Qian Fan and his companions raced like the wind from their encampment toward the center of the hall.
After circling around along the way,
they reached the center of the hall. The atmosphere was solemn, the surroundings utterly silent save for the faint wind echoing in their ears. Qian Fan and the others glanced at one another, exchanged looks, then silently entered the hall.
"Reporting to Holy Son Qian Fan: there are nearly two hundred people in the hall, all unaffiliated independents. Some belong to newly formed small teams. Their average strength is low. We can strike at any time."
Qian Fan nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the Seven Star Domain team.
He drew a deep breath and said quietly, "Everyone, I gathered you here because very few of us came to undertake this trial in the Eternal Secret Realm. It will be difficult to obtain anything of great value during this trial."
"But I have a plan that can maximize our gains."
Qian Fan's voice echoed through the quiet hall, drawing the attention of everyone on the Seven Star Domain team.
"There are many powerful monsters and precious resources in the Eternal Secret Realm. If we can make use of the independent teams and explore the realm together, we may reap greater rewards."
A stir ran through the Seven Star Domain team. Some voiced doubts, believing it was too risky.
Seeing this, Qian Fan continued, "Of course, this plan requires everyone's effort and cooperation. We can first draw up a detailed strategy and define our respective roles, then gradually venture deeper into the Secret Realm."
At that moment, Qian Fan also received the Seven Star Domain team's roster, sent by Xu Fangyuan through the mental link interface.
After studying the roster in thought for a moment, Qian Fan raised his head and said, "I have already drafted a preliminary plan.
Wang Feifan, where are you?!"
"Your servant is here!"
A young man who looked about twenty stepped forward.
"You will lead ten people to scout the surrounding area and ensure our movements go unnoticed by other factions." Qian Fan looked at Wang Feifan with a resolute gaze.
"As you command!" Wang Feifan accepted his orders and left.
Next, Qian Fan looked at the others. "The rest of you will split into five groups and explore different areas of the hall. If you encounter danger, signal immediately. All groups will support one another."
Everyone nodded to show they understood.
"Move out!" At Qian Fan's command, their figures flashed into motion as they headed deeper into the Eternal Secret Realm.
Meanwhile,
"Help!"
Aside from Xu Yuan'er, almost everyone who had remained at the encampment was wounded. Now, ambushed by a team from the White Tiger clan, they suffered devastating casualties.
Xu Yuan'er watched helplessly as the wounded under her command died, unable to free herself to rescue them.
"You're finished!"
Xu Yuan'er summoned her black and white twin star Martial Souls.
Six Soul Rings flashed.
Her level 69 Soul Power bore down on everyone from the White Tiger clan present.
Within the mysterious secret realm, Xu Yuan'er faced the White Tiger clan members alone. Her Soul Power had reached an astonishing level 69, and the black and white twin star Martial Souls she wielded radiated a powerful aura.
Xu Yuan'er's figure flashed as she charged at the White Tiger clan like a phantom. The twin star Martial Souls in her hands constantly released black and white light, intertwining into a dazzling curtain of radiance.
Seeing this, the White Tiger clan members unleashed their ultimate techniques, trying to withstand Xu Yuan'er's attack. Yet the power of her black and white twin star Martial Souls was simply overwhelming. Wherever the light swept, their defenses shattered.
As time passed, the White Tiger clan members were gradually forced onto the defensive. They realized Xu Yuan'er's strength far exceeded their expectations. Under her crushing pressure, fear and despair began to grip them.
In the end, Xu Yuan'er paid the terrible price of grievous injuries to successfully slay every member of the White Tiger clan squad.
"If you want to touch anyone from my Seven Star Domain, you'll have to step over my corpse first!" Xu Yuan'er's voice was cold and resolute, every word echoing through the air like a thunderclap.
Blood seeped from the corner of her mouth and trickled down, a stark contrast to her paper-white face.
As she coughed up mouthful after mouthful of blood, Xu Yuan'er's body swayed on the verge of collapse. Still, she gritted her teeth and refused to fall. The Martial Souls in her hands glimmered coldly, and her once-fair cheeks were now as white as paper.
Xu Yuan'er's Soul Power was utterly exhausted. Her awareness gradually blurred, her body grew unbearably heavy, and finally she slipped into unconsciousness.
With nothing left to hold her upright, her body fell helplessly toward the ground.
Yet just as she was about to hit the ground, the expected impact and pain never came.
Instead, an anxious voice rang in her ears. "Yuan'er, wake up! How are you feeling? Don't scare me, Yuan'er..."
Qian Fan held Xu Yuan'er tightly in his arms, his eyes full of worry and concern. Without hesitation, he poured his Soul Power into her in an unbroken stream, hoping to rouse her from unconsciousness.
As his Soul Power flowed into her, Xu Yuan'er's body trembled faintly, seemingly showing a trace of response.
Hope surged in Qian Fan's heart. He poured in his Soul Power with even greater effort, trying to awaken Xu Yuan'er as quickly as possible.
Time ticked by, second after second. Sweat beaded on Qian Fan's forehead, but his gaze never once left Xu Yuan'er's face. He prayed silently, hoping his efforts would work,
until Xu Yuan'er's vital signs finally stabilized completely.
Qian Fan slowly laid Xu Yuan'er on the ground.
He looked toward the Seven Star Domain team members who had rushed over to help.
"Find out which fucking faction carried out this ambush. I want results in five minutes. If you can't find them, you can all go die..."
With that, Qian Fan's terrifying level 80 Soul Power raged outward.
Everyone from the Seven Star Domain was frightened out of their wits.
"We will uncover the mastermind who harmed the Holy Maiden without fail."
Qian Fan lifted Xu Yuan'er into his arms and turned toward the hall's exit, his steps firm and steady.
"My lord, what should we do next?" a member of the Seven Star Domain team asked cautiously.
"Return to the encampment first and take good care of the wounded." Qian Fan's voice was as calm as still water, yet the authority it carried permitted no defiance.
Everyone from the Seven Star Domain hurried after him, inwardly breathing a sigh of relief.
Back at the encampment, Qian Fan gently laid Xu Yuan'er on a bed, then stayed beside her, gazing at her in silence.
Just then, a member of the Seven Star Domain team entered and handed him a slip of paper.
"My lord, we've found out. It was the White Tiger clan."
A flash of anger crossed Qian Fan's eyes. "The White Tiger clan... very good. They dared to touch one of mine. They're dead."
"Take good care of Yuan'er. If she suffers even the slightest harm before I return, you..."
Everyone jumped in fright.
"Yes, Your Highness the Holy Son!"
At that moment, Wang Feifan spoke quietly.
"Then, Your Highness the Holy Son, you..."
Qian Fan gave a soft chuckle.
"I'm going to slaughter the White Tiger clan..."
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