1395: Red dragon, flying bird!

The atmosphere inside the Liuyun Sect Foreign Affairs Hall was very lively.

Various cultivators gathered in the hall, either exchanging information with each other or observing everyone who entered, looking for reliable teammates.

“The situation in the Forbidden Ground’s southeast region seems to have worsened recently. A few days ago, I went hunting there with some friends and found that the Nightmare Ghosts appearing were significantly stronger than before. One of my good friends was even injured and poisoned by evil thoughts, and the cost of healing wiped out all the gains from this adventure!”

“It’s good that he’s alright. I heard the Zou family brothers led a team into the Forbidden Ground the day before yesterday, and all ten skilled individuals were lost there. The eldest Zou brother was at the Realm Four Peak Stage, only half a step away from passing the first great Heavenly Tribulation. Compared to them, you, old brother, are already very lucky!”

“...Your Excellency is right!”

“Looking at the current situation, the rate at which Nightmare Ghosts are recovering in the Forbidden Ground is much faster than in previous years. In my opinion, the Liuyun Sect might conduct a major cleanup earlier than the three-year mark!”

“Indeed. Recently, news came from the north that the Crimson Dragon Thieves and the Feiniao Bandits, two of the three Star Bandit forces, started fighting. I heard they fought fiercely, almost affecting the entire Northern Realm, with casualties in the tens of millions. With such heavy casualties, the world is filled with resentment and evil thoughts, so it’s understandable that the Nightmare Ghost population in the Forbidden Ground is recovering faster.”

“Although this war hasn’t yet seen Star Shattering Realm experts who have passed the second great Heavenly Tribulation enter the fray, if the war continues and no other forces intervene to mediate, it’s only a matter of time before Star Shattering Realm experts make a move.”

“Damn these Star Bandits! Couldn’t they just mine honestly?”

“...”

Wang Chen walked through the crowd, occasionally hearing the discussions of those nearby, and couldn’t help but stop and listen.

From their discussions, he could glean a lot of useful information.

The rate at which Nightmare Ghosts were recovering in the Forbidden Ground far exceeded the past, and the reason was that the Crimson Dragon Thieves and the Feiniao Bandits, two of the three major external forces on Yunhu Star, had engaged in a massive war, leading to an increase in the concentration of evil thoughts and resentment in the world, which accelerated the birth and strength growth of Nightmare Ghosts.

Furthermore, from their conversations, it was evident that the war between the Crimson Dragon Thieves and the Feiniao Bandits, while still somewhat controlled, showed no signs of ending soon.

This was clear from the speculation that both sides’ Star Shattering Realm experts might personally enter the fray.

Star Shattering Realm experts were what people on Yunhu Star called Star Domain experts who had reached the Nine Realms and above, because such experts could, with careful preparation, completely obliterate a small Life Star into dust with their individual power.

Once the war between the Crimson Dragon Thieves and the Feiniao Bandits escalated to the point where such experts made a move, it would be a disaster for the entire Yunhu Star.

At the very least, the Northern Realm of Yunhu Star would be turned into a wasteland.

However, all three major native forces on Yunhu Star also had experts of the Nine Realms and above overseeing them, and they certainly wouldn’t stand by and watch such a situation unfold. They would likely intervene to mediate in the near future.

After all, if the Crimson Dragon Thieves and the Feiniao Bandits engaged in a life-and-death battle between experts of the Nine Realms and above, no one wanted to see the final outcome.

Moreover, if the Northern Realm became a wasteland, the Crimson Dragon Thieves and the Feiniao Bandits would inevitably have to encroach on the territories of other forces if they wanted to continue developing on Yunhu Star.

“It seems this is truly a troubled time.”

At this point, seeing that the discussions of those few people had turned into a unanimous condemnation of the Star Bandits’ brutality, Wang Chen shook his head and walked away.

Although he was on a Life Star, the war between the Crimson Dragon Thieves and the Feiniao Bandits was still far from him, so he didn’t need to consider its impact on himself for now.

Soon, Wang Chen found a Disciple of the Liuyun Sect in the hall.

“Welcome, Your Excellency, to Yunshan City. On behalf of the Liuyun Sect and the tens of millions of people within its borders, I thank Your Excellency for being willing to enter the Yunshan Forbidden Area and contribute to clearing the Nightmare Ghost Disaster.”

Seeing Wang Chen, the Liuyun Sect Disciple said with a smile.

“What is required to obtain a pass to enter the Yunshan Forbidden Area?”

Wang Chen politely nodded to the other party, then straightforwardly stated his purpose.

“The passes are distributed for free. Your Excellency only needs to simply register your personal information.”

Hearing this, the Liuyun Sect Disciple’s smile widened.

Although the entire Yunshan Forbidden Area had been a training ground for the Liuyun Sect’s Disciples since its establishment, it was very difficult to keep the dangers within the Forbidden Ground within a safe range by relying solely on the younger generation of Disciples.

This was why they began issuing Forbidden Ground passes to outsiders and posting bounty notices to attract other cultivators to enter the Forbidden Ground.

The Liuyun Sect welcomed any cultivator who wished to enter the Forbidden Ground and earn bounties by hunting Nightmare Ghosts.

After all, compared to weakening the scale of Nightmare Ghosts in the Forbidden Ground and maintaining stability within their sphere of influence, the “money” spent was truly insignificant.

After listening to the Liuyun Sect Disciple’s introduction, Wang Chen was somewhat surprised that the pass could be obtained so easily, but he didn’t think too much about it and readily registered his name and Realm strength.

However.

“...?!?”

Picking up Wang Chen’s registration information and glancing at it, the Liuyun Sect Disciple, who was about to fetch the pass, suddenly froze, then looked up and scrutinized Wang Chen again.

Such a young Four Realms Late Stage expert?!

Even the most outstanding rising stars within the Sect had a considerable gap compared to the person in front of him.

Could it be that this was a direct descendant from a major force out for training?

“Brother Wang Chen, are you willing to team up with others to enter the Yunshan Forbidden Area?”

“The threat level of Nightmare Ghosts in the Yunshan Forbidden Area has been continuously increasing recently. Even Five Realm experts acting alone have met with misfortune. If you have companions, you can support each other after entering the Forbidden Ground.”

“Currently, our Liuyun Sect has a team composed of elite Disciples preparing to enter the Yunshan Forbidden Area for training. If you are willing, Brother Wang Chen, I can introduce you.”

At this point, the Liuyun Sect Disciple’s smile became more genuine.

Regardless of this person’s identity, having the strength of a Four Realms Late Stage at such a young age, it would always be right to befriend him.

“Team up with others?”

Wang Chen’s gaze shifted, and after a moment of contemplation, he shook his head.

“No need. I’m used to acting alone. Moving with your Sect’s Disciples might be a hindrance.”

He politely refused.

“I see... Then please wait a moment, Brother Wang, I’ll go get your pass now.”

The Liuyun Sect Disciple was momentarily stunned, then still said with a smile.

However, just as he turned to leave, a group of people entered the hall and quickly walked towards him, their destination very clear.