Over a week had passed since Leyvi's party settled into the cave mansion. Following Anda's meticulous direction, they had established multiple layers of security measures.
Tamina had created an extensive, intricate network of underground tunnels stretching up to twenty kilometers away from the cave mansion. These tunnels served various purposes: for hiding, for escape, for defense, or for mounting a surprise attack. Hidden exits were scattered throughout, each designed to be opened only from the inside. Any attempt to force entry from the outside would trigger an immediate alert.
Each of these exits was guarded and monitored by many demonic plants under Lilian's control. They would instantly inform her of any intruders.
Throughout the entire tunnel network, the roots and branches of Strangler Figs covered the walls, connecting to one another to form a living, breathing surveillance and defense system. Individually, these plants were not particularly threatening, but as a collective network, they were incredibly versatile, and their strength increased the more of them there were.
Anda and Carla had also prepared their own security measures. Carla utilized sound-based traps and sensors, while Anda used her innate ability to detect and analyze scent trails. On top of all this, they had the scholar twins, Barbara and Barcas, who could be called upon to detect any unfamiliar or anomalous energy signatures.
Additionally, since the others' spiritual senses could not pass through solid obstacles like Leyvi's could, Tamina had crafted specific, well-concealed spy holes that connected to the outside of the hill. These allowed their spiritual senses to stretch out for surveillance without revealing their presence.
All in all, even without the conventional protection of array formations, their security was considered rock solid. Without some truly heaven-defying abilities or methods, it would be extremely difficult for anyone to sneak in and catch them off guard.
During this week, through the surveillance holes, Leyvi had spotted several individuals moving in and out of the colossal tree's shade. Some appeared to be from small groups lingering outside, sneaking in to scout for information or treasures. Others seemed to be from the larger, established groups settled within the shade, venturing out to forcibly "recruit" those living on the fringes.
With all their preparations complete, Leyvi and Ava left the cave mansion early in the night via one of their hidden exits, marking the beginning of their information-gathering mission.
The two emerged from a dense thicket surrounded by a cluster of large rocks into a dark, but not pitch black, environment. The landscape was illuminated by the soft, multicolored glow of countless luminous plants.
In these permanently shaded areas, many plants had evolved away from vibrant daytime colors. Instead, they emitted light of various hues to attract insects for spore dispersal or to deter animals from eating them as a form of self-defense.
It was not just the smaller flora. Even some of the larger trees had sections that glowed softly for their own mysterious purposes.
Of course, Leyvi could easily create a bright light using his Qi to illuminate the area normally, so darkness was not a significant obstacle for a Qi cultivator. However, using such a light now would risk drawing unwanted attention.
"Come, Ava, hold your husband's hand so you do not get lost in the dark," Leyvi said with a playful chuckle, extending his hand.
Paa!
Ava slapped his hand away. "Don't even think of taking advantage of this situation to lay your sex fiend's hands on me. Fulfill the condition first."
Hmph, do you think I don't know what that panda is trying to do? she thought.
"Ouch, I was just joking. Why did you have to slap my hand so hard? Now I am injured. Ava, my wife, it hurts. You have to carry me now. Lend me your back." Leyvi put on an exaggerated performance and shuffled closer to her.
"Injured? Where? Let me see. Here?" Ava suddenly kicked Leyvi's shin, this time with enough force to make him genuinely wince.
"Ow, ow, ow! Ava, you hurt me for real this time. How could you? I am reporting this to Anda!" Leyvi rolled on the ground, clutching his shin.
"Hmph, you deserve it. You can't even handle a simple kick anymore," Ava said dismissively as she turned and walked away, her petite figure moving purposefully toward the looming darkness of the colossal tree.
This barbaric girl... that really hurt...
Thanks to Barbara's training and guidance, Ava had grown much stronger. His own tough body could no longer keep up with her casual strikes.
Once we return, I will find a proper body cultivation manual for myself. Then I will defeat her fair and square.
The thought was spurred by a recent revelation from Anda. If his wife had not told him, he would never have guessed Ava's hidden feelings.
To his surprise, Anda had informed him that Ava had developed feelings for him. She had also explained that Ava grew irritated every time he relied on his Volcanic Armor in a fight. In Ava's mind, using the armor technique meant he was not taking his promise to her seriously, and that deeply upset her.
Hearing this, Leyvi could only sigh inwardly.
Hmm...It is so hard to figure women out.
Ava's attitude toward him had not changed drastically; the main difference was that she mentioned their agreement more frequently every time he teased her. Was this supposed to be her way of hinting at her true intentions?
Girl, just say it to me directly! I might have the Universal Language benefit, but I cannot understand coded language like this!
After a few moments, Leyvi stood up and began chasing after Ava, who was already disappearing into the gloom.
"My wife, Ava! Wait for your husband! Your crippled husband cannot run fast anymore!" he called out, faking a pronounced limp.
Meanwhile, deep within the tunnel networks below, Anda and a few others watched the entire interaction through their spiritual sense, utterly speechless.
You two were supposed to be stealthy for this mission. But you immediately create a commotion the moment you step outside. Are they truly the best choice for this job?
Anda began to second-guess her own plan. Perhaps she had made a mistake pairing those two together.
---
Colossal Tree shade, south region.
On a lavishly decorated stage, illuminated by several artfully focused beams of light, sat a strikingly gorgeous lady clad in shimmering pink. Her beauty was so breathtaking it felt almost unreal, the kind that could leave any man stunned with a single glance. Long, silky hair cascaded down her back like liquid rose-gold, catching the light with every subtle movement.
Her eyes were a deep, sultry pink, half-lidded with a natural bedroom gaze that made hearts skip a beat. Her skin was smooth, pale, and flawless, appearing as soft as if it might melt under a single touch.
She wore a revealing outfit of thin, shimmering pink silk that clung lovingly to every perfect curve of her figure. The top wrapped around her chest like a teasing ribbon, enhancing the enticing fullness beneath while barely covering what needed to be covered. Her slim waist was exposed, drawing all attention to the seductive lines of her hips.
The skirt she wore was more of a suggestion than clothing, slitted to the point that her long, snow-white legs seemed almost completely visible with every shift of her posture. Every slight movement made the delicate fabrics sway and ripple, flashing glimpses that drove the men watching from below the stage wild with imagination.
Her posture alone invited fantasy; one leg crossed over the other, leaning back slightly, her lips curved into a natural yet provocative smile. Every man in the audience could not help but imagine countless shameless things they wished to do with her.
This lady in pink was known as the Pink Enchantress Rose, the youngest Holy Maiden of the most famous female-only sect in the Protogaea Continent's Moaning Kingdom: the Love Ecstasy Sect.
As the name suggests, the sect specialized in the art of seduction and lovemaking. All the members of the Love Ecstasy Sect were breathtakingly beautiful, especially the core disciples, each one capable of captivating an entire nation. Their cultivation method was mysterious and unique, allowing even the most plain or hideous woman to transform into a great beauty.
It was said that the Moaning Kingdom's name was related to the founder of the Love Ecstasy Sect. However, no one seemed to know the real story, as countless, often erotic, tales about its origin had blurred the truth.
Throughout the years, many great beauties from the sect had married into the royal family, some even becoming queens. This gave the sect an unbelievable level of influence within the kingdom, second only to the royal family itself. No other organization dared to openly oppose them.
On the Pink Enchantress Rose's left and right sides stood two ladies, also dressed in pink, who served as her personal maids. While not as breathtakingly beautiful as their mistress, they were still stunning enough to be considered the most beautiful women in any ordinary city.
The Pink Enchantress Rose adjusted her posture, a movement that caused some mesmerizing, drool-inducing jiggles, before she spoke.
"Welcome again, my dependable followers, my loyal men whom I adore so much," she began, her voice a honeyed melody.
"It is that special time of the month again, where you present the best treasures you have found for me. The one whose offering I fancy the most will be granted a night with me, a night I promise will be the most memorable of your life." She ended her words with a slow, deliberate kissing gesture, highlighting the seductive allure of her perfect pink lips.