Divine King of Honour Chapter 1899: Seductive Woman

"It’s you?" Tan Long’s eyes immediately landed on Xu Nian, and his previously friendly expression shifted into one of clear animosity.

A deep-seated hostility had long simmered between them, and with Li Tianxue's demise, Tan Long had irrevocably marked Xu Nian as a target for elimination.

Were it not for the strict prohibitions against combat within the hallowed grounds of the Netherworld God Temple, Xu Nian would have met his end long before this moment.

Witnessing Xu Nian’s sudden appearance now, how could Tan Long possibly maintain his composure?

Xu Nian too felt his brow furrow? Its not so much a frown, as a slight furrowing, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.

He had not anticipated that Tan Long would be a participant in this particular mission.

"You two are acquainted?" Ye Shumin, noticing the palpable tension between Xu Nian and Tan Long, inquired immediately.

"Not particularly, Sister Ye. Is he also part of this expedition?" Tan Long’s demeanor towards Xu Nian was ice-cold, yet he addressed Ye Shumin with marked courtesy.

"Indeed, I extended an invitation to him," Ye Shumin replied, a subtle tightening of her expression betraying a hint of serious consideration.

Across the way, a young man, whose cultivation rested at the pinnacle of the Divine level, observed the unfolding interaction between Xu Nian and Tan Long. He chose to remain an onlooker, his posture suggesting an almost detached amusement.

"Sister Ye, my intention is not to disrespect you, but considering the perilous nature of this mission, wouldn’t the inclusion of someone at the Nether Emperor level prove to be a burden, thus hindering our progress?" Tan Long voiced his objection directly.

A sarcastic chuckle escaped Xu Nian’s lips at his words.

As anticipated, Tan Long’s focus would inevitably turn to his cultivation level.

Ye Shumin’s expression grew displeased. "Tan Long, while Xu Nian is indeed at the Nether Emperor level, he successfully navigated the trials to gain entry into the Netherworld God Temple. This indicates a certain level of inherent strength. I have reviewed his records; his assigned task was the elimination of the God-level Red Blood Sky Blue Python. He accomplished this feat, suggesting his capabilities might not lag significantly behind our own."

"Oh? You vanquished a God-level Red Blood Sky Blue Python?" The powerhouse at the peak of the Divine level, who had been observing, shifted his gaze, examining Xu Nian with newfound surprise.

Xu Nian perceived that this individual’s power was far from ordinary, most certainly not a typical peak Divine level cultivator.

Within him, Xu Nian detected the potent resonance of Great Dao True Intent.

A trace of astonishment flickered across Tan Long’s face upon hearing this revelation.

However, almost immediately, the murderous intent burning in his eyes intensified. It was evident that the more formidable Xu Nian appeared to be, the more resolute Tan Long became in his desire to eradicate him.

Having already established themselves as adversaries, any prospect of peaceful resolution was nonexistent. How could he possibly permit a potential rival to continue growing in strength?

"Very well, if Sister Ye vouches for him, I shall raise no further objections," Tan Long declared, his stance shifting abruptly as he decided against further opposition.

Xu Nian registered a moment of slight surprise, followed by a knowing smirk.

Tan Long’s rapid change of heart was a clear signal. He intended to exploit the opportunity presented by this mission to ensure Xu Nian would never return alive.

Otherwise, why would he have so readily conceded?

Sensing Tan Long’s lack of further objection, Ye Shumin wasted no more words. She spoke calmly, "As we will be undertaking this mission together, I implore that we maintain unity and refrain from internal discord."

It was clear that Ye Shumin had also discerned Tan Long’s underlying intentions.

The young man maintained his amused and enigmatic smile, evidently privy to the unspoken dynamics at play.

Yet, Xu Nian remained entirely unperturbed by Tan Long’s presence.

Five years prior, he might have harbored a measure of apprehension.

But after five millennia dedicated to cultivation, what reason would Xu Nian have to fear Tan Long in the slightest?

When the confrontation inevitably occurred, the outcome of whose victory it would be remained uncertain.

"Exercise caution; Tan Long may harbor ill intentions towards you," Ye Shumin transmitted her warning to Xu Nian.

"Rest assured, Sister Ye. If he intends to make a move, let him try. I harbor no fear," Xu Nian relayed his confident reply.

Ye Shumin was momentarily taken aback.

She had not anticipated such an unshakeable composure from Xu Nian.

This unexpected demeanor left her momentarily unable to fully fathom him.

For a cultivator at the Nether Emperor level to face the implied threat of a Fourth-level Realm Great Dao True Intent expert with such blatant lack of fear was indeed an anomaly.

"Whoosh!"

Swiftly, another figure materialized, soaring through the air.

The newcomer was revealed to be a young woman, possessing a captivating blend of coldness and charm, exuding a subtle, alluring aura.

Her cultivation was also at the zenith of the Divine level.

"Buzz!"

As the woman alighted, her gaze briefly met Xu Nian’s.

In that fleeting instant, Xu Nian felt a disorienting wave of distraction wash over him, compelling him to swiftly activate the Chaos Green Lotus Technique to reassert his focus.

"What potent enchanting abilities; this woman must have mastered a cultivation art focused on charm?"

Xu Nian pondered in astonishment.

Charm-based techniques are commonly employed by cultivators of demonic arts.

And at the Divine level, such techniques typically hold minimal sway.

However, this woman’s charm was evidently of a different caliber. The fact that Xu Nian’s soul had already ascended to the Divine level, and yet her brief glance could affect an expert of such standing, spoke volumes about the extraordinary nature of her captivating skills.

Observing Xu Nian swiftly regaining his composure after a moment of being stunned, the woman's alluring countenance betrayed a hint of surprise.

Yet, she refrained from questioning, instead proceeding towards Ye Shumin.

"Sister Ye, you've arrived quite early," the seductive woman's voice, gentle and melodious like a nightingale's song, flowed through the air.

Even her vocalizations carried an inherent charm.

"Junior Sister Qiao, your allure grows with time. It seems your Nine Charm Divine Technique has indeed reached the seventh level?" Ye Shumin inquired with a smile.

While Tan Long and the young man remained quiet, their gazes were involuntarily drawn to the woman more frequently, a clear testament to her potent charm.

"I recently achieved a breakthrough. I heard this mission held something of interest, so I came. Sister Ye, who might these individuals be?" the seductive woman inquired, her gaze sweeping over the three men with a smile.

"This is Liu Xianjun; he stands as a peak Divine level expert, possessing Sixth Level Heaven True Intent and excelling in swordsmanship," Ye Shumin introduced the youth observing the scene with a pleasant smile.

"Sixth Level Heaven Great Dao True Intent?" The seductive woman's eyes gleamed with surprise as she directed a charming smile towards the young man.

"I have heard tales of the unparalleled beauty of Goddess Bai Yun, and indeed, your presence today confirms your extraordinary nature," the white-clad youth responded, recognizing her and offering a greeting.

"I am Qiao Baiyun, a pleasure to meet you, Liu Shenjun," the seductive woman replied with a smile.

"And this is Tan Long, who recently joined the Netherworld God Temple. His mastery over Great Dao True Intent has reached the Fourth Level Heaven, placing him among the top three contenders for this assessment," Ye Shumin continued with her introductions.

"So, this is Junior Brother Tan Long, quite handsome indeed," the seductive woman turned her attention to Tan Long, a smile gracing her lips.

"Greetings, Sister Qiao," Tan Long responded softly, a faint blush coloring his cheeks.

Qiao Baiyun responded with an instantly captivating, seductive smile.

"And this individual here is..." Qiao Baiyun gestured towards Xu Nian, her question hanging in the air.

"This is Junior Brother Xu Nian, who also joined the Netherworld God Temple this year," Ye Shumin briefly explained.

"Ah, Junior Brother Xu Nian. Witnessing someone enter the Netherworld God Temple at the Nether Emperor level is truly unprecedented in many years. It appears Junior Brother Xu Nian possesses exceptional qualities?" Qiao Baiyun's captivating eyes, filled with charm, focused intently on Xu Nian, a clear sign of her strong interest.

"Sister Qiao is too kind, I was merely fortunate. There is nothing extraordinary about me," Xu Nian replied with a smile.

Internally, he resolved to maintain a safe distance from this woman.

This woman was undoubtedly not to be underestimated.

Anyone who cultivated charming techniques to the Divine level likely harbored the cunning of a viper.

Qiao Baiyun, however, appeared not to have registered Xu Nian's response. Instead, she bestowed upon him a meaningful glance.

This particular look sent a ripple of unease throughout Xu Nian's entire being.