High Immortal Clearpool: "Mediation? Heh, you think that's possible? Not a chance!"
"Why not? What's so impossible about it?"
"Because our goal is crystal clear: wipe out the Southern Xuan Kingdom, then crush the Xuanchen Clan. Nothing and no one can shake our resolve."
Lucia Lu said, "Ever stop to think that most of those who died out there were totally innocent?"
High Immortal Clearpool: "If they let themselves be used as pawns, then innocent they are not!"
Lucia Lu frowned, "We brought three High Gods and over thirty Divine Race members. Are you really sure you want to take us all on?"
High Immortal Clearpool just stared in silence, lips pressed tight.
"I get it. You and they have history," Lucia Lu said. "But maybe it's time to shake things up and try a different solution!"
After a long pause, he finally asked, "So, who's calling the shots on your side?"
"The Celestial Emperor's fifth son, Sean Shaw."
High Immortal Clearpool paused, then offered a half-smile. "Divine Lady Lucia, I trust you. Why don't you come over to our camp?"
"Just drop me the location, will you?"
High Immortal Clearpool sent her the address, quick as a flash.
...
Meanwhile, Jumin Jing and Ian Yan strolled back in, one after another.
Jumin Jing's recon showed the Heavenly Moon Empire used to be the big boss of the South Wilds.
But now, thanks to those demon soldiers, their troops are a total mess—morale shattered, fighting spirit gone.
"They're jumpier than startled sparrows," Jumin Jing scoffed. "I tried chatting up a few soldiers, but they kept dodging me. So I lost patience and showed my true beast form, hoping to put the fear of gods into them. Instead, those clueless fools took me for a great demon! Next thing I know, they're groveling and swearing up and down they've learned their lesson, babbling about karma and retribution."
Sean Shaw arched an eyebrow. "And what exactly was that supposed to mean?"
"I asked them, too! What dirty secrets are you hiding? Turns out, all they meant was some old border squabble between the Heavenly Moon Empire and the Blue Xuan Empire." Jumin Jing rolled his eyes.
Sean Shaw nodded, then shot Adrian Drake a look. "And you? Got any juicy intel?"
"I overheard two Divine Generals whispering about some place. The moment they mentioned it, they clammed up—looked like they'd seen a ghost," Adrian Drake said. "So naturally, I had to check it out myself."
"Which place? Spill it," Sean Shaw pressed.
"Wild Marsh Basin. The whole area is dead quiet for a thousand li, but there are tracks everywhere—people come and go. There's a gigantic Coiling Dragon Grand Array, solid as a rock. No way to peek inside."
Sean Shaw turned to Ian Yan. "Any luck tracking down High Immortal Clearpool and Baxa's camp?"
Ian Yan shook his head. "Nope. They're probably holed up in some Celestial Sanctuary or Artifact Vault—totally off the grid."
Sean Shaw looked at Lucia Lu. "Divine Lady Lucia, looks like you'll have to be our envoy. Go check out their camp and see what's really going on."
Lucia Lu nodded, cool as ever.
"Wait—they actually agreed to meet?" Adrian Drake gaped at Lucia Lu.
Lucia Lu nodded, a sly smile playing on her lips.
"Meet them, sure—but how can we let Divine Lady Lucia go solo?" Henry Xiao cut in, sounding scandalized. "It's way too dangerous!"
"Relax," Lucia Lu said. "High Immortal Clearpool and I go way back."
"Those great demon beasts are wild, you know," Henry Xiao insisted. "Doesn't matter if he's a High Immortal—even the Divine Race can't always keep them in line! I'm going with you."
"Fourth Brother's got a point," Sean Shaw interrupted. "Ian Yan, Adrian Drake, you two tag along with Divine Lady Lucia."
"Count me in too," Henry Xiao said.
Sean Shaw said, "You've got an even bigger job! Go talk to the Xuanchen Clan and figure out if they're in on this war, and how deep. Are they running the show or just watching? If they're in charge, do they want peace or all-out war?"