Outside Auspicious Light City, the long-bearded Daoist and the ancient-robed cultivator stood atop an abandoned watchtower, gazing at an earthen mound beyond the city.
The long-bearded Daoist said, "There has been no movement so far. Can that pawn of yours still succeed?"
The ancient-robed cultivator said, "Since he was moved outside the city, his aura has been growing stronger and changing every day. By my observations and calculations, there should be a result tonight."
After a pause, he added, "Even if he fails, it will merely mean one more mindless chaos monster. Given the Protectorate Office's present situation, that man will still have to show himself to deal with it."
The long-bearded Daoist said, "Then I shall wait and see."
After the two waited until the latter half of the night, a mass of black mist suddenly rose from that earthen mound, and a chaotic, obscure aura spread outward. Yet it swiftly drew back in again.
The long-bearded Daoist said, "He subdued it so quickly. He is far stronger than that Ji Shouzhen."
The ancient-robed cultivator said, "After all, we provided the method. If he cannot even suppress his own power, there is no point expecting him to deal with that man."
At that moment, a disciple approached and transmitted a few words to the long-bearded Daoist. The latter's expression shifted slightly. He waved the disciple away, then said, "That man has left Auspicious Light City and headed north."
The ancient-robed cultivator frowned. "Did the Revival God Association make their move ahead of time?"
"No. We have not yet passed them the message, and according to our agreement, they would not act prematurely. That man must have gone out on his own."
The ancient-robed cultivator considered this and said, "Though sudden, this is for the best. It saves us the