Chapter 632: Chapter 632: The Trap of the Enclosing Net
Tian Xiao led the disciples and subordinates of the Heavenly Family, observing the perimeter of the Sea of Blood without immediately launching an assault. He carefully surveyed the terrain, flying around the entire perimeter, and only after thoroughly understanding the landscape did he settle on a high mountain not far from Zhong Shan.
Although Tian Xiao never directly looked at Zhong Shan, Zhong Shan could sense his subtle attention.
Zhong Shan observed Tian Xiao as well but did not initiate any further contact. They were strangers with no need for unnecessary interaction.
After surveying the area, Tian Xiao waited silently, his intentions unknown to anyone. This wait lasted for three days.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the Sea of Blood, as Gu Qianyou led her group back to the celestial dynasty, the Wine Elder suddenly halted.
When the Wine Elder stopped, everyone else did as well.
"What is it?" Gu Qianyou asked with a frown.
"There is a bad omen," the Wine Elder replied.
"Oh?"
"A serious bad omen," the Wine Elder said, his brow furrowing deeper.
He then scanned the surroundings, his eyes filled with increasing worry.
"What's happening?" Gu Qianyou asked, concerned.
"We are surrounded by a serious bad omen. We've walked into a trap," the Wine Elder said with a worried expression.
"A trap?"
"Yes, an ambush. It may not be aimed directly at us, but it's eerily extensive, as if it envelops a large area around the Sea of Blood. It's a situation where one can only enter but not leave," the Wine Elder explained.
"An ambush? Who would dare set an ambush here? This place is gathering more and more powerful individuals!" Xianxian exclaimed.
"It must be the one who spread the news about the Earth Book," Gu Qianyou speculated.
"Empress, what should we do next?" the Wine Elder asked.
"What about the Sea of Blood?" Gu Qianyou inquired.
"There is a grave omen there. His Majesty has been in a grave omen zone the entire time," the Wine Elder replied.
"Then let's not go back. Continue to return to the celestial dynasty as planned!" Gu Qianyou decided.
"Yes!" everyone nodded in agreement.
In a valley on the outskirts of the Sea of Blood, many people were moving around, and in the center stood a grand palace. Inside, two people were standing.
One was a handsome man with purple hair, dressed in a purple robe, holding a beautifully crafted red jade short ruler, lightly tapping his palm, with a faint smile in his eyes.
In front of him was a woman in a golden robe. She was very beautiful, but her face was extremely cold. She was looking at a large map with an indifferent expression.
On her shoulder lay a fluffy, ball-shaped little beast.
"Yan Yuyou, the elders have tasked us with commanding the 'Grand Pass' position. When the time comes..." the purple-haired man began.
"Don't worry. I come from the mortal world and have no interest in competing for power with you. You command; I won't interfere," Yan Yuyou said calmly.
"Oh? Very well. The mortal and underworld have many differences, and their combat styles vary greatly. You can observe them all," the purple-haired man said, satisfied.
The three black-robed individuals held a very special status. Apart from Xing Taidou, they seemed to have the highest rank among the group.
"Stop!" the leading black-robed individual suddenly commanded.
Everyone abruptly halted, looking curiously at the three black-robed figures.
The leading black-robed person remained still, but the two behind him glanced around cautiously, then bowed respectfully to the one in front.
"Three 'Mr. Jiu,' is there something wrong?" Xing Taidou asked, puzzled.
The leading black-robed figure nodded, and one of the followers spoke up.
"Something is off here," the black-robed person said.
His voice was extremely peculiar, a raspy sound as if it came from someone on the verge of death. It was a sickly voice, as if his vocal cords were severely damaged, making his speech very unsettling.
"What's wrong?" Xing Taidou asked, confused.
"It's a trap, an Enclosing Dragon Formation!" the black-robed figure rasped.
"An Enclosing Dragon Formation?"
"The perimeter of the Sea of Blood is surrounded by an ambush. It's a trap where one can only enter but not leave," the black-robed figure explained.
"An ambush?" Xing Taidou's eyes narrowed.
Xing Taidou's ability to become the emperor of a celestial dynasty spoke to his considerable strength and intelligence. The mention of an ambush immediately made him think of the reasons and the revelation of the Earth Book's existence.
"Your Majesty, someone wants to reap the benefits without any effort," a court official analyzed respectfully.
"Hmm. You will lead half the group, gather the forces of the four celestial dynasties, and destroy those ambushes. Do not let them ruin our grand plan!" Xing Taidou commanded firmly.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" the court official bowed in response.
Leaving behind half of the group, about fifty people continued on their journey.
They headed straight for the center of the Sea of Blood, drawn by the immense allure of the Earth Book.
After the Everlasting Realm retreated, the Great Yan Celestial Dynasty rushed in, joining the Heavenly Family. Nearly half of the underworld's most powerful forces had now gathered at the Sea of Blood, all for Nangong Sheng's Earth Book.
On the outskirts of the Sea of Blood, Zhong Shan and Yin Luorie could see the Heavenly Family from a great distance.
Neither side engaged the other; they merely observed the thick blood mist covering the Sea of Blood and the strong figures arriving from all directions.
Tian Xiao appeared to be waiting for something, standing on the mountaintop without making any moves. He showed no signs of tension or seriousness, only a hint of weariness.
Leaning on a green wooden staff, he yawned lightly, as if genuinely exhausted.
"What do you think the Heavenly Family is up to? They're not making a move," Yin Luorie asked curiously.
"They're waiting for someone," Zhong Shan said with certainty.
"Waiting for whom?"
"I don't know," Zhong Shan shook his head.
Yin Luorie fell silent, pondering the situation.