That night, the stars glittered brightly.
In a secluded valley, Bai He sat cross-legged before a patch of richly fragrant flowers, engaged in focused cultivation.
The battle with Keao had been like a whip driving him onward, sending him into a frenzy of cultivation. He did not want to end up like Keao someday, forced to choose between humiliating survival at an enemy's hands and a glorious death. Even if such a choice had to be made, he wanted to be the one deciding someone else's life and death.
Not far away, Xiao Chen slowly stepped through the treetops as he approached.
Seeing Bai He, Xiao Chen could not help frowning.
"Bai He, take a rest. People are like bowstrings—if pulled too tight, they will snap. Cultivation needs both tension and relaxation."
Hearing Xiao Chen's words, Bai He opened his eyes and rose from the ground with a bitter smile.
"Master, I understand that, but the situation on Dragon Island is far too harsh. The stronger we are, the more initiative we have. Otherwise, there will always be people eyeing us!"
"There is nothing we can do about that. We came from the Human Realm, and we have no backing in the Realm of Longevity. Nor are we powerful enough to make them fear us."
"Now that Dragon Island has been sealed off, the fewer people remain, the longer the survivors can live. Naturally, they want to eliminate us first, especially with certain people with ulterior motives fanning the flames!"
Xiao Chen shook his head, looked up at the night sky, and spoke in a deep voice.
As though remembering something, Xiao Chen suddenly turned to Bai He.
"Oh, right! I met with Monk Yi Zhen tonight and formed an alliance with them. They also told me some news."
"There