The deserted island's Teleportation Array linking the Chaotic Star Sea to Heavenly South slowly ceased operating amid a deep, violent hum of Spiritual Power. As its radiant glow faded, Han Li stepped out alone, his black, star-patterned palace robes seemingly still steeped in the uniquely chilling aura of emptiness within a Space Rift.
Behind him stood over three thousand cultivators, their ranks orderly but their expressions varied-the elites of the Chaotic Star Sea's Three Halls whom he had "borrowed" through thunderous force, along with several grim-faced Nascent Soul elders who had no choice but to comply. Without Mo Ling accompanying him or Heaven Division guards at his side, Han Li had relied on himself and his sword alone to forcibly "herd" this motley force back to Heavenly South's border through the peril-ridden rift region of the Star Sea.
Star-Magnetic Peak, the Heavenly South Star Palace's Headquarters Altar.
When Han Li appeared before the mountain gates with this unusual "expeditionary vanguard," Nangong Wan, Lu Yun, Zhou Tong, Shi Mang, and the other core members who had long been waiting, together with hundreds of Heaven Division elites, erupted in earthshaking cheers. Their cheers expressed both admiration for Han Li's solitary round trip to the Chaotic Star Sea and his richly laden return, and astonishment at this sudden reinforcement of fierce warriors.
The three thousand Chaotic Star Sea elites were all well equipped and exuded a menacing aura. Though they had been "dragged along," not one dared meet Han Li's icy, indifferent gaze as it swept over them. Even the formerly unruly Three Halls Masters behind them instinctively lowered their heads.
"Welcome back, Palace Master, triumphant!"
Waves of voices rolled outward, churning even the clouds around Star-Magnetic Peak. Han Li nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping across the familiar, vibrant scene before him, his