Meanwhile, in the Shadow HQ, Yan Yuehua received reports one after another. The missions were successful.
The key players behind the poaching operations had been purged from Western and Central Continents.
The Monster Race would no longer be targeted, and their assigned task was progressing smoothly, expected to be completed soon.
Just as she was about to contact Xu Qianghua to inform him of the success, her family sign token glowed, indicating a call from him.
"Hey, Yue'er, how is the mission going?" Xu Qianghua's voice came through the token.
"It is almost done, dear," Yan Yuehua replied, a smile playing on her lips. "I was about to call you for an update, but it seems you beat me to it.
I suppose that means there's something else, right?"
Xu Qianghua chuckled softly. "You know me well. Yes, something else needs to be taken care of."
Yan Yuehua sighed lightly, already guessing what it was about. "So what are the new orders?"
"You've probably guessed," Xu Qianghua said, his tone becoming more serious. "I need you to dispatch a team of Shadow members to protect the Ethereal Diplomatic Corps as they head to the Southern Continent.
Even though the Corps members are Golden Core cultivators, they specialize in diplomacy, not combat. They're rare talents, and I don't want to risk anything happening to them."
Yan Yuehua nodded, even though Xu Qianghua couldn't see her. "Understood. I'll send the team right away. Any specific instructions for the Shadows?"
"Keep it quiet, but make sure they're well-guarded. Their resources are rare but can be lost if necessary.
However, the mission itself cannot fail. It's a show of goodwill toward the Monster Race, and we need it to succeed without interference."
"And it's just a precaution," Xu Qianghua added. "I don't expect anything to go wrong, but the Southern Continent has always been unpredictable.
It's better to be prepared. I trust your judgment on this."
"Consider it done," Yan Yuehua said, her mind already working on who to send for the task. "I'll handle it."
"Thank you, Yue'er. I know I can always count on you," Xu Qianghua said warmly before the connection ended.
Five members, each with a calm, dignified presence, stood by a medium-sized ship. The ship was equipped with defensive formations and carried the flag of the Xu family, marking their authority.
These diplomats were not just skilled negotiators; they were also Golden Core cultivators, trained to handle delicate situations with the Monster Race.
However, their strength lay in diplomacy and building alliances, not in fighting.
As the diplomats prepared to board the ship, Xu Zhiwei and his team of Shadows had already dispersed, blending into the surroundings.
They watched silently from the hidden corners of the port, ensuring no one suspicious was near.
Jiang Fen stood at the edge of the dock, her gaze scanning the distant horizon. "The sea route is clear, but we'll need to be cautious once we reach the Southern Continent.
There's always the chance of unexpected threats."
Xu Zhiwei, positioned higher up in the shadows, surveyed the area with a practiced eye.
"Remember, we are not to interfere unless necessary. Our job is to ensure the Corps reaches their destination and completes the mission."
The ship began to move, cutting through the calm waters. The diplomats on board were unaware of the silent protection surrounding them.
The Shadows moved with the ship, staying hidden even as they crossed the waters toward the Southern Continent.
As the ship approached the Southern Continent, a thick fog rolled in, covering the coastline.
The diplomats disembarked cautiously, greeted by the dense forests and untamed wilderness of the Southern lands.
This was the home of the Monster Race, and despite the negotiations ahead, everyone knew that this territory was dangerous.
The Shadows remained vigilant, slipping through the fog and trees, always one step ahead, ensuring no threats approached.
The Diplomatic Corps, unaware of their presence, moved toward the designated meeting point with the Fox and Snake Clans.
Jiang Fen whispered through the communication device, "So far, no signs of interference. The Monster Race leaders are close by."
Xu Zhiwei, hidden on a nearby ridge, scanned the area one last time. "Good. Let's keep it that way."
The diplomatic mission was in motion, but the Xu family had made sure that their safety was secured.