After being dismissed by the Heavenly Demon, Guo Lanying and Mo Qi walked together, side by side. Guo Lanying, a tall and gorgeous woman, was the one who had questioned the Heavenly Demon. Even in her simple attire, it was evident that she came from a prosperous background.
Every inch of her exuded the confident aura and charm of an intelligent woman.
On the other hand, Mo Qi seemed overshadowed by Guo Lanying's presence. She wore a cold expression, devoid of any emotion, causing everyone to unconsciously focus solely on Guo Lanying.
Nevertheless, Mo Qi possessed a unique beauty of her own, emitting an aura of cold and unattainable allure, captivating those who beheld her.
They continued walking until they arrived at an empty room in the hallway, as the palace for the Heavenly Demon. Naturally, the hallway remained unoccupied most of the time.
Closing the door behind them, Mo Qi nodded at Guo Lanying.
"This news is of utmost importance to our Lord. If not for those hypocritical righteous experts and the deranged demons, the Lord would have dealt with this matter personally."
Guo Lanying looked at Mo Qi with understanding eyes.
"You're right. That's why we must do everything in our power to complete this mission for our Lord."
Mo Qi spoke earnestly, though her facial expression remained unchanged.
"So, who will go?" Guo Lanying asked, considering their options as they made their way to the room.
"You should stay. Given my lower profile within the cult, my absence won't attract much attention. Even if my substitute is forced to take action, you should be able to handle it before anything happens."
"I'm relieved to know we share the same view," Guo Lanying added. "However, your efforts alone may not guarantee the success of this mission. You should take a few experts from the Netherworld Demon Cave."
The Netherworld Demon Cave held a special place within the Heavenly Demon Cult akin to a gu jar, functioning as a breeding ground for new members, where they could reap benefits effortlessly.
"The Netherworld Demon Cave?" Mo Qi echoed rhetorically. "It is a vital location for our Heavenly Demon Cult, and its members only follow the Lord's orders."
Before she could say more, Guo Lanying interjected. "The Lord must have already considered this. If you don't believe me, go there and inquire."
Without doubting Guo Lanying's words, Mo Qi continued the conversation. "I will visit them afterward. May the heavenly demon illuminate your path."
"May the heavenly demon illuminate your path," Guo Lanying reciprocated, echoing the unique prayer within the cult.
...
Meanwhile, in another part of the Southern Region.
Within one of the seven major sects, the Supreme Heaven Sect, stood a peak known as the Heaven Observing Peak. There was a lonely structure, nestled amidst a vibrant forest, blended grandeur with simplicity.
Rather than soaring in height, the building expanded in width.
In the tranquility of the night, a gentle gust of wind blew.
"You've arrived," an aged yet still vibrant voice emanated from an old man who was preparing tea.
He sat on one side of the table, exposed to the open sky.
A man dressed in a Taoist robe materialized gracefully, carried by the wind, and took a seat. Handsome, with no trace of age on his face, his eyes possessed a sharpness akin to a sword, and a mark of good fortune rested between his eyebrows.
"Old Jiang, how have you been?" The man's tone was casual, as if he were greeting an old friend.
"Same as always, neither good nor bad," Old Jiang replied, raising an eyebrow as he observed the man before him. "And you? Why do you appear younger than the last time we met?"
"Me?" The man's expression shifted slightly, and he responded, "Same as usual, neither good nor bad. In fact, it's been too good. Hahaha!"
He chuckled at the end of his statement.
"Sigh, I can't fathom your obsession with physical appearance. How many centuries have you lived that you still concern yourself with such trivial matters?" Old Jiang asked, his curiosity genuine and without malice.
"Heh," the man smirked. "How many times have you asked me that? Haven't you understood by now? The path of martial arts is long and never-ending. In our extended lives, it's natural to have hobbies that fill our daily existence."
Since Old Jiang had posed this question on previous occasions, the man swiftly changed the topic based on their past interactions.
"So, what crucial insight have you deduced today that prompted you to summon me here secretly?"
Old Jiang finished preparing the tea, pouring a cup for himself. However, he didn't raise it to his lips; instead, he stared at the still surface of the tea and said, "The star of fire displays signs of turmoil."
"Turmoil?" The man's attention was captivated. "Is it a good or bad omen?"
"It's both," Old Jiang replied, his voice steady, but his gaze grew deeper.
Suddenly, the man comprehended what Old Jiang was implying. His countenance changed instantly, seriousness replacing his formerly kind and handsome demeanor. His charm now emanated a sharpness akin to an unsheathed sword.
"The child of divine fire? Has a new one emerged?" The man questioned Old Jiang, though it seemed he was questioning himself. "Considering the time, it's been over a century, so it's possible for a new one to appear."
"But how is that possible?" he asked, incredulous.
Old Jiang remained silent, raising his gaze to the night sky.
"It is the way of heaven. No one can predict what will transpire."
"If what you say is true, another great war will consume the Southern Region," the man lamented.
"But..." He looked at the slightly despondent Old Jiang. "Why do you appear this way? The arrival of the second child of divine fire shouldn't affect you like this. So... tell me, what else have you deduced?"
Old Jiang sighed, lowering his gaze to meet the man's eyes.
"The star of calamity."
The man's eyes widened upon hearing the startling news. He spoke in a hushed voice, "Are you certain?"
"I don't know," Old Jiang openly admitted. "While my abilities have improved over time, there are still many things beyond my reach."
"Don't beat around the bush. Tell me what you mean," the man urged Old Jiang.
Old Jiang picked up his cup and said, "I couldn't discern the appearance of the star of calamity. However, I can sense its presence lurking in the shadow of the night sky, waiting... biding its time to reveal its true form."
"This..." The man was at a loss for words, his thoughts racing as Old Jiang calmly sipped his tea.
"Are you sure?" Distracted by his racing mind, he unintentionally questioned Old Jiang's abilities.
"I cannot be certain. My abilities are limited, and there are many things beyond my deduction," Old Jiang replied, placing his cup back on the table.
"Nevertheless, preparing for rain is never a wrong move during the rainy season."
The man accepted Old Jiang's words, internalizing them, and began contemplating on the spot.
Meanwhile, Old Jiang refrained from pouring another cup of tea, instead watching his friend, who finally seemed to engage his mind rather than indulging in trivial pursuits.
'The era of peace has indeed dulled the mind and the sword,' Old Jiang mused. 'Even the renowned Supreme Heavenly Sword has succumbed to the comfort of tranquility.'
Ultimately, the man, known as the Supreme Heavenly Sword, made a decision. As he rose from his seat, his aura shifted once more, shedding the remnants of gentleness.
"Since you say so, we must prepare ourselves," he declared. Pausing briefly, he added, "If someone is concealing the star of calamity, could it be the machinations of the demonic factions? Are they attempting to cultivate their own?"
He voiced the most perilous possibilities.
"I couldn't discern their involvement among the stars, but I am certain there is no trace of blood surrounding the concealed star of calamity. However, my abilities have improved since our last encounter. Perhaps those ghosts from the demonic factions have surpassed me in the interim."
"So you're implying that we are the first to know?" Supreme Heavenly Sword sought confirmation.
"Yes," Old Jiang nodded. "I have also taken measures to conceal any knowledge about it, but my abilities are limited. It is only a matter of time before the demonic factions realize the emergence of the new child of divine fire."
"If this isn't the clandestine plot of the demonic factions, then it is good news for us. However, as a precaution, there is only one course of action."
Observing how Supreme Heavenly Sword chose to stride instead of toying with his movement skills, Old Jiang felt reassured.
"The era of turmoil has arrived. I wonder how many immortals will fall this time," Old Jiang mused. "If the conflict remains confined to the Southern Region, it is still manageable. However, if the other regions join as well, bloodshed will increase."