"Fellow cultivators, consider this your final warning. Failure to heed it will bring forth the wrath of the Dragon Deity," the city lord declared firmly before departing, accompanied by three white-robed men.
"You aren’t planning on lingering here indefinitely, are you?" Venia’s eyes flickered with a cold gaze.
Liang inwardly cursed the spineless city lord, hoping that at the very least he would drive her out of the city.
After pondering for a moment, Liang mustered a small smile and replied, "There may be a solution, after all."
"I’m all ears," Venia sneered.
Indeed, there was a way to resolve this dilemma, one that could help her avoid a confrontation with the eight experts.
"There’s a mission available at the exploration hall. A bounty has been placed on a certain woman. If someone manages to capture her alive and deliver her to the Everlasting Ice Forest, the Ice Sylphs will be at their service, within their capabilities, of course," Liang calmly explained.
"But?" Venia prompted.
Liang chuckled, "The woman isn’t exactly an easy target. She happens to be the concubine of the city lord of the Kun Peng City."
"I see, so that’s why nobody has claimed her yet!" Venia said, finding amusement in the situation.
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"And what is the man’s cultivation?" Venia inquired with a hushed voice.
"Well, you see, the city lord is actually... a woman," Liang cleared his throat.
Venia’s expression darkened as she pressed on," what level of cultivation does she possess?"
"Well, she’s quite a renowned figure in the Runestone Solar System. Known as Red Lotus True Paragon, she is a Divine Runic Mastery Expert, equivalent to a peak stage seventh order realm expert. She is one of the ten Divine Paragons, considered to be among the ten most powerful experts," Liang explained.
Venia massaged her temples, contemplating the information. "It won’t be easy, but it’s still better than the first option."
"Is it?" Liang sneered inwardly.
"Let’s take some time to rest and plan our approach," Liang suggested as he made his way towards the exploration hall.
***
Two days later, in Kun Peng City...
"You weren’t kidding, it’s exactly the same," Venia remarked, her gaze fixed upon the Icy Kun Peng in the sky, its massive wings engulfing the entire city.
The majestic creature appeared as if it was frozen in time, its feathers sparkling with an ethereal blue sheen.
Liang felt a foreboding sense, as this colossal icy statue evoked a sense of unease within him.
"Have you heard? The Earth Life True Paragon has returned," a passerby exclaimed, the excitement evident in their voice.
"That brings back memories. He was just a child back then," another replied, reminiscing about the days when the True Paragon was merely a young boy with aspirations.
"The city lord must be so proud. Her son followed in her footsteps and became a paragon," someone mused, admiration lacing their words.
"Hush, don’t say that. I heard a rumor that he left the city against her wishes. In fact, she didn’t even allow him to cultivate back then!" a voice whispered, sharing a hidden piece of gossip.
"What? No way!" gasped another, unable to fathom the idea of a powerful True Paragon defying their own mother.
"I’m not kidding. But who would have thought that the boy would eventually become an expert of such high caliber," a bystander chimed in, awe coloring their voice.
"Indeed, life is full of surprises," someone concluded, encapsulating the sentiment shared by many.
Listening to the conversations echoing throughout the city, Liang’s eyes flickered, recognizing that name from when he first arrived in Florie. It seemed that the newly emerged True Paragon belonged to Frostfell.
"Huh, it seems like we’ve come at the perfect time," Venia chuckled, her eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief.
"Oh, you’re thinking of using this new True Paragon?" Liang asked, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
"Perhaps it could work?" Venia cast a curious, speculative glance toward the young man in the green robe who had just appeared in the sky.
"It’s him, the Earth Life True Paragon!" someone who had encountered Earth Life before exclaimed, their voice carrying a mix of excitement and disbelief.
"No way, I’m witnessing a True Paragon in person!" gasped a young maiden, her eyes wide with wonder.
"He’s too handsome!" another girl in the crowd marveled, unable to contain her admiration for the young man’s striking features.
"Yeah, how can a man be this beautiful?" a woman pondered aloud, captivated by the sheer allure emanating from the True Paragon.
The young man in the green robe possessed an ethereal charm that defied description. His features were like a masterpiece sculpted by the gods, each detail meticulously crafted. His mesmerizing emerald eyes held a world of mysteries, their vibrant hue sparkling with life and wisdom.
A cascade of lustrous dark hair flowed down his back, its silky strands appearing as if kissed by moonlight. His smooth, flawless complexion seemed to radiate a subtle glow, as if infused with a divine light.
But perhaps the most captivating aspect of the young man was his smile. It was a smile that could light up the darkest of nights, warm and genuine, reaching deep into the hearts of those who witnessed it. When he smiled, the world seemed to pause, for in that moment, all worries and troubles faded into insignificance.
"What brings you back, unfilial son!" Suddenly, a cold voice pierced through the air, carrying an oppressive aura that suffocated everyone in the city.
"Look up!" someone suddenly shouted, diverting the crowd’s attention from the Paragon.
Eyes turned skyward, and high above, a luxurious war chariot materialized, its opulence sending whispers of awe through the gathered onlookers.
Soon, a woman in imperial red robes descended from the chariot, her presence radiating an aura of strength and regality. Her face, partially concealed by an intricate icy mask, held an air of mystery, with delicate frost patterns gracefully adorning its surface. Only her piercing ice blue eyes remained visible, their intensity captivating all who met her gaze.
As she stepped forward, her long black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of midnight silk, adding to her imposing aura. Her figure, draped in a form-fitting robe, exuded grace and elegance, emphasizing the power that resonated beneath her seemingly delicate appearance.
Walking behind her was a woman of breathtaking beauty, her long flowing silver hair reaching her waist, a stunning contrast to her sapphire blue eyes that shimmered with an otherworldly radiance. Her features were delicate and refined, every angle and curve perfectly sculpted.
Clad in a flowing white gown, her figure appeared as if cloaked in moonlight itself, enhancing her natural charm. Her complexion had a subtle icy glow, complementing her ethereal allure.
Together, the two women formed a captivating duo - one emanating power and authority, the other exuding beauty and grace. The sight left everyone in Kun Peng City trembling with a mix of fear and admiration, their hearts pounding with an unexplainable mix of emotions.
"It’s the city lord," someone whispered in awe.