Chapter 1667

The three saw Xu Jingming and Lin Qianxue appear, their eyes flickering with surprise.

Although Xu Jingming had altered his appearance,

his posture remained straight as a pine, a steady, mountain-deep aura subtly radiating from him.

Especially his eyes—calm and profound, as if containing thundering might.

And Lin Qianxue... need not be mentioned further.

Her long, jade-like legs, encased in battle armor, had flawless lines; her waist and hips formed a breathtaking curve.

Even with her features slightly modified, the icy elegance hiding seductive charm still drew stares.

Of course, the three in the pavilion were all seasoned Immortal Gods.

After a momentary astonishment at the two's looks, they returned to composure.

"Here they are!" A hearty laugh rang out.

The burly man in crimson battle armor rose first, grinning:

"Hah! Looks like we've got two more comrades!"

"I'm Luo Nan, Immortal Fifth Stage, from the Abyss Arena!"

He gestured to the two beside him:

"These two are Kora and Aileen, both Immortal Fourth Stage.

Kora is from the Eternal Star Alliance; Aileen is from the Cosmic Mercenary Union."

Kora was a young man with a stern face.

He carried a broad-bladed heavy sword and gave Xu Jingming and Lin Qianxue a slight nod.

Aileen was a short-haired woman clad in form-fitting silver battle armor.

Tall and slender, her gaze sharp as an eagle's.

Her eyes lingered a moment longer on Lin Qianxue.

She seemed slightly astonished by this woman's appearance and aura.

"I'm Su Chen, and this is my companion Zhang Xue.

We're both Immortal First Stage lone wolves.

From a primitive civilization's cosmic state, not affiliated with any faction."

Xu Jingming delivered the pre-prepared lie.

In truth,

both Xu Jingming and Lin Qianxue's virtual universe accounts were newly created through internal Eternal Star Alliance channels.

They had no connection to their original accounts.

As core members of the Star Alliance, this was not difficult.

"Lone wolves? Immortal First Stage?"

The young man Kora's brow twitched almost imperceptibly.

The faint hope in his eyes dimmed slightly.

The short-haired woman Aileen also frowned.

Yet her expression remained calm; she said nothing.

In the Outland Battlefield, lone wolves often meant scarce resources and fragmented cultivation lineages.

Their combat power usually lagged behind peers from major factions.

Especially newcomers just entering Immortal First Stage.

In the Fourth Star Zone, ravaged by insectoid hordes, such strength was like walking a tightrope.

"I see."

Luo Nan's smile didn't fade upon hearing this; he remained warm:

"A lone wolf who made it to Seven-Star Continent must have something special!

Come, sit down and talk!"

He seemed utterly unconcerned, warmly inviting the two to sit.

On the stone table in the pavilion stood wine and liquor, shimmering with rosy light, exuding a touch of leisure.

Floating above the table was a 3D star map—a magnified projection of part of the Fourth Star Zone.

Luo Nan pointed to a red-marked region on the map, his eyes gleaming with excitement:

"You've come just in time—we've discovered an insectoid nest nearby!

Recon shows three insectoids there.

Two Immortal Third Stage, one Immortal Second Stage."

He turned to Xu Jingming and Lin Qianxue, grinning:

"We were worried our numbers were a bit short.

Since you two are here, how about joining forces for a strike?

Insectoids are full of treasures, and the military merits are substantial.

Especially the queen's carapace—it's top-grade material for crafting defensive gear!

Military merits will be divided according to contribution. What do you say?"

Xu Jingming did not answer immediately.

Instead, his eyes narrowed as he scanned the crimson mark on the 3D star map.

"Three insectoids—two Immortal Third Stage, one Immortal Second Stage..."

Xu Jingming spoke, puzzled:

The insect race has always been famed for being invincible at the same tier, even capable of fighting across tiers.

Although we have the numerical advantage, the level suppression is not obvious.

With our current lineup, can we really succeed in the assassination?

His question was too blunt; the atmosphere inside the pavilion stiffened slightly.

Elin was fine, but the young man Kora clearly showed signs of impatience.

Two mere Eternal Stage One cultivators dare question our decision?

"Hah! Su Chen, it's good you're cautious!"

Luo Nan's hearty laughter broke the silence.

He slapped his chest, the crimson battle armor clanging loudly:

"But don't worry—we wouldn't dare probe this nest without good reason.

I have a combined battle formation that can briefly link everyone's divine power, unleashing power that breaks tier limits.

Kora's heavy sword excels at breaking defenses; Elin, as an elemental master, specializes in long-range annihilation.

They're the perfect counter to insect swarms!

As for the two of you..."

His gaze turned sincere toward Xu Jingming and Lin Qianxue:

"You only need to assist from the side, restraining the Eternal Stage warriors summoned by the insects.

Battle merits will be distributed according to contribution—no one will be shortchanged."

"Oh?" Xu Jingming raised an eyebrow.

Yet he still did not agree; instead, he took Lin Qianxue's soft hand:

"Let us consider it further.

After all, we're newcomers—better to be cautious.

We won't disturb you further; we'll contact you once we've decided."

Saying this, he did not wait for Luo Nan's reply, but gripped Lin Qianxue's slender wrist.

Though puzzled, Lin Qianxue leaned in naturally.

Her tall, delicate frame nearly nestled against his shoulder.

Their figures immediately faded, logging out directly.

"Hmph!"

No sooner had they left than the young man Kora could no longer hold back.

He let out a cold snort, his face brimming with disdain:

"Two mere Eternal Stage One lone wolves dare look down on us? Do they really think they're someone important?"

The short-haired woman Elin also shook her head slightly:

"Their strength is indeed lacking.

The insect nest is dangerous—bringing them along might just slow us down."

"Come now, don't say that.

A lone wolf who made it to the Seven-Star Continent must have something exceptional.

Besides, two more Eternal Stage deities mean more pressure shared."

Luo Nan, however, still wore his kind, good-natured smile, waving his hand cheerfully:

"Wait two more days.

If they don't agree, we'll set out on our own."

"It's only because Brother Luo Nan has such a good temper.

If it were me, I'd never be this easygoing."

Kora sneered, though impatient, he no longer argued.

"Alright, log out and prepare first."

Elin spoke, her figure fading first.

Kora followed right after.

Only Luo Nan remained in the pavilion.

The warm, genial smile on his face slowly vanished.

A cold, eerie glimmer flashed in his eyes, and he too chose to log out.

Reality,

Fourth Star Zone, a hidden underground cavern.

Deep within the cavern, it had been transformed into a dim yet luxurious hall.

The floor was covered in unknown beast hides; the air carried a faint sweet-salty odor.

Luo Nan opened his eyes.

The hearty, friendly smile on his face vanished instantly.

In its place came absolute reverence and humility.

He knelt on one knee, bowing his head toward the front of the hall:

"Master, two new Eternal Stage newcomers have arrived.

One male, one female—both lone wolves, claiming to come from a primary civilization universe."

His voice was steady, yet carried a mechanical obedience:

"I've already tried to recruit them for the operation."

But they have not yet agreed, nor have they revealed their exact location.

I want to wait two more days; if we can get them to join us, the harvest will be greater.

Deep within the hall,

reclining on a broad seat woven from dark purple biological tissue was a sultry figure.

She was a female insectoid, fully transformed.

She wore a sheer, dark purple gown as thin as a cicada's wing.

Her skin was as luminous as jade, yet faint insect patterns flowed beneath its surface.

Her face was exquisitely beautiful, her lips crimson as blood.

Her eyes were deep as violet pools, and with every flicker of her gaze, she emitted a soul-shaking psychic ripple.

She lazily propped her chin on her hand.

After listening to Luo Nan's report, her crimson lips curved into a satisfied smile:

"Good. The more people, the better. We needn't fear we can't consume them all."

Her voice was seductive and intoxicating, yet carried the insectoid race's inherent icy texture.

"A new sister has arrived in the nest this time.

She is of royal blood—perfect for letting her taste flesh and see the world."

"Yes, Master." Luo Nan bowed his head even lower.

Insectoids, masters of cosmic psychic energy, the supreme race that manipulates souls.

Soul enslavement came as naturally to them as breathing.

Luo Nan, this enthusiastic and generous Level Five Immortal teammate from the Virtual Universe,

had long since become a puppet utterly controlled by the Insectoid Empress.