In a location far from the cave entrance, Ao Minhang's expression grew increasingly grim after listening in detail to the rumors surrounding He Yiming.

A wry smile touched Ao Bo Rui’s lips. During his time as the Sect Master of the Blessed Grotto-Heaven Sect, such an unparalleled genius had appeared at the Northwest Heavenly Pool, stirring feelings within him that were deeper and more bitter than anyone else’s.

"Ancestor, this child's talent is impossibly strong. If it's not absolutely necessary, perhaps we should avoid making an enemy of him."

Ao Minhang snorted coldly. "Who said we intended to make an enemy of him?"

Slightly taken aback, Ao Bo Rui’s face flushed faintly. "Seeing the Ancestor’s bearing just now, I thought..."

Ao Minhang shook his head and sighed deeply. "If we were outside, I would have no choice but to slay this child as soon as possible. But since we are here, everything is different." His tone was filled with wistfulness. "We have exhausted every scheme but cannot close this passage. The only way is to hold back the impact of the Death Creatures here. Do you truly believe we have the luxury of infighting?"

Ao Bo Rui’s expression shifted slightly; he immediately considered his own future. Even if he succeeded in advancing to the Divine Path, under these circumstances, he would be confined here for life, unable to step outside even once more.

"Ancestor, do you... regret it?" Ao Bo Rui hesitated for a long moment before finally asking slowly.

Ao Minhang remained silent. After a long while, just as Ao Bo Rui thought he wouldn't answer, he heard the old man mutter, "Of course I regret it. All of us here regret it. If we hadn't listened to those rumors back then, we wouldn't have ended up in this situation."

Ao Bo Rui stared at his progenitor in disbelief. In his heart, this old man was terrifyingly steadfast. During the period he had been guiding Ao Bo Rui’s martial cultivation, he had left an impression of towering strength and resolve. Yet, this was the first time he witnessed the elder’s vulnerability.

Muttering for a while, he couldn't find any comforting words, suddenly feeling utterly speechless before the sheer breadth of the old man's experience.

His gaze gradually sharpened. Ao Minhang's voice regained its strength. "Bo Rui, you are the descendant of our Five Elements Sect, and you are the hope that carries us forward. Strive now. Advance to the Divine Path as quickly as possible, and do not let yourself fall behind the others."

Ao Bo Rui’s spirits lifted, and his fierce desire for battle surged once more.

The Divine Path, the realm he had yearned for most over these past centuries, now seemed tantalizingly within reach. Regardless of what the future held, for the present moment, he would pour all his effort into reaching the Divine Path.

※※※※

A faint glimmer of light flickered, and He Yiming, Mou Zilong, and the Divine Path Puppet materialized from the void.

Watching the two groups—one of people and one of beasts—that had departed earlier, a cold sneer touched He Yiming’s lips. If Ao Minhang and the others wanted revenge, so be it. He could meet force with force; at worst, he could turn and flee. With his speed and mastery over the Divine Powers techniques of various elements, even if he couldn't win the fight, escaping should pose no issue.

However, the actions of Ma Yu and the others made him sneer inwardly.

For a Pseudo-Divine Realm expert to scheme against him in such a manner—if he hadn't overheard it by chance, it would have been hard to believe.

As for the White Tiger, He Yiming couldn't be bothered. After all, these Divine Beasts only sided with those they deemed worthy. Measuring them by human standards of right and wrong was utterly absurd. For them, if one could not win their favor, there was only one other option: subdue them with absolutely overwhelming strength.

Of course, with his current power, He Yiming was far from achieving that, but he possessed immense confidence. That day would surely come.

"Brother He, you are truly incredible," Mou Zilong laughed heartily. "Burning down the Tree God Valley! That brings such satisfaction."

He Yiming paused briefly. "Brother Mou, do you hold a grudge against the Five Elements Sect?"

Mou Zilong chuckled. "Not some deep, irreconcilable hatred, just a few minor grievances. But the Five Elements Sect has always acted tyrannically, acting lawlessly as the world's foremost sect, earning countless enemies. If you had done this back in the day, the entire world would surely be cheering."

A look of realization dawned on He Yiming's face. He was no longer the naive novice who first entered the Jianghu. Having experienced so much, he had learned a thing or two. As the former number one sect, the Five Elements Sect must have offended many, and Mou Zilong likely suffered losses at their hands too. Thus, upon hearing of the sect’s misfortune, he felt a distinct sense of schadenfreude.

"Brother Mou jokes. I never expected that upon entering this place, I would immediately be targeted by two Pseudo-Divine Realm experts. Alas..." He Yiming shook his head, speaking with a bitter smile.

Mou Zilong’s expression also grew serious. Anyone in He Yiming’s position would find the situation difficult.

"Brother He, you heard what Ma Yu said. Do you intend to seek his protection?" Mou Zilong asked gravely.

He Yiming understood perfectly. Seeking Ma Yu's patronage meant handing over the Nine Dragon Furnace, an option entirely outside his consideration.

"Brother Mou is jesting. Although I am untalented, having already obtained the recognition of the Divine Artifact, the Nine Dragon Furnace, how could I possibly hand it over to someone else?"

Mou Zilong’s expression eased. "Brother He is right. Ma Yu’s reputation isn't much better than Ao Minhang's. Those from the so-called prestigious sects often look down on us rogue cultivators, and they certainly won't offer assistance without doubling the perceived benefit. Cooperating with such people is akin to seeking aid from a tiger—the loss outweighs the gain."

He Yiming nodded in agreement, countless thoughts flashing through his mind. He spoke slowly, "In Brother Mou’s view, how should I handle this?"

Mou Zilong considered for a moment. "It's simple. We stay here for six months, and only when the arrival of those Death Creatures is imminent do we rush back." He chuckled. "By then, everyone will be gathered, and with the monstrous horde about to descend, absolutely no one will dare eye your treasures."

He Yiming clapped his hands together, a spark of excitement flashing in his eyes. "Brother Mou has a wonderful idea!"

Mou Zilong, however, shook his head slightly. "But this method only treats the symptom, not the root cause."

He Yiming let out a soft sound, his eyes keenly fixed on the other man.

Mou Zilong's expression turned quite serious. "Brother He must understand the principle of bringing ruin upon oneself by possessing wealth. When your strength is insufficient to protect what you own, those treasures will inevitably attract covetous eyes. Heh, the foremost Divine Artifact of the Fire Element, the Nine Dragon Furnace—if this news spreads, I fear it won't just be Ma Yu and a few others targeting you." He paused. "Even if you survive this ordeal, before the next century arrives after these monsters retreat, you will face numerous crises."

He Yiming’s face changed slightly; he knew Mou Zilong’s words were not empty threats.

A thought flashed rapidly through his mind. Hundred and Eight had instructed him that he was confident in closing the passage and told him to wait at the exit in the final moment. This fact was known only to him. If he reacted flexibly at that time, he could slip away alone while Hundred and Eight immediately sealed the passage, trapping everyone else here forever.

However, Di Shitian of the Heavenly Pool lineage, Zi Li of the Grand Heavens Palace, and Bing Xiaotian of the North Sea Ice Palace were also present. The three shared an extraordinary connection with him, and this newly befriended companion seemed quite congenial. If he left them all behind, he feared he would never find peace afterward.

He shook his head; he had made things too simple. Even if Hundred and Eight could seal the passage, it would likely cause mountains to collapse and the earth to shatter. To keep such a massive event secret under those circumstances would be miraculous.

Seeing the fluctuating expression on He Yiming’s face, Mou Zilong sighed. "Brother He, there’s no need to fret. In truth, there is a method to resolve this permanently."

He Yiming’s eyes brightened slightly. "What method?"

"Your current strength is not sufficient to possess the Nine Dragon Furnace, so strive to cultivate diligently and achieve that strength as soon as possible," Mou Zilong said with a smile.

He Yiming stared, his eyes wide with surprise. "Pseudo-Divine Realm?"

"Precisely. If you can advance to the Pseudo-Divine Realm, I guarantee no one will bother you again," Mou Zilong asserted confidently.

He Yiming shook his head, a mix of laughter and tears in his eyes. "Brother Mou, is advancing to the Pseudo-Divine Realm really so easy? Half a year is absolutely impossible."

"Half a year is certainly impossible, but your cultivation talent is undoubtedly the best in the world. After we successfully resist the monster reinforcements this time, if you continue your training here, you will surely advance within a century. By then, anyone thinking of moving against you will have to think twice."

He Yiming tilted his eyes upward. A chill ran through his heart. Because Mou Zilong was unaware of the matter concerning Hundred and Eight, he was so certain. If he knew that they had a chance to escape in eight months, he would certainly not think this way. Once they left this place, the thoughts of these people were bound to change significantly—that was an undeniable fact.

Though perhaps arrogant, He Yiming had never considered himself capable of defeating a Pseudo-Divine Realm expert.

He sighed deeply, his mind flashing through past experiences like a revolving lantern—the He family, the Yuan family, Hengshan, the Heavenly Pool lineage, and the Grand Heavens Palace.

Finally, he slowly raised his head. The hesitation and uncertainty in his eyes had vanished completely when he lifted his gaze; in their place was sheer determination. Back when he was at the peak of the Five Qi Great Venerable realm, he dared to contend with experts at the pinnacle of the Human Dao. Now that he had ascended to the Divine Path, why should he become hesitant and timid?

He flashed a grin at Mou Zilong and strode purposefully toward another passage.

Mou Zilong watched He Yiming, baffled for a moment, before a relieved smile finally touched his lips. He knew He Yiming must have understood something through sudden insight. Such a breakthrough was cause for celebration, filling him with high expectations for He Yiming.

What new marvels would this youngest Divine Path expert in history bring?