Translator: CinderTL
"Ten years from now?" Song Wen murmured softly.
In ten years, his Asura Sect would likely have been annihilated by the combined forces of the Mixed Yuan Temple and the Profound Yin Sect.
"What? Have you changed your mind? Are you planning to go to the Ten Thousand Beasts Hall too?" Lan Chen asked.
Song Wen shook his head and briefly recounted to Lan Chen the Mixed Yuan Temple's secret manipulation of rogue cultivators to attack the Asura Sect's subordinate forces, as well as the close ties between the Mixed Yuan Temple and the Profound Yin Sect.
Lan Chen smiled faintly. "Yin Shuo, you're likely overthinking things."
Song Wen looked at Lan Chen with a puzzled expression, unsure what she meant.
Lan Chen said, "Mi Hai might genuinely want to deal with you. After all, the Mixed Yuan Temple has been trying to reclaim Yishi Ridge for a long time. Moreover, Mi Hai probably covets the Soul Destroying Demon Pill in your possession. However, the Profound Yin Sect likely doesn't have the energy to deal with you right now."
"Why is that?" Song Wen asked.
Lan Chen replied, "As far as I know, since the Ant Queen arrived at the Profound Yin Sect, she's been busy laying eggs, eager to rebuild the Gold-Eating Ant Clan. To provide enough blood offerings for the Gold-Eating Ant's offspring, the Profound Yin Sect has secretly abducted millions of Mortals and is scouring the Immortal Cultivation World for demon beast materials."
A hint of joy flashed across Song Wen's face. "Immortal Maiden, is this true?"
Lan Chen replied, "Do you think I would lie to you? While the Profound Yin Sect operates in relative secrecy, their actions are not hidden from the He Huan Sect's network of spies."
"Thank you for informing me, Immortal Maiden," Song Wen said, clasping his hands in gratitude.
If Lan Chen's words were true, Song Wen wouldn't need to worry about the Asura Sect being destroyed for the time being. Without the support of the Profound Yin Sect and the Ant Queen, the Mixed Yuan Temple posed no real threat to Song Wen or the Asura Sect.
Then, another concern surfaced in Song Wen's mind, and he asked, "Immortal Maiden, since you know the Profound Yin Sect is using humans to feed the Gold-Eating Ants, why haven't you exposed this to the entire Immortal Cultivation World? Why haven't you rallied the major sects to exterminate the Profound Yin Sect and the Ant Queen? Aren't you afraid that if the Gold-Eating Ant Clan multiplies out of control, it will threaten the very survival of the Human Race?"
Lan Chen replied, "If the He Huan Sect's spies discovered this, the other major sects must have learned about it as well. Do you know why they've all turned a blind eye?"
Song Wen shook his head, remaining silent.
Lan Chen said, "I know you probably think the major sects are just minding their own business, unwilling to stick their necks out. But that's not quite right. When it comes to dealing with the Demon Race, the major sects can still unite."
As she spoke, Lan Chen paused, a slight smirk playing on her lips. "Though the Demon Race is powerful, with many intelligent members possessing intellect comparable to humans, they lack the cunning of the human heart. Unless they have absolute, overwhelming strength, they will never be a match for humanity."
"What harm can a mere swarm of Gold-Eating Ants do?" she continued dismissively. "They might not even make it out of the Profound Yin Sect."
Song Wen looked at Lan Chen, puzzled. "Immortal Maiden, do you mean the Profound Yin Sect is using the Gold-Eating Ants? But Gui Ni is already controlled by the Ant Queen, and the Gold-Eating Ant Swarm has four Fourth-Tier Ant Kings. How could the Profound Yin Sect alone stand against the entire Gold-Eating Ant Clan?"
Lan Chen replied, "It's just a possibility. Who can truly predict the future? Time will reveal all the answers. For now, my only concern is the Ten Thousand Beasts Hall expedition in ten years."
Song Wen asked, "If the Immortal Maiden is so eager to explore the Ten Thousand Beasts Hall, why postpone it for a decade?"
Lan Chen said, "This matter was decided jointly by Mo Yexue, Yang Yu, and myself. They need time to take the Soul Destroying Demon Pill and break through to the peak of the Nascent Soul realm. Additionally, Mi Hai and Gou Jun will also participate. We all need time to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances."
Song Wen felt his trip had been worthwhile. Not only had he learned about Lan Chen's plans, but he also now knew the current situation of the Profound Yin Sect, so he didn't need to worry about the Mixed Yuan Temple joining forces with the Profound Yin Sect to attack the Asura Sect.
"Thank you for clarifying, Immortal Maiden. I have other matters to attend to..."
Song Wen was about to take his leave when Lan Chen interrupted him.
"What? You're leaving already?" Lan Chen said.
"Does the Immortal Maiden have something else to discuss?" Song Wen asked.
Lan Chen replied, "I've told you everything you wanted to know. Yet you're leaving without showing any appreciation? How can one be so cold and unfeeling?"
Song Wen's expression stiffened slightly. Lan Chen clearly had ulterior motives.
Lan Chen glanced down at the He Huan Heavenly Spring Courtyard in Bliss City below and murmured, "Follow me."
With that, she descended toward the courtyard.
Song Wen watched Lan Chen's figure, hesitating for a long moment before finally deciding to follow.
Three days later.
Song Wen set off for the Beastmaster Sect.
The He Huan Sect and the Beastmaster Sect were adjacent, so Song Wen planned to pass through the Flame Earth Cave on his way, hoping to obtain some Spirit-Devouring Grass.
Between the He Huan Sect and the Beastmaster Sect lay a notorious forbidden zone known as the Flame Earth Cave.
Spanning tens of thousands of miles, the Flame Earth Cave resembled a colossal basin.
Within the basin, countless stone mountains of varying sizes dotted the landscape.
Instead of clear streams, molten lava flowed through the valleys between the mountains.
As the lava surged, thick black smoke billowed into the sky, reaching the clouds above.
The dense smoke, obscuring the sun and sky, lingered year-round.
The entire Flame Earth Cave was shrouded in this thick, ominous haze, making it a place of unknown dangers.
Fire-attribute demonic beasts thrived within the mountains and lava.
Despite its treacherous environment, many cultivators still ventured into the Flame Earth Cave, drawn by its unique Spirit Herbs and demonic beasts.
However, most cultivators dared only operate on the outer fringes, fearing to venture into the heart of the Flame Earth Cave.
As Song Wen gazed at the black smoke rising from the horizon, a pungent, acrid odor assaulted his senses, making him want to vomit.
Song Wen subtly adjusted his course, intending to bypass the Flame Earth Cave.
Suddenly, a pillar of green light shot skyward from the edge of the Flame Earth Cave.
Amidst the billowing black smoke, the green light stood out prominently, clearly serving as a warning signal.
Song Wen followed the beam's trajectory with his gaze.
He saw a figure weaving through the dense smoke, fleeing toward the Flame Earth Cave's exit.
A sharp glint flashed in Song Wen's eyes. The figure was none other than an old acquaintance.
Rong Jingyun!
Her expression was frantic as she desperately channeled her escape technique, as if some danger were closing in behind her.
Song Wen's face lit up with joy. His original purpose for this journey had been to find Rong Jingyun.
This chance encounter saved him a great deal of effort.
He lowered his altitude and descended toward Rong Jingyun.
Rong Jingyun noticed Song Wen's approach. Seeing an unfamiliar face with no discernible aura, she quickly called out.
"Fellow Daoist, I am Rong Jingyun of the Beastmaster Sect. I am on urgent business and ask that you make way for me. Please do not obstruct my path."
Even as she spoke, Rong Jingyun's speed remained undiminished. She merely adjusted her course slightly, attempting to evade Song Wen.
(End of the Chapter)
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