With news of Harleen and Ivy, Billy felt slightly more at ease and decided to attempt a breakthrough. The woman’s tone suggested that Black Rock Gorge was no ordinary place, and it would be best to level up before heading there.
He took out a pile of cultivation resources from his storage ring and began consuming them rapidly. Simultaneously, he activated his bloodline power to start refining them. Given his current cultivation level, refining these resources in a short time was challenging but not impossible.
As the resources were continuously refined, powerful waves of energy surged through his body. Fortunately, his extraordinary bloodline prevented any risk of his body bursting apart. After about half an hour, the energy waves began circulating through his meridians under the guidance of his cultivation technique.
Several hours later, a violent aura erupted from Billy, significantly stronger than before. Clearly, with the help of his bloodline power and abundant resources, he had successfully broken through to the sixth-rank Otherworldly Realm.
After completing two more cycles of energy circulation, he got up and walked to the front yard where everyone was waiting for him.
“Boss, did you break through?” Stout asked, sensing the change in Billy’s aura.
“Yes,” Billy nodded.
“That’s great!” Everyone cheered in unison.
“Any updates?” Billy asked Casey and Azure Dragon.
“We haven’t gathered detailed information yet, but according to insiders from the guild, Miss Wooler is likely under house arrest,” Casey replied.
“House arrest?” Billy was slightly taken aback.
“Yes,” Casey nodded. “It’s probably related to the incident in Canyon View City.”
“After we return from Black Rock Gorge, continue monitoring the guild,” Billy instructed.
“Understood!” Casey and the others responded simultaneously.
“Azure Fang, have you learned anything about Black Rock Gorge?” Billy asked.
“People know about Black Rock Gorge’s existence but have little information about it,” Azure Fang shook his head. “It’s known as a mercenary and assassin organization that takes on any job for the right price.”
“Their members wear masks during missions, so few have seen their true faces.”
“Did you find out about their combat strength?” Billy asked.
“No,” Bob replied. “It’s said that no one has ever forced Black Rock Gorge to reveal their full strength.”
“Is there a teleportation channel from Akabuchi City to Black Rock Nebula?” Billy asked with a slight frown.
“No,” Bob shook his head. “We can only get there by starship.”
“Everyone rest well tonight; we depart at dawn,” Billy decided after some thought.
“Got it!” Everyone nodded in agreement.
… In an unknown area of the Akabuchi star domain.
In a grand hall with a peculiar design, a chilling atmosphere permeated the air, resembling hell on earth. Two stone pillars stood in the center, with Harleen and Ivy seated on them. They had just woken up from unconsciousness. Though uninjured, their powers were sealed, leaving them without any aura.
Six men stood around the pillars. Their auras indicated they were all at least in the late stages of the Otherworldly Realm, with two being early-stage Entering Dao Realm experts. The six stood like statues, expressionless.
“Where is this place? Who are you?” Ivy asked, frowning as she looked around. No one responded.
“Harleen, are you okay?” Ivy turned to Harleen.
“I’m fine. What about you?” Harleen replied.
“I’m okay too,” Ivy responded.
“I wonder how Billy and the others are doing now,” Harleen said worriedly. When they were captured at the Institute, the battle was still ongoing, so they didn’t know its outcome.
“Don’t worry, Harleen. With White Feather and Purple Spirit there, Billy and the others should be fine,” Ivy reassured her, though she herself was uncertain.
The Holy Ghost Tribe members sent to the Institute were far superior to those at Canyon View Institute and Billy’s group.
“Hopefully,” Harleen sighed. “Our strength is still too weak.”
“Indeed,” Ivy agreed. Despite their rapid progress after their second physique refinement, they were still no match for the talented geniuses of the Holy Ghost Tribe.
As Harleen and Ivy lamented their situation, footsteps echoed from the entrance. They saw an elderly man and woman walk in. The old woman had a ghastly appearance with rough skin like tree bark. The old man was equally emaciated, resembling a skeleton with few hairs left on his head. Both seemed to have lived for centuries, their bodies nearing exhaustion.
“Revered Envoys, may I ask…” A second-rank Entering Dao Realm man in the hall began to speak but was cut off.
“Get out!” the old man commanded coldly.
“But Revered Envoy, they are…” The man tried to explain but was interrupted again.
“Didn’t you understand me?” The old man snapped.
“Revered Envoy, I apologize, but they are under strict orders…” The man took a deep breath but didn’t finish his sentence before turning into a blood mist without seeing how the old man moved. His strength was evident as he eliminated a second-rank Entering Dao Realm expert without any resistance.
The remaining five men gasped in fear, their faces showing deep apprehension.
“Still not leaving?” The old woman’s voice was like a demon from hell as she glanced at them.
“Revered Envoy…” Another Entering Dao Realm man began but also turned into a blood mist before finishing his sentence.
The remaining four men quickly fled without another word.
“Tsk tsk, it’s been a long time since I’ve encountered such pure Crystal Spirit Physiques!” The old woman said as she looked at Harleen and Ivy, a gleam in her previously dull eyes.