Mo Han then addressed the group, “Let’s continue our journey today. It’s still early, and if we make good time, we should be able to reach the next city by nightfall.” Everyone heartily agreed.

The group returned to the inn, packed their belongings, bid farewell to Mafa City, and set off toward the next destination: Haite City.

After a full day’s travel, they finally arrived at Haite City as darkness fell. Haite City was arguably the most prosperous metropolis aside from the Imperial Capital, Tianlong City. Upon entering, they were met with a vibrant scene; numerous shops were still open, and the streets teemed with pedestrians. This stood in stark contrast to the usual nighttime stillness of other cities. Seeing this, the group’s spirits lifted immensely. They weren't in a rush to find lodging; instead, they dismounted and strolled along the shops, purchasing anything that caught their eye without hesitation. This delighted the merchants, who inwardly marveled at the sheer generosity of Mo Han and his companions.

Just then, Mo Han felt an intense wave of death energy emanating from outside the city walls, which vanished in the blink of an eye. Seeing Mo Han suddenly freeze, Daili asked with concern, “Mo Han, what is it? Are you feeling unwell?” Hearing her voice, Mo Han snapped back to reality and managed a light chuckle. “Nothing, just a momentary delusion. Come on.”

Hearing his strange reply, Daili and the others were used to it by now and didn't press the issue, continuing down the main thoroughfare.

Meanwhile, in the woods outside the city, a three-meter-tall patch of inky black fog suddenly materialized. A brief flash of light pierced the mist, and when the dense fog dissipated, five figures cloaked in black stood exactly where it had been.

In the moonlight, it was startling to realize that their faces were obscured, completely hidden beneath their dark cloaks. One of the figures bowed respectfully toward the one in the center and said, “Lord Ming Jiang, is this the Human Realm?” The central figure replied in a low, resonant voice, “Indeed, this is it. I visited the Human Realm once five hundred years ago, so I cannot be mistaken. You will each proceed according to your assigned missions and gather intelligence on the various regions. Be extremely cautious. The Underworld King expended considerable effort to transport us here for the great war two years from now, so you must collect accurate information on every facet of humanity. Losing your lives is a small matter compared to failing the Underworld King’s grand design—you know the consequences.”

Upon hearing Lord Ming Jiang’s words, the four figures trembled slightly in fear and quickly responded respectfully, “We vow to fulfill the trust placed in us by the Underworld King, please do not worry, Lord Ming Jiang.”

Lord Ming Jiang nodded in satisfaction at their demeanor. “That’s right. You must find the information on every powerful individual on this continent. The more detailed, the better. If the opportunity arises, eliminate them if necessary—that will earn you tremendous merit. Do you understand?” The figures quickly affirmed, “We will certainly live up to your expectations.”

Lord Ming Jiang then muttered to himself, “I wonder what became of that old man, Mo Xiuyi. Is he dead yet? Just hearing Aiyagesse describe the power of the Light of Doomsday sends a chill down my spine. Poor Aiyagesse, still imprisoned and suffering in the Underworld Sea. I certainly don't wish to suffer the same fate. Since the Underworld King has decided to personally take command this time, victory is assured. I must pave the way for him before his arrival.”

He then addressed the figures beside him. “Go now. I hope you can achieve great deeds before the Underworld King arrives; the position of Ming Jiang will then be within easy reach. Work hard. Remember, if you encounter any critical situation, crush the Nether Orb you carry. The magic barrier within can temporarily shield you, and others will immediately sense it and come to your aid.”

After saluting Lord Ming Jiang, the four figures flew off in four different directions and vanished in an instant.

Lord Ming Jiang remained alone. He then spoke aloud, “It seems I should head to Blazing Isle. Hopefully, I can find something useful there.”

With that, his body dissolved into a streak of black light, soaring rapidly westward until he disappeared into the vast, enveloping night.

Meanwhile, back in Haite City, Mo Han and his party finally concluded their frenzied shopping spree and secured rooms at an inn. They gathered in Mo Han’s room, chatting excitedly. Daili noticed Mo Han’s silence and asked curiously, “Mo Han, what’s wrong? You’ve been strange since a moment ago. Did something happen?”

Mo Han offered a wry smile. “I think I sensed an incredibly powerful aura of death just now—so strong it was terrifying—but it vanished almost instantly. I can’t be sure if it was just my imagination, so I got distracted.”

Hearing this, the others exchanged puzzled glances. “None of us felt anything. How did you know?”

Mo Han shook his head as well. “I’m not sure myself, which is why I said it was probably just my imagination. Forget it, let’s not dwell on it. Get some good rest; we have more traveling to do tomorrow.”

Accepting his words, everyone returned to their respective rooms to rest.

Only Daili remained, watching Mo Han with lingering concern. “Are you really alright?” Mo Han grinned mischievously. “I am, but something big is happening. I feel terrible all over. However, if you sleep with me, my dear wife, I’ll be perfectly fine instantly.”

Hearing his nonsense, Daili’s face flushed crimson, and she scolded him shyly, “You pervert! I’m not dealing with you, you have no decency.”

With that, she fled, her face still burning red.

Mo Han was left alone in the room, laughing triumphantly.

He muttered boastfully to himself, “Heh heh, I call that being charming, not sleazy, little missy.”

The next morning, the group was back on the road early. Nothing eventful occurred during their travel until, after three days of relentless journeying, they reached the Imperial Capital, Tianlong City, on the morning of the third day. Upon arrival, Mo Han exclaimed, “Damn it, Tianlong City truly lives up to its reputation as the capital of the premier nation! These city walls must be at least thirty zhang high, taller than anything we saw in Feiji City before, and the walls stretch on forever!”

Standing at a distance, Mo Han couldn't see the ends of the fortifications in either direction. He sighed in awe, “It must have taken generations of effort to achieve this scale.”

Daili, witnessing his astonishment, laughed softly. “Tianlong City is the largest and most opulent city on the entire continent. I heard its population is nearly twenty-two million. How could it not be vast?” Mo Han gasped. “That many people! No wonder!” Even though it was early morning, the line of people waiting to enter the city stretched out like a long dragon, giving Mo Han a massive headache just looking at it—who knew how long they would have to queue?

Jump to