When He Yiming returned to the Haitian Gate, the city was already in utter chaos. Yet, even if the disorder within the city had doubled, few dared to easily leave. Especially the Xiantian experts who had come from other islands; they were here for the grand assembly held once every twenty years, only to be caught up in this maelstrom.

Though they inwardly lamented their predicament, after witnessing the grim fates of those Xiantian masters who had tried to slip away on a slim chance of escape, these visitors had no choice but to remain put, waiting for the opportune moment to depart.

Zhan Hongtu and his companion sped through the city like a flash, having slain numerous masters within the Haitian Gate. Suddenly hearing the cry of a spirit vulture overhead, they swiftly abandoned the city and flew out.

From a distance, they could see Chu Haozhou and He Yiming walking side-by-side, approaching them with an unnerving calm. Following closely behind them were Bai Lingba and the White Horse.

Judging purely by appearance, aside from that magnificent White Horse, the rest of the group seemed unremarkable. But Zhan Hongtu and his partner knew precisely how terrifying this entourage truly was.

They exchanged a glance and hurried to meet them.

Never mind that the masters of the Haitian Gate remaining in the city were now few and far between; even if all the experts were present and fleeing everywhere, they would have no choice but to abandon them all.

Compared to these colossal figures before them, those Xiantian experts were merely ants—not even worthy of mention.

He Yiming glanced at the city, his ears twitching slightly. "The city is quite chaotic."

Zhan Hongtu forced a wry smile. "Brother He, since Master Lin Yiwu and his disciple are dead, it naturally caused a sensation. However, Brother He, rest assured, I, Zhan, will handle the aftermath appropriately."

He Yiming cast a look at the impassive Chu Haozhou, sighing inwardly. He understood the implication of Zhan Hongtu's words, yet this was precisely the sentiment Chu Haozhou held as well.

"Venerable He, today is the biennial Thousand Island Competition Assembly of Penglai Immortal Island, but it seems clear it cannot proceed," Zhen Wanqing interjected suddenly. "Please, Venerable He, advise us on how to proceed."

He Yiming waved his hand dismissively. "This is a matter for your East Sea Penglai Immortal Island; it has nothing to do with me."

A hint of relief flickered simultaneously in the eyes of Zhan Hongtu and Zhen Wanqing. Although He Yiming had stated beforehand that he would not establish his own sect on Penglai Immortal Island, after witnessing his true strength, the two of them had been extremely unsettled.

Now that they had received He Yiming’s assurance once more, the heavy stone in their chests finally lifted entirely.

If He Yiming had suddenly changed his mind, given his power, Penglai Immortal Island would have become his alone, leaving no room for anyone else.

Zhan Hongtu's eyes darted shrewdly. "If that is the case, then I shall notify them to return temporarily. How about we reschedule the martial competition three months from now?"

He Yiming waved his hand impatiently. "Handle it as you see fit."

Zhan Hongtu nodded with a smile, stamping his feet as he returned to the city wall. The next moment, his voice carried far. "Everyone! Lin Yiwu of the Haitian Gate and Chen Wo colluded with the Demonic Path Venerables Gu Laomo and Dai Fengzi from a century ago, intending to turn Penglai Immortal Island into a place rampant with demonic influence."

His voice was robust and forceful, carrying far enough that everyone in the entire city could hear it.

Upon receiving this news, most of the Xiantian experts’ faces changed color. They had all heard rumors of Gu Laomo and Dai Fengzi to some extent and knew these two were demonic giants responsible for countless murders.

Zhan Hongtu's voice paused for a moment, allowing the crowd to digest the information, before continuing, "Brother Chu Haozhou and Brother He Yiming learned of this scheme and traveled an immense distance to fight Lin Yiwu and the others, ultimately slaying all four of them and saving Penglai Immortal Island from a deluge of bloodshed."

Instantly, the entire city fell silent.

To be honest, after a century of reclusive existence, the names Gu Laomo and Dai Fengzi did not carry the same terrifying weight they once did. But everyone now grasped from Zhan Hongtu’s words that these two were at least experts on the Venerable level.

If four Venerables could be completely executed, then the power required to achieve such a feat must be immense.

For a time, everyone understood that from this day forward, the leading sect on Penglai Immortal Island would officially change hands.

Zhan Hongtu was very satisfied with the effect. He announced loudly, "Due to the tyrannical actions of Lin Yiwu and the others, the Haitian City fell into chaos today and cannot host the competition normally. Therefore, I, in consultation with Venerable Zhen Wanqing of Lingjiu Valley, have decided to hold the Thousand Island Assembly again three months from now. You may all depart now."

After a long pause, a single person finally gathered the courage to leave. Once one person set the precedent, the rest followed suit with palpable eagerness. Everyone had been terrified by the ruthless display of force from Zhan Hongtu and his partner; if they had any choice, absolutely no one wanted to remain there.

Watching countless people rush to depart, Zhan Hongtu and his partner inwardly regretted the situation but had no recourse.

Since He Yiming had returned, they could no longer continue their spree of slaughter. Thus, even knowing that remnants of the Haitian Gate might slip out amidst the fleeing crowds, they could only feign ignorance.

"Gentlemen, this Haitian City belongs to your two sects from now on," He Yiming said with a half-smile. "Congratulations."

Zhan Hongtu and Zhen Wanqing quickly professed they dared not accept such praise.

He Yiming’s expression suddenly turned serious. "The Haitian Gate is now like a pack of stray dogs, destined for decline. What are your plans for the future?"

The two Venerables were momentarily stunned, then Zhen Wanqing replied, "Venerable He, our Lingjiu Valley has always been peaceable and self-disciplined, occupying the central region of the island for a thousand years, with no external ambitions."

Zhan Hongtu considered for a moment and echoed, "Venerable Zhen speaks truly. In truth, our sect harbors no great ambitions either; possessing one-third of the island’s territory is more than enough."

He Yiming shook his head slightly, his face wearing an inscrutable, profound smile.

Zhan Hongtu and Zhen Wanqing grew uneasy, unable to decipher He Yiming's true intentions, and could only offer strained smiles, feeling quite at a loss.

He Yiming called out loudly, "Brother Zhan, Dongcheng’s master has arrived. If he wishes to see Dongcheng soon, please return with us."

His words were not loud, but his tone was exceptionally firm, carrying an air of finality that brooked no argument.

Zhan Hongtu hurriedly said, "Brother He speaks the truth, since..." His sentence abruptly halted, as sudden as if severed by a blade. Then, he stared blankly at Chu Haozhou, his eyes filled with an extremely complex emotion. "Huo Dongcheng's master... could it be Brother Chu?"

He Yiming grinned, "What? Does Brother Zhan perhaps wish to steal him away?"

Zhan Hongtu immediately shuddered upon recalling Chu Haozhou’s state of Five Qi Returning to the Source, quickly protesting, "Brother He, please do not joke. Where would I have such audacity?"

He Yiming finally nodded in satisfaction. "Gentlemen, this is Brother Chu’s first time taking a disciple, and Huo Dongcheng is his senior disciple, who will inherit Brother Chu's legacy. Therefore, select an auspicious day upon your return and let Dongcheng formally apprentice."

Chu Haozhou frowned. "Younger Brother He, why bother selecting an auspicious day? I think today is the best auspicious day there is."

He Yiming shot him a look, annoyed, but seeing the anxious gleam flashing in his eyes, he sighed lightly. "Brother Chu, Dongcheng is here in Qianshan City; he is not running away."

Chu Haozhou stubbornly shook his head. "Until the discipleship ceremony, I will not feel at ease."

Saying this, he looked up, his eyes flashing with sharp light. "Venerable Zhen, Venerable Zhan, I would like to invite you both to Qianshan City to attend my discipleship ceremony. What do you think?"

Zhen Wanqing and Zhan Hongtu dared not refuse and immediately agreed with beaming smiles, though they glanced at Haitian City with considerable helplessness.

Chu Haozhou nodded slightly. "I still have a few matters to attend to, so please make your own way. I hope that by the time I arrive in Qianshan City, you two will have everything prepared."

A chill ran down Zhan Hongtu and Zhen Wanqing’s spines; they immediately guessed Chu Haozhou's intention, but at this moment, they wouldn't dare voice a single objection even if he were to kill them.

Zhen Wanqing called out, and the spirit vultures in the air descended. The two Venerables bowed deeply in unison and departed afar on their mounts.

Though Chu Haozhou’s words were mild, they carried a clear tone of dismissal, making the two reluctant to linger any longer.

He Yiming watched the spirit vultures fly away and asked with surprise, "Big Brother Chu, why did you rush them off?"

Chu Haozhou chuckled slyly. "Little brother, I will take you to a fine place." He turned and walked swiftly into the city, passing through the collapsed main hall until he stopped before an inconspicuous cluster of buildings in Haitian City.

He Yiming’s ears twitched, and he immediately sensed that the place was now deserted. It was likely inhabited by people connected to the Haitian Gate, which was why they had all fled.

Chu Haozhou sighed deeply. "Little brother, this was the former treasure repository of our sect." His tone was heavy. "The Xianlingshan lineage possessed a tradition spanning three thousand years before its annihilation; in this East Sea environment, that is undoubtedly unmatched. Most of three millennia of collections were stored right here."

He Yiming finally understood why Chu Haozhou had spoken so sharply to drive away Zhan Hongtu and Zhen Wanqing. If he were in the same position, he would have made the exact same choice.

Chu Haozhou shook his head, emerging from his reverie, and strode into one of the rooms.

This was an ordinary courtyard house, seemingly devoid of anything unusual, but Chu Haozhou navigated a few familiar turns and exited the courtyard, finding himself in a vast chamber.

The room housed an altar dedicated to a God of War statue—a common sight in the Qianshan Gate and the Huo family—apparently a famous figure from Penglai Immortal Island's past.

Chu Haozhou bowed deeply toward the statue, then moved behind it, fumbling for a long time before triggering a mechanism that revealed a dark, yawning entrance.

He let out a booming laugh and stepped into the passage. He Yiming followed out of curiosity and soon reached the bottom of the tunnel.

However, upon arriving at the destination, the smile vanished completely from Chu Haozhou's face.

The bottom of the tunnel was utterly empty, containing nothing at all.

Chu Haozhou’s eyes blazed with fury. "Damn Lin Yiwu! He must be the one who moved everything!" he roared. "Little brother, we must search this place; we absolutely have to find the Haitian Gate's treasure trove."

He Yiming’s mind raced, and he slapped his chest, vowing sincerely, "That’s easy enough, leave it to me."

P.S.: Know how to find treasure? Heh heh...