Lu Jian, Su Sheng, Gui Fu, and Wu Kuang were the top sect leaders in the world, possessing cultivation levels near the peak of the human realm. They were just one step away from breaking through and ascending to immortality.
The four of them had gathered here for a single purpose, driven by a promise made to them by a certain figure from the upper world. If they captured Luo Ruying and her daughter, who had escaped from the fairy world, they would not only be helped to ascend to the fairy world but also join a powerful force there. The temptation of joining such a formidable power was irresistible.
They had obtained information about Luo Ruying and her daughter. Luo Ruying, once an empress of the immortal world, was now seriously injured, her cultivation level reduced below that of heaven and human realms. For the world's top cultivators, this task seemed easy.
"Let's make this quick," Lu Jian commanded. "It's best if they cooperate. If not, kill them. But remember, the girl must be taken alive."
With a stern expression, Lu Jian turned into a divine rainbow and sped towards the depths of the Demon Realm Forest. For him, dealing with a celestial being in her current state was a simple task.
The other three exchanged proud smiles and followed, transforming into divine rainbows and chasing after him.
After a while, they reached the depths of the Demon Realm Forest. Though they sensed numerous monsters outside, none dared to attack. However, the deeper they went, the eerier it became. The territory of countless demon kings was eerily silent.
The four hovered in the air, scrutinizing their surroundings but finding no trace of anyone.
"Old Ghost, use your ghost baby puppet to track their exact location," Lu Jian ordered.
The ghost husband sneered. "My ghost baby puppet can sense their vicinity, but the exact location is unknown..."
"Tsk! So much for a puppet that can chase souls thousands of miles away," Su Sheng mocked.
The Old Ghost just smiled, unbothered.
Wu Kuang, meanwhile, had discovered something. He flew down and found a leaf stained with dried blood. He was particularly sensitive to the smell of blood and had detected a faint scent earlier.
Plucking the bloodstained leaf, he tasted it, his expression becoming excited. "This is definitely the blood of an upper-world fairy! It tastes different and makes me thirsty!"
Lu Jian and the others looked at Wu Kuang with disgust. It was rumored that he loved drinking the blood of strong opponents, but thanks to him, they had found a clue.
At least one thing was certain: Luo Ruying was hiding in the Demon Realm Forest. Finding her was now a matter of time.
"Let's search separately! Whoever finds her first, signal the others," Lu Jian directed.
Although the others disliked taking orders, they complied, knowing the upper world's command was paramount. Failure would mean not only losing the chance to ascend but also death for offending the upper-world lord.
In a cave, the Chaos Bull Demon, the Titan Giant Ape, and the Sky-Swallowing Divine Python watched the intruders.
"Someone is here again..." the Titan Ape growled. "They're trespassing in our forest!"
"Are you crazy? What if they're the lord's people?" the Sky-Swallowing Divine Python hissed, recalling the terrifying death of Xuan Lin.
The Chaos Bull Demon and the Titan Giant Ape fell silent, too afraid to act. A century ago, they would have killed intruders without hesitation. But now, they feared the repercussions.
"Forget it. Let's just pretend we didn't see them," the Chaos Bull Demon decided. "Let's play cards."
The three demons, surprisingly harmonious, retreated to their cave.
Meanwhile, the Old Ghost, having separated from the others, secretly used his ghost baby puppet to locate Luo Ruying. He intended to claim all the credit and reap the rewards, possibly even destroying the other sects once he ascended.
He laughed quietly at the thought. But soon, he sensed a barrier. Pressing his withered palm against it, he released a thick black liquid that corroded a hole, allowing him to enter silently.
In the wooden house, Ning Yecheng, playing with Luo Hongye, frowned. Someone had breached the barrier his wife had set up. He hated interruptions during his time with his family.