"3… 2… 1… Ding!"
With Bai Yun's countdown, the mission completion notification chimed in.
"Main Quest Completed: Reward - 10,000 Evolution Points."
Gazing at the number of evolution points on his character interface, Bai Yun allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction before quickly composing himself and preparing to leave this dangerous place.
Unhurriedly, he began making his way outward. He hadn't walked far when he encountered a familiar face.
"Well, well! What a coincidence to run into you again—it's almost fate!"
Zhao Ming, who had been chatting with his senior brothers, turned toward the voice. His brows furrowed slightly as he saw the ordinary-looking Zhao San, taking a moment to recall who he was. Finally recognizing him, he spoke, "Oh, it's you. Have you received the news as well?"
Bai Yun paused, his expression puzzled. "What news? I haven't heard anything."
"You don't know?" Zhao Ming asked in surprise. He went on to explain, "The Heavenly Sect, Xuanshen Sect, has intervened. They've sent numerous disciples here to hunt down the Xuanyin Sect traitor. Word is, this traitor practices lightning-based techniques. They've surrounded the area and are now checking everyone one by one."
"Oh?" Bai Yun's heart skipped a beat, but his face betrayed nothing.
"Which sect are you from, and what technique do you practice?" Zhao Ming's senior brother suddenly asked, his grip tightening slightly on the hilt of his sword.
Bai Yun remained silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. Zhao Ming and his brothers exchanged wary glances, discreetly heightening their guard.
After a long pause, Bai Yun smiled faintly. With a sudden motion, his right fist struck a nearby tree with immense force.
Boom!
The tree collapsed instantly.
Zhao Ming and his companions flinched slightly before relaxing, their wariness dissipating.
"So, you practice water-based techniques? Such a strong energy reserve you have," one remarked.
Bai Yun responded with a calm smile. "Indeed, I practice water-based techniques. As for my sect, I'm afraid it's inconvenient to disclose. I trust you'll understand." He had, during his moment of silence, entered the "Cosmic Evolver" space to purchase a low-grade water-based talisman.
"Brother Lin, why don't we travel together? We can leave this place and enjoy a drink," one of Zhao Ming's senior brothers suggested.
"I still have some unfinished business," Bai Yun replied regretfully, clasping his hands in farewell. "Perhaps next time fate brings us together. Until then, take care." With that, he turned and left.
"Farewell!" Zhao Ming and his group responded, clasping their hands in return.
As Bai Yun walked away, his face remained composed, but a heavy weight pressed on his heart. He might have deceived these young disciples, but he knew that those above the Xuan King Realm would see through him instantly. A single spiritual probe could reveal everything.
"A sect of this level already has such formidable experts. A Heavenly Sect would undoubtedly be far more terrifying. This is getting harder and harder, even with cheats."
Despite the precarious situation, Bai Yun wasn't overly anxious. With over 10,000 evolution points in hand, he was confident he could find a way out of his current predicament. What worried him was the nature of the next main quest.
After roughly two hours of steady movement, Bai Yun reached the outskirts of the encirclement, where the number of people steadily increased.
Ahead, a dozen experts hovered in mid-air, meticulously inspecting those attempting to leave.
Just as Bai Yun was about to enter the space to purchase escape tools, a notification appeared.
"Main Quest: Travel to Zhongzhou. Reward: 1,000 Evolution Points. Penalty: None. Time Limit: None."
Bai Yun was momentarily stunned. "Are you kidding me? I haven't even dealt with the Northern Region bosses, and now I'm supposed to go to Zhongzhou?"
Xuantu Continent was comprised of the Eastern, Southern, Western, and Northern Regions, with Zhongzhou at its center. Bai Yun was currently in the Northern Region, countless kilometers away from Zhongzhou. Traveling there on foot could take years.
Recalling the rumors he'd heard, Bai Yun quickly opened the Xuantu Continent interface in the "Cosmic Evolver" space.
"One-Time Zhongzhou Teleportation Array: 5,000 Evolution Points."
Bai Yun's mouth twitched. "That's brutal! Even if I complete the quest, I'll still be down 4,000 points. But there's no choice—I'll have to grit my teeth and buy it."
The Northern Region was no longer safe for him. The principle of "an innocent man harbors guilt by possessing treasure" had never been more relevant. Without the strength to protect his secrets, disaster was inevitable.
After purchasing the teleportation array, a mischievous glint flickered in Bai Yun's eyes. Since he was leaving the Northern Region anyway, why not leave his enemies a little farewell gift?
Backing away inconspicuously, Bai Yun retreated to a safe distance before activating his "Lightning Step" to flee. Once he reached a secluded area, he entered the space again and purchased a talisman.
"Amplification Talisman: 100 Evolution Points."
The name was self-explanatory.
Crushing the talisman, Bai Yun hesitated momentarily. He wanted to taunt his enemies but wasn't sure what to say. "Should I just curse them like a common street thug?"
Clearing his throat, he spoke: "Hello? Can everyone hear me? Testing, testing, one, two—perfect!"
Within a fifty-kilometer radius, his voice reverberated loudly, catching everyone off guard.
"To the trash from Xuanshen Sect and Xuanyin Sect: so many of you are chasing one insignificant Xuan Master, yet you let me loot your precious storage houses. What a disgrace!"
Gasps of disbelief rippled through the crowd. Members of the two sects turned red with fury, their rage reaching a boiling point.
"Here's some advice: find a block of tofu and bash your heads against it. End your lives and save yourselves the embarrassment. How can you still face the world after this?"
Bai Yun's voice dripped with mockery, further infuriating the two sects. Meanwhile, onlookers relished the spectacle, delighting in the unfolding drama.
"Especially you, Lin Fengtian, Master of Xuanyin Sect! For a dignified sect leader, you've been played by me over and over again. Shame on you! Don't squint your eyes like that all the time—people might think you're just a lecherous old man!"
Laughter echoed through the mountains as Bai Yun's taunts struck deeper.
"I'll take my leave now. No need to see me off. Farewell, you idiots! Until we meet again—oh wait, we won't. Bye!" His hearty laughter faded into silence as Bai Yun vanished from the area.
Lin Fengtian's face twisted in fury as he pinpointed Bai Yun's location. Just as he prepared to strike, a flash of white light engulfed Bai Yun. Smiling, Bai Yun waved goodbye as the light swallowed him whole, leaving no trace behind.
Lin Fengtian erupted in rage, unleashing his power in a futile attempt to vent his frustration. Trees were obliterated, yet his anger only deepened.
"Just wait until I catch you. When I do, you'll wish for death!"