The sun has already set but the lava pillar isn't showing any signs of going into the next phase.
As the lava pillar reached 3000 C, creating a heat wave across the region, the mages at the campsite were trying their best to keep up the barrier all the time to make sure their bosses won't feel uncomfortable.
The Emperor and his aides, leaders of several sects, three powerful forces, and the mysterious group of Supreme realm experts, everyone were patiently waiting for the transformation of the lava pillar while continuing to monitor their competitors.
In the meantime, Emperor Shang successfully managed to rope in the leaders of a couple of sects by pledging to give them a Semi divine treasure each in exchange for fighting for him.
The respective leaders of Mt. Hua Sect and Wuji sect knew that they cannot get the fire seed even with their 8-circle realm cultivations but the reason they stayed is to get a part of the beast that the lava pillar will soon transform into.
As the temperature was steadily rising, their willpower started to dwindle. And at that moment, the Emperor gave them a deal of free semi-divine weapons. They couldn't help but get tempted.
Song Tai's presence also helped the Emperor a lot in gaining their confidence. Little did they know that the Song Clan's ancestor isn't here to participate in the assault but only to protect the Emperor from any misadventure of the enemies.
***
It was around 7 o'clock in the evening.
General Wan Kun entered the tent and informed the Emperor, "Your Majesty, no cracks were seen on the pillar and no sight of that flying metal puppet."
Emperor Shang looked at his son, "General Shang?"
The Second Prince replied, "Ten minutes ago, Lu Zhen informed me that he has entered the Zhao Province. He'll be here soon."
Mark and the Second Prince had a private communication talisman to contact each other.
Shang Wen had given him so that it will become easy for them to communicate regarding the status of the orders. He doesn't want to keep sending a soldier to the store ahead of his visit.
"Okay, prepare for Lu Zhen's welcome. And tell everyone else that I wish to talk with them." The Emperor gave the order to the Eastern General.
About 15 minutes later, the sound made by the rotor blades was heard in the sky before it descended onto the ground, a hundred meters away from the tents.
Allen, Mark, and Lan Ju got down from the vehicle and started walking toward the tent. Not wanting to risk exposing Lan Ju's identity at any cost, Mark made him put on a disguise, covering his body with black robes, head with a hood, and face with a blank mask.
They were received by the Eastern General and were escorted to the tent, where he saw the Emperor, some familiar faces, and some new faces.
"Greetings, Your Majesty" "Greetings, Your Highness" "It's been a while, Mr. Song"
He only greeted the three of them and proceeded to introduce Lan Ju while ignoring the rest of them, "This is Wu Wei bao (Five-tailed leopard). The expert I told you about."
None of them figured out the hidden meaning and just took the name as it is, nodding in response.
Meanwhile, Song Tai whispered to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, that man is in the peak stage of the Supreme realm."
Emperor Shang was stunned by his words and he couldn't help but stare at the hooded figure once again before cupping his fists in respect, "It's an honor, Venerable Wu."
The moment he addressed Lan Ju with a title, everyone also realized that this new expert is atleast in the same league as Song Tai. They too cupped their fists and greeted him respectfully. At the same time, they truly felt like Mark's background is a lot more complicated than they expect it to be.
On the other hand, Mark felt like he was being ignored by this bunch of weaklings.
He didn't like it and wanted to brag that the expert is nothing but his contracted beast of the Demigod realm but kept his calm upon remembering his goal. Not to mention, it wasn't the first time he was treated like that. The last time he took the manticore with him, the people from the Imperial palace feared it more than its master (him).
So, he can ignore that unpleasant feeling rather easily.
Taking a deep breath, Mark then asked, "Your Majesty, how long will it take for the fire seed to be born?"
His question was answered by Song Tai instead, "Usually, it should have been born by now already. Even I can't predict when it will happen."
Mark glanced behind from the corner of his eyes, "Lord Wu?"
Wu Weibao aka Lan Ju closed his eyes for a couple of moments and then voiced his opinion, "I can feel the intense rage from that lava womb. It was mutating. I don't think that pillar would transform into a regular monster. All of you below 9-circle should be prepared to throw away your lives if you intend to fight it."
Lan Ju's words created a tense atmosphere in the room. If those words have been uttered by Mark or any other person, people would have taken it easy but the fact that they believe Lan Ju is a Supreme being made it harder for them to ignore his warning.
The representatives of Heavens Sect and Five Lakes Sect, who were in the 7-circle, wondered whether they should return.
However, not everyone is like that. One person dared to argue with Lan Ju.
Dai Long of Mt. Hua Sect commented in a calm tone, "If high realm cultivators like us will cower under a life-threatening situation and try to be selfish, then, what will happen to the civilians and novice Spirit Warriors?"
Of course, his intention isn't to talk back to a Supreme Being but wanted to make his point.
Some people might understand it but Mark wouldn't take it that way. In his view, if one argues back on a suggestion of goodwill, then, he is either a person with ego or a person with high principles. Either way, when the real battle comes, that person will not follow the orders and will do their own way.
Mark quickly inspected his details to check whether he has the skill to back up his words. When he saw that Dai Long is in the legendary realm, he calmed down, thinking that this guy is an expert.
However, when he read the description that gave away Dai Long's identity, Mark couldn't help but narrow his eyes as he opened his mouth, "So, it is you, Dai Long, huh."
"Hmm?" Everyone turned toward Mark. The latter let out a cold laugh and continued to speak without hiding his displeasure, "I was busy lately for the past few weeks. So, I almost forgot about you guys for a while. Thanks for appearing. Because of you, I remember once again.
Once this is over, I will surely pay a visit to your sect to see that bastard from the Sui Clan. He sent two assassins after me and I have yet to clear the debt."
"Oh boy, I went to such great lengths to rope them in and this guy had to worsen the situation as soon as he arrived." Emperor Shang felt like he was going to get a headache with Mark openly showing his animosity against Dai Long.
