Though Gui Hai and Gui Rong seldom ventured out, they had encountered numerous Heaven Masters in the Gray Mountains and, having lived so long, possessed a keen sense of political maneuvering, knowing precisely who mattered most to the Ghost Sect.

Now that they had emerged from the Gray Mountains, the Ghost Sect had no choice but to align themselves closely with the Ji family. Any enemy of the Ji family would inevitably become an enemy of the Ghost Sect; this point was beyond dispute.

Thus, when Ji Changkong uttered the single phrase, "They cannot be allowed to live," Gui Ti and Gui Hai immediately made the correct judgment, waving their hands to signal the Ghost Sect to commence a full slaughter of the Blood Moon Sect members.

The paltry Blood Moon Sect had no high-level experts among them who had specifically stayed behind. Back then, even Tong Qian possessed only the strength of the Seven-Star Heaven Realm. Zhou Haoyun was merely at the Six-Harmony Heaven Realm, and the rest of the Blood Moon Sect members were mostly at the Three-Talent or Four-Symbol Heaven Realms; there weren't many even at the Five-Elements Heaven Realm.

In contrast, on the Ghost Sect’s side, Gui Lao Qi, Gui Lao Liu, and others had cultivation at the Seven-Star Heaven Realm. The Ghost Sect had several other Seven-Star Heaven Masters of the same rank, more than a dozen experts at the Six-Harmony Heaven Realm, and furthermore, they possessed Gui Die and Gui Hai, both Eight Trigrams Heaven Masters! It could only be said that Zhou Haoyun utterly failed to read the situation; even if Tong Qian were still alive, facing the Ghost Sect as it stood now, the Blood Moon Sect was doomed, let alone in their current state.

“Poor souls…” Duan Xiaoshan’s small face was alight with malicious glee as she shook her head and chuckled softly, “They’re hitting a rock with an egg, they deserve their misfortune.

“They really are pitiful. I wonder if that fellow has problems with his brain. To dare provoke them when he clearly saw Big Brother Ji Changkong with the Ghost Sect people—isn’t that just asking to die?” Duan Xiaoyin sneered sarcastically.

Indeed, the Blood Moon Sect was suffering grievously. When Gui Lao Qi, Gui Lao Liu, and the other Seven-Star Heaven Masters charged into the Blood Moon Sect crowd like wolves entering a flock of sheep, everyone from the Blood Moon Sect, including Zhou Haoyun, was dumbfounded.

Gui Lao Qi, Gui Lao Liu, and the others flew—only those who reached the Seven-Star Heaven Realm could soar through the air! “Go! Run as many as you can!” Zhou Haoyun’s face turned ashen. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he gave the decisive command and was the first to retreat outwards.

Unfortunately, Zhou Haoyun himself was only at the Six-Harmony Heaven Realm and could not yet fly. Facing this group of Seven-Star Heaven Masters who could roam freely in the sky, he had no chance to escape! Soon, Zhou Haoyun was overtaken by Gui Lao Qi. Amidst the roar of heavenly thunder, Zhou Haoyun was blasted into oblivion, his body reduced to unrecognizable pulp, utterly dead.

Under the bright sun, malevolent spirits could not manifest without restraint, so Gui Lao Qi and the others did not deploy vengeful specters to pursue the fleeing ranks. Instead, they used the Ghost Sect's unique secret techniques to initiate the massacre. The disparity in strength was too great; even the two Eight Trigrams Heaven Masters, Gui Die and Gui Hai, did not need to act before the Blood Moon Sect members were completely wiped out.

This slaughter was extremely brief. In the time it takes an incense stick to burn, the ground was littered with the corpses of the Blood Moon Sect disciples. The Ghost Sect members were proficient in the Sky Thunder Force, blasting the Blood Moon Sect disciples until their souls dispersed, leaving not a wisp of divine spirit able to escape.

Ji Changkong watched the slaughter of the Blood Moon Sect members with a slight smile, leisurely chatting with Gui Die and Gui Hai about various cultivation insights.

The three young girls, Duan Xiaoshan, pouted and rolled their eyes at Ji Changkong. Duan Xiaoshan whined, “Brother Changkong, the Blood Moon Sect is your Ji family’s enemy, why aren't you making a move? You’ve reached the Six-Harmony Heaven Realm now, haven’t you? You should be much stronger than before…” “Look at me in this state—am I fit for battle? What if I damage the spiritual herbs on me during the fight? That would be a terrible waste.”

As if carrying a small mountain, Ji Changkong patted the satchels on his body, adopting an air of someone unable to participate in the fighting.

The three girls of Duan Xiaoshan were choked with frustration, gnashing their teeth. The sight of the celestial treasures from the Gray Mountains piled up like a small mountain on him made the three little girls want to scream.

“It seems we need to speed up a bit. The Blood Moon Sect here was supposed to be waiting for the Blood Pool branch. Now that these Blood Moon Sect members are finished, the Xuanyuan Valley might be in trouble. We shouldn't linger here; let’s head to Xuanyuan Valley quickly.”

After Ji Changkong confirmed that the Blood Moon Sect members had been completely slaughtered by the Ghost Sect, he frowned slightly.

Gui Die and Gui Hai naturally raised no objections and nodded in agreement.

“What about you three? Now that you’ve left the Gray Mountains, the Shadowless Sect can’t do anything to you. Why don't we part ways here?” Glancing at the three girls of Duan Xiaoshan, Ji Changkong asked for their opinion.

“We have nothing else to do, we might as well go to your Xuanyuan Valley to see what it’s like. Besides, once we get to Xuanyuan Valley, we can discuss how to deal with the Shadowless Sect and the Ghost Demons of the Gray Mountains. Hehe, perhaps our Duan family can even strike up some deals with your Ji family…” Duan Xiaoshan said with a smile.

Ji Changkong didn't know what schemes these three ghost girls had in mind, but he knew their core nature wasn't malicious. Hearing her words, Ji Changkong smiled and nodded, asking no further questions.

“Detour! Head North!” As the sun set and the moon rose, in a secluded area overgrown with weeds, Ji Changkong looked up at the sparse stars and suddenly issued an order.

Without needing Gui Die or Gui Hai to relay the message, the Ghost Sect disciples immediately stopped their forward progress according to Ji Changkong’s command and started moving along a different path toward the north.

Along the way, relying on his astonishing divine soul perception, Ji Changkong could always detect any living person ahead of time. Sometimes, he could perceive minute changes that even Gui Die and Gui Hai, the Eight Trigrams Heaven Masters, couldn't detect, yet he saw everything with perfect clarity.

With each remarkably accurate judgment, they narrowly avoided various passing Heaven Masters. Although the Ghost Sect disciples said nothing, they were deeply impressed with Ji Changkong in their hearts. They mused that the Ji family’s Xuanyuan lineage was truly extraordinary; with only Six-Harmony Heaven Realm cultivation, he not only managed to eliminate the Ghost Demon King but could also detect anomalies that even the Ghost Sect missed.

“How is this guy so powerful? Does he have an extra pair of invisible eyes? Why can he know in advance about anomalies that even Gui Die can’t detect?” Duan Xiaoshan, walking with some of the younger Ghost Sect disciples, spoke softly to Duan Xiaoqi and Duan Lingyue.

“The Ghost Sect allying with the Ji family will certainly advance the Ji family’s strength. Although the Ji family was very weak before, with the Ghost Sect now, everything will undoubtedly change. The power of the Ghost Sect alone can stand against the three major powers on Blood Rain Mountain. Most importantly, the Ghost Sect controls such immense wealth, enough to help the Ji family’s strength skyrocket!” Duan Xiaoqi nodded.

“Not only that, but the most terrifying aspect of the Ji family is Ji Changkong! Every generation of the Xuanyuan lineage in the Ji family has been a peerless genius, and this generation’s Ji Changkong likely has greater potential than all previous Xuanyuans. Based on the current trend, the resurgence of the Ji family will be unstoppable. Our Duan family should forge a good relationship with the Ji family, and…” “He saved our lives. Although his personality is a bit… a bit of a scoundrel, he’s… not entirely bad,” Duan Lingyue said, her righteous tone faltering in the latter half.

“Sister Lingyue, why are you hesitating? That’s not like you,” Duan Xiaoshan teased with a sly smile, then sighed softly, “Sister Lingyue, Big Brother Changkong is quite a decent person. He saved our lives and even gave us Red Lotus Snow Fruits. Moreover, Big Brother Changkong is very handsome, young, and highly skilled. Hehe, have you developed feelings for him?”

“Bah! Stop talking nonsense!” Duan Lingyue blushed, put her hands on her hips in a gesture of seniority, and pointed at Duan Xiaoshan, saying, “You talk too much, little girl. Perhaps you’re the one whose heart is fluttering?”

Duan Xiaoshan grinned mischievously, “I’ll report back to Grandma that you and Big Brother Changkong admire each other mutually. I’ll also mention the Ji family’s situation. Maybe Grandma will make the hard choice and marry you off to Big Brother Changkong. Hehe, Big Brother Hao Shan and Big Brother Changkong get along so well; this would make the relationship even closer…”

“If you dare speak such nonsense again, I’ll rip your mouth off!” In her embarrassment and anger, Duan Lingyue lunged to pinch Duan Xiaoshan. The two little girls began to playfully wrestle.

With Ji Changkong and the two Eight Trigrams Heaven Masters, Gui Rong and Gui Hai, present, and the group proceeding with caution, four days later, late in the deepest part of the night, Ji Changkong led the Ghost Sect members to Xuanyuan Valley.

Along the way, Ji Changkong had been worried that there might be danger within Xuanyuan Valley, so he tried to hasten their pace. But when they finally arrived at Xuanyuan Valley in the pitch-black night, they discovered it was relatively peaceful, showing none of the signs of conflict he had expected.

As soon as they entered Xuanyuan Valley, a shadowy figure suddenly emerged from the darkness.

Gui Die and Gui Hai’s expressions shifted drastically. They immediately faced the figure, which had materialized like a ghost, with extreme caution, their auras flaring up, ready to strike at any moment.

“It’s one of ours!” Ji Changkong called out, stopping Gui Hai and Gui Die from attacking.

“Master.”

Mu Luo bowed respectfully.

“Mas—Master?” The faces of the three little girls, Duan Xiaoshan, changed, and they cried out in unison. These three girls had sharp eyes. Although they couldn't discern Mu Luo’s realm, from the hostile readiness displayed by Gui Die and Gui Hai, they guessed something significant.

An expert at the Eight Trigrams Heaven Realm bowing so reverently and addressing someone as ‘Master’—what did that imply? Before arriving at Xuanyuan Valley, the three girls of Duan Xiaoshan truly hadn't given the Ji family much consideration. They had thoroughly investigated the Ji family and considered them merely a third-rate minor sect. Since when did the Ji family possess an Eight Trigrams Heaven Realm expert? Any Eight Trigrams Heaven Master was a renowned figure in the Central Lands—either the head of a sect or an elder of a major family. Eight Trigrams Heaven Masters were the foundation of any power; no sect possessing one would be lightly dismissed anywhere.

Yet, the Ji family had quietly gained an Eight Trigrams Heaven Master, and this master called Ji Changkong 'Master.' This was utterly astonishing to the three little girls.

Not just the three girls of Duan Xiaoshan were surprised; Gui Die and Gui Hai also looked bewildered. After a moment of shock, they exchanged a surprised glance, clicking their tongues in amazement.

Seeing Mu Luo still within Xuanyuan Valley and safe, a weight lifted from Ji Changkong’s heart. “On my way back, I happened to run into Zhou Haoyun of the Blood Moon Sect. Zhou Haoyun mentioned that Heaven Masters from Lan Rou Garden were coming to cause trouble in our Xuanyuan Valley. Is that true?” Mu Luo’s face was hidden by a mask, revealing only a pair of blank eyes. Hearing the question, Mu Luo nodded, “It is true. However, they underestimated our strength. Among those sent by Lan Rou, there was even an Eight Trigrams Heaven Master. Before entering the valley, he sensed my presence and did not proceed further, likely lacking the confidence to wipe out Xuanyuan Valley.”

“They came, and then quietly left?” Ji Changkong asked with a smile.

“Yes, they left quietly, but I don't know if they will return. Last time, they misjudged the strength inside the valley and left stealthily. If they return, their forces might be stronger,” Mu Luo stated.

“If they come again next time, we will chase them out! As long as they dare to show up, I dare to strike hard! Hmph, if they dare to cause trouble in my Xuanyuan Valley, don't blame me for being impolite!” Ji Changkong said coldly. With the addition of Gui Die and Gui Hai and the rest of the Ghost Sect group, he genuinely wasn't afraid of them returning to cause trouble.

“After that group of Heaven Masters from Lan Rou Garden left this way, I secretly followed to investigate. They seemed to be heading toward Blood Rain Mountain. Just two days ago, they went to Blood Rain Mountain, though I’m not sure what they were doing there…” Mu Luo hesitated before continuing, “Besides them, there were several other sects whose Heaven Masters clearly weren't from Blood Rain Mountain, also gathering there. I suspect… something significant might be happening on Blood Rain Mountain.”

“Let’s get into the valley first,” Ji Changkong said with a grave expression, signaling Gui Die and Gui Hai. Under the dark, overcast night, he led the Ghost Sect group into Xuanyuan Valley.

Mo Yunyi, Ji Yuxing, Ji Yuxing, and Han Hai suddenly appeared at the valley entrance. The four initially looked extremely wary, but upon seeing that the person emerging inside the valley was Ji Changkong, they visibly relaxed.

“Changkong, you’re back, that’s wonderful!” Mo Yunyi exclaimed joyfully, approaching him. Her eyes immediately fell on Gui Hai and Gui Die, and she asked in confusion, “Who are these friends?”

“They are members of the Ghost Sect from the Gray Mountains. They have left the Gray Mountains and will live with us in Xuanyuan Valley from now on, forming an alliance with my Ji family.”

Ji Changkong introduced Gui Die and Gui Hai to Mo Yunyi and the other three, briefly explaining the relationship between the Ghost Sect and the Ji family’s Xuanyuan lineage.

Even Mo Yunyi wasn't fully aware of the deep connection between the Ghost Sect and the Ji family’s Xuanyuan line. After Ji Changkong finished his explanation, Mo Yunyi, Ji Yuxing, and the others stared at Gui Rong and Gui Hai with amazement, asking numerous questions about the Ji family and Xuanyuan.

Ji Yuxing and Ji Yuxing seemed somewhat worried that Ji Changkong had unilaterally decided to let the Ghost Sect live within Xuanyuan Valley, as they knew from Ji Changkong that the cultivation secrets practiced by the Ghost Sect were rather peculiar, fearing it might bring trouble to the Ji family.

“Our Ghost Sect doesn't possess much, only some material for Heaven Master cultivation that we have collected over the years from the Gray Mountains. Since we can’t use it all, we brought it out, hoping it will be useful to your Ji family.”

Gui Hai first cupped his hands in a salute toward Ji Yuxing and Ji Yuxing, then turned to the younger Ghost Sect members, saying, “Lift the cloth bags and show them!” The Ghost Sect members, young and old, untied the large bags they carried, pulling out the celestial treasures from their massive packs and tossing them onto the ground as if they were weeds. In an instant, the ground of Xuanyuan Valley was covered in heaps of envy-inducing materials.

Just like the three little girls of Duan Xiaoshan in the Ghost Valley, Mo Yunyi, Han Hai, Ji Yuxing, and Ji Yuxing all had their eyes fixed on the pile, their gazes locked.

“Th-these, these are for our Ji family from your Ghost Sect?” Ji Yuxing stammered, his words slurred.

“Heavens… heavens above, how can this be, how can this be?” Ji Yuxing stared at the pile of materials, his tongue equally thick.

Mo Yunyi managed to keep her composure relatively better, but she gasped for air in large gulps. “Ch-Changkong, what exactly is going on?”

“What our Ghost Sect owes the Ji family’s Xuanyuan lineage, and more importantly, we hope to rely on this generation’s Xuanyuan to help us fulfill our wishes. These items are what our Ghost Sect has collected over hundreds or thousands of years in the Gray Mountains. We hope they can be useful to your Ji family.”

Gui Hai felt slightly relieved seeing the shocked state of Ji Yuxing and the others, and said with a smile.

“Th-this is too precious! So many… so many celestial materials, it’s simply… simply unimaginable!” Ji Yuxing was so excited he didn't know what to do.

“I deliberately chose to return at night so that too many people wouldn't know. While it’s still dark, we should arrange these things as quickly as possible,” Ji Changkong quickly reminded them.

“Immediately, immediately take all these things to the back mountain! Don't tell any other Ji family members about this matter! This is of great importance, so please, please keep this a secret as well.”

Mo Yunyi snapped back to attention and bowed towards Gui Rong and Gui Hai.

“Second Grandfather, Third Grandfather, Uncle Han, please make arrangements to hide these celestial materials within the depths of the back mountain. Uncle Han, I’ll have to trouble you a bit more in the future to look after these things… Also, Mu Luo, you must be cautious too. Keep an eye on that area in the back mountain and don't let any strangers approach,” Ji Changkong arranged softly.

Xuanyuan Valley suddenly became busy. Everyone moved quietly. The Ghost Sect members reorganized the items, using bags to cover the celestial treasures.

However, their movements did alert some Ji family members within the valley. But under the arrangement of Mo Yunyi and Ji Yuxing, and because the Ghost Sect members had already concealed their goods, the curious Ji family members didn't notice anything amiss, only wondering where this group came from and why they were suddenly in Xuanyuan Valley.

Mo Yunyi and the others temporarily did not answer this question, focusing instead on carefully storing away the celestial materials that would make every Heaven Master sect green with envy.

“You three arrange for them properly. Tomorrow, tomorrow, help build houses for our guests,” Mo Yunyi instructed Ji Yuxing and Ji Yuxing. She also whispered a few words to Han Hai, then apologized again to Gui Die, Gui Hai, and the other Ghost Sect members. Finally, she gave Ji Changkong a meaningful look, signaling she had something she needed to discuss with him privately.

Ji Changkong excused himself to Gui Die and Gui Hai, warned Duan Xiaoshan and the other two girls not to wander off, and subtly signaled Mu Luo before following Mo Yunyi to the Scripture Repository on the back mountain.

“What is it, Grandma Mo?”

After arriving at the Scripture Repository behind the valley, Ji Changkong asked with a smile.

“Something might be happening on Blood Rain Mountain. A while ago, the He family and the Star Stone Sect sent people to our Xuanyuan Valley, saying that Flowing Cloud Sea Peak of Flowing Cloud Sand seemed to be making some major moves, and we should be cautious. A few days ago, a group of unusually strong Heaven Masters secretly arrived outside Xuanyuan Valley. They seemed to intend to deal with our Ji family, but for some reason, they quietly left and headed in the direction of Blood Rain Mountain,” Mo Yunyi frowned deeply. She sensed some abnormalities, vaguely feeling that some huge shift was secretly occurring on Blood Rain Mountain.

“When I arrived, I ran into Zhou Haoyun and his group from the Blood Moon Sect…” Ji Changkong recounted his encounter on the way over to Mo Yunyi.

“Blood Pool Branch?” Mo Yunyi’s frown deepened after hearing his account. After a moment of thought, her expression shifted slightly. “If the Blood Pool branches have arrived and can’t find the Blood Moon Sect members, they will naturally come looking for us, or perhaps Flowing Cloud Sea Peak. Flowing Cloud Sea Peak grew up in the Eastern Sea when he was young. This man is cunning and manipulative. According to He Haoran and Baili Ke, ever since he took charge of Flowing Cloud Sand, he has often interacted with the Heaven Master sects from the Eastern Sea side. He Haoran and Baili Ke developed issues with him starting from this connection… Flowing Cloud Sea Peak is likely closely affiliated with those sects from the Eastern Sea side.”

“Do you think Flowing Cloud Sea Peak might be planning some treacherous action against the He family and the Star Stone Sect?” Ji Changkong inquired.

“Why don't we go to Blood Rain Mountain to check things out? When you hadn't returned, I was constantly worried about the Ji family, fearing something would happen here if I left. Now that you’ve brought back masters from the Ghost Sect, I finally feel at ease.” Mo Yunyi had vaguely discerned the realms of Gui Die and Gui Hai and, amidst her surprise, was truly reassured about the valley’s safety.

“Grandma Mo, you should stay in the valley. I will go to Blood Rain Mountain to check the situation. Gui Die and the others will remain in Xuanyuan Valley for now, just in case the Heaven Masters from Lan Rou Garden suddenly show up while I’m gone. If anything happens in the valley, Gui Die and Gui Hai are here; you can assign them tasks, and they will certainly help. I won’t elaborate on other matters; I know you will handle everything appropriately,” Ji Changkong stated.

“That’s true; I am relieved if you go. Go check the situation on Blood Rain Mountain. If a major change has occurred, hurry back to the valley, and we can discuss countermeasures,” Mo Yunyi instructed.

Nodding, Ji Changkong didn't say more. After exiting the Scripture Repository, he called out softly towards the valley behind him.

Mu Luo appeared beside Ji Changkong like a ghostly shadow. “Sect Leader, you called for me?”

“Yes, take me to Blood Rain Mountain and see what’s happening over there,” Ji Changkong commanded.

Mu Luo, without a word, respectfully grasped Ji Changkong's shoulders, preparing to exert force to carry him away, only to be thrown back by a repulsive force. Mu Luo froze, then his brow suddenly twitched violently. "Sect Leader... you... you've reached the Liuhe Heaven realm?" Mu Luo’s voice was utterly bizarre.

"En, carry me now. There shouldn't be any rebound force. I wasn't paying attention just now."

Ji Changkong commanded once more.

"The Proud Lord is truly a Heaven-endowed genius. Though the world is vast, I, Mu Luo, have never heard of anyone more unbelievable than the Sect Leader," Mu Luo sighed, truly moved from the depths of his heart.

"Let's go."

Ji Changkong nodded with a smile and urged him on.

Mu Luo reached for Ji Changkong again. This time, no rebounding force met him. Utilizing the technique of piercing the void to fly, Mu Luo became like a phantom in the dark, skimming low over the jungle surrounding Blood Rain Mountain. In just one hour, he had brought Ji Changkong to the foot of the mountain.

"Up the mountain!" Upon reaching the base of Blood Rain Mountain, Ji Changkong’s expression shifted sharply, and he hurriedly commanded.

Mu Luo also sensed the abnormality on Blood Rain Mountain and flew directly toward the He family's location higher up.

Blood Rain Mountain was eerily quiet. The vast mountain yielded not a single extraneous sound! It was a deathly silence; even the chirping of insects had vanished, as if an invisible shadow had draped itself over the mountain, instantly lulling every person and beast upon it into a deep slumber.

A hazy, smoke-like mist drifted gently across Blood Rain Mountain, swirling into every corner like a slender stream, subtly submerging everything—Blood Rain Mountain, the He family residence.

The expansive martial training ground was deserted. Rows of houses stood vacant, showing no sign of struggle. The entire He family compound emitted no fluctuation of life force.

"To the Star Stone Sect."

Ji Changkong’s face grew grim and terrifying as he quietly instructed Mu Luo.

The time it took for an incense stick to burn later, the swift Mu Luo brought Ji Changkong to the Star Stone Sect. The scene that greeted them was identical to the He family's: empty, devoid of a single member of the Star Stone Sect.

"To the Flowing Cloud Sand!" Ji Changkong gritted his teeth and barked the order.

Mu Luo took flight once more, circling once before delivering him to the Flowing Cloud Sand sect.

Unexpectedly, Flowing Cloud Sand was also deserted. There were no signs of fighting anywhere. The three major Heavenly Master powers on Blood Rain Mountain—the He family, the Star Stone Sect, and the Flowing Cloud Sand—had not a single person remaining within their compounds. No evidence of battle on the mountain, no scattered belongings... what on earth had happened?

"The mist in the air is incredibly potent! Even I feel somewhat dizzy and muddled after flying for this short while," Mu Luo said gravely. "I suspect this is because it has been dissipating for days. The potency must have been far more terrifying when the fragrance was first released!"

Ji Changkong, naturally immune to poisons and foreign objects, had noticed the scent of the mist on Blood Rain Mountain but hadn't paid it much mind. However, hearing Mu Luo’s words, Ji Changkong’s expression suddenly turned solemn. "Mu Luo, if the mist here were ten times stronger, could you resist it?"

"I might be able to remain standing, but under the effect of this mist, I probably couldn't utilize even half of my strength. If I encountered a master of the same level at this moment, I would undoubtedly be defeated."

Mu Luo considered for a moment and answered honestly.

At these words, Ji Changkong’s expression flickered. "Is the mist here truly that powerful?"

Nodding, Mu Luo affirmed, "It is indeed extremely powerful. It’s a bit... a bit like the legendary 'Celestial God's Drunkenness.' Legend says that in the East Sea, there is a strange place where a herb called the 'Magic Flower' grows. This herb emits an intoxicating fragrance, and anyone who inhales it loses control of their senses and enters a beautiful illusion. When the 'Magic Flower' is ground into powder and mixed with a hundred kinds of exotic elixirs, it can create 'Celestial God's Drunkenness.' Even someone at the Bagua Heaven realm would be knocked out by it."

"If this is 'Celestial God's Drunkenness,' wouldn't you collapse too if you smelled it? Why do you say the mist here is ten times stronger, yet you would only lose half your strength?" Ji Changkong frowned, asking doubtfully.

"Sect Leader, have you forgotten that our cultivation technique, 'Thousand Shadow Evasion,' allows us to release Origin Energy through every pore of our body? If Origin Energy can be expelled through the pores, wouldn't poisonous fumes be even easier?" Mu Luo smiled faintly and explained.

With that explanation, Ji Changkong suddenly saw the light and nodded.

"'Celestial God's Drunkenness,' the name alone sounds formidable. It originates from the East Sea... being from the East Sea, it should be related to the Flowing Cloud Sand. But why is Flowing Cloud Sand also completely empty?" Ji Changkong was filled with confusion. He released his divine sense and truly detected no unique life signatures from the Flowing Cloud Sand, which only deepened his curiosity about what events had transpired on Blood Rain Mountain.

"Someone!"

"Someone!"

Ji Changkong and Mu Luo shouted simultaneously, both fixing their gazes toward the outside of Blood Rain Mountain.

A stumbling figure rushed toward Blood Rain Mountain from the distance. He seemed grievously wounded, blood pouring ceaselessly from his body as he approached.

Without a second thought, Mu Luo brought Ji Changkong soaring toward the man.

Ying ying! Ying ying! Two great green insects suddenly burst through the skin on the man's back. These two great green insects appeared plump, as if they had gorged themselves. The moment they emerged, two cicada-wing-like appendages sprouted, and the two fat insects took flight abruptly, moving with blinding speed, desperate to leave the area.

As soon as he landed, Ji Changkong raised a hand and snatched, "Puchi," killing both green insects instantly.

Looking down at He Feibi, an elder of the He family, Ji Changkong's expression was solemn. He urgently inquired, "What happened? What exactly transpired on Blood Rain Mountain? Why is there no one left?"

"Nanyi Myriad Poison Gate, East Sea Sunset Cloud Island, Flowing Cloud Sand, Lan Rou Garden, Blood Pool... Changkong, go to Mount Tian—hurry to Mount Tian for reinforcements! Take your Ji family members and rush to Mount Tian, go as far as you can!" He Feibi cried out in terror, blood spilling from the corners of his mouth, his eyes rolling white. His soul was severely damaged, and his life essence was gradually fading.

"Where are the people from the He family and the Star Stone Sect? Where are they? Where did you escape from?" Ji Changkong demanded frantically.

"Black Rock Cliff—don't go, don't go there! Changkong, go to Mount Tian, go to Mount Tian for reinforcements!" He Feibi screamed in agony. With a "Pfft," his head exploded, spraying blood all over Ji Changkong.

"To Black Rock Cliff!" Ji Changkong, drenched in blood, stood up abruptly, his eyes cold as ice.

"Sect Leader, be cautious!" Mu Luo suddenly knelt down. "The Nanyi Myriad Poison Gate consists of people skilled in poisons; their cruelty and wickedness are infamous throughout the world. Even in Nanyi, the Myriad Poison Gate is known as a heretical sect. When Chi Mei was around, even she couldn't subdue these wicked folk. The Myriad Poison Gate has been dormant in Nanyi for years; their sudden appearance to stir up trouble on Blood Rain Mountain is highly unusual!"

"The Master of the East Sea Sunset Cloud Island possesses cultivation at the Bagua Heaven realm. Lan Rou Garden is also teeming with masters. Coupled with the Heavenly Masters from Flowing Cloud Sand and the Blood Pool branches, these combined forces make Blood Rain Mountain utterly undefended. Going to Black Rock Cliff now is useless. I worry they will soon target Xuan Yuan Valley. We should not rashly enter Black Rock Cliff. We must first arrange the Ji family in Xuan Yuan Valley, and then, using the combined strength of our two selves, Gui Die, and Gui Hai, investigate Black Rock Cliff again!"

"Fine, we will return to Xuan Yuan Valley first and settle the Ji family members."

He could still distinguish between what was more important: the safety of the He family versus the life and death of his own kin. He quickly made his decision.

According to what He Feibi had revealed, this invasion of Blood Rain Mountain was not the work of a single faction. The Nanyi Myriad Poison Gate and the East Sea Sunset Cloud Island were already renowned Heavenly Master sects. Adding the Heavenly Masters from Lan Rou Garden, along with the branches of Flowing Cloud Sand and the Blood Pool, so many forces gathered suggested the target was likely much more than just Blood Rain Mountain.

This was a meticulously planned coup intended to overturn the status quo. Although Liu Yunhaifeng of Flowing Cloud Sand played a significant role, he certainly wasn't the true mastermind behind the scenes! Someone who hadn't even reached the Bagua Heaven realm could never command powers as formidable as the Myriad Poison Gate and the East Sea Sunset Cloud Island!

Soon, Mu Luo brought Ji Changkong back to Xuan Yuan Valley.

Bang bang! Thump thump thump! Even before entering the valley, the sound of earth-shattering combat could be heard from within. A group of Mo Ni Sect disciples, clad entirely in black robes, had surrounded the entrance to Xuan Yuan Valley. The Dark King of the Mo Ni Sect, the Ram Sect Leader, and an elder sister from Lan Rou Garden wearing a flowered scarf were all present inside Xuan Yuan Valley. This elder sister was also a Bagua Heavenly Master!

Inside Xuan Yuan Valley, Gui Hai and Gui Die were holding off the Dark King and the Ram Sect Leader. As for the Lan Rou Garden Bagua Heavenly Master, she was encircled in the center by the combined power of Mo Yunyi, Gui Lao Qi, Gui Lao Liu, and others, using a swarm of fierce ghosts. Even so, separated by a whole realm, the elder from Lan Rou Garden clearly held the upper hand.

Under the radiance of her seven-colored floral coronet, the fierce ghosts were annihilated one by one. At this rate, the ghost swarm cultivated by Gui Lao Qi and Gui Lao Liu would be depleted before long.

Fortunately, they had so many fierce ghosts; otherwise, even joining forces against her alone, Mo Yunyi, Gui Lao Qi, and the others would have likely lost one or two members by now.

The Ghost Sect members, having just arrived at Xuan Yuan Valley, had immediately taken up arms without settling in. Had it not been for these hundred or so Ghost Sect members present, Xuan Yuan Valley might have already been drenched in blood by the time Ji Changkong and Mu Luo arrived.

It was precisely the sudden appearance of this fresh force, the Ghost Sect, that prevented the invaders—who had clearly underestimated Xuan Yuan Valley's strength—from slaughtering everyone. Although they held a clear advantage, they hadn't yet broken through the defensive line formed by the Ghost Sect and the Ji family.

"Mo Ni Sect!" Ji Changkong roared from outside the valley, his expression savage as he charged toward the elder from Lan Rou Garden. "Mu Luo, join me, and let's kill this old hag with the flowered scarf first!" He could see that Mo Yunyi and Gui Lao Qi’s side was the most desperate. Gui Lao Qi, Gui Lao Liu, and the other Ghost Sect members were currently using the vanishing souls of the fierce ghosts to resist the Lan Rou Garden elder’s seven-colored floral coronet. If the elder sister was willing to pay a small price, she could easily break through the ghost defense and kill one or two of Mo Yunyi and Gui Lao Qi's group!

"You foul-mouthed little brat, I will tear your mouth apart!" The Lan Rou Garden elder, wearing the flowered scarf, was enraged by Ji Changkong's insult of "old hag." The sister erupted in fury, ignoring Mo Yunyi and Gui Lao Qi, and suddenly lunged toward Ji Changkong.

"The one who snuck into Xuan Yuan Valley last time must have been you, right?" Mu Luo silently moved in front of Ji Changkong, raising a hand to strike. A faint, ethereal dark light suddenly burst from Mu Luo's palm. When the Lan Rou Garden sister's grasp fell into the dark light, it could not advance an inch further.

"Were you the one inside the valley before?" The expression of the Lan Rou Garden Bagua Heavenly Master changed. She glanced sharply at Gui Rong and Gui Hai, having initially assumed that one of the Gui Hai or Gui Mei fighting the Dark King and the Ram Sect Leader was the one she had sensed previously.

"That's right, it was me."

Mu Luo smiled sinisterly. The ethereal dark light clung to the Lan Rou Garden elder's hand like sticky resin. Mu Luo silently moved closer to her, drawing out shadows existing between reality and illusion, tightly enveloping the elder from Lan Rou Garden in the center.

"Master, you go help others; I am enough to deal with her."

Only after the shadows had completely encircled the elder from Lan Rou Garden did Mu Luo speak unhurriedly.

Seeing the sky filled with figures conjured by Mu Luo's "Thousand Shadow Evasion," Ji Changkong couldn't find the true path. He smiled and nodded, saying nothing more. His eyes shifted, landing on the Ram Sect Leader engaged in combat with Gui Hai.

With a strange chuckle, Ji Changkong suddenly charged toward the Ram Sect Leader. Mid-charge, the Light of the Five Elements enveloped his body, and the Illusions of the Four Symbols faintly flickered around him. He unleashed a punch, releasing a dazzling array of green, red, white, gold, and yellow light, which instantly formed an enormous, five-colored halo that descended upon the Ram Sect Leader's head.

The auras of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth filled the five-colored halo, flowing slowly within the circle according to the tracks of Heaven and Earth. A vast, ancient, and heavy aura emanated from the halo. This aura seemed capable of affecting the souls of Heavenly Masters. The Ram Sect Leader, who was battling Gui Hai, felt his soul suddenly become chaotic.

The Ram Sect Leader clearly sensed his soul revolving within his mind in the same circular pattern as the halo's flow. A secret technique he was executing suddenly lost much of its power due to the instability of his soul; he couldn't even unleash seventy percent of its full potential.

Many potent Heavenly Master techniques require coordinated soul movement for execution. If the soul is thrown into disarray, the battle effectively becomes a distraction, preventing the maximum release of power!

"Huh!" Gui Hai let out a light sound of surprise. He was unaffected by the five-colored halo as he stood outside it, but he noticed the Ram Sect Leader's unusual expression and saw that the secret technique the Ram Sect Leader was using was suddenly riddled with openings.

Gui Hai was adept at seizing opportunities. Without hesitation, he suddenly attacked with all his might, bombarding the soul-disoriented Ram Sect Leader.

Ji Changkong, having just thrown his punch, was momentarily stunned. This was his first full-power strike since reaching the Liuhe Heaven realm. He hadn't anticipated that one punch would immediately form a five-colored halo capable of influencing the opponent's soul?