The significant movements from Xuanyuan Valley sent a powerful tremor through many, signaling clearly that the Valley had no intention of compromising or bowing to anyone. Instead, there was a discernible trend toward direct confrontation with certain established powers. This aggressive posture stirred the ambition in some quarters to suppress the rising influence.

Within the estate behind the Imperial Palace of Tianshui City, representatives from the Huangfu, Murong, and Tu families gathered, alongside envoys from the Du family of the Tianwu Kingdom, the Chu family of the Great Chu Kingdom, and even the Shangqing Sect. Many of the most prominent and influential clans of the Central Lands had converged, all focused on the Xuanyuan Valley, whose strength had been steadily increasing of late.

These individuals converged on Tianshui City, keeping their presence hidden. After lingering at the Huangfu residence for several days, they vanished as silently as they had arrived.

Though the Huangfu family’s actions were executed with extreme secrecy, they did not entirely escape the notice of certain watchful eyes within Tianshui City.

The Chen Family.

Chen Qisen and Chen Qilin, the two brothers, met with Chen Yirong and Chen Yihui—key decision-makers of the Chen family—within the family's forbidden grounds. Each individual present wore a heavy expression, appearing deeply troubled and anxious.

Chen Qisen’s face was grim, though tiny sparks of light flickered in his eyes, indicating a rapid calculation unfolding within his mind.

Chen Qilin, Chen Yirong, and Chen Yihui, along with the other Chen family leaders, all wore furrowed brows, remaining silent, seemingly awaiting the Patriarch’s pronouncement.

After a long pause,

Chen Qisen drew a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over the assembled Chen family members. “It is clear. The Huangfu family cannot tolerate the current state of Xuanyuan Valley. The sheer number of factions secretly gathering at the Huangfu estate suggests that the Huangfu family is about to make a move.”

“Father, although Xuanyuan Valley’s conduct has been somewhat ostentatious, they have done nothing detrimental to the Water Cloud Nation thus far. In fact, thanks to Xuanyuan Valley during the Blood Rain Mountain incident, we managed to expel those foreign invaders. Now, as soon as the Huangfu family sees Xuanyuan Valley growing stronger, they immediately harbor thoughts of suppression—this seems somewhat…” Chen Yihui’s delicate eyebrows furrowed, her face tinged with indignation.

“Xuanyuan Valley’s momentum has grown too rapidly. Moreover, Ji Changkong and those people from Xuanyuan Valley have not shown the customary deference to the Huangfu family. No imperial authority would permit a force capable of threatening them to gain such traction within their domain,” Chen Qilin sighed, shaking his head.

“Mount Tianshan also resides within the Water Cloud Nation,” Chen Yirong murmured.

Chen Qilin’s expression shifted slightly. After a moment of hesitation, he offered a wry smile. “Mount Tianshan is a special case. Although the Qiankun Sect possesses the power to annihilate the Huangfu family, their members rarely venture out, nor do they concern themselves with worldly affairs. When no strong enemies threaten the Water Cloud Nation, the Qiankun Sect practitioners spend years cultivating arduously on Mount Tianshan. They pose no genuine threat to the Huangfu family.”

Chen Yirong pursed her lips with disdain. “In my opinion, it’s precisely because the Qiankun Sect is powerful enough. If that venerable Elder Gu Ya hadn't been holding the fort, the Huangfu family probably wouldn't tolerate Mount Tianshan either!”

“I agree,” Chen Yihui chimed in supportively. She threw her head back with a huff. “The Huangfu family has kept a constant watch on us all these years. The moment we make any move, the Huangfu family immediately sends someone to inquire. They have harbored suspicion toward us from the very beginning! Hmph! We are all cultivators, part of the Celestial Master families and sects—what right does the Huangfu family have to interfere with us?”

“In their minds, the Water Cloud Nation belongs entirely to the Huangfu family!” Chen Yirong sneered.

“Enough!”

Chen Qisen’s sharp rebuke silenced his two daughters’ venting. After a moment of deep thought, he continued, “The fact that the Huangfu family gathered those forces in secret without even informing our Chen family clearly shows they are wary of us. The conflict between the Huangfu family and Xuanyuan Valley has become undeniable. I asked you here to hear your perspectives on this matter.”

“Elder Li has shown great kindness to our Chen family, and Elder Li, naturally, stands with Xuanyuan Valley,” Chen Yihui offered as a reminder.

“Big Brother, with that brat Ji Changkong in Xuanyuan Valley, even if Mount Tianshan refrains from direct interference, if his life is threatened at a crucial moment, they are certain to act. As long as the boy is safe, given the might of the Xuanyuan bloodline, he will eventually reach the Ninth Palace Heaven realm. That boy is vengeful; once he achieves the Ninth Palace Heaven realm, anyone who moved against Xuanyuan Valley before him will likely never escape,” Chen Qilin mused thoughtfully.

“The primary reason those people insist on attacking Xuanyuan Valley is to deal with Ji Changkong! They will certainly hold nothing back at the critical juncture. If this battle truly erupts, and Ji Changkong meets harm, that old master will absolutely not stand idly by! As formidable as the Huangfu family is, if they end up clashing with Mount Tianshan, hmph, they are courting disaster,” Chen Yihui scoffed.

“My fear is that the true target of the Huangfu family is none other than Gu Ya himself,” Chen Qisen lamented with a wry smile. He shook his head, sighing, “Knowing Huangfu Tong as I do, she won't make a move unless she intends to crush her opponents completely. How could the Huangfu family’s actions be concealed from her? She knows the connection between Ji Changkong and Gu Ya. The Huangfu family’s current maneuvers prove this has received his tacit approval. I only worry that a war between the Huangfu family and Mount Tianshan will inflict unimaginable damage upon the Water Cloud Nation.”

At these words, whether Chen Qilin, Chen Yirong, or Chen Yihui, they were all stunned into silence. This demonstrated why Chen Qisen remained the family head—he saw further and judged more accurately than the others.

“Big Brother, hearing you say that, it seems…” Chen Qilin looked aghast. “It seems this possibility is quite real! That madwoman never acts rashly; once she decides to move, she follows through to the very end!”

“Between the Huangfu family and Xuanyuan Valley, our Chen family must make a choice. In this world, there is no such thing as…”

“The Spirit Treasure Pavilion is crucial to our Chen family. I only know that our largest current collaborator is Xuanyuan Valley. Over time, we have supplied them with significant quantities of rare materials. I presume Huangfu Jianxiao must know this. Their decision not to consult us this time might mean they already believe we have sided with Xuanyuan Valley,” Chen Yihui stated.

“So, we have no choice?” Chen Qisen looked upon the Chen family members with a bitter smile, gazing deeply for a moment before his expression hardened. “Rong’er, secretly inform the Huangfu family of their recent movements and relay this to Xuanyuan Valley. Also, scale back the trade operations of the Chen family’s Spirit Treasure Pavilion for now. Once the Huangfu family moves against Xuanyuan Valley, all direct relatives of the Chen family must immediately evacuate Tianshui City!”

Chen Qisen’s decree unequivocally declared their stance. Chen Yirong, Chen Yihui, and the others brightened, nodding eagerly. “If Xuanyuan Valley dares to challenge the Huangfu family, our Chen family has no need to fear anything. We’ve long found those Huangfu people tiresome anyway!”

Once Chen Qisen made a decision, he no longer hesitated, immediately beginning preparations for the monumental events ahead.

Simultaneously, in the Duan family of Gaoyang City, news traveling from Tianshui City also arrived.

Upon learning the news, Duan Lingyue immediately sought out her grandmother, Lin Yue’e. Soon after, all the high-ranking officials of the Duan family gathered, engaging in a lively debate over the matter.

Before long, a signal eagle soared from the Duan family, heading in the direction of Xuanyuan Valley.

In Xuanyuan Valley, within a quiet chamber on the upper floor of the Scripture Pavilion, Han Hai handed a letter to Mo Yunyi, smiling. “Both the Chen family and the Duan family of Gaoyang City have sent word. I truly never expected these two clans would lean toward us.”

Mo Yunyi took Han Hai’s letter, glanced over it quickly, and her expression gradually grew grave. “The enemy’s approach is fierce; we hadn't anticipated the involvement of the Du family and the Chu family as well. It seems the rising momentum of our Xuanyuan Valley has truly made some people lose sleep.”

“The Du family… the Hidden Dragon Abyss is still occupied by them. Ji Haotian was also harmed by the Du family. If they get involved, Changkong will certainly not leave the Du family alive,” Han Hai grumbled.

“The Du family has clearly discerned Changkong’s temperament, which is why they plan to strike us now, before Xuanyuan Valley reaches its zenith, by joining forces with the Huangfu family and others. This battle will not be easy to handle,” Mo Yunyi frowned. “Han Hai, inform the Ghost Sect and the Xiao family of the latest news so they can prepare in advance.”

Han Hai nodded and turned to leave.

“Wait a moment!” Mo Yunyi called out softly. Seeing Han Hai turn back in surprise, Mo Yunyi asked, “Han Hai, what is the status between you and your father?”

Han Hai’s face twisted in distress. He shook his head and sighed faintly. “You know what kind of man he is. My relationship with him is still acceptable now. Don’t worry, as long as I am here in Xuanyuan Valley, he definitely won’t cause trouble for me.”

“Mhm,” Mo Yunyi nodded, advising gently, “He is your father, after all. That’s just his temper; you shouldn’t take it too much to heart.”

“I understand.” Han Hai smiled faintly, then turned and left the Scripture Pavilion to relay the messages from the Chen and Duan families to the Ghost Sect and the Xiao family members.

In the span of just one or two months, Xuanyuan Valley underwent a transformation so vast it seemed seismic. Deep, bottomless ravines were excavated throughout the Valley. Massive chunks of high-grade and supreme-grade Yuan Stones were secretly placed in key locations deep within these trenches, as towering stone pillars intricately carved with arcane patterns shot up from the earth, standing sentinel in every corner of the valley.

Many exotic ancient trees were transplanted into the Valley. Numerous colossal boulders suddenly appeared in various sections. Movement within the Valley became noticeably more cumbersome for some members of the Ji, Ghost Sect, and Xiao families.

During this period, Ji Changkong and Mu Luo, along with their party, spent their days roaming Xuanyuan Valley, indiscriminately wreaking havoc on everything that existed. This activity dramatically altered the very ambient Yuan Qi within the Valley, a change noticeable to all cultivators who were extremely sensitive to the flow of Heaven and Earth Yuan Qi.

With the exception of a select few, the majority of the Ji, Ghost Sect, and Xiao families within Xuanyuan Valley were unaware of the true purpose behind these actions. Yet, regardless of age, members of all three families unanimously endorsed Ji Changkong’s actions. Though filled with doubt, none dared question his methods.

Over the years, Ji Changkong’s relentless combat journeys had established him as a figure renowned throughout the world. Coupled with his Xuanyuan bloodline, the three families had, without realizing it, come to regard him as the most indispensable figure in Xuanyuan Valley. Deep down, they all understood that the harmony enjoyed between the three families within the Valley was entirely due to him, the Ji family’s Xuanyuan descendant.

Ji Changkong and Mu Luo, accompanied by the Taji brothers, devoted themselves entirely to laying the foundation for the Xuanyuan Valley’s Star Sea formation, turning the valley upside down in the process. During this time, Gui Rong, Gui Hai, Xiao Poshan, Xiao Xing, and others frequently kept Ji Changkong company, sometimes assisting with miscellaneous tasks.

The actions of these individuals made the Ji, Ghost Sect, and Xiao families realize that Ji Changkong and Mu Luo’s recent string of activities was far from mere aimless disruption. They began secretly questioning their respective elders, only to be warned not to ask further, deepening their curiosity.

One day, Ji Changkong and Mu Luo, along with their group, excavated another enormous ravine in the back hills of Xuanyuan Valley. Mu Luo descended deep into the fissure and embedded hundreds of high-grade Yuan Stones within it.

“What in the world are you messing with?” Han Feng suddenly materialized in a cave in the back hills, squinting sideways. He glanced down at the valley below, frowned deeply, and showed an expression of surprise before swiftly descending from above toward Xuanyuan Valley.

Since joining the Xiao family, Han Feng had spoken with Han Hai privately once and then established his own secluded dwelling in the back hills of Xuanyuan Valley, cultivating in isolation without disturbing the Valley’s tranquility.

It seemed Han Feng had emerged from his seclusion today. With his cultivation at the Eight Trigrams Heaven Realm, even a brief downward glance—

Mu Luo descending into the trench—allowed him to instantly perceive the hundreds of supreme-grade Yuan Stones hidden deep within the trench, sparking Han Feng’s intense curiosity. After flying down from his cave, his gaze fixed intently on the trench below. “What are you doing? Why are you burying perfectly good Yuan Stones in those ravines? You people are truly bizarre. Are you trying to hoard treasure? If so, this is a terrible way to hide it; it should be buried much deeper!”

“Mind your own business and stop jabbering!” Xiao Poshan snapped. “Han Feng, if you feel uncomfortable staying in Xuanyuan Valley, why don’t you go out and wander around for a bit? Hmm, the Ice Cave on Qingyan Mountain belonging to the Ji family is still there; you can go cultivate there.”

Han Feng had always been fiercely independent, and even his own family couldn't easily restrain him. Furthermore, he possessed cultivation at the Eight Trigrams Heaven Realm. If he were to remain in Xuanyuan Valley, he would certainly grasp the situation, and if any adverse thoughts took root, it would be quite detrimental to Xuanyuan Valley.

However, he was Han Hai’s father. If he were to let something slip due to a loose tongue, they couldn't easily reprimand him. It seemed prudent to send him away early while he remained ignorant of the Valley's current affairs.

“The treasures left by my ancestors were all absorbed by this brat. What use is it for me to go there now?” Han Feng’s face was grim as his eyes darted around. He sneered, “Xiao Poshan, your eyes are flickering—are you hiding something from me? You want me to leave, but I insist on staying. My son is in Xuanyuan Valley, your Xiao family is here, and the brat who stole my ancestor’s belongings is also here. Why should I leave?”

“Suit yourself. If you’re staying, then stay put and remain here until our matter is concluded. You are not permitted to leave Xuanyuan Valley!” Xiao Poshan snorted.

“On what grounds?” Han Feng sneered. “We had an agreement: I come and go as I please. You have no right to restrain me.” Han Feng had been on decent terms with the Xiao family previously, but ever since the Xiao family became closely associated with Ji Changkong, Han Feng had grown dissatisfied.

Seeing Xiao Poshan rendered speechless, Han Feng felt a measure of satisfaction and sneered, “That’s more like it. I’m not some plague god; my remaining in Xuanyuan Valley benefits everyone here.”

Receiving no further attention, Han Feng felt bored. He bent down to examine the deep trench Mu Luo had drilled, watching Mu Luo embed one Yuan Stone after another, radiating potent Yuan Qi, deep into the fissure, observing Mu Luo continuing to deepen the chasm with a solemn and serious expression.

After a while, Mu Luo emerged from the trench and respectfully approached Ji Changkong. “Master, it is settled.”

“Master?” Han Feng was momentarily stunned, his face twisting into a bizarre expression. He scrutinized Mu Luo closely, then glanced at the calm Ji Changkong, and coldly demanded, “An Eight Trigrams Celestial Master willingly serving as someone’s slave? What a lack of backbone!”

Mu Luo paid no mind to Han Feng’s words, not even frowning, and remained bowed. “Master, may we proceed?”

The Aoluo Divine Cult had, for various reasons, been unable to bring the Star Sea back into the world. Now, even though Ji Changkong was arranging the Star Sea within Xuanyuan Valley, it was still a cause for ecstatic joy for Mu Luo. After all, regardless of the method, the mysterious Star Sea Formation could finally display its unique splendor upon the world.

For a devout believer of the Aoluo Divine Cult, this was a momentous occasion. Moreover, as a direct participant, he had the chance to learn some of the long-lost profound mysteries of the Star Sea—it would be strange if Mu Luo were not overjoyed.

“Yes, let’s continue.” Ji Changkong ignored Han Feng and smiled at Xiao Poshan and the others, then walked toward another corner of the back hills of Xuanyuan Valley.

Han Feng, full of suspicion, quietly followed behind Ji Changkong and Mu Luo, eager to see what they were planning.

When he finally saw Mu Luo taking out one supreme-grade Yuan Stone after another, embedding them at the base of a towering stone pillar, and then carving numerous intricate and mysterious patterns onto that pillar, Han Feng’s expression turned suddenly grave.

He fell silent abruptly, a strange glint flashing in his eyes. He released his Divine Soul and began secretly probing every corner of Xuanyuan Valley. His soul swept over the ancient trees and the erected stone pillars, and Han Feng’s expression grew increasingly solemn.

After a long moment, Han Feng took a heavy breath and murmured as if in a trance, “Heavens! A million pieces of high-grade and supreme-grade Yuan Stones of various types, countless extremely rare treasures rarely seen in this world—what in the world are you trying to achieve?!”

Before the peerless and ferocious Star Sea Formation could fully materialize, the traces of its setup were still easily detectable. Han Feng, possessing cultivation at the Eight Trigrams Heaven Realm, clearly discerned the eerie strangeness overtaking Xuanyuan Valley.

Gui Rong’s expression shifted slightly. He glanced at Han Feng with a frown, then looked searchingly at Ji Changkong, a cold light flashing in his eyes.

Han Feng was not subject to the Xiao family’s control, nor was he entirely loyal to them. At this critical juncture, if Han Feng were to go out and speak carelessly, Xuanyuan Valley might face a bloody conflict before the Star Sea Grand Array was complete—a scenario everyone wished to avoid for now.

Gui Rong held no affection for Han Feng. Seeing that he had uncovered Xuanyuan Valley’s secret and that the Xiao family couldn't restrain him, murderous intent stirred within him. Gui Hai, Mu Luo, Ji Changkong, Xiao Xing, and Xiao Poshan were present, adding to himself, making a total of six Eight Trigrams Celestial Masters. If they moved together, they could certainly kill Han Feng within Xuanyuan Valley.

As murderous intent flickered in Gui Rong’s eyes, Mu Luo immediately detected it. A chilling and dangerous aura unexpectedly radiated from his body—a bloodlust cultivated only through brutal slaughter, so intense it made others tremble.

Han Feng instinctively sensed the threat emanating from those around him. He scrutinized everyone, realizing that within Xuanyuan Valley, he, a Heavenly Master of the Eight Trigrams realm, could not act as wantonly as he pleased. Only now did Han Feng grasp how truly terrifying this place, Xuanyuan Valley, was.

“What? Are you planning to move against me?” Han Feng sneered, glancing at Xiao Poshan and Xiao Xing. “Surely you two haven't become ungrateful too?”

“Nonsense!” Xiao Poshan snorted. “I told you before: stay put quietly in Xuanyuan Valley. After this is over, you can go wherever you wish! But until this is resolved, please stay here.”

“What if I insist on leaving?” Han Feng suddenly calmed down. “Xiao Poshan, if I am determined to go, will you join them and move to imprison me?”

“Yes!” Xiao Poshan never concealed his actions; he said what he meant. “We cannot jeopardize the grand scheme because of you!”

“Well, Xiao Poshan, I see you clearly today,” Han Feng’s expression turned icy. He seemed to convey that he would answer to no one’s debt.

“Father! Can’t you just settle down for a bit?” Han Hai appeared suddenly, looking at his father with a helpless smile.

“Impudent boy! These people are united against me now, and you still intend to side with them? Are you abandoning your own father?” Han Feng exploded in fury.

“If you remain peacefully in Xuanyuan Valley, no one will trouble you,” Han Hai said gravely. He then looked toward Ji Changkong. “Changkong…”

“Uncle Han, no need to say more. We will not make things difficult for your father,” Ji Changkong said, looking at Han Feng. He made a gesture of seeing a guest out. “This place, Xuanyuan Valley, you are welcome to come and go as you please; we will not stop you.”

“Changkong! Master! Brat!” Gui Rong, Mu Luo, and Xiao Poshan cried out in shock simultaneously.

Shaking his head, Ji Changkong waved his hand. “It’s fine. Uncle Han is here in Xuanyuan Valley; I trust he will not do anything detrimental to the Valley.”

"Chang Kong," Han Hai felt a swell of emotion in his heart. He had known something might be amiss the moment he heard Han Feng's strange outcry and had rushed over, only to find his father's foul temper acting up again.

Han Hai was acutely aware of the vital importance of the Star Sea Grand Array currently being set up in Xuanyuan Valley. He also knew the immense trouble that would ensue if word of the array's deployment leaked out at this critical juncture. Even Han Hai himself had agreed to keep his father temporarily confined within Xuanyuan Valley; moving him forcefully was not an option.

Yet, Ji Chang Kong had uttered those words, suggesting his father could freely enter and exit Xuanyuan Valley. Given Ji Chang Kong's current standing within the valley, he needn't have worried about placating Han Feng's ego. The fact that he did so genuinely moved Han Hai, making him feel that all the years he had devoted to the Ji family had not been in vain.

"Uncle Han, there's no need for pleasantries. You are one of us in Xuanyuan Valley; we would never bring harm to your father. Over the years, you have done so much for our Ji family and for me. Though I rarely speak of it, I am deeply touched in my heart," Ji Chang Kong smiled.

Han Hai nodded repeatedly, momentarily at a loss for words.

"Uncle Han, look at me!" Ji Chang Kong suddenly shouted.

Han Hai froze, involuntarily turning his gaze toward Ji Chang Kong, only to see that Ji Chang Kong's eyes had turned silver, from which two rays of bone-chilling light emanated, connecting directly with his own eyes.

Gui Rong, Gui Hai, Xiao Po Shan, and the others visibly changed expression, watching Ji Chang Kong with disbelief, unsure why he would suddenly move against Han Hai.

"Stop!" Xiao Xing called out, seeming ready to intervene.

Han Feng moved like a phantom in front of Xiao Xing, shrieking in a strange voice, "Don't move!"

Xiao Xing staggered back, asking anxiously, "You fellow, why are you stopping me?"

"That... that child means him no harm. On the contrary, what he's doing... he must be intending to give him those things he acquired!" Han Feng muttered, his eyes fixed on Ji Chang Kong, filled with bewilderment. He could not fathom why Ji Chang Kong would choose to act this way.

At these words, everyone present immediately understood Ji Chang Kong’s intention. Han Feng’s lingering presence in Xuanyuan Valley was partly due to his son, Han Hai, being there, but the other major reason was his persistent desire for the chilled essence that Ji Chang Kong had inadvertently absorbed from the Cold Ice Cave—the remnant cold energy left by the Han family's ancestor.

Unfortunately, Ji Chang Kong had never shown any sign of returning the essence to its rightful owner. Han Feng had asked several times without success. He had even encouraged Han Hai to petition Ji Chang Kong, believing that Han Hai might have a better chance of obtaining it through a sincere request. But Han Hai had refused, which was one reason Han Feng harbored some grievances toward both Ji Chang Kong and Han Hai.

Now, Ji Chang Kong was proactively transferring the cold essence he gained from the Cold Ice Cave directly to Han Hai. This left Han Feng in a swirl of complex emotions, but for his son's sake, he knew he had to stop Xiao Xing and the others from interfering.

Streams of bone-piercingly cold light flowed from Ji Chang Kong’s eyes into Han Hai’s. Han Hai, who had also practiced the Han family's ancestral secret techniques, had no choice but to accept this forceful infusion from Ji Chang Kong; he was compelled to receive the gift.

After a long pause, the cold brilliance vanished from Ji Chang Kong’s eyes. He took a deep breath and said, "Uncle Han, I’ve wanted to give this thing—this power that doesn't belong to me—to you for a long time. Heh, I finally have my wish fulfilled."

"From this day forward, our Han family shall serve you!" Han Hai was still absorbing the power with his eyes closed, but Han Feng suddenly declared in a deep voice.

Everyone could discern the unprecedented solemnity in Han Feng’s tone. His declaration meant that he, like Han Hai, would now wholeheartedly dedicate himself to serving the Ji family. (To be continued). For the rest of the story, please log in to the next chapter for more, and support the author.