Amidst the roar of countless falling stones, the large contingent hastily retreated from the valley. Yet, no one dared to slacken even slightly; everyone fled at a dead sprint. No one could be certain how long the Yellow Springs Cult Master could be held back by the collapsing rockfall.

They ran for over ten li straight before finally stopping, but even then, every one of them looked thoroughly shaken and utterly disheveled.

"That Yellow Springs Cult Master is incredibly powerful," Nalan Qiushui murmured, still visibly shaken.

"............" Moyin and the others looked even more grim. No one had anticipated that the Yellow Springs Cult Master’s sudden burst of power at the last moment would shatter the Lightning Mage’s 'Child-Mother Thunder' spell.

Those from the Six Great Families looked ashen-faced. This ambush against the Yellow Springs Cult Master had resulted in heavy losses, making it an absolute failure. Thinking of this, I felt a pang of guilt. This entire fiasco was directly attributable to me. Had I not miscalculated the Cult Master’s true strength, such a flawed strategy would never have been devised.

However, no one seemed inclined to hold me accountable. Especially not the group including Ling Mo, whose aggressive demeanor from the planning session in the tent had completely vanished, leaving them unrecognizable.

This defeat was undoubtedly a crushing blow to the Brotherhood, an organization that had always considered itself superior.

"I am truly sorry," I muttered subconsciously. "I didn't realize the Yellow Springs Cult Master inside the Illusory Realm would be this formidable." I tried to explain myself: "Back in the Yellow Springs World, although the Cult Master would explode with power, his defenses were never this freakishly impenetrable."

"It’s not your fault," Nalan Qiushui interjected. "After all, the intelligence you provided wasn't far off. We simply overlooked that this is the Illusory Realm, known as the Source of Ten Thousand Demons, not the Yellow Springs World you originated from. It's entirely possible the Cult Master's strength has changed." Nalan Qiushui then looked self-reproachful: "Our previous victories against the Woma Cult Master and the Evil Centipede made us arrogant. We didn't take the Yellow Springs Cult Master seriously enough, and that led to this failure." With a face full of remorse, he concluded, "The person truly responsible is me."

No one expected Nalan Qiushui to take such personal blame, and they all stared blankly.

"Master Nalan, victories and defeats are common in warfare. Why dwell on it so?" Hong Tian offered gently.

"..........." The elders of the Feng and Lei families, among the Six Great Families, looked crestfallen. Most of the experts lost in this operation belonged to their families. But who could they blame? Others escaped; why couldn't they? They could only conclude their skills were inferior. Though resentment simmered, they had no justification to vent it. Furthermore, having chosen to join the operation, they should have been prepared for sacrifice at any moment. It was simply bad luck.

It took another hour to return to the base camp. Inside the main tent, everyone’s expression was grim, and no one knew what to say.

The operation resulted in one hundred and twenty fatalities. Six of these were Elder-level masters, all instantly killed by the Yellow Springs Cult Master on the spot. The rest were elite mages from the Brotherhood. The cost was staggering, and even more unacceptable was that such a price failed to eliminate the target.

"Advance? Or retreat?" Nalan Qiushui looked around at the group.

"We’ve come this far; I’m not willing to turn back now," Hong Tian said deeply.

"We just lost one battle," Luo Xiao stated calmly. "We still have chances."

"........" Ling Mo and Moyin looked indifferent, their thoughts unknowable.

"Retreating now would render all previous efforts meaningless. However, we shouldn't risk things again without a guaranteed path to victory," said the Lei Family Elder.

Clearly, no one present intended to give up yet. Jian Li and I exchanged a glance; an idea immediately formed in our minds. We would need to find another way.

"Very well. Since no one intends to withdraw, let’s seriously consider any viable alternatives," Nalan Qiushui announced.

"Viable alternatives?" Hong Tian scoffed. "Unless the Brotherhood’s focused attack power can be amplified several times over, we might have a slim chance."

"Amplify the power several times," Moyin said with a bitter smile. "Easier said than done. Only two thousand five hundred mages in the Brotherhood have mastered the essence of the 'Child-Mother Thunder' attack. What we unleashed today was already the absolute limit achievable outside. How can we increase the power further?"

"It seems a direct confrontation is out," Luo Xiao concluded. "If we want to pass this hurdle, we must find another path."

"No direct confrontation," the Feng Family Elder muttered, seemingly struck by an idea, instinctively glancing towards me. "Actually, I have a thought."

"What thought?" Everyone instinctively looked towards the Feng Family Elder.

"When we revealed ourselves to lure the enemy out, the Yellow Springs Cult Master seemed intensely hateful toward Xing Chen, pursuing him relentlessly the moment he appeared," the Feng Family Elder paused, but his implication was perfectly clear.

"You! You wretch!" Jian Qiu exploded in anger. "Are you suggesting Xing Chen should lure the Yellow Springs Cult Master out again?"

"............" The Feng Family Elder’s old face flushed crimson, leaving him speechless. But everyone else’s eyes suddenly lit up.

"Xing Chen once killed a Yellow Springs Cult Master," Moyin recalled. "Perhaps there is some connection between these two Cult Masters."

"As expected of the Blue Lightning; enemies surround you everywhere. It’s quite rare to find someone in this Illusory Realm still holding a grudge against you," Ling Mo seized the chance to strike at me: "If Xing Chen reappears to lure the enemy, I guarantee the Yellow Springs Cult Master won't let him go."

"You!" I was so angry I nearly jumped up. "Easy for you to say! You try luring him!"

"I can't run as well as you," Ling Mo retorted sharply. "Besides, the Yellow Springs Cult Master has no interest in me."

"This..." Nalan Qiushui looked at me hesitantly. "Young Hero Xing Chen, this might actually be a good idea. If you show yourself, you might indeed lure the Cult Master away."

"No, I absolutely refuse," Jian Li declared sternly. "Everyone witnessed the Yellow Springs Cult Master's speed today. Xing Chen only escaped through sheer luck. I don't believe he’ll be so lucky every time." Jian Li continued, "If Xing Chen gets caught halfway through the lure, he’ll sacrifice himself for nothing, and if the Cult Master turns back, none of us will make it to the next level."

"Heh, you think too little of your disciple," Luo Xiao said with malice in his tone. "While the Yellow Springs Cult Master’s speed is astonishing, your disciple isn't slow either. He kept pace with the Cult Master over seven hundred meters. I doubt anyone else here could manage that." Luo Xiao’s words convinced most of the assembly.

"High praise," Jian Li immediately shot back. "If we’re talking speed, your White Tiger Alliance’s Blood Tiger Luo Jiang is definitely much faster than my disciple. I forgot to mention, letting Luo Jiang handle the lure would be far more suitable than Xing Chen."

"Blood Tiger Luo Jiang." Nalan Qiushui and Hong Tian’s eyes brightened as well. "Luo Jiang’s speed was evident during the fight with the Woma Cult Master; he’s certainly a step faster than Xing Chen. Perhaps if they cooperate on this lure plan, the chance of success will increase significantly."

"What? Let Ah Jiang be the lure?" Luo Xiao's expression shifted slightly. "How is that possible? Besides, the Yellow Springs Cult Master might not even chase him."

"What, now that it concerns you, you feel the pain?" Jian Li sneered.

"I am simply addressing the facts," Luo Xiao insisted.

"Enough, stop arguing," Nalan Qiushui said sternly.

Jian Li and Luo Xiao wisely fell silent, though the palpable tension between them was obvious to everyone. The White Tiger Alliance and the Dragon Shadow Manor had certainly formed a deep enmity, but this was no time to erupt into open conflict. Still, trading barbs and mutual digs was inevitable.

"Actually, what I suggested earlier isn't entirely impossible," Nalan Qiushui looked at Jian Li and me. "Brother Jian Li, you're just worried that Xing Chen’s speed won't be enough to shake off the Yellow Springs Cult Master, right?"

"This..." Jian Li instinctively looked at me.

"It’s not that I’m greedy for life," I stated grimly. "At my current speed, outrunning the Yellow Springs Cult Master is impossible. Seven hundred meters was my absolute limit. If the distance had been slightly longer, I would certainly have been doomed. Since the plan is to lure him away, it will require running a significant distance. I don't believe I can escape his pursuit under those conditions. I refuse to take a risk on something I know is impossible."

"Heh, you even manage to make excuses for being a coward sound so noble," Ling Mo mocked.

"Hmph! I am just stating facts," I replied, growing increasingly impatient with this woman who loved to needle me.

"What if I told you I have a way to elevate your speed by another full rank? Would you then be confident enough to complete this mission?" Nalan Qiushui spoke while looking pointedly at the ring adorning my right middle finger. "If I am not mistaken, that is the Gale Ring, correct?"

"Ah!" I was startled, glancing at Nalan Qiushui. Everyone else also stared at my right hand in surprise.

"The Gale Ring," Hong Tian breathed. "A legendary piece of special equipment said to drastically increase movement speed."

"No wonder this brat runs faster than a rabbit," Ling Mo sneered. "It turns out he relies on that treasure."

"So the so-called Blue Lightning’s fame wasn't entirely deserved; his speed boost is reliant on equipment advantages," Luo Xiao likewise didn't miss an opportunity to belittle me.

"Haha, no matter how undeserved his fame, it’s still better than Bai Hu Luoyan’s fame not matching his substance," Jian Li instantly fired back. "Why don't you compare your speed with my disciple? See if he is truly undeserving of his reputation."

"You..." Luo Xiao roared in fury. "Don't push me too far!"

"It is you who are pushing too far," Jian Li’s temper finally snapped.

"Everyone quiet down!" Nalan Qiushui rubbed his temples in frustration. "We will have plenty of time to settle old scores later. For now, we must work together."

"Hmph." Jian Li swept his sleeve and sat down, giving Nalan Qiushui the respect of compliance. Luo Xiao and his group also ceased their vicious exchange.

"What I said earlier didn't carry any other meaning," Nalan Qiushui apologized, looking at me and Jian Li. "The method I proposed relies on equipment to further enhance Xing Chen's speed."

"Equipment, increasing speed?" I was momentarily bewildered, but Jian Li and the others brightened, looking at Nalan Qiushui with disbelief. "Could it be that Old Master Nalan intends to..."

"Heh, Brother Jian Li, it seems you've guessed correctly." Nalan Qiushui then unfastened the simple, archaic white necklace from around his neck. "This is a treasure I acquired accidentally while venturing across the continent years ago. Later, I realized it is the legendary Gale Necklace. However, the martial techniques of the Nalan family do not place an exceptionally high requirement on speed, and I am not known for speed myself. Keeping such a treasure on me is a waste." Nalan Qiushui then continued, "I am giving this to you now."

"Ah, giving it to me?" I was overwhelmed by the unexpected generosity. My speed had currently reached a bottleneck, making further improvement difficult. With the aid of the Gale Necklace, I could undoubtedly ascend to another level. If I had possessed the Gale Necklace during the confrontation with the Yellow Springs Cult Master, I certainly wouldn't have been so helpless.

"Heh, it’s not a free gift," Nalan Qiushui clarified. "Consider it a reward for taking on this lure mission. How does that sound?"

"Mission? Reward?" I couldn't help but feel amused. This old fox clearly had ulterior motives; there's no such thing as a free lunch.

"Are you saying that even with this necklace, you aren't confident you can escape the Yellow Springs Cult Master?" Nalan Qiushui pressed.

"This..." I instinctively looked toward Master Jian Li. However, he remained silent, giving me a subtle look: Go along with it.

"Then this junior accepts it," I said respectfully, taking the Gale Necklace from Nalan Qiushui and fastening it around my neck.

The Gale Necklace, compared to other equipment, might not be considered a supreme treasure; it only enhances personal speed. Continental combat skills generally prioritize strength and technique; those specializing purely in speed are rare. Therefore, for most people, whether the Gale Ring or the Gale Necklace, their practical value isn't immense, only truly coming into its own when wielded by a warrior like me who favors unconventional, extreme pursuits of velocity.

Thus, though the others looked envious, their reactions weren't extreme, only Ling Mo and Luo Xiao wore expressions of deep resentment and displeasure.

Seeing me accept the Gale Necklace, Nalan Qiushui breathed a sigh of relief. Naturally, I knew there was no backing out of this mission now. Everyone chases fortune and dies for food; accepting his gift meant I owed him my service.

However, I was uncertain exactly how much effect the Gale Necklace would have.

Seeing my eager expression, Nalan Qiushui smiled. "Ancient legends say that gathering one Gale Necklace and a pair of Gale Rings completes the Gale Set. Once completed, this set increases one's speed exponentially. Young man, work hard. I sense you have deep fortune; perhaps you really can assemble the Gale Set."

"Then this junior thanks you first," I quickly replied.

"Haha, very well. After the meeting concludes, find somewhere to run a lap, and you’ll know exactly how much the Gale Necklace boosts your speed." Nalan Qiushui suggested.

"This junior was thinking the same thing," I responded with a smile.

"Sit down for now, let's finish the main discussion," Nalan Qiushui instructed.

Even without testing the Gale Necklace’s effect, channeling my inner dou qi through my chest and neck gave me an incomparably light and agile feeling, making me desperately want to bolt out of the tent and sprint until I was satisfied.

Master Jian Li, sitting nearby, seemed to read my mind and slapped the top of my head with his palm. "Stop daydreaming! You are the crucial element in this plan; listen carefully."

"Ah... Yes," I snapped back to attention, only to see everyone else looking at me with amused smiles. I immediately flushed scarlet, feeling utterly foolish.

"This plan will have Xing Chen lure the Yellow Springs Cult Master away," Nalan Qiushui announced. "I believe Xing Chen's speed will be sufficient to keep the Cult Master occupied indefinitely. Furthermore, the Cult Master seems to harbor immense enmity toward Xing Chen, and I trust he will pursue him relentlessly. At that time, Xing Chen must time it perfectly to find an opportunity to shake him off." Nalan Qiushui looked at me seriously. "Do not shake him off too early. If the Cult Master returns before the others find the entrance to the passage on the fifth floor, you will be finished."

"This junior understands," I said promptly. "Regardless of what happens, this junior will absolutely keep the Yellow Springs Cult Master occupied."

"Good." Nalan Qiushui continued, "We will set the limit at half an hour. If that time passes, you are free to lose the Cult Master and let him go on his own."

"Yes," I confirmed respectfully.

"During the time Xing Chen occupies the Yellow Springs Cult Master, we must find the passage to the sixth floor within thirty minutes and enter. If we haven't found it by then, we retreat immediately." Nalan Qiushui then looked at the group again. "Does anyone have objections?"

"I think there are no problems," Jian Li agreed.

"Let it be settled then."