The Elder Council, having received its orders, set out for the only route the Bright Moon Empire convoy had to take to the Radiant Sun Empire.
A gaunt Elder in black robes wore an impatient expression as he curled his lips and complained,
"The Sovereign is being far too cautious and making a mountain out of a molehill! He's just some teenager. With only a few imperial Soul Engineers and ordinary soldiers around him, the two of us could easily kill him. Why does it require all five Elders to mobilize? What a waste of manpower!"
"Do not question the Sovereign's orders!" The leading Level-9 Elder's gaze was dark and sharp as he rebuked him coldly.
"This boy's talent is far too strange and monstrous. He is definitely not as simple as he appears.
"To be safe, all of us will act together. We will set up the High-Level Soul-Expelling Array, trigger a beast tide in Netherworld Forest, and use the strength of countless beasts to crush everyone. We will complete the kill without anyone knowing and leave behind no hidden danger!"
The other four nodded in agreement and did not dare say another word.
The five did not delay any longer. Their figures flashed simultaneously, transforming into five black streaks that tore through the sky as they sped toward the Bright Moon convoy's route. They concealed themselves in Netherworld Forest fifty kilometers ahead of the convoy's inevitable path, laying a net from which there was no escape as they waited for it to enter the killing trap.
Meanwhile, the Bright Moon convoy, traveling across the thousand-mile journey, continued forward steadily. The road remained peaceful, with no sign of anything unusual.
The twenty contestants each remained in their own carriages, resting with their eyes closed, refining their Soul Tool crafting