Following Li Han's lead, Icaros and Li Han exited the interior of the ship and appeared on the deck.
Icaros was instantly amazed yet vigilant at the sight before him.
On the deck stood something that hadn't been there when they boarded. It looked as if it had grown out of the ship, formed from glowing blue crystal. It was shaped like a pole, but split into four distinct sections.
Currently, Su Yan-the female senior who had issued their first test-and her accomplice Nelly were holding onto two parts of the blue crystal structure, their eyes closed as if in meditation. In their hands was something Icaros had only read about in the library: a spirit stone, an item that stores naturally formed spirit qi.
Focusing his enhanced eyesight, Icaros saw traces of what he believed to be spirit qi flowing from their bodies into the crystal, while more energy flowed from the stones back into them. He guessed that the stones were replenishing their spirit qi.
He also noticed that less than a hundred participants out of the several hundred originally present were packed into one corner of the ship, wearing various expressions.
Some looked terrified from the horrors they had just experienced, while others appeared grim and focused. But they all shared one thing in common: an overwhelming atmosphere of gloom.
However, Icaros soon discovered the reason why. What he had seen previously was nothing compared to this.
Surrounding their ship was a large blue light screen, similar to the one at the Li Sect. It enveloped the vessel as it streaked across the sky. And just behind them was another massive ship, armed with giant cannons that continuously blasted against the barrier-yet it didn't even tremble.
But what alarmed Icaros most were the people aboard the pursuing vessel.
Three men and two women stood there, their eyes fixed on the ship like hawks staring at prey.
The one Icaros assumed was their leader stood in the center with two axes strapped to his back, while the other four stood one step behind him.
He looked quite young, clearly still a youth, but the scar adorning his chin, his battle-hardened gaze, and the armor over his robes spoke volumes about the hardships he had endured.
The other four were clearly no pushovers either.
One man wore gauntlets that stretched up to his forearms. Their dull gold color gave them a grim appearance. He was bare-chested, wearing only his lower robes and shoes, along with a belt crafted from beast materials-something Icaros noted mentally.
Another woman, slender and lithe, was armed with two daggers, her venomous eyes glaring at the ship.
The last man was dressed like a typical warrior, clad in full armor, wielding a round metal shield and a greatsword.
But what really caught Icaros' attention was the final female. She sat as if in meditation, eyes closed, whispering words he couldn't hear while making hand signals he did not recognize.
Seeing that Icaros had taken in the situation, Li Han said, "Yep, this is where we stand. Let's meet up with the others so we can decide what to do next."
Icaros hesitated, clearly having questions, before nodding and following Li Han toward Su Yan and Nelly, who were maintaining the ship's defense.
Seeing Li Han, Nelly complained, "Took you long enough."
When her eyes landed on Icaros, she added with a hint of disdain, "Is this really the one who's going to make a difference?"
Contrary to Li Han's expectations, Icaros didn't get angry. Instead, he looked at her with an expression that screamed, What the fuck?!
"Don't tell me you're counting on me," he said.
Li Han took a deep breath, furrowing his brow, and addressed Icaros with a forced smile. "Look mate, we don't have a choice. I've got to bite the bullet here."
He then turned to Nelly with a reprimanding tone. "Don't underestimate him again. He's going to be critical to our plan."
Nelly looked unconvinced but said nothing, silently agreeing.
Su Yan, who had quietly watched the exchange, turned to Li Han. "We need to plan quickly. A battle seems inevitable, and I don't want my spirit qi to run dry."
Li Han nodded and unconsciously took on the role of leader as he explained to the group.
"Icaros, I know you have questions. The attackers are from the Battle Force Sect and the Nine Transformation Demonic Sect."
"Battle Force Sect?" Icaros asked, confusion evident in his voice. "Why are they attacking us? It's not like we're actively at war. And since when are they allies with the Demonic Sect?"
Li Han was about to answer when Su Yan cut in. "I think it mostly has to do with our main mission."
"Main mission?" Icaros muttered.
"Yes," Su Yan said, a mischievous expression appearing on her face-a rare sight for Icaros. "Young Master Deimos told me about you and your little secret."
Icaros wasn't actually caught off guard, as Li Han had hinted at it earlier, but he feigned surprise.
Seeing this, Su Yan continued, "Young Master Deimos wants Nelly to look after the participants, while you, Li Han, and I go handle the real, more important mission."
"So what does this mission have to do with them?" Icaros asked, realizing he was getting himself into deep trouble.
This time, Li Han explained, "This mission involves something of great importance to the Four Supreme Sects. Although it's just a hunt for a map, so no high-level experts were sent... it is still quite significant."
Determined to find out more, Icaros smirked at Li Han, Su Yan, and even Nelly. "I want to know everything about this mission, so I can help to the best of my abilities."
Su Yan hesitated, but Li Han sighed. "I guess I have to spill the beans."
Seeing he was getting his way, Icaros' smirk widened. "All of it."
