit longer, the two parted ways, and Lu Yuan returned to his room. Regardless of how things unfolded, being cautious was never a mistake.
Time trickled by.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
At this time, Zhu Qingyu, Chunyang, and the others had all assembled, their eyes brimming with anticipation. There were also several hundred others, all selected from the Four Divisions and trained in the Dao Repository Visualization Method. Everyone knew that the mythological secret realm within Immortal Cave was bound to be perilous, and those lacking in strength would face great danger. Thus, the selected members were formidable in every respect.
As for why they needed the Dao Repository Visualization Method, the reason was simple: Immortal Cave was rumored to be Guangchengzi's Dao ground. Would sharing the same lineage of visualization method make them safer inside?
Everyone held their heads high, standing together and looking toward the same direction. The several hundred selected division members were particularly excited, knowing that King Lu himself was leading them.
Not far off, two figures slowly walked out.
The one in the lead was Lu Yuan.
Beside him walked a young man in green robes with hands clasped behind his back. Powerful waves of energy surged within his frame from time to time. No matter how one looked at him, anyone would immediately recognize that this youth was extraordinary.
As before, the Golden-Winged Great Peng served as their mount—who could compete with its extreme speed?
This time, the Peacock King and the other beast kings did not accompany them, choosing instead to stay behind and guard Mount Tai.
All eyes converged on Lu Yuan.
Seeing this, Lu Yuan checked the time. He knew very well that this expedition might mark their first true confrontation with the extraterrestrial beings, dragging the conflict out into the open. But Lu Yuan was already prepared.
Without further ado, he stepped forward and said in a calm, steady voice, "Depart for Mount Huang."
Chapter 261