To evade pursuit by the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect, Gu Ran purposefully selected Black Wood Island, a markedly isolated locale.
The neighboring islands were considerably distanced from Black Wood Island!
For anyone attempting to journey by flight, they would need to confront the immense, limitless sea.
Even a great powerhouse at the Inquiring Journey realm would require a significant period to arrive at any of the closest islands.
By such time, it's probable that the teleportation array would have been repaired.
'The teleportation array is presently inoperative,' Feng Liu thought to himself.
'So, we are all essentially trapped on Black Wood Island.'
A fleeting, cold light flickered in his eyes as he advanced and addressed Gu Ran, "Brother Niu, since departure isn't an option, wouldn't it be preferable to stay with us at the Feng Clan's mansion for the moment?"
"Absolutely," Feng Hongbo concurred, nodding his head in agreement.
"Niu Qing, my young friend, surely you won't decline this honor I offer you?" he added, his voice laced with what seemed to be amicable chuckle.
Yet, beneath the surface, a hint of annoyance stirred within him.
The demise of his good friend, You Dan, had already soured his disposition significantly.
Gu Ran's denial of his nearly sycophantic proposition, in the presence of many, was a slight to his standing as the lord of Black Wood Island.
Had it not been for the secrets he sought from Gu Ran, coupled with the fear of forfeiting potential gains, Feng Hongbo would have taken aggressive action against Gu Ran much earlier!
"Very well then, it appears I'll be in your debt, senior." Gu Ran concurred with a nod.
Given his current abilities, even if the Feng Clan harbored ill intentions, they would struggle to inflict harm upon him.
Why not consent, and potentially profit from some resources in the process?
"Hahaha! Excellent, excellent, excellent!" Feng Hongbo roared with laughter, repeating 'excellent' thrice, then extended a fist and palm salute to Gu Ran. "Young friend Niu Qing, please accompany me.
Although our meeting is recent, I feel an intense kinship with you, as if we have shared a longstanding friendship!"
"Please!" Gu Ran reciprocated with the same gesture, then promptly joined Feng Hongbo, soaring towards the core of Black Wood Island.
Feng Liu and the others trailed closely behind.
As for the disorderly battlefield, the demonic beast carcasses had already been claimed by Jiang Chen, and the corpses of the cultivators were gathered by their respective families.
Simultaneously, from a distance, Jiang Chen withdrew an Image Projection Stone and instilled it with his Dao Yuan Power.
Instantly, all occurrences on Black Wood Island subsequent to his departure materialized within the Image Projection Stone.
Under the combined influence of Gu Ran's bloodline and his Heavenly Fate Value, Jiang Chen practiced extreme caution and had already ceased using his divine sense to directly monitor Gu Ran.
Prior to his departure, he had discreetly concealed an Image Projection Stone within a cultivator's body, expressly to document Gu Ran's actions and movements.
For added security, Jiang Chen even refrained from accessing the Image Projection Stone immediately.
He allotted a brief period before he commenced his review.
'As anticipated, he remained on Black Wood Island.' A flicker of thoughtfulness danced in Jiang Chen's eyes.
Visible delight filled the faces of the gathered crowd.
Instantly transforming into a series of afterimages, they soared into the sky to greet Jiang Chen.
"Fellow Daoists, the demons invading from the direction of Black Wood Island were led by a Peak-stage Dao Palace realm demon. I've already eliminated it," Jiang Chen said, cutting straight to the point.
"I've also vanquished the more potent demonic beasts within the demonic beast tide. You may deal with the rest as you see fit."
"Additionally, death warriors from Purple Heaven Holy Land will soon arrive here."
"As for that, act as if you're unaware," he added sternly. "And finally, regarding Gu Ran, no one is allowed to make any rash moves. I have a plan in place."
"Yes! Holy Son Jiang Chen, rest assured, we won't act recklessly," assured individuals like Ji Yilan, who were keen to remain in Jiang Chen's good graces, without any hesitation.
Shortly after, the death warriors dispatched by Ji Mingxiu arrived at the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect.
The death warriors numbered over a thousand, with three belonging to the Inquiring Journey realm, while the rest were cultivators of the Heavenly Origin realm or below.
They bore no distinct differences from ordinary people, and even their expressions and emotions varied widely.
At first glance, it was impossible to discern that they were death warriors.
"Very well!" Jiang Chen expressed satisfaction with these death warriors and promptly led them towards Black Wood Island.
Given his speed, it took little time to reach the proximity of Black Wood Island.
Next, Jiang Chen directed a few of the death warriors to feign seeking refuge and make their way towards Black Wood Island.
As for himself, he located a secluded spot at a considerable distance and embarked on his cultivation.
Time was precious, and Jiang Chen had to employ it judiciously.
On Black Wood Island, Gu Ran graced the Feng Clan's banquet organized to welcome him.
All the island's distinguished individuals were present.
Every one of them enthusiastically proposed toasts to Gu Ran, their fervor was palpable.
Some even brought along beautiful young ladies, hopeful to test their fortunes and see if Gu Ran might show some interest.
But how could Gu Ran find interest in such ostentatious, shallow displays?
Fleeting snippets of memory sporadically flashed through his mindimages on a scale transcending the Immortal Martial Continentrendering him indifferent to these enticing spectacles.
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