At the southwestern edge of the Shattered Star Sea, deep within a vast, magnificent Coral Forest, brilliantly colored coral branches intertwined into a labyrinthine underwater world. Their gentle glow dispelled the darkness of the deep sea. Han Li concealed himself in the shadow of an enormous purple staghorn coral, his aura blending seamlessly with his surroundings as his Profound Yin Spirit Eye warily scanned the area. His face remained pale and his aura unsteady, but after several days of cautious travel and regulated breathing, he had barely managed to suppress his injuries.
The Mother-and-Child Voice-Transmission Conch in his robes vibrated faintly, carrying Yuan Yao's clear directions. Following its guidance, he slipped soundlessly through the coral maze like a fish, eventually reaching a secluded trench encircled by dense, rainbow-colored coral. Fine sand carpeted its floor, and at its center stood an enormous, lustrous white giant clam shell shaped like a reclining ox.
The shell opened a narrow crack, and Yuan Yao's figure quietly emerged. She still wore a pale purple dress, her beauty beyond compare, but a trace of weariness and gravity lingered between her brows, impossible to conceal. At the sight of Han Li's bedraggled state, a complicated look flickered through her beautiful eyes. She waved a hand and cast a soundproof barrier.
"Fellow Daoist Li, you..." Yuan Yao's voice held a barely perceptible rasp. "How are your injuries?"
Han Li sat cross-legged beside the giant clam, swallowed a medicinal pill, and slowly regulated his breathing. His voice was calm, but tinged with weakness. "Nothing life-threatening for now. Thank you for your concern, Miss Yuan. Why did you summon me so urgently?"
Yuan Yao sighed softly, her expression solemn. "Lei Wanhe isn't dead."
Han Li's gaze sharpened, but he was not surprised. How could an old Nascent Soul monster fall