System: Replicating The Heavens

Immortal Heaven World is one of many high-level worlds in this galaxy. Not to mention Spirit Martial Gods and Origin Martial Gods, even Life Creation and Death Domination Stage warriors could be found almost everywhere.

Encountering two Spirit Martial Gods and two Origin Martial Gods might be surprising for Aurelius and others, but Alex was well aware of the details about this world due to his interactions with the Heavenly Spirit Stone. Thus, he wasn't surprised at their appearance.

When Alex nodded, everyone revealed their presence and stepped forward slowly.

As soon as they revealed their presence, the group of four noticed them. The armored woman immediately stepped forward. Her hand was placed on the hilt of her sword as she took a defensive stance. The others were tense as well.

Alex wasn't surprised; he had already expected this reaction. He took the initiative to speak, trying to ease their wariness. "We're just travelers. We got lost in this forest and had no choice but to walk around aimlessly. Don't worry, we mean no harm. We only want to ask for directions to the Sky Sage Empire."

The older man squinted at Alex for a moment; his sharp eyes filled with suspicion. Then, instead of answering the question, he spoke in a cold tone, "This forest and the surrounding area for tens of thousands of miles is the private territory of the Crystal Cloud Palace. There are only two paths to enter this forest, and both are tightly guarded by dozens of Origin Martial Gods. So, tell me, how exactly did you get in here?"

His question made the atmosphere even more tense. The armored woman gripped her sword more tightly, and the other two behind her remained on high alert. It was clear that none of them had lowered their guard.

Alex and his group were slightly startled by the revelation. None of them had expected to land directly in the heart of a major organization's domain. However, they didn't panic. Selyara, Elyndra, and Aurelius instinctively turned to look at Alex, silently trusting him to handle the situation.

Alex stepped forward calmly, and with a neutral expression, he replied, "I'm not exactly sure how we ended up here. We were exploring an ancient ruin, and everything was going well… until something inside that ruin suddenly shifted. In the very next moment, we found ourselves in this forest."

Though Alex lied 'honestly' about the sudden transition, he had already begun analyzing the situation in his mind. This forest was clearly no ordinary place. Since it was a territory of a powerful organization and guarded by so many powerful warriors, something of immense value had to be hidden here.

Moreover, he hadn't forgotten the mysterious lotus in the center of the pond—and the dangerous presence lurking beneath the pond.

Alex came up with a single answer. He guessed that whatever was hidden here was far more precious than he or others had initially thought.

Whatever it was, Alex wasn't interested. He had no desire to get involved in the affairs of the Crystal Cloud Palace or uncover the secrets hidden in this forest. All he wanted was to leave this place as soon as possible. The longer he delayed his entry into the Bizarre Beasts Cave, the more the situation would turn against him.

Thus, after lying about being transported here directly from an ancient ruin, Alex didn't give the group of four much time to think. He quickly said, "Please, consider it a favor and help us leave this place. If possible, tell us the way to the Sky Sage Empire. We're truly in a hurry."

As he spoke, he subtly gestured to Selyara. Understanding his intent, Selyara released a faint trace of her aura. Though it was only for a brief moment, it was more than enough to suppress the four people completely. Fortunately for them, she withdrew her aura right away. Had she maintained it even a second longer, they might have collapsed on the spot.

After all, the gap between Spirit Martial Gods, Origin Martial Gods, and a Death Domination Stage expert was like the difference between heaven and earth. Just a wisp of her aura could easily crush them.

The sudden release of her terrifying presence frightened the four out of their wits. They stumbled back in shock, staring at Selyara with pale faces and trembling bodies.

'That aura… it was just like the Palace Master's… Is she also a Death Domination Stage cultivator?'

Earlier, they had no idea how powerful Alex's group truly was. That ignorance had made them bold enough to draw weapons and question them. But now, realizing a Death Domination Stage expert stood before them, they dared not take even the slightest risk.

As the saying goes, the older the wiser.

The older man among them quickly collected his thoughts and calmed his terrified heart. He had already noted a few keywords that Alex spoke about earlier.

Ancient ruin...

Sudden shift of situation...

Consider it a favor...

Now, the so-called favor part had suddenly become immensely valuable. After all, Alex's group had a Death Domination Stage expert among them. If they could offer even a small help, they might earn a favor from someone in such a terrifying realm of strength. That kind of favor was worth more than a thousand treasures. It could even change one's fate.

Naturally, there were limits to what could be asked, but even then, the possibilities were extraordinary. It wasn't an exaggeration to say that they could request assistance in resolving a major crisis or even ask for help in a life-or-death situation.

The old man's eyes flickered, as if something suddenly clicked in his mind. His expression shifted drastically. A look of excitement—no, ecstasy—spread across his face. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and said respectfully, "Please, come with us. Since this area is the private territory of our Crystal Cloud Palace and you four appeared here under mysterious circumstances, it's not our place to make any decisions. I'll bring you to meet our Palace Master. Only he has the authority to decide what happens next. Until then, please treat this as your home; you'll be our honored guests."

Alex turned his head slightly, glancing at Selyara, Elyndra, and Aurelius. The three nodded subtly. Everything was proceeding smoothly.

"Very well. Then lead the way. Take us to your Palace Master."