Tai Yi's expression tightened slightly as his gaze swept the surroundings, his guard still up. Di Jun, however, paid it no heed and strode forward with a hearty laugh. "An intrusion is fate." As soon as he finished speaking, he had already entered the formation. Tai Yi followed close behind, like his shadow. Seeing this, Jiu Ying chuckled softly, withdrew the formation, and quietly followed.
"Hahaha! Could it be that Sister Jiu Ying has returned?"
A booming laugh suddenly rang out from inside the cave. Immediately afterward, someone strode out.
The newcomer was broad-shouldered and powerfully built, with a fierce, intimidating face. He held a heavy mixed-metal staff covered in talismans from top to bottom, its murderous aura overwhelming. Draped in a beast-skin battle robe, he looked like a savage giant from the wilderness, his presence terrifying.
At a glance, he spotted Di Jun and Tai Yi. His pupils immediately contracted. The former walked with a dragon's might and tiger's vigor, imperial majesty faintly visible; the latter's gaze was sharp as a blade, radiating domineering force. Neither was an ordinary person.
"Who are you? Where is Sister Jiu Ying?" the burly man demanded harshly.
"Big Brother Ying Zhao, I'm right here!" Jiu Ying emerged from behind the two men, her voice crisp and clear.
When Ying Zhao turned and saw her, his ferocious face instantly broke into a smile. "Oh, you little girl! Where did you run off to? Did you get the spiritual treasure?"
Jiu Ying gave a playful smile, raised her hand, and flicked it. The Sun Moon Essence Wheel floated above her palm, its radiance flowing. "Here it is, isn't it?"
She then turned to Di Jun and Tai Yi. "Big Brother Ying Zhao, let me introduce two new fellow Daoists to you." She pointed at Di