Proceeding with caution, Ye Yunfei and Hun Lao traveled through this unfamiliar cosmos.
The moment they entered this universe, both Ye Yunfei and Hun Lao had keenly sensed it held many latent, dangerous auras.
"Most of the stars in this cosmos seem to be dead stars devoid of life," Hun Lao remarked.
They passed by several celestial bodies in succession, all of them deathly still, devoid of any signs of living beings or even vegetation—just barren, desolate ground.
"Let's enter that Small World."
While passing by the entrance to a Small World, Ye Yunfei suddenly had a stir of intuition, vaguely sensing a familiar aura within.
"Alright. Since we don't have a specific destination anyway, we might as well wander around."
Hun Lao nodded.
Thus, Ye Yunfei and Hun Lao entered the Small World.
"What a lively world," Hun Lao couldn't help but remark upon entering.
It was a relatively large Small World. As far as the eye could see, many beings were active: humans, the Demon Race, beast tribes, and many other races. The entire world appeared bustling and prosperous.
"I didn't expect so many beings to be living here," Ye Yunfei said, traveling through the Small World with Hun Lao.
"The strength of the beings in this world is quite decent. I can sense Half-Emperor level energy auras," Hun Lao stated.
"These beings survive here, likely having no contact with the outside world. Why would they seclude themselves in this Small World?" Ye Yunfei was somewhat puzzled.
Suddenly, Hun Lao sent a Sound Transmission to Ye Yunfei, "I have a bad feeling. It seems like something is watching us."
"Yes! There is indeed something watching us!" Ye Yunfei immediately focused his perception and confirmed it.
"This Small World and these beings are probably not as simple as they appear on the surface. We need to be careful," Hun Lao transmitted.
"Haha… You two gentlemen aren't from our Small World, are you?"
At that moment, a man in white robes appeared before Ye Yunfei and Hun Lao, greeting them warmly. Although Hun Lao merely appeared as a tree floating beside Ye Yunfei, the white-robed man showed no surprise at his form, his expression normal.
"Indeed, we are not inhabitants of this world. We came from the outside," Ye Yunfei nodded.
This white-robed man was at the late Heavenly Boundary Realm, posing no threat to Ye Yunfei.
"A warm welcome! I am Li Changqian, a deacon of the Spring Autumn Sect. If you don't mind, welcome to our Spring Autumn Sect as guests. Let me be a good host," the man in white said with utmost enthusiasm.
"The Spring Autumn Sect! This sect was a major power in ancient times across the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds, but I thought it had long perished and vanished. Did its members come to seclude themselves here in the Tianpo Realm?" Hun Lao was surprised upon hearing this and transmitted his thoughts to Ye Yunfei.
"Oh? A major power from ancient times in the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds?" Ye Yunfei was also somewhat taken aback.
"Hehe, there's no need for doubts. Our Spring Autumn Sect has always been hospitable. Especially this young man—you have an impressive bearing, clearly a young genius. Our Sect Master particularly likes young geniuses like you," Li Changqian said, gesturing for them to follow.
"Very well." After exchanging a few words with Hun Lao, Ye Yunfei agreed. He thought that since neither of them were familiar with the Tianpo Realm, this was a good opportunity to learn more about it from Li Changqian.
"Haha, you two are truly straightforward! Please, follow me!" Li Changqian laughed heartily upon their agreement and immediately led the way.
Soon, under Li Changqian's guidance, they arrived before a stretch of rolling mountains and descended in front of the mountain gate of a sect. On the plaque above the gate were engraved three large characters: Spring Autumn Sect.
"It really is the Spring Autumn Sect! To think this legendary ancient sect still exists in the world!" Hun Lao stared at the three characters on the plaque, secretly transmitting to Ye Yunfei.
"It's hard to say for now. I keep feeling the atmosphere is a bit off. Hun Lao, we need to be extra careful from here on," Ye Yunfei replied thoughtfully, watching Li Changqian leading the way ahead.
"Right. Now that you mention it, I feel it too. Look at those disciples guarding the gate—they're looking at us both with strange eyes. It feels like we're prey they've locked onto!" Alerted by Ye Yunfei's words, Hun Lao immediately noticed the disciples standing guard behind them, whispering amongst themselves.
Moments later, still led by Li Changqian, they entered a palace.
Inside waited an old man in black robes, accompanied by a group of experts with sharp, imposing auras. The black-robed elder had the strength of a full-stage Half-Emperor, and the other leaders were all Half-Emperor experts as well. Such power could be considered a major faction within the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds.
"Come, young man, let me introduce you. This is the Sect Master of our Spring Autumn Sect, and these are our senior members," Li Changqian said, pointing to the black-robed elder.
"Hehe… Very good. This human youth's physical body is excellent. I like it. Well done bringing them back; you have rendered great service," the Sect Master stared at Ye Yunfei up and down, revealing an eerie smile as he spoke to Li Changqian.
The other senior members of the Spring Autumn Sect were also scrutinizing Ye Yunfei and Hun Lao.
"This tree has gained sentience. Interesting. I wonder what its Soul Body is like—could it also be a tree?" One of the seniors seemed very interested in Hun Lao, letting out an odd, cold laugh.
"Be careful. These fellows are not right. Look at their eyes—they seem hollow, almost like corpses! Yet their sea of consciousness holds terrifying Soul Power. I can feel it," Hun Lao said to Ye Yunfei.
"For some reason, I feel a familiar aura from these fellows," Ye Yunfei replied with a slight frown.
"A familiar feeling? How could you possibly find them familiar?" Hun Lao was stunned by Ye Yunfei's words.
"Very well. I've taken a fancy to this tree's body. I'd like to experience what it's like to be a tree," the senior who had been eyeing Hun Lao sneered.
"Oh? Is this how your Spring Autumn Sect treats its guests?" Hearing the senior's words, Ye Yunfei could no longer contain himself. His face darkened as he coldly addressed Li Changqian.
"Hun Lao, be ready. I'm going to attack," Ye Yunfei transmitted.
"Indeed, this is how our Spring Autumn Sect treats its guests. You two trespassed into our Tianhun Realm, sneaking around with ulterior motives! Now, prepare to offer up your bodies. Don't worry, you'll soon become part of us," Li Changqian said, now devoid of any trace of his earlier warmth.
"I knew you were odd. So it is indeed the case. Go to hell!"
Ye Yunfei sneered, raised his hand, and abruptly slashed out a streak of sword light. It flashed past and struck Li Changqian's body. With only Heavenly Boundary Realm strength, Li Changqian had no power to resist Ye Yunfei's strike. With a *bang*, his body exploded into a cloud of blood mist.