Having realized there was nothing they could do about Chi Xue and the others, Ling Tian led everyone back to Lingxiao Pavilion's base. Along the way, though, they spread more rumors to keep misleading the major powers of the God Realm, making them believe they were just as eager to snatch the Phoenix Soul Fruit from Chi Xue's group. That would dispel suspicion that they were colluding with them over the fruit, and ease some of the pressure on them.
On the way back to Lingxiao Pavilion, Ling Tian and the others also learned that Chi Xue's group had returned to their base. Quite a few people from the major powers of the God Realm had gathered there, but none had made a move. They did not know whether the newcomers were waiting until their numbers grew, or waiting for a "daredevil" to make the first move.
Meanwhile, Gu Ao and Fairy Sword Ji received several reports in succession. At first, they paid them no mind, but as more and more news came in, they sensed that something was amiss. After receiving another batch of reports that day, Gu Ao's expression turned slightly grave. He looked at Ling Tian. "Brother Ling, something's not right. The cultivators from the Mo Family and the other abandoned factions have suddenly stopped pursuing Chi Xue's group. Our people say they're setting up bases in the Beast Soul Realm."
As he spoke, Gu Ao relayed the various reports they had received recently. "Taken together, these reports make me think something's wrong. Maybe Chi Xue's group has already convinced the other factions in their sects to join them."
At that, Ling Tian's expression turned slightly grave, but he did not answer at once. Instead, he fell into thought.
"I don't see what's so strange about that,"