This is suicidal.

After hearing and seeing everything, Gui Shounian immediately slapped the table, his face filled with indignation!

"Scoundrel!"

"How could someone be so vicious as to harm my worthy nephew to such an extent? Worthy brother, say no more. The matter of the Immortal Plaques can be discussed later. This old man will certainly spare no effort to assist you. We must slay this villain first!"

His words were righteous and high-sounding, yet he never forgot about the Immortal Plaques.

Liu Runan was no pushover either. After a cold, inward sneer, his face showed an equally righteous and grateful expression.

"Thank you, Brother Gui."

"However, slaying him is unnecessary. We must plan this carefully!"

"My son now has only his soul flame left. I wish for him to seize that man's body. Therefore, we absolutely cannot kill him. We must capture him alive. I sincerely hope for Brother Gui's great assistance!"

Seize the body?

Capture alive?

Hearing this, Gui Shounian's face showed difficulty.

"From what Worthy Brother Liu says, this person must possess some cultivation. For the two of us to join forces and slay him shouldn't be difficult, but capturing him alive... I'm afraid that..."

Before he could finish, Liu Runan had already seen through everything.

"If this matter succeeds, I am willing to offer five Immortal Plaques!"

Thump!

These words made old Gui Shounian's heart leap!

In the past, that slippery Liu Runan would never have been willing to part with five Immortal Plaques. It seems this matter is indeed quite urgent, pushing him into a corner. If he missed this opportunity, it would likely be hard to come by another.

Furthermore, the current situation of the Ancient Sea Clan was also precarious.

Having migrated as a clan from the bountiful Vast Sea to this small Eastern Sea, resources were simply insufficient. Just a few days ago, many juniors ventured ashore without permission to seek treasures for breakthroughs, only to perish without a trace...

For him and Liu Runan to join forces and capture a Nirvana-stage cultivator of the Desolate Realm—this was wealth delivered right to their hands. No matter what, they had to take this job. Even if that person was somewhat powerful, how powerful could he really be?

If he were truly exceptionally powerful, Liu Runan wouldn't dare to make a move. That slippery fellow wouldn't do something that was seeking his own death; he was definitely not that foolish.

Moreover, Gui Shounian secretly hoped the opponent would be a bit stronger. That way, he could jack up the price on the spot and squeeze a bit more out of him. Wouldn't that be wonderful...

After pondering for only a few breaths, Gui Shounian immediately gritted his teeth and slapped the table.

"Good!"

"Since Worthy Brother Liu is in such urgent need, this old man will certainly assist!"

The two looked at each other and laughed heartily, their eyes full of confidence!

An hour later.

The two old men strode leisurely through the air above the vast sea of sand. Their steps seemed slow, but in reality, they covered a thousand miles with each stride. As they advanced towards their target location, they discussed the details.

Liu Runan employed tactical courtesy, making all sorts of promises.

"Brother Gui, now that my son has met with disaster, you are the only one willing to help. Only now do I understand what a true friend and confidant is. After this matter, I will certainly put in a good word for you before the Star Lord, allowing the Sea Clan more opportunities to come ashore to seek fortunes."

"In the future, we shall continue to cooperate. The glory and disgrace of our two clans shall be shared. No matter how the greater situation changes, you and I will always be the best of friends!"

His mouth was full of promises, not a single solid word in sight.

He painted various grand visions with great flair, a true old fox.

Gui Shounian was even more seasoned. He smiled faintly and replied.

"Worthy Brother Liu, you are too kind. It's merely a small effort. How could this old man dare to claim credit or greedily seek more? Being able to befriend Worthy Brother Liu back then was truly this old man's honor. However, I also know we must prioritize the greater situation. I dare not hope for more opportunities to come ashore."

"I would be more than grateful if our juniors could just have seven or eight more Immortal Plaques in the future."

The two old men looked at each other and smiled. The little abacuses in their hearts were clicking loudly. Within their pleasant conversation, they had already exchanged several moves, a match well-fought.

As for the upcoming battle, they were already fully confident and didn't mention a word about it.

Listening to such profound and subtle conversation, the soul flame of Liu Changfeng, hidden in the sleeve, also felt he had broadened his horizons. Simultaneously, he felt unprecedented confidence and anticipation for the wonderful prospect of soon setting foot in the Desolate Realm.

After searching for a long time following the lingering aura from before, the two figures finally halted in mid-air.

Liu Changfeng also emerged from the sleeve.

The three looked at each other in the air, their expressions turning somewhat serious. Even though victory seemed assured, they did not let their guard down. Having reached this level, they naturally wouldn't be foolishly careless.

When they made their move later, it would certainly be with full force!

Having been steady and prudent for who knows how many years, Gui Shounian understood this principle all too well. As he calmed his mind, banished distracting thoughts, and prepared for battle, he quietly cast a meaningful glance towards Liu Runan.

"Worthy Brother Liu, what exactly is the cultivation level of that villain? What special abilities does he possess, that even you cannot handle him alone?"

Liu Runan also wore a solemn expression, but his tone was much more relaxed.

"Brother Gui, there's no need for concern."

"That person managed to break through my Heaven-Sealing Grand Array, so his cultivation does have some merit. But he is an outsider cultivator. No matter how monstrous his talent, his resources are ultimately limited. At most, he's at the Great Completion stage of Nirvana."

"Facing such an opponent, I could barely manage to slay him alone. But capturing him alive would be somewhat difficult. That's why I asked for Brother Gui's assistance."

Hearing this, Gui Shounian nodded, his face showing understanding.

"So that's how it is."

Great Completion stage of Nirvana—that was indeed a bit tricky, no wonder Liu Runan was willing to pay a significant price. But for the two of them to join forces against the enemy shouldn't be too difficult.

This level of cultivation was truly just perfect...

After pondering for a few breaths, Gui Shounian smiled as he looked over.

"Worthy Brother Liu, that may be so, but this old man is getting on in years. That person's cultivation is not weak. Once the fight starts later, I'm afraid my assistance might be limited..."

Seeing that smile that didn't reach the eyes, Liu Runan knew what the other was thinking.

Things had come to this point.

He had no other choice but to be manipulated by this old turtle. Gritting his teeth, he replied in a deep voice!

"Brother Gui, there's no need for modesty. This person is definitely no match for the two of us. As long as you help me capture him, I will supplement two more Immortal Plaques in the future!"

Liu Changfeng also grew anxious hearing this and hurriedly chimed in.

"Senior Gui, that person is indeed an outsider cultivator. Even if he's a bit stronger than expected, he absolutely cannot be a match for you and my father joining forces. I sincerely beg for your assistance, Senior. This junior would be eternally grateful!"

With the repeated persuasion and the benefits secured, Gui Shounian finally agreed.

"If that's the case, then this old man will overestimate his abilities and give it a try!"

"Where is that villain now?"

Although there were slight twists and turns, everything was within expectations.

The old turtle had still agreed to help. Even if Liu Runan felt some dissatisfaction in his heart, the thought of his son soon setting foot in the Desolate Realm filled him with a sense of excitement that it was worth more than the price paid.

He quickly looked in the direction indicated by his divine sense.

That person had set up a tent on the ground within the sea of sand. Although he had changed locations, he still appeared utterly oblivious to danger, actually leisurely roasting fish—as arrogantly overconfident as ever.

Heh heh...

Liu Runan couldn't help but smile as he pointed.

"Brother Gui, look! That's the foolhardy villain right there!"

Liu Changfeng's soul flame also looked on with fervent eyes, as if seeing a sumptuous meal ready and waiting!

"Yes, yes!"

"That's him! Oblivious even with death upon him. Such a fool, possessing cultivation for nothing, is destined to be used by me!"

Listening to the scornful voices of father and son, the old turtle also looked down with confidence.

But at this look.

He was stunned!

Similar...

Too similar!

That human roasting fish in the sea of sand looked more and more like the great terrifying existence he had seen that day in the Vast Sea!

With just one glance, his terrifying memory was revived. His heart suddenly clenched, and the smile from a moment ago froze awkwardly on his face. He hurriedly focused his gaze for a closer look!

The same refined and handsome face, the same leisurely demeanor.

Even more eye-catching was that rare giant snail!

Witnessing this scene, Gui Shounian's jaw suddenly dropped in terror!

"Gah!"

At this moment, he was absolutely certain—this was the terrifying Sword God he had glimpsed that day!

Staring at the divine sword being used to roast fish, his heart instantly turned cold with shock. The mere glint of its chilling light made him feel the breath of death right before his eyes.

This wasn't just a bit stronger; it was stronger by a billionfold!

To even think of fighting this one...

Wasn't that just seeking death?!

Damn it all!

With a single glance seeing Gui Shounian's face drastically change color, he violently tore through the void and fled into the distance!