Chapter 1072: All Plans Settled

"Xuantu."

Mount Dayuanguangyin, originally named Mount Tangdao, was a sharp peak rising from the gentlest terrain in Huaijian. It once radiated a powerful golden aura, like a long blade pointing to the sky. Later, due to geomantic changes, this golden energy dissipated, and the mountain lost its sharp prominence.

By the time Li Ximing arrived at Mount Dayuanguangyin, the place was utterly transformed. The hills were rounded and lacked any sharp edges, and a dense, rolling malefic aura enveloped the ground like a mist, continuously breathing.

"Though it has lost its sharpness, it has gained in height. This mountain remains majestic and now feels more like a renowned immortal peak."

With a touch and a push of his fingertip, he gathered the light of the six directions, his heart pounding: "So this is the path of Xuantu!"

Malefic aura is typically confined within the earth's meridians; it only surfaces during landslides, earthquakes, or when drawn out by a spring. When the Li clan moved Mount Qingdu years ago, they disturbed the earth's meridians, causing a powerful malefic aura to surge forth.

Yet, Mount Dayuanguangyin now showed signs of crumbling earth and rock. Despite its formidable appearance, it was riddled with holes and constantly shifting as the malefic aura flowed through it. Tiny silver-black lights leaped from the earth's meridians, releasing golden energy that dispersed into the air.

"Gold emerges from the malefic, and the malefic recedes into the earth."

Li Ximing mused: "Xuantu has been dormant for many years, with only a few occasional rumors speaking of its indestructibility by vajra or lightning… Indestructibility by lightning is understandable. Its invulnerability to vajra comes from its ability to expand and release, expelling golden energy, making it impervious to both soft and hard attacks, hence its indestructibility."

Sima Yuanli had already been dispatched on a reconnaissance mission, leaving only Li Ximing and Tian Jue, who rode the wind and gracefully landed on the high-standing bronze palace.

After waiting for a while, Li Ximing quietly adjusted his sleeve. Thunder boomed in the sky, and a bronze staircase materialized from the dense darkness. Yang Ruiyi descended the steps, cupped his hands, and said:

"Daoist Zhang, you've arrived just in time!"

Tian Jue, who had previously spoken of the Yang clan with indifference, now wore a smile and eagerly said: "Thank you, sir! You've truly resolved a great difficulty for my Dao heart!"

His words were warm, but Li Ximing, recalling Tian Jue's earlier remarks, sensed that he wasn't genuinely pleased; his warmth was superficial. Yang Ruiyi, with a slight nod and a hint of a smile, then said:

"We'll have to trouble Daoist Zhang to guard the mountain."

Tian Jue, without hesitation, raised an eyebrow and replied: "General, rest assured. In the matter of attacking Zhao, Shu and Song are united. Tian Huo is already outside with Dan Yin and Duan Yan, and my uncle, True Man Chunshuo, is also guarding the Tai Xu, holding the Xinyun Pearl…"

His expression was calm and natural, revealing the invisible heritage and pride of the Jinyi Dao lineage. He casually continued: "With Jinyi and Shangqing working together, there's no other Dao lineage in the world that can claim to instantly conquer Mount Dayuanguangyin!"

The Golden Feather Sect, backed by True Monarch Taiyuan, had Jinyi and Shangqing mutually aligned, though not openly. Their hidden strength was immeasurable. Those with high talent were brought into the Immortal Cave, while those with strong character were sent out to control the four directions. Tian Jue's confidence was not unfounded or exaggerated.

Yang Ruiyi smiled and, without avoiding Li Ximing, sat down in the hall. "It's surprising that such an important matter doesn't warrant disturbing Senior Yi Ge, and even more curious that Senior Tian Dong isn't here—by my reckoning, even if he were reincarnated… he should have reached the Purple Mansion realm by now."

Tian Jue was silent for a moment, then whispered: "My senior brother passed away many years ago."

Yang Ruiyi paused, slightly stunned, clearly disbelieving.

"Tian Dong cultivates Earth Virtue and has extraordinary talent. He couldn't have died prematurely without reason, nor could he have broken through in the Jinyi Immortal Cave only to 'pass away many years ago.'"

There wasn't much more for them to say. Tian Jue got straight to the point, his expression grave, and he quietly asked: "When will the golden energy at the summit dissipate completely? Do you require my sect's assistance?"

Yang Ruiyi replied calmly: "No need to trouble yourself. It will be resolved in three days."

Tian Jue's expression softened slightly. He said no more, cupped his hands, and stated: "Thank you, sir."

He then stepped out into the Tai Xu without another word, leaving Yang Ruiyi standing thoughtfully in the hall. Li Ximing, seeing the unpleasant turn in their conversation, secretly sighed:

"The Jinyi Dao lineage, after all, is under Luoxia's jurisdiction and cannot be close to the Underworld… Even if Yang Ruiyi had his own plans, designing Tian Jue's involvement, he couldn't maintain a pleasant demeanor when forced to act…

'Resolved in three days… Tian Jue also came under pressure from Mount Changhuai. Yang Ruiyi doesn't have much time left to maneuver."

"Congratulations, sir, on conquering Mount Tangdao!"

Yang Ruiyi turned to look at him, his eyes widening slightly in surprise as he exclaimed: "Zhaojing has actually cultivated the wondrous method of reincarnation!"

Li Ximing gasped. Though he had sealed his life within a scroll, Yang Ruiyi had seen through it with a single glance. He returned the greeting with a smile and said: "It's merely about preserving a limb or a body part; it's practically a joke in front of your noble clan!"

Given the Yang clan's Underworld background, when it came to reincarnation, aside from Penglai overseas, no one in Jiangnan was fit to even carry their shoes. Yang Ruiyi's casual mention of a 'wondrous method of reincarnation' made Li Ximing feel quite ashamed.

Yang Ruiyi shook his head silently and said softly: "My clan, being near the water, receives the moon first; we do possess a few secret arts. However, I also know that not many such arts are circulated in the world. Preserving a limb or a body is extremely difficult, and as for reincarnation into another life, it is only possible for those who seize heavenly opportunities and wield golden fortune."

He seemed somewhat reflective as he replied: "In Yue Kingdom… I believe only King Wei possesses the ability to reincarnate safely and enjoy another five hundred years of life."

Facing his probe, Li Ximing avoided answering, sighing: "If there were Dao practitioners who could reincarnate year after year, avoiding heavenly secrets and calamities, what kind of figures would they be today?"

Yang Ruiyi showed no unusual expression, merely chuckled: "Forget about it before the Heavenly Transformation. After the Heavenly Transformation… it's exceedingly difficult… The path of reincarnation is deeply constrained by banished qi, and with no supreme witches present, even without Underworld interference, a single reincarnation is as hard as ascending to heaven. Even if successful… there are many troubles, not to mention a second time, when even achieving the Dao becomes impossible."

His gaze swept over Li Ximing, seemingly inquisitive. Li Ximing, having studied the 'Wondrous Method of Divided Spirit and Alien Body,' had a good understanding of reincarnation. Knowing that Yang Ruiyi was subtly warning Li Zhouwei, he avoided the direct question and replied:

"I suppose I took too much for granted!"

Yang Ruiyi smiled, then his expression grew serious. "I'll trouble Zhaojing… After the calamity on the lake passes, the north will still need your assistance. I intend to send a True Man to lead troops to suppress Mount Cai, coordinating with Tangdao and Xiaoshi. After much consideration, only Zhaojing is suitable!"

Li Ximing naturally knew that the matter was far from over and that there would be no easy return for him. He worriedly replied: "I will obey your command… However, sir, the situation at Mount Tangdao… still requires caution!"

As Li Ximing was not at Moon Lake, he naturally hoped Yang Ruiyi could firmly hold Mount Tangdao. If this place fell, Mount Cai would face severe danger, and the lake region would be even more troubled!

Yang Ruiyi nodded slightly, understanding the implications, and smiled: "Mount Cai has already been taken by True Man Chengqian, a disciple of True Man Xianyao from Guoling Peak. Ximing, there's no need to rush, lest you hastily fall into an enemy trap. Be careful on your journey. Whether you've already rendezvoused with him or encountered any situation on the way, be sure to report back to me first."

"Both of your clan's young masters possess extraordinary talent. I have already reported to the lord, arranging for the general to guard Zhuoshalin and for the official to oversee the wilderness with me, which will surely ensure the safety of the lake region."

He reminded him: "Your clan's young masters are coveted by Buddhist cultivators. It's not advisable for them to be at checkpoints like Xiaoshi, Mount Cai, or Bianyan. The wilderness is under my protection, so as long as Mount Tangdao and the wilderness don't fall, Zhuoshalin will be extremely safe, preventing anyone from harming them in one fell swoop."

"Yang Ruiyi isn't guarding Mount Tangdao?"

Li Ximing was momentarily stunned, though he continued to express his thanks. Seeing Yang Ruiyi wave a hand, as if knowing what he was about to say, he casually stated: "Mount Tangdao will be guarded by someone."

Li Ximing saw that the other party didn't seem worried, but rather concerned about unexpected tricks from Buddhist cultivators. Understanding the situation, he silently assented, retreated from the mountain, and, having received his orders, hurried into the Tai Xu. Before long, purple clouds gracefully arrived, and Tinglan had already reached the location.

Tinglan, who had remained unharmed and in good condition during the recent battle, eagerly entered the bronze palace and bowed, saying: "Greetings, sir!"

The great hall remained deeply secluded. The only difference was that a golden scroll, depicting five-colored water and fire with golden patterns on a bluish-purple background, now lay on the previously bare, polished round table.

Alongside the scroll rested a ritual artifact resembling a broken sword, engraved with intertwined water and fire serpents. Its texture was like both gold and jade, and it lay on a jade plate, emitting a faint glow.

Facing Tinglan, Yang Ruiyi was no longer as formal as before, appearing much more relaxed. He listened as Tinglan said: "Just now, True Man Hongyan of the Ni clan from Western Shu has arrived at Xiaoshi. I was ordered to hand over the territory and surrender Xiaoshi to Western Shu…"

Forced by the current situation, Yang Ruiyi had to yield to Shu, handing over Xiaoshi, one of Huaijian's key strongholds, to Qing Jifang. While regrettable, it relieved pressure and appeased Western Shu—after all, the Golden Feather Sect ultimately belonged to Western Shu.

Yang Ruiyi nodded slightly, the spell in his hand trembling faintly as if he were calculating something. Tinglan waited quietly for a while, then finally couldn't help but whisper: "Shanji has requested assistance three times… If we sit by and do nothing, it might endanger the surrounding areas!"

Tinglan wasn't entirely thinking of his Great Song; his own True Man Wenqing was still fighting in Shanji. If anything happened, it would mean severing the sole heir of their blessed land.

Yang Ruiyi then turned his head to Tinglan and said: "They've already broken through. Take the Xuanwei Yazhang, go immediately to Yufu, announce the lord's decree, and deliver this artifact."

Tinglan paused, slightly startled. After accepting the order, he replied: "To whom shall I deliver it… please instruct, sir."

Yang Ruiyi said: "When you reach Shanji, the decree will reveal it."

The darkness was dim and heavy.

A cluster of flames blossomed in the Tai Xu, as if leaping. True Man Tian Jue, controlling the spiritual fire, descended. He saw a Daoist standing in the Tai Xu, wearing a high crown and white robe, forming hand seals, isolated from the world, seemingly in meditation. His appearance bore a striking resemblance to Zhang Yun of yesteryear.

"Uncle!"

In the distance, a golden cloud shimmered, with faint thunder rumbling within. Chunshuo tilted his head, his gaze still fixed on the golden cloud, his expression composed: "What was Sir Yang's reply?"

Tian Jue cupped his hands and replied: "Three days."

This news clearly brought a measure of relief to Chunshuo. He murmured: "The Underworld is still arrogant, unwilling to make things awkward… Duan Yan and I had estimated it wouldn't exceed thirty days. Now… it seems we were being too petty."

"Once this matter is resolved… Tian Yi can also pursue the Dao with peace of mind."

The Tian Yi he spoke of was none other than True Man Qiushui, as he was known among the people of Jiangnan!

True Man Chunshuo cultivated the Dao year-round within the Immortal Cave, staying out of worldly affairs and focusing solely on Daoist cultivation, which made his temperament more expansive. Tian Jue, however, was not inherently generous. He simply shook his head and said: "I think it's appropriate. The time for direct engagement is still far off. Mount Dayuanguangyin is a good tactic, but even with ample excuses, we still need to provide an explanation to the Qing family."

His expression subtly shifted, and he lowered his head, saying: "I've seen the 'Illumination of All Under Heaven' achieved by Li Ximing."

True Man Chunshuo immediately turned his head, his expression focused, listening as Tian Jue said: "It is indeed the one from Tinglan's possession!"

True Man Chunshuo's expression was unreadable. He whispered: "Tinglan? The 'Monarch's Heart-Illuminating Scripture'? What about it?"

Tian Jue nodded slightly, took a step forward, and replied in a low voice: "Uncle, you've been cultivating within the sect for many years, so this is how it is… During the Wei period, there were many talented individuals in the Cui clan, including masters of divine abilities. However, they lacked one crucial divine ability that only the royal family could cultivate to perfection: the 'Illumination of All Under Heaven.' So, Emperor Wei bestowed upon them the 'Monarch's Heart-Illuminating and Dividing Scripture' to rectify this deficiency and observe the hearts of his subjects…"

"However, the 'Monarch's Heart-Illuminating Scripture' requires a personal conferral by the Emperor or cultivation by a Crown Prince to achieve proper alignment. If an ordinary person steals this scripture, lacking the necessary spiritual rank, they cannot cultivate the divine ability, and it also comes with numerous drawbacks."

"But the Cui clan had made modifications… Cui Niexiang obtained the 'Imperial Decree for Mortals to Awaken the Sublime Scripture' from Li Guangheng's residence and gave it to Li Li. He used this unannounced secret method to perfect the 'Monarch's Heart-Illuminating Scripture.' Although 'Illumination of All Under Heaven' could now be cultivated, the calamity of misalignment persisted throughout…"

True Man Chunshuo narrowed his eyes, took a golden seal from his sleeve, tossed it into the air, and sent it to suppress the surging golden light, stabilizing the situation. Only then did he turn his head and say: "Now, this Li Ximing is a descendant of Wei, so it's normal for him to have succeeded."

Tian Jue shook his head, hesitating: "Uncle, you don't know this, but this alignment isn't merely about being an imperial descendant; it also requires an extremely high spiritual rank. Back when Crown Prince Tuobajun of Liang attained the Solar Leap, it was the Shaoyang Demon Monarch who bestowed this 'Illumination of All Under Heaven' upon him. Although he failed, it proves that even if one isn't a crown prince, they must be personally designated by a significant figure…"

"But Li Ximing cannot be a crown prince. According to Tian Yi's deductions, only Li Zhouwei and a few of his golden-eyed kin in the entire Li clan could even be remotely associated with royalty, allowing them to cultivate this method without any abnormality…"

True Man Chunshuo raised an eyebrow, understanding his meaning, and softly said: "You think someone enlightened him?"

Tian Jue replied: "I suspect… someone wants to protect Li Ximing from the calamity of Mingyang."

True Man Chunshuo was silent for a moment, then shook his head: "I don't think so—if you spoke of Li Zhouluo, I might believe you more. What is there about Li Ximing that warrants protection? Although I've heard his fire control techniques are excellent, what does that really amount to?"

Tian Jue sighed and said: "This junior believes this is a bad sign… If the Underworld is making these gestures to repay favors to the Li clan prematurely, it suggests that the losses in Mingyang are far more severe than we imagined, and the incident could happen very suddenly… It won't be long now."

True Man Chunshuo pressed his palms together and replied: "No need to worry. The lord made arrangements long ago… That year, when Zhang Yun requested to assign Duan Yan to the Li clan, it was stopped by a golden decree… Only now do I understand the lord's intentions. How could minor cultivators like us comprehend heavenly destiny? How could we know the lord's arrangements?"

Tian Jue remained silent. He had shared True Man Chunshuo's thoughts back then, but after prolonged experience outside, his views had gradually changed. He secretly shook his head: "Uncle truly embodies the Shangqing style…"

Tian Huo's words echoed in his ears again. Though the child was much younger than him, many of his remarks pierced him to the bone: "Even if the True Monarch has boundless immortal life, if we wait for him to arrange everything, what use are we?"

Dark clouds obscured the sun; the colors were dim and heavy.

Within a ghostly realm of the netherworld, countless skeletal specters formed mountains. A faint golden light, like a weak candlelight, flickered within this haunted domain.

True Man Chang Yun stood in the gloom. The thousands of owls, night-hawks, and sinister ravens that had been circling in the sky had all fallen to the ground, lying belly-up with their feathers disheveled. The whistling ghostly winds had ceased, leaving only silence.

The dark sky revealed large and small holes, like a tattered sack riddled with burn marks, through which beams of heavenly light shone. Enormous golden figures, resembling countless mountain peaks, stood silently outside the ghostly realm.

The light of Xuantu from afar shot directly into the heavens and earth, with autumn clouds like snow. This caused the group of Buddhist Lamenters to lower their heads eerily, not daring to speak.

The bronze ghostly palanquin, which had originally floated in the sky, had long since fallen to the ground, submerged in the ruins. Ancient bronze lamps lay askew, and the steps were covered in indentations. A young monk stood quietly there, his body seemingly unharmed, holding a bronze alms bowl in his hands.

All the Golden Bodies throughout heaven and earth fell silent, not daring to speak, waiting for the young monk to turn his head. His gaze, chilling and terrifying, fixed on Mingxiang, who knelt before him, covered in wounds: "Great Master Mingxiang… Was it merely a ghost in the bronze ghostly palanquin that held you besieged for so long?"

Mingxiang appeared heavily wounded and replied with a heavy tone: "Sir… Yang Ruiyi appeared, destroyed my junior brother's Dharma body… then gravely wounded me and pushed me to despair. If not for True Man Chang Yun's rescue, I would have long been dead! Seeing his scheme succeed, he used a ghost to control the palanquin and secretly escaped… Under the concealment of banished qi, not to mention minor cultivators, even Master wouldn't be able to see through it!"

Jiang Toushou's gaze was cold. He had long known that Lotus Temple harbored ulterior motives and illicit designs, intending to use Yang Ruiyi's hand to eliminate people. How could he speak of it so easily? Though anger flared in his heart, he saw Mingxiang's eyes well up with tears, who then wept:

"Under banished qi, one risks losing their life at any moment. How could Mingxiang harbor ulterior motives…? If Master hadn't bestowed a treasure upon us before arriving, my junior brother would have lost his life by now. Besides doing our best to resist the enemy, how could we manage anything else!"

He raised his head and prompted: "Mingxiang was also harmed by others. Please, sir, clearly discern which family sought to eliminate our Buddhist Dao at Mount Dayuanguangyin!"

Jiang Toushou had seen Mingxiang several times at Mount Dayang. To put it bluntly, he was the only sensible one from Lotus Temple, and somewhat credible. For a moment, he couldn't discern how much truth lay in Mingxiang's words. He turned to Chang Yun and said gloomily:

"Alright… alright. Then True Man Chang Yun… you are skilled in the immortal path, with divine abilities at your disposal, yet you didn't notice anything?"

Chang Yun was, strictly speaking, a person from Zhixuan Xie. By now, he had also clearly seen the situation. He crossed his arms, sneered, and suddenly opened his eyes. His hollow gaze fixed on Jiang Toushou as he said indifferently: "I'm blind. Is Jiang Toushou also blind?"

His double entendre caused the young man's face to darken, but he understood. He then laughed in extreme anger, saying coldly: "Qi Lanyan truly has excellent calculations!"

Chang Yun shrugged, eager for Qi Lanyan to incur more enmity. He grandly stepped into the Tai Xu, leaving a mocking, cold voice in the air: "I will certainly deliver the message!"

The young man's eyes grew increasingly dark. After a while, he saw a Lamenter hurrying up, who fearfully reported: "Sir… Great Master Guangchan has returned with his people, crossed the Baijiang Stream, and is now at Mount Dayuanguangyin… The fighting has already begun."

Jiang Toushou closed his eyes, exhaled deeply, and sneered: "He dares not come to see me now!"

The Lamenter hesitated with some difficulty, then, after a moment's pause, stepped forward: "We shall go…"

Jiang Toushou abruptly pulled out his hand and slapped the Lamenter, sending him sprawling to the ground. He snarled with hatred: "Go where? The Golden Feather Sect is already here, what's this 'go or not go' nonsense!"

After a tirade, he withdrew his hand. The face of Tian Langzhi, the Great Desire Dao's Mahakala, suddenly appeared in his mind. Under his vexation, his expression grew even colder: "Tian Langzhi's sudden withdrawal from Longdi was not without reason… It's not just Qi Lanyan who is plotting against me; eight or nine out of ten of the Seven Ministers are watching coldly… waiting for my Dayang Mountain to suffer losses…"

The monk stood there for a long time before coldly saying: "Go to Bianyan Mountain."

Shanji.

At the summit, wind and clouds gathered, and water and fire converged. The plain below was hazy, everything appearing dim and lifeless. The light of a grand formation shimmered like glazed tile before them, yet it offered no sense of security. A man stood motionlessly in the mountains, his head bowed.

This man was tall and gaunt-faced. Although his head was bowed, his expression still held a hint of grimness. He stood alone, holding a jade pot as if to pour tea—this was none other than Kong Xiaxiang, the Head of Xuanyue.

A jade-like table beside him radiated white light. Kong Tingyun sat quietly leaning against it, gazing silently at the changing winds and clouds in the sky.

A pale white jade pendant lay on the table, alternately brightening and dimming.

Even with fierce fighting in the southern sky, like dragons churning endlessly in the clouds, and the jade pendant calling out repeatedly, her expression remained utterly unchanged.

But Kong Xiaxiang clenched his jaw, having hesitated for a long time, and said in a low voice: "True Man… up in the sky…"

Kong Tingyun remained silent.

Her gaze was not directed at the sky, but rather pierced through the dense woods to the stone steps on the mountain. Kong Tingyun's eyes gradually turned cold, and her expression became increasingly indifferent.

A young man in blue robes ascended the mountain steps, his eyes bright, his expression leisurely, seemingly at ease. He strolled with his hands behind his back, a smile on his face.

That face imprinted itself upon Kong Xiaxiang's eyes, causing him to freeze instantly. The middle-aged man began to tremble uncontrollably, the jade pot in his hand emitting a faint gurgling sound, and from his eyes, an uncontrollable blend of fear and hatred shot out like lightning.

True Man Ye Gui, Bai Ziyu.

This True Man strolled over as if taking a leisurely walk in a garden. He glanced at Kong Tingyun, then his gaze naturally fell upon Kong Xiaxiang's face, and he unexpectedly burst into laughter.

For a moment, Kong Xiaxiang felt a sense of disorientation. Facing the primary culprit behind Xuanyue's collapse and the True Man who had slaughtered the most Kong family disciples, his hatred was uncontrollable. Yet, reason told him to rein in his expression. He could only lower his brows in a distorted manner, but how could he deceive Ye Gui?

Seeing him lower his head, the True Man's face gained a hint of mockery.

"Daoist friend, how carefree you are. While the world outside is falling apart with fighting, you remain safe and sound here."

Ye Gui was Xuanyue's greatest enemy, so Kong Tingyun naturally showed him no kindness. Yet, Ye Gui smiled: "Daoist Kong, I am acting under the orders of Zhixuan Xie to request your assistance in resolving this crisis and resuming the attack on Yufu."

Kong Tingyun swept a cold gaze over him and replied: "Daoist friend, you can handle it yourself."

Kong Tingyun was not foolish. With Gongsun Bei, Helian Wujiang, and Murong Yan already fighting outside, there was no need for her to participate.

However, the south now viewed her as a thorn in their side. If she rushed out and there was an ambush, it would certainly be aimed at her! Ye Gui's eagerness for her to emerge, invoking Zhixuan's command, clearly stemmed from a desire to harm or test her!

Thus, she remained unswayed, sitting quietly in the mountains. Ye Gui nodded with interest. He naturally understood that the animosity between their two families could not be resolved. Pulling his sleeves together, he walked out, his heart calm:

"Only one of us will survive in the end. I'll be watching to see how you survive when the North-South struggle concludes and Zhixuan discards you like a worn-out shoe!"

Then, he rose into the air and entered the Tai Xu. Soon, water and fire surged, jade essence appeared, and flickering purple qi ascended. Gongsun Bei, wielding a red axe, and Liu Bai, the current Protector of Jinghai, were locked in an intense battle, stirring up countless waves!

Among all the kings, only King Wei was the least constrained, almost forming a state within a state, becoming a land not illuminated by Xiulu. All other kings were restrained and received significant attention from Xiulu. The Protector's manor was even comparable to that of a great general. This former True Man Zhusheng, now the Protector of Jinghai, held an important position in the Song court, donned armor and led troops, and was greatly favored by the Star of Xiulu, making him entirely different from before!

He stood high in the sky, his great banner fluttering wildly behind him, dividing into water and fire. The surging light of Xiulu poured down from above, transforming into profound True Qi, blessing his Dharma body and causing Gongsun Bei's expression to turn grave.

Liu Bai, cultivating the path of Jade True, was highly compatible with True Qi and was also a three-divine-ability Sword Dao cultivator. With the blessing of profound True Qi, his power was breathtaking! He not only steadily suppressed Gongsun Bei but also had time to restrain Helian Wujiang. Without him, the numerous minor cultivators from the south would never have been able to trap the Buddhist practitioners of Shanji!

Nearby, Murong Yan was locked in a fierce battle with Ning Wan. This female water cultivator's strength firmly surpassed Ning Wan's, but Ning Wan not only wielded the terrifying cold blade but was also surrounded by formation flags like white sparrows. Though this formation genius could not defeat him, she constantly shifted her formations, firmly holding him back.

Whenever Murong Yan tried to break through, Ning Wan immediately gripped the Great Snow Absolute Edge, instantly making him behave. Realizing the situation, he simply half-heartedly continued the delay.

Even with Gongsun Bei's extraordinary strength, he couldn't help but curse inwardly: "If the Xiguang Fenyi Treasure Platform hadn't been withdrawn, how could they dare to be so presumptuous here!"

Although Gongsun Bei was powerful, he was short on resources, unlike Tinglan and Ning Wan, who were heirs of the Solar Dao lineage. Liu Bai, furthermore, had acquired a miraculously potent jade ring, leaving Gongsun Bei frustrated and unable to exert his full strength.

Even so, the south's situation grew more precarious. At the most critical points, Helian Wujiang and Helian Wumeng, Linyin Gulan and True Man Wenqing, who had just entered the Purple Mansion realm, were held back by the battle-hardened Helian Wumeng alone. True Man Xianyao, arriving from the sea, was steadily losing ground against Helian Wujiang, his face pale and his situation dire. If not for Liu Bai's occasional reinforcement, the front line would have long collapsed!

Even if they barely managed to stabilize, it was no longer a siege of Shanji. The fighting had already retreated a hundred li, reaching the prefecture of Yufu!

Precisely at this moment, a dense white light appeared between heaven and earth. Scattered purple rain drifted down as a youth, wreathed in light, approached with a smile, his voice echoing through the Tai Xu: "Mount Dongyu!"

The colossal white mountain rumbled as it emerged from the Tai Xu, shifting. Ning Wan sharply raised her head, her heart instantly turning to ice.

"Ye Gui has arrived…"

The current situation was already barely sustainable; how could they withstand a sudden strike from this mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator!

"Moreover… Qi Lanyan has been out of sight. With Ye Gui's arrival, how far behind could Qi Lanyan be?"

She had only retreated one step when Murong Yan suddenly launched an attack. The disguise he had worn for so long abruptly vanished, and a surging light of female water essence swept away the surrounding cold restraints, heading directly for her face.

Evidently, although Murong Yan had been observing the situation with ambiguity, upon seeing Ye Gui make his move, he surmised that Zhixuan's reinforcements had arrived. He immediately acted to restrain Ning Wan, aiming for a greater battle outcome.

Ning Wan's expression became stern. One hand decisively pressed upon her longsword, then abruptly drew it!

A dark-white sword, patterned with the Lunar Ascent constellation, short-hilted and long-bladed, depicting the convergence of heaven and earth—the Great Snow Absolute Edge surged forth, its star-like blade pointing directly at the sky!

"Clang!"

The Great Snow Absolute Edge was not a pure spiritual sword, but a spell-casting sword. Rolling cold snow surged towards him, and Murong Yan's expression changed dramatically. All his divine abilities instantly contracted, and a dark-grey light enveloped his body: "Ning Wuchen!"

But as all his divine abilities condensed and fell away like a painted skin, the longsword had already shot straight into the sky, transforming into a pure white light that pierced through heaven and earth, colliding with the surging flying mountain.

"Boom!"

Pale white currents rolled down like falling rocks. The intensely condensed light of cold snow had turned an icy white, subtly tinged with a dark gleam from its extreme condensation. A massive flying mountain was instantly cleaved in two, shattered into ashes and dissipated with a single strike!

The terrifying light of cold snow even made Gongsun Bei and Liu Bai turn their heads in unison, revealing expressions of astonishment.

"The Great Snow Absolute Edge… truly lives up to its reputation…"

But as Ning Wan stood pale and still in the air, there was nothing behind the flying mountain. Ye Gui's figure dispersed like wind, subtly reappearing behind the purple-robed woman who was struggling to block Helian Wumeng's weapon.

True Man Wenqing's expression suddenly changed. The faint yellow light in Ye Gui's hand had already been precisely conjured:

Three-Star Abandoning Purity Profound Light!

The hazy Three-Star light struck first, causing True Man Wenqing's face to whiten, her eyes to show fear, and her to cough up blood. She felt as though her entire body was on fire, stinging intensely, and a wondrous restraint descended, rendering her immobile.

Ye Gui had already flipped his palm and pushed it forward, as surging, crystalline berserk sand appeared and spread hazily across the ground. With one hand forming a seal at his chest, the Western Heaven Plateau's essence was contained within his outstretched palm, and a wondrous light soared as six runes emerged on his palm:

Six Leaves Broad Poison Holding Method!

Ye Gui was not widely renowned, but he had also inherited the Douxuan Dao lineage. The spells in his hand were no worse than Changxiao's. However, the collapse of the Metropolitan Guard, which had remained hidden for many years, had caused him great suffering. Over time, he had gradually devised methods to compensate.

The Six Leaves Broad Poison Holding Method, after years of his refinement, compensated for its flaws and achieved wholeness, integrating gold and white, blending with barbarian light. It had been brewing in his hands for a long time, becoming both venomous and ruthless—a great method for destroying one's cultivation and Dharma body! He smiled and said:

"Take this spell of mine, and you'll cultivate in vain for ten years!"

His words, driven by divine ability, exploded like thunder, causing Wenqing's eyes to dim slightly. Though his words were a triumphant boast, there was no hint of triumph in Ye Gui's eyes. Instead, he slowed slightly, his gaze shifting.

At this critical moment, a point of golden light emerged, blocking Ye Gui's palm!

"Clang!"

A violent clang burst in the air. Ye Gui's figure shattered like foam again. He had already moved five steps away, his fingers pressed together before him, and he looked up.

A golden spear was tightly clutched in a man's hand.

This man was eight feet tall, with entirely white hair and beard, a thick waist, dressed in pleated robes, wearing golden boots, and a peacock-tail crown. A golden-red saber was strapped to his back. He held the spear in one hand, his brows were stern, and his face was covered in scars.

He stood on soft white clouds that writhed with extreme agility, unlike ordinary, gentle, and perfect Dharma clouds. They appeared crescent-shaped when curved and serpentine when moving. Rolling golden-malefic autumn dew hung from his clothes, chilling to the bone.

His face was expressionless, his eyes like those of a demon or fiend, emitting a dark red light.

"Destroy again!"

The unified, deathly white light suddenly dispersed, sweeping away all divine abilities around him. The Six Leaves Broad Poison Holding Method melted away completely, like ice dissolving in spring.

All the divine abilities across the entire sky simultaneously dimmed, light emerged from the ground, and their power was diminished!

Gongsun Bei, who wielded Xi Qi, narrowed his eyes. Liu Bai suddenly raised his brows, his gaze sharp, as every strand of his spiritual sense converged on the old man, causing autumn dew to fall profusely.

Ning Wan sheathed her sword. Her beautiful eyes suddenly closed, her face instantly turned pale, and her lips trembled: "Situ Huo…"

Ye Gui's gaze suddenly sharpened. He squeezed a wild laugh from his throat, and his eyes blinked as he chuckled: "So it's the old fossil! It's actually you, old fossil!"

This man was none other than Situ Huo, who had been missing for many years!

This Purple Mansion expert of the Gold Forging Gate, a descendant of Situ Tang, a True Man of the Purple Mansion forced to flee overseas and dare not show his face… had finally appeared! He was a figure from an era slightly later than the Three Yuan period, and by now, he could truly be called an old fossil!

His words resonated through the night sky like rolling thunder.

Situ Huo, with completely white hair and beard and drooping eyelids, suddenly turned his brows to stare at Ye Gui. His gaze still shot out with electric venom, and his voice, flat and hoarse, stated: "Indeed, the younger generation is formidable."

Yet, at this moment, the sky grew dark, and surging white mist cascaded from his robes like a waterfall. Three shadows weaved through his clothing, and his pupils turned an autumnal yellow, staring intently at Ye Gui.

"Lojin Stone."

This path is also known as "Lojin Stone" or "Golden Beast Feather," referring to different Dao lineages but being the same source and type of body divine ability!

The old man clearly hadn't moved, yet Ye Gui raised his sleeve, seemingly catching something out of thin air. His body sank, and he retreated several steps. As a series of crackling sounds erupted, another Situ Huo had already appeared behind him, his hand gripping the long saber on his back!

"Boom!"

An earth-shattering roar echoed in the night sky. Situ Huo's old eyes narrowed, already engulfed in endless radiance. The light beneath his feet shone brilliantly, and Gongsun Bei's divine abilities operated at their peak, yet he fruitlessly darted through the night sky.

The figure of "Situ Huo" dissipated like wind.

Simultaneously, the hazy purple qi standing in the sky vibrated. The golden scroll fluttered in the wind, and the aspects of water and fire appeared between heaven and earth. Tinglan emerged, her expression complex, holding an immortal scroll, and gritted her teeth: "Situ Huo, heed the decree!"

His eyes suddenly lifted, revealing a sinister intent: "Your servant is here."

His appearance was so unexpected that it caused all the Purple Mansion cultivators to gasp in unison. Yet, all the clouds and mist in the sky had ceased, dissipating into thin air, and a single star suddenly shone brightly: "Xiulu's Radiance!"

In the distance, Helian Wujiang abruptly looked up, his heart pounding: "We cannot stay!"

If, when Situ Huo first appeared, some still hesitated whether to delay, now with the immortal decree and Tinglan's arrival, how far away could Yang Ruiyi be?

Situ Huo rose upon water and fire, taking the golden scroll from Tinglan's hand. The Xuanwei Yazhang, an arm's length long and resembling a broken sword, had already fallen into his grasp.

This weapon seemed to imbue him with profound marvel, settling upon Situ Huo layer by layer, causing him to exhale deeply, his eyes bright, and his aura to surge dramatically. This made everyone turn their heads in unison, and he even gripped the hilt of the saber on his back!

The fighting in the sky had ceased. Gongsun Bei also watched the old man with a solemn expression, his spiritual sense subtly trembling in the Tai Xu: "It's time to go."

Was Situ Huo powerful? In his era, he was far inferior to various geniuses. The brilliant splendor of the Solar Dao lineage had not yet waned. As the closest blood descendant of Situ Tang, an enemy of many True Men of the Solar Dao lineage, he wisely retreated in the face of overwhelming power, abandoning the entire Gold Forging Gate and two Purple Mansion cultivators, and withdrawing to the sea.

At that time, he was merely an early-stage Purple Mansion cultivator; any True Man from the Solar Dao lineage could have easily subdued him. But now, it was different. Three hundred years of wandering cultivation, evading the Solar Dao lineage and numerous enemies, including more than five mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivators pursuing him one after another, yet he had survived to this day, outlasting them one by one… Situ Huo was no ordinary person!

What made Gongsun Bei even more apprehensive… was Situ Huo combined with the long saber on his back.

The Blood Fiend Tower!

One of the five items obtained by the Gold Forging Gate cultivators from Situ Tang's corpse