To the north of the Chu Kingdom.

There lay a city that was once prosperous and vibrant: Bei'an City. It was the closest major settlement in the Chu Kingdom to the northern barbarians, and it was named "Bei'an"—which was meant to imply stability and tranquility. Regrettably, Bei'an City had never known true peace.

For many years, Bei'an City had shouldered the heavy burden of resisting the Northern Barbarians. The city was garrisoned with heavy troops, yet its populace had suffered relentless raids from the barbarian forces since its very founding.

Bei'an City had fallen into the hands of the barbarians several times, enduring two massacres.

Consequently, for the people of Bei'an, the most terrifying thing in the world was the alien army of the Northern Barbarians. Should the city ever signal it could not hold, its residents would immediately evacuate, unwilling to linger a moment longer.

With every impending major battle, the first to suffer were always the small towns and villages surrounding Bei'an. Often, while still asleep, their inhabitants were permanently taken from life by the barbarian troops.

Now, the surrounding villages near Bei'an City were utterly depopulated; the slain were dead, and the survivors had long since fled within the walls of Bei'an City. The city walls themselves were riddled with scars, tattered and worn, seemingly unable to withstand much more battering.

The majority of the Chu Kingdom's military strength had been redeployed to Bei'an City, in a desperate hope of maintaining its stability. However, the repeated campaigns and bloodshed had already depleted the Chu forces significantly.

Had it not been for the Shuiyun Kingdom dispatching aid at a critical juncture, Bei'an City would likely have already fallen into the hands of these northern barbarians by now.

Between Bei'an City and the Northern Barbarian lands lay a vast, frigid mountain range. Scattered within these mountains were numerous Celestial Master sects and families. Just like the common folk of Bei'an, these Celestial Master lineages from the Chu Kingdom had suffered terribly.

When the northern barbarian forces advanced on Bei'an City, the expert Celestial Masters from the north simultaneously began sweeping through the surrounding sects and families. Even before Bei'an City itself fell, the neighboring lineages were on the verge of collapse.

Dozens of minor sects and small families were wiped out, root and branch, in a few short periods by the barbarian Celestial Masters who held an extreme reverence for strength.

More than half of the Chu Kingdom's Celestial Masters residing in those sprawling mountains were already dead.

As the barbarian troops clashed with the defenders of Bei'an City, the slaughter between the Celestial Masters in the mountains separating the two nations never ceased. Great battles erupted frequently, with piercing shrieks occasionally echoing from the depths of those ranges.

The Chu Kingdom was utterly defeated in this war. Their armies were inferior, and their Celestial Master families and sects were even more so. In every engagement, they had failed to secure a single victory—a truly disheartening loss.

The fighting continued. The confrontations between the Celestial Masters of the two nations in the vast mountains raged fiercely. Large-scale clashes and minor skirmishes occurred daily, with both sides losing masters every hour.

Celestial Master experts, cultivating throughout the Chu Kingdom, converged from all directions. They fought for the sake of the common people and for the honor of the Chu Celestial Masters, marching forward to enter the endless mountains, one after another.

Perhaps soon, they too would become cold corpses, their decades of arduous refinement instantly obliterated, their essences returning to the primordial energies of the world.

Armies fought armies, and Celestial Masters fought Celestial Masters. Every person in the Chu Kingdom watched this battle intently. The Chu family issued a call, summoning all high-realm Celestial Masters within the nation—whether from established sects, powerful families, or independent cultivators—to converge on Bei'an City as quickly as possible. They were to enter the ceaseless mountains and resist the barbarian Celestial Masters.

Everyone understood that if the Chu Kingdom could win the battle of the Celestial Masters, the nation itself might be saved.

Within a magnificent mansion in Bei'an City, figures constantly moved. People walked out with grim expressions, while others staggered back, wounded and weak.

In the center of the residence, soft weeping was incessant, punctuated by bursts of agonizing groans. Many were missing limbs—and these were still the esteemed members drawn from the major Celestial Master sects and families of the Chu Kingdom.

The training grounds, covering nearly ten acres, were strewn with the wounded, alongside others sitting in silence, regulating their breathing. Hundreds of Celestial Masters were gathered here, some whispering in consultation, others shouting curses filled with hatred. It resembled a refugee camp.

Experts from the Chu family, the Yuuchi family, the Shangqing Sect, and the Wuwei Sect had almost all assembled, along with even more individuals from smaller factions. The training ground was packed.

Chu Shanxin had long since lost her usual composure; she sat on a cushion, her brow deeply furrowed. Beside her were experts from the three major powers: Yuuchi Yuan, Changsun Deyun, and Song Yu. Also present was Chu Yunlong, an Eight Trigram Celestial Master from the Chu family. All of them looked utterly exhausted.

Chu Yunlong was Chu Shanxin’s grand-uncle, a master of the Eight Trigram Heaven Peak realm, whose spirit could already roam the heavens. He was the leader of this group.

Chu Yunlong’s expression was heavy as he surveyed the group. "In half a month, we have already lost two Eight Trigram Celestial Masters, thirty-six Seven Star Celestial Masters, and fifty-seven Dark Heaven Celestial Masters. This pace is unsustainable."

Silence fell over the assembly; everyone’s face grew darker.

“Shanxin…” Chu Yunlong hesitated for a moment before finally asking with resignation, “Is there truly no news from the Tianwu Kingdom and the Shuiyun Kingdom?”

Chu Shanxin’s face showed loneliness as she managed a self-mocking, bitter smile. “The Western Regions are restless; the Tianwu Kingdom is struggling to look after itself—there’s no hope from them. As for the Shuiyun Kingdom…” Chu Shanxin sighed deeply. “Who could have predicted that battle would end in a total rout for the Huangfu family? We backed the wrong side. The Shuiyun Kingdom now belongs to Xuanyuan Valley. Don’t expect them to help us.”

“But didn't troops arrive?” Song Yu frowned, a hint of anticipation in his voice.

“Troops and Celestial Masters are not the same thing,” Chu Shanxin shook her head. “Everyone knows that in this kind of war, only victory in the battle of Celestial Masters counts as true victory. The role troops can play is negligible. Moreover, soldiers are conscripted commoners; they are easy to replace when lost. But cultivating even a single Celestial Master requires immense human and material investment; the death of one is a huge loss to a family or sect. To this day, not a single Celestial Master from the Shuiyun Kingdom has arrived, which speaks volumes.”

“Alas,” Chu Yunlong also sighed helplessly, shaking his head. “It’s all my fault. I regret being too cautious about the Xiao family back then, and my methods were too aggressive. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have ended up like this.”

“We all share the blame,” Chu Shanxin glanced at Changsun Deyun and Yuuchi Yuan. “We were the ones who pushed the Xiao family out. It’s too late for regrets now.”

“We lack manpower now, and our top experts are far inferior to the enemy’s. If this fighting continues, our losses will be even more devastating.” Song Yu looked up at Chu Yunlong, his face suddenly hardening. Biting his lip, he declared, “The Chu Kingdom probably cannot be held. Since those two nations refuse to help, let the barbarian Celestial Masters enter the heartland. Then we’ll see if they choose to intervene!”

“Stop speaking nonsense!” Chu Yunlong snapped. “If we abandon our defense, the common people will suffer terribly, and the nation will truly be finished.”

Chu Yunlong and his group continued to debate how to counter the impending invasion by the barbarian Celestial Masters. Regrettably, no matter how much they discussed, they could devise no good strategy. After all, their collective strength was indeed far inferior to the north.

With a calm, troubled expression, Chu Yunlong suddenly felt a flash of panic course through him. He stood up abruptly, his face extremely grave.

“What is it, Third Grand-uncle?” Chu Shanxin reacted instantly, pressing him immediately.

“A group of experts has entered Bei’an City. They are incredibly powerful!” Chu Yunlong said nervously, his voice low. “At a time like this, whoever enters our Bei'an City—we don’t know if they are barbarians or not. If they are, it means the barbarians are preparing for the final assault!”

The gravity of the situation suddenly descended upon everyone. No one had the leisure to cultivate anymore; they all stood up, their expressions growing darker than the last.

Chu Yunlong scanned the crowd. “Everyone be alert! Enemies might be approaching. Their power is immense! Be completely vigilant!”

Everyone on the training ground, whether cultivating or severely injured, tensed instantly. The assembled group began cursing the barbarians for their treachery, and a wave of apprehension spread through them. In that moment, some were filled with utter despair, feeling as if the color had drained from the sky—as if their final reckoning had arrived.

Chu Yunlong, standing at the very center of the training ground, maintained a relatively calm face, having already gathered his full power, ready to counter any sudden development. For the past while, his spirit had been under constant, high tension, weighed down by worry and anxiety, exhausting his mental reserves. Now, he pulled his focus tight again. He suddenly sensed a fatigue in his spirit, realizing that because he hadn't rested at all recently, even his hardened body was close to breaking point.

He cursed inwardly, forcibly maintaining his focus as he waited silently for the arrivals.

Soon, even Chu Shanxin felt the oppressive pressure emanating from the approaching party. Everyone recognized the unusual nature of the newcomers, and the atmosphere in the residence grew even more tense. All attention was fixed on the entrance; they were already preparing to strike at the arrivals.

Suddenly, Chu Yunlong’s face showed confusion. He waved his hand, signaling everyone to halt their readiness to attack, and murmured, “Their speed has slowed down. It seems… it seems they aren't attacking suddenly.”

“Never mind what they’re doing; they must be enemies. We should strike first,” Song Yu urged.

His suggestion was echoed by many. Their nerves had been stretched too tightly; days of continuous combat had eroded their reason. Now, only hatred remained in their hearts—a hatred born of desperation, ready to erupt like a volcano at any moment.

“No, wait a moment.” Chu Yunlong rejected the proposal, frowning in puzzled contemplation. He murmured, “Perhaps… perhaps they are not enemies.”

“At this stage, who else could possibly arrive?” Song Yu offered a wry smile. “The allies we have inside the country who are coming have already come. Those who shouldn't be coming cannot arrive yet. Although we sent people out to the Endless Star Domain searching for our masters who are still wandering, it takes time.”

“Let’s watch a little longer. In any case, everyone remain cautious for now,” Chu Yunlong insisted.

Song Yu conceded reluctantly, agreeing to wait for Chu Yunlong’s judgment.

A difficult silence settled until a messenger rushed in, scrambling and falling before kneeling at Chu Yunlong’s feet, stuttering, “Th-Third Master, there is a man outside claiming to be Ji Changkong seeking an audience.”

“Ji Changkong?!” Chu Yunlong was instantly stunned. “What’s going on?”

“A young man, bringing many experts, arrived at the gate. He said he requested an audience with the person in charge here. He claims his name is Ji Changkong, and he is from Xuanyuan Valley—he’s here to… to help us,” the man stammered.

Chu Shanxin’s bright eyes immediately lit up. Without waiting for Chu Yunlong’s permission, she cried out sharply, “Quickly, invite them in!”

The messenger remained kneeling, looking to Chu Yunlong for instruction. “Third Master?”

“We will go and greet them personally!” Chu Yunlong deliberated for a moment, then his tone became excited. “This might be a turning point. Perhaps, perhaps the Chu Kingdom’s fate is not yet sealed!”

“Let’s go, we’ll greet the arrivals ourselves!” Chu Shanxin became animated, turning to the others. “Everyone has heard recently how powerful Xuanyuan Valley is. Even experts from the Guiyuan Sect couldn't gain any advantage there. That shows how strong Xuanyuan Valley is now.”

“If it’s truly someone from Xuanyuan Valley, then… then the Chu Kingdom truly has a chance of survival.”

Even Song Yu nodded slightly, agreeing with the consensus. Over the years, rumors about Xuanyuan Valley had never ceased. Everyone knew how terrifying the Valley’s strength was, and who the true ruler of the current Shuiyun Kingdom was. Gaining the support of Xuanyuan Valley was akin to gaining the support of Mount Tianshan, equivalent to the backing of the entire Shuiyun Kingdom.

This meant the Chu Kingdom had finally secured the support of an entire nation—a powerful national backing. And this nation was currently peaceful, rich in talent, and at its peak.

The group, almost given up to despair, was electrified by the news of visitors from Xuanyuan Valley. Some among them felt a pang of shame, especially Chu Shanxin and Changsun Deyun, who had previously acted against the Xiao family. Although the Xiao family hadn't suffered significant losses, they had certainly caused friction. The Xiao family was now part of Xuanyuan Valley. If Ji Changkong had arrived, members of the Xiao family might be with him, which made them intensely uncomfortable.

However, if even Chu Shanxin could set aside her shame to meet them, the others saw no reason to hesitate. Led by Chu Yunlong, they headed toward the entrance.

Outside, the contingent from Xuanyuan Valley was chatting with faint smiles.

“When the Chu family people arrive, we shouldn’t be overly arrogant, lest the Chu family members lose face,” Ji Changkong said, smiling at Xiao Xing and Xiao Poshan. “Of course, a little well-placed sarcasm is acceptable, hehe. The Chu family should be prepared for that.”

The Xiao family had indeed suffered because of the pettiness of the Chu family years ago, forcing them to relocate their entire sect to Xuanyuan Valley. It was untrue to say that Xiao Poshan and Xiao Xing felt absolutely no resentment. In Ji Changkong’s view, since they had traveled a thousand miles to aid the Chu Kingdom, taking a little dig at their pride wouldn't be going too far.

Xiao Xing offered a slight smile. “That depends on the Chu family’s attitude. If their demeanor satisfies us, we won’t say much. After all, we didn't come to the Chu Kingdom for them. But if they try to act as if nothing happened, hmm, then we might need to settle some scores!”

“Hmph!” Xiao Poshan snarled angrily. “If they dare to be arrogant again, I’ll turn around and leave! I’ll wait until the barbarian brutes wipe them out, then I’ll come back to help collect the corpses!”

“Don’t worry, they definitely won’t dare be arrogant anymore. If they do, the Chu family will be utterly ruined,” Ji Changkong chuckled lightly, turning to Chen Qisen beside him. “Our troops here weren’t treated like cannon fodder, were they?”

Chen Qisen shook his head proudly. “The Chu Kingdom has reached this point; if they still harbored such thoughts, they wouldn’t have lasted this long. Don’t worry, Changkong. Our people here have received the most distinguished treatment. If the Chu family dared to play tricks, the common people of Chu would curse them to death!”

“That’s good to hear,” Ji Changkong relaxed slightly. “The reason we came to the Chu Kingdom is for the people. The reason we need to engage with their Celestial Masters here is to exchange greetings and understand the situation with the northern barbarians. Once we engage the barbarians in battle, we will need their intelligence to make better judgments.”

“After this ordeal, the Chu Kingdom should be honest, and the Chu family won’t dare cause trouble,” Chen Qisen smiled.

While the group was speaking, Chu Yunlong and Chu Shanxin and the others finally appeared at the gate. As soon as Chu Yunlong’s party arrived, their faces showed immediate excitement, and they rushed toward Ji Changkong. After just one glance across the crowd, Chu Yunlong located his target and addressed Xiao Poshan: “Brother Xiao! Whatever happened regarding my Chu family previously, we were wrong. Since your Xiao family has come today, my Chu family sincerely apologizes!”

Changsun Deyun, Song Yu, Yuuchi Yuan, and the rest—including Chu Shanxin—all stepped forward, their faces earnest, and bowed deeply toward Xiao Xing and Xiao Poshan in apology.

Xiao Xing smiled faintly and said nothing in response. Xiao Poshan kept a stern face. “Hmph. Can a simple apology resolve this matter? Because your Chu family forced us out, my Xiao family had to leave our home. This issue isn't something that can be smoothed over easily!”

“Yes, yes,” Chu Yunlong said with a fawning smile. “Brother Xiao, tell us what you want us to do. As long as our Chu family can manage it, we will spare no effort.”

“I haven't decided yet. I will discuss it with you once I have.” Xiao Poshan spoke with a swagger, sounding casual. “The situation hasn't looked good recently, has it?”

“It’s dire,” Chu Yunlong admitted gloomily, sighing. “In just a few short periods, we’ve lost half our domestic experts. Now, even those in the Five Elements Heaven realm have been forced into combat.”

Hearing this, Xiao Poshan lost the will to press the issue further. He snorted. “Let’s put our family affairs aside for now. My Xiao family understands righteousness. After we drive out these northern barbarians, then we can talk about our own matters. Hmph! If you had spoken kindly back then, and hadn't intended to treat my Xiao family as cannon fodder, my Xiao family wouldn't have left.”

“Brother Xiao, it was indeed our Chu family’s fault back then. The blame is mine. If it weren’t for the sake of the Chu Kingdom’s people, I truly… I truly would have no face to meet you,” Chu Yunlong insisted repeatedly, showing contrition. Only then did Xiao Poshan’s expression soften slightly, and he nodded briefly before gesturing toward Ji Changkong, signaling that his business here was concluded.

“This must be Young Master Ji from Xuanyuan Valley?” Chu Yunlong finally followed Xiao Poshan’s gaze to find the true focus of their visit, repeatedly thanking him. “Young Master Ji, for being able to come to our Chu Kingdom despite past grievances, my Chu family is eternally grateful…”

“Ji Changkong, regarding the incident in Tianshui City, it was our Chu family who wronged you,” Chu Shanxin suddenly stepped forward, her gaze serious as she looked at him. Her chest rose and fell as she spoke: “After this matter is concluded, I will submit to your judgment! Whatever you choose to do to me, I will not argue!”

Bai Qingya, standing beside Ji Changkong, slightly furrowed her brow.

“Let bygones be bygones. The fact that I came to the Chu Kingdom proves I haven't dwelled on past matters. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here at all. I think we should focus on discussing the situation with the northern barbarians, rather than exchanging courtesies here,” Ji Changkong said with a natural, smiling expression, appearing entirely unconcerned with the past.

Chu Shanxin stared at him blankly for a long moment before nodding softly and murmuring, “Thank you…”

The others dropped their formalities. Led by Chu Yunlong, they entered the interior training grounds. Seeing the wounded scattered everywhere, seeing the people missing limbs groaning softly on the ground, there was no need for extensive description—the Celestial Masters from the Shuiyun Kingdom immediately realized how brutal the fighting here had been.

Chu Yunlong looked slightly embarrassed. “The conditions are simple; I apologize that you all have to sit on the ground.”

Seeing so many casualties, the Shuiyun Kingdom contingent understood the dire straits of the Chu Kingdom. Hearing his words, they all fell silent, offering no objections.

“Skip the pleasantries,” Ji Changkong said, his face calm. “Introduce the situation to me, especially how many high-level experts the northern barbarians have sent.”

Without preamble, the questions were direct and sharp. Chu Yunlong swiftly offered a broad overview of the situation.

Then he continued, "The Northern Barbarians are currently led by the Yaksha tribe, encompassing numerous races, and they field an exceptionally high number of masters—about ten experts at the Eight Trigrams Celestial Master level, and fifty or sixty at the Seven Stars Heaven realm." "Wait!" Ji Changkong interrupted Chu Yunlong mid-sentence. Frowning, he asked, "Aren't the strongest race among the Northern Barbarians the Asura Imperial Clan?

Why is the Yaksha tribe leading and commanding the Celestial Master war in the Endless Mountain Range?" The moment this question left his lips, Chu Yunlong’s face fell. He sighed, shaking his head grimly.

"Indeed, the strongest race is the Asura Imperial Clan, and their Celestial Masters are terrifying. However...

to this day, their Celestial Masters have not appeared. The strongest opponents we have faced so far are solely the Yaksha.

Perhaps..." He trailed off, "Perhaps, in the eyes of the Asura Imperial Clan, it is not yet worth their time to engage." As he spoke, Chu Yunlong's expression became intensely strange. Yuchi Yuan and the others were utterly mortified, wishing they could instantly sink into the earth.

To think that even without the enemy fielding their main force, they had already suffered such heavy losses—what a disgrace for those who had fought so valiantly! "Uh," Ji Changkong was left momentarily speechless.

He looked from one face to another, murmuring, "So, that's how it is. You mean...

they haven't even exerted their true effort yet?" "Most likely... that's the case," Chu Yunlong admitted, his face flushing slightly.

"I see," Ji Changkong knitted his brow and inquired further, "Has the fighting been contained entirely within the Endless Mountain Range? Are all the Northern Barbarians waiting there for you to approach?

What are the engagement rules? Is it through pre-arranged duels, or is it indiscriminate slaughter?" "There are no rules whatsoever.

As long as we encounter their people within the Endless Mountain Range, any means necessary can be employed to kill them! Those Northern brutes never adhere to any code.

The moment they see someone from the Central Plains within the mountains, they attack without hesitation!" Chu Yunlong stated. "It's understandable that they disregard rules." Ji Changkong clicked his tongue in acknowledgment and asked again, "Are their Celestial Masters gathered together, or are they dispersed?" "They organize themselves by tribe.

They occasionally assemble for large skirmishes, but most of the time, they operate spread out." Chu Yunlong offered a wry smile. "However, most of those who enter the Endless Mountain Range are not weak.

Once a fight breaks out somewhere, just one shout can draw in forces from both sides. What might start as a duel between two individuals can easily escalate into a full-blown melee." "Understood," Ji Changkong smiled.

He glanced back at the contingent from Xuanyuan Valley behind him. "Although the Endless Mountain Range is fraught with danger at every turn, it is truly a place for tempering oneself.

This is the battlefield for us Celestial Masters. Here, we might die, but we might also achieve some breakthrough in the heat of battle.

After cultivating in the valley for so long, we finally have an opportunity to sharpen our skills." The people emerging from Xuanyuan Valley were clearly different from the Celestial Masters of the Great Chu Kingdom. Upon hearing Ji Changkong’s words, they all looked visibly excited, projecting an air of keen anticipation.

Far from being intimidated by the ferocity of the Northern Barbarians, these individuals seemed eager. This reaction stunned Chu Yunlong and the others, who stared at the arrivals from Xuanyuan Valley and the Water Cloud Kingdom with peculiar expressions, unable to comprehend their attitude.

They were unaware that the cultivators from Xuanyuan Valley had made astonishing progress over the years, fueled by the dense Heaven and Earth spiritual energy within the valley. The environment in Xuanyuan Valley placed a heavy emphasis on real combat.

Inside, the Ji Clan, Ghost Sect, and Xiao Clan jointly utilized exotic treasures to draw the residents into competitive duels to claim these artifacts. This setup was designed to keep the valley inhabitants occupied and prevent constant friction among them.

Driven by the lure of rare treasures, virtually every Celestial Master in the valley participated in these intermittent contests of strength. With Eight Trigrams Celestial Masters overseeing these duels to prevent fatal accidents, participants felt free to unleash their full power without reservation.

This atmosphere in Xuanyuan Valley greatly accelerated the accumulation of combat experience for the Celestial Masters. Consequently, those emerging from the valley held virtually no fear of battle.

Moreover, those who came forth this time were the elite experts from the valley. The majority of the Seven Stars Celestial Masters hailed from the Ghost Sect, the Xiao Clan, or were accomplished fighters who had sincerely pledged allegiance to Xuanyuan Valley.

Not only was their strength substantial, but in the valley, they had also secured support in the form of various rare materials, meaning each possessed suitable Divine Weapons and Spiritual Treasures, instilling in them an unwavering confidence to face any danger. Having finally left Xuanyuan Valley, upon hearing they could engage the Northern Barbarians, they barely considered the potential terror of the enemy.

Their only thought was how best to utilize the Northern Barbarians to enhance their own power and subsequently win the next major competition back in the valley. Thus, every one of them wore a look of sheer delight, resembling hunters preparing to enter the Endless Mountain Range.

Chu Yunlong, observing the imposing spirit of the Xuanyuan Valley experts, couldn't help but feel even more ashamed when recalling their own initial foray into the Endless Mountain Range. "We have a rough understanding of the situation in the Endless Mountain Range now.

Hmm, how about this: we will make a trip there. What about you all?" Ji Changkong asked Chu Yunlong.

"We will naturally go together!" Chu Yunlong’s expression immediately turned serious. "You are certainly unfamiliar with the terrain of the Endless Mountain Range.

We will lead the way; we must pool our efforts to deal with those tyrannical Northern Barbarians." Spurred on by the demeanor of the Xuanyuan Valley contingent, the Celestial Masters from the Great Chu Kingdom also expressed their eagerness to join the expedition into the Endless Mountain Range. Ji Changkong nodded, glancing over the assembled crowd in the training grounds.

"Only a portion should go. Anyone who is injured or has not fully recovered their strength should remain here for now and join the next expedition.

This battle is likely not one that will conclude quickly, so no one should rush." "Young Master Ji is correct." Chu Yunlong turned back to address the wounded individuals who had volunteered to fight. "You should rest here first.

Only after you have recovered your strength can you go out and kill more of those Northern brutes." Although Chu Yunlong held little authority over Ji Changkong’s group, he maintained a degree of sternness among the Celestial Masters of his own kingdom. Following his orders, those who were wounded or lacking full power were kept behind.

Beyond them, every Celestial Master present in the training grounds was arranged to accompany Ji Changkong and his companions into the Endless Mountain Range. These soldiers recognized that the newcomers from the Water Cloud Kingdom were a fresh wave of reinforcements, packed with numerous masters.

This next entry into the Endless Mountain Range was certain to catch the enemy off guard. This time, they intended to march out to kill, not to hide and cower.

Therefore, everyone vied to be included. Chu Yunlong sighed internally.

Earlier, when he proposed entering the Endless Mountain Range, everyone looked downcast, reluctant to go, clearly showing signs of fear. Now, with Ji Changkong's arrival, these same men were actively requesting to enter.

It seemed that in their eyes, Xuanyuan Valley was—Chu Yunlong felt immensely fortunate. Fortunate to have gained the support of Xuanyuan Valley and the Water Cloud Kingdom.

Following Ji Changkong’s suggestion, Chu Yunlong wasted no further time. After making some arrangements within the city, he led the high-level Celestial Masters from Xuanyuan Valley and the Water Cloud Kingdom silently toward the Endless Mountain Range situated between North Peace City and the Northern Barbarians’ territory.

Upon a peak closely bordering the Northern Barbarian Bitter Sea, a grim-faced youth stood atop the summit, radiating an icy disdain as he looked across the endlessly stretching mountain range before him. This youth possessed long, dark green hair, and sharp, thorn-like protrusions jutted from his knees, elbows, and shoulders.

His eyes were also a deep shade of dark green. Beside him, several dozen other non-human individuals sharing his appearance subtly formed a protective circle around him, silently observing the forward expanse.

"Young Master, once we take Great Chu, you will surely win the hand of the Imperial Princess. Rest assured, those Great Chu Celestial Masters are finished; we will slay them all within a few days!" A giant, standing two meters tall, carried a hexagonal black shield on his back, its surface covered in fierce spikes that glowed a dark crimson—a testament to the blood of countless Central Plains Celestial Masters they had shed.

The giant possessed cultivation at the peak of the Eight Trigrams Celestial Master realm, exuding an overwhelming aura of killing intent. As he stood there, the muscles in his body twitched slightly, and veins coiled like earthworms across his neck.

This colossal figure was clearly a Yaksha tribesman, his eyes burning with lawless arrogance and sharp killing malice. Anyone meeting his gaze would know immediately that this was no benevolent soul, but a terrifying killer who spared no one.

The youth grinned coldly, gripping a massive, spiked mace, "Xue E (Blood Crocodile), I desire that woman! In our Northern Barbarian lands, I want only that woman!" The giant addressed as Xue E bellowed with laughter.

"Young Master, that woman is indeed beautiful. She is also the daughter of the Asura King.

By claiming her, our Yaksha tribe will surely rise to prominence!" "No need, Xue E. Our Yaksha tribe will rise regardless!" the youth declared with arrogant pride.

"I have already reached the Eight Trigrams Celestial Master realm, and my father broke through to the Nine Palaces Heaven realm three years ago. Aside from the Imperial Clan, our Yaksha tribe is now the strongest race in the Barbarian Kingdom!

Hmph! Sooner or later, our Yaksha tribe will replace the Asuras and become the Imperial Clan of the Barbarian Kingdom!" "Shhh!" Xue E exclaimed, startled.

"Young Master, there are many ears around; do not let anyone overhear. As long as the King lives, our Yaksha tribe will never have a chance.

When the King is gone, the Barbarian Kingdom will belong to us! With the Patriarch and the Young Master leading, the Yaksha tribe will become the Imperial Clan!" The youth beamed with pleasure.

"That’s right. We will supplant the Asura Clan to become the Barbarian Kingdom's Imperial Clan!

And I will have that woman; she will be mine sooner or later!" "Young Master! The person you asked me to investigate, in Xuanyuan Valley, seems to have been in secluded cultivation ever since returning from the East Sea," Xue E paused, then suddenly recalled something important and spoke quickly.

"The Ji family, Xuanyuan..." Jialuo's face contorted in savage rage. "After I sweep away Great Chu, I will definitely march upon Xuanyuan Valley!

In the Northern Dipper Star Domain, this brat repeatedly ruined our clan’s schemes. Many of our clan's experts died by his hand.

I swore I would kill him, and I will!" "The Young Master has already reached the Eight Trigrams Heaven realm. Killing him should be easy now.

However, that brat is supposedly the grandson of the Ancient Tower master; we shouldn't act rashly. We need to consider this carefully," Xue E advised.

"That old fool Gu Ya is failing; he was wounded by Holy Mother Youlan and has not yet recovered. He is in no state to concern himself with this matter," Jialuo scoffed with extreme arrogance.

"With our current strength, we can destroy Xuanyuan Valley quickly. By the time Gu Bang knows what happened, we will likely have conquered all of the Central Plains." "That is true.

The King said we need not worry about Gu Ya. If Gu Ya dares to intervene, the King will surely come forth from the Imperial Palace himself," Xue E conceded, nodding.

"On this continent, our Barbarian Kingdom’s King is still the strongest Nine Palaces Heaven Master. Even a fully recovered Gu Ya might not match the King, let alone in his current state." "That old fellow had better break through to the Ten Directions Heaven realm soon, or suffer a terrible backlash from his cultivation," Mentioning the Asura King, even the overly arrogant Jialuo showed a trace of fear.

"My father never dares to act against the Asura King, and no other race in the Barbarian Kingdom dares to either." Xue E was about to speak when a strange humming sound emanated from a formation array he had set up beneath his feet, utilizing the skulls of fallen Celestial Masters. Xue E reached out and grasped a skull still clinging to fresh bloodstains.

He inserted his massive fingers into the eye sockets and ear canals, closing his eyes to sense the information. A triumphant smile suddenly spread across his face.

"The Chu Kingdom's brutes have come to deliver themselves to death again!" Jialuo’s expression sharpened. He cursed, "Excellent!

These turtles finally decided to show themselves. That old fogey is truly stubborn, insisting on observing some 'rules.' If he hadn't forbidden us from simply storming the city, Great Chu would already be ours!" "Indeed.

Dealing with these weaklings requires no adherence to rules," Xue E agreed. "Our Clan Patriarch sets a fine example in this regard." "Heh heh, my father never cares for rules; he only cares for profit!" Jialuo sneered coldly, then pulled out an unfamiliar animal horn and brought it to his lips, blowing a series of harsh notes.

In a short time, numerous powerfully built and savagely looking Barbarian Kingdom Celestial Masters rushed over from the distance. Among these Northern Barbarian warriors, a few women were strikingly beautiful and voluptuous, boasting exaggeratedly revealing attire.

Of course, the beautiful barbarian women were in the minority; only a few specific tribes produced such beauties. The majority of Northern Barbarian women were coarse-skinned and tall.

Jialuo scanned this gathering with a hardened expression. "The cowards of Chu have come out to die again.

Everyone, open the slaughter! The King stated that whichever tribe kills the most enemies will have priority in the allocation of the fertile lands of Great Chu." "Wooo!

Wooo-shaaaa!" These Celestial Masters from the Northern Barbarians brandished their strange and exotic Divine Weapons and artifacts, their faces alight with savage glee, looking like bloodthirsty beasts. Even the beautiful, alluring barbarian women among them had fierce glints in their eyes, pulling out their own bloodstained weapons, prepared for a massive slaughter.

[Note to Reader: The current chapter has reached the final page of this book]