"So let’s say that it’s the Celestial Transcendent."

Fairy Qiyra Darkstar suddenly said, "What do you propose we do? I recommend returning home. If that person really placed a bait to just hunt you down, I’ll warn you that there are probably already three or more of his avatars hidden around the bait."

"Of course." Davis nodded, aware that the Celestial Transcendent was prepared to deal with him, "This might not be the only bait he has placed for me. There’s definitely one at the side of my merchant. Perhaps another few near the people I have interacted with and have a good relationship with, like the youngsters of the Heavenshade Clan. In any case, no matter where they place the bait, they’re hoping to catch me in at least one of them."

"Right," Jaiyan agreed, but his expression appeared doubtful, "Previously, they succeeded in baiting you by capturing your friends. This time around, they’re baiting you with the people you are slightly acquainted with and people you want to take revenge on. Somehow, this seems less ruthless. This doesn’t make sense considering your threat level."

Davis wryly shook his head, "Baiting me with my friends was probably Autarch Elluro Coldwing’s idea. That fanatic possesses the Transcendent Truth Eyes Physique, so he is more ruthless than the average Heaven’s Warriors and wouldn’t let emotions or reputation cloud his judgment when it comes to dealing with a Divergent. I speak from experience. My little sister wouldn’t have cared for anything if I hadn’t constantly harped by her side and developed her emotions that sought to freeze under the effects of the heavenly physique with every breakthrough."

"You must’ve had it rough." Jaiyan lightly consoled Davis.

He also felt a bit guilty.

During that time, if he and the other disciples were more willing, perhaps they could’ve even saved Davis’s little sister. However, could it really be called saving if they were going to save an unwilling party? It would be more like kidnapping instead.

"I loved every single moment of nurturing my little sister from the time when she was little."

Davis softly said, his smile fading lightly before his lips widened again, "Regardless of whether it’s the Celestial Transcendent or the others trying to entrap me, we won’t leave. Feel free to retreat without caring for me if we happen to encounter the Celestial Transcendent. I’m prepared to battle with him as long as his main body isn’t here."

"You overestimate yourself." Fairy Qiyra Darkstar said coldly.

"I would have to agree with senior sister." Fairy Glacia Frigidveil nodded warmly.

"Husband..." Evelynn echoed.

She wanted to say that there was a wide divide between a Mid Stage Exalt and a Peak Exalt whose prowess was at the layer limit. However, she knew that Davis himself would know better than that, much less utter empty words. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

"True, I’m overestimating myself."

Davis just smilingly nodded, "But with your combined help, my overestimate could become a normal estimate. You know the plan, right?"

"It’s such an infuriating plan- for them that is." Jaiyan looked amused, "If I get caught within that web, I will probably want to chase you to the ends of the realms as though I have a personal vendetta with you."

"Haha," Davis laughed, "They’d be frustrated for sure, but it all depends on whether they can seal me or not. Regardless, it seems like we can’t do anything today if Saint Riyal Mendez is coming here today, but considering the massacre in the Sixth Bastion City, I think the cities from Ninth Bastion City to the Sixth Bastion City will all be locked down soon enough. We’d be hard-pressed to absorb energy from the Ethereal Illumina Tree, much less leave the city without making a scene."

"..."

Davis noticed that their breathing wasn’t stable at all. He sighed, "You’re all so tense that you didn’t recognize me saying Ethereal Illumina Tree."

"Ah~" Illumina flinched before she flushed.

Evidently, she also hadn’t noticed.

Evidently, no one noticed, causing them to laugh wryly.

Davis could tell that they were already worried to death since they would also be able to tell that the cities could be closed in search for that culprit behind the massacre, and now that he laid it openly, they couldn’t help but think of the chances of encountering the Celestial Transcendent.

Fairy Qiyra Darkstar didn’t need to worry as she had her means of escape, but even she wasn’t confident of protecting everyone from such a powerful person. Hence, she was worried for others. Although her face was cold, Davis could see a glimmer of hesitation as though she was on the precipice of packing up and taking her little disciples before leaving.

Davis didn’t say anything, letting them digest it and make their own decisions.

Although he had brought them here, their surroundings and situation kept rapidly changing, and he had already told them that they could leave whenever they wanted. He wasn’t going to go back on his word.

After over ten long seconds, he opened his mouth.

"Relax and enjoy the stay here in this mansion until further notice. Trust me. Even if I have to stay behind, I’ll make sure everyone escapes." Davis could only encourage them.

Evelynn bit her lips with worry, obvious behind her veiled face. She didn’t want Davis to be in danger, but since he was the one who brought everyone here, he must obviously take the first step forward and also must be on the front lines.

She was truly worried, but she didn’t let it show in her voice as she took a light breath and spoke with a firm and melodious voice.

"Please believe my husband. He’s not only doing it for our survival, but also to hold his promises to you. Without stopping the Desolate Era, he wouldn’t be able to help you all become incredibly powerful True Deity-level cultivators, and I must say that the Davis Family prides itself on sharing resources and growing together. He wouldn’t act without assurance."

"..."

Davis turned to look at Evelynn, his gaze evidently moved.

"Indeed, my disciple’s beloved husband wouldn’t act without a bit of certainty. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have come this far." Fairy Glacia Frigidveil smiled gently, "Then I suppose I will place my life in your hands for the time being."

"I’m honored." Davis cupped his hands while still being seated.

He turned to look at Fairy Qiyra Darkstar, but she turned to look at Evelynn and uttered coldly.

"Then you must stay strong."

"..."

Evelynn was momentarily taken aback.

What kind of plan did Davis hatch for retreat? She wasn’t filled in, so she didn’t know how they planned to escape if they had an encounter with powerful enemies other than the general plan. Other than that, she knew her side of the job of dealing with the Galaxy Wormhole and didn’t know how they planned to reverse the Desolate Era, as it should remain a secret so as not to influence the flow of fate too much.

Davis wryly smiled at Fairy Qiyra Darkstar.

Only a minority knew about his retreat plan, and Fairy Qiyra Darkstar was one of them. He wished she wouldn’t go and spill it or even make a mention of it to Evelynn. However, facing Evelynn’s inquisitive gaze now, he felt chilled to the core.

"So what should we do today?"

Jaiyan asked, causing Davis to quickly latch on.

"Depends." He looked outside the window and narrowed his eyes, "Hopefully, Saint Riyal Mendez brings a lot of powerful corpses to harvest. I’ll mark them and wait for us to gather energy from the Ethereal Illumina Tree before making a move."

"I noticed this time~" Illumina echoed.

Davis shot an affectionate smile at her before nodding satisfactorily.

"But what if the Celestial Transcendent is also with them?" Illumina asked, a bit worried. She knew her own ability, but was only afraid she wouldn’t be able to protect her master.

Davis looked around and saw that the others had similar questions. He blinked, "Did you all also forget I’m part of the Heavenly Blight Hall?"

"They’ll help you again?" Jaiyan blinked.

Which organization would be in their right mind to aid this insane plan? He doubted Davis even explained to them what they were going to do here.

Davis shrugged, "I don’t know. I wasn’t promised anything, and I haven’t even completed the first mission yet, but let’s see how they stand by when their mission is to more or less protect me as I grow. Some distractions ought to scramble and delay some traps, perhaps even make them obsolete."

"..." The others looked speechless.

Sure enough, he wasn’t here without a bit of certainty.