Return Journey

Returning to the low peak and meeting up with Gu Rentong, Shi Lan immediately set off back to Ancient Phoenix City.

Not long after Shi Lan and the others left, the Heavenly Thunder Hall released a statement. While this deterred many opportunistic individuals, the undercurrents beneath the surface remained turbulent, showing no signs of calming.

About half a day later, as the sun began to set, Shi Lan and Gu Rentong arrived at Ancient Phoenix City ahead of schedule.

Upon entering the city, Gu Rentong returned to the City Lord's mansion first, while Shi Lan went back to the inn.

Just as she reached the inn's entrance and before she could go inside, a thunderous boom echoed in Shi Lan's ears.

A large section of the inn's brick wall, along with the entire gate, was shattered by a blast of white spear energy, sending debris flying like rain.

The surrounding civilians immediately scattered like startled birds. Even martial artists at the Body Tempering realm dared not linger. In the blink of an eye, the once bustling street was deserted, with only a few scattered martial artists at the Innate realm daring to watch from a distance.

A few broken windows on the second floor of the inn hung precariously from the floorboards, their paper coverings fluttering in the wind, giving a desolate appearance.

A dark figure descended from the second floor, stopping less than ten feet away from Shi Lan.

Shi Lan looked up and saw Wu Lingkong, holding a long spear, her face etched with anger.

Frowning slightly, Shi Lan glanced at the dark figure.

It was a young man, appearing to be around twenty-three or twenty-four years old, dressed in black. His skin was extremely pale, as if he hadn't seen the sun in a long time. He