The battle between Mo Yunyi and Tong Qian concluded with startling swiftness; in mere moments, the Sect Master of the Blood Moon Sect, Tong Qian, having entirely depleted his vital blood, collapsed into a pool of gore and drew his last breath.

This outcome clearly caught many off guard. Before Mo Yunyi made her move, no one believed she could defeat Tong Qian. However, the moment she displayed the Shenyou Seven Stars realm, every spectator’s expression shifted; they finally recognized that even though the ancient Ji family had fallen to its present state, it was still not a minor sect that ordinary factions could easily contend with.

The Blood Moon Sect’s Blood Moon Rend was a supreme technique originating from the Eastern Sea’s “Blood Pool,” capable of forcing potential to increase strength in a short span. Tong Qian, already capable of Shenyou Five Stars, activating the power of his blood meant his internal Yuan energy was no less potent than Mo Yunyi's at that moment. Yet, even under these circumstances, he was defeated—and utterly crushed! This disparity demonstrated that Mo Yunyi's Shenyou Seven Stars power far surpassed Tong Qian's.

Liu Yunhaifeng’s face was gravely serious, his gaze toward Mo Yunyi filled with profound apprehension. With Tong Qian utilizing Blood Moon Rend to push his potential, even Liu Yunhaifeng himself couldn't have secured such an easy victory over him... let alone killing him so effortlessly!

Liu Yunhaifeng, who had always considered He Haoran and Baili Ke as worthy rivals, suddenly realized that this suddenly prominent Mo Yunyi, in terms of Seven Stars Heaven Realm cultivation, was likely on par with any one of the three of them! This realization weighed heavily on Liu Yunhaifeng, who viewed the Ji family as a persistent thorn in his side.

"Elder! Elder Madam!" Ji Yuxing stepped forward, his aged face alight with dazzling radiance. "I—I truly never imagined you could reach Shenyou Seven Stars! Ha, Changkong, Changkong is actually the Ji family’s new generation ‘Xuanyuan’! Today, today you two have truly shocked me!" Simply learning of Ji Changkong's ‘Xuanyuan’ identity moments ago was already electrifying enough. Now, witnessing Mo Yunyi effortlessly dispatch the Blood Moon Sect Master Tong Qian—two such earth-shattering events occurring in rapid succession—the impact on Ji Yuxing was almost indescribable.

It wasn't just Ji Yuxing; the Ji family members, including Ji Yusheng and Ji Wanyun, were filled with joyous relief. They, too, were unaware of Mo Yunyi's true strength. When they heard from Ji Changkong that Mo Yunyi possessed Seven Stars Heaven Realm cultivation, they had only assumed she could manage one or perhaps two stars in her divine wandering.

No one had anticipated that the usually low-profile Mo Yunyi within the Ji family was actually a Seven Stars Heavenly Master capable of Shenyou Seven Stars—meaning her divine soul could traverse all seven stars in one continuous session. This signified she had reached the peak of the Seven Stars Heaven Realm! One more step, and she could break through the Kuang Ju barrier, reaching the coveted sanctuary of the Eight Trigrams Heaven.

"Granny Mo…" Ji Changkong stepped forward, gazing at her with a gentle smile.

Mo Yunyi had been smiling and nodding to everyone, offering no detailed explanation. Only when Ji Changkong spoke did she reply with maternal tenderness, "Changkong, you don't blame me for revealing your identity now, do you?" He shook his head with a smile, looking understanding. "Granny Mo must have her reasons for doing this. Hehe. Since you've decided to stop lying low and strive for the Ji family’s rise, I shall offer my full support. Hehe. As for the Blood Pool and any of their branches that dare seek revenge on our Ji family... the matters the ‘Xuanyuan’ of this generation hasn't cleaned up, leave them to me!" "Good child, that’s the spirit I expect! Excellent, you haven't disappointed my hopes for you!" Mo Yunyi nodded, deeply pleased.

"According to what Tong Qian said before the fight, the Blood Moon Sect is leaving Blood Rain Mountain," He Haoran remarked, standing within the Earth Fissure Valley and looking at Tong Qian’s corpse with a face full of regret.

Before the conflict, Tong Qian and Mo Yunyi had laid out their terms clearly, and every sect participating in this Sect Assembly had heard it distinctly. Under such public scrutiny, Liu Yunhaifeng could only nod silently, unable to protest.

Yuwen Meng and the remaining Blood Moon Sect members entered the Earth Fissure Valley to retrieve Tong Qian’s body, exiting with heavy expressions.

Except for Yuwen Meng, who wore a peculiar look, the rest of the Blood Moon Sect members displayed unconcealed hatred as they passed the Ji family’s location.

Everyone understood: from this day forward, the Blood Moon Sect and the Ji family were locked in a mortal feud that no one could resolve.

Since events had already transpired, no one could interject; the reality was simply this brutal. Before today, the Blood Moon Sect was the leading power on Blood Rain Mountain, yet due to a gamble in one fierce contest, they were forced to depart Blood Rain Mountain in shame.

Coupled with Sun Yan of Black Rock Cliff being forced back the day before, the Ji family had now driven out two major forces of Blood Rain Mountain. Both the Black Rock Cliff and the Blood Moon Sect were factions leaning toward Liu Yunhaifeng, so their departure dealt a massive blow to the Liu Yun Sand faction, severely diminishing its strength.

The observing masters from various sects suddenly realized the terrifying power of the Ji family through this Sect Assembly. An originally obscure minor sect had instantly become the most dazzling and scrutinized power on Blood Rain Mountain; the inevitable rise of the Ji family was now certain.

Furthermore, the Ji family was clearly on good terms with the He family. Before the assembly even concluded, the leaders of those factions that had remained neutral began sending envoys to curry favor with the He family members, their words carrying unmistakable inclinations of support. Several minor families even declared their allegiance on the spot, offering to advance and retreat alongside the He family.

He Zhizhang and He Liyi maintained polite smiles, courteously receiving each delegate. Deep down, both He Zhizhang and He Liyi knew that the only reason these people had suddenly made up their minds was entirely due to the influence of the Ji family.

Thinking this, the gazes of He Zhizhang and He Liyi invariably drifted toward the Ji family, settling on that young figure who was calmly accepting congratulations from the crowd. ... As desired, the Ji family secured one of the three cultivation treasures unearthed this time—and it was the most precious valley. No one objected to the Ji family obtaining that valley; even Liu Yunhaifeng had nothing to say.

With Black Rock Cliff and the Blood Moon Sect driven from Blood Rain Mountain, Liu Yunhaifeng suffered the greatest setback. Before He Haoran and Baili Ke could deliver their closing remarks, Liu Yunhaifeng pleaded indisposition and led the Liu Yun Sand faction and their aligned forces away from the Earth Fissure Valley—this stifling place that made him deeply uncomfortable.

When Liu Yunhaifeng left, the factions dependent on the Liu Yun Sand faction also departed. However, the majority of factions remained in the Earth Fissure Valley. Those with ulterior motives still needed to use this opportunity to declare their loyalty to He Haoran and Baili Ke. Naturally, many factions gravitated toward where the Ji family was situated, enthusiastically expressing their goodwill. In an instant, the Ji family, temporarily residing in the impoverished Xuan Yuan Valley, became the most sought-after power. Those seasoned, cunning elders realized that with the emergence of a ‘Xuanyuan’ in the Ji family, their ascent was unstoppable, so they shed their pretensions and actively sought to show favor, displaying overwhelming warmth. All the young ladies from the major sects of Blood Rain Mountain seemed strangely affected; they flocked to visit Ji Changkong, competing for the chance. These young women—some innocent, some seductive, some fiery—treated Ji Changkong as their ideal companion, arriving at the Ji family area with an almost burning fervor.

The elders behind these young ladies, whatever their motivations, did not curb this behavior but rather adopted a permissive stance. Several particularly thick-skinned old codgers even subtly brought up their granddaughters or grand-disciples to Ji Yusheng and Mo Yunyi, praising how beautiful, clever, and understanding their girls were... Ji Yusheng and Mo Yunyi merely smiled, watching the flurry of activity among the 'willows and swallows,' unsure how to handle the situation. "What's so great about him! Didn't he just defeat a big brute bear? Humph, the lustful fellow, just looking at him makes me want to punch him in the face!" Baili Xiu stood nearby, watching Ji Changkong surrounded by beautiful maidens with resentment, shaking her fist angrily.

"Junior Sister, although this guy has decent strength, he's truly no good person. He scolded you last time..." A handsome young man looked at her with an obsequious expression, letting his gaze flicker to bring up the matter most sensitive to Baili Xiu.

"Yes, yes, he's just a scoundrel; he won't be smug for long. Black Rock Cliff and the Blood Moon Sect aren't easy to deal with. If the Ji family wants to establish themselves on Blood Rain Mountain, they still need to resolve the threat from Black Rock Cliff and the Blood Moon Sect," another chimed in quickly to belittle the Ji family.

Baili Xiu wrinkled her nose dismissively, casting a scornful glance at the few youths from the Star Stone Sect beside her. "Useless lot, only capable of gossiping behind someone's back. They were all knocked down with a single blow; what right do you have to speak ill of him? Hmph!"

Tossing her head back, Baili Xiu didn't spare another look at the Star Stone Sect youths beside her and turned toward Baili Ke behind them.

"Xiu'er, didn't you go to the Ji family's side to offer congratulations? Didn't you say you were planning to go just now?" Baili Ke, deep in quiet conversation with several Star Stone Sect masters, looked up and asked with a warm smile as she stomped back.

"That bastard is enjoying himself with a woman on each arm; it just makes me sick. I was afraid I would start cursing if I went over," Baili Xiu kicked a cushion away and glared at the group. "Uncles, what wicked schemes are you plotting now?"

Baili Ke’s fellow disciples offered awkward, wry smiles. "It’s no use listening to you; we’ve been plotting for years about dealing with Liu Yunhaifeng, Sun Yan, and Tong Qian. We’ve discussed and discussed, but we haven't managed to do anything to them," Baili Xiu said disdainfully, head held high. "That bastard hasn't been on Blood Rain Mountain long, and he's already taught the Yao family a lesson and driven away Black Rock Cliff and the Blood Moon Sect. You all are worse than that bastard; you're pathetic!"

"Xiu'er, stop spouting nonsense!" Baili Ke rebuked, glaring. "Move aside, don't interrupt us while we discuss important matters!"

"Who cares," Baili Xiu huffed, walking away with an air of profound disappointment in them all.

"This... this..." Baili Ke looked awkward, truly unsure what to say.

"Senior Brother, Xiu'er isn't entirely wrong. We truly haven't managed to do anything to Liu Yunhaifeng. That kid is a rare talent, look..." Zhou Qing said mournfully, looking at Baili Ke with a bitter smile. "This kid has a close relationship with He Haoran; I will try my best to win him over. Otherwise, I wouldn't have sent Xiu'er to the Ji family's side," Baili Ke's words hinted at frustration and helplessness. "This kid's momentum is soaring. The elders of every sect on this mountain are practically tripping over themselves to marry their granddaughters to the Ji family; I never expected things to turn out like this..."

"Senior Brother, persuade Xiu'er," Zhou Qing urged. "If Xiu'er could capture that young man's heart, our Star Stone Sect will have peace of mind for generations to come..."

"I will talk to Xiu'er, but that fellow is resolute in his purpose; even if Xiu'er makes a move herself, it might not be effective," Baili Ke replied with a pained smile, full of resignation. He hadn't anticipated Ji Changkong stealing the limelight so completely at the Sect Assembly, becoming the Ji family’s new ‘Xuanyuan.’ The entire situation was far beyond his expectations.

"I—I need to leave for a moment." Overwhelmed and dizzy from the surrounding swarm of young women, Ji Changkong finally lost patience. Regardless of what the coquettish young ladies beside him might think, he suddenly flashed out from their circle, vanishing in a blink.

"Brother Changkong, don't go..." "Why ignore us? Brother Kong, wait for me! Where are you going?" "I can accompany you! Whatever it is, I can accompany you..."

The bevy of exquisite young women stood up as soon as he fled, clutching the hems of their carefully donned long skirts, crying out sweetly.

Ji Changkong, his head aching terribly, fled even faster, blinking out of the Earth Fissure Valley, sighing internally in relief.

Before today, he had never realized how terrifying having too many women could be. So many beautiful young ladies surrounded him, their voices soft and saccharine as if they had eaten honey, making him profoundly uncomfortable. Several others seemed fueled by gunpowder, instantly launching attacks on the other women.

The group began tearing each other down, claiming that while some beauties had lovely faces, they had body odor, while others vaguely hinted that certain parts of their bodies had birthmarks. These seemingly delicate beauties surrounded him, attacking one another like jealous concubines vying for favor, their words laced with smoke and gunpowder, which made Ji Changkong's skin crawl and raise goosebumps. He had to escape as quickly as possible.

"Ahem." A sound echoed from a patch of grass outside the Earth Fissure Valley. The tall figure of He Liying lay languidly on the ground, her ample breasts rising prominently, creating captivating and graceful curves like two small, swelling peaks. He Liyi held a blade of grass between her lips, sporting an uninhibited, almost masculine swagger. She shot Ji Changkong a sidelong glance, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Well? How was it being surrounded by a crowd of beauties?"

The grass here was soft, and with no one around, the starry sky above encouraged relaxation, making one want to lie back and gaze at the stars. Following He Liyi’s example, Ji Changkong leaned beside her, looking up at the heavens. His heart suddenly calmed, as if he had instantly distanced himself from the agitation and clamor of the mortal world. "A pack of frenzied women," Ji Changkong sighed sincerely after inhaling deeply and relaxing. "It was far from pleasant."

"With so many women, none that you fancy?" He Liyi pouted, idly plucking at the blade of grass.

"It was too noisy; I didn't have time to look closely, nor did I get a chance to exchange any real words. I only heard them squabbling," he chuckled, shaking his head. Ji Changkong stared fixedly at the stars for a long moment before saying, "I've never actually considered things like liking or disliking. Women are... quite strange things..."

"Strange?" He Liyi paused, crossing her long, straight, beautiful legs, making them look like two intertwined, serpentine beauties. "What's strange about women? You men are the strange ones, constantly obsessed with sect affairs. You've turned the once fine Blood Rain Alliance into a cesspool of discord because of your ambitious men, leaving no one in peace."

"If Blood Rain Mountain hadn't had ambitious individuals like Liu Yunhaifeng, perhaps there wouldn't be so many conflicts," Ji Changkong smiled by way of explanation. "Uncle He and Baili Ke were forced into action. If they had continued to concede, Liu Yunhaifeng would have continued to press them. If that went on, sooner or later, your He family and the Star Stone Sect would be driven off Blood Rain Mountain... Sometimes, seeking peace alone isn't enough to solve a problem."

"I think you are just another Liu Yunhaifeng," He Liyi suddenly turned her head, her eyes, brilliant like stars and the moon, locking onto his.

"I will not be Liu Yunhaifeng," Ji Changkong shook his head, smiling. "I admit I have ambition, but I am also someone who understands gratitude. I know that Uncle He single-handedly orchestrated the Ji family's arrival on Blood Rain Mountain. Furthermore, before we even came here, Uncle He had already shown me immense kindness..."

"Liu Yunhaifeng forgot the reason the Liu Yun Sand faction could establish itself on Blood Rain Mountain; he forgot the help once offered by the He family and the Star Stone Sect. He only cares about making the Liu Yun Sand faction stand above everyone else. That man is inherently and utterly selfish. I, however, would never be so selfish toward friends and family."

"If, one day, the Ji family replaced the Liu Yun Sand faction’s standing in the Blood Rain Alliance, what would you do?" He Liyi asked curiously.

"My ambition isn't focused on Blood Rain Mountain!" Turning to look at He Liying, Ji Changkong broke into a brilliant smile. "Blood Rain Mountain is far too small for me..."

He Liyi stared, stunned.

Late that night, outside Xuan Yuan Valley.

Sun Yan and his group stealthily arrived. Dozens of Heavenly Masters from Black Rock Cliff, their faces grim and eyes blazing with murderous intent, looked like a pack of hungry wolves closing in on prey.

"Finish quickly; kill everyone inside the valley. Don't linger over anything. Once everyone is dead, you must leave immediately!" Before entering Xuan Yuan Valley, Sun Yan lowered his voice and instructed Ba Jun’s contingent.

"Don't worry, we know what to do. This broken place, Xuan Yuan Valley, has no spiritual treasures worth us taking the time to search for," Ba Jun chuckled.

"Pay attention everyone; once inside, the first group must block the valley entrance to ensure no one escapes alive!" Sun Yan commanded.

A group of Black Rock Cliff masters, filled with malicious intent, crept toward Xuan Yuan Valley from all directions.

Several figures descended onto the sheer cliff face behind Xuan Yuan Valley, frowning as they observed the valley from a distance, silently debating whether they should intervene later.

"Third Uncle, are we just going to wait here?" He Songling asked, frowning in confusion.

He Feiyi nodded. "Big Uncle ordered us not to meddle rashly in the affairs of Xuan Yuan Valley. We are only to watch from afar, and only if the valley truly cannot defend itself should we step in to help." "But Ji Changkong and the others are all at the Earth Fissure Valley. Who is left here capable? Before Sun Yan and his vicious crowd arrived on Blood Rain Mountain, they were all maniacs known for slaughtering people. If we delay even a moment, what if we mess things up?" He Songling hesitated, asking solemnly.

He Feiyi considered it. "That’s true." After a pause, he said, "You all stay here; I'll go into the valley to observe. Once I see that the Ji family truly lacks the strength to resist, I will strike first to help, and you can use that opportunity to move in."

"Yes, Third Uncle’s method works," He Songling agreed. He then watched He Feiyi enter Xuan Yuan Valley.

Seeing the Black Rock Cliff people about to enter Xuan Yuan Valley, He Feiyi grew anxious. The figure descending from the cliff face behind the valley quickened his pace, gliding down the rock wall with the aid of starlight.

They were able to approach from the rear cliff because the He family possessed several Seven Stars Heavenly Masters capable of flight, allowing them to traverse the perilous cliffs instead of entering from the valley front like the Black Rock Cliff contingent.

On another side, a group from the Star Stone Sect was also silently observing the situation from a different direction behind Xuan Yuan Valley.

"Huh? He Feiyi actually went down! What's going on?" Zhang Li, the Star Stone Sect envoy, looked puzzled, unable to understand why he would act at this moment.

"The Sect Master said the Ji family doesn't want our help, and the He family should maintain distance like us. Why did he go down unauthorized?" asked one of the Star Stone Sect members hidden in the shadow behind the rock wall.

"He must be worried, surely believing the Ji family doesn't have the strength to handle this, just like us," Zhang Li mused, frowning.

He Feiyi was He Haoran’s cousin, a Seven Stars Heavenly Master, sent to Xuan Yuan Valley under He Haoran’s orders to secretly aid the Ji family.

He Feiyi was one of the few who knew the close relationship between Li Hen and Ji Changkong. He was also well aware of the medicinal herbs He Haoran had been collecting for Ji Changkong over the years, so he had a clear understanding of the Ji family's true strength. He absolutely did not believe the current Ji family could deal with the ruthless Sun Yan and his Black Rock Cliff gang.

Seeing Sun Yan’s group approaching stealthily, He Feiyi’s face grew stern, ready to strike at any moment.

A ghost-like shadow, like a wisp of lingering soul, suddenly materialized behind He Fei's braid, and He Fei, his senses tingling, whipped his head around.

A figure completely enveloped in a deep black robe, wearing a pale, sinister mask, utterly black save for the ghostly pallor of the face, hung unnervingly in mid-air, drifting with the wind like a vengeful spirit from the deepest nine hells.

“Judging by your attire, you must be from the He family, yes?” Mu Luo coldly appraised He Fei, then glanced down at the figures of Sun Yan and his party subtly approaching the valley floor. “What is your relation to those below?”

He Fei’s expression instantly warped. From Mu Luo’s presence, he felt a terrifying pressure that made his heart seize—a sensation only ever evoked when facing that singular elder of the He family. “Who… who are you?” He Fei’s voice held a tremor of fear. Then, as if a realization had struck him, he quickly added, “You are from the Ji… the Ji family?”

“A retainer,” Mu Luo stated frigidly.

He Fei’s face crumpled in horror. He finally understood why the surface orders had been to merely observe from a distance…

“Ji Changkong caused quite a stir at the Earth Rift Valley Sect Summit, driving this group from Black Rock Cliff out of Blood Rain Mountain. These people…” He Fei rapidly recounted the events, then hastened to explain, “We came to Xuanyuan Valley because the Family Head commanded us, fearing that…”

“That you… you wouldn’t be able to hold them off…”

“We appreciate your concern. Please return now.” Mu Luo’s eyes were impassive and merciless. He nodded, signaling He Fei to depart Xuanyuan Valley.

“R-right… Understood. I’ll withdraw from Xuanyuan Valley immediately.” He Fei agreed reflexively and, without another word, wheeled about and retreated along the way he came.

“What was that? What just happened? Why the quick retreat?” The He family members and the Star Stone Sect observers, watching from the shadows, murmured in confusion, unable to grasp why He Fei had returned so swiftly.

They would soon learn the answer…

Four figures, like nocturnal owls, suddenly dropped from the sheer cliff face into Xuanyuan Valley. Before Sun Yan’s party could fully charge into the valley and begin their slaughter, these four drifted erratically towards them. Under the expanse of the night sky, the four figures zipped through the void, arriving in the very center of Sun Yan’s assembled group in the blink of an eye.

“Four… Four Sky Masters capable of breaking through the air!” Ba Jun’s heart chilled, his face etched with disbelief. “Retreat! Everyone, pull back!” Ba Jun shouted in Sun Yan’s stead.

Sun Yan stood dumbfounded, but at Ba Jun’s sharp command, he finally snapped back to reality. Without hesitation, he spun around and fled back towards the valley entrance.

A sharp cry startled the Ji family within Xuanyuan Valley. They streamed out of the bamboo lodges, their faces grim as they gazed upon the mass of outsiders fleeing in panic outside the valley gates.

Though they didn’t know the exact sequence of events, the Ji family understood that Sun Yan’s party infiltrating Xuanyuan Valley in the dead of night was anything but benevolent. Everyone in the valley had been diligently cultivating recently, with some even undertaking the Extreme Body Tempering Great Law. With ample Yuan Stones and Spirit Treasures supporting them, their progress had been rapid, and their strength had seen significant breakthroughs. Generally, confidence swells in tandem with one’s power, and their surge in strength had led to an inflation of their self-regard.

Thus, after only a moment’s hesitation, the Ji family members rushed out, shouting loudly and charging after the scattering remnants of the Black Rock Cliff contingent!

With Mu Luo and the four killing gods—Taji—leading the charge, the people of Black Rock Cliff were already paralyzed with fear. They had expected the Ji family might struggle to produce even a single expert at the Six Harmonies Sky realm, but instead, before they could even enter the valley, four Seven Stars Sky Masters descended upon them!

Black Rock Cliff boasted only Sun Yan as a Seven Stars Sky Master. Though their numbers were not small, they knew facing four Seven Stars Sky Masters meant certain death, which explained their immediate decision to fall back.

In their terror, they mournfully realized they had forgotten one crucial fact: Seven Stars Sky Masters could fly!

The three Taji brothers plunged like three razor-sharp daggers into the retreating ranks of Black Rock Cliff. The power of the Seven Stars Sky realm granted them an overwhelming advantage against those masters whose cultivation had not reached that altitude. Almost without incident, the vicious faces from Black Rock Cliff were cut down one by one throughout the valley. Sun Yan had long forgotten about revenge against the Ji family; his mind held only one thought: escape quickly. Alas, one person would never allow him that reprieve.

Mu Luo’s ghost-like shadow settled silently beside Sun Yan. A dry hand reached out, swirling with black mist, truly resembling a hellish claw, and suddenly enveloped Sun Yan. The rapidly fleeing Sun Yan felt his vital Yuan energy seize. He turned his head to see that desiccated claw expanding infinitely before his very eyes…

Thwack!

Mu Luo’s hand punched straight through Sun Yan’s abdomen, emerging from his back. Strangely, the body pierced by the strike did not shed a single drop of blood.

It wasn't until Mu Luo withdrew his hand and slowly drifted back a short distance that Sun Yan exploded like a punctured balloon, foul-smelling blood spraying everywhere.

The Black Rock Cliff members below glanced up at the sky, their souls scattering in terror. Not a single one dared to turn back and fight; they fled for their lives towards the outside.

Mu Luo did not intervene further, instead nodding to the three Taji brothers, signaling them to coordinate with the Ji family and begin the massacre of the fleeing Black Rock Cliff invaders.

He Fei and Zhang Li of the Star Stone Sect, observing from the canyon cliffs above, were struck dumb, frozen in place.

“You should go back. You are not needed here,” Mu Luo’s spectral voice echoed through the valley behind them, his cold eyes sweeping over the concealed hiding spots of both parties.

He Fei and Zhang Li simultaneously emerged from behind the concealing rocks, stammering out a bow towards Mu Luo, then took the lead in walking away into the distance.

After exiting the rear area of Xuanyuan Valley, He Fei and Zhang Li’s groups converged.

They exchanged a look and slowly drew closer. Zhang Li offered He Fei a wry smile.

“The shadow you encountered inside the valley just now, was that this person?”

He Fei nodded, his own face marked by a rueful smile. “It seems we were redundant. With a figure like that guarding the Ji family, our assistance seems rather laughable…”

Zhang Li nodded, then suddenly lowered his voice. “Brother He, the one who casually executed Sun Yan… was that perhaps, perhaps an Eight Trigrams Sky Master?”

“It was definitely an Eight Trigrams Sky Master!” He Fei affirmed with absolute certainty, his own aura intensely sharp and terrifying. “I cannot be wrong!”

“I heard the Ji family has a deep connection with Elder Li. Since he wears a mask, could it possibly be Elder Li himself making a personal appearance?” Zhang Li’s face was alight with astonishment, his voice dropping even lower.

He Fei shook his head. “It definitely wasn’t Elder Li, because I was once privileged enough to meet him… The auras surrounding those two are different.”