Jiang Haokong considered himself to have a fair understanding of Lu Yuan.
He knew Lu Yuan possessed an unyielding temperament and would brook no threats from anyone. When confronted by formidable enemies, he would show no fear, striking directly with overwhelming dominance.
Even so, Jiang Haokong still found it hard to believe that this man had slaughtered everyone who entered with him, including Yu Heng.
For a moment, Jiang Haokong opened his mouth, struggling for words before finally continuing, "Every member of the Eternal Clan leaves an imprint within their clan that reveals what they experienced right before dying. Now that you've slain Yu Heng, the Eternal Clan must already know.
"Given their nature, they will never let this matter rest. Once the power of the Severance of Heaven and Earth completely dissipates, they will definitely retaliate." He understood a fair bit about the Eternal Clan and knew they had long grown accustomed to acting overbearingly across the cosmos.
Even toward other star domains ranked in the top ten, they often showed no courtesy. Thus, Jiang Haokong had already anticipated what was to come.
The Eternal Clan would certainly move against Lu Yuan at any cost. Moreover, he knew full well that Lu Yuan had offended the Ji clan long before this.
He was facing two paramount clans ranked among the top ten in the entire cosmos all at once.
"I know," Lu Yuan replied placidly upon hearing this. He had already prepared himself mentally for such an eventuality.
It was merely facing two great clans. He had nothing to fear. Of course, he recognized that Jiang Haokong was expressing concern, so he added, "There will always be a way to deal with it when the time comes."
Hearing those words, Jiang Haokong nodded and said no more. Though he was rough-hewn and somewhat haughty by nature, that did not mean he lacked brains. He understood that Lu Yuan's ambition to confront two such clans was far from realistic—unless Lu Yuan possessed absolute confidence that he could cultivate and evolve to an extraordinarily high level in the future.
"All right, don't dwell on it. Looking at the lake, they should be emerging soon," Lu Yuan said. "We'll wait here for now. If nothing else happens, we'll take our leave once they're out."
He knew there were bound to be other fortuitous opportunities within the secret realm of the Immortal Cave. However, so much time had already passed. The secret realm would likely close before long, so they had to depart.
"Understood." Jiang Haokong nodded as well, offering no objection.
Lu Yuan cast a glance at the lake, opening his Martial Dao Heavenly Eye to observe. Making a rough estimate, he calculated that Zhu Qingyu and the others would need roughly three days to emerge.
Taking advantage of this window, he found an open spot and sat cross-legged. At the ultimate ground of the Immortal Cave, he had obtained numerous opportunities that he had not yet had the chance to digest. With Jiang Haokong present, he had no need to worry about outside disturbances.
After a moment of thought, Lu Yuan first brought out the Fantian Seal. Under Guangchengzi's miraculous methods, it had indeed been largely restored, possessing far greater might than before.
If driven to its limits, even with his current strength, it could probably threaten a Great Saint.
Though far from its peak, the Fantian Seal remained exceedingly potent. Furthermore, as his cultivation realm continued to advance, its power would only grow.
In some respects, this item could rival the Daluo sword core. Of course, the Daluo sword core had yet to truly mature, and it would inevitably surpass this in the future.
After studying it for a short while, Lu Yuan once again brought out the red gourd. To be precise, the object was called the Immortal-Slaying Flying Dagger.
A legendary treasure, it could no longer be classified as a mere Saint weapon or anything of the sort, for its legacy was simply too steeped in myth.
Of course, even though Guangchengzi had bestowed it upon him, that did not mean it truly belonged to Lu Yuan yet. It still required refinement, and fortunately, he had the time right now.
Without the slightest hesitation, he began dripping his essence blood onto its surface.
*Buzz, buzz, buzz—*
In an instant, waves of radiance surged continuously from the gourd. The energy somewhat resembled sword intent, and its appearance sent an instinctive chill through one's flesh.
Lu Yuan could even sense an even more formidable power lurking within. As for its exact might, that could only be determined once it was fully refined.
He settled his mind, focusing entirely on the process.
Nearby, Jiang Haokong, who had been idling about, suddenly felt an overwhelmingly immense power.
This force made the hairs on his neck stand on end, and an alarm of imminent peril echoed through his divine sense.
"This..."
Jiang Haokong was stunned. He immediately turned his head to look at Lu Yuan sitting cross-legged not far away, as well as the red gourd hovering in midair.
*Did he obtain that in the ultimate ground?* he wondered in astonishment. He felt that the red gourd was exceptionally dangerous, harboring a terrifying might that even he could not disregard.
Yet even so, not a trace of greed surfaced in Jiang Haokong's eyes. It was a fortuitous opportunity earned by another, and he was not petty enough to covet it. He simply felt somewhat exasperated.
*Lu Yuan went straight into refinement—is he having me stand guard for him?*
"As the proud Divine Son of the Jiang clan, how could I let myself be ordered around by you?" Jiang Haokong chuckled, his tone laced with pride.
Even so, his vigilance rose far higher than before. He kept close watch over every subtle movement in their surroundings, ready to strike immediately should anything untoward occur.
Meanwhile, Lu Yuan continued refining the Immortal-Slaying Flying Dagger.
Time slipped past continuously, and three days flew by in the blink of an eye.
Finally, the Immortal-Slaying Flying Dagger was completely refined, and Lu Yuan at last understood its exact purpose.
At the bearer's command, a beam of blade intent would soar out from within. This blade intent was extraordinarily formidable, capable of slaying virtually any living creature.
He made a rough estimate: even if a Great Saint stood before him, as long as he unleashed the Immortal-Slaying Flying Dagger, he could execute an instant kill. Its might was terrifying to the utmost degree.
It truly lived up to the name of the Immortal-Slaying Flying Dagger.
However, it required a continuous infusion of power during normal times. Only when the gourd turned completely crimson would it unleash its peak might; otherwise, it could not be activated.
In other words, it could only be used once in a major battle.
Yet on second thought, this was only natural. If such a treasure could be used at will, it would simply be too overpowered. Lu Yuan was not a greedy man; obtaining the Immortal-Slaying Flying Dagger had already satisfied him immensely.
*That should do for now.*
Pondering no further, he opened his eyes and stood up.
"You certainly have nerve, daring to devote yourself entirely to refinement in a place like this," Jiang Haokong said as he walked over.
"Thank you for standing guard, Brother Jiang," Lu Yuan replied with a faint smile. He was naturally aware of what the other man had done.
Just as Jiang Haokong was about to say something more—
*Boom—!*
A tremendous surge of power suddenly welled up from the center of the lake.
Both men stepped forward at once, curiosity gleaming in their eyes. They knew that the cultivation and evolution of Zhu Qingyu and the others had reached a critical threshold, and they would soon emerge.
They could not help but wonder just how much benefit the group had gained within those waters.
Chapter 283