Both Dong Ziwan and Wu Lai were on their way back to Dong City, the leading city of the Five Denseforest Cities. On their way back, Wu Lai couldn't resist asking, "Young lady, you could have invited that kid to come with us. Why didn't you?"
"Do you think I should have had him come along?" Dong Ziwan asked.
"Of course. They have three powerful Emperors and would be of great help to our Dong Clan," answered Wu Lai directly.
"But have you ever thought that they are not even members of the Dong Clan? Why should we drag them into our mess?" Dong Ziwan asked.
Wu Lai was rendered speechless. He had only viewed things from the Dong Clan's perspective and had not considered a different perspective.
"Let's go. Our Dong Clan has stood tall for a few thousand years. How can the mere Tai and Xing Clans take us down," said Dong Ziwan without expression.
But in truth, she also longed that Xiang Shaoyun would come along with her. Although she still wouldn't allow him to put himself in any danger, that gesture was still one that would warm her heart. But now that Xiang Shaoyun wasn't even trying to follow, she felt rather sad.
Perhaps in his heart, I am just a regular friend, sighed Dong Ziwan inwardly.
Xiang Shaoyun was naturally not a person so heartless. He was simply busy guarding Devouring Ghost with Du Xuanhao and Jin Wo. Devouring Ghost had occupied Linggu Haonan's body, a body that was once belonged to a ninth-stage Dragon Ascension Realm expert. The cultivation level had subsequently dropped to the seventh-stage after the takeover.
The drop was due to a conflict in the different elements the two cultivated and because Devouring Ghost's soul foundation had not fully recovered. After a period of recovery and accumulation, coupled with the unique materials from the Emperors he had killed, he finally reached a point where he could advance into the next stage.
This advancement also meant that part of Linggu Haonan's astral energy would be converted to an element suited for Devouring Ghost, allowing him to better display his combat prowess.
A large amount of dark elemental astral energy converged at the entrance of the cave Devouring Ghost was cultivating at. The energy came in a massive amount, as if the entire sky was turning black.
The boundless energy turned into a storm, completely enveloping the area. It would be immediately apparent to any expert passing through that someone was breaking through, which was why Devouring Ghost needed Xiang Shaoyun and Jin Wo to stand guard for him.
Xiang Shaoyun focused on studying the energy converging in the area; a chilly and uncomfortable sensation enveloped his body.
The power of darkness has always been viewed as an evil power, but what's truly evil is the person wielding the power, not the power itself, Xiang Shaoyun lamented inwardly.
In the future, he would also need to cultivate the power of darkness. Studying the available energy around him would benefit him greatly. He focused on sensing each variation the energy underwent, trying his very best to adapt himself to it, making preparations for the day when it was his turn to absorb dark energy as well.
In truth, during his regular cultivation, he had always been absorbing the energies of nine different elements. But apart from lightning, gold, and fire, he had only been able to absorb a small amount of the other elements. He was waiting for the correct timing to arrive before he started absorbing more of the other six elements.
In a flash, three days passed. More and more energy converged in the area, ultimately turning into a clump of black storm before it surged into the cave. All the dark energy in the air was drawn in along with the entirety of the spiritual energy found within several kilometers.
This was what a late-stage Dragon Ascension Realm expert required when breaking through, and it was quite a terrifying scene. Even Xiang Shaoyun was clicking his tongue in astonishment. As for Du Xuanhao, he was filled with excitement. Both of them were lamenting inwardly how powerful the converging energy was.
Shortly after, a massive power erupted from the cave, creating clouds of dust and pebbles at its mouth. Then, Devouring Ghost flew out.
"Haha, I have further improved my fusion with this body!" Devouring Ghost howled with laughter.
"Looks like the breakthrough has been smooth," said Xiang Shaoyun with a smile.
"Um. This body is lacking in talent, but still decent. After I perfect the fusion, I will be able to start focusing on returning to my actual cultivation realm," said Devouring Ghost joyfully.
"That's good to hear. Let's go to Dong City now," said Xiang Shaoyun.
"Ok. I can now deal with even peak Dragon Ascension Realm experts," said Devouring Ghost confidently.
Although Devouring Ghost was currently only an eighth-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator, a monster who had lived for over 10,000 years like him could easily fight those above his cultivation level.
And thus, Xiang Shaoyun headed to Dong City with Devouring Ghost, Du Xuanhao, and Jin Wo. The Dong City was the leader of the Five Denseforest Cities, with the other four cities being the Tai, Xing, Wu, and Lin Cities.
The five clans had always been led by the Dong Clan, whose ancestor was a peak Dragon Ascension Realm expert when he was still alive. He was only a step away from entering the Soul Foundation Realm, becoming a true Sovereign.
Unfortunately, when he went somewhere dangerous in search of a chance to break through, he failed to find any of the fortuitous encounters he sought and had instead gotten himself gravely injured. Ultimately, he died.
With the death of the ancestor, the power balance shifted greatly, and the Tai and Xing Clans' ambitions grew. The two clans then joined hands to rise up in revolt. As for the Wu and Lin Clans, they were the weakest of the five, and although they were loyal, they couldn't pose a threat to the Tai and Xing Clans.
Presently, Dong Ziming and Dong Wu were at the Dong Clan estate. The clan leader, Dong Zhuoyue, was listening to their briefing on how the Tai Clan Emperors had hunted them.
Dong Zhuoyue was a middle-aged man of about 40 years old. He had a handsome and scholarly face with a pair of flirtatious eyes that made it clear he was quite a playboy back in the days.
"Uncle Wu, you are saying Little Wan's friend is stronger than you?" Dong Zhuoyue said, his eyes lighting up with a bright glint.
"To be precise, it's the followers of Little Wan's friend. Without them, we would already be dead. Moreover, that person had been able to easily kill three Tai Clan Emperors. I think he is probably a late-stage Dragon Ascension Realm expert," Dong Wu analyzed.
"Good, very good. Where are they?" Dong Zhuoyue asked.
"I think they will most likely come back with Little Wan?" Dong Wu said uncertainly.
It was at this moment that someone reported Dong Ziwan's return. Dong Zhuoyue immediately summoned her to the meeting hall.
"Little Wan, it's good that you are back. Your father has been worried sick for you," said Dong Zhuoyue with a doting look in his eyes. Although Dong Zhuoyue was a playboy, he still treated his children decently.
"Sorry for making you worry, Father," answered Dong Ziwan, somewhat unenthusiastically. Although her father treated her decently, she still felt distanced from him due to her mother's death.
"Um. The Tai and Xing Clans are rebelling. Just stay home for now," said Dong Zhuoyue. He asked, "Right, I heard from your Grandpa Wu that you have some friends over? Where are they?"