The Arrival

The pitch-black firmament was dotted with countless blood-red stars.

Xu Yuan had noticed that ever since a moment ago, these insect beasts had been staring at him. Their blood-red compound eyes filled the sky, brimming with crazed greed.

Even with the black mist of his Will Soul and the Soul-Warding Robe concealing his aura, the insects' gazes still clung to him like shadows.

That was unreasonable.

Other than the City Protection Array running at full capacity, not even a Saint could detect him, let alone these lowly insects.

And now that Li Junwu had reclaimed all authority over the city's defenses, the defensive formations could be ruled out. There seemed to be only one reason why they could track him.

Stopping within a quiet, narrow alley, Xu Yuan lifted his eyes toward the insect swarm blanketing the heavens.

It seemed that the little imp that had devoured the Thousand-Thorn Ghost Willow could also sense his location in reverse—and far more clearly than he could sense it.

The thought flashed through his mind. Xu Yuan tugged at the Soul-Warding Robe on his body and clicked his tongue.

"Tch. Had I known, I might as well have left this Soul-Warding Robe with Li Junwu."

"If you want, I can help you send it back now."

Tianye's teasing voice sounded from somewhere within his heart. Without a second thought, Xu Yuan took off the Soul-Warding Robe and held it out toward an empty patch beside him.

"Then I'll trouble you."

"..."

Tianye manifested herself, her golden eyes gleaming with an odd light in the pitch-black alley.

"You're serious? The Saint on the other side could breach the city at any moment. And once the canopy breaks, with a Saint's speed, they could reach you in an instant."

Xu Yuan smiled indifferently.

"For now,