C1060 The White Crane Saluted

The Coleman family had been in rapid decline since the death of their ancestor. Today, this once-glorious family could no longer compete with the top-tier families in terms of wealth and manpower. The battleship en route to the Annihilation Nebula, along with the Starfire Cannons, were among the few remaining displays of strength the Coleman family could muster. In reality, they bore the important duty of protecting Becker and upholding his reputation.

The Skyreach Consortium had extended its invitation to Becker's Curtis family. As a representative of the Starborn race and the Curtis family, Becker's family, whose territory bordered the Annihilation Nebula, had been granted the role of guardians with his permission.

Wilson's heart ached as the battleship, painstakingly crafted with substantial resources, was damaged and the Starfire Cannons were destroyed one by one. Frustration naturally led him to lash out at Benin.

"It was your command to pursue the Ashen Hollow, not mine," Wilson accused.

Benin remained composed, unaffected by Wilson's rage. "Encountering the hunters of the Everlands was an unforeseen accident, not something I could have anticipated."

"You are the main reason we're in this chase," Eleazar stated gravely.

Benin simply pursed her lips, opting to remain silent.

"Come back to the battleship with us. We'll enter the Annihilation Nebula together. When we see your teacher, I'll discuss this matter with her personally," Eleazar said, casting a stern glance at Wilson, concerned he might act impulsively. "Besides, staying in the Ashen Hollow is far from safe."

"I disagree," Benin replied coolly.

"Whose side are you on? The outlaws or the people?" Wilson demanded, his anger palpable.

"No comment," Benin retorted with a huff.

"Then you can't blame me for what happens next..."

A dangerous glint flashed in Wilson's eyes, his face contorted with fury.

"Stop!" Becker commanded authoritatively.

He descended into the Ashen Hollow, positioning himself between Wilson and Eleazar. "I just have one question—is that human youth..."

His gaze turned to Benin, filled with expectation.

Benin, aware of who he was and the background of his powerful family, hesitated before nodding in confirmation. She then added, "My teacher instructed me to accompany him to the Annihilation Nebula."

"I understand."

Becker inhaled deeply and promptly commanded Eleazar and Wilson, "Return to the warship and stop staring at her! And remember, I am the envoy of the Starborn."

Eleazar's face drained of color.

Wilson was equally taken aback.

Becker, who had always been kind and never caused them any trouble, was speaking with a severity they had never seen before. In their astonishment, they suddenly recognized his true stature.

The Curtis family!

Wilson was eager to understand more and had questions, but Eleazar silenced him with a glance.

"Sorry, we'll head back now. Please don't be upset."

With a firm grip on Wilson's arm, Eleazar pulled him away, much like Benin had done with Hart earlier, not allowing him any chance to speak.

"You can head to the Annihilation Nebula first. There's no need to stay with me," added Becker.

Eleazar felt a sinking feeling in his chest upon hearing this, a mix of fear and bewilderment clouding his thoughts.

What in the world was happening?

Elsewhere.

A man with sickly pale skin, draped in a gray cloak with feathered edges, materialized beside Peach Madam.

He scrutinized Hu Caiyun with a critical eye and a sneer curled his lips, "I didn't expect you to be the victor."

"Shouldn't you have foreseen this?" Hu Caiyun's smile bloomed.

The inner demon had consumed her former self, leading to a fall from grace, only to return with even greater combat prowess. It was a natural progression. When White Crane had departed the Embers Sea with her, he had predicted this day would come, though he hadn't anticipated it would be so soon or cause such an uproar.

"Good-for-nothing Rosny, worthless Calves, and one more..."

White Crane didn't reply, instead tilting his head to glance at the deceased King of Bandits, cursing Calves under his breath, and finally resting his gaze on Fernand, murmuring, "The Shura are indeed a cut above the Shadowkin and Moonlit Wanderers. To have survived this long, even under Yue Mu's Skyfall Net, is commendable."

He continued to critique the situation unabashedly.

"Lord White Crane!"

Becker arrived swiftly from the Ashen Hollow, stopping short of the meteorite, and stood amidst the desolate starry expanse. He greeted White Crane with a warm smile, "I come as a representative of the Curtis family."

"Thanks for your efforts," White Crane responded coolly.

He glanced around, "How could you be so careless? Ogeus is fond of guerrilla tactics, striking and then moving on. You just had the misfortune of running into him."

He clicked his tongue in disapproval.

White Crane shook his head with an air of indifference, almost as if he found some twisted pleasure in their misfortune.

"Calves has been overtaken by the Moonfiend, and Rosny is dead, leaving only Fernand," Hu Caiyun said with a smile. "I'm aware that these three notorious bandit kings have been looting and stashing their spoils in various places for years. If Fernand dies too, you'll have been busy for nothing."

Elena's gaze turned expectantly to the Death Crane, who had defected from Shadow's Keep and, despite being hunted by them for years, had only grown stronger.

Finally, White Crane gave Fernand and Yu Yuan his full attention.

"I can't help him. If my bloodline power were to penetrate his body, he'd be dead in a second," White Crane said bluntly. "Knowing my reputation, you shouldn't have any hope in me. I specialize in spreading death, not in saving lives. A mere bandit leader is nothing; if he's dead, he's dead. Did you really think the bandit kings I invited were limited to just those three?"

He smirked dismissively.

Then, somewhat reluctantly, he straightened his clothes and gave a slight, formal bow to Yu Yuan, who was still working on breaking the Skyfall Net for Fernand. "Skyreach Consortium's White Crane, at your service, I am tasked with escorting you to the Annihilation Nebula."

This infamous Death Crane from the extraterrestrial Star River was treating Yu Yuan with such regard!

His begrudging gesture left everyone present dumbfounded.

Hu Caiyun was no exception.

She had surmised that Yu Yuan, who controlled two pieces of the Dragon Slaying Stage, must hold a prestigious status and have significant ties to the Boulderdawn.

Yet, she hadn't anticipated that even the Death Crane would approach Yu Yuan with such careful respect.

What virtues did Yu Yuan possess?

Pattinson, Elena, Benin, Hart, and even Becker from the Curtis family were left speechless by the Death Crane's actions.

The Death Crane, having ascended to the ninth level, had a killing reputation that echoed among all the major clans.

He had slain not only the champions of the Otherkin but also numerous archdemons from the Five Great Forces after his emergence from the Everlands. Many had perished at his hands.

This was precisely why he ventured alone to Ashen Hollow to declare his intentions. Upon his arrival, the three Kings of Bandits, who normally resided there, had conveniently gone into hiding.

They were truly afraid...

Yu Yuan spun around, his eyes widening in astonishment at the archdemon before him. "Is there a need for such courtesy?"

"I'm simply following orders," the white crane replied, its eyes drooping in resignation. "My master instructed me to treat you with respect, and I intend to do just that."

Internally, he mused, "The Skyreach Consortium is our family's martial support, and my master is banking on Boulderdawn to secure a Supreme God Position. You've been handpicked for this, and you're the ruler of the Moonfall Sanctuary. How could I possibly afford to be insolent with you?" The white crane's spirits sank as he pondered this.

Hu Caiyun, however, grew increasingly astonished by his words.

The flutist in white, the most formidable counselor of the Skyreach Consortium, was on the verge of attaining the primordial spirit, with exceedingly high prospects at that!

Not even the God of Medicine, Hong Qi, who had been practicing for three hundred years, had enough clout to merit such attention!

"I need time to gradually erode the Skyfall Net within him. I can't move his body, so..." Yu Yuan said, furrowing his brow.

"It's simple. We just need to transport this meteorite to Ashen Hollow," the white crane acknowledged, nodding in understanding.

No sooner had he spoken than the meteorite, spanning several acres, began to move. Without any visible effort from him, it carried everyone towards Ashen Hollow at a steady, unhurried pace.

"Whether he lives or dies is irrelevant to me. Do as you please," the white crane said with a nonchalant shrug.

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