Nangong Wan Appears

*****

In the central area, near the entrance of the stone hall, fate worked in mysterious ways.

Qi Yuan hurried toward his destination, only to run into an ordinary person at an ordinary corner—Han Li.

Despite having altered part of the original plot, Han Li still thrived in the Blood Forbidden Land with his cautious nature and formidable magical weapons. It was no surprise—after all, he was the protagonist of the original story.

Qi Yuan greeted him warmly. "Junior Brother Han, what a coincidence. I didn't expect to meet you here."

Han Li forced a bitter smile, feeling as though he had just encountered an ominous presence. Given Qi Yuan's strength, his impressive magical weapons, and the support of his Jindan-stage master, Hong Fu, Han Li preferred to keep his distance.

Unaware of Han Li's true thoughts, Qi Yuan noticed his hesitation but still extended an invitation. "I suspect there are rare treasures inside this stone hall. Why don't we enter together? We can split the spoils fairly. With our reputations, fairness is guaranteed."

The stone hall stood at the heart of the forbidden area, making it a place of interest for Han Li. However, just as he was about to explore it, he ran into Qi Yuan. The invitation was tempting—having Qi Yuan as an ally would certainly provide additional security.

But if Qi Yuan were to discover the mysterious bottle in Han Li's possession, it could lead to unnecessary trouble.

After a brief moment of consideration, Han Li shook his head. "I appreciate your kindness, Senior Brother Qi, but I have no intention of entering. I'll take my leave now."

Qi Yuan sighed in mild disappointment. "Alright, take care, Junior Brother Han."

Han Li nodded, then disappeared into the dense jungle with a few swift movements.

Qi Yuan discreetly monitored Han Li's departure with his spiritual sense. Only when he confirmed that Han Li had moved far away did he breathe a sigh of relief. If Han Li had agreed to enter the stone hall together, it would have been disastrous—after all, the "group annihilation engine" was no joke.

Shortly after Han Li left, Qi Yuan sensed a powerful group approaching the stone hall. Their speed was impressive, and it was only a matter of time before they arrived.

It had to be Nangong Wan of the Yanyue Sect.

Without hesitation, Qi Yuan's figure flickered and disappeared into the depths of the stone hall.

Moments later, a group of young men and women arrived at the entrance. They were all strikingly attractive, standing in two orderly rows. The girl leading them commanded the utmost respect.

She appeared to be around fifteen or sixteen years old, with a delicate yet cold demeanor. Her straight, slender legs and tall figure made her stand out, but what was most remarkable was her calm and composed temperament—far beyond her years.

Nangong Wan's brows furrowed slightly. Just now, she had sensed someone near the entrance, yet in the blink of an eye, they had vanished.

A female disciple stepped forward and whispered, "Grandmaster, could there be a problem here? Should we eliminate nearby cultivators to ensure our mission's success?"

Nangong Wan raised a pale hand, signaling the disciple to stop. Closing her eyes, she spread out her vast spiritual sense.

As she attempted to probe the stone hall, an unknown force repelled her. A glimmer of excitement flickered across her face.

"All disciples, prepare your magical instruments. We're going in."

At her command, the Yanyue Sect disciples swiftly retrieved their magic weapons, bracing themselves for battle.

Satisfied with their readiness, Nangong Wan nodded. The disciples behind her were the future of the sect—losing too many of them was not an option.

Meanwhile, Qi Yuan ventured deeper into the cave, passing through a winding corridor before arriving at an empty hall. There was nowhere to hide, but he knew a hidden tunnel led to the true treasure.

After scanning his surroundings, he spotted a dark cave entrance beneath a white jade railing. Without hesitation, he entered.

Not long after, Nangong Wan and her group reached the same hall and quickly discovered the tunnel.

"Is this where the black dragon resides?"

Qi Yuan extinguished the moonstone's glow and surveyed the area. Tall piles of dark soil surrounded him, and on one side, a trove of rare medicinal herbs flourished in a dazzling array of colors.

Yet, the most striking sight was a white jade pavilion at the center of the chamber. Suspended within it was a massive golden box, radiating a brilliant glow. Its mere presence was enough to confirm that it contained something extraordinary.

Qi Yuan's mind stirred, but before he could act, the sound of footsteps echoed from the tunnel. Without hesitation, he darted toward a secluded mound, activating the Shadowless Heart Technique to blend seamlessly with his surroundings.

Ten breaths later, a young girl emerged from the passage, followed closely by a group of disciples who moved into defensive positions.

Nangong Wan cast an indifferent glance at the medicinal herbs, showing no interest in them. However, the moment she saw the golden box inside the white jade pavilion, her breath quickened.

Nothing was more important than what lay inside that box.

With a graceful motion, she descended silently, approaching the pavilion. Her disciples followed closely behind.

Qi Yuan, still concealed, observed the group. His gaze fell on Nangong Wan, and he mused, "So that's Nangong Wan? Her demeanor and appearance are certainly exceptional, though she still seems a bit young—her presence isn't fully developed yet."

"Is the black-scaled python lurking here?" Nangong Wan's voice, though youthful, carried undeniable authority.

A female disciple stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Grandmaster, the beast hides in the swamp. It has already claimed many lives, and its reputation is fearsome. Please proceed with caution."

"It's just a first-level monster. Do you think I'd be afraid of it? Stick to the plan—use the Yin-Yang Traction Technique to lock it down." Nangong Wan's expression hardened, her tone decisive.

Her disciples straightened at her command, standing in formation as they extended their hands to each other. A red and blue glow enveloped their bodies, creating a mesmerizing interplay of colors.

With her followers prepared, Nangong Wan stepped forward. She exhaled lightly, releasing a deep crimson light. Above the swamp, a ring-shaped magic weapon emerged—the Vermillion Bird Ring. It pulsed with fiery energy, capable of incinerating anything in its path.

Under her command, flames gathered within the ring, growing ever more intense. The swamp water began to bubble under the overwhelming heat.

Before she could make another move, a sudden disturbance rippled through the swamp.

A colossal black-scaled python surged forth, its massive eyes gleaming with a sinister light. Its oppressive aura sent a chill through the air.

Nangong Wan's expression shifted as she recognized the danger.

"This isn't a first-level monster… it's a second-level Mo Jiao! Everyone, retreat immediately!"

Her warning came too late.

(End of chapter)