[Immortal Realm, Scarlet Continent, Forgotten Domain, Northern Region, Ember Dune Desert, Storm Roc Clan]
The departure of Shenlian Yingyue and her companions marked the beginning of a tense vigilance within the Storm Roc clan. The revelation of the Raksasha-masked men’s conspiracy and the sinister Blood Formation they had been constructing sent ripples of urgency through the clan. Survival in the unforgiving Immortal Realm demanded swift action, and Peng Ruining, the usually carefree and flirtatious ruler of the Storm Roc clan, now stood with an air of undeniable authority.
Gathered in the grand hall, the elders and key members of the clan listened intently as Peng Ruining issued orders with a voice that brooked no argument. His long, silvery-gray hair swayed faintly as he moved, the golden hues of his eyes gleaming with an intensity that mirrored the desert sun. The playful glint that often danced in his gaze was gone, replaced by the sharp focus of a ruler who understood the gravity of the threat looming over them.
"Double the patrols around our territory, and send messengers to our allies immediately. We cannot afford to face this alone." Peng Ruining commanded, his tone firm.
The elders nodded, though hesitation flickered in the eyes of a few. The Storm Roc clan had allies, but not all neighboring powers were so easily swayed.
"Your Highness, the Flame Scorpion and Sand Golem clans will heed our warning without question, but what of the Glass Lizard, Sand Wyrm, and Sand Viper Spirit clans? They have never been easy to negotiate with." the Second Elder spoke cautiously.
Peng Ruining’s lips thinned. He knew the challenges well.
The Glass Lizard clan was reclusive, hidden behind ancient formations that even the Storm Rocs could not easily breach. Their leader, Li Bing, had long since withdrawn from outside affairs, his trust in outsiders shattered by past betrayals. Though their nature was not inherently hostile, their hearts were as unyielding as the stone they revered.
The Sand Wyrm race was proud and aloof, their stoic demeanor masking a deep-seated arrogance. They considered themselves the true descendants of the desert’s ancient lineage, looking down upon those who soared the skies or walked the sands with restless ambition. They spoke little, acted only after long deliberation, and rarely involved themselves in the affairs of others.
As for the Sand Viper Spirit clan, they were as elusive as the shifting dunes. Cunning and seductive, they wrapped their words in honeyed deceit, their true intentions always veiled. They formed alliances when it suited them, only to vanish when the winds of fortune changed.
"We have no choice but to try. The Blood Formation isn’t just a surface-level threat, it’s buried beneath the sands. The Flame Scorpions, Sand Wyrms, and Sand Viper Spirits dwell in the depths of the desert. If anyone can track the markings of this formation, it’s them." Peng Ruining exhaled slowly, his fingers idly tracing the smooth surface of the communication stone Shenlian Yingyue had left him.
"If they refuse..." The Fifth Elder stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"Then we find another way," Peng Ruining cut in, his voice unwavering. "She has already given us the means to act. It’s up to us to see this through."
"As Your Highness commands." The elders exchanged glances before bowing in unison.
With that, the five elders vanished from the hall, each heading toward their assigned clans to deliver the urgent warning.
Left alone, Peng Ruining’s gaze darkened. The weight of leadership pressed upon him, a reminder that despite his usual indulgences, he was no fool. A ruler who could maintain power in the ruthless Immortal Realm was not one to be underestimated. His people turned a blind eye to his frivolous tendencies because they knew, when the time came, he would act with the precision and decisiveness of a true king.
"It’s time to raise my strength," he murmured to himself.

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