Chu Haozhou merely smiled, brushing it off. “Brother He, all this is yours now. Dispose of it as you see fit, but I have one condition, old friend: leave nothing, absolutely nothing, for the Qian Shan Sect or the Lingjiu Valley.”

He Yiming frowned slightly. “Old Brother, you know the value of these things. With this as a foundation, establishing a new sect wouldn't even be difficult.” He fixed his gaze on the other man, speaking earnestly, “Now that Lin Yiwu and the others are dead, you can reclaim this city and use it as a base to rebuild the Xianling Mountain lineage.”

Chu Haozhou let out a long sigh. “Brother He, thank you for your kind intentions. But in this world, no sect is truly immortal. The Xianling Mountain lineage surviving for over three thousand years in the East Sea was already its limit. As for this place…” Chu Haozhou shook his head, a deep sadness coloring his tone, “Now that revenge is achieved, I plan to distance myself from the East Sea. I will never return in this lifetime.”

He Yiming sighed inwardly, knowing that Chu Haozhou was not merely being polite. He genuinely no longer wished to remain in the East Sea.

His gaze shifted. “Elder Brother Chu, where do you plan to settle down?”

Chu Haozhou gave a slight smile. “First, I will go to Qian Shan City to take on a disciple or two. If you don't mind, Brother He, might I eventually seek refuge in the Northwest?”

He Yiming’s eyes lit up, overcome with delight. He repeatedly affirmed, “To receive the favor of Elder Brother is something I couldn't ask for in my wildest dreams.”

A top master like Chu Haozhou would be revered like a living Bodhisattva wherever he went. He Yiming was acutely aware that if not for their shared ordeal on the deserted island, and his own full commitment this time, he would never have earned Chu Haozhou’s approval.

Chu Haozhou let out a hearty laugh, and the two men departed in succession. Bai Lingba surveyed the area one last time before turning to leave as well.

Carrying the Precious Pig to the ground, He Yiming sighed, filled with complex emotion. Although he had gained a hoard of treasures out of thin air, the absence of the crucial Thunder Shocking Zither left a distinct void in his heart.

Though He Yiming wanted to search thoroughly, the Precious Pig’s utterly unconcerned demeanor told him instantly that no treasure equivalent to the Thunder Shocking Zither existed here, or the creature would already be leaping and dancing in excitement.

They resealed the cave entrance, and Chu Haozhou unfurled his voluminous sleeves, summoning another powerful whirlwind.

Moments later, the newly cleared expanse was once again buried beneath soil, rubble, and broken tiles.

Dust motes danced in the air, the scene of ruin testifying to the decline of the Haitian Gate, which had dominated Haitian City for decades…

※※※※

North of Penglai Immortal Island, a palpable tension permeated Qian Shan City.

Ever since the Ancestor of the Qian Shan Sect, Zhan Hongtu, departed, both the sect and the city had maintained an outward calm but an internal rigidity, everyone awaiting news from afar.

Especially the high-ranking figures within the Qian Shan Sect—they were consumed by anxiety, for they knew the outcome of their Ancestor’s journey would dictate the sect’s course for the next century or more.

The city appeared peaceful, yet the moment a single order was given, at least ten thousand people would instantly surge toward the docks to board vessels already prepared for swift departure from Penglai Immortal Island. However, this was their final recourse; as long as a shred of possibility remained, no one wished to abandon the foundation they had built over a thousand years.

Suddenly, a loud, clear cry of a bird echoed from the sky.

This sound traveled far, carrying an immense, soul-stirring power.

Upon hearing it, several figures shot out from Qian Shan, moving with unparalleled swiftness. Moments later, they descended the mountain and entered the city.

A colossal bird wheeled high in the air, while three masters of varying heights and builds abruptly materialized atop the city battlements.

As the three appeared, the nervous disciples on the ramparts instantly fell silent. Their gazes were filled with unwavering trust, as if the arrival of these three meant all problems were now resolved.

These three were the most powerful Innate realm experts of the Qian Shan Sect. The leader, Xu Chaoyang, was tall with a stern countenance. His cultivation had reached the Three Flowers realm; while not yet at the Zenith, he was undoubtedly the most promising figure in the sect likely to ascend to the Venerable rank.

In the Qian Shan Sect, besides Ancestor Zhan Hongtu, only he possessed the authority to manage affairs.

At this moment, he looked skyward, his expression shifting unpredictably. Zhan Hongtu had mentioned before leaving that he would accompany Venerable Zhen Wanqing of the Lingjiu Valley to the Haitian Gate. Now, the Ancestor had not returned, but a Vulture had arrived—this was certainly not a good omen. Could it be…? A chill traced its way down his spine at the thought.

The Spiritual Vulture in the sky cried out once more before descending.

Xu Chaoyang’s face changed immediately. “Everyone, be cautious! Prepare for defense!”

The others waited with focused attention, though deep apprehension churned in their hearts, unsure if this arrival signaled fortune or disaster.

Soon, the Vulture landed on the ramparts. When everyone clearly saw the figures standing upon it, they were overcome with elation.

There were three people riding the vast back of the Spiritual Vulture: Ancestor Zhan Hongtu, Zhang Hetai who had left with him, and a noblewoman.

Though few on the ramparts recognized the woman, figures like Xu Chaoyang certainly did. He muttered inwardly, wondering why the Ancestor would arrive by Vulture. Had the people of Lingjiu Valley changed their nature? Yet, before the Venerable Zhen Wanqing of the Lingjiu Valley, he wouldn't dare ask, even if he possessed three times his current courage.

Before the Vulture had fully settled, Zhan Hongtu jumped off, pulling Zhang Hetai with him.

Zhen Wanqing shifted gracefully and landed steadily behind them. Then, with a wave of her delicate hand, the Vulture spread its wings and soared away into the distance.

Her gaze swept across the gathered crowd. “Venerable Zhan, all your disciples are gathered here. Are you attempting to intimidate me upon my arrival?”

Zhan Hongtu forced a wry smile. “They are core disciples, Elder. They rushed over when they heard your Vulture’s cry, worried about the situation; there was certainly no intent to challenge you.”

Zhen Wanqing snorted lightly, dropping the matter. “Venerable Zhan, we should prepare quickly. Who knows when Venerable Chu might arrive here. If we displease him, hehe…” A mocking smile touched the corners of her lips. “This is your Qian Shan City, not my Lingjiu Valley.”

Zhan Hongtu’s expression flickered. He nodded solemnly.

“Venerable Zhen, I shall go ahead immediately. Will you accompany me, or perhaps…”

“I came for this very reason. Of course, I will accompany you,” Zhen Wanqing stated without hesitation.

Zhan Hongtu nodded slightly, though he secretly lamented the loss of an opportunity. He had intended to secure this resource solely for himself, but upon seeing Zhen Wanqing’s expression, he knew that plan was defunct. Nevertheless, his face remained impassive, as if utterly unconcerned, and he stepped down from the ramparts, heading toward the east side of the city.

Xu Chaoyang and the others were perplexed. He quietly pulled Zhang Hetai aside, inquiring what exactly had transpired on their trip.

However, Zhang Hetai simply spread his hands in helplessness. “The Ancestor wouldn't let me follow him once we were near Haitian City.”

Hearing this seemingly complaining remark, the others exchanged bewildered glances and then followed Zhan Hongtu forward.

Every individual in this entourage was a renowned figure within the Qian Shan Sect. Even one or two walking through the city would cause a sensation and incite speculation. The fact that nearly all the sect’s high-ranking personnel had emerged at once immediately drew immense attention.

Zhen Wanqing sneered inwardly. She knew Zhan Hongtu was deliberately using this opportunity to stir discussion, thereby demonstrating his high regard for the Huo family. Just the thought that the Ancestor of Qian Shan Sect would lead so many prominent figures to visit the Huo residence meant that the Huo family's status would inevitably soar, and no one would dare provoke them again. Furthermore, through such a deferential courtesy, the Huo family would surely be overwhelmingly grateful to him. From every angle, Zhan Hongtu could be deemed shrewd beyond measure. However, she also had her own strategies in mind, which were perhaps no less cunning than his.

Soon, the group arrived before the Huo Mansion in the east of the city.

Looking up at the grand plaque, Zhan Hongtu felt a complicated mix of emotions. Under He Yiming’s overwhelming pressure, he had been forced to choose the path that preserved his entire sect. Moreover, after personally crippling the martial cultivation of the Dong family members and witnessing the sheer hatred in their eyes, he understood that the Dong family not only despised He Yiming to the core but felt the same toward him. These people seemed incapable of remembering that they were the aggressors against He Yiming; they only remembered that he had failed to protect their martial arts. Such gazes instilled a measure of dread in Zhan Hongtu, prompting him to arrange for the complete eradication of that malignant tumor. Yet, having maintained a relationship spanning a hundred years with the Dong family, seeing the Dong residence now under new ownership stirred a wave of sentiment within him.

Their arrival had already alerted Huo Leqing and the others. The servants downstairs did not recognize Zhan Hongtu, but upon seeing Zhang Hetai, they immediately rushed inside to report.

Huo Leqing hurried outside. Seeing the formidable procession, the hair on his scalp tightened. He immediately descended and knelt respectfully, “Junior Huo Leqing pays respects to the Ancestor.”

Zhan Hongtu waved his sleeve, a surge of gentle force lifting Huo Leqing to his feet. He laughed loudly, “Huo Leqing, I intend to take Hongyu as my disciple. Our two families are now as one. There is no need for such formalities.”

The numerous Qian Shan disciples standing behind him stared blankly. Although they knew the Huo family was backed by a formidable figure, the fact that the Ancestor himself showed such courtesy to Huo Leqing was something none of them could have ever imagined.

Huo Leqing’s body trembled; he was intensely moved. To be praised so highly by a Venerable felt like a dream state.