However, he hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I believe you should be aware of the level 7 Beast's capabilities. Even you couldn't kill him initially. If he returns with reinforcements, I fear he'll be surrounded by even stronger foes. At that point, even with our combined strength, we won't be able to fight against them. Capturing the leader to subdue the followers won't be a simple task."

This was indeed Wang Zhan's greatest concern, yet another figure popped into his mind. It is undeniable that Sky Drenched City has now reached a critical moment where its survival hangs in the balance. If we can't handle these matters properly, the citizens of Sky Drenched City will surely be plunged into difficult times.

"Here's the plan: I will take care of this. You focus on calming the people within Sky Drenched City, but remember, do not let them leave the city under any circumstances."

Ju Tian'en looked at Wang Zhan curiously and asked, "Wouldn't it be more advantageous for us if everyone left? After all, the fewer people in Sky Drenched City, the more we can afford a desperate fight, and our chances of victory would be much greater."

Wang Zhan just smiled faintly. He glanced around, then walked to the window and said softly, "Although the area around Sky Drenched City seems peaceful, do you really believe those beasts have left the vicinity?"

"So, if anyone suddenly rushes out of Sky Drenched City, those demonic beasts will undoubtedly surround them instantly, and those people will become their food."

Ju Tian'en said no more, while Wang Zhan quickly headed for the door.

Frankly, he did have a plan. Dealing with these demonic beasts wasn't an insurmountable task, especially if he could ally with Luo Tianhong. However, forming an alliance with Luo Tianhong was easier said than done. But Luo Tianhong was elusive and unpredictable, making it difficult for Wang Zhan to find her.

Thinking of this, Wang Zhan's expression shifted slightly. He quickly leaped onto the city wall and headed out of Sky Drenched City.

In a flash, Wang Zhan returned to the dilapidated village. Not far off, he could faintly see the ruins of villages that had been utterly destroyed. However, there was still no sign of Luo Tianhong.

Wang Zhan circled the area before narrowing his eyes and speaking in a deep voice, "I know you must still be nearby; you can't have gone far. If you are free, come out and meet me. I have something I need to discuss with you."

Wang Zhan spoke slowly, his voice echoing in the surroundings, but there was no response.

Wang Zhan frowned slightly. Has she already left?

He knew Luo Tianhong's temperament. Since she had come here, it must have been for the Fire Dragon Bead. And Luo Tianhong would definitely not carry the Fire Dragon Bead around; she would absorb its energy immediately. Given her personality, she would naturally choose to do so nearby.

With this in mind, Wang Zhan scanned the surroundings again, but there was still no trace of Luo Tianhong among the ruins. Wang Zhan stood amidst the ruins, then brandished the Deep Fire Blade in his hand. Instantly, a beam of Fire Light shot down, and a Fire Dragon soared into the sky.

Wang Zhan hoped to lure Luo Tianhong out this way. Of course, if Luo Tianhong had already left the area, this would all be for naught. But Wang Zhan had to take the gamble, hoping Luo Tianhong might still be here. After all, Sky Drenched City was facing a life-or-death critical moment, so he had to find Luo Tianhong as quickly as possible. Only by joining forces with Luo Tianhong could they hope to break the siege on Sky Drenched City.

Time ticked by, second by second, minute by minute, but there was still no movement.

Night fell, and Wang Zhan still hadn't left.

Suddenly, footsteps sounded from behind. Wang Zhan quickly turned and saw the figure standing there.

Wang Zhan was momentarily stunned, then a smile touched his lips as he squinted. "I knew you wouldn't leave so easily."

"But I didn't expect you to actually seek me out voluntarily."

Luo Tianhong looked at Wang Zhan with a puzzled expression. Clearly, even she didn't know what Wang Zhan was thinking.

Wang Zhan simply nodded and continued, "I'm here to propose a trade. Are you interested?"

"Oh?" Luo Tianhong pursed her lips into a smile, then said slowly, "Well, this is a surprise. The sun must have risen in the west. I never thought you'd take the initiative to propose a trade, or even a cooperation, with me."

"I see. You're not planning something nefarious, are you? Is that Ju Tian'en from Sky Drenched City also nearby? Are you planning to team up with him against me?"

As she spoke, a powerful aura erupted from Luo Tianhong, and Fire Light surged skyward. Evidently, Luo Tianhong's cultivation had once again risen to a new level.

Wang Zhan was slightly taken aback. "Seeing this, I assume you've already absorbed all the energy from the Fire Dragon Bead. Otherwise, you couldn't possibly possess such formidable strength."

"You're right. The Fire Dragon Bead is indeed a remarkable treasure. My cultivation has improved significantly after absorbing it," Luo Tianhong admitted without any concealment.

Wang Zhan looked at Luo Tianhong curiously. "I find it rather strange. I really don't understand how your cultivation can advance so rapidly. Can you not only absorb the cultivation of others but also the Spiritual Energy from Genius Earth Treasures?"

"You guessed correctly on that point. I must say, you are indeed quite clever," Luo Tianhong said with a smile. "It's true. I can absorb not only the cultivation of others but also the Spiritual Energy generated by Genius Earth Treasures. I can convert all of it for my own use, transforming it into streams of energy that then become my cultivation. That's why my cultivation can advance so quickly, and it's also why I continuously search for ancient ruins." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Wang Zhan nodded. "No wonder you've always been trying to find those ancient ruins. So that's the reason. But none of this concerns me, so I won't dwell on it."

"However, I have a proposition for you now. Are you interested?"

Luo Tianhong smiled. "Although I don't know what scheme you're concocting, I believe you wouldn't dare to lightly provoke my dignity. Since that's the case, you might as well tell me what this cooperation you're proposing is about."

"Actually, it's quite simple. You're probably aware that Sky Drenched City is currently facing internal and external threats. Those demonic beasts are still eyeing us covetously, and they could attack Sky Drenched City again at any moment. Therefore, I naturally need to prepare in advance. But, as you know, the strength of the people in Sky Drenched City is somewhat lacking. Relying solely on them will make it difficult to resist those beasts."

Wang Zhan paused, glancing at Luo Tianhong. Seeing no change in her expression, he continued, "So, I need a capable assistant now. If we join forces to eliminate the leaders of those demonic beasts, only then can we employ the strategy of 'capturing the leader to neutralize the followers' and bring those demonic beasts under control."

"That is the primary reason I sought you out."

Luo Tianhong instantly understood. "So, you want me to be your free muscle? Isn't that a rather laughable idea?"

Luo Tianhong shook her head and walked step by step towards Wang Zhan before speaking again. "I think you should know my identity. I myself am a demonic beast. Why would I help you deal with my own kind?"

"Hah..." Wang Zhan sneered. "Your own kind? I thought you were a cold-blooded individual. You actually acknowledge having your 'own kind'?"

"Alright, stop playing dumb with me. We know each other well enough; I naturally understand what you're thinking. Besides, if you truly cared about your kind, you wouldn't have helped me back in the fifth war zone. I presume you're only interested in enhancing your own cultivation."

"Let's put it this way: you might need my help in the future. As long as you assist me in dealing with these demonic beasts this time, perhaps it will be much easier for you to ask for my help later. You can consider this a threat, if you like."

Wang Zhan spoke calmly, as if he had already seen through Luo Tianhong's thoughts.

However, Luo Tianhong hesitated for a moment, her fingers gently toying with her chin. After a while, she continued, "Just this doesn't seem very fair to me. After all, if word gets out that I'm not taking action against my own kind, it will become exceedingly difficult for me to operate in this region. You know this land is teeming with demonic beasts. Although I don't fear them, if those creatures constantly pester me, it will undoubtedly cause me considerable trouble."

"So, if you want my help, you'll naturally have to promise me a favor in return. Then, perhaps, I might consider it."

Wang Zhan was taken aback. Seeing a potential turning point, he quickly asked, "What favor?"

"You've only just arrived in Sky Drenched City, so you probably aren't aware of its secrets. I can give you some time. Go back and discuss it with Ju Tian'en; he should be well aware of Sky Drenched City's secrets."

"Go and contact Ju Tian'en. Ask him where Sky Drenched City's city-guarding treasure is located."

"As long as he is willing to bring out the city-guarding treasure, then perhaps I can help you deal with those demonic beasts. I believe you are aware of my strength. Furthermore, with my bloodline's ability to suppress them, those demonic beasts will absolutely not be able to set foot within Sky Drenched City."