194: Chapter 194 Overpowering Sirius, the First Appearance of Gray Mist

"Sky Wolf Association's Li Tianlang?" Liu Qingqing's small Face turned pale, her voice carrying undisguised panic. As the Deputy Commander of the Sky Wolf Association and a powerhouse at the Middle Stage Heavenly Immortal Realm, he was considered a formidable figure in all of Beichen City, far beyond the comparison of the Early Stage Heavenly Immortal Bald Giant from before. The fact that the other party had specifically named Senior Uncle Xue meant that they were clearly here with ill intent!

"Don't be afraid." Lin Wan's voice remained calm, as if the formidable Middle Stage Heavenly Immortal enemy arriving outside was nothing more than a stray cat or dog. "Since they've come, let's go meet them."

Having said that, Lin Wan stood up, straightened his robes, and walked out of the tent with a composed expression. Liu Qingqing gritted her teeth and hurriedly followed. For some reason, seeing Senior Lin's calm and composed appearance, the fear in her heart dissipated by more than half.

Outside the campsite, the situation was already tense. The Disciples of the Ice and Snow Divine Palace, led by several Heavenly Immortal Elders, stood at the entrance of the camp with grave expressions, confronting the group opposite them.

Opposite them, the leader was a bare-chested giant, nine feet tall, with a burly build, a Face full of flesh, and fierce eyes. His muscles were knotted, his skin bronze-colored and covered in hideous scars that crawled like centipedes, exuding a violent Aura. He stood barefoot on the ice, yet felt no cold; instead, scorching heat waves radiated from his body, melting two shallow footprints into the profound ice beneath his feet. This person was none other than the Deputy Commander of the Sky Wolf Association, Li Tianlang, a Cultivator at the Middle Stage Heavenly Immortal Realm who practiced an incredibly domineering fire-attribute Cultivation Technique, and he was notorious in Beichen City.

Behind Li Tianlang stood seven or eight Sky Wolf Association Cultivators, the lowest of whom was at the Late Stage Earth Immortal Realm. Among them was the Bald Giant who had been intimidated by Lin Wan's pressure at the inn yesterday and had fled in a sorry state. At this moment, the Bald Giant was staring at the Ice and Snow Divine Palace members with a venomous look, especially when he saw Fairy Shuiyun and Liu Qingqing walking out of the tent, a lecherous and gleeful glint flashing in his eyes. Beside the Bald Giant was a One-eyed Elder with a cold Aura, whose cultivation had also reached the Early Stage Heavenly Immortal Realm; he was Li Tianlang's right-hand man.

"Li Tianlang, what is the meaning of this? Bringing people to block our Ice and Snow Divine Palace camp, are you trying to start a war?" Palace Master Xuè Wúhén walked out from the main tent with a Face like frost. Her cold gaze swept over Li Tianlang and the others, her Late Stage Heavenly Immortal Aura released without reservation, colliding fiercely with Li Tianlang's scorching Aura in the air, emitting a sizzling sound. The surrounding temperature fluctuated between hot and cold, and the atmosphere became extremely heavy.

"Start a war?" Li Tianlang grinned, revealing bone-white teeth like a wolf choosing someone to devour. "Elder Xue, you're exaggerating. Although I, Li Tianlang, am a rough man, I still understand the principle of valuing harmony. I came here today just to demand an explanation from Elder Xue."

"An explanation? What kind of explanation?" Palace Master Xuè Wúhén said coldly.

"Yesterday, in Beichen City, my Sky Wolf Association's people were beaten, humiliated, and extorted for three thousand immortal essence stones by your Ice and Snow Divine Palace Disciples, in league with some brat of unknown origin! Elder Xue, how do you think we should settle this account?" Li Tianlang sneered, his gaze sweeping unscrupulously over Fairy Shuiyun and Liu Qingqing, lingering for a long time on Fairy Shuiyun's graceful figure and cold, beautiful Face, with undisguised greed in his eyes.

"Nonsense!" Fairy Shuiyun's delicate body trembled with anger. She stepped forward and retorted, "It was clearly your Sky Wolf Association's people who tried to force a purchase, then turned to robbery, and even spoke rudely with evil intentions! Junior Brother Lin was just righting a wrong; how can you talk about beating, humiliation, and extortion? Those three thousand immortal essence stones were what you voluntarily offered as compensation!"

"Voluntarily offered?" Li Tianlang laughed loudly, as if he had heard some huge joke. "My Sky Wolf Association's people would 'voluntarily' offer compensation? Little girl, do you take me for a three-year-old child? Where is that brat named Senior Lín Fēng? Make him get out here! If he dares to touch my Sky Wolf Association's people, he won't be leaving here alive today without leaving behind two arms!"

"You…" Fairy Shuiyun's pretty Face turned pale, and she was about to argue further when Palace Master Xuè Wúhén raised her hand to stop her.

Palace Master Xuè Wúhén looked at Li Tianlang with cold eyes. She knew that the other party was making a mountain out of a molehill, and their purpose was likely not as simple as just "demanding an explanation." The Sky Wolf Association had always acted in a domineering manner. With the recent strange movements in the Grey Mist Zone and major forces gathering, the Sky Wolf Association was likely trying to take this Opportunity to establish their prestige, suppress the Ice and Snow Divine Palace, and compete for a say in the Grey Mist Zone. And yesterday's incident just happened to give them an excuse.

"Deputy Commander Li, right and wrong have their own public judgment. I have already heard from Shuiyun about yesterday's incident; it was your Sky Wolf Association that provoked us first. Fellow Daoist Senior Lín Fēng was just righting a wrong and is not at fault. As for those three thousand immortal essence stones, they were voluntarily offered by your subordinates as an apology. Let this matter end here, how about that?" Palace Master Xuè Wúhén's tone was calm, but her words carried an unquestionable meaning. She did not want to have a full-scale conflict with the Sky Wolf Association at this moment; the Grey Mist Zone was full of dangers, and preserving strength was the most important thing. But if the other party was aggressive, her Ice and Snow Divine Palace was not to be trifled with either.

"Let it end here?" Li Tianlang's smile vanished, and fierce light appeared in his eyes. "Elder Xue, you don't take my Sky Wolf Association seriously at all! You beat my people and want to just let it go? How could there be such a cheap deal! Today, either hand over that brat named Senior Lín Fēng, and these two little girls, to apologize to my brothers! Or, let me experience the Ice and Snow Divine Palace's ice Divine Ability and see if your ice is stronger, or my fire is stronger!"

As he spoke, Li Tianlang took a step forward, his Middle Stage Heavenly Immortal Aura erupting like a volcanic eruption. Scorching heat waves swept through the surroundings, melting large patches of the ice on the ground and revealing the black frozen soil. The members of the Sky Wolf Association behind him also drew their weapons, filled with Killing Intent.

The members of the Ice and Snow Divine Palace changed color, hurriedly circulating their immortal essence. Icy cold energy permeated the air, resisting the other party's scorching Aura. The atmosphere instantly tightened, and a great battle was on the verge of breaking out.

Cultivators from other surrounding forces had long been alarmed and gathered around, watching from afar, pointing and whispering.

"It's the Sky Wolf Association's Li Tianlang! This guy is a ruthless character; I heard he once tore a Yao Race member of the same rank apart with his bare hands!"

"Palace Master Xuè Wúhén of the Ice and Snow Divine Palace is no pushover either, a Late Stage Heavenly Immortal with incredible ice Divine Ability!"

"Now there's a good show to watch! Two major forces are about to fight!"

"It's all for the interests of the Grey Mist Zone; no one wants to back down!"

"Who is that 'Senior Lín Fēng'? How dare he provoke the Sky Wolf Association?"

"Shh, keep your voice down, just watch the show, don't bring trouble upon yourself…"

Just as the two sides were at daggers drawn, a calm voice sounded from the Ice and Snow Divine Palace camp.

"You are looking for me?"

The voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, drowning out all the noise.

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw a young Cultivator dressed in grey, with ordinary features and an Aura of only Late Stage Earth Immortal, walking slowly out of the camp. His expression was calm and composed, as if the tense scene before him had nothing to do with him.

It was Lin Wan.

"Junior Brother Lin!" "Senior Lin!" Fairy Shuiyun and Liu Qingqing exclaimed at the same time, worry showing in their eyes. Although they knew Lin Wan's strength was formidable, the other party was Li Tianlang, a Middle Stage Heavenly Immortal! And there was a One-eyed Elder who was an Early Stage Heavenly Immortal! Could Lin Wan handle them alone?

Palace Master Xuè Wúhén also frowned slightly as she looked at Lin Wan. Although she guessed that Lin Wan had hidden his strength, she did not know exactly how strong he was. Facing the notorious Li Tianlang, she could feel that there was no trace of fear on Lin Wan, but rather a calm steadiness like a deep pool. This made her heart settle slightly, and at the same time, made her even more curious.

"You are Senior Lín Fēng?" Li Tianlang's gaze was like lightning, sizing up Lin Wan, his Divine Sense sweeping over him unscrupulously. Late Stage Earth Immortal cultivation, plain and ordinary, apart from being decent-looking, he couldn't see anything special. But in his heart, he felt a faint sense of unease. The other party was too calm, calm to the point of being eerie. Moreover, his Middle Stage Heavenly Immortal Divine Sense could not see through the other party's depth! There were only two possibilities: either the other party had a treasure to hide his cultivation, or… the other party's true strength was even above his own!

"That's right, it's me." Lin Wan stopped walking and stood beside Palace Master Xuè Wúhén, looking at Li Tianlang with a calm gaze. "You want my two arms?"

"Hmph! Brat, you have some guts to stand out!" Li Tianlang sneered, suppressing the unease in his heart, and said fiercely, "For the sake of Elder Xue, I'll give you a chance! Break your own arms, kneel down and kowtow to my brothers to apologize, and then take out ten thousand immortal essence stones as compensation, and I can spare your dog life! Otherwise, this time next year will be the anniversary of your death!"

"Break my own arms? Kowtow to apologize? Ten thousand immortal essence stones?" Lin Wan repeated, a half-smile curling the corner of his mouth. "You sure have a lot of demands."

"What? You're not convinced?" Li Tianlang's eyes turned cold, his Middle Stage Heavenly Immortal Aura pressing down on Lin Wan without reservation. At the same time, his right hand lifted suddenly, and crimson flames burned fiercely in his palm, turning into a giant flaming wolf claw, radiating a violent and scorching Aura, as if it wanted to tear Lin Wan to pieces. "If you're not convinced, I'll beat you until you are!"

"Li Tianlang! You dare!" Palace Master Xuè Wúhén shouted angrily, about to take action. She could not let Lin Wan get hurt in front of her; otherwise, where would the Ice and Snow Divine Palace's Face be?

"Elder Xue, let me handle it." Lin Wan raised his hand, stopping Palace Master Xuè Wúhén. He took a step forward, facing Li Tianlang's violent Aura and the scorching flaming wolf claw, his expression still calm.

"Since you want my arms, then… come and take them yourself."

As his voice fell, Lin Wan moved.

There was no earth-shattering eruption of Aura, no brilliant display of spells. He simply raised his right hand, aimed at Li Tianlang, and gave a gentle grab.

This grab was plain and unadorned, just like a Mortal reaching out to grab something.

But the moment Lin Wan raised his hand, Li Tianlang's complexion changed drastically! He felt as if the surrounding space had solidified at this moment! An indescribable, terrifying force squeezed in from all directions, trapping him firmly in place, unable to move! Even the scorching and violent flaming wolf claw in his palm was like a candle in the wind, shaking violently as if it would go out at any moment!

"What power is this?!" Li Tianlang was horrified in his heart. He frantically circulated his immortal essence, wanting to break free from the restraint, but that invisible binding force was like an ancient sacred mountain, heavy and immovable, no matter how he struggled, he remained motionless! He felt like a fly trapped in a spider web, only able to be slaughtered!

Everyone around was stunned. They only saw Lin Wan gently raise his hand, and then, the ferocious Li Tianlang was frozen in place as if he had been hit by a binding spell, his Face showing a look of horror and disbelief. The flaming wolf claw in his palm also flickered, as if it would go out at any moment.

"This… what is going on?"

"What's wrong with Li Tianlang? Why isn't he moving?"

"It's that brat! What did he do?"

"What kind of Divine Ability is this? To be able to restrain a Middle Stage Heavenly Immortal like Li Tianlang?!"

"Is he… is he really at the Late Stage Earth Immortal Realm?"

The members of the Ice and Snow Divine Palace, Fairy Shuiyun, Liu Qingqing, and Palace Master Xuè Wúhén, were all dumbfounded, looking at this scene in disbelief. They knew Lin Wan's strength was formidable, but they didn't expect it to be this strong! He restrained the Middle Stage Heavenly Immortal Li Tianlang with such ease! Is… is this really something a Late Stage Earth Immortal can do?

"You…" Li Tianlang's eyes were about to split. He wanted to speak, but found that even opening his mouth had become difficult. The ferocity in his eyes had long been replaced by boundless fear. He finally understood that he had kicked an iron plate—no, a titanium alloy plate! The other party was definitely not a Late Stage Earth Immortal, but a peerless powerhouse hiding his cultivation! At least a Late Stage Heavenly Immortal, or even… a Peak Heavenly Immortal!

"Deputy Commander of the Sky Wolf Association, is this all you've got?" Lin Wan said lightly, his extended right hand slowly closing his five fingers.

As his fingers closed, Li Tianlang felt that the binding force suddenly increased, like an invisible giant hand wanting to crush him! The bones in his body made creaking sounds of being unable to bear the load, and fine cracks began to appear on the surface of his skin, with blood seeping out!

"No… don't! Senior, spare my life! Spare my life!" Li Tianlang finally collapsed, no longer caring about Face or dignity, using all his strength to let out a shrill plea for mercy. He could feel that the other party could really easily crush him to death, just like crushing an ant!

"Spare your life? Just now, that's not what you said." Lin Wan's expression was indifferent, his five fingers continuing to close.

"Senior! I was wrong! I had eyes but failed to recognize a master! I offended you! I am willing to compensate! I am willing to pay one hundred thousand, no, two hundred thousand Low Grade immortal essence stones to apologize to the Fairy of the Ice and Snow Divine Palace! Please, Senior, spare my life!" Li Tianlang shouted hoarsely, his eyes full of fear and pleading. He didn't want to die! He had worked so hard to Cultivate to the Middle Stage Heavenly Immortal Realm, becoming the Deputy Commander of the Sky Wolf Association, calling the wind and rain in Beichen City; he hadn't lived enough!

"Two hundred thousand Low Grade immortal essence stones?" Lin Wan's hand paused, as if thinking.

"Yes! Two hundred thousand! No, three hundred thousand! All my immortal essence stones are yours! Just please, Senior, spare my life!" Li Tianlang saw hope and hurriedly increased his offer.

"Three hundred thousand Low Grade immortal essence stones, to buy your life…" Lin Wan mused, "Not enough."

"Then… then what does Senior want? As long as I have it, I will give it to you!" Li Tianlang said eagerly.

"I want you… to swear by your Heart Demon that from now on, you will not in any form retaliate against or harass anyone from the Ice and Snow Divine Palace, including Fairy Shuiyun and Liu Qingqing. Also, today's matter ends here and must not be mentioned again. In addition, hand over three hundred thousand Low Grade immortal essence stones as an apology. Agree, and you live. Don't agree, and you die." Lin Wan's voice was plain, but carried an unquestionable coldness.

"I agree! I agree!" Li Tianlang did not hesitate and hurriedly agreed. Although a Heart Demon oath had strong binding power, it was still better than dying immediately! As for the immortal essence stones, if they were gone, he could earn more, but if his life was gone, everything was gone!

Without any hesitation, Li Tianlang immediately swore by his Heart Demon, his voice trembling but clear as he made the oath. The oath was established, and an invisible force of Karma descended, imprinted deep in his Divine Soul. From then on, if he dared to break the oath, his Heart Demon would backfire, and his Divine Soul would be destroyed!

After making the oath, Li Tianlang felt relieved. He hurriedly took out three bulging bags from his Storage Ring, filled with Low Grade immortal essence stones, not more, not less, exactly three hundred thousand. He respectfully offered them with both hands, his Face no longer daring to show any arrogance, only obsequiousness and fear.

Lin Wan collected the bags of immortal essence stones casually, without even looking at Li Tianlang, and withdrew the binding force.

"Get lost."

The two words were like the sound of nature. Li Tianlang felt as if he had been granted amnesty. He scrambled to his feet, bowed deeply to Lin Wan, and then fled in a sorry state with his subordinates without even looking back, his speed so fast it was as if a prehistoric beast was chasing after him. The Bald Giant and the One-eyed Elder were even more scared out of their wits, not even daring to look at Lin Wan, following closely behind Li Tianlang, and disappeared into the distance of the stronghold in the blink of an eye.

Silence.

A deathly silence.

Everyone looked at this scene, dumbfounded, watching the grey figure who had gently raised his hand to suppress the notorious Li Tianlang, forcing him to swear a Heart Demon oath, pay compensation, and beg for mercy, before fleeing like a stray dog.

This… this was simply a myth! If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, who would believe that the Middle Stage Heavenly Immortal Li Tianlang could be so easily played in the palm of someone's hand?

"Lin... Senior Lin..." Liu Qingqing murmured, her large eyes filled with stars of adoration.

Fairy Shuiyun's beautiful eyes also shimmered with brilliance as she watched Lin Wan's back, her heart surging with waves. Just... how strong was he?

Palace Master Xuè Wúhén took a deep breath, suppressing the shock in her heart, and looked at Lin Wan with a gaze full of complexity. Fear, gratitude, curiosity—various emotions intertwined. She had originally thought that Lin Wan was at most at the Middle Stage of the Heavenly Immortal Realm, or perhaps the Late Stage. But now it seemed his strength was likely even above hers! At the very least, she knew she could not so effortlessly restrict Li Tianlang and force him to swear a Heart Demon oath. Who on earth was this person?

The surrounding onlookers finally snapped out of their daze, and a sudden uproar broke out.

"My God! What did I just see? Li Tianlang... ran away?"

"Not ran, he fled! He was scared out of his wits!"

"Who exactly is that man in grey? Too terrifying!"

"Suppressing a Middle Stage Heavenly Immortal with a wave of his hand... This is at least a Late Stage Heavenly Immortal, no, possibly a Peak Heavenly Immortal expert!"

"Since when did the Ice and Snow Divine Palace have such a powerful reinforcement?"

"This is getting interesting. The Sky Wolf Association has kicked a steel plate this time!"

"Li Tianlang swore a Heart Demon oath; from now on, he'll have to take a detour whenever he sees people from the Ice and Snow Divine Palace!"

"The exploration of the Grey Mist Zone has gained another variable..."

Amidst the awe, curiosity, and probing gazes of the crowd, Lin Wan turned to look at Palace Master Xuè Wúhén, his expression normal, as if he had just done something trivial.

"Elder Xue, apologies, I've caused you trouble."

Palace Master Xuè Wúhén waved her hand hurriedly and smiled bitterly: "Fellow Daoist Lin, you joke. It is you who helped my Ice and Snow Divine Palace greatly. If not for your intervention, today's matter would likely not have ended well. Not only is your strength extraordinary, but you are also clear about gratitude and grudges. I, Palace Master Xuè Wúhén, admire you."

"Elder Xue is too polite. I am an old acquaintance of Senior Sister Shuiyun and Miss Liu; helping them is only right and proper," Lin Wan said indifferently.

"Regardless, the Ice and Snow Divine Palace will remember this kindness," Palace Master Xuè Wúhén said solemnly. "Fellow Daoist Lin, if you don't mind, please enter the tent for a chat. There are some matters regarding the Grey Mist Zone that I need to discuss with you."

"Very well," Lin Wan nodded.

Palace Master Xuè Wúhén invited Lin Wan, Fairy Shuiyun, Liu Qingqing, and several Heavenly Immortal deacons into the main tent. She left the other Disciples to keep guard and dispersed the onlookers.

Inside the main tent, Palace Master Xuè Wúhén personally served spirit tea to Lin Wan, her attitude much more respectful. Respecting strength is an ironclad rule in the Immortal Realm. The strength Lin Wan had displayed was enough to earn her respect.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, to be honest, the recent disturbances in the Grey Mist Zone involve a great deal," Palace Master Xuè Wúhén said with a grave expression. "According to the secret records of my Ice and Snow Divine Palace, there is a suspected ancient ruin deep within the Grey Mist Zone, possibly related to some powerful figure from the Chaos era. This spreading of the grey mist is likely related to the emergence of those ruins. The Sky Wolf Association, the Four Seas Trade Alliance, the War God Temple, the Xuan Yin Sect, and other forces, including some eccentric lone wolves, have all come for this."

"Ancient ruins?" Lin Wan's heart stirred. It was just as he thought.

"Correct. It is said that those ruins contain treasures and Legacies from the Chaos era, and may even involve the Opportunity to achieve the Dao, which is why it has attracted competition from all sides," Palace Master Xuè Wúhén continued. "My Ice and Snow Divine Palace is determined to obtain a supreme ice-attribute treasure within the ruins. But looking at the current situation, it is as difficult as ascending to heaven to stand out among the many forces. Especially the Xuan Yin Sect; they act in mysterious ways and use ruthless methods, making them a great enemy of our Ice and Snow Divine Palace."

"What does Elder Xue mean?" Lin Wan asked.

"I wish to form an alliance with you," Palace Master Xuè Wúhén looked at Lin Wan with burning eyes. "Your strength is unfathomable. If you can help my Ice and Snow Divine Palace obtain that supreme ice-attribute treasure, my Ice and Snow Divine Palace will definitely reward you handsomely! Moreover, if you take a fancy to any other treasures in the ruins, my Ice and Snow Divine Palace will absolutely not compete with you, and can even help you obtain them with all our might!"

An alliance? Lin Wan pondered. Forming an alliance with the Ice and Snow Divine Palace could indeed save a lot of trouble, and he could share information. With the help of the Ice and Snow Divine Palace, entering the core area of the ruins would also be easier. But he was used to being a lone wolf and disliked being tied down. Moreover, his goals were Chaos crystals and Chaos Qi, which might not conflict with the goals of the Ice and Snow Divine Palace.

"An alliance is possible, but I have a few conditions," Lin Wan mused for a moment before speaking.

"Please speak, Fellow Daoist," Palace Master Xuè Wúhén perked up.

"First, I will not be under the control of the Ice and Snow Divine Palace. I will have freedom of action, only cooperating with you and supporting each other when necessary."

"Accepted."

"Second, after entering the ruins, we rely on our own opportunities. If there is a dispute, my decision is final. If I encounter unavoidable danger, I have the right to decide whether to stay or leave."

"This... is acceptable." Palace Master Xuè Wúhén hesitated, but nodded. The other party was powerful and qualified to set conditions.

"Third, you must keep my identity and strength confidential and must not disclose them to anyone."

"That is only natural." Palace Master Xuè Wúhén did not hesitate. She preferred that others not know the extent of Lin Wan's power, so that they could achieve victory by surprise at the critical moment.

"Fourth, if I obtain Materials or information with Chaos attributes, you must provide them to me first, or help me obtain them. In exchange, I can help you deal with the Xuan Yin Sect and compete for that supreme ice-attribute treasure."

"Materials with Chaos attributes?" A flash of realization crossed Palace Master Xuè Wúhén's eyes. No wonder Lin Wan came to the Chaos Ruins; he was looking for Materials with Chaos attributes. This did not conflict. "No problem. My Ice and Snow Divine Palace has no need for Materials with Chaos attributes. If we obtain any relevant information, we will definitely inform you. As for the Xuan Yin Sect... hmph, if you can help me eradicate those Devil Heads from the Xuan Yin Sect, my Ice and Snow Divine Palace will be eternally grateful!"

"Good, then it is settled," Lin Wan nodded.

"That's wonderful!" Palace Master Xuè Wúhén beamed. With a powerful reinforcement like Lin Wan joining, the chances of success for this trip to the ruins had greatly increased. "Fellow Daoist Lin, this is the communication Jade Slip of my Ice and Snow Divine Palace, which can transmit information within a thousand miles. Additionally, this is a detailed map of the outer periphery of the Grey Mist Zone, as well as some internal intelligence mastered by my Ice and Snow Divine Palace. I hope it will be helpful to you."

Palace Master Xuè Wúhén took out two Jade Slips and gave them to Lin Wan. One was an ice-blue communication Jade Slip, and the other was a Jade Slip recording the map and intelligence.

Lin Wan took them, scanned them with his Divine Sense, and nodded. The map was more detailed than the one from the Bai Xiao Pavilion, and the intelligence also contained more conjectures about the entrance to the ruins and the internal Restrictions.

"Elder Xue, when are we entering the Grey Mist Zone?" Lin Wan asked.

"Three days from now," Palace Master Xuè Wúhén said. "According to our observations, the concentration and activity patterns of the grey mist have a relatively calm period every three days, lasting about six hours. That is the relatively safe window period for entering the Grey Mist Zone. The next window period is at noon three days from now. We need to prepare in advance to enter during the window period and reach the outer periphery of the ruins as soon as possible."

"Good." Lin Wan had no objections.

For the next three days, Lin Wan cultivated quietly in the Ice and Snow Divine Palace camp, while familiarizing himself with the map and intelligence given by Palace Master Xuè Wúhén. Fairy Shuiyun and Liu Qingqing would occasionally come to find him to ask questions about cultivation, and Lin Wan would offer some guidance. Both women became increasingly admiring and reliant on Lin Wan.

The members of the Ice and Snow Divine Palace, having witnessed Lin Wan's strength, were even more respectful to him and dared not show the slightest negligence. Palace Master Xuè Wúhén treated Lin Wan as an honored guest, supplying him with endless spirit fruits and spirit tea.

The story of Lin Wan suppressing Li Tianlang with a wave of his hand spread like wildfire through the stronghold. For a time, Lin Wan became the most mysterious and untouchable figure in the stronghold. People from the Sky Wolf Association would take a detour whenever they saw someone from the Ice and Snow Divine Palace, not daring to show the slightest provocation. Other factions were also much more polite to the Ice and Snow Divine Palace, not daring to underestimate them anymore.

Three days later, noon was approaching.

On the open ground in the center of the stronghold, the teams of the major factions gathered, preparing to enter the Grey Mist Zone.

On the side of the Ice and Snow Divine Palace, apart from Palace Master Xuè Wúhén, Lin Wan, Fairy Shuiyun, and Liu Qingqing, there were two Early Stage Heavenly Immortal deacons and five elite Disciples at the Earth Immortal Realm, totaling ten people. Palace Master Xuè Wúhén left the weaker Disciples at the stronghold and only brought the elite to enter.

On the side of the Sky Wolf Association, Li Tianlang did not appear. The team was led by another Middle Stage Heavenly Immortal, a One-eyed Elder, along with several Early Stage Heavenly Immortals and Late Stage Earth Immortals, totaling eight people. When the One-eyed Elder saw Lin Wan, his eyes were gloomy, but he dared not make any move.

The Four Seas Trade Alliance was led by a Middle Stage Heavenly Immortal who looked like a Plump Middle-aged Man, bringing seven or eight people of varying cultivation levels, most of whom appeared to be hired Loose Cultivators and guards.

The War God Temple consisted entirely of Body Cultivators, each with bulging muscles and soaring blood energy. The leader was a Bald Giant, twelve feet tall and like an iron tower, with the cultivation of a Late Stage Heavenly Immortal, his overbearing Aura making people afraid to look directly at him. He was followed by five or six Body Cultivators with equally fierce Auras.

The Xuan Yin Sect had the fewest people, only five. All were wearing black robes, with cold and mysterious Auras, their Faces indistinguishable. The leader was an old woman with a hunched figure, holding a skull crutch, with Middle Stage Heavenly Immortal cultivation, but the gloomy Death Qi emanating from her made people shudder. The four people behind her also had deep Auras, at least at the Early Stage Heavenly Immortal level.

In addition to these five major factions, there were three or four small groups and some lone experts, totaling twenty or thirty people. The entire team was nearly a hundred people, with the lowest cultivation being Middle Stage Earth Immortal, which was quite a formidable force.

"Everyone!" The Bald Giant from the War God Temple stepped forward, his voice like a booming bell, making people's eardrums ache. "The Grey Mist Zone is dangerous, I assume everyone is aware of this. Although we have competition in this exploration, we must work together in the Face of the unknown dangers in the grey mist. After entering the grey mist, we rely on our own abilities, but if we encounter unavoidable danger, I hope we can watch out for each other and not stab each other in the back! Otherwise, my War God Temple will be the first to disagree!"

"Hmph, that sounds nice. Once we enter the grey mist, it's all about our own means, and life and death are up to fate." The old woman from the Xuan Yin Sect said sinisterly, her voice like the crying of a night owl, making one's hair stand on end.

"Hehe, old ghost of Xuan Yin, the way you say that, it's as if everyone doesn't know that your Xuan Yin Sect loves stabbing people in the back the most." The One-eyed Elder from the Sky Wolf Association ridiculed sarcastically.

"You are courting death!" A green light flashed in the eyes of the Xuan Yin Sect old woman, and she stamped her skull crutch on the ground, causing a cold, gloomy Aura to spread out.

"What? Want to fight? Do you think I'm afraid of you!" The One-eyed Elder did not show weakness, and flames rose from his body.

"Enough!" Palace Master Xuè Wúhén shouted coldly, and a freezing Aura spread out, suppressing both the flames and the cold, gloomy Aura. "With a great enemy ahead, we are fighting amongst ourselves here. Do you want to be a laughingstock to the things in the grey mist?"

Palace Master Xuè Wúhén's Late Stage Heavenly Immortal cultivation, combined with the suppression of her ice Divine Ability, made the Faces of the One-eyed Elder and the Xuan Yin old woman change slightly, and they snorted coldly, saying no more.

The Bald Giant laughed and smoothed things over: "Elder Xue is right, with a great enemy ahead, we should unite against the outside. Time is almost up, let's get ready to go!"

Everyone looked up. In the distant sky, the boundless grey mist seemed to have slowed its churning speed, and its concentration seemed to have thinned a little. But that heavy, oppressive, and eerie feeling had not diminished in the slightest.

"The window period is here, let's go!" The Bald Giant took the lead, turning into a streak of golden light, and rushed towards the Grey Mist Zone.

"Let's go!" The other factions were not to be outdone and quickly raised their flight lights, following closely behind.

Palace Master Xuè Wúhén looked at Lin Wan, and Lin Wan nodded slightly.

"Let's move out!"

The group from the Ice and Snow Divine Palace, led by Palace Master Xuè Wúhén and Lin Wan, turned into several streams of light and plunged into the grey, eerie grey mist that seemed capable of swallowing everything.

As soon as he entered the grey mist, Lin Wan felt that everything around him had changed. The light dimmed, as if dusk had arrived early. His vision was greatly restricted, and with his Early Stage Heavenly Immortal Divine Sense, he could only probe within a range of a hundred zhang; beyond that, everything was blurry. The sound of wailing wind came to his ears, like ghosts crying and wolves howling, and it also sounded like countless people whispering in his ears, which was extremely eerie. The air was filled with a faint, sweet, and bloody smell; inhaling it into his lungs made him feel unsettled, as if countless negative emotions were breeding.

"Guard your hearts and minds, operate your Cultivation Techniques, and resist the erosion of the grey mist!" Palace Master Xuè Wúhén's cold voice rang out, reminding everyone.

Everyone exerted their Cultivation Techniques with all their might, and various colored light shields appeared on their bodies, isolating the grey mist outside. But the grey mist was pervasive, and the light shields were also being slowly eroded, requiring constant consumption of immortal essence to maintain.

Lin Wan did not erect a light shield. With a thought, the Chaos Dao Seed within his body rotated slightly, and an invisible Chaos force field enveloped his body. Those grey mists that approached him were silently swallowed and transformed; not only could they not erode him, they instead became a supplement to his Chaos Immortal Energy. He felt that in this grey mist, he was like a fish in water, and the Chaos Dao Seed even sent out joyful fluctuations.

"This grey mist... is indeed related to Chaos, and moreover, it seems to contain some kind of eerie power that can trigger Heart Demons and erode the Divine Soul..." Lin Wan pondered in his heart, secretly alert.

The team moved slowly through the grey mist, everyone cautious, their Divine Sense fully expanded, alert to all movements around them. In the grey mist, visibility was extremely low, and no one knew what would pop out the next moment.

Suddenly, a shrill scream came from the front!

"Ah—! Don't come over! Don't kill me!"

It was a Middle Stage Earth Immortal Cultivator from the Four Seas Trade Alliance. His eyes were blood-red, and his Face was filled with boundless fear, as if he had seen something extremely terrifying. He was crazily waving the Magic Treasure in his hand, attacking his companions beside him!

"Not good! He has been eroded by the grey mist and has fallen into an illusion!" someone exclaimed.

"Quickly restrain him!" The Plump Middle-aged Man of the Four Seas Trade Alliance's expression changed, and he was about to make a move.

But it was too late. The Cultivator who had fallen into the illusion was acting like a madman, his attacks without any method, but their power had greatly increased. He actually forced back the people around him and then plunged into the depths of the grey mist, disappearing in the blink of an eye, leaving only a shrill scream echoing in the grey mist, getting further and further away, and finally coming to an abrupt end.

"..." Everyone felt a chill in their hearts. They had been in the grey mist for less than a stick of incense, and someone had already fallen for it! The eeriness and danger of this grey mist far exceeded their imagination!

"Everyone, be careful! Guard your hearts and minds, do not be deceived by illusions! If you have Magic Treasures or Talismans for clearing the mind and calming the spirit, use them immediately!" The Bald Giant from the War God Temple warned loudly, his voice filled with gravity.

Everyone took out clearing-mind jade pendants, calming-spirit Talismans, and other items, wearing them on their bodies or sticking them on their foreheads, and only then did they feel their hearts and minds stabilize a bit.

The team continued to move forward, but the atmosphere was even more oppressive and tense. No one knew if they would be the next one to fall into an illusion.

Lin Wan's gaze swept across the rolling grey mist, and the palpitations from the Chaos Dao Seed became clearer and clearer. He felt that deep in the grey mist, there seemed to be something calling to him.

"Is that the direction of the ruins?"