"Excellent! Hall Master Ye speaks plainly!" the Insect Emperor exclaimed repeatedly, though he had long since made arrangements for Ye Xiu. "Since Hall Master Ye is willing to contend on the Heaven's Bone Armament Platform, our Demon Insect Sect will certainly give our full support. As for the Platform itself, I shall have the Ant Army Advisor explain the details to you."

Ye Xiu knew the treachery inherent in the Insect Emperor; there were those who arrange everything for you in advance but never mention it, and usually, it wasn't for any good reason.

The Ant Army Advisor leisurely fanned himself, explaining in detail: "On the surface, the Heaven's Bone Armament Platform appears to be nothing more than an exhibition of divine weaponry. Each of the three artifacts will attract different connoisseurs, and the ownership of the artifacts will be decided among these appraisers. Of course, the method involved here is..."

"A Duel!" Ye Xiu had been drawn into contests for divine weapons before. To ascend to kingship, one must tread upon the corpses of others—this was an unchanging law.

"That is only one aspect." The Ant Army Advisor's expression instantly turned serious, leaning in conspiratorially, "The owner of the three divine artifacts has the right to personally designate the artifact's owner. This means that even if only one duelist remains standing at the end, he must still face a final confrontation with the designated controller!"

Ye Xiu considered the implications. No matter what, the designated person would possess an absolute advantage. "So, the artifact's owner plays an absolutely pivotal role throughout the entire Armament Platform competition?"

"Precisely. As the saying goes, the capable inherit. Those who truly possess the skill to claim the artifacts are never as simple as they appear." After speaking, the Ant Army Advisor bowed slightly to the Insect Emperor. "Since one of this time's artifacts originates from the Ferocious Beast Sect, and though the people of the Ferocious Beast Sect are upright, they are not without cunning strategists. We must be extremely cautious."

The Plague Locust Insect Emperor’s eyes gleamed intelligently. "A two-pronged approach is the perfect remedy. The Demon Insect Sect will send both Hall Master Ye and Hall Master Mantis-Fly to participate in the Heaven's Bone Armament Platform. It is thus decided!"

"Your subordinate obeys." Ye Xiu and Mantis-Fly, standing beside him, responded resolutely.

"However, Hall Master Ye cannot reveal his identity as a member of the Demon Insect Sect. This way, we avoid attracting the attention of other sects, and operating in the shadows will actually benefit us more." The Ant Army Advisor smiled faintly, a cold glint emerging from his eyes. "We must ask for your sacrifice, Hall Master Ye."

Ye Xiu smiled and bowed before leaving the Plague Locust Insect Emperor. The Advisor's intention was clear: he had to travel alone, participating in the Heaven's Bone Armament Platform as a seemingly free-roaming wanderer.

"Hall Master Ye, forgive this subordinate for not being able to attend to you," Snake Beauty and Spider Girl watched Ye Xiu depart, reluctant to let him go, but restrained from saying more by the Plague Locust Insect Emperor's scheme.

As he left, Ye Xiu instructed the Ant Soldiers to continue searching for the whereabouts of the Life-Taking Heavenly Needle. As for participating in the Heaven's Bone Armament Platform, there seemed to be another benefit: finding Old Liu.

The Thousand Cave Insect Palace once again grew deep and silent following Ye Xiu’s departure. The Ant Army Advisor dismissed the various soldiers and stood alone before the Insect Emperor: "What are your plans regarding Hall Master Ye's participation in the Armament Platform?"

"Heh heh, the more chaotic the situation at the Heaven's Bone Armament Platform, the more advantageous it is for our tribe." The Plague Locust Insect Emperor clearly did not consider Ye Xiu one of his own. "The more unidentified people enter the Platform, the better we can conceal ourselves. My Myriad Poison Pearl is nearly fully cultivated. When the time comes, I will have the Hundred Insect Immortal occupy the commanding heights above Barren Bone City and release the Myriad Poison; everyone present at that Armament Platform will perish."

The Ant Army Advisor laughed repeatedly in flattery: "Your Majesty is wise. Those participating in the Heaven's Bone Armament Platform are all masters of cultivation, yet they dream of nothing less than dying by the hands of the Myriad Poison Pearl."

The Plague Locust Insect Emperor shook his head back and forth, his antennae swaying with the motion. "When our Demon Insect Sect unifies the Boundless Realm, we will certainly find a way to eliminate the threat of the Sovereign Slayer. Besides, it remains unknown whether the Demon Realm's Lord can even pass the first round of interception at Barren Bone City, hahaha."

...

Barren Bone City was the foremost city in the Boundless Realm, situated entirely upon the Boundless Realm's desolate plains—it was the legendary City of Hope. Most of the city's architecture was constructed from white jade bones, distributed in an orderly yet seemingly random pattern. The only colossal, sky-piercing greatsword within the city stood firm; nine celestial cloud chains bound the hilt of this greatsword securely to the ground. This sword was the residence of the Bone Sect's Imperial Family, named the Heaven Ladder Pavilion.

The Heaven Ladder Platform soared into the clouds. The Sect Master, Jiaye, clad in a long black and gold robe, gazed down upon the entire expanse of the Boundless Realm with an imposing demeanor. Behind him, a capable Daoist followed closely. "I have already sent letters informing every sect and faction in the Boundless Realm. Regarding the matter of the Sovereign Slayer, only through the unity of all our races can we respond."

The Daoist's hair was white, indicating his advanced age. Holding a book bound in blue leather, his voice was as steady as a mountain. "Does the Sect Master wish for me to lead this contingent to prevent the Sovereign Slayer from entering?"

Jiaye turned around, his brow revealing boundless majesty. "The acknowledged foremost cultivator in our Boundless Realm is the Boundless Dao Master of Myriad Dao Mountain. Besides you, I cannot imagine anyone else capable of undertaking this duty."

The Boundless Dao Master nodded, though with a hint of displeasure. "Looking at the aura of this Demon Realm tyrant, it is no less imposing than when the Ancient Death God entered the realm in bygone eras. Exterminating demons and defending the Dao has always been the duty of Myriad Dao Mountain. However, with the Heaven's Bone Armament Platform approaching, I hear the Ferocious Beast Sect has brought out the Beast Flame Heavenly Key."

"I am aware of Myriad Dao Mountain's exploration into the Boiling Beast Flame Territory. I hear from ancient legacies that the Boiling Beast Flame is closely related to Daoist cultivation." Jiaye, seated in Barren Bone City, effectively held the highest authority in the Boundless Realm. "I trust the Boundless Dao Master will make arrangements for his most accomplished disciples to attend the Armament Platform. I will contend with Elder Beast then, and I will certainly lend Myriad Dao Mountain a hand."

The Boundless Dao Master was quite satisfied with Jiaye's arrangement. He waved his long sleeve, and the blue-leather book suddenly opened, emitting a soft glow that drifted to his feet. "My cultivation has improved significantly during my recent seclusion. It is time I meet this Sovereign Slayer!"

Jiaye watched the Boundless Dao Master fly away on the light, his admiration clear. "I have already contacted the various great Sect Masters. All forces will gather at Myriad Dao Mountain and await the Dao Master's command. May success be swiftly achieved."

"Hmph!" The Boundless Dao Master, as the recognized leader of the righteous factions in the Boundless Realm, certainly could not refuse. In his view, successfully opposing the invasion of the Sovereign Slayer would vastly elevate the prestige of Myriad Dao Mountain within the Boundless Realm, potentially allowing his own influence to surpass that of Jiaye, the Bone Sect Master.

"Elder Brother, may I participate in intercepting the Sovereign Slayer?" From behind the Heaven Ladder Platform, a slender figure dressed in light green moved forward. His eyes were clear, yet he carried an air of carefree amusement. Only the golden bone waist token confirmed he was the Third Sect Master, Jialouluo. "I wish to witness such a grand spectacle as well."

Jiaye glanced back, looking at his third brother with disdain. In his eyes, this younger brother was utterly undisciplined. "Third Brother, to what level have you cultivated your Heaven's Bone Sword Art?"

Jialouluo shook his head with a confused look. "It's stuck at the fifth level, I suppose. I've been too busy fishing for pleasure lately and have neglected my practice."

"The fifth level!" Jiaye cursed sharply. "The people of the Bone Sect have historically only been able to cultivate either Bone Control or Serpent Control summoning techniques. Only those of the Imperial Bloodline can integrate both arts into swordsmanship to achieve the Heaven's Bone Sword Art. Your Second Brother and I have both reached the eighth level, yet you..."

Jialouluo looked somewhat wronged, entirely lacking the heroic spirit he possessed before meeting Ye Xiu. "You and Second Brother possess such immense natural talent. With the two of you anchoring Barren Bone City, I don't need to do much. I just need to accompany Junior Sister Yun Xin in her amusements every day."

"Amusements! You only know how to play with Junior Sister Yun Xin all day long, alas..." Jiaye did not finish, walking down the Heaven Ladder Platform with his hands clasped behind his back in frustration. "How could I have a brother as unambitious as you?"

"Yes!" Jialouluo bowed his head and backed away. He watched his elder brother's retreating figure and shook his head. "Elder Brother, Elder Brother, not everyone needs to possess the arrogance you hold toward the world. That innate sense of superiority of yours will ultimately harm you."

...

"Excuse me, Brother, which way is Barren Bone City?" The Plague Locust Insect Emperor had truly been ruthless. To ensure Ye Xiu had no connection to the Demon Insect Sect, he hadn't even sent a single ant soldier to guide him. He had proceeded by repeatedly asking directions and had now arrived before a small, unnamed village.

In front of a crude tea stall, a drunken man mumbled vaguely, "Why is a youngster like you heading to Barren Bone City? That place is full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers; it's no place for a kid like you to get by. Why don't you stick around here with old me? I guarantee you'll have fine food and drink every day."

Ye Xiu observed the attire of these people. Although the Boundless Realm and the Mortal Realm were connected, the cultural differences between the two realms were too vast. This place was clearly still in an ancient period. Fortunately, he had changed into simpler clothes; otherwise, a pair of casual attire and jeans would have terrified these people. "May I ask, Brother..."

"Hit her! Beat her to death, beat her to death..." At that moment, a group of people rushed out of a building, shouting noisily. They surrounded a woman, who was dressed rather elegantly, and began beating her, trading punches while continuously cursing, "You slut! You're carrying a disease and still daring to sell yourself out here—what bad luck! Spit!"

Ye Xiu, having nothing better to do, felt compelled to intervene when he saw a group of grown men bullying a woman. He struck out with his palm, instantly snatching the wooden staff from a man's hand. "Hey, what's the meaning of you men ganging up on one woman?"

"Kid, since when did it become your business to interfere in how we discipline our own people? Get lost." The leading lout moved to snatch the wooden staff back from Ye Xiu. Seeing the long sword strapped to the young man's back, his eyes betrayed a flicker of covetousness. "So you're a cultivator. Fine, you're ruthless!"

Ye Xiu had intended to grab one or two people to ask for directions, but unexpectedly, even though these fellows were bullies who preyed on the weak, their ability to flee was not bad. In the blink of an eye, they had vanished somewhere. "Their speed should be several times faster than a normal person, alas!"

"Thank you, young sir," the woman painfully got up from the ground, limping slightly. She wiped the dirt from her body and bowed in gratitude. "If I hadn't met you, I would surely have been beaten to death by them."

Ye Xiu hadn't intended to get involved with such a woman, but when he turned back, he noticed a hint of familiarity in her features. That beautiful face seemed to ring a bell somewhere. "You... what is your name?"

The woman bent down slightly, showcasing the beauty of her chest. Her attire was already revealing; it seemed she was indeed engaged in that profession. "This humble girl is named Shui Yue. Thank you, young sir, for saving me."

"Shui Yue?" Ye Xiu found it hard to believe. Perhaps it was because his mind was constantly pondering the Ten Thousand Demon Sacred Empress, but this woman's appearance bore some resemblance to the Sacred Empress. Regardless, he needed information. "Miss Shui Yue, do you happen to know the way to Barren Bone City?"

"This..." Shui Yue had lived here her whole life and had seen little of the outside world. She thought for a long time before answering. "I don't know where Barren Bone City is, but I can take you to the Weeping Water Painted Barge. The Witch Maiden Lord can fathom the secrets of heaven and earth; she should be able to guide you."

"Witch Maiden?" The moment Ye Xiu heard the name, he suspected things wouldn't be simple. He wondered if this was some kind of trap, but he nodded in agreement. "Then I'll trouble Miss Shui Yue to lead the way."

"My leg was broken by them, so I must trouble young sir..." Shui Yue appeared slightly shy, but her arms were already wrapped very directly around Ye Xiu's neck. "May I ask your esteemed name?"

"Ye..." Apart from Spider Girl and Snake Beauty, Ye Xiu had never encountered a woman so forwardly throwing herself at him. Before he could answer, the woman's chest pressed against his body. He could only instinctively embrace her. "My name is Ye Xiu. Please lead the way."