The middle-aged man, seemingly the leader of the newly arrived sect, was quick to reply. His voice dripped with righteous indignation as he defended his sect. "Outrageous! Our Hidden Evil School seldom mingles with the outside world. What could possibly compel us to stoop to such disgraceful conduct?" He seemed genuinely offended, and his outburst hung heavily in the air. In the face of his vehement denial, Han Cai couldn't help but silently scoff at his words. There was a biting irony to them, especially considering the name of the man's sect - "Hidden Evil". His denial, instead of quelling the tension, added a new layer of uncertainty to the unfolding situation.
In response to the middle-aged man's defense, the emerald-clad woman held her peace. Her gaze turned frosty, and she held her tongue, choosing not to counter his words directly. Her silence seemed to reverberate louder than any words she could have uttered. It hung heavy in the air, almost tangible in its intensity. The surrounding crowd, having overheard the heated exchange between the two sect leaders, seemed to piece together a few fragments of the puzzle. Their expressions morphed from confusion to startled realization, their minds racing to make sense of the revelations.
Breaking the suspenseful silence, a familiar voice emerged from within the group. It was Xiaolian, the Sect Master of the Eternal Grace Sect. Her expression was grim, her tone solemn, as she uttered an unsettling revelation, "It appears we have been ensnared by someone's scheme." The weight of her words dropped like a stone into a quiet pond, sending ripples of shock through the assembly. Everyone present felt a chill run down their spine as they realized the gravity of their situation.
"Humph! Is it you who fell into a trap, or is it us?" retorted the middle-aged man. His face contorted with bitterness and resentment, his voice laced with an undercurrent of anger. The abrupt loss of his disciples, whom he had painstakingly nurtured over countless years, kindled an intense loathing within him. Each word from his mouth was spat out with an undeniable venom, reflecting the inner turmoil he was experiencing. However, he was not reckless enough to vent his wrath without consideration. The presence of the Core Formation cultivators from the Eternal Grace Sect and the mysterious cultivator within the Azure Treasure Ship held him back. But the restraint did little to quell his rage. It simmered within him, longing for release. Even at the risk of getting entangled further in the nefarious trap, he would have reveled in the chance to inflict severe damage upon them.
With a steely gaze devoid of all emotion, the emerald-clad woman held her ground, standing tall amidst the escalating tension. The emerald-clad woman, known as Fairy Fern Spirit, continued to stand firm. Her gaze was like a tranquil lake, placid yet unyielding, a stark contrast to the tumultuous situation around her. The serenity she emanated in the face of conflict commanded respect, and her silence spoke volumes about her resolve. Watching the emerald-clad woman, Xiaolian stood slightly off to the side, a grimace tugging at the corners of her mouth. A bitter smile lined her face, mirroring the melancholy etched deep in his eyes. She, too, was caught in the web of uncertainty, left to ponder the complexity of the situation.
Fairy Fern Spirit, noticing the unease within her ranks, decided to seek clarity from those with the experience and wisdom to offer it. "Elder Wei, Elder Tu. Perhaps you can offer us some insight?" she implored, turning her attention towards two figures within their midst. Her voice, though measured, held an undertone of desperation. She knew that every moment they spent in confusion, the enemy could seize the opportunity to strike. Elder Wei and Elder Tu, respected dignitaries of the Eternal Grace Sect, had the wisdom to comprehend the complexities of the situation. They were experienced veterans, and their guidance could be instrumental in devising a sound strategy.
The words of Fairy Fern Spirit, delivered with an intensity that cut through the tense atmosphere, caused the crowd to shift their focus. Everyone's gaze converged onto Elder Wei and an old scholar, known as Elder Tu. Both of them wore masks of stoicism, their seasoned faces reflecting years of experience and knowledge. The transition of attention, however, did not sit well with Xiaolian and Fairy Ziyan. A creeping sense of dread washed over them, causing their expressions to change swiftly. Xiaolian, in particular, appeared quite perturbed. Her countenance was a battleground of emotions, mirroring the conflict that stirred within her.
Just as the crowd began to settle into an uneasy silence, a thunderous roar shattered the momentary calm. "Who dares to secretly monitor from the shadows?!" The sudden outburst came from the Eccentric Lightning Elder, his voice resonating with a fierce intensity. Without waiting for a response, he launched a volley of fire-imbued lightning bolts from his ship. These bolts, imbued with a terrifying force, looked akin to serpents writhing in mid-air. They streaked across the sky and targeted a nondescript corner of the vicinity, causing the crowd to flinch in anticipation.
As the fiery lightning bolts attacked, the targeted barren area was shrouded in an eerie darkness. A surge of crimson Qi, unexpected and formidable, emerged from the shadows and clashed with the lightning. This Qi, unlike any they had seen before, bore an overwhelming force that swallowed the lightning bolts whole. Amidst the chaos, a figure began to take form within the dark void. As the dust settled, a young man of modest stature appeared, standing nonchalantly amidst the wreckage.
No sooner had the young man appeared, a voice rang out from the crowd. "It's Wei Hou from Ancestor Qin's plateau!" This revelation reverberated across the assembly, instantly sending a wave of shock among the onlookers. The members of the Hidden Evil School, who had until now been locked in a tense standoff, redirected their attention to Wei Hou. They glared at him with a heightened sense of wariness, realizing that the young man could pose a serious threat. The middle-aged sect leader, upon laying his eyes on Wei Hou, seemed to undergo a startling transformation. His stern countenance was swept away by an odd blend of emotions, and beneath the facade of his hardened exterior, a subtle undercurrent of fear was discernible.
