A contingent from the Ghost Sect had completely surrounded Ji Changkong at this critical juncture, watching vigilantly for any unwelcome disturbance that might interrupt his arduous meditation.

At the center of the tight perimeter formed by the Ghost Sect members, Ji Changkong was enveloped by a swirling halo of five-colored light. Above his head, the Taixu Milu rotated slowly. The Four Sacred Beasts were merging, without anyone quite understanding how, within the core of the multicolored aura.

Time rushed by. In the blink of an eye, three days and three nights had passed.

The forms of the Four Sacred Beasts that had pierced the five-colored halo gradually dissolved until they vanished completely. Finally, even the five-colored aura was entirely drawn back into Ji Changkong’s body. The Taixu Milu completed its final descent, burrowing into Ji Changkong’s mind.

Another day later, deep within the pitch-black night where one could not see five fingers, Ji Changkong’s brow twitched. He finally opened his eyes.

The darkness seemed to flash with lightning as, for an instant, Ji Changkong’s eyes blazed like the stars. Yet, just as swiftly, the light vanished without a trace.

A faint, detached smile touched his lips as he looked upon the Ghost Sect experts who remained taut with vigilance. Ji Changkong said, “I thank you all for your guardianship.”

“It is our duty,” Gui Hai replied with a wide, ingratiating smile, waving a hand to signal the Ghost Sect disciples to stand down. He approached Ji Changkong and asked, “How was it?”

“The Liuhe Heaven Realm,” Ji Changkong replied with a smile.

The Tianyuan Bead truly lived up to its reputation as the sacred heirloom passed down by the Aoluo Divine Cult; it could absorb the entirety of the Ghost Demon King’s power. That power was immense, and upon entering the Tianyuan Bead, it fiercely resisted, managing to suppress the Phoenix Soul within the bead. Perhaps sensing the Ghost Demon King’s struggle, the bead automatically began to divide and purify the demonic power, channeling the cleansed essence back into Ji Changkong’s body.

Under the influence of this incredibly vast power, Ji Changkong’s Xuanyuan bloodline boiled. This energy coursed through his body, guided into every corner, making it an integral part of him.

Simultaneously, the Tianyuan Bead separated another stream of soul power, injecting it directly into Ji Changkong’s spirit.

With this two-pronged assault, Ji Changkong’s body and spirit underwent a sudden transformation, which unexpectedly stirred all the latent Five Elements energy contained within him. In that instant, his spirit achieved communion with the Four Sacred Beasts. All these phenomena occurred at once, even resonating with the Taixu Milu hidden deep within his mind.

In that moment, he once again entered a state of selfless void, utterly unaware of his actions, instinctively following the guidance of the Taixu Milu and pushing the ‘Fusion’ profound meaning of the text to its absolute limit. When a thread of consciousness returned, he miraculously found that the convergence of the Four Symbols and Five Elements he had yearned for had taken shape.

In a mere few days, he had leaped past the Five Elements Heaven barrier to reach his current state in the Liuhe Heaven Realm.

Ji Changkong, who had been cultivating the powers of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth in the Five Elements Heaven Realm, had broken through in this rather bewildering manner...

“The fusion of the Four Symbols and Five Elements, leading to the Liuhe Heaven Realm—is that right?” Gui Hai asked, uncertainty coloring his tone.

“Yes,” Ji Changkong affirmed with a nod.

“Then... then is the Ghost Demon King truly eliminated completely?” Gui Hai asked again, startled.

“Yes,” Ji Changkong nodded again.

At these words, every member of the Ghost Sect burst into expressions of joy.

“Shall I pay a visit to the Netherworld Ghost Domain and finish off the other two Ghost Demon Kings?” Ji Changkong asked with a smile.

Gui Hai’s face lit up, ready to agree, but just then, Gui Rong spoke up sharply: “No, while you have achieved the cultivation of the Liuhe Heaven Realm, you absolutely cannot enter the Netherworld Ghost Domain to seek the other two Ghost Demon Kings. The Netherworld Ghost Domain is no small matter; it harbors countless perils. If you enter, you might get entangled and killed by other dangers!”

Upon hearing Gui Rong’s words, Gui Hai considered them and nodded in agreement. “Fourth Uncle is right. The Netherworld Ghost Domain is far too perilous. The Ghost Demon Kings are intimately familiar with every corner of it. If you fought them outside, perhaps with that marvelous bead you could defeat them, but inside the domain, not only will you fail to eliminate them, but you might never emerge.”

“Is it really that dangerous inside?” Ji Changkong frowned, feeling a sliver of doubt after their warnings.

“We are not entirely clear on the current situation inside. However, the previous two Xuanyuan ancestors of your Ji family entered the Netherworld Ghost Domain while in the Bagua Heaven Realm, and both returned in a very sorry state,” Gui Rong cautioned Ji Changkong with a grave expression. “They strictly warned us Ghost Sect members never to trespass there rashly. With your potential, you will one day surpass those previous Xuanyuan ancestors. Since your Four Symbols and Five Elements have fused and you now possess the Liuhe Heaven Realm realm, only when you break through to the Bagua Heaven Realm and then use that wondrous bead to enter the Netherworld Ghost Domain will you truly have a hope of completely eradicating the remaining two Ghost Demon Kings.”

“I’ll listen to you,” Ji Changkong mused, then agreed. He was not a reckless man; if both Gui Rong and Gui Hai insisted, it proved the Netherworld Ghost Domain was indeed treacherous.

He had spent enough time in the Gray Mountain Range now. In his estimation, it was time to leave.

“I cannot remain in the Gray Mountain Range forever. The people of the Shadowless Sect now know I possess a method to completely destroy the Ghost Demon Kings. I fear Huang Mu will relay this news to the Demon Kings. Once I leave the Gray Mountain Range, I worry the Ghost Sect will face danger,” Ji Changkong stated solemnly to Gui Rong and Gui Hai.

Gui Rong and Gui Hai frowned deeply. They had considered this problem, but had no good solution. Even dealing with the mere Shadowless Sect was becoming difficult for the Ghost Sect. Coupled with the two Ghost Demon Kings from the Netherworld Ghost Domain, if the Ghost Sect were to fight them directly, it would surely be a path to ruin.

“The reason the Shadowless Sect is stronger than you is because they maintain constant contact with the outside world. While the Gray Mountain Range has abundant rare treasures, it cannot encompass everything in the world. The path of a Celestial Master requires a vast array of spiritual artifacts, and the Gray Mountain Range simply cannot provide them all.”

“I have observed that the divine artifacts and spiritual treasures used by the Shadowless Sect members are clearly superior to yours. This is because their artifacts incorporate many special materials not found in the Gray Mountain Range—for instance, spiritual materials for Metal and Fire in the Five Elements. Since the Gray Mountain Range lacks these, your Ghost Sect cannot obtain them.”

“Furthermore, certain divine weapons and spiritual treasures require these specific materials to fully unleash their power. Your Ghost Sect is far inferior to the Shadowless Sect in this regard. Additionally, your sect has few members, and due to continuous warfare with the Ghost Demons, the number of experts decreases annually. The strength of the Ghost Sect has been declining year after year.”

“The Shadowless Sect is different. They have branches set up outside, allowing them to collect rare materials lacking in the Gray Mountain Range and also recruit disciples, perhaps seeking out exceptionally gifted boys and girls to train. That is why the Ghost Sect has, without realizing it, fallen behind,” Ji Changkong explained the situation plainly.

“You mean... we should increase our interaction with the outside world?” Gui Hai asked.

Shaking his head, Ji Changkong said, “Not increase outside contact. I believe you should leave the Gray Mountain Range entirely. Firstly, you can temporarily avoid retaliation from the Ghost Demon Kings and the Shadowless Sect. Secondly, you can build up your strength externally. If you remain obstinate and insist on staying in the Gray Mountain Range, in my opinion, the Ghost Sect might not last until I return here.”

At these words, all the Ghost Sect members fell silent.

It was a harsh truth, and Ji Changkong was not exaggerating the severity of the situation. Under the current circumstances, even if he remained, if the Shadowless Sect and the two Ghost Demon Kings allied to attack the Gray Mountain Range, as long as Huang Mu or Luo Tieqiang occupied him, the two Demon Kings would have ample leisure to destroy the Ghost Sect.

No matter how one looked at it, the Ghost Sect remaining in the Gray Mountain Range offered no good outcome.

“If we venture outside, the moment we use our secret techniques, we are denounced as heretics. The disciples I sent out to find methods against the Ghost Demon Kings were all persecuted as evil practitioners; many never returned to the Gray Mountain Range after leaving.”

This bloody lesson lay before them. Even knowing the extreme danger of staying put, Gui Rong dared not make a rash decision.

“Leave with me. Stay with my Ji Family. Our two families can join forces. Once we explain the situation clearly, I believe it won't be a major problem. The world is vast; I don’t believe there isn’t a place for your Ghost Sect outside,” Ji Changkong stated firmly.

“Fourth Uncle, Changkong is right. I think we should consider leaving the Gray Mountain Range for a time. Even a sect as wicked as the Shadowless Sect can survive outside; why can't our Ghost Sect?” Gui Hai seemed to have made up his mind and began persuading Gui Rong.

“This is a matter of utmost importance. I believe we should return to the valley and consult everyone’s opinion,” Gui Rong, being more conservative, still hesitated to agree immediately.

“Alright, let’s go back to the valley first and explain the situation so everyone can choose for themselves,” Gui Hai conceded.

“Then let’s go. Duan Xiaoshan and the others are still at Ghost Valley; I’ll return with you. Although Duan Xiaoshan and the two younger girls are not strong enough yet, their family background is powerful, and they are very clear about the affairs of the world. If the Duan Family can help you clarify things, the matter will become much easier,” Ji Changkong said with a smile.

Duan Xiaoshan, Duan Xiaoqi, and Duan Lingyue had developed good relations with the Ghost Sect members during their time at Ghost Valley. Having lived in the Gray Mountain Range for so many years, the Ghost Sect members had collected numerous rare treasures and spirit medicines. Treasures that drove people outside to madness were not considered precious by them. Seeing that the three girls were likable, they generously gifted them spirit treasures from their collection.

Thanks to the Red Lotus Snow Fruit, combined with the treasures from the Ghost Sect members, the three girls’ cultivation advanced by leaps and bounds in Ghost Valley, all reaching the Four Symbols Heaven Realm. The girls were reluctant to leave, having grown extremely close to the elders and younger members of the Ghost Sect.

Furthermore, the Duan Family held a grudge against the Shadowless Sect. If the Ghost Sect truly ventured out of the Gray Mountain Range, given the personalities of the three girls, they would certainly dedicate themselves to helping the Ghost Sect clear their name. With the Duan Family’s influence, the Ghost Sect might genuinely be able to shed the reputation of being an evil sect.

At Ghost Valley, Gui Rong and Gui Hai gathered all the elders and juniors to seek their opinion on whether to leave the Gray Mountain Range.

Ji Changkong stayed with Duan Xiaoshan, Duan Xiaoqi, and Duan Lingyue, explaining the pros and cons to them and truthfully recounting the collusion between the Shadowless Sect and the Ghost Demons, telling the girls about the Ghost Sect’s predicament—though he deliberately omitted asking for their direct help.

As expected, the moment the three girls learned that the Shadowless Sect was colluding with the inhuman Ghost Demons from the Netherworld Ghost Domain, they immediately aligned themselves with the Ghost Sect. They declared righteously that once the Ghost Sect left the Gray Mountain Range, they would report the matter to their Duan Family elders and fully support the Ghost Sect in clarifying things.

Though the three girls could be willful and mischievous, they were fundamentally kind-hearted. The Ghost Sect members had looked after them meticulously during this period, gifting them the coveted spiritual treasures without hesitation. The girls felt deep gratitude and had been wondering how to repay them.

After Ji Changkong explained the situation, they immediately resolved to announce the Shadowless Sect’s evil deeds to the world as soon as they left the Gray Mountain Range, ensuring everyone would condemn that wicked sect for its wrongdoing.

When Gui Rong and Gui Hai sought the counsel of the Ghost Sect elders and juniors, they did not exclude Ji Changkong and the three Duan sisters. After Gui Hai detailed the risks, he felt uneasy, worrying that these elders and juniors, having lived their entire lives in the Gray Mountain Range, might not agree with their proposal. Initially, he was quite nervous.

He had underestimated the curiosity and enthusiasm these Ghost Sect members held for the outside world. When he and Gui Rong explained the situation, asking everyone to seriously consider their suggestion, they found the faces of the Ghost Sect members alight with excitement, each one eager to leave Ghost Valley and the Gray Mountain Range immediately.

“You... you have no attachment to Ghost Valley or the Gray Mountain Range at all?” Gui Rong asked the clamoring disciples with a wry smile.

“We do have attachments, but we are even more eager to see the outside world! I haven’t left the Gray Mountain Range since I was small; I really want to go out and explore,” a Ghost Sect youth, no older than sixteen or seventeen, chirped happily. “Besides, we aren’t staying away forever. Once Brother Changkong defeats the Ghost Demon Kings, we can return to Ghost Valley. Think of it as taking a long trip!”

“It’s not a lack of attachment to Ghost Valley, but rather, if the Ghost Demon Kings and the Shadowless Sect are so formidable, staying in Ghost Valley is clearly perilous!” an older Ghost Sect woman stated with resignation.

The elders feared death, while the younger generation yearned for new experiences. Gui Hai and Gui Rong surveyed them all and found not a single person willing to remain in Ghost Valley.

“Come stay with our Duan Family! My Duan Family holds some standing in the Shuiyun Kingdom. If your Ghost Sect is willing, we can arrange a place for your cultivation. Our Duan Family is ready to form an alliance with your Ghost Sect,” Duan Lingyue, the most intelligent of the three young ladies, urged eagerly, feigning innocence while maneuvering shrewdly.

Although the Ghost Sect was sparsely populated, every member, young and old, cultivated the path of the Celestial Master. Gui Rong and Gui Hai were Bagua Heaven Celestial Masters, and Gui Lao Qi, Gui Lao Liu, and others were Seven Star Celestial Masters. This force alone was comparable to that of several major families. If the Duan Family allied with the Ghost Sect, the Duan Family’s power within the Shuiyun Kingdom would ascend to a new height.

Moreover, the Ghost Sect had lived in the Gray Mountain Range for hundreds of years, accumulating vast quantities of its spiritual treasures. With their small population, they could never use them all. If the Ghost Sect became allies with the Duan Family, the benefits the Duan Family would gain would be staggering enough to make anyone envious!

Duan Xiaoshan and Duan Xiaoqi were not foolish either. They immediately recognized this heaven-sent opportunity. They tilted their necks, put on charming expressions, and blushingly implored the elders and juniors they were close with to come live with the Duan Family.

Ji Changkong merely smiled without speaking. How could he not see the intentions of the three little ghosts? He thought, These three little ghosts are dreaming big. I worked hard to persuade the Ghost Sect to leave the Gray Mountain Range, and now you three want to pick up the easy benefits? Such luck doesn't exist.

If he hadn't been confident in his position—having secured an agreement with the two old foxes, Gui Rong and Gui Hai, on the journey back to Ghost Valley—he might have confronted the three girls for trying to poach his newfound allies. The two elders regarded him as the Ghost Sect’s entire hope, the only one capable of destroying the Ghost Demon Kings.

Given this situation, no matter how persuasive the three girls were, it would be useless.

“This generation’s Ji Family Xuanyuan can completely eradicate the Ghost Demon Kings! We have seen it with our own eyes. Everyone rest assured, the nightmare that has plagued our Ghost Sect for years will eventually be resolved because of Ji Changkong! The friendly relationship between our Ghost Sect and the Ji Family Xuanyuan lineage stretches back a thousand years. The Ghost Sect and the Ji Family are on the same line. After we leave the Gray Mountain Range, we will reside temporarily in Ji Family’s Xuanyuan Valley. This generation’s Xuanyuan has already agreed to form an alliance with our Ghost Sect. With the Ji Family’s help outside, we are certain to establish a firm foothold!” Gui Hai roared.

All the Ghost Sect elders and juniors nodded upon hearing Gui Hai’s declaration.

The three girls, Duan Xiaoshan, Duan Xiaoqi, and Duan Lingyue, had spent a great deal of effort persuading, but Gui Hai’s single sentence pronounced their defeat. The three little ghosts looked dejected, their faces crestfallen, leaving them with nothing to say.

“Xiaoshan, in the Ghost Sect, we only know of one Ji Family Xuanyuan lineage. Moreover, the previous two generations of Ji Family Xuanyuan showed great kindness to our sect. In the hearts of the Ghost Sect members, the Ji Family Xuanyuan holds a uniquely special place. Since childhood, we have heard our elders recount the relationship between the Ji Family Xuanyuan and us, the legends of the Ji Family Xuanyuan’s might impressing upon us the kindness they showed our sect,” an elderly, kind-faced woman explained with a smile to Duan Xiaoshan.

“Even if Ji Changkong hadn't come to the Ghost Sect or helped us deal with the Ghost Demon Kings, if we were to leave the Gray Mountain Range, we would only seek refuge with the Ji Family. So, anything you say is useless. We have never even heard of your Duan Family. No matter how powerful you are, we will not go there.”

The kindly old woman’s explanation brought some comfort to the three Duan sisters. They stopped trying to persuade and stood beside Ji Changkong, pouting slightly, looking annoyed.

“I worked myself to the bone, and you three little ghosts want to reap the rewards without effort? Is there such a thing?” Ji Changkong chuckled softly and said to the three girls.

“Hmph, this is all thanks to the merits of your previous two Ji Family Xuanyuan ancestors! Otherwise, with our unrivaled cuteness, the Ghost Sect would surely have come to the Duan Family,” Duan Xiaoshan made a face, clearly indignant.

Ji Changkong smiled and said nothing more, thinking that even without the foundation laid by the previous two Ji Family Xuanyuan ancestors, the simple fact that he could destroy the Ghost Demon Kings was enough to ensure Gui Rong and Gui Hai would listen to him obediently. Ultimately, his existence was the Ghost Sect’s future hope.

Other than him, no one could help the Ghost Sect remove the thorn in their side, the Ghost Demon Kings.

Once the decision was made, the entire Ghost Sect, all one hundred-plus members, bustled about in Ghost Valley, beginning to pack their belongings and gather the spiritual treasures hidden deep within their dwellings.

Yin Polar Fruit, Red Lotus Snow Fruit, Water Spirit Mushroom, Earth Origin Crystal, Water Origin Crystal, Wood Origin Crystal, Purple Blue Flower, Python Dragon Sinew…

Innumerable heavenly materials and earthly treasures, some Ji Changkong recognized and many he did not, were stuffed into large sacks by the Ghost Sect members. Some, finding it troublesome, simply carried them on their backs. By their actions, they seemed to treat these treasures as if they were common herbs picked everywhere.

Some found the weight too much and tossed aside extremely rare medicinal herbs, muttering, “There’s plenty of this stuff in the Gray Mountain Range. We can gather it next time we come back. The Sect Master is really making us carry so much trouble…”

“Scoundrels! Pack them neatly! Even if we don't need them, the Ji Family might! If we are seeking refuge, we cannot arrive empty-handed. Only these things born from the heavens in the Gray Mountain Range exist here; if we don’t bring them, what can we offer them?” Gui Rong couldn't help but curse when he saw his disciples wasting things.

“Fourth Grand-uncle, there’s too much; we can’t carry it all!” a young girl, perhaps only fifteen or sixteen, complained tearfully in defense.

“Take as much as you can carry. Only if you truly cannot carry more are you allowed to discard it!” Gui Rong took a careful look and realized they were indeed overloaded. He sighed helplessly.

The Ghost Sect had lived in the Gray Mountain Range for hundreds of years; no one was more familiar with it than they were. The Gray Mountain Range was like their backyard garden, nurturing treasures for them to mine at will. Centuries of accumulation meant they had gathered an astonishing amount of rare materials.

These treasures had previously been piled in various corners of Ghost Valley, hidden from view, so even they didn't realize the sheer quantity they possessed. Now that they had to leave, gathering up the accumulation of so many years, they discovered the volume far exceeded their initial estimates.

Only a select few within the Ghost Sect possessed spiritual treasures capable of storing items, such as spatial bags. These relics were gifts bestowed by the previous two generations of Xuanyuan when they visited the Ashen Mountain Range during their peak, in exchange for rare heavenly materials. At this moment, those few storage spiritual treasures, akin to mustard seed bags, were already filled to the brim.

Without such relics, transporting this immense trove of heavenly materials out of the Ashen Mountain Range was proving to be quite a formidable task.

Duan Xiaoshan and the other two young women were utterly transfixed, their mouths watering uncontrollably. Up until this point, they had believed the Ghost Sect members were generous and open-handed, always gifting them exceptionally precious cultivation items. It was only now that the three girls understood the Ghost Sect wasn't simply generous...

The treasures they considered priceless were piled up like mountains in the rooms of every man, woman, and child of the Ghost Sect! In the eyes of the Ghost Clan, these materials probably weren't worth as much as a rag doll. Having never left the Ashen Mountain Range, they had no comprehension of what these things truly represented!

"They must be..." Duan Xiaoshan stammered, her tongue tied, "They must be richer than the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion."

"Ahhh! The Ji family is set for life now! If the Ghost Sect visits the Ji family, there will likely be no Celestial Master family left in the world that can rival the Ji family's wealth!" Duan Lingyue was nearly frantic, clawing at her hair, her bright eyes beginning to redden.

"Ahem..." Ji Changkong approached Gui Hai and Gui Rong, smiling. "I happen to have one more spatial bag. If the two of you don't mind, I intend to pack up everything on the ground?"

"It was already gifted to your Ji family. Take as much as you can carry!" Gui Hai laughed.

"Excellent!" Ji Changkong boomed, falling silent. He began moving through the Ghost Valley, and the spiritual herbs and ores scattered on the ground vanished as he passed. In a short while, the most precious herbs and ores had been deposited into his spatial bag.

However, the space within the spatial bag was finite, and the sheer quantity of goods on the ground was overwhelming. After one circuit, he hadn't managed to collect everything.

He moved again, taking out every carrying pouch that could hold anything from his spatial bag. He continued his sweep through the Ghost Valley, soon accumulating over a dozen pouches of various sizes. Each one was bulging; he carried several on his back, hung several from his waist, and strapped several to his arms.

Completely swathed in pouches, he resembled a walking mountain, with only his face visible, grinning foolishly.

His actions prompted the Ghost Valley disciples who hadn't intended to take anything to feel embarrassed. They began grabbing the remaining scattered heavenly materials, hoisting them onto their arms and strapping them to their waists. Consequently, very few spiritual herbs remained on the valley floor.

"Ahem, Xiaoshan! You girls shouldn't just stand there. There are still some spiritual herbs on the ground; help collect them," it was only then that Ji Changkong seemed to remember Duan Xiaoshan and the other two young women, calling out from a distance.

Duan Xiaoshan and the two others had watched him systematically clear out the valley's treasures. Since Gui Rong and Gui Hai hadn't objected, the girls, despite their intense desire, dared not move. They watched him hoard everything, their eyes burning with envy, hoping he would say something so they could claim a share.

Finally, he spoke, but by then, the truly priceless spiritual treasures on the Ghost Valley floor had been gathered by him and the Ghost Clan members. Only a relatively small amount of scattered spiritual herbs remained. The three girls could collect these without needing storage spiritual treasures.

Bastard, you only remembered us when you couldn't carry anything else!

The three girls cursed him inwardly, stealing glances at Gui Rong and Gui Hai. Seeing them nod with smiles, they swiftly sprang into action, sweeping up the sparse remaining treasures like a whirlwind.

"Yes, that should be enough. Changkong, let’s head to the Ji family first. If we need more, we can collect some next time we visit the Ashen Mountain Range. Our Ghost Sect knows every blade of grass and every stone in the Ashen Mountain Range; anything found here, we can locate," Gui Rong smiled, seeking Ji Changkong's opinion.

"Yes, yes, we’ll go to the Ji family first. This haul is enough for both the Ji family and the Ghost Sect to achieve great things! Haha, rest assured, anything your Ghost Sect requires, I can procure for you through my connections with the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion!" Ji Changkong thumped his chest, projecting the image of someone well-connected in the outside world.

Gui Rong and Gui Hai both smiled and nodded. Regardless of whether Ji Changkong's words were true, they had no choice but to align with him.

"We'll take a different route out of the Ashen Mountain Range. This path is remote but very safe. Besides our Ghost Sect, no one else knows it. I guarantee the Shadowless Sect won't even catch our scent!" Gui Lao Qi stepped forward and said to Ji Changkong.

"Changing routes is fine, but you won't get us lost, will you?" Ji Changkong asked, slightly worried. He needed to head towards Blood Rain Mountain. If the Ghost Sect led them out toward the Eastern Sea region, it would be a huge detour. With so many people burdened with so many spiritual treasures, running into any Celestial Master sects from the Eastern Sea could spell disaster.

"Don't worry. When we returned to the valley, I asked about the entrance you used. I guarantee I will lead you right back there," Gui Lao Qi replied with a smile.

"That's good then." Reassured, Ji Changkong laughed heartily. "If everyone is ready, let's depart!"

"Go!" Gui Hai commanded.

Faster than Ji Changkong had anticipated, half a month later, the large party emerged near the edge of the Ashen Mountain Range—precisely at the entrance he and Mo Yunyi had used to enter. This once again proved that the Ghost Sect were the true masters of the Ashen Mountain Range; no one knew its paths better than them.

If not for the entire Ghost Sect, young and old, setting out this time, each burdened with massive carrying bags, this shortcut could have shaved off a few more days.

"Be cautious! From this moment on, any Celestial Master that appears in our sight, friend or foe, must be restrained!" Upon reaching the periphery of the Ashen Mountain Range, Ji Changkong's expression grew grave, and he said in a low voice.

"Brother Changkong, why restrain them?" A fifteen or sixteen-year-old youth asked, bewildered.

"What we carry is enough to drive every Celestial Master sect in the world insane. If they discover it, it will inevitably lead to a bloody scramble! It’s still a few days' journey to the Ji family. During this time, we must be extremely careful not to let any Celestial Master who spots us leak the news! Otherwise, before we even reach the Ji family, we could suffer devastating losses!" Ji Changkong stated sternly.

"Xiao Fei, the outside world is even crueler than the Ashen Mountain Range. We must be vigilant. I hope we don't encounter any overly powerful Celestial Masters. If the news truly leaks, we might invite immense trouble," Duan Xiaoshan explained softly to the youth.

The youth seemed to understand slightly, nodding silently.

"I will try my best to avoid running into those Celestial Masters, hoping our journey remains uneventful. If avoidance proves impossible, no one should show mercy. Those with ill intent—kill! Even those who pose no immediate threat must be restrained, ensuring they are immobilized for a significant period!" Ji Changkong looked sternly at Gui Rong and Gui Hai.

"Yes, we will follow your lead," Gui Rong nodded.

On the first day, Ji Changkong unleashed his divine sense, cautiously probing for any life signatures within a ten-mile radius. Whenever he sensed an area inhabited by Celestial Masters, he would guide the Ghost Clan members to detour preemptively. Although they stopped and started throughout the day, shifting direction several times, under the sweep of Ji Changkong's divine sense, they truly encountered not a single Celestial Master.

However, this stopping and starting cost them considerable time, and they didn't cover much ground that day.

The route from the Ashen Mountain Range to Blood Rain Mountain was frequented by many Celestial Master sects, as well as Celestial Masters often emerging from various places to seek treasures in the Ashen Mountain Range. Thus, reaching Blood Rain Mountain safely was no easy feat.

Fortunately, the party had the oversight of two experts at the Eight Trigrams Heaven Realm—Gui Rong and Gui Hai—along with an anomaly like Ji Changkong, whose divine sense was immeasurably profound. Since entering the Six Harmonies Heaven Realm, though he hadn't fully grasped the new subtleties of his divine sense, he found that its perceptive range had significantly increased.

When his divine sense expanded, no living creature within a ten-mile radius could escape his detection. It was thanks to this astonishing intuition that they managed to evade the Celestial Masters on the first day.

Upon exiting the Ashen Mountain Range, the heavenly materials carried by the Ghost Sect members were concealed within large pouches, and even some spiritual herbs were bound by vines, cloaked by unusually large leaves. Yet, even with these efforts, their group remained too conspicuous!

One hundred experts, whose auras clearly marked them as Celestial Masters, each carrying baggage piled high like small mountains—anyone who saw them would naturally become curious. Human curiosity is hard to suppress; persistent inquiry would surely uncover the truth. The best way to avoid this was simply not to be seen.

On the second day, Ji Changkong and his group continued cautiously toward Blood Rain Mountain.

"Changkong, trouble! A group of people is approaching rapidly! We... we probably can't avoid them," Gui Rong frowned, his expression darkening.

"Indeed, we likely can't avoid them. Good thing they don't seem to have too many high-level experts; they aren't much to fear," Ji Changkong sensed it too.

The Ghost Sect numbered a hundred people. Besides top-tier experts like Gui Rong and Gui Hai, there were children barely in their teens, and many at the Four Symbols Heaven and Five Elements Heaven realms. Carrying so much weight, their speed in evasion was certainly hampered. The approaching group was fast, making evasion difficult.

"Kids and the weaker members to the center; we will guard the perimeter," Ji Changkong announced loudly.

Gui Rong and Gui Hai immediately gave orders. The Ghost Sect experts were obedient and quickly formed their ranks. The children and those with lower cultivation levels were positioned in the middle, encircled by experts like Gui Lao Qi and Gui Lao Liu on the outside, forming a protective ring.

"We will stand with you to see who they are; perhaps we can help," Duan Xiaoshan did not retreat to the back, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Ji Changkong. Duan Xiaoqi and Duan Lingyue did the same, all three frowning as they looked ahead. The three women knew the terrifying wealth the Ghost Sect carried and were understandably tense.

The approaching group suddenly came into view, moving with hurried steps. They seemed not to have expected to run into Ji Changkong here; their expressions turned stunned, and they halted abruptly.

"Eh? Xiao..." Ji Changkong was among the Ghost Clan members, so the opposing group hadn't seen him immediately. However, he recognized who they were. The leader was Zhou Haoyun—this was unmistakably the Blood Moon Sect!

Ever since Tong Qian died by Mo Yunyi’s hand, under the rules of Blood Rain Mountain, the Blood Moon Sect was required to leave. When the Ji family was still in the Fissure Valley, the Blood Moon Sect had quietly departed, their whereabouts unknown since. Ji Changkong had assumed they returned to the Eastern Sea to rally the Blood Pool branch against the Ji family. He hadn't expected them to appear in this area.

"Who are you people? Why are you here?" Zhou Haoyun stepped forward, frowning, full of suspicion. He seemed to have arranged a meeting with someone here; arriving in haste only to find the wrong party, he was quite perplexed.

"It's been a few months, and you don't even recognize me?" Ji Changkong stepped forward from beside Gui Lao Qi, staring darkly at Zhou Haoyun, his laughter carrying a chilling edge.

A deep and difficult-to-resolve enmity existed between the Blood Moon Sect and the Ji family. This wasn't just because Tong Qian had died by Mo Yunyi's hand; it was also because the Blood Pool and the Ji family had sown seeds of hatred long ago. As a branch of the Blood Pool, conflict was inevitable between the two factions, even without Tong Qian's death.

"Ji... Ji Changkong?" Clearly, Zhou Haoyun had not expected to encounter Ji Changkong here; he was even more surprised than Ji Changkong himself.

"Where is Yuwen Mengjian? Why isn't he with you?" Ji Changkong’s eyes scanned the Blood Moon Sect experts before asking.

"Heh heh, we were just about to arrange to wipe out your Ji family, and we bumped into you instead! How convenient!" Zhou Haoyun sneered after a moment of stunned silence. "Ji Changkong, the Celestial Master sects from Lanrou Kingdom should be heading to your Xuanyuan Valley. My Blood Pool experts are coming from the Eastern Sea too. They might arrive soon. Let's see how your Ji family survives this time! Heh heh, but you probably won't live to see your family perish. I'll kill you first; with you gone, the Ji family is hopeless!"

"What? Lanrou Kingdom?" Ji Changkong's expression shifted. "Zhou Haoyun, what connection does the Lanrou Kingdom Celestial Master sect have with my Ji family?"

"The Xuanyuan Valley where your Ji family is currently located, the Celestial Masters of Lanrou Kingdom claim it belongs to them. They simply want you to vacate Xuanyuan Valley. Heh heh, mainly, Lanrou Kingdom accepted favors from us. They are deliberately stirring up trouble with Blood Rain Mountain, simply using your Ji family as a target to strike," Zhou Haoyun sneered coldly.

"I see," Ji Changkong nodded slowly. "It seems I need to deal with you lot sooner." He then turned to Gui Rong and Gui Li, "This sect is an enemy of the Ji family; none of these people are good. Keep..."

"The enemies of the Ji family are the enemies of my Ghost Sect!" Gui Hai nodded, raising his hand. "Kill."