Chapter 1782

"Indeed, it is precisely this aura." Abyss' gaze sharpened, his presence exuding an icy chill. "I don't know why you've summoned me, Ms. Celia. May I ask the reason?" Alexandra asked respectfully, though a hint of nervousness flickered in her expression. "Yesterday, in the great canyon of the Ridge of Mount Moo, was my Burial Heaven Sect disciple, Ecke, slain by your hand?" Abyss pressed forward aggressively as his piercing gaze locked onto her. Abyss' words caused Celia's face to darken. In an instant, a formidable and boundless aura erupted from her, making the surrounding air seem as if it had frozen solid. Unwilling to back down, Abyss forcefully thrust both palms forward, unleashing a tidal wave of overwhelming energy that surged like a mountain collapsing. Celia raised her long hand, meeting Abyss' attack with what appeared to be effortless grace. Their palms collided, and an invisible yet terrifying force exploded outward. The surrounding space seemed to tear apart, emitting a deep, ominous hum. Abyss felt an immense, irresistible force crashing into him. His heart trembled in shock as he realized he had underestimated Celia's strength—her true power was far beyond his expectations. The force sent him sliding backward dozens of steps, his feet carving deep trenches into the ground before he barely managed to stabilize himself. "Elder Abyss, do not think that because your Burial Heaven Sect is well-known, you can act recklessly in my Misty Sect. This is not a place where you can throw your weight around. If you have something to say, say it directly—do not intimidate my disciple. "Since I allowed you to step into my sect's territory, I have already tolerated enough. Do not push your luck." Abyss remained silent for a moment, then nodded slightly as his expression darkened. "I acted impulsively just now. I only seek the truth behind Ecke's death." Turning his sharp gaze back to Alexandra, he gritted his teeth and growled, "Do not think you can fool me. A simple 'I don't know' will not dismiss this matter. Your evasiveness reeks of guilt—was it truly you who killed my sect's disciple?" "I genuinely don't know," Alexandra responded in a low voice, beads of sweat beginning to form on her forehead. "You're still trying to deceive me?" Abyss' eyes widened in fury as he roared. "It seems that you do not take my words seriously, Elder Abyss. In that case, you're no longer welcome in my Misty Sect." Celia waved her long hand, and an overwhelming force surged forth, instantly expelling Abyss from the Grand Hall. He was pushed back a hundred feet through the air, his figure swaying as he struggled to regain balance—but even so, he managed to steady himself. "Ms. Celia, your power is indeed formidable. However, had my sect leader come today instead, I doubt you would be acting this way. Regardless, my Burial Heaven Sect will not let this matter rest. We shall see." Abyss' face was ashen with anger. After throwing out these words, he turned and left. As the renowned Grand Elder of the Burial Heaven Sect, merely holding his own against Celia was already a remarkable feat. "This Grand Elder of the Burial Heaven Sect is not to be underestimated. What a troublesome opponent." Celia sighed lightly as her elegant brows furrowed. Although she had expelled Abyss from the hall, she had yet to fully grasp his true strength. There was an unfathomable depth to him that left her uneasy. "Now, tell me. How exactly did that disciple from the Burial Heaven Sect die?" Celia turned her gaze toward Alexandra with a stern expression, her eyes filled with scrutiny. "Ecke was killed by someone from Alpha Sect. However, he once saved my life." Alexandra spoke honestly. There was a flicker of gratitude and helplessness crossing her eyes. "If it has nothing to do with you, then I am at ease. Still, it is surprising that Alpha Sect produced such a disciple. It seems the state of Lewington is about to descend into turmoil once again." "Ms. Celia, I wish to go to the Tushar Lands." Alexandra's gaze was unwavering as she said in a resolute tone. "What?" Celia's expression shifted with shock. "Do you have any idea how terrifying that place is? For a thousand years, not a single disciple has returned alive. It is a frozen wasteland of absolute death. "The extreme cold will freeze your blood in an instant. The gales can tear through flesh, and countless unknown, powerful beasts lurk within. One misstep, and you will face eternal doom. That place is simply not suited for you." Celia's eyes were filled with concern. "Ms. Celia, my mind is made up. Even if it means facing near-certain death, I will not retreat. The battle over the Dragon Essence made me realize the vast gap in my strength. "Only by going to the Tushar Lands can I hope to break through. I humbly ask for your permission." Alexandra clenched her fists tightly, and there was the fire of determination burning in her heart. The Tushar Lands had been the deadliest training ground in Misty Sect's history. For thousands of years, no one had ever successfully returned. Alexandra's insistence caught Celia off guard. "Fine. Do as you wish."