It was a moonless night, the darkness thick and heavy as layers of black velvet smothering all light. There was no wind, only a chilling, pervasive murderous intent in the air that pressed down, making it hard to draw breath.

Across the wilderness surrounding the Du residence, not a single blade of grass stirred. Even the fierce beasts the Du family kept and tamed seemed to sense the grim, cold aura hanging over the land. The most volatile Blazing Blood Colts lay still as docile puppies, seemingly asleep, not even letting out a significant breath.

Behind the Du manor lay a jungle where the grass grew waist-high. During the day, the Du family often trained their beasts here, and the weeds carried the rank, fetid odor of their droppings.

Several faint shadows seemed to melt into the gloom, lurking in the dense foliage, coldly observing the Du family's backyard, which was just a stone’s throw away. A few oil lamps flickered inside a handful of the estate’s buildings; human shapes shifted within, yet not a whisper of sound escaped.

After a moment, Tuoba Lie could no longer bear the unnerving quiet. He rubbed his shaved head and lowered his voice. “Elder Li, something feels off. If that little girl from the Baixie Sect knew who we were, she should have already sent word that we arrived. If Jing Xuerong is truly here, the Du family wouldn't be caught unprepared, would they?”

He paused, his face etched with alarm. “I think the silence is excessive.”

Muluo, Ayiguli, and the three Tagan brothers stood impassively behind Ji Changkong, their expressions cold as they surveyed the Du backyard ahead. They remained silent, having ceded all decision-making authority to Ji Changkong. Whatever his command, right or wrong, they would execute it without hesitation.

Li Hentian maintained his usual composure, as if the collapse of Mount Tai would not faze him. Only after Tuoba Lie finished speaking did he slowly look toward Ji Changkong. “Changkong, what are your thoughts?”

“The Du family is prepared. Although the Fire People intentionally masked their energy fluctuations, the lingering scent of their presence still hangs over the estate. Unlike the Five Great Powers, it seems no one from the Du family has fled; the hundreds of people are still inside. Despite knowing we’ve returned, Zhang Yueqin hasn't arranged for the direct lineage of the Du family to evacuate. She must be confident she can deal with us,” Ji Changkong said, his face grim as he contemplated the situation.

Li Hentian nodded, letting out a soft sigh tinged with (helplessness). “Indeed, the Du family is prepared. It seems a supreme expert from the Guiyuan Sect must have arrived. It’s either one of the Three Great Elders or Cao Xuanqi’s seven disciples. Last time, I only felt a sense of unease; this time, I feel a dense shroud of lethal intent.”

Turning, Li Hentian began to walk forward, passing Muluo and Ayiguli before saying quietly:

“Let’s go. Even with Muluo added, we likely won’t gain any advantage.”

Though he desperately wished to storm the Du estate for vengeance, Ji Changkong trusted Li Hentian’s judgment. A deep sense of frustration filled him, but he had no choice but to turn and leave.

On the tallest structure of the Du estate, besides Zhang Yueqin and Jing Xuerong, stood three other elderly men in excellent spirits.

Two of them were the two Great Elders of the Guiyuan Sect who had appeared during the last visit. The third was even older, his hair completely silver, standing by the window ledge with his hands behind his back, silently gazing in the direction Li Hentian’s party had departed. His dull eyes gradually brightened. On the moonless night, his gaze shone like the pure light of the moon, dazzlingly cold.

“He left. So many years have passed, even Li Hentian has changed. A Li Hentian who knows when to retreat is far more terrifying than the one he was back then!” After a long silence, the silver-haired elder turned around and said lightly.

The other two Guiyuan Sect elders nodded in unison, seemingly agreeing entirely. The elder who had carried the Dongxing Sword the last time sighed softly. “The Li Hentian of the past, even knowing we had set a trap, would have charged in out of sheer arrogance. A month ago, when Liangxuan and I were here, he must have sensed our presence yet still forced his way in. This time, he retreated…”

Huang Liangxuan’s expression was equally grave. “Just a month apart, and Li Hentian’s return resulted in a strategic withdrawal. With his cultivation level, he can vaguely perceive impending fortune or disaster. If he retreats without any reservations this time, dealing with him in the future will become exponentially harder.”

Hesitantly, Huang Liangxuan looked toward the silver-haired elder. “Great Elder, do we pursue or not?”

Cai Mengyuan gently shook his head, a look of resignation on his face. “What good would pursuing do? This time, besides Li Hentian, there was an expert at the Bagua Heaven Realm. His aura was incredibly strange, not matching the methods of our Central Lands. With Li Hentian plus him, if they intend to leave, we won't be able to stop them.”

Zhang Yueqin’s face drained of color, and she stared at Cai Mengyuan in dread. “Great Elder, could you be mistaken? Li Hentian’s fierce reputation precedes him; he is not tolerated by the world. Who would dare associate with him? Experts in the Bagua Heaven Realm—those are renowned figures across the regions! Could it be that the two old fellows from the Chen family have intervened?”

“The Chen family is vast and powerful, but even those two wouldn't act so brazenly to help Li Hentian,” Cai Mengyuan shook his head, gazing toward where Li Hentian had gone, and murmured, “I told you, that person’s aura was extremely peculiar, not like the typical Heavenly Masters of the Central Lands.”

“This… what are we to do?” Zhang Yueqin was utterly terrified, experiencing fear for the first time.

“Hmph! Nonsense!” Zhuang Bufu, the other elder of the Guiyuan Sect, frowned deeply and said sternly, “With the Guiyuan Sect protecting you, what is there to fear?”

Zhang Yueqin’s aged face showed a flicker of embarrassment. She offered a nervous smile and nodded, refraining from saying more, though worry churned in her heart.

“We will remain here to confirm Li Hentian’s departure before returning to the Guiyuan Sect,” Cai Mengyuan reassured her. He paused in thought, then added, “Li Hentian has gone on another killing spree. We can now openly denounce him. His threat grows ever larger, and naturally, we will not tolerate it. Rest assured, once we have fully planned our campaign, we will certainly eradicate this demon.”

“Thank you, Great Elder.” Zhang Yueqin’s face brightened, and she performed a deep, respectful bow to Cai Mengyuan.

Blood Rain Mountain lay to the southeast of Shuiyun Country, a chain of endless peaks, the central region of which was the cultivation paradise known as Blood Rain Mountain.

Surrounding Blood Rain Mountain were numerous famous peaks and grand rivers, with lakes and pools scattered everywhere, creating scenes of intoxicating beauty. This entire area was populated by many Heavenly Master sects and families, all situated near Blood Rain Mountain. The He family, which had gradually risen to prominence in recent years, was located atop Blood Rain Mountain itself.

Many Heavenly Master sects and families thrived near Blood Rain Mountain, eventually forming a mutually supportive alliance named the Blood Rain Alliance. Composed of numerous sects surrounding the mountain, these factions had all participated in the fierce battle against the Southern Yi Heavenly Masters years ago and maintained close ties.

The vicinity of Blood Rain Mountain offered numerous locales conducive to cultivation. Every decade or so, due to shifts in the heavens and earth, new cultivation paradises would form, further attracting Heavenly Masters to settle there permanently. However, cultivating in any of these paradises near Blood Rain Mountain required adherence to the rules of the Blood Rain Alliance.

Newly discovered cultivation spots were usually allocated by the Blood Rain Alliance based on the strength of the ambient spiritual energy. Relocating to a site rich in spiritual energy was by no means an easy undertaking.

At the far eastern edge of Blood Rain Mountain lay a valley that had been desolate for many years. The spiritual energy here was not dense; it was inferior even to the foot of Qingyan Mountain. Nevertheless, the Ji family currently resided temporarily in this very valley.

The Ji family had managed to relocate to this valley thanks to the favorable mediation of He Haoran, the He family patriarch. The He family held considerable weight within the Blood Rain Alliance, and He Haoran had strongly supported the Ji family. Under his arrangements, the Ji family received the Alliance’s approval to cultivate in this valley.

Simple dwellings had been erected within the valley, less elegant and sturdy than those at the base of Qingyan Mountain. On the leveled red stone ground, Ji Yuxing and Ji Yusheng, both beaming, were conversing animatedly with He Haoran.

“My two elder brothers, the Blood Rain Mountain Sect Assembly is about to begin. You are now members of the Blood Rain Alliance and are qualified to attend. Three new cultivation paradises have been discovered this time. One of them is overwhelmingly rich in energy and even features a Yuan Stone mine. All the major sects are eyeing this spot. This upcoming Assembly will surely be another battleground,” He Haoran said.

He Haoran took a sip of tea, noticing the excitement on the faces of Ji Yuxing and Ji Yusheng, and sighed inwardly. “My two brothers, although my He family holds a position within the Blood Rain Alliance, I cannot secure a paradise for your Ji family. However, since those three new paradises have appeared, they will certainly be claimed by other sects. When those sects migrate to their new locations, the lands they currently occupy will become vacant. I will strive to secure those vacated spots for you.”

“Thank you, Sect Master He. We owe you so much during this period. If not for your allowance for us within the Blood Rain Alliance, the Du family members would surely have tracked us down at Qingyan Mountain,” Ji Yuxing remarked with heartfelt emotion.

“Rest assured, in this region of Blood Rain Mountain, no sect would dare provoke you without reason. If the Du family, as a Heavenly Master force in Tianwu Kingdom, dared to come here stirring up trouble, the Blood Rain Alliance would make them suffer the consequences. Stay put and do not worry about retaliation from the Du family!” He Haoran declared proudly.

“Sect Master He, do you happen to have any news of Changkong?” Ji Yusheng asked after a slight hesitation.

He Haoran’s expression momentarily froze, and he lightly shook his head. Seeing the disappointment clouding Ji Yusheng’s face, he quickly tried to soothe him. “Don’t worry, Elder Brother. Changkong has noble assistance with him; no matter where he is, his life won't be in danger. Perhaps when Changkong returns, he will have become a formidable man who might shock you.”

“As long as Changkong is safe, I am content,” Ji Yusheng replied sadly.

“My two elders, prepare yourselves well. The grand gathering of the Blood Rain Mountain sects is imminent, and I will support you then, but you must also display the strength expected of you. Otherwise, it will be difficult for me,” He Haoran offered a few more words of encouragement before departing the valley.