Chapter 167: Qianmen Fort

Watching Lin Gonggong's group disappear into the thick fog, Hua Changxi cautiously followed. Because she was still unfamiliar with the ghost market, even after concealing her form, she dared not get too close.

The thick fog in the air severely obstructed one's vision, but divine sense could penetrate it.

Hua Changxi had cultivated her divine sense, allowing her to clearly see everything within tens of meters, which kept her from losing track of Lin Gonggong's group.

"Hoo~"

Amid the surging dense fog, gusts of sinister wind occasionally swept through.

Hua Changxi carefully avoided the sinister winds, trying not to make any sound.

Without a doubt—one person was missing from the group. After entering the Ghost Messenger Pavilion, Lin Gonggong must have noticed. If she were Lin Gonggong, she would certainly have suspected being followed.

Who knew what methods Lin Gonggong might have? She had to be extra, extra careful.

Sure enough, before long, a beam of white light suddenly appeared in the grayish mist, rapidly sweeping back and forth from left to right.

Because Hua Changxi had a wide range of visibility, she spotted the light in time and dodged it, barely avoiding being swept by the beam.

"Master Lu, what's wrong?"

"I'm scanning with the Soul Mirror to see if anyone is tailing us. The Soul Mirror can reveal all soul bodies. If someone is following us, even if they're invisible, they'll be exposed without a doubt in the mirror."

Lin Gonggong laughed and flattered, "Master Lu really does have many treasures in hand."

Master Lu put away the Soul Mirror and snorted coldly: "You didn't even notice that one person was missing. You're getting more and more careless in your duties these days."

Lin Gonggong quickly defended himself: "Master Lu, you wrong me. How was I supposed to know Hua Changxi would sneak away from the group?"

Master Lu was too lazy to pursue the matter further: "Hua Changxi leaving in the middle of the journey probably means she discovered something. A pity—a Core Formation cultivator could have helped us consume quite a bit of the seal's power."

Lin Gonggong said with a bitter face: "I've been very careful all along the way, but how did she still notice something was off?"

Master Lu said: "Some people are naturally sensitive to danger. Our affair cannot be leaked. When we return this time, use the Eastern Depot's resources to find a way to eliminate that Hua Changxi."

Lin Gonggong sighed: "Killing Hua Changxi outright is too much of a waste. If she could help us consume some of the seal's power, at least that would fulfill her value as a cultivator."

Master Lu also felt it was a pity: "Enough of that. Though we're one Core Formation cultivator short, with the previous consumptions already made, this time may still succeed. Let's go."

In the mist, Hua Changxi listened to the two openly discussing their intent to kill her, her eyes turning cold and sharp. Only after their voices gradually faded did she cautiously follow them again.

"We're almost at Qianmen Fortress. The fog is getting thicker. Keep a tight watch on the people; don't lose anyone else."

Another half hour passed before Master Lu's voice sounded again.

At that moment, Hua Changxi vaguely saw the tall, sprawling city wall through the fog.

As she drew closer, the wall became clearer, and the three characters "Qianmen Fortress" came into Hua Changxi's view.

Qianmen Fortress?

Hua Changxi looked at the fortress ahead, feeling that it resembled a heavily guarded military stronghold. The ghost market, where cultivators had gathered earlier, now seemed more like a peripheral living area of a military installation.

What kind of place was this?

Lin Gonggong's group showed no intention of entering Qianmen Fortress; instead, they detoured toward the eastern side of the stronghold.

Hua Changxi was about to follow when she saw two white figures appear atop the fortress wall.

"General, will we really allow them to take the Divine Hammer?"

"If they truly manage to take the Divine Hammer, that would be their own ability."

"But without the Divine Hammer's suppression, the Demon Prison will become unstable."

"Our duty is merely to garrison Qianmen Fortress. As long as they don't attack the fortress, it has nothing to do with us."