Wisps of black mist spread through the Cold Wind Secret Realm, swiftly filling the entire space.
These black strands of mist were like Kun Yuan's eyes. Though he had not appeared, he had already investigated the situation outside with crystal clarity.
"Oh? A new fellow cultivator has arrived?"
"Judging by the aura, he seems to be newly advanced to the Spirit Transformation stage. He should be the fellow cultivator who underwent the heavenly tribulation earlier, right?"
As the voice rang out, a figure gradually emerged from the black mist. Kun Yuan had appeared, staring at Li Qing with hostile eyes.
Li Qing calmly cupped his hands toward him and said, "I am Li Qing. Greetings, Fellow Daoist Kun Yuan."
Mist churned around Kun Yuan's body as he said coldly, "You came here—was it to ascend with us?"
"Unfortunately, the Ascension Platform can accommodate no more than five people. We have already gathered five Spirit Transformation fellow cultivators."
"Old Lord Caixia, you released me from my self-sealing early. Was it because you intended for this person to take my place?"
As he spoke, Kun Yuan's aura steadily rose, and the pressure of the Spirit Transformation stage spread outward.
Clearly, he had misunderstood Li Qing's purpose. He thought Li Qing had come to replace him and ascend alongside the other four.
After all, he did not have much lifespan remaining, and he had already completed his forty-year scouting task. Now, his usefulness truly was not all that great.
It was not difficult to understand why Old Lord Caixia might abandon him and choose a Spirit Transformation cultivator with abundant lifespan who was in the prime of life to replace him.
Hearing this, Li Qing was slightly startled. He had not expected the other man's hostility to stem from this.
Old Lord Caixia