Starforce Warriors-Chapter 951: Pursuer (1)

Whether it was Wei Xiaotian, Li Xiaofei, or Zhu Zhixun and the others, their plans had reached the most critical juncture.

After parting ways with the Grand Princess, Wei Xiaotian, being a borderland vassal king, naturally could not venture deeper into the region. His status and rank were still insufficient. Therefore, on the surface, he had to return, and at most, he could only move about within the stage six and stage seven safety zones. Even that came with strict time limits.

As for Zhu Zhixun and the others, being human pets, they naturally had to follow their masters back. They had no personal freedom. If they dared to wander through the Holy Ruins as humans without the protection of their owners, it would be nothing short of a death sentence.

Li Xiaofei, on the other hand, had a different goal. His aim was the Evolution Temple. He had to head for the core region of the Holy Ruins. Therefore, after parting ways with the Grand Princess, he needed to carefully plan out his next steps.

Fortunately, the Grand Princess and her party would be staying for several days at the Eighth Safe Fortress to conduct a thorough reorganization. This gave him some time to prepare.

During this period of reorganization, the powerful figures of the various King-ranked clans were also granted permission to go out freely and participate in hunting activities.

The guardians stationed at Eighth Safe Fortress were the Windwalkers clan, a clan under the Twin Pearl Prince,. They were ranked among the top King-ranked families. The Twin Pearl Prince held a high-ranking position even among the Prince-level nobles.

The Windwalkers clan had a prestigious lineage. They were one of the original races created and nurtured by the Ancestor of Wisdom when he first emerged from the Holy Ruins. This clan had followed the Ancestor of Wisdom in sweeping across the universe and had rendered countless great merits.

Their evolutionary level was extremely advanced. It was said that over eighty percent of the Windwalkers clan had reached the level of quasi-perfect human transformation. Their level of civilization far exceeded that of typical Reaper races. They were nobles among nobles.

Yet even such a top-tier aristocratic race showed great enthusiasm when hosting the Grand Princess of the Hui Yao clan. The commanding officer stationed at the fortress was named Yao. He was a peak-stage level eight Reaper. He had already achieved the level of perfect human transformation. The only difference between him and a human lay in his eyes. He had vertical pupils, and each eye was double-pupiled. Apart from that, he appeared completely human.

"The arrival of the Grand Princess brings glory and honor to Eighth Safe Fortress," said Yao. His choice of words carried a certain human elegance, and in reality, his demeanor was refined and cultured. His humanoid form looked like a tall, pale-faced scholar.

"You’re too kind, Commander Yao," the Grand Princess replied with equal politeness. She maintained a respectful attitude even toward nobles of his rank.

The two exchanged smiles as they conversed. Soon after, everyone was settled in the outer compound of Eighth Safe Fortress. Just like their previous stay at the Wind Ruins clan’s fortress, only a select few such as the Grand Princess received privileged treatment. The other members of the King-ranked clans were granted only the most basic accommodations.

Li Xiaofei and the others were each given a simple stone chamber to themselves. All other necessities, such as food, equipment, and supplies, had to be purchased separately. The Windwalkers clan's attitude toward them was notably cold and indifferent.

However, unlike the reactions they had during their time at the Wind Ruins clan fortress, no one dared to express dissatisfaction now. The Wind Ruins clan was merely an ordinary King-ranked faction and only slightly stronger than most of the group, so resentment had been natural.

But the Windwalkers belonged to the elite Twin Pearl Prince lineage. No matter how indifferent their behavior was, the members of the various King-ranked clans considered it entirely justified.

Inside his assigned room, Li Xiaofei soon received a quiet visit from Zhu Zhixun, who had snuck in unnoticed. After a brief conversation, Zhu Zhixun sighed repeatedly. Without their journey to the Burial Ice Cliff, and the inheritance they had received from the Sword Immortal Lin Beichen, they would likely have perished within one of the many realms long ago.

"Senior, from this point on, we’ll have to rely on ourselves," Zhu Zhixun said solemnly. "We’ve made up our minds. While the others are out hunting, we’ll fake our deaths and escape to act independently. We plan to search the four suspected locations for any trace of Sword Immortal Lin Beichen. Do you have any plans of your own?"

This was a declaration of separation from their masters. Once they left, there would be no turning back. If they failed to locate Sword Immortal Lin Beichen, their chances of leaving the Holy Ruins alive would be next to impossible. But it was also the only path left to them.

Li Xiaofei said, “That would be for the best.”

This was his plan as well. Moving forward, Wei Xiaotian had his own objectives and would undoubtedly act alone. Liu Shaji would likely remain with him. Li Xiaofei intended to head for the Evolution Temple to search for Si Kongxue and his daughter. Of course, that goal hinged on first rescuing Lin Beichen.

Otherwise, given his current strength and even with the Blood-Drinking Sword, an Emperor level weapon, it would still be beyond his ability to survive the perilous, high-level environment of the Holy Ruins.

After a thorough discussion, the plan was finalized. Zhu Zhixun departed soon after. A short while later, the Grand Princess arrived at his door. Li Xiaofei had grown rather numb to it by now. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

Honestly, what was the deal with a noble maiden constantly knocking on the door of a strapping young man like him? Couldn’t she at least show a little restraint?

“We're heading out for a hunt tomorrow. Join us,” the Grand Princess said directly, making no attempt to hide her intentions.

The last time they had hunted together, he had gained several rare materials and had conveniently taken care of that petty and arrogant Zhou Shisan. It was truly a rewarding trip. But this time, Li Xiaofei shook his head and declined.

“Your Highness, I am deeply grateful for your kindness.” His tone was firm and serious as he said, “But I cannot continue acting under your protection. A calm and gentle galaxy cannot nurture a strong seafarer. Only by tempering myself in true danger can I hope to earn the favor of the God of Evolution.”

The Grand Princess was slightly taken aback and a faint look of reluctance appeared on her face.

But she also knew that Li Xiaofei had a point. As a member of the Reaper King-ranked clan, the pursuit of evolution was their eternal goal. On the path of evolution, eliminating all enemies who stood against the Reapers and integrating their evolutionary traits into their own lineage was merely a byproduct of the process.

“Since Sir Li has made up his mind, I won’t insist,” the Grand Princess said, disappointment flashing across her face. Still, she made no further attempt to persuade him.

After a pause, she added, “But the Fire Domain is extremely dangerous. It is nothing like the regions we’ve passed through before. You must be extra cautious. I have a few protective treasures with me. I’ll have someone deliver them shortly. Please do not refuse them, Sir Li. They’ll serve you well for defense and survival.”

“Sigh, since you’re asking so sincerely, I suppose I’ll reluctantly accept them,” Li Xiaofei replied with feigned indifference. “But don’t make a habit of it.”

The Grand Princess laughed happily. Not long after she left, Elder Long arrived at the room carrying several items. He knocked politely, introduced the items, then left the treasures behind.

“These are all excellent items,” Li Xiaofei murmured as he examined the Fire-Repelling Pearl, the Absolute Fire Shield, the Fire-Resistant Armor, the Fire Escape Fang, and other such gear. Each one was crucial for surviving within the Fire Domain. There were also supplies of blood-based nutrients to replenish internal energy.

The Grand Princess had truly poured her heart out for him. She was just short of offering herself in marriage. Yet as Li Xiaofei looked at the pile of treasures, a trace of wariness lingered in his heart.

The Grand Princess’s affection for him had come far too suddenly. It always felt a bit unnatural, as though she was plotting something behind the scenes.

Could these treasures be hiding some kind of trap?

Given the stakes, he had no choice but to remain cautious. After some thought, he decided to store all the treasures inside the Secret Time Pavilion.

Even if the Grand Princess had embedded some sort of scheme in these items, once they entered the Secret Time Pavilion, it would be like a meat bun thrown to a dog. It would be gone forever with no return. There was no need to worry about them any longer.

***

Li Xiaofei stepped out of his room, putting on an act as he made his way to the shops within the fortress. There, he purchased a new batch of equipment and had his old gear, including the Cold-Embrace Cloak, repaired and properly maintained.

Once everything was in order, Li Xiaofei, along with Wei Xiaotian and a few others, departed from the fortress and ventured into the depths of the Fire Domain to begin their hunt.

When the Grand Princess heard the news, she personally came to the fortress gate to see them off. She stood there, waving reluctantly, her eyes filled with longing. This scene did not escape the notice of Yao, the Windwalker commander.

“Your Highness, it’s time for us to depart as well,” Elder Qi reminded gently from the side.

He was deeply worried that the Grand Princess might act on impulse again, chasing after Li Xiaofei and getting overly attached.

Elder Long, standing nearby, could only shake his head in silence. His old companion was still too rigid, unable to adapt or grasp the true depth of the princess’s calculations and intentions.

***

Three hundred kilometers southeast of Eighth Safe Fortress lay a range of flaming mountains. Visible tongues of fire flickered through the air. The very atmosphere seemed to burn, filled with a terrifying heat.

“All right, let’s part ways here,” Li Xiaofei said, coming to a stop.

“Damn, how heartless,” Wei Xiaotian immediately retorted. “After everything I’ve done for you, I can’t believe you’re so eager to break up with me. Have you no shame...”

"Stop right there." Li Xiaofei cut him off directly and said, "What we have is nothing more than a mutually exploitative relationship. Don’t make it sound like we’re star-crossed lovers. You think I haven’t noticed? You've been itching to act alone for a while now."

Wei Xiaotian chuckled and dropped the exaggerated look of sorrow as he said, "You’re not wrong. We’ve come this far, and it’s about time we go our separate ways. Good luck out there. Try not to die in the Holy Ruins."

Li Xiaofei replied, "That’s exactly what I was going to say to you."

Wei Xiaotian glanced at Liu Shaji and added, "You take care too. You’ve managed to live a second life, don’t let it end too quickly."

Whoosh.

He turned into a streak of light and vanished into the distance.