Early spring in the Scarlet Moon Jungle! The warm sunlight filtered through the dense forest, dappling the ground with a bizarre, scattered pattern, like countless gold coins strewn across the earth.
Now and then, a rustling sound could be heard—the strange noise made by the mountain wind sweeping through the woods, brushing against the leaves and undergrowth! But just then, a hurried, rasping sound instantly cut through the air! It startled Yan Kun, who was curled up inside a tree hollow! As one of the finest operatives in the Pigeon Cell of the Biqi Royal Family, his specialty was discerning the surroundings purely by sound, perceiving environmental changes from the slightest noise.
Thus, this sudden disturbance shocked Luo Kun to the core.
Such speed! It was hard to imagine what creature in this dense jungle could move so astonishingly fast! And the trajectory was directly toward his hiding spot! Had he been discovered? Luo Kun felt a moment of astonishment, but he quickly dismissed the thought.
As an elite Pigeon Cell operative, beyond keen perception, he was masterful at concealing himself.
Even if a powerful Heavy Armored General approached, as long as Luo Kun restrained his aura, he would remain unseen.
Years of ingrained professional habit meant that Yan Kun instinctively kept his breath suppressed at all times, even while sleeping! Therefore, the possibility of being discovered was eliminated! Even so, Yan Kun cautiously adjusted his breathing before quietly pushing aside the concealing branches! Through the thick jungle, several hazy afterimages flashed like lightning! Like ghosts, they appeared for an instant and then vanished again.
Yet, this brief glimpse nearly caused the usually bold and meticulous Yan Kun to faint from shock! Just one look! Just a fleeting glimpse! Although at that instant, nine gray shadows flashed simultaneously! However, that most conspicuous massive white figure, and the indistinct silhouette riding on its back, instantly allowed Yan Kun to recognize exactly who these people were.
The Mammoth King! Good heavens, what had he just witnessed! Yan Kun forced himself to calm down! It wasn't an illusion! It was real.
That enormous white shadow just now was indeed the Mammoth King! Which meant the figure riding it could only be that terrifying demon! Yes! On the Mafa Continent, everyone knew that only one person could ride the Mammoth King: the Nine Luminaries God-True, hailed as the strongest Heavenly Demon! And the other figures were the Scarlet Giant Wolves, known for their speed in jungle movement—undoubtedly the Black Banner Generals of the Black Banner Legion! As a Pigeon Cell operative, he was intimately familiar with the nature of the Nine Luminaries God-True.
It could be said this was a heavyweight figure whose mere footfall could shake the entire Mafa Continent! And such a person appearing anywhere was absolutely worthy of intense scrutiny! Although the reason why this notorious great demon would appear in the desolate Scarlet Moon Jungle was unknown! Yan Kun was certain of one thing! The Nine Luminaries God-True’s covert movement meant he certainly did not wish to be seen! This time, he had stumbled onto an incredible stroke of luck! He was sent to scout the location of the Pincer Worm Nest, yet he had inexplicably encountered this spectacle! Could it be that the Royal Family's latest intelligence had been leaked? Otherwise, why would the Nine Luminaries God-True be here! Yan Kun was startled by his own conjecture for a moment! No matter what, this news had to be reported to the higher-ups as quickly as possible! Demon Dragon Imperial Palace! Inside the Tranquility Hall! “.........” Nine Luminaries Chongyang stared blankly out of the grand hall, lost in thought.
Beside him were Luo Hou and Yue Yao, both wearing looks of helplessness.
“Your Majesty, this matter cannot be rushed,” Luo Hou said with resignation.
“Besides, this demon-slaying operation will not take long.
His Highness God-True will return soon.” “That’s true.” Nine Luminaries Chongyang finally retracted his gaze, though his expression held an ineffable complexity and emotion.
“Given the disposition of this young man, if he hasn't cured Princess Qin’s illness, he probably won’t be settled enough to marry obediently.” Just early this morning, the Nine Luminaries God-True had come to the Tranquility Hall and suddenly proposed a trip to the Scarlet Moon Altar.
Knowing the Nine Luminaries God-True inside and out, Nine Luminaries Chongyang naturally understood his intentions and offered no objection.
However, this conflicted with the wedding the Nine Luminaries Chongyang and others had meticulously prepared, causing Chongyang a major headache.
In desperation, he had no choice but to agree to God-True’s request while secretly postponing the wedding date.
“Speaking of which, His Highness God-True started venturing into the Wanderer World precisely to cure Princess Qin’s illness,” Yue Yao also remarked with emotion.
“Indeed,” Luo Hou sighed.
“If Princess Qin’s illness can be cured, then His Highness God-True’s wish will be fulfilled, and he can finally devote himself wholeheartedly to the Empire’s affairs.” “Heh,” Nine Luminaries Chongyang chuckled.
“Perhaps so.
But once he returns this time, we must see him married first, lest that brat tries to slip away again.” “Hahahaha.” Luo Hou and Yue Yao behind him couldn't help but laugh.
“Heh, I truly wish to see the expression on His Highness God-True’s face when he bows during the marriage ceremony.” “Hahahaha, that’s the spirit,” Nine Luminaries Chongyang also laughed heartily.
“It would be even better if we could produce nine little God-Trues soon after!” “Hahahaha.” The three unscrupulous old men burst into laughter together.
Biqi Imperial Palace! “What? The Nine Luminaries God-True appeared in the Scarlet Moon Jungle?” Jian Huan exclaimed in shock.
“Is the news confirmed?” “Yes,” the Pigeon Cell Executive stated solemnly.
“He was accompanied by eight others—they should be the Black Banner Generals of the Black Banner Legion.” “Could the reconnaissance mission on the Pincer Worm Nest have leaked?” Jian Huan also looked deeply worried.
“His motives are currently unclear,” the Pigeon Cell Executive replied.
“However, according to the spy who witnessed them, they headed directly toward the Scarlet Moon Gorge.” “Scarlet Moon Gorge?” Jian Huan was stunned.
“What is going on? According to intelligence gathered previously, the Pincer Worm Nest should be near the stone tower ruins east of the Sun Gate, not in that direction.” “Right,” Jian Huan seemed to recall something.
“Speaking of the Scarlet Moon Gorge, it reminds me of something that might be related to His Highness God-True’s current movements.” “What is it?” Jian Xing asked.
“It’s the four exploration activities previously organized by the Moon Sect of the Sun Gate toward the Scarlet Moon Gorge.” Jian Huan replied.
“The Moon Sect of the Sun Gate.” Jian Xing sank into thought.
“The Moon Sect and the Nine Luminaries God-True have a very close relationship.
Could their previous explorations truly be connected to His Highness God-True’s current operation?” “The Moon Sect’s exploration targeting the Scarlet Blood Gorge began two years ago, divided into four phases.
The Moon Sect invested a great deal of manpower and resources into it, and the last exploration reached the Place of Decision within the Scarlet Moon Gorge before stopping,” the Pigeon Cell Executive quickly recalled the large-scale activities of the Moon Sect previously.
“It is rumored that Yan Luo at the time wanted to venture deeper into the Demon Altar, but was stopped by his subordinates.” “The Demon Altar?” Jian Xing was even more bewildered.
“There’s nothing in the Demon Altar besides the Scarlet Moon Demon, the Twin-Headed Vajra, and the Twin-Headed Blood Demon.
Could their target be the Scarlet Moon Demon?” At this, the three of them became even more confused.
“It seems their target is the Demon Altar,” Jian Huan stated grimly.
“But we have no idea what His Highness God-True intends to achieve there.” “The Scarlet Moon Demon, the Twin-Headed Vajra, and the Twin-Headed Blood Demon—with these three great monsters gathered at the Demon Altar, whatever the Nine Luminaries God-True’s purpose is for entering the Demon Altar, dealing with these three demons will certainly not be an easy task.” The three had no clue about God-True’s motivation.
Even with God-True’s overwhelmingly superior strength supported by the Black Banner Generals, defeating these three demons would not be simple.
Furthermore, these three great monsters didn’t seem to possess any treasures worth coveting.
Although in the Wanderer World, there was a noted bounty that stated anyone who killed these three great monsters would receive three sets of Scarlet Moon equipment, awarded personally by the Biqi Royal Family, and an opportunity to cultivate in the Heavenly Demon Sacred Hall—Jian Xing did not believe that the Nine Luminaries God-True, at his current level of cultivation, would be bored enough to truly seek to slay the Scarlet Moon Demon just to obtain the Scarlet Moon Set awarded by the Biqi Royal Family.
It seemed there must be some secret objective hidden behind this.
Based on their understanding of the Nine Luminaries God-True, this man would never do anything pointless—this was evident in everything he had done in the past.
Yes, some actions seemed meaningless, but once they involved the Nine Luminaries God-True, predicting the outcome became difficult.
Recall that time, who would have thought the Nine Luminaries God-True, infiltrating the Demon Sealing Continent alone, almost wiped out the entire continent! Therefore, the current Nine Luminaries God-True was already listed as one of the most terrifying and dangerous figures on the Mafa Continent.
No one dared to take his every move lightly! No one knew when this fellow might pull off some outrageous stunt again! Just like now! “Let’s not worry about his purpose for now,” Jian Xing said solemnly after long thought.
“Have the Pigeon Cell monitor his every move, and absolutely no direct contact without my explicit orders.” “Yes,” the Pigeon Cell Executive and Jian Huan replied in unison.
“Your Majesty, should we reinforce the palace defenses?” Jian Huan voiced his concern.
“That is natural,” Jian Xing nodded slightly.
After all, the precedent set by the Demon Sealing Empress Mo Luo Yinsha’s defeat was an impact far beyond what the Nine Luminaries God-True could have imagined back then.
And at this moment, the Black Banner Legion once again displayed their terrifying long-range assault capability! This truly left Jian Xing with a pounding heart.
The Scarlet Moon Jungle was Imperial Biqi territory, yet the Nine Luminaries God-True came and went as he pleased, treating it like his own backyard garden.
This infuriated Jian Xing, the ruler of a nation, but even if Jian Xing had ten times the courage, he would not dare to confront the Nine Luminaries God-True directly to ask his intentions! After all, even the Thunderous General couldn't do anything about that fellow, let alone himself, who was merely ranked second among the Ten Heavenly Demons.
Nine Luminaries God-True, one day, I will make you pay! At this moment, Jian Xing could only grind his teeth in secret.
To think that he, the leader of the Three Kingdoms Alliance, was in such a dreadful predicament! He constantly felt as if an invisible sword hung over his head, and he had no idea when it might strike and take his life.
It could be said that besides the Church’s headquarters, there was virtually nowhere in this world that could withstand an attack by the Nine Luminaries God-True.
From this, one could gauge just how terrifying the strength of the Nine Luminaries God-True truly was! “If this person is not eliminated, he will surely become a major threat!” Jian Huan sighed helplessly.
“He already is a major threat,” Jian Xing firmly believed his own assessment.
“If the Nine Luminaries God-True were ever to ascend the throne, who dares imagine what the Demon Dragon Empire would become under his control!” “Your subject believes neither the Cangyue nor the Demon Sealing Empire would wish to see that day,” Jian Huan remarked.
“Indeed,” Jian Xing affirmed.
“Perhaps not just them.
Even the Church now harbors considerable apprehension toward the existence of the Nine Luminaries God-True.
Judging by the power he has displayed, if he is allowed to continue developing, it wouldn't be strange if he ended up destroying the Holy Word Church in the future.” Jian Xing said gravely, “The Nine Luminaries God-True will be the second generation Dragon Shadow.” Jian Huan and the Pigeon Cell Executive were both aghast, realizing how highly Jian Xing rated the Nine Luminaries God-True’s potential.
“Sometimes, being too outstanding invites heavenly jealousy,” Jian Xing stated grimly.
“The Church absolutely will not tolerate such a terrifying existence capable of directly countering the Thunderous General.” “Perhaps we won’t need to act,” Jian Huan suggested.
“The Church will find a way to eliminate the Nine Luminaries God-True.” “Not perhaps,” Jian Xing asserted.
“But definitely.
I understand the Pope’s character best.” Jian Xing sighed toward the heavens, seemingly with regret.
“What a pity, such outstanding lineage.” “......” Jian Huan understood exactly what Jian Xing was thinking at that moment.
“Let’s not worry about that for now.” After a while, Jian Xing finally snapped back to attention.
“Leak this news to the Church.
I believe they will make appropriate arrangements.” “Ah! Your Majesty, are you suggesting—” Jian Huan was greatly alarmed.
“That is only one part!” Jian Xing revealed a strange smile.
“It would be too great a waste if the Nine Luminaries God-True died just like that.
At the very least, we must secure his bloodline as compensation for our Biqi Royal Family.” “Ah!” Both Jian Huan and the Pigeon Cell Executive were dumbfounded.
“Summon Jian Wu and Jian Qi to see me,” Jian Xing commanded.
“Some matters need proper planning; this opportunity is too rare to waste.” “Yes!”