The very air seemed to crystallize in that instant. Even the ever-present breeze sweeping in from the ocean appeared to have vanished.

The moment this towering figure arrived with such unparalleled majesty, every heart present was crushed under an overwhelming, extreme pressure.

Everyone present, friend or foe alike, felt themselves utterly suppressed by the sheer, terrifying aura this man exuded. This wasn't solely due to the aggressive manner of his arrival, but primarily because the immense pressure he radiated was enough to bring shame to any observer.

This man was none other than Chu Haozhou, the one who had parted ways with He Yiming on the deserted island, yet compared to before, Chu Haozhou seemed to have undergone a complete, soul-deep transformation.

Decades of relentless, unchanging, arduous cultivation had allowed Chu Haozhou to amass profound reserves of strength.

Once the opportune moment arrived, his ascent was immediate and explosive, making it impossible for anyone to suppress his breakthrough any longer.

He Yiming’s eyes flashed with exhilaration. He sensed it faintly: after refining the Dragon Whip and the inner core of that Sacred Beast, Chu Haozhou’s very essence, spirit, and vigor were entirely renewed, his entire being vibrating with potent strength and absolute confidence.

He even had a distinct feeling that Chu Haozhou had reached the absolute pinnacle of the Venerable Realm; one more step forward, and he would ascend to a higher plane. However, taking that final step was a feat of monumental difficulty, virtually unreachable without a supreme, heaven-sent opportunity.

But the sheer power radiating from Chu Haozhou at this moment had reached an almost inconceivable level. He Yiming estimated that if Bai Ma Leidian were to face Chu Haozhou now in a fair fight, victory would no longer be easily secured by the lightning steed.

Chu Haozhou’s cold gaze swept over the assembled crowd, the sheer authority emanating from his eyes piercing directly into their souls.

Lin Yiwu, who had been so spirited moments before, the wildly boasting Ancient Demon, and the six-legged spirit beast at his feet—all of them clamped their mouths shut. Their gazes fixed on Chu Haozhou were filled only with intense jealousy and stark terror.

However, Chu Haozhou’s gaze suddenly locked, and he paused, blinking as if he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing.

He Yiming grinned and waved casually, saying, "Heh..."

Chu Haozhou rolled his eyes with mock exasperation, his intimidating aura immediately receding slightly. He hesitated, asking, "Brother He, why are you here as well?"

He Yiming spread both hands in a gesture of helplessness. "Elder Brother Chu, your little brother was traveling the Eastern Sea, heard the grand reputation of Penglai Immortal Island, and decided to take a look. Unexpectedly, I stumbled upon this place." A broad smile played on his lips. "But the fact that our two brothers meet here shows it must be the will of Heaven. Elder Brother Chu, you can't refuse me this time, can you?"

Chu Haozhou naturally knew what He Yiming was referring to. Before leaving the deserted island, He Yiming had repeatedly suggested they seek revenge together, but Chu Haozhou had always declined, citing his sect's internal affairs. Yet, now that they met again, even the obstinate Chu Haozhou felt a sense of inescapable destiny orchestrating this reunion.

As soon as Chu Haozhou spoke, the magnificent, world-shattering aura he’d carried on arrival dissipated by more than half. Lin Yiwu took a deep, steadying breath. "Brother Chu, forty years have passed since we last met. I trust you have been well."

Chu Haozhou threw his head back and roared with laughter. "Lin Yiwu, I went to see King Yama, but the old gentleman said there was still great evil unchecked in this world, so he sent me back. He demands that I utterly annihilate your Hantian Sect before I can report back!"

Lin Yiwu’s face instantly turned grim, but he understood that his feud with Chu Haozhou was a matter of life and death; unless one side was annihilated, this enmity could never be resolved.

A formidable leader himself, he quickly scanned the surroundings. "Brother Zhan, Venerable Zhen, the Haintian Gate is willing to form an eternal pact of brotherhood and peace with the Qianshan Sect and the Lingjiu Valley. From this day forward, our three factions will watch over each other, united in purpose, jointly governing Penglai Immortal Island and developing it into the foremost island in the Eastern Sea. What do you two think of this proposal?"

Zhan Hongtu and Zhen Wanqing’s expressions shifted subtly. They exchanged glances, catching the flicker of profound temptation in the other's eyes.

To claim they were entirely unmoved by this proposal would be self-deception.

He Yiming sighed softly and suddenly spoke, "Congratulations to you both."

Zhan Hongtu was slightly startled. "Brother He, what do you mean by that?"

He Yiming chuckled slyly. "If you two ally with the Haintian Gate to form a united front, and manage to kill Elder Brother Chu and myself today, then Penglai Immortal Island will belong to you, Brother Lin, Brother Chen, the Ancient Demon, and Madman Dai. You two Venerables and those four Venerables... oh, and one Sacred Beast—you will all be united under one banner, jointly ruling Penglai Immortal Island."

Lin Yiwu’s expression tightened. His gaze turned exceedingly sinister, and he felt a deep-seated hatred for He Yiming.

Indeed, the clarity returned instantly to Zhan Hongtu’s and Zhen Wanqing’s eyes, and their regard for Lin Yiwu was once again laced with wariness and hostility.

"Ancient Demon, Madman Dai?" Chu Haozhou exclaimed in surprise. He glanced at the two Venerables, then at the six-legged monstrosity behind the Ancient Demon, sensing their auras for a moment. His face grew serious. "Brother He, why are these two here?"

"Elder Brother Chu, these two were invited by Venerable Lin Yiwu. They are already guest Venerables of the Haintian Gate, and that six-legged Sacred Beast also belongs to the Ancient Demon," He Yiming said with a smile.

Lin Yiwu suddenly snorted coldly. "Chu Haozhou, you only care about vengeance against me, but do you realize that the destruction of the Xianling Mountain lineage was not solely the work of our faction? The Qianshan Sect and the Lingjiu Valley are equally implicated."

Zhan Hongtu and Zhen Wanqing’s faces changed drastically, and they simultaneously shouted in anger, "Lin Yiwu, you are spewing malicious lies!"

Lin Yiwu let out a dry laugh. "In the past, when the Xianling Mountain lineage held absolute dominance, no one on the entire Penglai Immortal Island dared to defy their commands. Although our three factions each had one Venerable, we could not compare to the ascendant might of Xianling Mountain." He lifted his head proudly. "Fortunately, Heaven had eyes; either the Venerables of Xianling Mountain died from exploding during their cultivation, or they perished when their natural lifespan ran out. And Chu Haozhou, Xianling Mountain’s strongest Venerable, was simply a restless soul. He traveled far and wide—God knows if he’s alive or dead. So, the three of us joined forces and rooted out the Xianling Mountain lineage, which had lost its Venerables."

Zhan Hongtu sputtered indignantly. "Nonsense, Lin Yiwu! This Haintian City was originally the main city of the Xianling Mountain lineage. You renamed it after your Haintian Gate conquered it. Apart from your Haintian Gate, our two sects never laid a finger on it."

Lin Yiwu gave them a disdainful look. "You didn't come because you were gutless cowards, afraid to show your faces openly. Heh heh. After we captured and renamed Xianling Mountain City, our disciples were greatly encouraged. Wo Hui, moreover, broke through his limits and advanced to the Venerable Realm after obtaining a divine weapon from Xianling Mountain. After witnessing this, did you two ever regret your inaction?"

Zhan Hongtu and Zhen Wanqing’s expressions changed simultaneously, but they merely gave a cold snort and fell silent.

Lin Yiwu turned back to Chu Haozhou and said coldly, "Chu Haozhou, I know there's nothing left to say between us. But I am unwilling to bear this entire burden alone."

Zhan Hongtu quickly urged, "Brother Chu, this man’s words are nonsense; you must not believe him."

Lin Yiwu roared with laughter. "Chu Haozhou, think about it: our three sects were of comparable strength back then. If they hadn't struck secretly, how could we have possibly eradicated the Xianling Mountain lineage, whose influence spanned the entire island, with such lightning speed?"

A faint, mournful sigh escaped Zhen Wanqing’s lips. She bowed deeply to Chu Haozhou. "Brother Chu, forty years ago, our Lingjiu Valley did indeed expel the noble sect's disciples from the central regions of the island. Several conflicts arose during that time, resulting in casualties. However..." she raised her head, her expression solemn, "Brother Chu, I know you are a hero of your word. So, I only wish to ask: how did your noble sect treat the three of us when you were at your peak? If your sect still existed today, would there be any place for the three of us to stand?"

The muscles in Chu Haozhou’s face twitched faintly, indicating deep indecision.

Zhan Hongtu quickly called out, "Brother Chu, as long as you agree to let bygones be bygones, Venerable Zhen and I will fight shoulder-to-shoulder with you and swear to fight them to the death!"

He had already calculated in his heart that with the might Chu Haozhou displayed today, plus the power He Yiming showed previously, their side surely had the greater chance of winning.

Lin Yiwu’s face darkened slightly, but he merely sneered.

In his mind, his side boasted four Venerables and one Sacred Beast. Especially since the might of the Sacred Beast far surpassed that of an ordinary Venerable, he wasn't truly afraid. The only disappointment was that, under these circumstances, his plan to detain them all seemed unlikely to succeed.

Chu Haozhou looked up at the heavens, long silent. After a long while, he sighed deeply. "In the past, the Xianling Mountain lineage was indeed too harsh toward its peers. The betrayal of the three major sects on the island is a consequence of my sect losing the hearts of the people." He lowered his gaze. "So be it. This elder will only punish the primary culprits and pursue no further action against the rest."

Zhan Hongtu was instantly overjoyed. "Thank you for your understanding, Brother Chu! Today, let us join forces and fight the Haintian Gate!"

Chu Haozhou laughed loudly. "No matter how fallen I, Chu, may be, I would never join forces with you two." He waved his wide sleeve. "Zhan Hongtu, Zhen Wanqing, this matter no longer concerns you. Please leave."

At these words, everyone except He Yiming was utterly dumbfounded, nearly doubting their ears.

Zhan Hongtu’s face changed dramatically. He rushed forward urgently. "Brother Chu, those two are the Demonic Path Venerables, Ancient Demon and Madman Dai, renowned throughout the Eastern Sea a century ago!"

Chu Haozhou’s eyes snapped wide open, and an incredible, powerful might erupted from his body.

The divine-like aura that had just shattered the city gates surged forth from him once more.

"Zhan Hongtu, if you do not leave now, this elder will slay you on the spot..."

Zhan Hongtu's expression flickered uncertainly, but finally, without another word, he turned and left. Zhen Wanqing also let out a long sigh, bowed deeply to him, and turned to depart in kind.

Ps: Five chapters tomorrow. If you have monthly tickets, please lend a hand; it seems I’m about to be caught if I don't hit one hundred votes. Thank you.