Chapter 2380: Mask Man

"This boat is indeed a bit conspicuous. We'll put it away once we enter the Bloodbone Sect's territory. When we reach Blood Crane City, you will temporarily separate to investigate clues about your true form. At that time, I will provide you with two Integration Stage puppet bodyguards. As long as you don't encounter an Ascension Stage being, they will be more than sufficient to ensure your safety." Han Li nodded after a moment of thought.

"Thank you for your generosity, Senior. I will find the relevant clues as quickly as possible," Blood Soul replied, her face lighting up.

"We share a certain affinity, so this small favor is nothing," Han Li said, waving his hand dismissively.

Over a month later, Han Li and his companions finally entered the territory controlled by the Bloodbone Sect.

After retracting the Ink Spirit Flying Boat, they immediately switched to an inconspicuous black flying carriage, pulled by several flying wolf puppets, and continued their journey.

The remainder of their journey was uneventful.

Two months later, Han Li and his group finally appeared before a massive, blood-red city.

The city was remarkably unique in its construction. Not only did it feature two pale blue lakes on either side, but the section of the city wall facing Han Li and his companions, where the main gate was located, extended outward significantly, forming a separate barbican that resembled a small town.

On the city walls, guards clad in blood-red armor were vaguely visible, patrolling casually back and forth.

Near the city gate, various Blood Sky non-human races, diverse in appearance, conscientiously lowered their escape lights. They were only permitted entry after presenting spirit stones to the guards stationed at the gate.

"Senior Han," Blood Soul respectfully began from inside the flying carriage, "Blood Crane City is considered one of the key strongholds within the Bloodbone Sect's dominion. This city offers several unique products beneficial to mid-to-high-level cultivators. Consequently, it not only hosts a formidable elite force of the Bloodbone Sect year-round, but also has an Ascension Stage Grand Elder perpetually residing in secrecy here. Ordinary individuals wouldn't dare stir up trouble, making it a remarkably peaceful place. However, all expenses within this city are considerably higher than in typical cities; a prolonged stay also requires an additional payment of spirit stones."

"Along the way, I've observed several disciples of the Bloodbone Sect. Regardless of their cultivation levels, each one emanates a fierce, malevolent aura, which confirms their cultivation techniques are exceptionally domineering. It's no wonder this sect ranks among the prominent Blood Dao sects of Blood Sky, and why they can so readily construct such enormous cities. Furthermore, Blood Crane City is strategically located between several vast mountain ranges, making it a crucial transportation hub. I presume there are many outsiders residing here, correct?" Han Li had already conducted a preliminary survey of the terrain around Blood Crane City with his spiritual sense, speaking with informed certainty.

"As Senior has insightfully noted, assuming no major changes, this city is indeed primarily populated by cultivators from outside. However, most large-scale industries within the city belong to the Bloodbone Sect, and other entities capable of establishing businesses here generally have significant powers backing them. Furthermore, individuals with mysterious identities frequently appear in this city and often remain hidden within its confines year-round," Blood Soul replied after a moment of consideration.

"This city truly is a mixed bag of all sorts of people. Does the Bloodbone Sect ignore those who conceal their origins?" Han Li asked with a slight smile.

"Blood Crane City is considered one of the more permissive cities among the great cities of Blood Sky. Unless someone genuinely causes significant trouble within the city and disturbs others, the Bloodbone Sect generally refrains from interfering, apart from collecting spirit stones on schedule. Perhaps this leniency is precisely why the city has prospered for so many years. Additionally, there are several large arenas here. Individuals with grievances or those looking to settle scores can directly resolve their disputes in these places, even to the point of life or death," Blood Soul explained with a wry smile.

"I see. I largely understand what kind of place Blood Crane City is now. Fellow Daoist Blood, do you still intend to enter the city with me?" Han Li asked suddenly, after nodding thoughtfully.

"I won't be entering, Senior! According to the markings my true form left previously, she should have entered the nearby Ten Thousand Moon Mountain Range. I intend to go directly to that mountain range to search for the clues she left behind," Blood Soul stated solemnly, giving a slight bow.

"Since that's your intention, you may proceed alone for now. During this time, I will remain near this city, searching for the other two ancient altars. Take this sound transmission talisman as well. If you make a discovery or encounter any trouble, simply ignite it. I will sense it and come to you immediately." With a flick of his wrist, Han Li revealed a pale golden talisman and tossed it over.

"Thank you, Senior. With this talisman, I am completely at ease," Blood Soul said gratefully, her eyes lighting up as she quickly seized it.

The woman then curtsied to Han Li, transformed into a streak of light, and flew away from the carriage.

Han Li remained in the carriage, watching until the streak of light vanished. Only then did he lightly tap his foot, propelling the carriage straight toward the distant, colossal city.

In front of the city gate, seven or eight Blood Sky non-human races were already queuing to pay spirit stones for entry.

During this process, the guards invariably asked simple questions about each individual's origins and their intended length of stay in Blood Crane City.

Those Blood Sky natives seeking entry answered truthfully, yet whether their statements were accurate remained unknown to all but the heavens.

The Bloodbone Sect guards, however, paid no mind to such details. After briefly recording the information, they issued an iron token to each person and granted them entry.

When it was Han Li's turn, Old Ancestor Huashi calmly stepped forward. After subtly releasing a trace of his Integration Stage aura, he raised a hand, tossed over a mid-grade spirit stone, and spoke coldly:

"Three individuals. Keep the change from the spirit stone."

The dozen or so blood-armored guards at the entrance, none of whom exceeded the Nascent Soul Stage in cultivation, felt their breath catch as Old Ancestor Huashi's spiritual pressure bore down on them. They were forced to stagger back several steps, their faces betraying expressions of utter shock.

The leading guard, upon receiving the mid-grade spirit stone, dared not utter another word of inquiry. He hastily produced three iron tokens, handed them to Han Li and his two companions, and then respectfully retreated to the side.

Han Li and his two companions confidently strode through the city gate.

"Such a powerful aura... undoubtedly an Integration Stage senior. How strange. Including this one, there must be nearly thirty Integration Stage beings who have entered the city this month, right?" The leading guard exhaled slowly and wiped cold sweat from his forehead after Han Li and his companions had proceeded some distance.

"It is rather peculiar; these Integration Stage powerhouses seem to only enter and not depart. Is something significant happening in the city lately?" a nearby guard interjected, sounding suspicious.

"Perhaps. Haven't you noticed that we've also seen some new faces among our superiors in the past few months? These individuals are incredibly arrogant and seem to have influential backgrounds, unlike our sect's inner disciples," another guard murmured in a low voice.

"Enough, no more discussion about this," the leading guard said, his voice suddenly sharp with a stern expression. "Whatever happens in the city has little to do with us mid-to-low-level outer disciples. We simply need to guard this city gate properly. Have you forgotten how strict our sect's regulations are?"

Upon hearing the word "regulations," the other guards visibly shivered, quickly clamped their mouths shut, and stood rigidly back in their positions, no longer daring to continue the discussion.

Meanwhile, Han Li and his companions had already entered the barbican beyond the city gate.

Aside from a long street and numerous makeshift stalls lining its sides, there were no other structures in this area.

Many of those who had just entered the city lingered before these stalls, either picking up items for closer inspection or directly haggling with the vendors over prices.

Han Li swept his spiritual sense over the stalls, clearly observing that while the displayed items were incredibly numerous, most were of low quality. They held little value, not only for him but even for an Integration Stage cultivator like Old Ancestor Huashi.

Consequently, he naturally didn't linger for a moment and quickly proceeded to the end of the street, directly exiting the barbican area.

A dazzling sight unfolded before them!

A colossal, sprawling plaza, spanning over ten thousand mu, suddenly appeared before them. Around its perimeter were numerous formal shops of varying sizes.

Judging by the signs displayed outside the shops, it was clear that everything from materials and spirit beasts to magic artifacts was available.

Both Old Ancestor Huashi and Zhu Guo'er's eyes lit up at the sight.

"You are free to explore for the next few days. Return here to regroup after three days," Han Li instructed with a faint smile.

For the past six months, preoccupied with their journey and the search for ancient altars, they had not visited any other towns.

Since they were now on a different continent, it was natural that its shops would contain rare materials or treasures seldom found on their home continent. Allowing the two companions to seize this opportunity for trade was certainly necessary.

"Yes, Senior Han.""Many thanks, Senior."

Old Ancestor Huashi and Zhu Guo'er were naturally delighted. After bowing respectfully to Han Li, they eagerly made their way toward the shops bordering the plaza.

While three days would not allow them to explore every single shop, it would be sufficient to survey the vast majority.

At this moment, Han Li seemed to sense something. He instinctively looked up, glancing at the sky.

Above the colossal city, dusk was descending. Through a faint, almost imperceptible invisible restriction, several indistinct crescent moons could be seen suspended in the sky, while the nearby void subtly tinged with a vibrant crimson.

It was apparent that soon, the entire sky would transform into a true blood-red night.

For reasons unknown, the daytime sky of the Blood Sky Continent appeared identical to that of the Heavenly Origin Thunder Continent, yet at night, it mysteriously transformed into an eerie blood-red hue.

This phenomenon was also the origin of the Blood Sky Continent's name.

However, at this moment, Han Li did not gaze at the already peculiar reddish crescent moons. Instead, his gaze was fixed on a seemingly empty point in the void above the plaza. After a brief pause, he expressionlessly lowered his head and walked directly towards a street connected to the plaza.

"An Ascension Stage being has finally taken notice," a masked man, whose form was completely concealed, murmured with a deep frown from the void where Han Li had just been looking. "But what is this person's background? His face is so unfamiliar. It seems he also detected me just now."