Chapter 359

"I haven't seen any disciples of the Sunset Sect yet, but I expect they'll arrive within the next few days," Zhuo Fan said, shaking his head.

"That's strange. The Sunset Sect is closer to this place than our sect—why haven't they arrived yet? Did they depart late?" Yun Caishang asked, puzzled.

"Maybe. The gathering day hasn't come yet; let's wait a couple more days."

"Also, Lady Yun, do you know why we've gathered these elite cultivators? And who will command us during this mission?" Zhuo Fan asked again, clearing his throat lightly.

At these words, whether Wang Yu, Xuan Tianwu, or the others from the Tianhe Commandery, all fixed their gazes on the woman in the red dress.

"Why ask me? My jade slip contains the same information as yours—it only says that once we arrive here, we'll know who commands us. It mentions nothing about the mission's specific purpose," Yun Caishang replied, slightly puzzled.

"So even Lady Yun doesn't know the mission's details? I heard our sect's elder mention this operation was initiated by your Silver Cloud Elder. I assumed your sect's disciples would know at least something," Zhuo Fan replied, frowning slightly.

"Then you're disappointed—I truly don't know. Could the one in charge be from the Golden Diamond Temple?" Yun Caishang's eyebrows flickered as she glanced toward where Yuan Tong had vanished.

"I've already asked Master Zhi Ming of the Golden Diamond Temple—they don't know either," Zhuo Fan denied outright.

"Then could it be the Sunset Sect?" Luo Yiming, the handsome man, interjected.

"Unlikely. The one in charge wouldn't arrive last," Xuan Tianwu mused.

"Enough. Whoever leads this mission, once the Sunset Sect arrives, we'll know for sure."

"Brother Zhuo, I'll take my two junior brothers to find a place to rest first," Yun Caishang said after a moment's thought.

"Naturally. There are many caves in this valley—feel free to choose one. We'll take our leave then," Zhuo Fan said lightly, bowing slightly before turning and flying back.

The Tianhe Commandery's princess and Luo Yiming likewise departed.

On the jade boat, Wang Yu and the others watched the three recede into the distance.

At that moment, Wang Yu suddenly heard a clear, melodious voice in his ear:

"Brother Wang, meet me at the valley entrance at the third watch."

Wang Yu's expression flickered, but he did not reply via telepathy.

At that moment, Yun Caishang gave Wang Yu a faint, knowing glance—as if she had sensed something.

"Yun Sister, the three of us shouldn't separate too far. Let's all find adjacent caves to rest in—we can support each other if anything happens," Xuan Tianwu suggested.

"Brother Xuan is right. Let's find resting spots over there. If possible, set up simple wards as early warnings," Yun Caishang nodded in agreement.

The three then flew toward another cliff face not far from Yuan Tong's, each selecting a cave to rest in.

Wang Yu chose a relatively clean cave, pulled out a bone blade, carved a flat round stone into a cushion, then withdrew three blue banners from his storage pouch and casually planted them at the cave's entrance.

Soon, thick white mist surged from the banners, concealing the cave's entrance.

He sat cross-legged on the stone, withdrew a box from his robe, opened it—and inside lay an unknown beast's claw, glowing brilliantly silver, sharp as a blade, yet wrapped in layers of crimson light, as if burning fiercely.

It was the talent artifact that recorded the second-rank primordial spell: "Flame Blade."

Because the spell's spiritual runes numbered ninety-eight, even with his system's aid, mastering it would take too long. So over the years, he had annually visited the Scripture Hall to rent this artifact at great cost, dedicating time to study it.

Wang Yu released his spiritual sense into the silver beast claw.

Deep within the claw, a complex spiritual rune pattern emerged, composed of countless tightly packed symbols.

"Overclock."

He muttered, and within his pupils, crystalline light flashed—the fuzzy runes within the claw instantly sharpened, revealing over eighty, leaving only a few still indistinct.

Wang Yu's face remained expressionless as he formed a hand seal; nine spiritual thoughts surged from his spiritual sea, wrapping around one fuzzy rune, beginning its study.

If he focused entirely on mastering this "Flame Blade" rune pattern, he was certain he could fully comprehend it within a month, then solidify it into his spiritual sea for instant casting.

Given the sheer number of runes in this spell, its power would be astonishing—perfect as a secret weapon in battle.

As Wang Yu pondered, he gradually immersed his entire mind into the study.

Third watch.

In a small grove at the valley's entrance, a slender white figure stood silently waiting—her face pale as jade, features exquisite: the Tianhe Commandery's princess.

Not long after, Wang Yu, who had long locked onto her with his spiritual sense, walked slowly into the grove and stood beside her.

"Brother Wang, after so many years, I never imagined we'd both become Foundation Establishment cultivators," the white-robed woman turned, her usually cold face now radiant with joy.

"Commandery Lady, I never expected to meet you here again after our parting. How is Master Hua?" Wang Yu bowed, smiling.

"Don't worry, Brother Wang. After I joined the Thousand Bamboo Sect, Master Hua returned to the Tianhe Commandery's royal mansion and plans to spend his remaining years in peace. But your name—these past years—has echoed across all four sects. Had I not learned your true face from our sect's disciples, I'd have thought you were another 'Wang Yu!'" The princess smiled, lips curving.

"Just empty fame. It's you who quietly became a Foundation Establishment cultivator and stayed unknown—truly remarkable," Wang Yu shook his head, a faint bitter smile on his lips.

"Brother Wang, you're too modest. We've known each other since childhood, and you saved my life—don't call me 'Lady.' Just call me by my name: Wu Jiao," the white-robed woman frowned slightly, then smoothed her expression.

"This… since you dislike the old title, I'll call you Lady Wu," Wang Yu replied after a moment's thought.

"Lady Wu? As long as Brother Wang is pleased," the Tianhe Commandery's princess hesitated, then nodded reluctantly.

"Then Lady Wu, why summon me out so late? Surely not just to catch up?" Wang Yu probed.

"Of course not. I wish to discuss something with you—but first, how do you view the recent demonic invasion of the Two Prefectures?" The princess blinked her beautiful eyes, then suddenly asked.