The woman stepped down from the azure Luan Bird.
"No need for formalities."
A gentle voice slowly emerged.
Bai Ze extended his arm slightly from his sleeve, making a light ’raise hand’ gesture.
Even just a glimpse of the fair, slender fingers could make anyone feel dizzy with admiration.
It’s not hard to imagine that the owner of the arm must be an exceptionally beautiful woman.
Indeed, following the arm upwards revealed a face of unparalleled beauty.
It’s likely that any man in the world would find it hard to forget this face after just one glance, dreaming of it night after night.
Her exquisite and beautiful visage also carried a touch of fragility and charm.
However, the slight air of nobility and aloofness in her every move distanced her from others, signaling her exceptionally prestigious identity.
Especially with the white moon patterns on her luxurious robe, which highlighted her nobility to the utmost.
"Your Holiness, I am the Great Elder of Dongli Sword Palace," the old man cupped his hands.
"Hmm." The woman nodded slightly and asked softly, "How long until the competition?"
Her voice was very light and gentle.
Though not intentionally cold, it somehow sent a shiver through one’s heart.
The old man cupped his hands respectfully, "Calculating the time, the competition among the various forces will begin in half a month."
"After that, in just over a month, the Ancient Emperor’s Tomb will open."
"Our Dongli Sword Palace, upon learning of Your Holiness’s visit, has prepared everything accordingly."
"Your Holiness only needs to wait peacefully for the opening of the Ancient Emperor’s Tomb."
"Hmm." The woman nodded calmly.
The old man said respectfully, "We have arranged accommodations for Your Holiness in the palace; please follow me this way."
The old man stepped forward, gesturing ’please.’
Just as he moved his foot.
"Chirp"—a crisp yet ethereal call sounded instantly.
The old man’s body suddenly emitted a cold, white flame.
"Ah." The old man screamed in agony instantly.
"Illusion Moon, do not be rude," the woman gently chided, glancing at the Illusion Moon Heavenly Phoenix beside her.
The cold, white flame on the old man’s body vanished instantly.
However, in that brief instant, the old man was already in a disheveled state, with burnt clothes and singed hair.
"Great Elder of the Sword Palace, are you alright?" the woman asked softly.
"No... no problem." The old man waved his hand repeatedly, "This way, Your Holiness."
The old man quickly led the way but dared not come within five steps of the woman.
Around them, the other Sword Palace Elders stood and watched the group leave, their eyes filled with respect and reverence.
...
Outside the Demon Hunting Territory.
A figure of flame swiftly traversed the high sky.
Calculating the journey to the Extreme Eastern Lands from the Demon Hunting Territory, the distance was not short.
Days ago, he was closer in the Six Dragon Territory.
After all, his initial journey was eastward through the Hengyuan Territory, Fire Teeth Territory, and others lying in the eastern range.
Particularly upon arriving at the Six Dragon Territory, that region was essentially the center of the eastern range.
Thus, traveling from the Six Dragon Territory to the Extreme Eastern Lands would be much closer.
However, being led by Jiu Yan earlier from the Six Dragon Territory to the Demon Hunting Territory.
It’s as if he was retracing his steps now.
But Jiu Yan, having stepped into the Legendary Realm, possessed speed that he could not compare to.
Even at full speed, he remained much slower than Jiu Yan.
Moreover, he couldn’t continuously maintain his Five-Colored Ring or summon his beast claw to enhance his journey.
Thus, what would take Jiu Yan a day and a half might take him seven or eight days.
Adding the time from the Six Dragon Territory to the Extreme Eastern Lands, it would be about half a month, with plenty of leeway.
If he were to travel non-stop, it might take him around twelve or thirteen days.
"There’s enough time," Xiao Yi nodded.