Lu Chen did not linger. His figure became a streak of light as he sped toward the foot of Dragon Head Peak.
The closer he came to the mountain's base, the harsher the environment became.
Violent dragon qi formed invisible gale-force winds that tore at everything.
The ground was riddled with cracks, from which scorching earthfire mixed with the stench of sulfur surged forth.
Overhead, dense azure clouds churned violently. Dark-red lightning flickered faintly within them, giving off an aura of destruction.
At the foot of the mountain, quite a few figures were already visible.
The Mystic Heaven Sword Sect, Cloudsky Immortal Island, and Barbarian King Sect were all present. Each occupied their own area, seemingly studying the routes up the mountain while remaining wary of one another.
There seemed to be fewer people than there had been at the Dragon Transformation Pool. They had presumably left some behind to guard it, or suffered losses.
Apart from them, seven or eight Rogue Cultivators or leaders of smaller factions with formidable auras stood scattered about, their gazes burning as they looked up the mountain.
Luo Jinghong, Yun Yichen, and Tuoba Shan were all there as well.
The wound at Luo Jinghong's ribs appeared to be no longer a concern, and his aura was deep and steady.
There was a tear in Yun Yichen's clothing at the shoulder, but he remained composed. The numbness in Tuoba Shan's thigh had clearly worn off; he still carried his iron staff and looked eager to give it a try.
Lu Chen's arrival immediately drew everyone's attention.
Gazes converged on him—some surprised, some appraising, some amused, and some openly hostile.
Luo Jinghong looked at Lu Chen with icy eyes, one hand settling on his sword hilt.
Fanning himself, Yun Yichen chuckled. "Duke Lu truly is skilled