***Over on the shared border between the Dominions of Darkness and Death - Ronson Canyon.
The Ronson Canyon was a massive gorge that all who wished to travel between the Dominions of Death and Darkness had to pass through. The canyon was plagued by Godhunters. It was said that the most powerful Godhunter clans in the Death and Darkness Dominions had set up their base camps in Ronson Canyon. Merchant caravans would only enter the canyon with a large group of divine guards.
However, Ronson Canyon had recently become much safer than usual. It was said that one of the most powerful Godhunter factions had left the canyon for some reason. And after they left, the remaining Godhunter factions fell silent and stopped wreaking havoc on the land.
On that day, a huge airship carrying a large army flew into the vast area of Ronson Canyon. It was like a great cloud overshadowing the land. Human silhouettes could be seen on the airship. They were Divine Guards, vigilantly scanning their surroundings for any enemy that might suddenly emerge from the dense jungle.
"We have finally reached Ronson Canyon. After crossing the canyon, we will be in the territory of the Dominion of Death. Hofs and Larikson will never enter the Death Dominion with their army uninvited. Our allies from the Death Dominion will be there to welcome us," Stratholme said after breathing a sigh of relief. He had felt nervous and uneasy throughout the journey, worried that Larikson and Hofs might catch up at any moment.
"We cannot relax yet. This is the intersection of the Dominions of Darkness and Death. Godhunters run wild here." Bollands had served in Erebus' Third Corps for a number of years and had heard a thing or two about Ronson Canyon. He knew it was home to a number of formidable Godhunter factions.
"Godhunters?" Gilbert grinned contemptuously and remarked, "Pfft, with the power our House of Han now possesses, they should be afraid of us, not the other way around. They better not provoke us or we'll fulfil their death wish!"
"Don't boast," Bollands glared at Gilbert and replied, "If we only meet one of those factions, then of course we have nothing to worry about. But if we run into a so-called 'alliance' of several Godhunter factions, we will be in deep trouble."
After a short pause, Bollands continued gravely, "There is one Godhunter faction in Ronson Canyon that is particularly ferocious. They are the most notorious Godhunter faction in the Canyon, but few know the identity of their leader. They would attack any caravan travelling through the canyon, even one protected by a large number of divine guards. The cities of the Darkness Dominion have tried to destroy them, but have always failed. They had been unrivalled in Ronson Canyon for decades. No average family clan could stand against them.
Gilbert frowned and stopped his cheeky behaviour. "Who is their leader? That's frightening!"
Bollands replied, "As I've said, few know the identity of their leader. Perhaps only those in the business of godhunting. But according to hearsay, the person is very young. He could be a teenager. He cultivates in the energy of death and uses a bone spear.
"What a terrifying youth. I wonder if he or Sanguis who is stronger..." muttered Gilbert as he glanced at the teenager beside him.
"Even if Sanguis has his strength, he doesn't have his leadership skills," Bollands said.
"How can you be sure of that? Hehehe, now you've made me curious, I'd like to meet this guy." Sanguis's strength had increased recently and he had become more arrogant. He did not believe that there could be another teenager who could compete with him.
"We'd better pray that we don't meet him. Otherwise we might not even be able to get out of Ronson Canyon," Bollands said.
"Everybody be careful. Larikson and Hofs won't give up on us so easily. Ronson Canyon may be vast, but we cannot linger in this area. We should leave as soon as possible," Emily said. The only thing on her mind was getting the members of the House of Han to safety.
*** Beyond an awe-inspiring waterfall in Ronson Canyon Gorge were dozens of caves, large and small, in which figures could be seen moving about. The largest chamber was well lit and supported by three miniature energy towers. Dozens of fierce-looking Godhunter leaders were in discussion.
"I have completed my research. They are the House of Han of the City of Shadows. The Celestial Pearl Pharmacy, which can be found throughout the Dominions of Death, Destruction and Darkness, is owned by this family clan," Quincy, a leader of a Godhunter faction, explained, beaming with joy. He tempted the other Godhunter leaders, "The Celestial Pearl is filthy rich - they are a big, fat cash cow! Besides, these Han guards cultivate all kinds of elements and edicts force. We will not only get a large amount of Black Crystal Coins, but also a large amount of their divine energy. So, who's with me?"
The power displayed by the House of Han was not weak. None of the Godhunter factions could defeat the Han clan alone. All the Godhunter leaders in Ronson Canyon had gathered in the cave to discuss whether or not they should join forces to attack the House of Han.
"Sounds like a great idea!" Chrison, another Godhunter leader, said with a cruel smile, "The House of Han was in a dire situation when they left the City of Shadows. If we join forces, we can easily overwhelm them. Hehe, I'm in!"
"Me too!"
"Count me in too!
"We want some too!"
The Godhunter leaders gathered in the chamber wanted to join forces to defeat the House of Han. At Quincy's instigation, the strongest Godhunter factions in Ronson Canyon agreed to join forces and mark the House of Han as their prey!
"You seem to have forgotten someone," a dissenting voice suddenly sounded. Scarlett, one of the Godhunter leaders, knitted her brows as she said, "His surname, Han, it's a rare family name. Don't you think it's possible that he's related to the House of Han?"
Scarlett was the only woman in the room. She had a voluptuous, sultry figure and a beautiful look. But no man would be interested in her. In fact, most were afraid of her because of the two large, frightening scars that marred her face.
Scarlett cultivated the energy of death and possessed Early-stage Highgod strength. She was neither the weakest nor the strongest of those in the chamber. And yet, the Godhunter faction she led had fared well, thanks to her superior intellect.
Upon hearing Scarlett's words, the leaders who had happily agreed to the plan furrowed their brows. Even Chrison seemed reluctant to proceed. In a deep voice he said, "What are the odds? I've never known him to have any family or friends. But if he's connected to the House of Han, we need to rethink our plan!"
Quincy's face turned cold and he said in an annoyed manner, "Indeed. This guy used to be the strongest in Ronson Canyon, but he is no longer in the canyon. Besides, his followers have made it clear that they will no longer interfere in the canyon's affairs. Furthermore, he never said he was from the House of Han, and he is not even in the Canyon. What is there to be afraid of?"
"Hmm, yes. We have to think too much. There's no way he's related to the House of Han." Chrison smiled sheepishly and said, "We must be getting scared for nothing. The plan remains on course. I'm still in!"
"That's my man!" Quincy said as he chuckled. A moment later he looked at Scarlett with impatient eyes and said, "Women are always so wimpy. Hmph, if you are not going to join us, then you can go. That's one less piece of cake to share. We can manage without you!"
Scarlett's face went dark. She lifted her chin and replied, "Well then, do as you wish, but I wouldn't risk offending that guy."
With that, Scarlett turned into a trail of shadow, shot through the waterfall and left.
"Looks like the bitch is in love with him. She should look at herself in the mirror," he chuckled. "How could any guy want her?" sneered Quincy as Scarlett left.
"That guy has no feelings, has never shown any interest in a woman, and he certainly wouldn't hesitate to kill a woman. What a fool Scarlett was to fall in love with such a man. Speaking of that whore, hehe, her face may be repulsive, but her body... Mmm-mmm... I'd like to take her somewhere pitch black," Chrison said, moving his pelvis suggestively. The Godhunter leaders joined him, cackling nastily.
*** "How was the meeting, Chief?" Soon after Scarlett left the cave, a sly-looking Godhunter greeted her with a smile.
Scarlett was enraged. As a Highgod, her hearing was impeccable. And given that those in the cave had not lowered their voices, she heard every word of their obscene comments about her. However, Scarlett dared not return to the cave to beat them up because her strength was limited. She had no choice but to repress her anger.
He is possibly the only man who isn't so debased… a thought emerged in Scarlett's mind out of nowhere. But she then laughed at herself, thinking, Oh Scarlett. What the hell are you thinking? How could he fancy you given the way you look? He only saved you because it was aligned with his interest. He didn't mean anything at all, stop indulging in flights of fancy already…
"Chief, what happened?" Scarlett showed a mix of emotions on her face. She would grit her teeth in rage one moment, but try to hold back laughter in the next. That follower of Scarlett's couldn't help but ask in a slightly higher voice. Scarlett was abruptly roused from the daze. She shook her head hard, as though trying to shake off the unrealistic fantasy off her mind.
"It's nothing. Right, you mentioned that this guy still has a few followers who haven't left the canyon yet. Can you contact them?" asked Scarlett after she had calmed her mind.
"They are sorting out some remaining business and they will all be leaving soon. I know where they are. I will contact them immediately."
"Wait, let me write a scroll. Make sure it reaches them as soon as possible," Scarlett said. She immediately took out a scroll, wrote a few sentences, handed it to her companion and left in a hurry.
*** Somewhere in Ronson Canyon, where the unbroken mountains looked no different from the surface of the sea, great white cotton-like clouds floated gently in the sky.
The airship travellers had just left a swamp with a foul atmosphere and were heading for a rocky gorge. Before anyone could see the situation in the ravine, Sanguis suddenly said, "Someone is approaching us.
The House of Han guards on the airship were startled. They looked around and quickly formed a battle formation on the airship.
Emily, Phoebe and the others were alarmed. They looked everywhere as they shouted, "Everyone, be careful! Get ready for battle!"
"That's not necessary. She came alone," Sanguis seemed somewhat amused that everyone on the airship was scared. "Don't worry, this woman isn't particularly strong. I can handle her myself."
After hearing Sanguis's words, the group breathed a sigh of relief. But they were all a bit puzzled, not understanding why a woman would approach them alone. They had no contacts in Ronson Canyon, and it was impossible for an expert to harm them. What could she possibly want?
A moment later, Scarlett gradually appeared above a forest of stones in the distance. Fanny, Lisa, and the other ladies lightly cried out in shock when they saw the fierce-looking criss-cross scar on her face.
"Come no further!" shouted Bollands coldly as his killing intent locked on Scarlett.
Scarlett was stunned. She did not expect that Bollands could deliver such an intense killing intent at her with just one look. Her heart trembled and she thought, The House of Han doesn't seem as weak as Quincy said and they have at least one Highgod. Could they have even stronger experts?
Just as Scarlett was about to speak, her long, shapely brows darted and her bewitching eyes widened. She sensed a very strange energy on Bollands which she had only detected on another man who possessed an even greater strength.
They must be related!
Scarlett became even more certain of her speculation. She first halted mid-air, raised her hands to indicate that she came in peace, and hastily asked, "Do any of you know Han Hao?"
"Han Hao? Who's Han Hao? No clue!"
"Who are you? And who is Hao Hao?"
The members of the House of Han were astounded and they looked at Scarlett bewildered. What's the matter with this woman? Why would she come to us so excitedly to ask us this ridiculous question?
Scarlett was startled by their response. She thought, Have I been overthinking? But the energy on that old man is very similar to Han Hao's. How do you explain that?
"We do not know the person you mentioned. Please do not get in our way!" said Stratholme politely, but almost condescendingly. However, he glanced at Bollands several times with a look on his face that hinted, Don't blame us for being impolite if you don't leave.
"My apologies. I shall leave right away," having been a godhunter of countless years, Scarlett was excellent at reading body language and understood what they were hinting. She thought, If you aren't related to Han Hao, well, it's none of my business that you are all about to die.
"Hold on!" it was at this moment that Gilbert started scratching his head as though he was trying hard to recall a memory tossed long ago, "I think I've heard that name before… Let me think…"
The members of the House of Han stared at Gilbert with puzzled looks. Even Scarlett looked suspiciously at Gilbert. When Bollands did not immediately attack her, she reminded him, "Han Hao cultivates the energy of death. He uses a three-metre bone spear. He has seven born spurs..."
Gilbert's eyes lit up and he finally recalled the long lost memory. He exclaimed, "It's him!"
Emily, Phoebe, Fanny, Lisa and others had seen Little Skeleton before. Although they did not know that he had called himself Han Hao, they knew immediately that Han Hao was Little Skeleton when Scarlett explained that he had seven bone spurs on his back.
"I think we know the person you are talking about," Emily exclaimed. "Is there anything we can help you with?"
"Is Han Hao a member of your House of Han?" asked Scarlett again.
Emily thought for a moment as she wasn't sure how to answer the question. However, she knew that Han Shuo and Little Skeleton were very close, so she replied, "I guess you could say that he is..."
"Then that's enough!" Scarlett hastily added, "All the Godhunters in Ronson Canyon have joined forces with the intention of destroying your House of Han. I don't think you can handle so many of them at once. You should turn around and leave Ronson Canyon immediately. Otherwise, if they intercept you, it'll be bad!"
Emily, Stratholme and the others were taken aback when they heard these words. Stratholme asked, "How do you know this?"
"I am a leader of the Godhunters myself, but I have come to warn you because I know Han Hao," Scarlett said hastily. "I've sent a messenger to warn Han Hao's followers, but I don't know if they can stop the attack in time. These guys have eyes everywhere in Ronson Canyon and they know the terrain here very well. It's impossible to hide from them while you're in Ronson Canyon. You must turn back immediately!"
"We can't turn back," Phoebe said bitterly. If they turned back, they would probably run into Hofs, Larikson and their troops, and it could not get any worse than running into the Godhunters.
"Thanks for the reminder, but we have to cross Ronson Canyon by hook or by crook. I just hope we can outrun those Godhunters." Then, without wasting another word, without even asking about Scarlett's relationship with Han Hao, they hurriedly continued their journey.