The Identity Check

The battle near the harbor did not last long.

As the red glow and the interweaving beams of light clashed, another wave of grey-white light, dense with sinister qi, joined the attack.

Under the combined bombardment of countless magical tools and spells, the great formation below could no longer hold.

After a thunderous roar, the red light flickered wildly a few times before bursting apart with a tearing sound.

Whether it was the lingering power of the formation or a deliberate act by the Star Palace cultivators below, the remaining shards of the red light, like a final flash before death, scattered in all directions, momentarily throwing the ranks of the Rebel Alliance cultivators in the sky into chaos.

Seizing this opportunity, the Star Palace cultivators below, as if by pre-arranged agreement, scattered in all directions, fleeing in a flurry.

Among them, a few beams of light were exceptionally dazzling, their flight speed incredibly fast as they shot out of the harbor from low altitude. These were clearly the high-level cultivators the Star Palace had left on this island.

Almost at the same time, a dozen or so equally powerful long rainbows shot out from the sky, pursuing them without showing any weakness.

In an instant, these遁guang scattered beyond the horizon. It seemed the high-level members of the Rebel Alliance intended to wipe out all Star Palace cultivators on South Illumination Island, not letting a single one escape.

At this moment, numerous Rebel Alliance cultivators began to descend slowly from the sky.

Judging by their clothing and attire, they clearly belonged to two factions. One wore silver robes with gold belts; the other was composed of eerie cultivators clad entirely in green robes.

It appeared both the orthodox and demonic paths had acted together.

Han Li found the battle’s swift conclusion both surprising and reasonable. After all, the disparity in strength between the two sides was simply too great. Even if the Star Palace cultivators wanted to fight to the death, they likely lacked the strength to do so.

However, Han Li couldn’t help but secretly wonder if he should take advantage of the chaos to leave the island now.

Just then, a green-robed old man flew out from the group of green-clad cultivators.

Han Li swept his divine sense over the man and identified him as a Nascent Soul Early Stage cultivator.

The man flew unhurriedly to a position above Han Li and the others, glanced around with piercing eyes, and then spoke in a deep voice.

“Fellow Daoists, listen well. I am Cang Yunlong, an Enforcer of the Rebel Alliance. I am here on behalf of Elder Wang to announce something. Our Alliance has just defeated the Star Palace forces. To avoid any misunderstandings, we ask that you, Fellow Daoists, refrain from leaving the island for now. After two hours, once we have finished pursuing the remaining Star Palace remnants, you may leave as you wish. Please rest assured, our Alliance is only targeting the Star Palace and its accomplices. We will not make things difficult for other fellow Daoists.” The old man’s voice was not loud, but it was exceptionally clear, reaching every observing cultivator in the vicinity.

The cultivators who had been hiding nearby exchanged glances upon hearing this.

No one stepped forward to take the lead in speaking, nor did anyone foolishly raise an objection.

For a moment, there was complete silence.

Han Li felt a sense of relief upon hearing this. It seemed the Rebel Alliance, in an effort to win over public support, would not cause them trouble. A little delay was fine. After all, even if he rushed to Heavenly Star City, he still didn’t know how to get inside.

Just as Han Li was thinking this, the green-robed old man had already flown back to the harbor without another word.

Han Li watched the man’s retreating figure but did not move from his spot. Perhaps because of their own missions, the other cultivators also stayed near the harbor, closely watching the Rebel Alliance’s actions.

Meanwhile, the cultivators in silver robes with gold belts were methodically dismantling the original formation and beginning to install their own. The green-clad cultivators split into two groups: one flew out of the harbor to secure the perimeter, and the other flew directly over Han Li’s head, heading into the island to conduct a search.

Seeing these cultivators working silently and methodically, Han Li was a little surprised.

It seemed both the orthodox and demonic paths had long been planning to seize control of the Starfall Sea. Otherwise, such well-trained disciples could not have been trained in just a few decades.

This South Illumination Island was also about to become an outpost for attacking Heavenly Star City.

However, Han Li was also a little puzzled. Was the Star Palace simply waiting passively for the orthodox and demonic paths to attack? Had they really weakened to the point of being unable to counterattack? Or had the Twin Saints of Heavenly Star still not formally emerged from seclusion? Perhaps the Star Palace was trying to buy time, hoping to strike after their opponents had made their move.

Han Li was a bit confused, but then he shook his head and chuckled to himself.

Regardless of what trump cards or hidden schemes the Star Palace and the orthodox-demon alliances held, what did it matter to him, a mere rogue cultivator? Why should he waste his thoughts on this? As long as he was careful and didn’t get dragged into it, that was enough.

With this thought, Han Li regained his composure.

After quietly observing for over two hours, the green-robed old man returned with three other Nascent Soul cultivators like himself.

“Fellow Daoists who wish to leave the island need only present a token or technique that can verify your identity, and you may depart safely. If you wish to stay, you are also welcome to remain on the island. As long as you hold no hostility towards our Rebel Alliance, all previous rules will remain unchanged.” The old man floated in mid-air, speaking clearly to those below.

Upon hearing this, the cultivators below stirred briefly, then quieted down again.

Although the man spoke so politely, no one was eager to be the first to step forward. The orthodox cultivators were one thing, but these clearly demonic cultivators had a rather poor reputation. What if this was a trick to lure them out? While the possibility seemed small, no one wanted to risk it, preferring to let someone else test the waters first.

Han Li also did not move.

They were only Nascent Soul cultivators. As long as he didn’t actively reveal himself, their divine senses couldn’t detect him.

He wasn’t about to be the first to stick his neck out.

The silence stretched on for a long time, and the green-robed old man’s expression began to darken. Finally, a beam of white light shot out from below. The flight speed was not very fast, and within it was a young cultivator in green robes who appeared to be quite young.

“Junior Xin Ming, a disciple of the Heaven Gate Sect, pays respects to you, Seniors. This is my junior’s trust token, the White Water Sword.” The young man flew steadily up to the old man, performed a respectful bow, and said deferentially. He then took out a small, gleaming white sword from his person and handed it over.

“Oh, the Heaven Gate Sect! I have met your sect master, True Person Liu, once before. This sword artifact is indeed a standard magical tool for disciples of the Heaven Gate Sect. You may go.” The old man took the small sword, gave it a cursory glance, and returned it to the young man with a slightly relaxed expression.

The white-robed cultivator was overjoyed. After respectfully taking his leave, he flew towards the harbor. True to the old man’s word, not a single Rebel Alliance cultivator blocked his path.

With someone taking the lead, and it seeming safe, other cultivators began to emerge one after another, flying towards the old man.

The old man appeared extremely experienced. No matter what token was presented or what technique was displayed, he could recognize it at a glance.

Han Li, watching from below, was secretly amazed.

When he saw another Nascent Soul cultivator pass through without issue, he could wait no longer.

He suddenly revealed himself, transforming into a streak of green light and flying into the sky.

“And this Fellow Daoist is?” The old man immediately recognized Han Li’s Core Formation cultivation, and his tone naturally became a few degrees more accommodating.

“I am a Guest Elder of the Blissful Union Sect. This is my waist token. Please take a look, Fellow Daoist.” Fortunately, Han Li still carried the Elder token given to him by Fairy Zi Ling that day. He took it out without hesitation and handed it to the man.

“The Blissful Union Sect? I have heard that your sect has two Elders, by the names of Han and Qu, who often go into secluded cultivation and rarely show themselves. Might I ask if you are one of them?” The green-robed old man examined the waist token carefully, then stared at Han Li for a moment before asking slowly.

Han Li’s heart tightened, but his expression remained calm as he replied with a faint smile.

“My surname is Han. I am surprised that you, Fellow Daoist, are even aware of insignificant rogue cultivators like myself. Truly impressive!”

“Hehe, it’s nothing. Your sect has quite a reputation in the Chaotic Star Sea. Especially your Fairy Zi Ling. My young master has long admired her renowned beauty. I hope you, Fellow Daoist, can convey this message.” The green-robed old man chuckled, speaking with unusual politeness.

“Your young master? Might I ask who you are referring to…” A flicker of surprise crossed Han Li’s face as he asked hesitantly.

“My young master is the sole inheritor of the Saint Ancestor. Although he has rarely been known in the past, he will surely become a name that shakes the Chaotic Star Sea in the future.” Before the old man could speak, another sturdy man standing behind him, who had been silent until now, suddenly interjected coldly.

“Very well. If I meet your sect master, I will be sure to pass on the message!” Han Li was a little surprised but readily agreed.

“Good. This token is not problematic. You may go now, Fellow Daoist Han.” The green-robed old man seemed satisfied with Han Li’s reply. He played with the waist token for a moment before returning it to Han Li without further delay.

Han Li clasped his fist in salute, then unhurriedly flew away.

Watching Han Li transform into a streak of green rainbow and disappear into the distance in the blink of an eye, the old man stared at the spot where he had vanished, a peculiar expression appearing on his face.