The power this guy has is interesting, but he's no match for me.
With a loud bang, my right fist smashed into the chest of the one who calls himself Entity 016.
"Triple Extreme..."
With a thunderous crash, snowflakes scattered as Entity 016 was sent flying. His whole body looked like smoldering embers, and his eyes glared at me, blood-red.
"You're much stronger than that Ethan Zhang."
I nodded, raising one hand.
"I don't want to fight you. Tell me, where is Ethan Zhang?"
Entity 016 stared at me for a while, then calmed down. The ember-like state on his body faded as he coughed and walked toward me.
"Are you two fighting over a woman?"
I immediately realized Entity 016 was talking about Rachel Lan, and that Ethan Zhang had come here for her. I quickly shook my head.
"That's his woman, not mine. As for my reason for coming here, it's none of your business."
Entity 016 studied me carefully for a moment, then nodded.
"You're a straightforward type. Fine, I'll tell you."
I glanced at the woman, Entity 013, who was watching coldly from behind. She seemed to have some resistance toward me, but due to my strength, she didn't attack.
After learning about the situation of that Soul Guy, I couldn't help but smile.
"Since you want to go in, I'll help you."
I said this, raising one hand. Entity 016 looked at me in confusion, then I smiled and continued.
"Didn't you say before that you'd eaten Ethan Zhang's flesh? You should still have it with you."
Entity 016 looked at me in surprise, then smiled and took out a lump of black substance from his chest.
"You really can't hide anything from me."
I told you, I'll be the one to eat you. When you're about to die, I'll devour you first.
Suit yourself.
......
Entity 016 and Entity 013 started arguing, the sound echoing. After I froze Entity 013, I couldn't move; my strength was almost completely frozen.
What do you mean?
Don't joke with me. Even Entity 004 wouldn't dare say such things. What gives you the right?
Facing Entity 013's questioning, Entity 016's expression darkened, and he shook off 013's hand.
My affairs are none of your concern, nor are they for you to lecture me about. Now that I've come to the Four Sacred Realm, doing nothing isn't my style. Even if I die, I'll do something.
I quietly watched Entity 016. His face was filled with anger—the kind of hatred for the Sacred Spirits I hadn't seen in Entity 004 or Entity 013.
I had no intention of stopping Entity 016, but I had to inform the Sacred Spirits quickly. Even though they aren't a match for these entities, this place absolutely cannot be destroyed—because Rachel Lan is here, and I won't allow anything to happen, no matter who it is.
Are you two done arguing?
I quietly watched the two of them. Entity 016 turned to glance at me.
No matter what your reason is, I absolutely won't allow you to lay a finger on the Four Sacred Realm.
Entity 016 glared at me, then burst out laughing.
You're really something compared to that guy...
With a roar, flames erupted from within me—crimson fire with a hint of purple. The intense flames instantly melted the ice that had frozen me.
Wait, Ethan Zhang, don't cause a commotion yet.
Entity 013 immediately shouted, but this time Entity 016 lunged at me.
Didn't you hear me say wait?
With a crack, pale blue energy surged around Entity 016, instantly freezing him into a giant block of ice—except for his head. Entity 013 slammed him into the water with a bang, splashing everywhere, then dragged him to the shore.
The aura of a high-ranking Sacred Spirit.
Entity 013 muttered, looking at me, then continued.
Can't you feel it, Entity 016?
I slowly landed by the underground river, the flames on my body completely withdrawn.
Please, the one I love is here. I'm begging you, stop.
I didn't want to fight Entity 016, nor did I want him to die here. He had helped me.
Alright, alright, I get it. The deadline is until you retrieve your beloved, okay?
I nodded and thanked him.
The ice freezing Entity 016 slowly melted. He wiped the water off his cheek, sat down, and I walked over. Then I spread my wings and noticed the underground river's current speeding up. Entity 016 and Entity 013 quickly moved to higher rocks.
Go ahead, Ethan Zhang. We'll stay here for now.
I responded, and as the water level rose, the two floated up, splashes constantly hitting them.
Later, we'll go out to look for a hiding place.
At that moment, I sensed something strange and looked down at the river. As the river surged, the splashing water naturally brushed past my body without wetting me.
Without thinking much, I flew out of the water curtain and headed toward the largest island in the center.
Looking down from above, the Xuanwu Realm was truly incredible. It looked like a turtle, but the waters around the islands resembled snakes.
Long ago, I'd heard that Xuanwu wasn't just a turtle, but a turtle-snake.
Gradually, I landed on the largest brown rocky island. The air was thick with moisture—everything here was damp.
You made it, Ethan Zhang!
A deep voice sounded. I looked at the water beside me, where the once-calm surface suddenly rippled, bubbles rising to the surface.
Gradually, I saw what looked like a turtle's head, but it wasn't quite right—below it was a human body, but the back was arched. He wore a black robe with golden turtle patterns. Xuanwu slowly walked toward me.
I'll leave those two Forsaken for now. Ethan Zhang, you come with me.
I widened my eyes. From the argument between Entity 016 and Entity 013, I learned that Xuanwu had the weakest sense among the Four Guardians, so they decided to cause trouble in Xuanwu's territory.
Indeed, my perception is the weakest among the Four Guardians, but as long as there's water, I can sense everything instantly.
That reminded me of the water droplets that splashed on the two Forsaken, and those that splashed toward me but scattered around my body.
Suddenly, I saw the arched part of Xuanwu's back move. With a swish, a blue-green snake with a flat head darted out, flicking its tongue and staring at me with diamond-shaped orange eyes.
No need to say more. We should notify the others and take out those two first. How dare they step into the domain of the Four Guardians—they're seeking death.
The snake spoke, its voice sharp. But Xuanwu turned, grabbed the snake by the neck, and stuffed it back into his robe.
It's my turn to lead this year, and you have no say. You need to follow my orders—unless you want to break our agreement.
There were two beings—a turtle and a snake. Strange, but only together do they make Xuanwu.
I followed Xuanwu to a high platform in the center of the island. There, I saw a huge white oval egg, about a meter in diameter. Xuanwu stopped, turned, and leaned against the rock where the egg rested.
What do you plan to do with them, Lord Xuanwu?
I won't do anything, as long as they keep their promise and stay quiet until Rachel recovers. I've always advocated peaceful coexistence with the Forsaken, but they may not feel the same.
I nodded and sat cross-legged, quietly watching the egg. Suddenly, my eyes widened and I rubbed them. As I stared at the egg, a crack appeared in the center, and a black aura seeped out.
Looks like you really can see it. Only the Four Guardians can see this thing. The egg is called Cangluan, or Azure Luan.
I looked at Xuanwu in confusion. He sighed helplessly.
This is the future of our Four Sacred Realm—the Bird of Hope. You could say it's a blue phoenix, but it's not quite a phoenix. This egg can predict the future, and the worst future is near.
Suddenly, memories of warnings from Long-haired Ethan Zhang flashed through my mind. I quietly stared at Xuanwu, then let it go. I decided not to tell anyone about future Ethan Zhang. I still remembered Meng Po's reaction when she saw Long-haired Ethan Zhang that day.