"Don't get your hopes up about me. The enemy's strength is off the charts—honestly, I might not be their match either. If things go south, the Obsidian Tortoise Clan could end up with even heavier losses." Evan Chu said helplessly.
Expecting me to take on a Venerable Martial expert? What kind of delusional dream is that? Still, Evan couldn't bring himself to refuse outright—after all, taking the Soaring Feather Young Lord away required the Obsidian Tortoise Temple Master's approval.
"Of course I know how terrifying the Mystic Whale Clan is, but it's not like there's no way to deal with them. In the Netherworld, there's a spiritual herb called the Bloodsoul Flower that can gradually erase their attack power. If we grind it into powder and get the Mystic Whale Clan to take it, within three days their strength will plummet. That's when we'll strike!" The Obsidian Tortoise Temple Master declared.
"Bloodsoul Flower? How do you know about that? I've never even heard the name! And what if, after grinding it into powder, it turns out to be super pungent or brightly colored? Wouldn't that make people suspicious?
Besides, the Mystic Whale Clan can't take human form. Their bodies are massive—just how much Bloodsoul Flower would you need? I don't think your idea is practical. Better come up with something else!" Evan Chu retorted.
"That's where you're wrong. The Mystic Whale Clan can't turn into humans, but they can shrink their bodies. Usually, they stay under five meters long. Think about it—how much Bloodsoul Flower would you really need? If they kept their full size, their palaces would be ridiculously huge! Just get the Bloodsoul Flower, and I'll handle the rest." The Obsidian Tortoise Temple Master explained.
Evan Chu thought for a moment, then asked, "That Bloodsoul Flower must be pretty rare, right? And I don't even know what it looks like. Can you describe it? If I run into one but don't recognize it, wouldn't that be a waste?"
"Don't worry about that. Whenever a Bloodsoul Flower shows up, your soul will feel it. The flower grows by absorbing human souls, so you'll sense pain in your spirit. Just remember—Bloodsoul Flowers only grow where there's heavy yin and lots of death, places with lingering souls. The Netherworld's full of spots like that, so keep your eyes peeled." The Obsidian Tortoise Temple Master instructed.
"Got it. If I come across any Bloodsoul Flower, I'll find a way to bring it back for you. This secret chamber's not bad—let me restore my Stellar Power here. In two days, I want the Soaring Feather Young Lord to appear." Evan Chu said, ignoring the other party and immediately began absorbing the Stellar Power within the chamber.
The Obsidian Tortoise Temple Master could only shake his head helplessly and leave. This secret chamber was supposed to be for his own cultivation, and now this guy was enjoying it for free.
Roxanne Lin was standing anxiously on the shore. After Evan Chu was swallowed by the Mystic Ice Tortoise, she could only guess what was happening inside. If Luna hadn’t held her back again and again, she would’ve already rushed in after him—if she had to die, she’d rather die together with him. That was the one thing she was absolutely sure about.
"Big Sis Luna, is that Mystic Ice Tortoise really so powerful? Why hasn’t Evan come out after so long?" Roxanne asked, her voice tight with worry.
"Even I can’t fully explain the Mystic Ice Tortoise. The Mystic Ice Sea is so vast you can’t see its end, and this tortoise’s body is just as endless. It’s the first time I’ve seen a beast so gigantic—way bigger than even the Swallowing Heaven Beasts of the Immortal Realm.
A monster like this showing up really caught me off guard. I guess this world is more mysterious than I thought. But don’t worry—my soul is linked to Evan’s, so if he was in danger, I’d know. Right now his soul-fluctuations are perfectly steady, so there’s no sign of trouble." Luna said.
"Big Sis Luna, what kind of beast is an Immortal Beast anyway? I’ve never heard of it before—is it super strong? And what’s the Immortal Realm? Is it somewhere in the Azure Tide Ruins?" Roxanne asked, totally confused.
"You wouldn’t understand even if I explained. Just wait till Evan comes back and ask him—he’ll give you all the answers you want. For now, since we’ve got nothing to do, let’s just wait here quietly. He’ll definitely show up within ten days." Luna replied.
Meanwhile, Evan Chu was fully absorbed in his cultivation, madly drawing in Stellar Power and converting it into Chaos Dragon Force. The Stellar Power in this secret chamber was about the same level as high-grade Starstones, and it took Evan two whole days to restore all the Chaos Dragon Force he’d burned through.
Opening his eyes, Evan Chu grinned, "Time to go see the Soaring Feather Young Lord. Wonder how much this guy’s improved since joining the Obsidian Tortoise Clan? With such a short time, maybe he’s hit the second layer of the Saint Martial Realm at best!"
Leaving the secret chamber, Evan Chu headed straight for the main hall. The Obsidian Tortoise Clan’s top experts were still posted there, but now a white-clothed youth had joined them—that was the Soaring Feather Young Lord Evan had come to find.
Evan Chu locked eyes with him, and the youth nodded back. "Alliance Lord Evan, you’re quite the VIP—if you can even find this place, you’re clearly no ordinary guy."
"Soaring Feather Young Lord, you’ve really made it as the Obsidian Tortoise Clan’s heir. I’m guessing the Temple Master already told you why I’m here, right? So, when do you plan to head out?" Evan Chu grinned.
"No rush, no rush. It’s rare for you to visit the Obsidian Tortoise Clan, so of course I should show you around. How about leaving in a month?" the Soaring Feather Young Lord replied coolly.
"A month? Heh, I don’t have that kind of time. I have to leave this afternoon—my friends are waiting outside, and entering the Netherworld can’t be delayed." Evan Chu said seriously.
The other experts in the hall didn’t dare show any anger toward Evan Chu; someone so strong that even the Temple Master had to give way was not someone they wanted to provoke. The Obsidian Tortoise Temple Master spoke up: "How about this—let’s have a good drink together today and leave tomorrow?"
"Let’s save the drinks for after I bring back what you need. You really think you’ll lack drinking buddies then?" Evan Chu politely declined.
"Soaring Feather, you’ll be leaving with Lord Frostbane soon. Treat him with respect—he’s my friend, and his strength is far above yours. Even I’m not his match, so don’t go picking fights with him or you’ll regret it." The Obsidian Tortoise Temple Master warned.
"Of course, I understand. We’re friends—there’s no way I’d start trouble. He’s even my lifesaver, so don’t worry, Temple Master!" the Soaring Feather Young Lord said with a smile, though inside he thought, "He’s also the love rival who stole the woman I care about. I may not be his equal now, but one day I’ll make him pay for it."
"Great, then let’s not waste any more time. Why don’t you go pack now? We’ll leave right away." Evan Chu said—he still needed to visit the White Tiger Clan and bring Ryan Ouyang. Only by gathering the Four Divine Beasts could they fully open the entrance to the Netherworld.