Ancient Qingcang

The moment she reached the reception hall, Shi Lan sensed Wu Lingkong's presence, along with a faint pulse of scorching energy that felt incredibly familiar.

Phoenix Blood!

The energy fluctuation was extremely faint. If Phoenix Blood had not already been present within Shi Lan, she would never have detected it.

After confirming the aura of Phoenix Blood, Shi Lan couldn't help feeling pleased. Since leaving Ancient Phoenix City, the Phoenix Blood she had brought with her had been completely depleted. If she could replenish it, her cultivation would once again progress at its peak speed. Reaching the Heavenly Dipper Realm would be just around the corner!

At the thought, Shi Lan could hardly wait to enter the reception hall.

As soon as she stepped inside, Shi Lan saw Wu Lingkong in the armor of the Demon-Suppressing Army, along with several old acquaintances she had expected to see.

"It's been a long time, Miss Shi. You look even more impressive than before."

An old man of about sixty, looking somewhat haggard, smiled faintly when he saw Shi Lan. He stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting. It was none other than Gu Rentong, the lord of Ancient Phoenix City. Standing not far beside him were Gu Deyuan and Gu Qingcang, father and son.

Shi Lan could tell at a glance that Gu Rentong's cultivation was nearly on par with hers: at the peak of the late Earth Fiend Realm, only half a step away from reaching its consummate stage.

Shi Lan vaguely remembered that when she had first met Gu Rentong in Ancient Phoenix City, he had looked barely past fifty, full of vigor and vitality. Now, however, he seemed much older. It was plain that he had expended a great deal of his lifespan.

She wasn't particularly surprised. Since