More than a year had passed, and the valley had undergone a seismic transformation. Structures of colossal, hewn stone now rose from the earth, while the valley floor teemed with exotic flora whose intoxicating scents filled the air. A dense, palpable layer of primordial Tian Di Yuan Qi permeated every corner, and the surrounding cliff faces were now dotted with numerous caves, within which figures could often be seen moving.

Experts from the Ji Family, the Ghost Sect, and the Xiao Family had converged upon Xuanyuan Valley, filling it with a vibrant, bustling energy. Even though the disciples of the Ghost Sect and the Xiao Family now resided there, the valley never felt crowded, as the three factions occupied distinct territories in three separate directions, leaving only the main entrance open.

The Ghost Sect boasted two Bagua Tianshi, and the Xiao Family, including Han Feng, counted three Bagua Tianshi. Mu Luo, who consistently cultivated in the secluded caverns behind the mountain, was naturally counted among the Ji Family members. With such a concentration of high-level masters gathered in Xuanyuan Valley, it had become the most conspicuous and unique locus of power in the Blood Rain Mountain region.

Compared to Xuanyuan Valley, the He Family and the Star Stone Sect on Blood Rain Mountain had long since fallen behind in overall strength. Although the Ji Family maintained a façade of low profile and humility, whenever any matter concerning the Blood Rain Alliance arose, the opinion of the Ji Family, once involved, was regarded by every sect as the most crucial credential for determining the outcome.

Ji Changkong brought Zhou Qiangwei to the outskirts of Xuanyuan Valley. Merely casting a glance at the scene within the valley was enough to settle his mind, and a satisfied smile curved his lips. Gazing upon the transformed Xuanyuan Valley, Ji Changkong suddenly realized that his years of striving had not been in vain. Unbeknownst to him, he had firmly established his footing in Blood Rain Mountain, ascending to become its most brilliant power.

“Changkong is back! Changkong is back!” Inside the valley, Ji Xiaolian caught sight of Ji Changkong lingering near the entrance and immediately shrieked with delight.

In an instant, the masters from the Ji Family, the Ghost Sect, and the Xiao Family emerged from their respective meditations, each looking upon the momentarily absent Ji Changkong with joyful surprise.

Ji Changkong was the crucial, friendly nexus between the Ji Family, the Ghost Sect, and the Xiao Family. Both the Ghost Sect and the Xiao Family had chosen to reside in Xuanyuan Valley precisely because of him. In his absence, although friendly relations were maintained, many deeper discussions simply would not occur between the sects.

The Ghost Sect and the Xiao Family did not recognize Ji Yuxing, the current head of the Ji Family. In their view, only Ji Changkong could discuss matters of true importance with them, and only his commitments provided them with genuine assurance.

Soon, Ji Changkong was ushered into the main assembly hall of the Ji Family, pulled along by members of the three factions. Everyone—Ji Family members, Ghost Sect disciples, and Xiao Family members alike—seemed to have a deluge of news for him. Before even entering the hall, Ji Changkong felt his head spin from the rush of the latest updates concerning Xuanyuan Valley that they forcefully pressed upon him.

Firstly, Ji Yusheng and Ji Yuxing informed him that during this time, leveraging the formidable resources of the Ghost Sect and the Spirit Treasure Pavilion, both of them had forged their own Natal Divine Weapons. The young warriors of the Ji Family, benefiting from this ceaseless supply of cultivation materials, had seen their prowess advance through the ‘Limit Body Tempering Grand Method,’ with intensely dedicated practitioners like Ji Changxiao showing remarkably swift progress.

Ji Changxiao had already reached the peak of the Four Symbols Celestial Number realm; it was only a matter of time before breaking through to the Five Elements Celestial realm would not be difficult. Ji Xiaolian had also progressed commendably, now achieving the new stage of the Three Principles Celestial realm, her divine soul already condensed.

Furthermore, second-generation members of the Ji Family, such as Ji Changle, Ji Changsheng, and Ji Haoguang, utilized the inexhaustible supply of materials to achieve breakthroughs in their respective cultivation realms, propelling the overall strength of the Ji Family onto an entirely new plateau.

Moreover, members of the Ghost Sect reported to Ji Changkong that individuals from the Shadowless Sect in the Grey Darkness Mountain Range seemed to have vanished. Even the demonic spirits that habitually haunted that area had disappeared without a trace. The two Ghost Demon Kings were no longer sighted, causing great unease in Gui Rong and Gui Hai, who worried what scheme the Demon Kings and the Shadowless Sect were plotting in secret.

Since relocating their entire clan to Xuanyuan Valley, the Xiao Family had established their intelligence network here as well. Without leaving their compound, they seemed intimately aware of the great currents shaping the world. They even knew of Ji Changkong’s recent activities in the Southern Barbarian Lands and the killings he committed at the City Lord’s Mansion in Qingyan City. Xiao Xing told Ji Changkong that upon learning of Xu Wei’s death, Prime Minister Wang You of the Water Cloud Kingdom erupted in thunderous rage in the court, denouncing Ji Changkong as arrogant and disrespectful to the imperial authority, demanding Empress Huangfu Yue issue a decree to punish him.

The news of him slaying Xu Wei in the City Lord’s Mansion had been deliberately disseminated by interested parties, causing widespread resentment toward the Ji Family. Many who were unaware of the full truth believed the Ji Family’s actions threatened the tranquility of the Water Cloud Kingdom, and numerous adverse rumors about them were circulating externally.

Perhaps it was a consequence of the Ji Family's escalating influence in Blood Rain Mountain; the He Family and the Star Stone Sect, previously amicable toward the Ji Family, had been deliberately keeping their distance from Xuanyuan Valley lately. Some younger disciples from the He Family and the Star Stone Sect had even openly boasted about driving the Ji Family out of Blood Rain Mountain and expelling them from the Blood Rain Alliance.

As the Ji Family’s strength grew and Xuanyuan Valley flourished, it seemed the goodwill previously shown toward the Ji Family was gradually receding. Many began to subconsciously view the Ji Family as a latent enemy. While no immediate actions had been taken, the shift in sentiment was telling.

“There is no need to worry about anything! When our Xiao Family was stationed on the borders of the Great Chu Kingdom, we encountered this exact situation. The Chu Family, seeing our Xiao Family’s rising might, first tried to court us, hoping to use us as cannon fodder against the Northern Barbarians. When we refused, the Chu Family attempted to use force. If our Xiao Family hadn’t been prepared, and if Changkong hadn't intervened, we might never have managed to relocate.”

“These so-called Imperial Families share the same flaw. When your power is weak, they treat you with cordiality, provided you remain obedient. When your strength approaches theirs, or subtly begins to surpass them, they will exert every effort to suppress you, determined to strip you of any power that could threaten their standing—regardless of your actual intentions.”

“However, when your power vastly exceeds theirs, they become meek and subservient, crawling like dogs at your feet. Take the Primordial Return Sect or the Heaven and Earth Sect, for example. Because their power far outstrips that of the three great Imperial Families, those families dare not harbor any dissenting thoughts; instead, they endeavor to curry favor.”

Xiao Xing, his expression grim, continued: “In my opinion, we should seize this moment, while Xuanyuan Valley is strong, and discreetly or openly recruit masters from across the land. We need not concern ourselves with the Huangfu Family. As long as the force we command is sufficiently powerful, the Huangfu Family will never dare to act rashly. Once our strength here in Xuanyuan Valley far surpasses theirs, the Huangfu Family will not only abandon any malicious intent but will treat us with deference and flattery.”

“But, the Huangfu Family holds immense power, and their relationship with the Heaven and Earth Sect has always been close. The Murong Family and other sects in the Water Cloud Kingdom follow the Huangfu Family’s commands without question. If the Huangfu Family truly decides to move against us, with our current strength, we might not be able to withstand them.”

Ji Yuxing frowned deeply, sighing in resignation. “We should lay low and avoid conflict with the Huangfu Family over such matters. As for Changkong killing Xu Wei in Qingyan City, I believe if I personally go to the Huangfu Family to explain, we can smooth things over. If we are cautious going forward, the Huangfu Family should not trouble us.”

Such was Ji Yuxing’s nature; even with the considerable power Xuanyuan Valley now possessed, it could not alter the ingrained habit of fearing trouble that resided deep within him.

Ji Changkong frowned, offering no immediate comment. He turned his gaze again toward Gui Rong and Gui Hai. “What are your thoughts on this matter?”

“In my view, we would be better off retreating to the Grey Darkness Mountain Range and cultivating there in our Ghost Valley. That region offers ample cultivation resources and does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Water Cloud Kingdom—it’s remote enough that no one can interfere. With our current strength, we need fear no one in the Grey Darkness Mountain Range, not even the Demonic Spirits or the Demon Kings. The Grey Darkness Mountain Range is unique; we in the Ghost Sect understand everything about that domain, and we can control the vengeful spirits there. Once we relocate, even if the Huangfu Family pursues us, they will suffer grievous losses upon entering that territory!” Gui Hai asserted with confidence.

After Xiao Xing, Gui Hai, and Ji Yuxing presented their differing views, the assembly hall erupted in noisy discussion; many voices made for much confusion. The Xiao Family members, having spent a significant time in the Great Chu Kingdom, naturally held little affection for the three major Imperial Families, thus supporting Xiao Xing’s proposal. The Ghost Sect members felt a lingering nostalgia for the Grey Darkness Mountain Range and, accustomed to obeying their Sect Master, readily nodded in agreement with Gui Hai’s suggestion.

It was the Ji Family contingent that was most divided and noisy. Some supported Xiao Xing, others backed the Ghost Sect’s proposal. Hardly anyone was willing to swallow their pride and bow to the Huangfu Family. As their power grew, the inherent arrogance of the Ji Family members gradually surfaced. They were ambitious and felt that the proposals from Xiao Xing and Gui Hai were more proactive, leaning toward endorsing those strategies.

“Changkong, what do you think?” Xiao Xing asked.

At the sound of his question, the clamor in the crowded assembly hall abruptly fell silent. Everyone—Ji Family members, Xiao Family retainers, and Ghost Sect disciples—fell quiet, their eyes shining as they focused intently on Ji Changkong.

It was clear to all that the true master of Xuanyuan Valley was neither the Ji Family Head, Ji Yuxing, nor Xiao Xing, the head of the Xiao Family, nor Gui Hai, the Sect Master of the Ghost Sect. The actual decision-maker was the rising 'Xuanyuan' of the Ji Family generation.

“We should simultaneously recruit masters in secret while preparing for the possibility of relocating to the Grey Darkness Mountain Range. In short, I believe we cannot afford to be so passive! Uncle Xiao’s point is absolutely correct: as long as we are strong, the Huangfu Family will never dare to strike us, and they will instead treat us with caution and desire to flatter us,” Ji Changkong stated slowly after a moment of contemplation.

Xiao Xing and Gui Hai immediately agreed. Ji Yuxing hesitated briefly before conceding, “Since Changkong has spoken, then let us take the plunge. Your grandfather is old and lacks ambition; I merely desire stability. This approach is indeed too conservative.”

“Second Grand-uncle, rest assured. My Ji Family is no longer what it once was! From this day forward, we will never need to look up to anyone else, nor will we need to offer false smiles. Those who once scorned us will soon be prostrating beneath our feet!” Ji Changkong declared with proud conviction.