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."

"There are records of a man-actually, a legend. During the time when the four friends, who later established the Four Supreme Sects, were still trapped in that danger zone..."

"It is said that he came from another world," Li Han explained, but was suddenly interrupted by Icaros.

"I think I've read that story in the library. Isn't it just a myth, made-up stuff?"

Li Han scoffed. "That's just the version available in the lower-level libraries you visited. The real truth is reserved for high-level cultivators. Even Su Yan and Nelly might not actually know the full story."

All three of them suddenly felt slightly embarrassed.

"Now I'm suddenly interested in being a high-level cultivator," Icaros thought.

Meanwhile, Su Yan and Nelly face-palmed, thinking to themselves, "Must he really point that out?"

Suddenly, it struck Icaros. He asked, "But Su... erm, Senior Su Yan and Senior Nelly are Spirit Realm cultivators, and you are too. So how did you gain access to information superior to theirs?"

Nelly couldn't help but curse Icaros in her heart. "Must that brat expose that?" Su Yan struggled to maintain her ice-cold expression.

Li Han suddenly struck a boasting pose. "Do you really think Young Master Deimos values ordinary Spirit Realm cultivators when he is already at the Extinction Realm? Let alone me being his right-hand man. Don't compare me to the others."

Icaros nodded, while the other two nodded with faces that said they had heard this speech many times before.

"So the next realm after the Spirit Realm is the Extinction Realm," Icaros noted mentally. "Li Han wouldn't tell me directly, but it slipped out of his mouth." However, looking at Li Han's smirk, he thought, "Or maybe not... maybe he did that on purpose."

Seeing that Li Han might take all day, Su Yan reminded him, "Talk fast. Remember that Nelly and I are still maintaining the shield and absorbing spirit qi from the crystal to stay at peak condition in case of battle. We are listening, but our energy is being consumed."

Li Han heard the complaints and said, "Okay, ladies," before getting serious.

"He is remarkable not just because he claimed to come from another world-no one knows his true origins-but because his power completely surpassed the highest cultivation level known at the time. He defeated all challengers, but eventually, he enraged people he shouldn't have. They sent a massive force, hoping to win by sheer numbers."

"However, it was discovered that this man was already seriously injured by enemies from his own world. The process of entering our world-the Jade Continent-had weakened him further."

"This gave the attackers hope of victory. But instead of fighting alone, the man released his creations: humanoid figures, some resembling animals, but all alive. He could synthetically create warriors who fought for him, each possessing different abilities powerful enough to contend with and defeat cultivators."

"He won the battle, but later succumbed to his injuries and died."

"Many years later, rumors spread that his residence had been found, and that he might have left behind an inheritance. Even if he didn't, someone that powerful must have left something valuable enough to turn trash into a dragon. But the fervor died down because no one could enter his resting place. It is located inside one of the most powerful Danger Zones in the world."

"Of course, many powerful cultivators tried, but they all failed and lost their lives. Even the four founders of the Supreme Sects, after obtaining their Divine Treasures, tried. They only managed to escape with their lives; they couldn't reach or enter the place."

"As time passed, it was forgotten. Rumors mixed with facts until it became just a myth."

"However, recently, a lone cultivator stumbled into a weaker Danger Zone and discovered clues to a map-one that can safely lead someone to the inheritance."

"He didn't acquire it, and later died, but the news leaked out."

"The Four Supreme Sects have their eyes on it, but not enough to send their strongest forces. That is why we were sent to acquire it. Our conclusion is that the forces sent by the Battle Force Sect formed a temporary alliance with the Nine Transformation Demonic Sect to eliminate us, reducing the competition."

"Normally, these sects aren't allies-in fact, all four Supreme Sects compete against each other. So this alliance is only temporary, limited to the group they sent. If it were a true alliance between the sects, we would already be dead," Li Han finished explaining. He looked at the three of them. "So, is everyone clear? No questions?" His eyes rested specifically on Icaros, who nodded rapidly, while the others affirmed.

Nelly looked at the attackers outside. "We need a course of action, a plan. We stick to it and get through this."

"And quick," Su Yan added. "Nelly and I can't keep this up much longer. Besides, that female on their ship is probably preparing something to break through this shield, and it won't take long."

Icaros nodded in agreement but didn't suggest any plan. Meanwhile, a terrifying thought struck him regarding what Li Han had explained.

Maybe that legend has some link to my creation... or could I possibly be...

He forcefully suppressed the thought, feeling he wasn't ready to confront it yet.

Li Han sighed. "I guess I will take the lead."

"We have three options. First: We ram this ship into theirs, take the fight to them, defeat them, and ensure the remaining participants are safe. But this requires enough strength to pull it off, and we are outclassed in both numbers and power."

The brows of the three furrowed in thought.

"Second: When the shield goes down and they come to us, we defeat them while ensuring the ship doesn't crash and protecting the participants. This still requires significant power."

"Third: They come to us, we fight for our lives. Win or lose, we just fight to survive. The participants won't be protected. If worse comes to worst, we abandon the ship and regroup later."

Li Han finished. "What do you guys say?"

But Icaros asked with a surprised tone, "And we leave those people to die?" He pointed to the participants huddled in the corner.

Nelly's face was expressionless. "Hard times require tough choices."

Su Yan nodded as she stared at the enemies watching them like hawks.

Icaros looked at Li Han, waiting for his verdict.

However, Li Han didn't take the burden alone. "We'll decide by majority vote. Which option do you choose? Bear in mind the risks."

Su Yan took a deep breath. "Option One is too dangerous. They outnumber us. There are only two Spirit Realm cultivators among us-well, technically Icaros isn't one, though he has the power to match them. So we have a chance, but we must consider that these enemies are not ordinary. They are elites sent by two Supreme Sects."

"I am not arrogant enough to ignore the danger. The chance of failure is high, but I believe we can pull off Option Two. So I vote for that. But if we fail, we must resort to Option Three. It isn't cruelty; it's necessity," she said, looking directly at Icaros.

Li Han nodded. "Anyone else?"

Nelly's face remained blank. "I feel we should go with the last option. We are outnumbered, and we aren't even sure how much help he will be." She glanced at Icaros, who ignored her. "But... we can give Option Two a shot."

Li Han nodded, with a hint of warning in his eyes, then turned to Icaros. "What about you? What should we do?"

Icaros took a deep breath, his thoughts swirling. "What about you, Li Han?"

Li Han laughed. "I'm going with the second one. We will teach these bastards not to mess with us. It's not my first time slaying Spirit Realm cultivators. What do you think?"

Icaros nodded and looked at the enemy ship still firing at their shield.

"We..."

"We take the fight to them!" Icaros declared, turning to face the enemy ship. His mind flooded with memories of the old days when he defended humans on Earth.

"Are you crazy?" Nelly shouted. "Do you really think we can beat them? Or that you can beat them?"

Su Yan signaled her partner to calm down. She was about to speak when Li Han interrupted, his voice sharp and reprimanding.

"Now you shut the fuck up! That brat you look down on-the one who calls you Senior-is capable of casually killing a Grade C beast, and more!"

Nelly's jaw dropped in shock, but she quickly recovered and nodded in understanding.

Icaros wondered to himself why Li Han could shout at and order Nelly around when they were in the same cultivation realm. Even Su Yan didn't seem to mind.

Nelly glanced at Su Yan from the corner of her eye, as if asking a silent question. Su Yan nodded, confirming her suspicion. Nelly's mind went into turmoil.

Li Han continued, "We can't just hide away like cowards. We represent one of the Four Supreme Sects. Let's take it to them. Nelly, Su Yan-lower the shield!"

"No need," Su Yan whispered.

Immediately, she and Nelly ducked down.

Seeing a massive ghost-shaped projectile covered in green, malicious aura heading straight for them, Icaros shouted, "Incoming!" He dove out of the way, unsure of the attack's nature or what it would do to him.

Li Han also took cover. Even the remaining participants huddled together in fear.

A disturbing screech echoed as the ghost face slammed into the blue barrier. Like butter hitting a hot pan, the shield-which had withstood countless bombardments-melted into a huge hole. The barrier flickered and vanished completely, as Su Yan and Nelly had stopped supplying it with spirit qi.

Half of the ghost face melted away, but the rest continued hurtling toward the ship. Everyone imagined the destruction it would cause-huge chunks of the vessel melting away, followed by a catastrophic crash.

Instead, a swirling purple energy sphere, nearly half the size of the ghost face, flew out to meet it. It smashed into the projectile, shattering it into small pieces that faded into nothingness.

All eyes on the ship turned to Li Han. His hands were outstretched, clearly the source of that powerful attack.

The participants couldn't help but cheer at their Senior's awesomeness. Even Su Yan, Nelly, and Icaros had smiles on their faces.

Li Han didn't stop there. He drew his sword, channeling purple energy into it until the blade extended several inches with pure power.

"Their leader is mine!" Li Han declared. His carefree demeanor was gone, replaced entirely by the aura of a warrior.

He roared, took a running start, and exploded into a massive leap, clearly powered by spirit qi-Icaros could see traces of blue energy surrounding his body with his enhanced vision. Li Han landed with a roll directly onto the enemy ship.

The others were not far behind. Icaros ran a few steps, then used his internal flight mechanism to propel himself through the air, landing smoothly beside Li Han.

Su Yan rode her flying handkerchief, circling the enemy ship briefly. She dropped what looked like ice balls that exploded on contact, shattering the enemy cannons.

Meanwhile, Nelly was already locked in combat with the female cultivator who had launched the ghost attack-likely using a magic treasure. Nelly's sword was engulfed in green flames, while her opponent summoned small dragons made of demonic qi, clashing violently.

Li Han had already engaged the enemy leader. His blade, wreathed in purple energy, scorched the ship's floor wherever it touched. His opponent blocked the relentless barrage with his twin axes. Spirit qi propelled Li Han's feet, adding devastating force to every clash.

Icaros faced the remaining three enemies, who stared at him like predators eyeing prey. But just before they could lunge, the one with the shield and sword was suddenly assaulted by exploding white energy orbs, leaving scorch marks on his armor.

It was Su Yan. She flew down to join the fight but was immediately intercepted by the dagger-wielding woman.

Now Icaros was left facing two opponents. One vs Two.

Far from being scared, a grin spread across his face. His only regret was that he couldn't use his full abilities.

Bending down, he ripped a large piece of metal plating from the ship's floor. With superhuman strength, he hurled it at the man with the gauntlets, then lunged at the swordsman.

Boom!

His powerful punch landed squarely on the man's shield, leaving a deep dent and forcing the enemy to stagger. The man was shocked by the sheer force, while Icaros was equally surprised by the shield's durability-though he hadn't used his full strength anyway. It was clearly a magic treasure.

Just as the swordsman recovered, his partner-the man with the gauntlets-shook off the debris and exploded forward with incredible speed. His muscular body twisted as he landed a heavy fist directly on Icaros, sending him crashing into the ship's wall with a loud bang!

Elsewhere, Su Yan fought gracefully. She controlled her sword with one hand to fend off the dagger woman, while conjuring explosive orbs with the other to disrupt attacks.

"How annoying," the enemy woman thought, dodging another orb that slowed her advance toward Su Yan's throat.

Su Yan felt cold sweat run down her back. Her opponent was relentless, but her cultivation method allowed her to keep a calm heart as she struggled to create distance and find an opening.

Slash!

A shallow cut appeared on Li Han's cheek amidst the fierce exchange. The enemy leader laughed. "Come on, Li Han! You can do better than that!"

Enraged, Li Han released a surge of even higher energy. His physical sword actually disintegrated from the power, replaced by a massive blade of pure purple energy extending from his fingers. His eyes burned with determination, locked firmly on his target.

The man laughed again. "Come on then! But you should know-you can't cut through my axes with your method. You'll only end up losing. It's just like last time, isn't it?"