Chapter 4757: Caught “Mm,” the Azure Emperor nodded, his expression softening slightly. He then produced three immortal fruits from his spatial ring. “These are rewards for the three of you. Take them back and eat them. They will increase your spirit energy by a hundred years.” “Thank you, Master!” the three exclaimed in unison, happily stepping forward to receive the fruits. After bowing respectfully, they retreated. At the same time, in the East Sea Spirit Realm, where Xuanyuan Mo Ze nurtured his soul, Gu Mo, one of the Phoenix Guards, was on patrol with his men. Ever since their Master left, the eight Phoenix Guards had taken turns stationed here. Strange phenomena occurred occasionally in this realm, and even their constant vigilance couldn’t fully deter the curiosity and adventurous spirit of certain cultivators. The Phoenix Guards knew that Hell’s Lord existed within the sea, which was why they maintained their watch. However, to outsiders, this area was rumored to hold great treasures, so despite the risk of death, there were always those willing to venture in. “Captain, we’ve caught three loose cultivators who were trying to sneak into the sea,” a Phoenix Guard reported. Gu Mo, who was patrolling the sea, frowned. “Take them to the sandy area by the sea.” With that, he led his team back. It was almost noon, and although approaching the East Sea Spirit Realm was strictly forbidden, quite a few cultivators still loitered in the surrounding area. Thus, when they saw the Phoenix Guards dragging three cultivators towards the sandy beach, the distant onlookers couldn’t help but turn their gazes. “Let me go, let me go! Who are you to arrest me?” One of the captured cultivators struggled, attempting to break free. But he was held firmly by the highly trained Phoenix Guards, who would not allow an easy escape. “We didn’t do anything, what do you want? Let us go!” another shouted, trying to maintain composure, though fear flickered in his eyes. “This East Sea Spirit Realm isn’t your territory. So what if we snuck in? Let us go!” a third person cried out, but received no response. The Phoenix Guards escorted them to the sandy beach, then sharply kicked them behind the knees, shouting coldly, “Kneel!” As they roared the command, they simultaneously pressed down with their hands. “Arghhh!” The three cultivators, caught off guard by the kick, cried out in pain as their knees buckled, forcing them instinctively to their knees. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦 “Captain!” The Phoenix Guards saluted respectfully as Gu Mo returned, their voices loud and clear, audible even to the cultivators watching from a distance. The three kneeling cultivators raised their heads and looked at the figure before them. He was dressed in a simple yet elegant purple robe with a jade belt around his waist, and a Phoenix Guard captain’s badge was pinned to his side. Looking up, they saw his handsome face, an indifferent expression, and the imposing aura of a high-ranking official. This was one of the eight Phoenix Guard captains under the legendary Ghost Doctor, Feng Jiu! The three of them froze, their breathing becoming erratic. They trembled slightly, overwhelmed by panic and terror. “Cultivators are not allowed to approach this area of the East Sea Spirit Realm. Don’t you know that?” Gu Mo’s voice was cold and sharp as ice. “We… we didn’t do anything…” one of them stammered, his lips quivering slightly. “Don’t… don’t kill us, we really… we really didn’t do anything, we… we just wanted to go into the sea to see if there was an Immortal Palace…” Hearing this, Gu Mo glanced at them indifferently. “There is no such place as what you call ‘Immortal Palace’ in this sea,” he stated.