A waterfall plunged into the lake, and lotus leaves swayed in the water. Bands of seven-colored light occasionally streaked across the sky, even falling upon the land at times.
A few small toads happily hopped about, cheering as they bounced around. Each one carried a lotus leaf above its head, which looked quite amusing.
From time to time, larger Seven-Treasure Anura would leap past the lake, loudly scolding others and frightening the little ones, who scurried back to their homes.
Inside a mountain, a murky gaze turned to peer across the Aevum Inch. “Some unknown creature spied on our missing kin through karma. At the time, I was furious. No one is allowed to pry into my Seven-Treasures Astral Anuras, not even Obscura.
“But now, when I think back, regardless of whether it was actually Obscura peering into karma, they may not have known about my Seven-Treasure Anura. That incident might have been unintentional.”
Old Fifth blinked. “Ancestor, our opponent is Obscura.”
The Ancestor chuckled. “Not necessarily. I have seen countless civilizations use similar methods as a means of self-preservation. Still, the other side must have some connection to Obscura. Given Obscura’s nature, they either intend for that party to destroy some civilization, or they intend for us, the Seven-Treasure Anura, to destroy a civilization.”
Old Fifth remained silent and just listened to the Ancestor’s words.
The Ancestor was the wisest. Even Old Fifth was a bit lacking in comparison. Yes, just a small bit.
“The other side was not previously aware of us Seven-Treasure Anuras, but they should know of us now. If our missing kin is able to return safely, there is no need to get tangled up with some other civilization. Obscura is our true enemy.”
Old Fourth reminded, “What about the slugs? They’re there as well.”
The Ancestor’s murky gaze shifted to Old Fourth. “So, the slugs are the bait to lure us Seven-Treasure Anura into taking action.”
“Old Fifth, is that true?”
“Of course it is! Ancestor is a little smarter than even me to think of it first. I only realized it just now.”
“Then what about the slugs? Are we not going to look for them?”
“Hehe, forget the slugs. There are plenty more of the Tricolor Skyborne. Given enough time, another batch of delicious ones will be born. Bring our kin back first. Any civilization that Obscura wants us to destroy cannot be simple.”
A dim light flickered deep in the murky eyes. “It has been a long time since I gave out an Anura Order. Grant them one. We will see if they are a friend or enemy.”
Old Fourth and Old Fifth were shocked. “Is Ancestor really going to give an Anura Order?”
“I can give them one, but let’s see if they dare to accept it.”
With that, Old Fourth and Old Fifth were tossed out of the mountain. “While I can overlook your incompetence, you frightened the children upon your return. For that, you are to be punished. Go and reflect before the wall.”
“No, Old Ancesto-”
“No, Old Ancesto-”
As they protested, the image of a toad’s hand streaked across the sky into outer space, shooting into the distance.
Countless eyes trembled. An Anura Order... After so long, is Ancestor about to act?
...
Half a year had passed in the Allsense Megaverse. Mo Bai had stayed with Luo Yan that entire time, and she had picked up on his fondness for her. The truth was that he was not the only one. Over the years, many humans had developed feelings for her, including some truly powerful individuals, some of whom had even tried to threaten or tempt her. She and Yu Leng had always detested such situations, which was another reason why they had always tried to remain hidden.
However, there was no need to hide from Luo Yan. Instead, Mo Bai revealed even greater charm, in a bid to gain more information.
She was fully aware that Luo Yan considered her his only confidant. Out of everyone in human civilization, she was the only one with whom he could freely talk about Lu Yin’s faults.
“When is Lord Lu going to leave?” Mo Bai asked curiously.
Over these six months, Hui Can had occasionally come to chat with them, letting them know that Lu Yin still had not left.
Luo Yan said, “According to Hui Can, he’s waiting for a Greater Sancte.”
“A Greater Sancte?”
“That’s right. Since we are to serve as humanity’s legacy, we need an Immortal guardian. The Nine Odysseys Megaverse still hasn’t decided which Immortal will take on that role.”
Mo Bai frowned. “If they can’t choose, does that mean that Lu Yin won’t leave?”
Luo Yan whispered, “That’s impossible, as he is considered even more important than an Immortal.”
Mo Bai was puzzled by that explanation. “More important than an Immortal?”
Luo Yan nodded. “I don’t understand the details, but it seems that Immortals have certain unique limitations. However, while Lu Yin has the combat power of an Immortal, he lacks their limitations. That’s why the Nine Odysseys Megaverse needs to send an actual Immortal to replace him here.”
There was a brief pause before he explained, “According to Hui Can, Lu Yin is the reason why those snails were defeated. Before he went, the Nine Odysseys Megaverse fought those snails several times, but they were nearly defeated each time. Despite that, all of the snails were simply slaughtered by him.”
“Vicious,” Mo Bai said.
Luo Yan said, “Forget about him. There’s no doubt that he’ll be fighting in the next civilization war. Hopefully, he’ll die on the battlefield. It doesn’t matter which Immortal is sent to protect us.”
Mo Bai laughed. “True. Thank you for staying with me.”
Luo Yan stared blankly at Mo Bai’s smile. He could not help but lean a bit closer to her.
Mo Bai took a step back, her face slightly flushed.
Luo Yan snapped back to his senses and forced a smile. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. I’m just not used to such things. Give it a bit of time.” Mo Bai ducked her head, her ears turning red.
The sight caused Luo Yan’s throat to go dry. “I-”
At that moment, his communication device vibrated. Hui Can was calling.
Luo Yan stepped aside to answer.
Mo Bai’s head rose, but there was none of the shyness that Luo Yan had imagined. Instead, it was pure disgust that flushed her eyes. Humans, so disgusting!
She glanced at the distant gate and then retrieved the Nest that she had kept hidden all this time. The time had come. Master, come.