Chapter 740: Flourishing Beasts and Elephants

"Myriad Realms Alliance?" Xiao Qing's body trembled slightly; this term instantly stirred many memories for her.

"What proof do you have?" However, she didn't easily believe him, mainly because both Xu Bai's appearance and the timing of his arrival were highly suspicious.

Xu Bai smiled faintly and secretly relayed all the details of their previous transactions to her.

A strange gleam flashed in Xiao Qing's eyes; she temporarily believed Xu Bai's identity.

"Please follow me, fellow Daoist." With a gentle wave, she dismissed the encircling guards and led Xu Bai flying towards the city's towering, spire-like palace.

Xu Bai flew through the air, his spiritual sense sweeping over the continuous sprawl of buildings constructed atop the corpse of the Vermilion Nine-Headed Beast. After thousands of years of continuous development, the terrifying form of the beast was no longer discernible. Only in a few key locations could faint traces of the original beast still be observed, such as the fissures in its head, treated as a sacred site for worship, and the beast's sharp claws, enveloped by layers of mysterious metal structures. The imperial capital, it seemed, was built atop its original heart.

As they flew, Xu Bai gained a more intuitive understanding of this civilization, which was deeply intertwined with exotic beasts. Exotic beasts had indeed integrated into every aspect of people's lives. In just the short time Xu Bai observed during their journey, he saw creatures with hollowed-out bodies resembling long dragons, transporting residents between cities; lion-like creatures with wings, carrying guardian cultivators who continuously patrolled the skies; and eye-shaped creatures hidden in various corners of the city, occasionally casting their gaze towards Xu Bai in the sky. Not to mention the countless strange and unknown exotic beasts carried by the empire's residents.

"It is indeed unique and quite vibrant," Xu Bai praised inwardly.

The two flew at extreme speed, arriving at the Imperial Palace one after another shortly thereafter. Only then did Xu Bai realize that the towering spire he had seen earlier was, in fact, a living exotic beast. Or rather, the spire and the surrounding buildings spanning dozens of miles had all evolved from this colossal exotic beast.

"The strength of this exotic beast is probably no less than that of an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator," Xu Bai privately assessed. Given that one was the Empire's Grand Tutor and the other possessed the vital blood of the Empire's founder, this exotic beast did not employ any defensive measures. Instead, the spire, whose exterior had been smooth and featureless, suddenly revealed a doorway.

Xiao Qing looked back at Xu Bai with a hint of doubt, then flew in first. Xu Bai, undaunted, followed closely behind.

Upon entering the spire, a lavishly decorated room appeared before them. There were ceilings carved with intricate patterns, jade-white walls, wooden floors, and carpets covering the entire room. It was no different from an ordinary human building; one couldn't tell it was inside an exotic beast. The room was empty. Xiao Qing also seemed to have no intention of involving anyone else in the conversation.

After gesturing for Xu Bai to sit, she courteously asked, "May I know your name, fellow Daoist?"

"Xu Bai."

"You're also named Xu?" Upon hearing the name, Xiao Qing's aura instantly became agitated. As if sensing her impropriety, she quickly composed herself: "I haven't told you yet, fellow Daoist, but the imperial family's surname is Xu." As she spoke, she intently observed Xu Bai, watching for any change in his expression. Xu Bai's reaction clearly disappointed her somewhat.

"What a coincidence," Xu Bai said, seemingly surprised, as if he hadn't known this before.

Xiao Qing didn't reply, instead falling silent for a moment before directly getting to the point. "Fellow Daoist, what did you mean earlier by saying our empire is facing a great catastrophe?"

Xu Bai sighed softly, a troubled expression on his face. He then recounted everything that was happening in the Profound Yellow Realm: the establishment of the Reincarnation Palace, the upgrade of the Profound Heaven Mirror, and the instigation of cultivators to explore grotto-heaven small worlds, all aimed at achieving world unification.

While Xu Bai spoke of the Reincarnation Palace's establishment, Xiao Qing's expression remained relatively calm. But when Xu Bai mentioned that all cultivators possessed the Profound Heaven Treasure Mirror and were exploring entrances to small worlds, the shock on her face became uncontrollable.

"When did this happen? I didn't receive any news at all?" Xiao Qing exclaimed slightly, losing her composure.

"The Profound Yellow Realm is changing rapidly by the minute. It's developing too quickly, with too many unforeseen changes. It's normal that your empire's scouts haven't had time to relay the information. Even though our Myriad Realms Alliance had anticipated the Myriad Immortal Alliance's actions, we didn't expect them to move so swiftly and decisively. We were a step behind, which led to several small worlds being quickly conquered." A trace of sorrow flashed in Xu Bai's eyes: "Fortunately, your realm hasn't been discovered yet."

"Although we have the Myriad Realms Alliance, we are scattered everywhere and find it difficult to consolidate our strength. Faced with the aggressive advance of the Myriad Immortal Alliance this time, we chose to temporarily avoid their vanguard and preserve our vital forces."

A hint of worry flashed in Xiao Qing's eyes: "My fear is we can hide for a while, but not forever."

Xu Bai stated confidently, "This is why I came to see you, fellow Daoist. Although the power of the Profound Heaven Mirror is indeed formidable and terrifying, our Myriad Realms Alliance also has its own profound heritage. Currently, our organization has developed a supreme magic treasure that can interfere with the Profound Heaven Treasure Mirror's detection." At this point, Xu Bai deliberately paused. After capturing Xiao Qing's attention, he continued, "Before I came, I already used the power of this magic treasure to temporarily conceal your empire's entrance. So, fellow Daoist, you don't need to worry for now."

Xiao Qing immediately looked at Xu Bai, a hint of suspicion in her eyes.

Xu Bai chuckled softly, took out his folding fan, and lightly waved it in front of his chest: "If you don't believe me, fellow Daoist, you can go and verify it yourself."

Xiao Qing's eyes shifted, and she smiled faintly: "Fellow Daoist, you've come all this way, and I naturally believe you wouldn't deceive us in such matters. However, I'm curious: how did you know about the entrance to our empire's passage?"

Xu Bai replied confidently, "Without a certain foundation, how could we dare call ourselves the Myriad Realms Alliance? Furthermore, fellow Daoist, don't forget. We were the ones who first sought you out for a transaction back then."

"Then I must thank you, fellow Daoist. However..." Xiao Qing stared at Xu Bai and said, "Your Alliance always acts when there's profit to be made. To proactively offer protection this time, what are your conditions?"

With a snap, Xu Bai closed his folding fan: "I enjoy conversing with intelligent people. Aside from informing you about the situation in the Profound Yellow Realm, I do indeed have a mission." Xu Bai suddenly stood up, his expression serious: "The Immortal Alliance is currently too powerful; we can only choose to endure. But as you said, fellow Daoist, if we keep hiding, the day we are discovered will eventually come. Therefore, before that day arrives, we must develop a force capable of contending with the Myriad Immortal Alliance."