"What? You couldn't find any information on him?!"
At that moment, the two men on either side of the Stone Fortress Lord were visibly shocked. After all, the Lord of Stone Fortress was one of the thirty-six major city lords of the Rakshasa Nation, and had full access to the entire intelligence system of the realm.
That's why they were so stunned—if even someone of the Stone Lord's rank couldn't uncover this man's background, then this figure must truly be shrouded in mystery.
Even after mobilizing the full intelligence apparatus of the Rakshasa Nation, not a single clue about this person had been found.
The two men seated beside the city lord were both Grand Elders from mid-tier sects, visiting Stone Fortress on business and enjoying the hospitality of the lord. As the master of one of the capital cities, the Stone Lord had deep ties and frequent exchanges with many sect leaders.
Just as the conversation continued, three figures approached from the distance—Senju Yukika, Shangguan, and Tanaka Xiaoxiong.
As soon as the Stone Lord laid eyes on Yukika's face, an inexplicable jolt passed through him. Perhaps it was a sense from the Netherworld itself. As a master of advanced cultivation, he could instinctively sense when someone with superior power was present.
From that moment, the Lord of Stone Fortress became unusually cautious. Yet, his face wore the most sincere and rustic smile as he stood up and warmly welcomed them from afar: "Honored guest, welcome to Stone Town!"
Senju Yukika nodded calmly at the city lord and then joined the three men seated.
The two sect elders on either side silently studied Yukika. As for Shangguan and Tanaka, they were instantly dismissed from their minds.
Shangguan's cultivation was merely that of a high-tier warrior, and Tanaka Xiaoxiong's strength was even more negligible. Naturally, they weren't worth a second thought to sect masters of their stature.
What puzzled them, however, was that no matter how much chakra they used to probe, they couldn't sense the depth of Yukika's power at all. This made them grow even more cautious…
The Stone Fortress Lord chuckled and asked, "May I ask your name and where you're from?"
This was essentially an inquiry into Yukika's background. But Yukika had already prepared his answer long before arriving on this world.
He smiled faintly and said, "My name is Yukika. I'm just an unaffiliated wanderer."
The city lord nodded inwardly—so that's how it was.
This planet had many "drifters"—cultivators who didn't belong to any race or sect. These unaffiliated individuals often possessed tremendous strength and unshakable willpower.
Upon hearing this, the two sect masters behind the city lord immediately understood. Though rare, unaffiliated cultivators were known to be formidable. Their expressions grew increasingly serious as they glanced at Yukika.
Though the conversation between Yukika and the city lord seemed casual on the surface, the city lord's every word was a test, subtly probing for more about Yukika's origins.
It was clear that despite his innocent and youthful appearance, the Lord of Stone Fortress was highly calculating and cautious.
At one point, the city lord called a subordinate to his side, whispered a few instructions, then resumed his calm demeanor with a flickering gaze.
Senju Yukika showed no urgency in explaining his background, but Shangguan beside him was getting visibly anxious.
Their main goal for coming here was to obtain the Stone Wall Projection, and yet Yukika seemed in no rush at all?
Suddenly, several iron cages within the Beast Arena began to tremble violently. The fierce roars of beasts echoed throughout the air, shaking the skies. Fear spread among the crowd like a chill wind.
Without warning, five cages were thrown open simultaneously—and out burst five terrifying beasts.
Instantly, panic swept across the spectators. Some of the more timid ones ran away on instinct.
Usually, only one beast would be released at a time into the arena—standard practice to prevent accidents.
But this time, five monsters were let out at once, catching everyone off guard. All eyes turned toward the Stone Fortress Lord, seeking an explanation.
Even the two sect elders looked surprised and glanced toward the city lord.
But Yukika, watching calmly from the sidelines, could tell from the city lord's serene expression—like the still surface of an ancient well—that this wasn't an accident at all. A plot was in motion.
So he simply remained seated, gaze cool and distant.
······ Seeking Flowers ······
The slave from the ancient Xuanyuan Clan standing in the arena now found himself utterly confused.
He was powerful, able to take down savage beasts with his bare hands, but facing five of them at once? That was overwhelming even for him.
Just one look at the five monstrous creatures would make any spectator shudder.
There was a golden lion with shimmering fur; a massive python as thick as a barrel; a pitch-black bear exuding raw menace; a beast clad in armor like a rhinoceros; and finally, a mantis-like creature whose body bristled with sharp blades—fierce and majestic.
The five monsters charged toward the center of the arena, exuding an aura of violent destruction.
The slave's legs gave out, and he collapsed in terror.
In his heart, he cried: This is the end for me!
But to his surprise, the five beasts completely ignored him.
It was as if he didn't even exist.
Instead, they leapt right over his head—hurtling straight toward the spectator stands!
The Stone Fortress Lord's expression changed dramatically. He jumped to his feet and shouted, "No! Everyone evacuate immediately! These beasts are out of control!"
But if one looked closely, they would see something odd—while his expression was anxious, his eyes held no panic. In fact, a trace of amusement danced in his pupils.
It quickly became clear: these five beasts didn't care about the crowd. Their target was singular.
They were all heading straight for Senju Yukika.
Still seated, Yukika didn't even flinch. It was as if the five charging beasts didn't exist in his world.
Beside him, Shangguan and Tanaka were white with fear, barely able to form coherent words.
Shangguan, especially, knew how terrifying these beasts were. Even though he trusted Yukika's strength, the savage aura rolling off the monsters was enough to make his legs weak.
He wanted to run but dared not act rashly—terrified of offending Yukika at the wrong moment.
As the five beasts lunged forward, Yukika simply raised his head and looked at them.
At that instant, a subtle breeze stirred in the air, and an invisible barrier suddenly appeared out of thin air—
And everything changed.