C60 The Invitation from Van Ning

"Hmm!"

Yu Yuan stood at the mouth of a cave, peering down into the abyss below. A soft exclamation escaped his lips as he took in the sight.

The pit was shrouded in darkness, yet the spiritual energy of Heaven and Earth was unusually dense, swirling into a pale, milky mist.

From this energy, an ancient, vast aura emanated, causing Yu Yuan above to feel his spirit waver.

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

No wonder the Van family members were down there, shouting for others to keep their distance.

"Why? Why can't we descend?"

Across the chasm, another group voiced their frustration.

"Those are the trial challengers from Deermead," Yuan Tine remarked, his face betraying a hint of concern. "Deermead's combat strength is quite formidable among the cities."

"Yet they still lingered after the Van family's warning, didn't they?" Zhao Yafu commented scornfully.

At that moment, another group began their reluctant ascent, climbing the stone steps from the pit below.

"The Van family is so domineering. We reached the Moon Fragment first," complained a handsome young man, his voice filled with resentment. "That Fragment attracts the spiritual energy, and it's covered with sword-shaped Spiritual Spells. It's obviously hiding something special!"

"Obviously. If it were just an ordinary Moon Fragment without any mystery, would the Van family bother to clear the area and send us away?" The leading girl said with a furrowed brow. "Let's just drop it. The forbidden area is bound to have plenty of other wonders. We'll concede this piece. Starting a conflict with the Van family would only put us at a disadvantage."

"Alas, we simply can't match the might of the five great families."

"Let's move on, shall we?"

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

"Those are from Eastgriffin City," Zhao Yafu informed Yu Yuan. "Eastgriffin borders our Darkmoon City and is ranked just above us among the Empire's cities. Actually, we have a fairly good relationship with them. Our Zhao family even has trade dealings with Eastgriffin."

As she spoke, she energetically waved her hand toward the girl leading the group.

"Sister Han!"

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

At the Middle Period of the Yellow Court Stage, Han Hui's cultivation was just a notch above Zhao Yafu's. She radiated both beauty and intelligence, and her demeanor and speech were nothing short of remarkable.

Yet, it was clear she held no fondness for Yu Yuan.

Approaching them, she noticed Yu Yuan by Zhao Yafu's side and her brow furrowed ever so slightly. Then, positioning herself on Zhao Yafu's other side, she said, "The Van family is down there, and they've made it clear that no other teams are to touch the Moon Fragment. Unless the other four major families show up, it's best we leave sooner rather than later."

Her warning was well-intentioned.

Even Han Hui's team from Darkmoon City had decided to swallow their pride. What reason did Darkmoon City have to go looking for trouble?

"Han Hui, what exactly is happening down there?" a tall young man from Deermead called out, "You went down first; did you discover anything astonishing?"

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

At the mention of Van Ning, Gao Hong from Deermead visibly tensed.

"Don't fool yourself into thinking Van Ning isn't there just because you haven't heard him speak," Han Hui knew the score. "You're well aware of the losses you've suffered at his hands. If you're bold enough to lead Deermead's people down there, the moment Van Ning intervenes, fleeing will be your only option."

Gao Hong's face darkened further at her words.

Curious about the underlying tension, Yu Yuan inquired, "Brother Yuan, is Gao Hong really that fearful of Van Ning?"

"The Van family is the true powerhouse of Deermead," Yuan Tine explained with a wry smile, "Since the five great families can operate independently, the Van family isn't counted among them. That's the only reason Gao Hong has any authority to command in Deermead."

"But within Deermead, Gao Hong is perpetually overshadowed and tormented by Van Ning."

"Even the trialists in Deermead City, who nominally obey Gao Hong, would likely switch allegiances in a heartbeat if they encountered Van Li. Many would turn coat and heed Van Li's commands."

"Why should Gao Hong even attempt to rival Van Li?"

Yuan Tine murmured an explanation.

Yu Yuan nodded, "With that perspective, it's clear. We can't rely on those from Deermead City; we must be wary that they might join forces with the Van family against us."

"Indeed, that's a fair assumption," Yuan Tine agreed.

"Rely on them? For what reason?" Han Hui's brow furrowed slightly. "Zhao, congratulations on your advancement to the Yellow Court Stage. We have history, and I certainly mean you no harm. Heed my advice—leave this contentious place swiftly."

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

She was acutely aware that regardless of Van Li's impressive appearance and seemingly cordial demeanor, the true nature of Van Li would never change.

Her reluctance to take risks and her desire to avoid early confrontation with Van Li over the allure of the Moon Fragment stemmed from past dealings with him and knowing the extent of his dreadfulness.

Being marked by Van Li, that venomous snake, was no laughing matter.

"This is pointless. Let's move on," Zhao Yafu sighed, casting a meaningful glance at Yu Yuan, signaling that Van Li was bad news and suggesting they find another location.

Yu Yuan was no fool; he understood that now was not the time to engage in open conflict with the Van family.

Zhao Yafu's prowess was such that she could effortlessly best her contemporaries from Shadowhall, and even those who arrived later might stand a chance in battle.

But the Van family was a different league altogether, not to be compared with those from Shadowhall.

"Agreed, we should leave," Yu Yuan nodded.

Yet, in that instant, Van Li's voice wafted up from the pearlescent fog below, "Do I hear the voice of Yu Yuan from Darkmoon City, Brother Yu?"

Fan Li's voice rang out with the warmth of an old friend returning, brimming with enthusiasm.

Han Hui's face subtly shifted.

Zhao Yafu was momentarily taken aback, then quickly snapped to her senses, urging, "Don't engage with him. Let's get out of here fast!"

Yu Yuan's eyebrows lifted in intrigue.

"Hehe, Fan Li, you've got some sharp ears!" Gao Hong cackled mischievously. "You're right. The one Lim Zhuyun mentioned, Yu Yuan, who's just as formidable as you, is standing right before us!"

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

Gao Hong's face darkened. "Zhao Yafu, what do you think you are, daring to rebuke me?"

"Ah, is that really you, Brother Yu?" Fan Li exclaimed with sheer delight, his voice rising with excitement. "Come down quickly. I'd love to share the secrets of the Moon Fragment with you. I forgot to mention, Lim Zhuyun and I are the best of friends—our bond is one of life and death! You're his betrothed, so naturally, you're no ordinary person. Come join me!"

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

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

"Don't! Please don't go!" Zhao Yafu pressed against him, her face etched with grave concern, her eyes pleading as she shook her head. "Brother Yu, don't descend. Your current level is too low. If you were his equal, it wouldn't matter, but you..."

She truly revered Yu Yuan deep down.

Yet, Yu Yuan was at the Pulse Opening Stage, after all!

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

"Wait for you? Do you think you'll make it back?" Han Hui sneered, "So, you're just a brash brute. With such a low level, you're hell-bent on showing off, determined to court death!"

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

"No, you stay up here," Yu Yuan said sternly. "My sister needs your protection."

He cast a distant glance at Gao Hong and lowered his voice, "I don't trust those people. And if you get the chance, give them a piece of my mind."

"Take care, Sister Han," he said with a nod to Han Hui before descending alone into the abyss.

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

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