C60 The Invitation from Van Le

"Hmm!"

Yu Yuan stood at the mouth of a cave, peering down into the depths below. A soft exclamation escaped his lips as he observed the pit.

It was shrouded in darkness, yet the spiritual energy within was unusually dense, gathering into a faint, milky mist.

From this divine force, an ancient, boundless aura emanated, causing Yu Yuan's spirit to waver.

The Moon Shard at the bottom of the pit was distinctly different from the one they had encountered before.

No wonder the Van family members were at the bottom, shouting for people to keep away.

"Why? Why can't we descend?"

At another part of the cliff, a group of people expressed their frustration.

"Trial-takers from Erhokadi City," Yuan Ting noted, his face betraying a hint of concern. "Their combat strength is quite formidable compared to other cities."

"Yet, they still hesitated after the Van family's command," Zhao Yafu remarked with a sneer.

Just then, another group began to reluctantly make their way up the stone steps from the pit below.

"The Van family is so domineering. We reached the Moon Shard first," a handsome young man grumbled. "That Moon Shard can attract spiritual energy, and it's covered in sword-shaped spells. It's obviously hiding something special!"

"Obviously. If it were just an ordinary Moon Shard without any mystery, would the Van family bother to clear the area and send us away?" The girl leading the group said with a furrowed brow. "Let's just drop it. There are bound to be more wonders within the forbidden area. It's not worth starting a conflict with the Van family; we'd be at a disadvantage."

"Indeed, we're not as powerful as the top five families."

"Come on, let's move on."

The group that had first discovered the wonder ascended the stone steps and, upon reaching a certain height, noticed two more groups had arrived at the rock face above.

"Those are from Asenalenor," Zhao Yafu informed Yu Yuan. "Asenalenor is just next to our Asvetaesi and is ranked slightly higher. Our relationship with them is actually quite good. The Zhao family even has trade dealings with Asenalenor."

As she spoke, she gestured emphatically toward the young girl leading the group.

"Sister Han!"

Han Hui had already noticed her and, upon hearing her call, gestured to the people beside her and led them over to Zhao Yafu and Yu Yuan.

Han Hui, who had reached the middle period of the Golden Sanctum and was slightly more advanced in cultivation than Zhao Yafu, exuded an air of grace and intelligence. Her demeanor and speech were nothing short of exceptional.

However, it was clear that she didn't think much of Yu Yuan.

Approaching them, she caught sight of Yu Yuan next to Zhao Yafu and her brow furrowed. Then, positioning herself on Zhao Yafu's other side, she said, "The Van family is already down there. They've declared that no other teams are to lay a finger on the Moon Shard. Unless the other four major families show up, it would be wise for everyone else to leave early."

Her advice was well-intentioned.

Even Asvetaesi and her own team had opted to swallow their pride. Why should Asenalenor go looking for trouble?

"Han Hui, what exactly is happening down there?" A tall youth from Erhokadi called out, "You went down first, did you discover anything astonishing?"

"Gao Hong, whatever is happening down there is none of your concern," Han Hui retorted with a glance and a dismissive snort, "Van Le is down there."

At the mention of Van Le's name, Gao Hong from Erhokadi visibly tensed.

"Don't be deluded into thinking that just because you haven't heard Van Le speak, he isn't present," Han Hui knew all too well. "You're well aware of the losses you've suffered at his hands. If you dare lead Erhokadi's people down there and Van Le intervenes, fleeing will be your only option."

With that, Gao Hong's complexion grew even darker.

Yu Yuan, unaware of the backstory, asked curiously, "Brother Yuan, is Gao Hong really that afraid of Van Le?"

"The Van family is the true power behind Erhokadi," Yuan Ting explained with a wry smile. "Since the five great families can form their own teams, the Van family operates independently. That's the only reason Gao Hong has any authority to command in Erhokadi."

"In Erhokadi, Gao Hong has always been overshadowed and tormented by Van Le."

"Even the trial-takers in Erhokadi, who nominally follow Gao Hong's commands, would likely switch allegiance the moment they encounter Van Le, ready to heed his orders instead."

"What makes Gao Hong think he can contend with Van Le?"

Yuan Ting whispered his explanation.

Yu Yuan nodded in understanding. "With that perspective, it's clear now. We can't rely on those from Erhokadi. We need to be wary of them potentially joining forces with the Van family against us."

"Exactly," Yuan Ting agreed.

"Why would we depend on them?" Han Hui questioned with a slight frown. "Zhao, congratulations on advancing to the Golden Sanctum. We go way back, and I certainly wouldn't harm you. Take my advice and steer clear of this place of conflict."

She was among the rare few who knew the other side of Van Le.

She was acutely aware that despite Van Le's impressive facade, his true nature would never change.

Her reluctance to engage with Van Le and vie for the Moon Shard stemmed from past dealings with him, which revealed his frightening nature.

Being marked by a viper like Van Le was far from amusing.

"This is pointless. Let's leave," Zhao Yafu sighed, signaling to Yu Yuan with a glance that Van Le was bad news and suggesting they find another location.

Yu Yuan was no fool; he understood that now was not the time to provoke an immediate conflict with the Van family.

Zhao Yafu's prowess was such that she could easily best her peers from Sillserine, and even those who arrived later might stand a chance against her.

But the Van family was a different league altogether, not comparable to those three from Sillserine.

"Agreed, we should move on," Yu Yuan said, nodding.

Yet, just at that moment, Van Le's voice wafted up through the milky fog below, "Do I hear the voice of Yu Yuan from Asvetaesi?"

Van Le's voice rang out warmly, as though greeting a long-lost friend.

Han Hui's face subtly shifted in response.

Zhao Yafu was momentarily taken aback before quickly realizing the situation. "Don't engage with him. Let's get out of here fast!" she urged.

Yu Yuan's eyebrows lifted in intrigue.

"Hehe, Van Le, you've got sharp ears!" Gao Hong let out a sinister chuckle. "That's right, at the entrance to the forbidden area, Lin Zhuyun mentioned someone who's on par with you, Yu Yuan, and even more formidable. And he's right in front of us!"

"Gao Hong! Shut your trap!" Zhao Yafu shot him a furious glare.

Gao Hong's face darkened. "Zhao Yafu, what makes you think you have the right to rebuke me?"

"Ah, is that really you, Yu?" Van Le exclaimed with sheer delight, his voice rising with excitement. "Come on down quickly. I'm eager to share the secrets of the Moon Shard with you. I forgot to mention that Lin Zhuyun and I are the closest of friends, bound by a life-or-death kinship! And since you're his betrothed, you're certainly not just anyone. Please, come join me!"

He extended the invitation to share the secrets below with open arms.

"It's hard to decline such an offer," Yu Yuan sighed.

"Don't! Please don't go!" Zhao Yafu pressed against him, her face etched with grave concern and her eyes pleading as she shook her head. "Yu, don't descend. Your current realm is too low. If you were on his level, it would be a different story, but you..."

She truly revered Yu Yuan deep down.

Yet, Yu Yuan was only in the Spirit Channel Realm!

"Wait for me," Yu Yuan said firmly, prying her hand away. He turned to Yuan Ting and Yu Feifei, "Stay up here and wait for me."

"Wait for you? Do you think you'll make it back?" Han Hui sneered. "Turns out you're just a foolhardy brute. With such a low realm, you're still trying to play the hero, hell-bent on courting death!"

"I'm coming with you!" Zhao Yafu declared resolutely.

"No, you stay up here," Yu Yuan said sternly, "My sister needs you to take care of her."

He cast a wary glance at Gao Hong from a distance and lowered his voice, "I don't trust those people. And if you get the chance, give them a lesson they won't forget."

"Farewell, Han Hui."

He gave Han Hui a nod and then, alone, made his way down into the deep pit.

Han Hui let out a cold snort, her gaze upon him as though she were looking at a corpse.

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