Amidst their journey towards the Northern Region, Wang Jian's group faced numerous challenges and encounters that tested their mettle.
They were comfortably ensconced in a grand carriage, suspended in the air by a loyal cadre of seven powerful Wyverns.
As the majestic creatures glided through the skies, the group's thoughts drifted toward their impending mission.
Luo Qiu, Yan Niu, Lady Zhuoran, and Han Xifeng sat within the carriage, discussing their approach with Wang Jian.
Their foresight proved accurate as they encountered a series of skirmishes along their route.
Attacks came from various races, including the relentless Sea Monsters and even groups of humans hailing from smaller sects.
It seemed the lure of the Dwarven Race's advanced technology and knowledge in inscriptions, talismans, and battle formations was too enticing for some to resist.
Wang Jian's group, however, was more than prepared for these encounters.
As they faced a series of opponents, each of whom was merely at the Emperor Realm, Wang Jian's overwhelming power came to the fore.
His formidable domain, a force to be reckoned with, easily subdued his adversaries. It was effortless for him to quell their attacks and emerge unscathed from these confrontations.
Once the skirmishes with their adversaries were over, Wang Jian ensured that none of the fallen opponents would be left with any valuable possessions. As they lay in the wilderness, their pockets turned inside out, Wang Jian and his group continued on their journey.
As they continued their journey, Wang Jian couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. "We're getting close to the edge of the Central Region and the Northern States," he remarked, his voice tinged with a touch of weariness.
Han Xifeng, always attentive to details, chimed in with a note of caution. "Inside the Northern States, we must proceed with utmost care. Drawing attention to ourselves is the last thing we want. During my time in the Heavenly Lotus Sect, I gathered information about the Northern States. It's said that only one Human Empire remains there. The Dwarven Race has claimed the Earth Veins of all other empires."
Wang Jian nodded, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "I plan to leave the Wyverns in a nearby forest within the Central Region," he explained. "The abundant Spiritual Energy here will provide them with a better environment for their growth compared to the Northern Region."
With their decision made, Wang Jian and his four companions bid farewell to the loyal Wyverns that had carried them thus far. They left the majestic creatures amidst the lush forest and set forth on foot into the Northern States.
In this foreign land, devoid of the Wyverns' aerial support, it was Wang Jian who harnessed his potent qi to lift all of them into the air. They soared onward into the Northern Region, their senses alert, and their mission clear.
Upon their arrival in the Northern Region, Wang Jian and his group were confronted with a grim reality. It became abundantly clear just how dire the situation for humans had become in this foreign land.
Every main city they encountered was under the dominion of the Dwarves, who ruled with an iron fist, reducing humans to the status of slaves. Each human bore a mark, a cruel seal on their body that served as a testament to their ownership by a particular Dwarf.
In these cities, the Dwarves committed unspeakable acts, subjecting women of the human race to horrific treatment, treating them as less than the dirt beneath their feet.
The atmosphere was thick with despair and oppression, a haunting reminder of the cruelty inflicted upon the helpless.
Wang Jian, ever the astute observer, took in this dire scene with a composed demeanor. He knew that any hint of their true identities could lead to their capture and enslavement by the Dwarves.
Engaging in combat with these ruthless oppressors, on the other hand, would only serve to broadcast their presence to the entire Dwarven Race, inviting greater peril.
Wang Jian and his group continued their stealthy journey through the Dwarven-dominated city. The streets were bustling with Dwarves, their oppressive presence looming large over the enslaved human population.
Amidst the bustling thoroughfares, Wang Jian identified a couple of Dwarves who appeared to be separate from the throngs. His trained eye picked up subtle differences in their behavior, which indicated they might hold valuable information.
With calculated precision, Wang Jian and his group cornered the unsuspecting Dwarves in a narrow alleyway, away from prying eyes.
The Dwarves, with their distinctive beards and stout physiques, displayed initial shock, followed by a palpable sense of disdain upon realizing they had fallen into the clutches of these humans.
"You there," Wang Jian's voice was calm but carried an underlying intensity. "We're not here to harm you, but we need information. Tell us about the talented Dwarves skilled in constructing powerful talismans and array formations. Don't make this harder than it needs to be."
One of the Dwarves, his eyes filled with defiance, spat in Wang Jian's direction. "Talented Dwarves? You outsiders know nothing of our ways. We won't betray our kind to the likes of you."
Wang Jian's patience remained steadfast, but a hint of frustration crept into his voice. "I suggest you reconsider. We can make your cooperation less painful, or we can take a more... persuasive approach."
The second Dwarf, a bit more apprehensive than his companion, exchanged a nervous glance. "I've heard rumors of such Dwarves," he mumbled, his tone begrudgingly yielding. "But you won't find them here. They're usually in the heart of the Dwarven Dominion, a place you won't reach."
Why are you telling it to this human?!" The other Dwarf's furious shout echoed through the narrow alleyway.
Wang Jian remained unfazed by the outburst, well aware of the tense situation. The defiant Dwarf had unintentionally confirmed the authenticity of the second Dwarf's words.
In a swift and calculated move, Wang Jian subdued the Dwarves, ensuring that their revelations wouldn't jeopardize their mission. With a quick, precise motion, he ended their lives, leaving no room for unintended leaks.
As they left the city, their surroundings transformed from the Dwarven-dominated streets to the serene solitude of the forest. It was a welcome change, free from the prying eyes of the city's inhabitants.
The main routes were used by the Dwarves, and Wang Jian had no intention of engaging in a confrontation with the powerful Dwarven experts, especially given their current mission's sensitivity.
The forest enveloped them in its cool embrace as they ventured deeper in the Northern Region.
Wang Jian contemplated their situation as they ventured deeper into the Northern Region, his thoughts hidden behind the veil of single inverted commas.
'Entering the heart of the Dwarven Powered Immortal Dominion would be troublesome,' he acknowledged silently. 'My human identity would be easily detected by the Immortal Dominion's spirit, and that information would quickly spread among the Dwarves. Survival in such a scenario would be near impossible.'
His mind raced, searching for an alternative solution. Then, inspiration struck. 'I need to create a commotion,' he mused. 'A disturbance so massive that it forces the talented Dwarves out of their protective Immortal Dominion.'
With his plan in mind, Wang Jian turned to his companions, his voice laced with determination. "We're not going to infiltrate the Immortal Dominion directly. Instead, we'll draw them out. We need to target a location or a resource that the Dwarves hold dear. That way, we'll force them to reveal themselves."
Luo Qiu, Yan Niu, Lady Zhuoran, and Han Xifeng nodded in understanding, their expressions reflecting the seriousness of the task at hand.
Lady Zhuoran's tone grew serious as she contributed her insights. "From the information the Spirit Affinity Sect gathered about the Dwarven Race," she began, "it's clear that they have a voracious appetite for resources, particularly rare ores. These ores serve as the lifeblood for crafting their weapons, armors, talismans, and formations."
Han Xifeng followed up with a crucial detail. "Moreover," she continued, "the Dwarves rely heavily on the potent and pure energy of Earth Veins. It's this energy that allows them to elevate the quality of their talismans, formations, armors, and weapons to a level that's nearly unparalleled."
Wang Jian nodded in acknowledgment, absorbing this information.
Wang Jian wore a thoughtful frown as he contemplated their next move. "Even if we target one of their mines or seize an Earth Vein-rich region," he began, "it won't necessarily draw out the Dwarves with exceptional skills in talismans or formations. We'd likely face their warrior counterparts instead."
Luo Qiu interjected with an intriguing idea, her eyes gleaming with determination. "What if," she proposed, "we introduce an entirely new type of ore to this region? One that the Dwarves have never encountered or analyzed before. If this ore is exceptionally resilient, resisting their attempts to extract it and transport it back to their Immortal Dominion..."
Wang Jian's skepticism was evident in his response. "That would imply it's either a Saint Ore or, even rarer, an Immortal Ore," he said, his tone tinged with doubt. "Finding something like that here would be nothing short of a miracle."
Luo Qiu sighed, acknowledging the challenge. "True," she admitted, "it's a long shot. But if we could locate such an ore, it would be the perfect bait. The Dwarven Race would have no choice but to send their most talented experts to investigate. At that precise moment, we could stage an ambush. We might even enlist the aid of remaining human experts in the region for our mission. The only problem is, how do we find an ore like that here?"
