Emperor Longqing floated amid the dense fog, the crackling of mist attacking the barrier ringing in his ears. He did not act rashly, merely watched cautiously as the ship within the thick fog drew closer and closer.
"Fellow Daoist!"
"We are cultivators of the Nine Heavens Sect!"
"Who are you? State your name!"
Streams of golden light shone over, tearing apart the curtain-like fog.
A Spirit Boat came to a stop, several Sword Cultivators standing aboard it.
"This old man is surnamed Xu, given name Liao."
Emperor Longqing said calmly, "I am a mortal rogue cultivator from Daqing. I heard that the immortal gates had recently opened wide, so I came seeking immortality and the Dao. Is there something you fellow Daoists need?"
"Xu Liao?"
The leading Sword Cultivator showed no courtesy, shouting sternly, "Ghost Seven, tear off your human-skin mask!"
Ghost Seven?
Emperor Longqing was initially confused, but swiftly understood.
Zhang Laizi must have recognized him and led the immortals here to surround and kill him!
No!
He had used a disguise spell. Even the Dragon Abyss Sword he had brought with him had been disguised on the surface.
How had that Scabby Head recognized him?
"Fellow Daoists."
Emperor Longqing explained, "I am not Ghost Seven. I truly am only someone seeking immortality."
"Enough nonsense!"
The Sword Cultivator wiped two fingers across his eyes. Purple light blossomed from his pupils, and he saw through the other man's disguise spell. "Sure enough, you changed your face and appearance. Take him back and hand him to the Law Enforcement Hall for a thorough interrogation."
This was Southern Xu territory.
If he truly fell into these people's hands—
Would he still have any chance of escape?
"Fellow Daoists, could you do me a favor?"
Emperor Longqing paused. "And leave yourselves a path