Return II

Green Ravine Sect, Myriad Peaks Mountain.

Lu Sheng and Xu Haobai stood side by side before a rotating star map over ten meters tall.

The star map was a perfect circle, glowing faint silver-blue throughout. Countless stars flickered within it, encompassing all the major regions of this entire starfield.

In the upper-right section of the map, a small pale-red area was marked with the red triangular symbol of the Mother of Pain.

"Daoist, your earlier strike was truly a sight to behold. In one stroke, you secured the vast territory of five planets for our sect. Decisive as thunder and fierce as lightning—your methods are truly extraordinary," Xu Haobai praised with a smile.

"Not at all. It was merely unexpected; it will not work so well next time." Lu Sheng smiled. "They simply did not anticipate the Heavenly Devil's ability to conceal its aura, allowing me to slip through their defenses and reach their rear. That was why I succeeded in one fell swoop.

"The other sect leaders had all remained within their sight. They never imagined I would be so bold as to charge straight behind enemy lines."

"Even so, merit is merit. Why be modest, fellow cultivator Instant Shadow? The Merit Department has already recorded such a great contribution." Xu Haobai smiled. "To return to the matter at hand, this is our sect's core headquarters, known externally as Myriad Peaks Mountain. I imagine this is your first visit, fellow cultivator. After meeting the Sect Master, you may take a proper look around."

"I am indeed eager to see it." Lu Sheng nodded with a smile.

"Follow me, fellow cultivator." As Xu Haobai spoke, white clouds spread beneath his feet. He rose into the air and flew toward the vast snow-white Dao Palaces within Myriad Peaks Mountain.

Yellow earth