In the Nether Mountain region, several streaks of escaping light sped discreetly between the peaks, swiftly penetrating this neutral zone within the Netherworld Pure Land.
Suddenly, Long Leshui, who was leading them, stopped and raised a hand, signaling the accompanying disciples to remain where they were and stand guard.
At this, their expressions grew grave, as though confronting a formidable enemy.
A figure stood on a rocky cliff not far ahead.
His back was turned to them, his hands clasped behind him. His confident bearing fully displayed the imposing presence of a regional powerhouse.
Long Leshui studied him with a frown. He sensed an aura at Core Formation Peak, its strength far beyond his expectations.
But when the figure turned around, revealing the face of a middle-aged man, Long Leshui recognized him and relaxed a little.
The unfamiliar powerhouse blocking their path was none other than the man they had come to meet: You Mountain King Zhao Ziren.
"I am Long Leshui. Greetings, Senior Zhao."
After a moment's consideration, Long Leshui stepped out from among the others under Zhao Ziren's appraising gaze and offered a respectful greeting.
By now, three months had passed since they arrived in the Netherworld Pure Land.
During those three months and more, Long Leshui had settled the Incense Accumulation Sect disciples and subordinate followers he had brought, then participated in deploying incense arrays to transform the surrounding environment, drawing up plans for distributing supplies, assigning personnel, and numerous other matters.
Naturally, he had also established contact with Zhao Ziren, far away in Nether Mountain.
Zhao Ziren already knew they were coming, and that they carried the cultivation resources Li Ling intended for him. These were rare goods that only a truly great sect could collect, things ordinary rogue cultivators scarcely had any chance of obtaining.