As the Old Matriarch screamed, two Nine Palaces Celestial Masters from the Separation Heaven Sect were sent flying by Ji Changkong. As blood poured from their mouths, Li Hentian seized the opportunity to circle his Blazing Sun Dharma Wheel around their chests once more, setting their entire essences ablaze until they were scorched black.

In the air, unseen by the crowd, two wisps of strange smoke drifted and bored directly into the nostrils of the two men.

The Origin Poison chuckled sinisterly, cheerfully re-establishing itself on Ji Changkong's shoulder, and clapped its hands. "Done!"

Ji Changkong and Li Hentian turned their attention to Tuo Hui of the Separation Heaven Sect, and the long-browed master sparring with Gu Zhan, clearly preparing to join the fray and finish off Tuo Hui and Chang Mei with lethal intent.

"Stop!" The Old Matriarch finally lost her composure and roared.

Three Nine Palaces Celestial Masters suddenly materialized behind the Old Matriarch, blocking the path of Ji Changkong and Li Hentian. Their brows furrowed deeply as they spoke to halt the pair: "Sirs, must you insist on utterly destroying them?"

"Oh?" Ji Changkong shrugged dismissively. "It's merely settling a private score."

From a distance, two more experts from the Vast Sea Continent, also at the Nine Palaces Celestial realm, flew in. Upon arrival, they inquired of the Old Matriarch, "Sister Shang, what is the matter?"

The Old Matriarch's wrinkled face twitched. Suppressing the rage in her heart, she scoffed, "Someone is refusing to show us respect and is wreaking havoc upon our Vast Sea Continent."

"Oh?" A breath of rage puffed out from the nostrils of the two newcomers, and they joined the ranks of the three Nine Palaces Celestial Masters from the Shang family, standing before Ji Changkong and Li Hentian.

Since matters had reached this point, it was clearly impossible to continue the fight; otherwise, they risked offending the entire Celestial Master community of the Vast Sea Continent.

Gu Bang and Dick, along with Tuo Hui and Chang Mei, ceased their fighting. Tuo Hun, who had remained relatively composed, now displayed unconcealed killing intent, his cold eyes darting between Gu Ya and Ji Changkong.

The two experts from the Separation Heaven Sect who had been struck down by Ji Changkong and Li Hentian, their chests soaked in blood, walked to Tuo Hui's side. "Senior Brother,"

Tuo Hun held up a hand, signaling them to remain silent. The two nodded mutely and took their positions behind Tuo Hun and Chang Mei, glaring at Ji Changkong's group with deep hatred.

Dick and Gu Ya moved to stand alongside Ji Changkong at this juncture.

More experts from the Vast Sea Continent converged from all directions. In an instant, the sky above Ethereal Isle was filled with floating figures—roughly counted, there were no less than three thousand of them.

Every single one possessed a cultivation level of at least Seven Stars Celestial.

"I am the Matriarch of the Shang family. Who are you people, and why are you fighting violently outside my Ethereal Isle?" The Old Matriarch, livid with anger, approached Gu Bang and Ji Changkong, her voice sharp and demanding.

It was evident that the Old Matriarch recognized Tuo Hun's group from the Separation Heaven Sect and knew their identities. She did not question Tuo Hun but fixed her gaze solely on Ji Changkong's party, clearly intending to hold them accountable.

"They hail from the Five Elements Continent, they are—"

"They are my friends." Suddenly, Meng Gang emerged from within Ethereal Isle. Meng Gang appeared somewhat awkward, offering Ji Changkong an apologetic smile before approaching the Old Matriarch and speaking softly, almost subserviently: "They know Miss Shang. They came seeking consultation with the Shang family. I was just reporting to Miss Shang, but she is still in seclusion and has not emerged." Behind Meng Gang, Xiao Man poked her head out at some unknown moment, glanced at Ji Changkong, and then quickly shrank back like a frightened rabbit, clearly intimidated.

"Bing Jie's friends?" The Old Matriarch snorted unpleasantly. "How is it that I've never heard her mention them? Meng Gang, do you realize what your 'friends' have done on my territory?"

Meng Gang's face paled, his shoulders trembling slightly. He stammered, "I—"

The Old Matriarch waved her hand and scoffed again. "Enough talk! Meng Gang, you cannot bear responsibility for this!"

Meng Gang's expression grew deeply distressed, yet he dared not utter another word, remaining frozen in place, seemingly awaiting the Shang family's judgment.

Within the Vast Sea Continent, the Shang family was like royalty among Celestial Masters, possessing absolute authority! Here, every Celestial Master sect and family was bound to follow the Shang family's directives; no sect or power dared to defy the Shang family's will.

Meng Gang, being a native of the Vast Sea Continent, harbored an instinctive dread of the Shang family. Upon hearing the Matriarch speak, he absolutely dared not say more, only casting an extremely guilty glance toward Ji Changkong, seemingly uneasy that he could not do anything to assist him.

Gu Bang frowned but said nothing. Li Hentian let out a cold snort, his killing aura surging.

Dick looked utterly disgusted. Suddenly, he felt that this continent's Shang family was unworthy of their friendship. He remarked to Ji Changkong beside him, "Ji Changkong, it seems we came to the wrong place. This location isn't worthy of receiving our gifts. Shall we choose another place?"

Ji Changkong nodded with a cold expression. "Indeed. I also feel the Shang family isn't worth our investment. I imagine other powers in the Solar Star Domain would be far more interested in our cooperation. Facing the prospect of never worrying about Star Essence again, I doubt any power would refuse us."

"Ungrateful wretches. Let's go," Li Hentian added.

"Never worrying about Star Essence"—the moment these words were uttered, the pupils of every Nine Palaces Celestial Master present contracted sharply. The Shang Matriarch's expression shifted, and she coldly demanded, "What do you know?"

The Shang Matriarch likely misunderstood Ji Changkong's meaning, possibly thinking he had discovered their secret. She instantly fixed her gaze on Meng Gang, raised a hand, and a pale green shroud instantly enveloped him.

The Matriarch's face was filled with menace as she harshly demanded, "Meng Gang, have you been spreading gossip? Did you betray them?" Inside the pale green dome, Meng Gang's face gradually turned ashen. He felt as if an invisible giant hand had gripped his throat, restricting his breath, threatening immediate suffocation.

Ji Changkong’s expression immediately turned glacial. Meng Gang was his friend, and it looked as if this Old Matriarch intended to kill him right before his eyes.

The many people of the Vast Sea Continent surrounding them all frowned. Some seemed to feel this action was inappropriate, yet none dared to speak up. The deterrent power of the Shang family in the Vast Sea Continent was laid bare.

Tuo Hun, Chang Mei, and the others from the Separation Heaven Sect finally displayed a hint of malicious glee as they watched the Shang Matriarch's struggle, appearing eager to see a confrontation between her and Ji Changkong's group.

This was the Vast Sea Continent, the Shang family's territory. Here, all Nine Palaces Celestials of the Vast Sea Continent obeyed the Shang family's commands. By offending the Shang family here, Ji Changkong's group had effectively made enemies of the entire Vast Sea Continent's Celestial Master realm.

Though their strength was not weak, confronting the entire Celestial Master realm of the Vast Sea Continent was still far from sufficient.

Tuo Hun and Chang Mei remained silent, a cold smirk playing on their lips, fully expecting to watch Ji Changkong's party be decimated by the Shang family.

Meng Gang’s face grew increasingly blue. He struggled violently within the protective dome, clutching his throat, his eyes beginning to roll back.

Boom! Rumble!

From within the World-Ending Gauntlets came a heaven-shaking roar. Disks the size of millstones—balls of pale green celestial lightning—suddenly shot out, continuously striking the green dome.

A series of intensely fierce explosions erupted from the pale green dome. Amidst the deafening roar, the power holding the dome together was thoroughly scoured away.

Crack!

The dome shattered, and Meng Gang shot out, snatched up by Gu Bang's hand and brought over to Ji Changkong's side.

"Meng Gang, it seems you can't stay in the Vast Sea Continent anymore," Ji Changkong sighed lightly, looking somewhat apologetically at Meng Gang. "Come with us. As long as you cultivate to the Nine Palaces Celestial realm, I guarantee you will have ample Star Essence for your practice."

"Cough, cough—" Meng Gang coughed loudly, gasping for breath, temporarily unable to speak.

"You brat! You dare snatch people from my grasp!" The Shang Matriarch exploded in fury, shouting fiercely, "This is the Vast Sea Continent; it is not your place to act so arrogantly! A mere Five Elements Continent, one that has never even made a name for itself—do you truly think you can overturn the heavens?"

"They really are overturning the heavens."

Just then, a soft, melodious voice drifted from afar. A party of three stunningly beautiful women, their hair styled in high buns and dressed in magnificent robes resembling those of imperial noblewomen, approached with smiles.

With every step they took, a lifelike flower bloomed beneath their feet, leaving behind a path strewn with blossoms long after they passed.

The leading woman’s eyes sparkled with brilliance, exuding an air of majestic grace, like an Empress leaving the palace to survey her dominion. The two women behind her possessed the elegant demeanor and profound nobility of Imperial Concubines.

All three women were masters at the Nine Palaces Celestial realm; the foremost among them stood at the pinnacle of the Nine Palaces Celestial realm.

"Lan Fen, you are late," the Shang Matriarch frowned, temporarily setting aside her rage towards Ji Changkong's group.

"Indeed, I am late," the noblewoman addressed as Lan Fen glanced at Ji Changkong with a smile, pursing her lips. "To be honest, it's because of them that I was delayed."

The Shang Matriarch looked slightly surprised and snorted, "These people are worthy of making the courtesan queen of the Flying Flower Sect late? I see nothing impressive about them. A Life Star that hasn't produced a Ten Directions Celestial Master in a thousand years is destined to be an insignificant place; even reaching the pinnacle of Nine Palaces Celestial will ultimately be futile."

"I also see nothing particularly impressive about them," Lan Fen replied with a bright smile, unhurriedly. "However, they managed to injure the Lord of the Demon Grotto, severely wound the Corpse Girl Xiao Yu, and kill the two demons, Can Lang and Han Tian, on the Five Elements Continent."

"What?" The Matriarch was utterly shocked.

Not just her, but everyone who heard Lan Fen's words was struck with horror, staring at Ji Changkong's group in disbelief. Suddenly, all surrounding chatter ceased. Everyone stared wide-eyed at Ji Changkong's party, afraid they might miss something important.

Tuo Hui, Chang Mei, and the others from the Separation Heaven Sect experienced a drastic change in expression, their eyes showing clear terror, as if something entirely unexpected had occurred.

"You... where did you get this news? This... how is this possible?" The Matriarch shook her head repeatedly, fundamentally unwilling to accept this reality.

"That is none of your concern. I am simply telling you the news is absolutely correct." Lan Fen slowly pulled down the edge of her skirt and sauntered over to Ji Changkong's group, stopping directly in front of him, smiling pleasantly. "Isn't that right, Ji Changkong?"

Ji Changkong shrugged noncommittally.

"The Lord of the Demon Grotto only managed to return to the Demonic Continent after traversing three realms of spatial turbulence. Xiao Yu was in a near-comatose state upon arrival! Ji Changkong, you are truly astonishing; you single-handedly thwarted the demonic invasion of the Demonic Continent. Truly, the younger generation surpasses the old, and they are to be admired!" Lan Fen clicked her tongue in amazement, showing immense interest in Ji Changkong.

The thousands of powerful Celestial Masters from the Vast Sea Continent hovering over Ethereal Isle suddenly fell silent.

For a moment, the only sounds were slightly disordered gasps. Every one of them stared dumbfounded at Ji Changkong. One person destroyed the Demonic Continent's invasion plan, injured the Lord of the Demon Grotto, severely wounded the Corpse Girl Yu, and killed Han Tian and Can Lang—was he a Ten Directions Celestial Master?

Yet, he was clearly only a Nine Palaces Celestial Master, and one who had only entered the realm not long ago. What in the world was going on?

Everyone's minds spun; they could not fathom it.

The Shang Matriarch was dumbstruck, feeling her lips dry. She deeply regretted her impulsive action in antagonizing such a person; it was a terrible miscalculation!

What should be done now? They had clearly offended them. How could this be remedied? The Shang Matriarch anxiously considered her options, then suddenly had an idea. She said to someone beside her, "Tuo Luo, go and summon Bing Jie immediately!"

The Shang Nine Palaces Celestial Master understood and nodded, quickly departing into Ethereal Isle.

Tuo Hun stared fixedly at Chang Mei with a grim expression and muttered low, "Look at the mess you made!"

"You are the Courtesan Queen of the Flying Flower Sect?" Ji Changkong suddenly relaxed, asking lazily, "Can you make decisions for the Flying Flower Sect?"

"Heh heh. Young brother, Hua Yan is the master of the Flying Flower Sect, so of course, I can make decisions for them. Why?" Lan Fen replied with a charming smile.

Ji Changkong nodded. "That's good to know. I am looking for partners for cooperation. Your Flying Flower Sect has considerable strength and qualifies. Are you interested in cooperating with our Xuanyuan Valley? If you agree, I can guarantee that the Flying Flower Sect will never again worry about Star Essence, not just now, but for hundreds or even thousands of years to come. Are you interested?"

"In the Solar Star Domain, what power could refuse such a temptation?" Lan Fen paused for a moment, then smiled brightly and countered.

"Powers that do not require Star Essence can resist this temptation," Ji Changkong laughed.

"Then there are none!" Lan Fen asserted confidently. She then adopted a serious expression. "Even without this cooperation, the Flying Flower Sect was already planning a trip to your Five Elements Continent to discuss partnership. We share a common enemy; the Demon Grotto and the Flying Flower Sect have always been at odds, often clashing in the spiritual realm above the sun. Now that everyone possesses a method to traverse to a Life Star in a star domain, and the Demon Grotto is so close to our Qilan Continent, they will inevitably come for us sooner or later, so—"

"I have also received news," the bald man from Golden Net Mountain, who had remained silent until now, finally stepped forward. "It is said that the three major powers—Heaven's Slaughter, the Demon Grotto, and the Death Alliance—have begun secret contact. These three ambitious supreme forces in the Solar Star Domain are highly likely to unite and move against other Life Stars." He walked directly toward Ji Changkong, speaking sincerely, "Our Golden Net Mountain also wishes to form an alliance with your Xuanyuan Valley."

"This is mutually beneficial," Ji Changkong said with a casual smile. "If the Golden Net Mountain allies with us, I can guarantee that the Golden Net Mountain will gain our lasting friendship."

"Cough, cough—" The Shang Matriarch coughed violently, seemingly trying to remind Lan Fen and the Bald Man that they were still on the Vast Sea Continent, invited here by the Shang family.

"This is Dick, he hails from the Dark Star Race. He possesses the power to transform dead stars into living ones. And he is the most steadfast ally of our Xuanyuan Valley!" Ji Changkong said, not even looking at the Shang Matriarch, as he pointed directly at Dick to introduce him to Lan Fen and the Bald Man.

"All of the Dark Star Race are friends of Ji Changkong! The method of turning dead stars into living ones is the specialty of our Dark Star Race," Dick stated solemnly.

Lan Fen and the Bald Man both lit up, their eyes shining brightly, completely ignoring the Shang Matriarch's coughing fits. They intently questioned Dick about every detail.

On the Vast Sea Continent, some Nine Palaces Celestials not affiliated with the Shang family heard Dick's declaration, and their faces filled with excitement. Their gazes towards Dick and Ji Changkong were filled with shining hope; they were clearly extremely tempted.

If it hadn't been for consideration of the Shang family's power on the Vast Sea Continent, perhaps these people would have rushed forward to Ji Changkong to inquire about the details right then.

For a moment, the Shang family, as the hosts, found themselves completely ignored—the scene was rather awkward.

"That... Ji Changkong," Lan Fen apologized for interrupting the eager questions between the Bald Man and herself, smiling as she said, "This is not the place for discussion. If you all don't mind, perhaps we can relocate to the Five Elements Continent to discuss matters, how about it?"

"Ah, no problem!" The Bald Man slapped his forehead, then apologized to the Shang Matriarch. "I apologize, but we have urgent matters to discuss today. We will come to congratulate your granddaughter another day."

"Yes, me too," Lan Fen said to the Shang Matriarch with a helpless expression. "This matter is too important. Next time I visit, I will bring gifts. Today... let's forgo that." She then eagerly urged Ji Changkong, "Let's go! We must go to the Five Elements Continent to discuss cooperation in detail."

The Shang Matriarch's vision went black; she nearly choked on blood from sheer fury. (To be continued)