The clear breeze swept the empty sky; the moon unfurled ripples.
Gu Huaifeng probably had not expected Long Bahe to return after leaving, hiding in the shadows to eavesdrop on their conversation. Every message the four exchanged through spiritual fluctuations became known to him.
"This man was actually able to conceal his true cultivation before me and disguise himself as a Manifestation expert... It seems Gu Huaifeng hid quite a lot during that previous final."
He analyzed the matter calmly. "The people traveling with Gu Huaifeng are not simple either. None of them are weak. If I remember correctly, those three should all be seeded contestants."
Seeded contestants were all supreme experts marked by Tianqi Holy City, young powerhouses of the new generation. They generally could not be older than sixty, and being around forty was best. Moreover, at this level, only members of the sects most loyal to Tianqi Holy City could be chosen as seeded contestants.
When Long Bahe had first approached Gu Huaifeng, he had held some vigilance in reserve and had not revealed his full hand.
When he heard that Gu Huaifeng wished to cooperate with him and seemingly seek his protection, he refused outright without the slightest hesitation, then turned and left without looking back.
In truth, Long Bahe had vaguely sensed the first stirrings of danger at that time. Realizing something was wrong, he pretended to leave, only to slip aside and secretly observe Gu Huaifeng instead.
Just as he had anticipated, after he left, three Manifestation experts appeared beside Gu Huaifeng.
Moreover, Gu Huaifeng of the Heaven Veil Sect had also concealed his true combat strength. He too was a Manifestation expert. If four Manifestation experts joined forces, even Long Bahe would be in for a hard time and suffer some losses.
"Three