Ye Zichen and the others had sensed no signs of this young man in scholarly robes arrival. It was only when hed reached them that they noticed him. Their gazes were hesitant. More than his clothes, they couldnt help but notice his figure; he was frail and slender, so much so that he put most women to shame.

If you want to go to fox territory, I can send you there directly and save you the trouble of clashing with the Southern Kingdom, said the young scholar.

Xuan Ji and the others glanced at him, then looked him up and down. Might I ask how you know that were headed toward fox territory? Also, are you covering your face like that for fear others will recognize you, so as to keep your identity a secret?

Hes hiding his face and telling half-truths. Cant be up to any good. Su Yiyun snorted.

You must be the newly crowned Emperor Hades. Youve really inherited some of your predecessors imposing demeanor. The scholar chuckled. Its true that I dont want to show you my face, but in truth, were already acquainted. I knew you were planning to visit the foxes, so I rushed over to lend a hand.

What do you mean? asked Ye Zichen.

The war prep chat group, Stranger! The scholar smiled calmly, while the group members present all froze.

Stranger was the only member of the group Great Emperor Chao Feng. None of the others knew who the stranger was; they certainly hadnt expected Stranger to just appear before them like this.

It seems you believe me, but just in case you still have doubts. All of them received simultaneous notifications. When they looked at their screens, they were indeed from the Stranger! Im sure you believe me now!

Might you show us your real face? asked Xuan Ji.

Please, dont make this difficult for me. I chose to come here like this, and naturally I have my reasons. When I can show you my face, I will do so without reservations, said the young man in scholarly robes.

Then. Well have to trouble you. Xuan Ji looked Stranger over, then stepped back, her eyes carrying a hint of profundity. The Stranger nodded and smiled. Then, his slender fingers danced in the air.

Several ripples appeared in the sky, then undulated outward like a series of waves.

The forces of the Profound Pavilion and Upheaval Alliance watched the skies. Before long, the ripples intensified until they formed a tornado, which then split, revealing a grand, silver gate.

This gate will lead you directly to the foxes mountain gate. Everyone, please go on in!

The Grand Dao of Space.

Everyone standing before the gate could see that this was one of the three thousand daos, the Grand Dao of Space.

The fact that this mysterious Stranger had attainments in this grand dao was enough to make them sigh with admiration, but at the same time, they were hesitant. When you traveled through a spatial tunnel, it was impossible to tell where you were going until you got there.

The Stranger had joined the group out of nowhere, and none of them knew anything about him.

If they just went into the tunnel, who could be sure that this wasnt a trap, or that the Stranger wasnt up to something?

Especially since they had the Emperor Star with them!

Are you worried that Ill try something? the scholarly Stranger laughed.

Please, forgive us, but its true: were not familiar with you, and we cant possibly trust you completely, said Xuan Ji.

I understand that. Stranger nodded. Indeed, of course my identity and background are worth considering at a time like this, and of course you wouldnt trust me. But surely you can trust Great Emperor Chao Feng? Hes the one who introduced us, so even if you cant trust me, you ought to trust him, dont you think?

Su Yiyun and Ye Zichen subconsciously glanced at Xuan Ji. They werent familiar with Great Emperor Chao Feng either!

I trust Chao Fengs character, muttered Xuan Ji. She shot the stranger a profound look, then said, Thank you, sir, for your assistance.

With that, Xuan Ji entered the spatial gate with no further hesitation.

Ye Zichen, Su Yiyun, the Great Sage, Yang Jian, Pu Jingwan and went next, followed by their respective factions grand armies.

It was only after the last of them entered the tunnel that Stranger smiled, then waved their right arm and sealed off the entrance to the tunnel. I dont know if this was the right thing to do, or a horrible mistake. The scholarly Stranger shook his head, entered a spatial rift, and disappeared.

The scholarly Strangers spatial tunnel was very solid. Despite the sheer number of people traveling through it, it showed no signs of imminent collapse at all.

Auntie, can we really trust that person? asked Ye Zichen once they were inside.

If I didnt trust them, I wouldnt have led us all inside, said Xuan Ji. Besides, he was right. I trust Great Emperor Chao Fengs character. Chao Feng invited them to the group, so theres no need to be on guard. Its just, this Stranger person.

What is it? Auntie, did you discover something? asked Ye Zichen.

Shes a woman. Pu Jingwan suddenly popped her head in. When she saw Ye Zichen looking at her doubtfully, she continued, You didnt notice, did you? Dont let her mens clothes fool you. Im certain shes female!

She is indeed, said Xuan Ji.

Ye Zichen and the other guys were stunned. After some time, Yang Jian muttered, No wonder. I thought his eyes were a bit too bright and clear. They didnt seem like a mans eyes at all.

Heh, I can also assure that shes not just female: shes a beauty, too, said Pu Jingwan.

You can tell even that? Yang Jians eyes bulged, and he stroked his chin. But thinking about it, it seems youre right. All she revealed were her eyes, but they were already that pretty. And her figure! It seemed rather decent, so I bet her face is quite something too!

You behave yourself. The third princess is still waiting for you home, said the Great Sage.

Do I need you to tell me that? Yang Jian rolled his eyes at him. I only said that because Jingwan brought it up, but Im completely infatuated with the third princess. You dont think Im fickle in love, do you?

Hah? Who was it who spent all day flirting with immortal beauties back in the Heavenly Court? asked the Great Sage.

Youre saying that about me? Back on Mount Huaguo, wasnt there that troop of female monkeys.

Quit talking nonsense!

What? Are you afraid Ill reveal your secrets?

Youre just asking for a beating!

No one was sure how much of what they said was true, but it was obvious that they were about to fight. Fortunately, Su Yiyun stopped them in time.

This wasnt the outside world. This was a spatial tunnel! If they fought in here and collapsed the tunnel, all of them would be trapped.

But even as the two clowns argued, Ye Zichens attention was elsewhere. He seemed lost in thought.

Thats impossible, isnt it? How could it be her? Why would she Ye Zichen couldnt help but mutter to himself, his heart full of disbelief.

A woman!

With extremely high attainments in the Dao of Space!

And a member of the god race!

When he added all these details up, Ye Zichen could only think of one person who fit that description!