C65 You Guys Are Weak but We Are Strong

"There appears to be a malfunctioning clam pearl near where the Waning Moon City folks are located. Without it, we're unable to use the Mirage Water Curtain to monitor their activities."

At the entrance to the forbidden area, Lee Yuchan extended a finger, gesturing towards the Mirage Water Curtain from a distance.

The scenes emerging from the Mirage Water Curtain were continuously rippling and shaking, yet they failed to capture and re-display the images that had previously materialized.

Earlier, she had been able to observe the people from Waning Moon City dispersed around a mural, deciphering its enigmas.

However, when Lee Yuchan attempted to shift the scene back, she found it was no longer possible.

She immediately deduced that a clam pearl in that region was definitely malfunctioning.

The ability to project the Fallen Moon Forbidden Area through the Mirage Water Curtain was due to clam pearls secretly placed in every nook and cranny, in each pit and Moon Fragment.

These pearls, like eyes, could vividly render the scenes and images of their immediate vicinity.

Moreover, the clam pearls served as an additional conduit.

In crucial moments, both Lee Yuchan and the old general could employ the Mirage Water Curtain and the pearls to convey their intentions.

They could even channel their soul power through the pearls to take control of the situation!

In essence, these pearls were pivotal in overseeing the forbidden area.

"A problematic clam pearl just needs a bit of attention to fix," the old general remarked nonchalantly, soaking up the sun. "These pearls aren't the most stable artifacts. It's not unusual for a few, especially older ones, to develop issues."

"Similar situations have occurred before."

"If it's only one or two, there's no need for immediate concern. We can reassess later."

"In theory, those youngsters shouldn't be able to detect the presence and precise location of the pearls. Lee Yu might have that ability, but he's not the type to intentionally damage them."

"I'll take another look then."

...

From midday until the approach of nightfall.

Yu Yuan continued to refine the Elemental Pill, using the potency of the pellets to nourish and heal his wounds.

Numerous sword spells remained etched into the bones of his arms.

He endeavored to grasp the intricate sword techniques hidden within the chaotic arrangement of sword lights, only to find them incredibly complex and elusive.

After a period of deep contemplation, Yu Yuan's extraordinary Heavenly Soul left him feeling dizzy.

He quickly realized that the profound essence of the sword contained within the sword lights was not something he could grasp at his current level, the Spirit Accumulating Stage. It was a wisdom he could only pursue after advancing further.

"The Spirit Accumulating Stage isn't sufficient. I'll have to revisit this later. However, those sword lights seem to have the potential to be of use when I'm in peril, facing life-threatening dangers."

With these thoughts, he opened his eyes.

The Spirit Accumulating Stage emphasizes the forging and tempering of one's physique. He had another technique in mind, one he intended to dedicate himself to once he made a breakthrough.

But for now, his priority was to heal his wounds.

The technique he planned to practice was notoriously intense, and without caution, it could easily cause harm.

He had no desire to compound his injuries.

Thus, he resolved to ensure his body was in peak condition before embarking on the cultivation of that technique.

"With the aid of the Elemental Pill, the internal wounds inflicted by Fan Li should heal within a day or two." Yu Yuan got to his feet and scanned his surroundings.

His gaze landed on Han Hui of Eastgriffin City.

This leading figure of Eastgriffin City, as Zhao Yafu had mentioned, was only nineteen years old.

At nineteen, having reached the middle phase of the Yellow Court Stage, she was slightly older and her cultivation slightly lower compared to New Moons like Su Yan and Lim Zhuyun.

As such, she was part of the second echelon of the Empire's new generation.

"In terms of appearance, she's a bit less striking than Su Yan and Lim Zhuyun," Yu Yuan mused to himself, "Is there some perverse sense of humor at play with the gods? That the more beautiful one is, the more exceptional their talent? Su Yan, Lim Zhuyun, and Zhao Yafu clearly outshine their peers in every way."

"Yu Yuan!"

Han Hui approached him with a forthright stride.

"Here's the thing," she said candidly, "We've been talking and think that both our Eastgriffin City and your Darkmoon City are underdogs in the Forbidden Area. So, we believe forming an alliance could benefit us both. By allying, we can pool our discoveries and stand united against any external threats."

After she finished explaining, she inquired, "What's your take on this?"

As Yuan Tine, Zhao Yafu, Yu Feifei, and the rest were conversing, they all approached from the other side.

"I'm not impressed," Yu Yuan said, shaking his head. "Your Eastgriffin City might be on the weaker side among those in the forbidden grounds, but we're not. We belong to the stronger faction there!"

"Therefore, I see no necessity for an alliance. And should we decide to ally, the spoils cannot be divided equally."

His words were earnest and heartfelt.

Han Hui was taken aback.

The other young men and women of Eastgriffin City were equally shocked by his response.

They had never imagined Yu Yuan would give such a reply.

Darkmoon City was the dominant force, and Eastgriffin City the weaker one?

Could Yu Yuan be joking?

It was common knowledge throughout the empire that Darkmoon City was at the bottom of the rankings.

That's just how the seven cities were ordered!

Leaving city rankings aside, among the two teams participating in the trials, there were two at the Yellow Court Stage—Han Hui in the Middle Period and another youth in the Early Period.

In Darkmoon City, Zhao Yafu was the sole member who had reached the Yellow Court Stage, and she had only recently done so.

Eastgriffin City had nine members, Darkmoon City only seven.

On what basis did Yu Yuan consider Darkmoon City the stronger party?

"You're kidding, right?" Han Hui finally managed to say after a long pause.

Yuan Tine and Zhao Yafu exchanged glances. Yuan Tine seemed inclined to defuse the tension, but Zhao Yafu subtly shook her head, signaling him to let it be.

"I'm quite serious," Yu Yuan said with a slight smile. "If we're to ally, Eastgriffin City must defer to us, and we should have the first pick of any future finds and gains."

Han Hui drew in a deep breath, steadying herself before turning to look at Yuan Tine and Zhao Yafu again.

Yuan Tine wore a rueful smile.

Zhao Yafu's expression was one of regret.

"Alright, I've got it."

After a lengthy wait, Han Hui gave a slight nod. "So much for our good intentions; they've been dismissed as trivial. Let's just go."

The entourage from Cold Moon City shot Yu Yuan a cold look before trailing after her.

"Wishing you luck."

"Hopefully, you won't have the same misfortune as us, encountering the Van family or the folks from Waning Moon City, and getting chased away."

"With the kind of luck you have, I doubt you'll stumble upon any fortunes!"

"Stay safe!"

The people from Cold Moon City, frustrated by Yu Yuan and not achieving their desired outcome, departed in a sullen mood.

"Yu Yuan," Yuan Tine said, scratching his head in bewilderment, "why did you insist on provoking them to leave? What was the point?"

"I didn't set out to provoke them," Yu Yuan replied earnestly. "I believe that if we were to truly ally, they'd only hold us back. You've seen it yourself; Han Hui fancies herself the leader. If we allied, she'd undoubtedly assume command over us."

"I don't believe Han Hui possesses the wisdom or the skill to lead effectively."

"Besides..."

Yu Yuan let out a light chuckle, "Zhao can already best her with her current level of cultivation and strength. In just a few days, Miss Zhao's cultivation will break through once more, reaching the Middle Period of the Yellow Court Stage!"

"At that point, with Zhao's capabilities, she could easily handle Han Hui."

"What makes her think their strength at Cold Moon City surpasses ours?"

Hearing this, Yuan Tine was taken aback and turned to Zhao Yafu with an imploring look, "You?"

"Absolutely," Zhao Yafu affirmed confidently, "Yu is spot on. I'm confident I can beat her now, and once I advance to her level, not even three of her would be a challenge for me."

"My question is, can you truly advance again so soon?" Yuan Tine inquired.

"Three days at the shortest, five at the longest," Zhao Yafu confirmed with a nod.

"My goodness! How is that even possible? How can it happen so quickly?" Yuan Tine was visibly astounded.

Yu Yuan and Zhao Yafu simply exchanged knowing smiles.

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