On an island once ravaged by demons in the western reaches of the North Sea, several figures emerged.
They moved cautiously through the ruins of the market ward, their movements light and silent, causing no disturbance.
These were stewards from forces under the branch headquarters, all affiliated with the merchant association. Northsky Island had dispatched several Foundation Establishment cultivators, each leading a party to investigate and survey the areas worst affected by the Demon Calamity.
Whether sending people deep into danger to gather intelligence or using divine abilities for divination and deduction, preliminary preparations were indispensable. These people were providing the groundwork for the measures that would follow.
Although the situation had not yet become an immediate threat, the spreading demons made organizing a response a matter that could brook no delay.
Li Ling had no time to watch the branch headquarters personnel on Northsky Island bicker. He had struck with thunderous force and killed She Xingde, then urged everyone to devise a plan and cooperate with him as soon as possible. That was what had brought about this operation.
Yet Northsky Island's response remained very limited. These cultivators were each responsible for themselves, and they could hardly be expected to march out fearlessly and sacrifice themselves for the entire North Sea. Conducting investigations along the fringes of dangerous areas already counted as doing their utmost.
To mobilize as much manpower and material support as possible, Northsky Island had no choice but to offer incentives, hiring rogue cultivators and recruiting people for these tasks.
Fortunately, the rough-and-tumble world had never lacked people who valued money above their lives. As the saying went, generous rewards always brought forth brave men. They could still recruit capable people willing to venture deep into the disaster zones.
Among the cultivators who had arrived here