Within the Zhenjin City, the most expansive mansion was always the subject of constant chatter. Though many discussed it, very few truly knew the extraordinary identity of the manor's owner.

That night, Yu Wuchang sat leisurely in his rattan chair, eyes closed, cultivating his energy. The bright eyes of Wei Zongjin, just before his departure, flashed through his mind, causing his heart to surge with an unsettling anxiety. Even though Wei Zongjin was not present during his transaction with Jin Zhanyi, given the man’s intellect, he must have suspected something, even without witnessing it firsthand. He let out a long sigh, realizing this turmoil was likely just the product of his own paranoia, perhaps even self-inflicted fear. Still, lending out the Five Elements Reincarnation Art was an immense gamble for him. If the elders of the Imperial Family were to discover this... He dared not continue that line of thought.

The Great Shen Imperial Family, even before ascending to power, prided itself on benevolence, often leaving a path for errant disciples within the clan. However, since conquering the realm, their style of governance had noticeably shifted. The Five Elements Reincarnation Art was the most crucial canon in the Imperial Family; thus, he was certain that if the news leaked, it would be the moment the Imperial Family dispatched assassins after him.

However, reaching into his robes, his expression immediately became inscrutable. The Jiahuang Pill—this might be his last ultimate reliance for breaking through to the Venerable Realm. Once he achieved the Venerable status, his position and standing would undergo a profound transformation. Even if this matter were discovered then, there might be room for mitigation.

The question remained: whether this journey to Guiku Ridge would allow him to fulfill his long-held wish—even he lacked absolute certainty. The failures of the previous two attempts had driven him to a dead end. Otherwise, he would never have chosen to make that exchange.

As his mind churned in turmoil, he suddenly sensed another breath near him. His face changed drastically. His closed eyes snapped open, and he instantly saw a masked figure standing abruptly beside his rattan chair. Yu Wuchang’s eyes contracted to pinpoints, his heart filled with an agonizing dread. When had this person approached him? He had been completely unaware. Yet, the moment he spotted the figure, Yu Wuchang reacted. His back seemed to spring like a coiled mechanism, launching him upward, while his arms blurred into an illusion, as if thousands of arms materialized at once, striking down overwhelmingly toward the figure's head.

However, he instantly realized his assault had no effect whatsoever. The opponent seemed to suddenly become a marionette dangling on strings, swaying back and forth in response to his movements. But throughout the entire exchange, the distance between them was maintained precisely within one chi, not an inch more, not a fraction less.

Yu Wuchang abruptly ceased his attack, letting out a long, heavy breath; on the surface at least, he appeared relaxed. “Who are you, sir? Since you are familiar with my sect's Shadow Following technique, are you perhaps one of the Venerable Elders from the Senate?” Yu Wuchang stepped back, cupping his hands in a salute. Though he spoke words of deference and maintained a humble posture, he had not relaxed in the slightest.

The masked figure snorted coldly and slowly removed the cloth covering his head, revealing a face etched with deep vicissitudes. Upon seeing the man's features, Yu Wuchang’s face paled dramatically. He recoiled several steps as if confronting a phantom, stammering, “No, impossible…”

The masked man spoke in a deep voice, “There is nothing impossible in this world. What truly disappoints me is that you have been stationed here for nearly a century, participated in two Guiku Ridge expeditions, and still have not broken through to the Venerable Realm.” Yu Wuchang opened his mouth, his complexion shifting between red and green. Finally, he managed, “Elder Li, fifty years ago, I heard that you…”

Seeing his hesitation, Elder Li let out a disdainful smile. “I was careless back then and offended the Master of the Glazed Cave in the Southern Frontier. If I had not feigned death and gone into seclusion, inviting him to visit personally, who could have guaranteed my life?” Yu Wuchang paused, a flicker of understanding dawning in his mind. However, upon hearing the name 'Master of the Glazed Cave in the Southern Frontier,' his face couldn't help but blanch again. He truly could not fathom why Elder Li would provoke such a powerful figure.

Elder Li redonned the face covering. “The Grand Elder instructed me to ask you: what are your observations regarding He Yiming?” Yu Wuchang was slightly startled, then hesitated. “Elder Li, why would the Grand Elder assign you to oversee this matter?” Elder Li chuckled, but his voice held no hint of amusement. “Do you wish to know the reason?” Sweat immediately beaded on Yu Wuchang’s forehead, but he clenched his jaw and nodded heavily.

Elder Li then snorted lightly. “Your talent is mediocre, but your willpower is decent. It's no wonder you managed to persist here.” Yu Wuchang managed a wry smile and replied respectfully, “Elder Li, my innate talent truly falls short of others. If I cannot endure further, then what value is there in keeping me?” Elder Li sneered, though it was unclear if he was mocking him. He continued at an unhurried pace, “The Grand Elder’s view is that this He Yiming not only cultivates all five elements but also possesses the Five Elements Ring. If we can secure him for the Empire, he will play a pivotal role in the Empire’s grand blueprint.” Yu Wuchang nodded slightly. “Elder Li speaks truly. I never expected someone could actually successfully replicate the Five Elements Ring. I wonder what its true power is.” Elder Li smiled enigmatically. “A replicated Five Elements Ring, even if inferior to the true divine artifact, far surpasses ordinary divine weaponry. What, do you wish to challenge him?” Yu Wuchang quickly waved his hand. “Elder Li speaks in jest. I cultivate the Five Elements Art inherited through a single lineage. Should I encounter the Five Elements Ring, I will be completely restrained; I wouldn't be able to utilize even five-tenths of my full power. How could there be any possibility of victory?”

Elder Li finally grumbled in dissatisfaction. “It is best if that He Yiming agrees. But if he remains obstinate, then…” He trailed off, a chilling smile touching his lips. Yu Wuchang shivered involuntarily, several thoughts racing through his mind in an instant. Suddenly, a perfect opportunity for 'killing with a borrowed knife' appeared in his consciousness. Only He Yiming had seen the secret manual he carried for two hundred years. If this person were suddenly killed in battle, wouldn’t the matter of his exchange for elixirs and manuals forever remain a secret? Even if Jin Zhanyi broke his promise and spread the word, without concrete evidence, no one could seize upon his leverage.

The expression on his face grew increasingly grave. In Elder Li's eyes, Yu Wuchang was seriously considering his proposition. But he failed to realize that completely different matters were unfolding in Yu Wuchang’s mind. Slowly, Yu Wuchang raised his head. His eyes were clear, seemingly devoid of any anomaly. Elder Li nodded slightly, quite satisfied with his reaction. He coughed lightly. “What do you think? Is there an opportunity?”

Yu Wuchang shook his head earnestly. “Elder Li, I fear I must disappoint you. This He Yiming is inseparable from Jin Zhanyi of the Lingxiao Treasure Hall; they are like brothers. If I am not mistaken, once he successfully advances to the Venerable Realm, the Lingxiao Treasure Hall will spare no effort to recruit him as a Guest Venerable.”

“Guest Venerable…” A flash of bitter hatred suddenly sparked in Elder Li’s eyes, as if recalling some long-buried memory. Yu Wuchang had been covertly watching the old man’s reaction. He relaxed slightly; the past rumors must be true. This elder had originally intended to join the Lingxiao Treasure Hall but, due to some incident, ended up siding with the Great Shen Imperial Family instead. However, he remained bitter about the past, harboring a peculiar hatred, especially toward the Guest Elders of the Lingxiao Treasure Hall.

Elder Li nodded deeply. “I understand what you mean. Consider me as having never been here.” With that, his figure flickered slightly, and he moved toward the wooden cabin, appearing to collide with it. Yet, the moment he touched the structure, not only was there no sound, but he vanished without a trace. A flicker of envy crossed Yu Wuchang’s eyes. That was a formidable ability only Venerables possessed. Although he was only one step away from the Venerable Realm, that single step represented an unbridgeable chasm between them. Gazing toward the front lines, his heart surged with dark undercurrents. He Yiming, Jin Zhanyi—these two monumental threats—it would be best if they were both wiped out in this campaign…

※※※※

Inside Blood Slaughter City, a gray vulture descended from the sky and flew into a manor. Fang Sheng beckoned, and the vulture, seemingly understanding human intent, approached him. He reached out and untied an object bound to the vulture's leg, retrieving a rolled piece of paper. After glancing at it, his expression shifted slightly.

Zhu Guanhao asked in a deep voice, “Brother Fang, what did the Old Patriarch say?” Fang Sheng gave a bitter smile and placed the rolled paper on the table. “The Old Patriarch’s instruction is that we are to secretly provide information to someone, and if circumstances permit, even assist the arrival with their actions. Of course, we must not act until we have absolute certainty.” “Who?” Hao Xue asked coldly. A hint of unnaturalness flickered in Fang Sheng’s eyes. “An assassin from the Yellow Springs Sect.”

Zhu Guanhao let out a cold laugh, picking up the scroll from the table. As he read, he commented, “Jin Zhanyi has been listed on the Yellow Springs List for over ten years, yet he is still alive and well. Counting on the Yellow Springs Sect to assassinate those two is completely futile…” He stopped abruptly. When he looked up, his eyes held a look of stunned surprise. He then looked toward Zhu Guanhao with a questioning gaze. Zhu Guanhao nodded slightly back at him, giving a wry smile. “You are not mistaken. This time, the Yellow Springs Sect has dispatched a Venerable-level assassin. They have clearly made up their minds to strike down these two individuals who have risen like comets.” A glint of blood flashed in Hao Xue’s eyes. He picked up the scroll, read it carefully, and set it down, stating coldly, “Kill He Yiming first!”

Meanwhile, at the distant western encampment, a corpulent old man appeared. Following him, with utmost deference, was a retinue of men, including Tatamu and Danny. The old man gazed into the distance, his face grim, murderous intent sharp in his eyes…