The Dragon Maiden straightened her dress and stepped forward.
She bowed gracefully, her voice filled with respect and gratitude.
"Thank you for saving us, Senior. Had you not protected us, we would likely all have perished in the Fierce Nest's blood sacrifice today."
Chang Gongyan also stepped forward and offered a deep, solemn bow.
Before a powerhouse beyond their comprehension, all their pride as ancient freaks had vanished without a trace.
Ye Xuan turned around and gave them a calm glance.
"It was no trouble. Our meeting was a matter of fate. Since the danger has passed, let's find somewhere to rest."
Everyone agreed in unison.
Under Ye Xuan's lead, they left that blood-reeking slaughterground and found a safe valley several thousand miles away, rich in spiritual energy and tranquil in its surroundings.
Clear spring water flowed through the valley, and old trees spread their tangled roots.
Everyone sat cross-legged in a circle beside a flat boulder.
After a battle of life and death, all of them had undergone a change in their state of mind.
As they chatted, the conversation naturally turned to the Exiled Immortal who had fled earlier.
"That flute player was truly terrifying." Chang Gongyan sighed softly, a trace of gravity flashing through his eyes. "Not only did he lie low for several eras, but more importantly, a faint layer of mist already surrounded his body. If I wasn't mistaken, that was immortal qi."
At the words "immortal qi," Shi Yi and Qin Hao both grew solemn.
The Dragon Maiden nodded slightly as well, a hint of yearning in her aqua-blue eyes.
"Brother Chang Gong is right. He has indeed taken that step. Only by surpassing our predecessors, taking that unprecedented final step, and cultivating immortal qi within our bodies can we become the ultimate rulers