Xiao Shucai was unwilling to say more in the main hall, and Ji Changkong naturally did not press the matter. Sitting beside Ji Yuxian, he too remained silent, merely surveying the assembled leaders of the various great families and sects from Shuiyanyuan within the hall, pondering whether their presence at Xueyushan was a genuine effort to aid Shuiyanyuan or merely a reluctant response born of fear towards the Huangfu family's might.

Shuiyanyuan possessed dozens of Celestial Master families and sects, of which only about ten were truly renowned across the world—the Chen family, the Murong family, the Yuehua Sect, for instance; the Duan family and He family were also recognized as powerful Celestial Master forces on a global scale. Families like the Huang, by comparison, ranked merely as second-tier factions within Shuiyanyuan.

Glancing around, he noticed that while quite a number of Celestial Master sects had arrived at Xuanyuan Valley, they were mostly those whose relationships with the Huangfu family were already close. Conversely, several sects and families openly disregarded the Huangfu family, sending no representatives at all; for example, neither the Tu family from Tai'an City nor the Duan family from Gaoyang City had anyone present.

Just as Ji Changkong had remarked earlier, Celestial Masters were a peculiar group whose ultimate pursuit was transcendence. In their eyes, the secular authority of an imperial house held little sway over them. Were it not for the fact that the Huangfu family was itself a significant entity within the Celestial Master realm, possessing profound strength, few Celestial Masters would have paid them heed, even when they held governing power over the garden.

The Celestial Master world was a unique society where power was measured strictly by the strength of one's sect or family. Even the three great imperial clans—the Huangfu, Chu, and Wu families—had to set aside their arrogance and offer courteous greetings when facing masters from the Qiankun Sect or the Guiyuan Religious Sect. If Xue Biandao, the senior disciple of the Qiankun Sect, were to visit Tianshui City, even the current Empress of Shuiyanyuan would be obligated to greet him according to proper protocol.

Back when the Ji family was at its zenith, the imperial houses of every garden would periodically dispatch envoys bearing lavish gifts to pay respects. Wherever a member of the Ji family went, the experts from those imperial houses would deferentially accompany them. In this world of Celestial Masters where strength reigned supreme, imperial power was disregarded; only the might commanded by a family or sect truly mattered.

The representatives from the Huangfu family, the Chen family, the Murong family, and the Yuehua Sect were discussing countermeasures against Heiyan Cliff with Ji Yuxing and the others in the main hall. Through the explanations offered by Gui Die and Gui Hai, they had a general understanding of the forces arrayed at Heiyan Cliff and felt somewhat more secure about the situation.

However, when the discussion turned to how to launch the assault on Heiyan Cliff, Gui Die repeatedly shook her head, while Gui Hai remained silent with a grim expression.

“Everyone, are the elders from your respective sects and families not coming for this action against Heiyan Cliff?” Gui Die asked, her expression heavy with annoyance. “To my knowledge, Heiyan Cliff already harbors four Eight Trigram Celestial Masters: the King of Darkness, the Island Master of Luoxia Island, the Pontiff of the Ram Cult, and Lan Lin of Lanrouyuan. Before Qu Le died, there should have been five Eight Trigram Celestial Masters. This is only what we know. Experts from the Blood Pool branch must have also reached Heiyan Cliff, and who knows if Lanrouyuan has dispatched more masters to reinforce them? We simply do not know the true strength currently amassed at Heiyan Cliff.”

“If the elders from your sects and families do not appear, this battle holds absolutely no hope of success!” Ostensibly, the Huangfu family, the Chen family, the Murong family, the Yuehua Sect, and several other factions had sent representatives. Yet, not a single person present held the rank of Eight Trigram Celestial Master. Gui Die and Gui Hai knew the situation at Heiyan Cliff intimately and understood that merely possessing the current assembled strength was insufficient to take it down.

In Gui Die’s estimation, figures like Huangfu Jingwei and Chen Yihui clearly lacked the necessary weight.

Whether to proceed to Heiyan Cliff was not fundamentally important to Gui Die; after all, the sects of Xueyushan who were currently besieged at Heiyan Cliff had no connection to the Ghost Sect. Gui Die and Gui Hai were primarily seeking to re-establish the Ghost Sect's standing through this event. Furthermore, they were considering their regard for Ji Changkong.

If the other parties failed to display sufficient sincerity—if they did not genuinely mobilize the true experts from their sects and families—then in Gui Die’s view, risking the precious lives of Ghost Sect disciples on a venture to Heiyan Cliff was entirely unnecessary. The Ghost Sect’s numbers were few, and without a solid guarantee of success, he would not willingly send his people there.

When Gui Die voiced this, the representatives from the other sects in the main hall grew somewhat awkward.

Ji Yuxing managed a pained expression, unsure what to say. He knew that the only reason Gui Die and Gui Hai were seated there had nothing to do with his own standing, nor that of Huangfu Jingwei and the others.

Thinking this, Ji Yuxing unconsciously shifted his gaze toward Ji Changkong.

None present in the main hall were fools. Seeing Ji Yuxing look at Ji Changkong, they suddenly recalled how Gui Die and Gui Hai had both risen to their feet when Ji Changkong entered. This small detail was enough to reveal the truth.

Consequently, the representatives of the major sects and families in the hall all turned their attention to Ji Changkong.

Noticing all eyes fixed upon him, Ji Changkong’s brow suddenly furrowed. He spared a glance at Huangfu Jingwei and stated calmly, “I am unaware why there are no masters of the Eight Trigram Celestial realm present in Xuanyuan Valley. In my view, the current forces gathered here in Xuanyuan Valley are utterly insufficient to deal with those at Heiyan Cliff. Until we have adequate certainty, our Ji family will not rush recklessly to Heiyan Cliff!”

Upon hearing this, Gui Die and Gui Hai nodded in unison, declaring, “His meaning is the meaning of our Ghost Sect. Our Ghost Sect follows his lead!” The fact that Gui Die and Gui Hai stated the Ghost Sect followed Ji Changkong, rather than the Ji family, was telling in itself.

Ji Yuxing managed a strained chuckle. In his heart, he didn't find fault with what Gui Die and Gui Hai had said. Though the Ghost Sect masters had been polite to him upon arriving at Xuanyuan Valley, he knew their affinity for the Ji family was entirely due to Ji Changkong. He understood why Gui Die and Gui Hai spoke as they did.

Li Hentian and Mu Luo, those two Eight Trigram Celestial realm powerhouses, were present in Xuanyuan Valley, just like Gui Die and Gui Hai, solely because of Ji Changkong. Ji Yuxing understood clearly: though Ji Changkong was the junior generation within the current Ji family, he was the only one capable of restraining, or even commanding, these figures.

“Changkong, our... our sect’s seniors have been delayed by other pressing matters…” Bai Canghai seemed to have something difficult to articulate, hesitating before speaking to him with a wry smile.

“Uncle Bai, the strength at Heiyan Cliff is unknown. With only the power of Xuanyuan Valley, we will gain nothing by going there now. Until those experts arrive, we... we must remain stationary for the time being. I hope you can understand, Uncle Bai,” Ji Changkong explained to Bai Canghai with regret, unwilling to be ambiguous on such a crucial matter.

“Miss Chen, what is your assessment?” Huangfu Jingwei’s face darkened. Over the past few days, mindful of the Ji family’s strength, he had reined in his inherent arrogance and even deliberately courted Ji Yuxing, hoping to draw the Ji family closer. In his mind, humbling himself to befriend a family was already offering the Ji family significant respect.

Yet, deep down, Huangfu Jingwei maintained the hauteur of his imperial lineage. He did not truly take the King of Darkness at Heiyan Cliff seriously. In his view, the Ji family’s ability to kill Qu Le of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect at Heiyan Cliff already proved their strength was enough to contend with those on the cliff. Moreover, he had brought several supreme treasures from the Huangfu family upon arriving at Xuanyuan Valley. He believed that with the Ji family’s experts, the assembled sects, and the imperial treasures he carried, they possessed the capability to defeat those at Heiyan Cliff.

The King of Darkness, Lanrouyuan, the Eastern Sea’s Luoxia Island, the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect... how many experts could these factions bring from such long distances to Xueshan? Their ability to seize Xueshan previously relied purely on the wonder of the 'Heavenly God’s Drunkenness' elixir. Deep in his heart, Huangfu Jingwei looked down on those foreign barbarians.

He had shown respect to the Ji family, assuming they would reciprocate. He had not anticipated Ji Changkong openly rebuking him so rudely, which infuriated the usually proud Huangfu Jingwei. However, under everyone’s gaze, he could not afford to lose face. Thus, he turned to Chen Yihui, intending to use the collective influence of those in the main hall to pressure the Ji family.

“I am not familiar with the situation at Heiyan Cliff, but... I believe what Changkong says is credible. Perhaps now is truly not the right time,” Chen Yihui said, frowning, appearing hesitant to act rashly.

Huangfu Jingwei’s heart sank, and he looked at Bai Canghai, asking, “What do you think?” Bai Canghai glanced at Ji Changkong and gave a slight shake of his head.

Huangfu Jingwei’s expression grew unpleasant. Finally, he turned to Murong Hui, the representative of the Murong family, and asked again, “What is your Murong family’s stance?”

“The Ji family is shirking their duty, clearly showing they hold the lives of our comrades at Heiyan Cliff in no regard,” Murong Hui, the Murong family’s representative, said with a dark expression before suddenly letting out a low, cold laugh. “It makes sense. If the He family and the Starstone Sect are annihilated at Heiyan Cliff, the entire balance of power on Xueyushan will shift drastically. Only one truly weighty family will remain... the Blood Rain Alliance will be theirs to command henceforth.”

“What do you mean?” Ji Changkong suddenly stood up, staring coldly at Murong Hui as he walked out from beside Ji Yuxing. Murong Hui’s slander against the Ji family was utterly vicious! He had a debt of gratitude to He Haoran and the He family. If the forces at Xuanyuan Valley were truly insufficient, Ji Changkong would not have delayed the attack. Even Baili Ke of the Starstone Sect had treated him reasonably well. He had never intended for the He and Starstone families to be wiped out so the Ji family could reign supreme as the true masters of the Blood Rain Alliance.

Murong Hui’s words caused many faces in the main hall to shift. Many looked thoughtful, their gaze toward Ji Changkong now laced with wariness, as if they had suddenly grasped the terrifying nature of the Ji family’s ambition. Even Chen Yihui and Bai Canghai frowned slightly.

Murong Hui’s few sentences had instantly thrust the Ji family into the spotlight, making them the target of suspicion and caution from everyone present.

“A fine speech!” Ji Changkong complimented with a cold smile, walking up to Murong Hui. “You flatter me too much. I truly never considered all that. Only someone genuinely skilled in using intricate schemes against others could conjure such a venomous conjecture. Mr. Murong, I have not reached your lofty level; you truly overpraise me.”

“If the Ji family refuses to go to Heiyan Cliff, it proves your ill intent!” Huangfu Jingwei stood beside Murong Hui and declared coldly.

Ji Yuxing’s face changed, and he opened his mouth to speak, but Ji Yuxing caught his hand. “What?” Ji Yuxing asked quietly. Shaking his head, Ji Yuxing whispered back, “They are deliberately smearing us; nothing we say will matter.” Ji Yuxing sighed deeply, his face etched with bitterness.

“Ill intent?” Ji Changkong sneered and nodded. He addressed Huangfu Jingwei and Murong Hui: “I stated plainly moments ago that with the current strength of Xuanyuan Valley, we are utterly incapable of dealing with those at Heiyan Cliff! You have ostensibly traveled from afar, but what difference does your presence make? The combined forces of your two families cannot handle even a single Eight Trigram Celestial Master. What use are you here?”

“If an expert of the Eight Trigram Celestial realm from your families had arrived at Xuanyuan Valley, I would not hesitate now; I would march with you to Heiyan Cliff without a second thought! As you are now, your presence has no impact on the overall strength of Xuanyuan Valley. Without my Ji family and the Ghost Sect, any of the Manichaeans or Luoxia Island forces could sweep you away!”

“You—you dare look down upon my Huangfu family!” Huangfu Jingwei’s face abruptly changed, and he immediately roared, “Since I dared come to Heiyan Cliff, I possess the means to deal with those people. You Ji family need only follow. I will prove to you that even without a single Eight Trigram Celestial Master arriving from my Huangfu family, I can handle one or two of them at Heiyan Cliff!”

“I don’t believe it,” Ji Changkong shook his head.

“Good!” Huangfu Jingwei suddenly pointed at Gui Die and Gui Hai. “You two, do you dare test it? See if the people from my Huangfu family possess the power to deal with Eight Trigram Celestial Masters?”

“We would be delighted to!” Gui Die said gravely.

“If we prove that we have the means to counter an Eight Trigram Celestial Master, what will you say?” Huangfu Jingwei looked toward Ji Changkong.

“Without another word, I will join the Ghost Sect experts and head to Heiyan Cliff!” Ji Changkong promised decisively.

“Good!” Huangfu Jingwei roared and walked straight out of the main hall, his back to the crowd. “Please come outside to test it!”

Outside Xuanyuan Valley.

The assembled Celestial Master experts from the dozens of sects on Xueyushan—the Huangfu family, Chen family, Murong family, Yuehua Sect—all filed out, watching Huangfu Jingwei and the others with solemn expressions. The events inside the main hall had spread like wildfire, and everyone now knew that Huangfu Jingwei intended to use the Huangfu family’s divine weapon to counter the Ghost Sect’s Eight Trigram Celestial Masters, thus proving that the Huangfu family’s presence in Xuanyuan Valley was not merely posturing but a genuine intent to assist the He and Starstone families.

When Ji Changkong arrived with Gui Die and Gui Hai, the crowd watched him with amazement, their gazes fixed on the young new pillar of the Ji family, wondering if he was truly as treacherous and calculating as Murong Hui had claimed, plotting to make the Ji family the sole ruler of Xueyushan.

Beside Murong Hui stood a beautiful woman whispering to him. Ji Changkong merely glanced at the woman and suddenly seemed to understand something, his expression growing colder.

This woman was none other than Gong Haitao, Murong Hui’s wife. During the Spirit Treasure Assembly at the Chen family, Gong Haitao had competed with Zhou Miaoshan, the wife of Ye Yaru of the Ye family, for the saliva of the Thousand Year Purple Gold Slime mold that Ji Changkong possessed. As Zhou Miaoshan offered a higher price, Ji Changkong ultimately sold the saliva to her. Because of this incident, Zhou Miaoshan had once warned Ji Changkong to be wary of Gong Haitao, saying the woman was vindictive and held considerable influence within the Murong family.

When Murong Hui had suddenly unleashed harsh words and slandered him for harboring ill intentions just now, Ji Changkong had been truly confused about how he had offended the Murong family. Only upon seeing Gong Haitao did Ji Changkong finally understand: it was this woman, Gong Haitao, who had been whispering poison into Murong Hui’s ear!

He shot Gong Haitao a cold look, realizing the truth of the saying that women and petty men are the hardest to manage. Murong Hui, at this crucial juncture, had leveled accusations against him based merely on a woman’s words. To Ji Changkong, this man was inconsequential, and he regarded him with utter contempt.

“Ji Changkong!” Just as he was walking toward Huangfu Jingwei with Gui Die and Gui Hai, a furious shout rang out. He Li’ying once again blocked his path. She glared at him, her voice sharp, “Is it true?” Evidently, He Li’ying had also heard about the events in the main hall from others. She had been constantly urging the Ji family to move toward Heiyan Cliff to rescue her kin but was politely rebuffed by Ji Yuxing and the others. He Li’ying was already agitated, and upon hearing this news, it seemed to confirm Murong Hui’s claims, setting her off.

He Li’ying was typically forthright and decisive, and fueled by her anger, she once again disregarded propriety to question Ji Changkong.

“You believe others over me?” Ji Changkong’s expression changed; he felt a pang of disappointment. He had once stargazed with He Li’ying in the Earth Rift Valley and held some appreciation for her. However, recently, blinded by the turmoil concerning the He family, she had repeatedly obstructed him, failing to grasp the situation—and this displeased him.

“What others say makes sense, why shouldn’t I believe it?” He Li’ying’s face was icy, her prominent chest trembling slightly, betraying the heat of her temper. “You Ji family were able to come to Xueyushan only because our He family helped you; otherwise, you would have nowhere to go. After arriving in Xueyushan, Uncle He personally visited Xuanyuan Valley several times, working tirelessly to secure a good cultivation spot for your Ji family. And now, you harbor such wolfish ambition! You are... you are worse than beasts!”

At these words, every member of the Ji family’s face changed. Though He Li’ying was furious, making such a severe accusation in public stripped the Ji family of all dignity, leaving them with no means to retreat gracefully.

Because he genuinely felt gratitude toward He Haoran, Ji Changkong had always treated members of the He family with courtesy. Before, when He Li’ying had accused him, he had let it pass because her words were not excessively harsh. But her repeating such an indiscriminate attack today was something he could no longer easily tolerate.

“Miss He, your He family has shown kindness to us, which I have always remembered and would never forget. However, I ask you to use your brain and think: if I did not intend to save your He family, why would we travel to Heiyan Cliff and expend tremendous effort to kill Qu Le?”

“If our Ji family did not wish to help your He family, we should have left Xuanyuan Valley long ago. You must understand, before Qu Le was dead, if those from Heiyan Cliff had come to Xuanyuan Valley, we would have had no defense whatsoever! After taking such a huge risk by staying in Xuanyuan Valley to wait for others to arrive, I am repaid with the judgment of being wolfish and worse than a beast?!!” Ji Changkong shook his head, filled with disappointment. “Frankly, I am very disappointed in you, that you could be so easily swayed by a few words into grouping us in this manner.”

Ji Changkong’s speech seemed to bring He Li’ying to a moment of realization, leaving her frozen and speechless.

“Miss He, we will prove to you in the future how the Ji family will treat those at Heiyan Cliff, whether our intentions are sincere or not! But before that, I do not wish to hear you utter any more harsh words, slandering our Ji family like the others!” This time, he issued a clear warning. As soon as the words left his mouth, he spared another glance at the downcast He Li’ying and walked directly toward Huangfu Jingwei and his coldly smiling entourage.

As Ji Changkong passed by Murong Hui and Gong Haitao, he suddenly stopped, fixing them with a cold stare, and stated without courtesy, "Gui Die, Gui Hai, I trouble you two to escort the Murong family members out of Xuanyuan Valley. My Xuanyuan Valley does not welcome the Murong family!" The moment these words were uttered, the expressions of everyone in the valley shifted, each staring at Ji Changkong in horror.

"Ji Changkong, what is the meaning of this?" Before Murong Hui could reply, Huangfu Jingwei was the first to erupt in anger, shouting loudly, "The Murong family came to help your Blood Rain Mountain deal with those outsiders! Simply because you discerned his malicious words, you dare to drive them out? What on earth are you trying to do?"

"If they want to help Blood Rain Mountain deal with Black Rock Cliff, they can go do it themselves; they don't need to stay in our Xuanyuan Valley! Such schemers, full of sinister plots and only capable of disrupting the unity and stability within the valley, are not welcome in my Ji family! Even if he is someone from the Seven Great Families or the Six Major Sects, if Xuanyuan Valley does not welcome him, he must get out!" Having finished speaking, Ji Changkong roared, "Gui Mei, Gui Hai, see our guests out!" Gui Rong and Gui Hai silently moved to stand beside Murong Hui and Gong Haitao and the other Murong family members present, their expressions cold. Gui Hai said, "Gentlemen."

"Please."

"You—you dare!" Gong Haitao suddenly shrieked, pointing a finger at Ji Changkong and screaming, "A mere junior, how dare you show disrespect to my Murong family! What right does your Ji family have? You're just a minor family at the foot of Qingyan Mountain, barely ranking at the second tier, yet you dare to speak such arrogant words!" With so many people watching, Ji Changkong targeting the Murong family in such a domineering and tyrannical manner, expelling them—any person with a shred of spirit would find it intolerable, let alone the Murong family, one of the Seven Great Families? The Central Lands region was vast, with countless Heavenly Scholar sects and families, yet the Seven Great Families always held themselves aloof, revered by Heavenly Scholars across the world. The Murong family dealt in silk, their Yunsi Pavilion's business stretching across the length and breadth of the great rivers and north, with shops even in Tianwu Garden and Great Chu Garden. Even in the Southern Barbarian lands, Northern Savage territories, and the Western Regions, the Murong family was well-regarded.

For so many years, wherever the Murong family traveled across the great rivers and north, to any country or place, they were treated with courtesy by the local Heavenly Scholar sects and families. They, like the Huangfu family, were accustomed to pride. To be openly threatened with expulsion by a junior under the gaze of all present—such an insult far exceeded Gong Haitao's capacity to bear! "I will count to three. If they do not leave, Gui Hai, Gui Die, you need not be polite; move them out directly!" Ji Changkong’s face was like bedrock, cold and ruthless, utterly unmoved by Gong Haitao's posturing, and he continued coldly.

"Ji Changkong, you are too arrogant!" Huangfu Jingwei roared in fury, pointing at him and shouting, "Do you have any regard for our Imperial Family? To dare commit such an audacious act in front of me!"

"One!" Ji Changkong didn't even glance at Huangfu Jingwei, saying coldly.

"You dare!" Huangfu Jingwei was enraged and rushed straight toward Ji Changkong.

A figure suddenly materialized beside Huangfu Jingwei, radiating terrifying killing intent that felt almost substantial. Xuanyuan Valley seemed suddenly enveloped in a scent of gore, and everyone felt a chill rise from the bottom of their hearts.

"Don't move."

Li Hentian stood calmly before Huangfu Jingwei and stated mildly, "I don't know if he has regard for your Huangfu family, but I certainly don't. Even if I kill you, Huangfu Tong cannot do anything to me."

"Li—Li Hentian!" Huangfu Jingwei's face changed dramatically. Those members of the Huangfu family who had been poised to act sucked in a sharp breath and stopped their movements. Although many Heavenly Scholar sects and families had arrived outside Xuanyuan Valley, only the Chen family truly knew that Li Hentian was inside Xuanyuan Valley! Many Heavenly Scholar sects, including the Huangfu family, knew that the Ji family had two mysterious masters at the Eighth Trigram Heaven Realm backing them, but most people were unaware of the true identities of these two. No one knew that one of them was the notorious Fiendish Demon, Li Hentian! Anyone who practiced the Heavenly Scholar path in Blood Rain Mountain or Shuiyun Garden knew the name of the Fiendish Demon Li Hentian! This was a terrifying figure whose hands were stained with blood, who held no one in the world in his eyes. This man possessed the power and ruthlessness to annihilate an entire family, and he always acted without reservation or mercy! Though the world was vast, apart from the pinnacle powers secured by Ninth Palace Heaven masters, who wouldn't fear such an uncompromising, blood-soaked figure? When Li Hentian appeared, everyone in the valley was stunned into silence.

"Elder Li!" "Elder Li!" "Elder Li!" Huang Xuejiang and the others from Blood Rain Mountain bowed in salute. Chen Yihui, Bai Canghai, and the rest also stepped forward, paying their respects to Li Hentian with the deference due to juniors. Despite Li Hentian's terrible reputation, for some, his noble status was unquestionable. Li Hentian had destroyed many sects in Tianwu Garden and dared to challenge the Guiyuan Sect; to the Heavenly Scholars of Tianwu Garden, he was undoubtedly a cruel butcher. However, a century ago, Li Hentian had turned the Southern Barbarian Heavenly Scholars into a river of blood on Blood Rain Mountain, helping those above turn the tide. In the shadows, Li Hentian maintained close ties with the Chen family. When the King of Darkness suddenly attacked the Chen family during the last Spirit Treasure Assembly, it was Li Hentian who stepped forward to pursue and kill the King of Darkness, forcing him to flee back to the Western Regions. Others feared him, but Chen Yihui and the others revered him.

"This... this... this..." Under Li Hentian's cold gaze, Huangfu Jingwei became timid, his usual arrogance and assertiveness vanishing. He stammered, unsure of what to say. He knew clearly that while the Huangfu family could act aggressively before others, before this arrogant Fiendish Demon, their assertiveness would only invite an unbearable, cruel price. Because, just as Li Hentian said, even if Li Hentian killed him, the Huangfu family would be powerless to retaliate. In fact, they wouldn't even pursue the matter... Huangfu Jingwei knew some secrets, knowing that even the most powerful figure in the Huangfu family adopted a policy of appeasement when dealing with Li Hentian, never daring to use force to threaten him.

"Two!" At this moment, Ji Changkong roared coldly again. Those who had been stunned by Li Hentian finally noticed that there was another little menace present. That momentary shock felt incredibly long, making them realize they had all been intimidated by the Fiendish Demon Li Hentian.

"Let's go!" Murong Hui hissed, grabbing Gong Haitao's arm. Without waiting for Ji Changkong to utter the word "Three," he started walking toward the exit.

"Brother Murong!" Huangfu Jingwei called out, his face full of helplessness, seeming to want to say something.

"You saw the situation; it's not that my Murong family is unwilling to contribute; it's that some people cannot tolerate us. I apologize," Murong Hui glanced at Huangfu Jingwei, his face looking as ugly as possible, then suddenly turned and left without looking back. Before Li Hentian appeared, Murong Hui had wondered if Ji Changkong and the others dared to push things too far. But once Li Hentian showed himself, he knew that the Ji family, backed by Li Hentian, was capable of anything Ji Changkong claimed. Instead of waiting for Gui Die and Gui Hai to physically throw them out, he decided to preserve a shred of dignity for himself and avoid further humiliation. Like Huangfu Jingwei, Murong Hui was afraid—not of Ji Changkong, but of Li Hentian! The Murong family members thus left in disgrace. Silence fell over Xuanyuan Valley, and everyone wore strange expressions, their thoughts unclear. With the Murong family gone, Huangfu Jingwei even began to hesitate about whether to continue the contest. His eyes flickered, and he forced an unnatural smile onto his lips, frozen, not knowing what to do.

"It was my idea to have the Ji family temporarily hold off on going to Black Rock Cliff. The He family has some connection to me, and I won't watch the He family members be killed like that," Li Hentian’s gaze swept over the crowd, finally landing on He Liying, and he snorted, "Girl, use your brain more when acting! If you believe everything others say, even if you reach the Eighth Trigram Heaven Realm, you'll still be used by others for nothing and lose your life early." He Liying, scolded by Li Hentian to her face, looked deeply wronged but dared not argue; she could only nod respectfully. Given Li Hentian's status and the great kindness he showed the He family, even if he slapped He Lixuan a few times, He Liying would only have to listen and smile sheepishly. Li Hentian's words clearly clarified the situation for the Ji family. The surrounding people might not trust the Ji family, but no one dared to question Li Hentian.

"En, I believe Elder Li's statement," Chen Yihui declared.

"I believe it too," Bai Canghai nodded. The sects from Blood Rain Mountain, like Huang Xuejiang, seeing these two speak, quickly expressed their belief in Li Hentian. Because of a single sentence from Li Hentian, Murong Hui's slander vanished like smoke. Though he was a Fiendish Demon, everyone believed in his character and his words.

"This... this... this..." Huangfu Jingwei hesitated, then quickly added with a smile, "Since Elder Li says so, then I believe it too..." With a cold snort, Li Hentian ignored Huangfu Jingwei and said, "I'd truly like to see what divine weapons your Huangfu family possesses that can deal with experts at the Eighth Trigram Heaven Realm! Come on, let me see what you brought!"

"Ah!" Huangfu Jingwei's face changed, and he quickly shook his head and waved his hands, chuckling nervously, "Our Huangfu family's divine weapons are fine against ordinary Eighth Trigram Heavenly Scholars, but against someone like you who has reached the peak of the Eighth Trigram Heaven Realm, our... our Huangfu family's divine weapons, I fear... I fear they might not be able to cope."

"Let me try," Gui Hai stepped toward Huangfu Jingwei. "Although I am also at the Eighth Trigram Heaven Realm, I can only barely manage Shenyou Juyue, far from the peak. Let me try; is that appropriate?"

"That might work..." Huangfu Jingwei hesitated before reluctantly agreeing. Li Hentian had appeared; he originally did not want to cross the Ji family further. But Huangfu Jingwei also possessed a degree of pride. Having been utterly subdued by Li Hentian, if he couldn't prove anything, he would feel too suffocated. Seeing Gui Die step forward suited Huangfu Jingwei's current mood.

"Gui Die, give way to me; I will test the Huangfu family's divine weapon," Ji Changkong suddenly stepped out, positioning himself between Gui Die and Huangfu Jingwei, looking at Huangfu Jingwei with a cold smile.

"You?" Huangfu Jingwei froze, looking at Ji Changkong with a bizarre expression. Not just him, but everyone around was stunned, staring at Ji Changkong with extreme surprise, wondering what madness had suddenly seized him. A Heavenly Scholar at the Spirit Nurturing Realm, even with the Ji family's support, could not possibly possess the strength of an Eighth Trigram Heaven Realm master. Everyone was utterly puzzled, not knowing what he intended to do.