Chapter 2268: Aggression
A group of guards walked onto the profound ark and began to check on every passenger. Yun Lintian looked at them curiously and wondered what kind of criminals they were looking for.
Yun Lintian patiently waited his turn as the guards moved through the profound ark, checking each passenger's identification and belongings. When they reached him, a stern-faced guard asked, "Name and origin?"
"Yun Lintian, from the Divine Light City," he replied calmly, meeting the guard's gaze without flinching.
"Purpose of your visit to the Misty Cloud Palace?" the guard inquired further, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Yun Lintian had anticipated this question. He couldn't reveal his true purpose, so he had prepared a plausible lie. "I heard about the grand ceremony that the Misty Cloud Palace is holding soon. I'm simply curious and want to take a look."
The guard scrutinized him for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. Proceed."
Yun Lintian stepped aside. As he watched the guards continue their search, curiosity got the better of him. He approached one of the guards and asked politely, "Excuse me, officer. May I ask what kind of criminals you're looking for?"
The guard glanced at him, then replied in a low voice, "We're searching for spies from the Nine Hells Gate. They've been causing trouble in the Holy Lands lately."
"I see." Yun Lintian nodded slightly. The Nine Hells Gate again. Why would they be so active? He thanked the guard and returned to his seat, pondering the implications of this information.
The profound ark soon took off, soaring into the sky with a gentle hum. Yun Lintian settled into his cabin and began to cultivate, using the abundant divine energy within the ark to further improve his strength.
A few days passed by peacefully as the profound ark traversed the vast expanse of the Holy Lands. The journey was smooth, and Yun Lintian spent his time cultivating and occasionally gazing out the window at the breathtaking scenery below.
However, the tranquility was shattered one fateful afternoon. A tremor shook the profound ark, followed by a deafening explosion that sent shockwaves through the vessel. Yun Lintian was jolted out of his meditation.
He rushed out of his cabin to see chaos erupting all around him. Passengers were screaming and scrambling for safety as the profound ark lurched violently.
"Are you heading to the Misty Cloud Palace?" The woman, Fu Mingyao, asked. "Don't you know they're prohibiting men from entering?"
"Of course, I know. I planned to take a look around," Yun Lintian responded.
Fu Mingyao thought for a moment and said, "Shall we go together?"
"Sure." Yun Lintian had no objections. The woman in front of him was a Lower God, and her aura was somewhat similar to the Divine Moon God Clan. Perhaps she was a native here.
Fu Mingyao didn't say anything further and walked away.
Yun Lintian followed closely behind Fu Mingyao, their footsteps silent as they traversed the rugged terrain.
The woman moved with an effortless grace, her purple robes flowing in the wind like ethereal clouds. Her aura, though restrained, hinted at a formidable power lurking beneath the
surface.
As they journeyed, Yun Lintian took the opportunity to learn more about the Holy Lands from his knowledgeable companion. Fu Mingyao proved to be a wealth of information, sharing insights into the various factions, their history, and the current political landscape. "The Holy Lands are a realm of immense power and opportunity," she explained. "But they're also a breeding ground for ambition and conflict. The various sects and clans constantly vie for dominance, their rivalry often leading to bloodshed."
"The Nine Hells Gate is a particularly dangerous faction," she continued. "They're a shadowy organization that operates outside the bounds of conventional morality. Their motives are shrouded in mystery, but their actions are undeniably malevolent."
Yun Lintian listened intently, absorbing every word. He was grateful for Fu Mingyao's willingness to share her knowledge. It gave him a deeper understanding of the challenges he faced in this new and unfamiliar world.
"What about the Misty Cloud Palace?" he asked. "What's their role in all of this?"
Fu Mingyao's expression turned somber. "The Misty Cloud Palace is one of the most powerful and respected factions in the Holy Lands. They're known for their cultivation techniques and their dedication to upholding justice. However, they've been facing increasing pressure from the Nine Hells Gate in recent years."
"The attack on the profound ark was a clear act of aggression," she added. "It's a sign that the Nine Hells Gate is growing bolder and more ruthless."