One of the sentries, a stocky man with a shaved head and cold, piercing eyes, stepped forward.
“Hm? You don’t look like you’re from the demonic faction, brat,” the guard said, his voice flat and suspicious.
“Who are you, and how did you get in here? And more importantly, how did you know about the safe route?”
The fact that Aksai didn’t trigger any of the mechanisms in the formation indicated that Aksai was probably not a complete stranger. He should be sent here by one of the three major demonic sects.
Although such cases were rare, they did happen from time to time. After all, the three major decmonic sects were allies but they also competed with one another. The competition here was of course related to who could obtain the biggest benefits from the mysterious place.
Of course, sentries couldn’t let their guard down even though there was a precedent.
Aksai offered a light bow, keeping his expression calm and unthreatening. “I was sent here by brother Haitin to enter this mysterious place. My name’s Aksai. The Black Blood Demon Sect envoys stationed here should be aware of my arrival.”
The sentries exchanged a glance, their eyes narrowing. They were indeed made aware a few days ago regarding Aksai’s arrival. But they clearly hadn’t expected someone like him. After all, Aksai was only at the initial-stage Foundation Building realm. If it was common for Spirit cultivators with Aksai’s cultivation base to enter the mysterious location, they wouldn’t be acting as guards here.
But Aksai’s confident mention of Haitin seemed to have them reconsidering.
The shaved-head guard muttered something to his companion before turning back to Aksai. “Wait here,” the second sentry ordered before heading off into the fog, likely to verify his claim.
The first sentry, now more relaxed but still watchful, jerked his head toward one of the largest tents near the base of the plateau. “Follow me,” he said in a slightly less hostile tone.
Aksai followed the guard in silence.
As they walked, Aksai observed his surroundings with interest. The camp was well-organized, the different sects keeping to their own areas, though some tents seemed larger and more decorated than others.
The tension in the air was palpable; everyone here seemed to be waiting for something.
‘Perhaps they are waiting for the three Core Formation Lords from the demonic faction to come back,’ Aksai made a guess based on the information he had at this point. He then let go of his thoughts.
The tent the guard led him to was unmistakably important. It bore the flag of the Black Blood Demon Sect and was flanked by several smaller tents, each likely housing higher-ranking cultivators.
As they approached, Aksai could sense the strength of the aura emanating from within—someone powerful was inside.
The guard gestured for Aksai to wait outside and disappeared into the tent for a few moments. When he re-emerged, his expression was more respectful.
“You’re clear to enter. They’re expecting you,” he said.
Aksai nodded and stepped into the tent, ready to meet the Black Blood Demon Sect envoy.
As Aksai stepped into the tent, he immediately realized it was more than it appeared from the outside. The modest 10-meter radius exterior belied the sheer size of the space within.
Inside, it was grand and luxurious, clearly a high-grade spatial artifact. The air inside was cool, and the smell of incense wafted through the air, calming yet tinged with something sharp.
The walls were lined with silk drapes and intricate floral patterned fabric, while soft lighting from Spirit Stones illuminated the space, giving everything a soft, warm glow.
Dozens of female cultivators, all mid- to late-stage Spirit Refining realm, moved about like well-trained palace maids. Some were attending to their own tasks, while others assisted higher-ranking cultivators.
One of the maids, with long black hair tied into a neat bun, gestured for Aksai to follow her through a series of corridors until they arrived at the back of the tent. Here, the space opened up into a spacious hall, much more lavish than the rest of the tent.
A grand desk, carved from some dark wood that glistened under the light, took center stage. Behind it sat a stunningly beautiful woman, her presence commanding the room without her saying a word.
She was engrossed in her work, reading an ancient scroll with one hand while scribbling notes into a leather-bound journal with the other.
Aksai couldn’t help but notice that even though he was standing quite close, he couldn’t decipher the words on the scroll. It was either protected by some sort of formation, or the language was far beyond his understanding. Either way, it gave him a sense of caution.
The woman didn’t look up when Aksai was led into the room. It was as if his presence wasn’t worth acknowledging yet. He stood quietly, hands folded behind his back, his posture respectful but not overly submissive. He knew his place here, but he also knew that showing too much weakness could be dangerous.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the woman finished writing a paragraph in her journal and looked up. Her gaze was sharp, assessing.
Aksai felt a subtle pressure descend upon him as her eyes scanned him up and down. She was a late-stage Foundation Building expert, her aura calm but intimidating, like a sword sheathed but ready to strike at any moment.
“Haitin has already informed me about you,” she said, her voice smooth and composed, like velvet hiding steel.
A small smile curled her lips as she gestured to the chair across from her. “Please, sit.”
Aksai first bowed then moved gracefully, taking the seat she offered. His movements were controlled, betraying none of the nervousness that had begun to bubble under the surface. He knew he was in the presence of someone far more powerful than himself.
“But,” she continued, her eyes locking onto him with a glint of curiosity, “weren’t you supposed to be led by three sect elders? Where are they?”
Aksai sighed dramatically, leaning back a little in his seat. He made sure to let a hint of bitterness creep into his expression.
“It’s because the entire Wild Devil Lands are restless,” Aksai began, shaking his head. “We were ambushed on the way here.”