Chapter Forty-Four: The Emperor Yuan’s Pact

The cave where Yunmeng was hidden was not far from Huafeng, so it didn’t take long for the two to arrive outside its entrance. However, the scene before them left them utterly shocked: the guards at the door had collapsed, unconscious on the ground. Despite their proximity, neither had sensed the sound of any struggle, which clearly indicated the intruder’s strength far surpassed their own.

The thought that Yunmeng was still inside filled Huafeng with anxiety; he hurried into the cave. After advancing a dozen yards, he rounded a corner and saw Yunmeng. But at that moment, a finely dressed young man was transferring energy to Yunmeng, apparently treating her wounds.

“Who are you? Let Yunmeng go!” Huafeng shouted as he stepped forward.

The stranger didn’t respond. Shenqiu quickly advanced, deploying his Starstep technique, unleashing a full-powered attack with his Water-Piercing Palm, and Huafeng joined in, utilizing the Earth Domain Formation, a secret skill of their family. The combined force of a Level 40 Yuan King at his peak and a Level 50 Yuan Emperor at mid-stage was enough to shatter mountains; the air compressed to the point of explosive thunder.

Their strike was swift as lightning, intended to force the young man back. Yet he barely moved. With a casual wave of his hand, a curtain of light appeared, absorbing both Shenqiu’s Water-Piercing Palm and Huafeng’s Taiji Fist— their attacks vanished without a trace, as if sinking into the depths of the sea.

Huafeng was startled. Although it was his first time collaborating with Shenqiu using the Earth Domain Formation, perhaps there was a lack of coordination, but the formation’s power was real. For their assault to be so easily neutralized was astonishing; if the stranger were an enemy, they would stand no chance at all. At this moment, the young man, who had not spoken until now, dissolved their combined strike with a single palm and spoke:

“Settle down, both of you! If Yunmeng isn’t treated soon, her lifespan will be greatly diminished! I am Changhao, the third son of Xuebo, who serves beside the Snow Lord of the Northern Realm. Save your questions for later!”

Huafeng observed Changhao, gauging his strength to be at the peak of Yuan Emperor. For now, he showed no hostility toward Yunmeng or themselves. Huafeng recalled that this must be the descendant of Xuebo his master had mentioned, though he wondered why Changhao hadn’t appeared when Xiaomeng was injured. For now, nothing else mattered; all he could do was wait quietly for Xiaomeng to awaken.

Moments later, Changhao withdrew his energy, dismissed the light curtain, and turned to face Huafeng and Shenqiu. “How could you be so careless? I was gone for just a few days, and you allowed Miss Yunmeng to suffer such grave wounds! If not for the Snow Lord’s power residing within her, defending her on its own, she might have needed to reincarnate to return! The Eighteen Demon Generals of Chiyou are formidable. Though they have not yet fully regained their strength, each was once at the Yuan Emperor level.”

Huafeng was at a loss for words. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke, “Senior, is Xiaomeng all right now? This was indeed my negligence, allowing the Wind Demon and others to seize the opportunity. I promise it won’t happen again.”

“Enough, don’t blame yourself. Ten of the Eighteen Demon Generals arrived, and even with Yuan Emperors like Yinglong and Dan Qiu Sheng, it was difficult to cope. You’re about to land in Australia, so hurry and focus on your tasks! The Snow Lord has commanded that I take Miss Yunmeng back to the Northern Realm for recovery and cultivation. Thank you for taking care of her during this time.”

“What? You’re taking Xiaomeng away?”

“Indeed! This place is fraught with danger, and Miss Yunmeng’s safety cannot be compromised any further. The Snow Lord made it clear: unless you, Huafeng, have the strength to protect her, do not presume to be her guardian. If you wish to seek her in the Northern Realm, you must first attain the Yuan Emperor level! Farewell—may fate reunite us!”

Before Huafeng could respond, Changhao took Yunmeng, and in a flash of light, they vanished from sight.

“The Grand Cosmos Escape!” Shenqiu recognized the legendary technique.

“What is that?” Huafeng struggled to accept that Yunmeng had been taken, and that they could not meet again until he reached the Yuan Emperor stage! But in this world, strength was supreme, and he was utterly powerless.

“It’s a secret Daoist art, said to transport someone thousands of miles in an instant, provided a formation is established at the destination beforehand. I’ve only seen it mentioned in the family archives. To think someone has mastered it! Judging by his demeanor, he must truly be from the Snow Lord’s domain.”

“I don’t care what Daoist technique it is. I feel so weak now. At least Xiaomeng is safe—so long as she’s well, I have no other demands. Right now, I must grow stronger and reach the Yuan Emperor realm as soon as possible!” Huafeng struck a stone with a furious fist, blood seeping between his fingers. The sense of loss surpassed even the nightmares that haunted him; when he was ambushed on the polar ice fields, he had fought bravely, never feeling so powerless.

Shenqiu said nothing more. He knew Huafeng needed the pain to vent his frustration and simply stood silently by his side. Soon, voices sounded from outside: “The Alliance Leader, the Celestial Master, Senior Yinglong—they’ve returned!”

At this, Huafeng said, “Let’s go, Hall Master Shen. Let’s see what’s happening outside.” He gathered his tumultuous thoughts.

“Yes, chief,” Shenqiu replied, glad to see Huafeng had rallied himself so quickly. They hurried out, reviving the two unconscious high-level Yuan King guards at the entrance, and headed toward the voices.

“Everyone, calm down and let me explain,” Dan Qiu Sheng called for quiet. “We’ve roughly located the alien base, but only a dozen cultivators survived. Most who were abducted have perished. Now, we must rescue whoever we can. Follow me—ten to a group, act as the situation demands. Each group brings out two survivors. Celestial Master Zhang, Senior Yinglong, and I will hold off the pursuers. Don’t wait for us; head straight to the submarine and return home!”

“Yes! We await your command, Alliance Leader!” the crowd responded.

“Good. There’s no time to waste—let’s depart at once!” Dan Qiu Sheng ordered.

“Alliance Leader, let’s go together. Yunmeng was just taken away by the Snow Lord’s people; there’s no reason for anyone to remain here. Aside from the captain and crew, let’s all land in Australia together,” Huafeng stepped forward.

“Very well, Huafeng. Don’t worry—since Yunmeng was taken by her own kin, she should be safe. Let’s take care of our mission first; romance can wait!” Yinglong said.

Huafeng nodded in thanks.

“Move out!” Dan Qiu Sheng barked.

Under the moonlight, the sea mirrored its silvery glow, shimmering beautifully. More than fifty figures moved across the water, their auras suppressed—some rode swords, others rode the wind—racing toward Australia with astonishing speed. The coastline, gray and indistinct in the night, loomed ever closer.