A bamboo grove, a bamboo pavilion. Beneath the blazing sun, Xiao Hua sat cross-legged in the center of the pavilion. Confucian cultivator Xiao Hua and the other avatars were nowhere to be seen; only Sun Jian stood respectfully at his side. Across from the peak where the bamboo grove stood, another majestic mountain range sprawled across the earth like a gigantic dragon sleeping coiled upon the ground. Above the range, two thunder boats hovered with faint rumbling sounds. Vaguely visible atop them, sturdy Creation Sect disciples moved about—some setting defenses, some standing watch—orderly and yet suffused with a murderous chill.
Xiao Hua narrowed his eyes. Though he had not released his divine sense, everything had already entered his sight. He had returned to the Soaring Dragon Mountain Range three days ago. For the time being, all his avatars had returned to his body to rest. After all, Heavenly Demons were being refined within the space, and essence was continuously sent into his physical body every moment. No matter which avatar it was, remaining within his body allowed it to be nourished.
Over these three days, Sun Jian had also reported to Xiao Hua on the situation of the Creation Sect and everything at the Southwest frontier. Only then did Xiao Hua learn that, after he had led his three great avatars in pursuit of the Demon Emperor that day and crashed headlong into the illusion carefully laid by the Heavenly Demon, Confucian cultivator Xiao Hua, Soul Cultivator Xiao Hua, and Buddha Bodhi had lost contact with him. After searching fruitlessly, they discussed the matter and immediately caught up to the thunder boats, explaining everything to Sun Jian. Sun Jian was naturally struck with alarm and wanted to turn back to search for him. However, Confucian cultivator Xiao Hua and the