"Senior Ao Xiao has not only gone to Sacred Island, but he will be staying there for a very long time — until the final battle with the demon tribes truly begins," Patriarch Long said in a heavy voice.
"In that case, the arrival of the Demon Ancestor is most likely no exaggeration. If so, all of our plans have been thrown into disarray." Han Li let out a sigh.
"Exactly so. Originally, we planned to weather the demon tribes' first few rounds of the fiercest assault, wait for the battlefield to stabilize somewhat, and then enter the Demon Realm without worry. But now that the Demon Ancestor is coming here in person, things won't be so simple. The outcome of the great battle will likely hinge on how Senior Ao Xiao, Lord Mo Jianli, and Sacred Island respond. If our two races lose, this territory will surely be ceded to the demon tribes, and we'll have no choice but to flee far away immediately — with no possibility of entering the Demon Realm. And if we win, all the demon tribes will retreat back into the Demon Realm. At that point, every passage and node will be swarming with high-ranking demons, and infiltrating them will be equally difficult. However, if we sneak into the Demon Realm before the Demon Ancestor's arrival, the entire Demon Realm will be temporarily left virtually empty by the great battle, and we can minimize our risk to the greatest extent. From this perspective, the Demon Ancestor's departure actually benefits our operation considerably." Patriarch Long said with a bitter smile.
"We can only think of it that way for now. But has Patriarch Long mentioned this matter to the Spirit Race?" Han Li asked after a brief hesitation.
"Contact with the Spirit Race isn't so convenient, and I haven't had the chance to inform them yet. But as long as we're fine on our end, I expect the Spirit Race won't have any objections either. The Demon Ancestor's descent — it can't be targeting only the human and demon tribes. The other nearby alien races must all be their targets as well. In that case, the choices they make will be much the same as ours." Patriarch Long said with considerable confidence.
"I see. But this matter is no small thing. Allow me two days to think it over before I give you my answer — how does that sound?" Han Li said after considering for a moment, his expression turning somewhat grave.
"Naturally, that is entirely reasonable. Then this old man will call on Daoist Han two days hence to hear your response." Patriarch Long did not seem at all surprised, readily agreeing with a smile on his face.
"Two days from now, I will certainly give Daoist Han a definite answer." Han Li nodded. "But before that, I'd like to learn more about the demon tribes' movements on your end, Patriarch Long. I hope you won't hold back."
"I'm not too clear about other locations, but although our several great family bases have been attacked a few times by the demon tribes, we've managed to hold on — barely. That's only because the main demon force has been drawn to Holy Emperor City. Otherwise, our families would be in real danger. It seems the demon commander leading the assault on Holy Emperor City intends to concentrate his forces there first, crush the city, and only then come to eliminate us lesser powers. But the Holy Emperor truly lives up to his reputation as the supreme existence among the human race — even under the demon army's frenzied assault, he's been fighting back effectively, only at a slight disadvantage. At the beginning, when the demon tribes surrounded the city…" Patriarch Long paused to gather his thoughts, then began to recount the situation in measured detail.
Han Li listened with extreme attentiveness, interjecting with specific questions from time to time, and Patriarch Long answered each one as thoroughly as he could.
After hearing everything, Han Li was quite satisfied.
The Long Family's foremost cultivator chatted with Han Li a while longer, then politely took his leave.
Han Li walked him all the way to the hall's entrance, then appeared to ask offhandedly:
"Patriarch Long, in the intelligence you received, did Senior Ao Xiao appear on Sacred Island alone? Were there any other disciples or followers with him?"
"I'm not entirely clear on the specifics, but it does seem that Senior Ao Xiao did bring along a direct descendant. Why do you ask, Brother Han?" Patriarch Long replied, somewhat puzzled.
"Oh, nothing in particular. Just a casual question." Han Li chuckled vaguely, brushing it off.
Patriarch Long's eyes flickered with a trace of surprise at this, but since it was none of his business, he naturally didn't press further. Upon reaching a terrace a few steps later, he cupped his fists toward Han Li in a brief salute, then transformed into a streak of brilliant light and shot out from the stone tower.
Han Li stood watching until Patriarch Long's light had completely vanished without a trace, then returned to the main hall with an expressionless face.
By now, Qi Lingzi and Hai Dashao had entered the hall and taken up their positions on either side.
"Master, did you run into any troublesome matters? Is there anything this disciple might be able to help with?" Hai Dashao's eyes rolled about, and he asked with a grin.
"If you two could handle it, then it wouldn't be much of a problem for me to begin with," Han Li replied, glancing at him noncommittally.
"It's all because our cultivation is too shallow — we can't do anything to lighten Master's burden." Qi Lingzi said with a look of shame.
"Your talent in cultivation is already one in ten thousand among mortals, or you wouldn't have reached your current level in such a short time. It's just that this matter is extremely dangerous even for Body Integration cultivators. It's perfectly natural that you can't lend a hand. In any case, never mind my affairs for now. First, give me a general overview of the situation in Heavenly Abyss City. Have the remaining demon tribes been completely eliminated?"
"Reporting to Master — ever since you went into seclusion, Senior Gu and the others returned to the city for only a brief rest before immediately splitting up to take action…" Qi Lingzi promptly recounted the recent changes in Heavenly Abyss City and the major events that had transpired, one after another.
When Qi Lingzi finished describing the last event he deemed significant, Han Li had learned more or less everything that had happened recently. But after thinking for a moment without comment, he suddenly asked about the Ice Phoenix.
"Reporting to Master — after the great battle ended, Aunt Feng seemed to have gained insight into a breakthrough opportunity and has gone into seclusion as well. According to Aunt Feng, she will emerge in a few months at the shortest, or a year at most," Hai Dashao hurriedly replied.
"Your Aunt Feng originally possesses the Spirit Wind bloodline. That she could grasp such an insight during the great battle means her destiny has arrived. During this time, the two of you must guard the tower well and not allow anyone to disturb her meditation." Hearing this, Han Li's expression softened with a trace of genuine pleasure.
"Yes, Master."