"It is meaningless to say any more about these things; within a few days, Desolate Bone City will be in chaos." The masked man harbored ill intentions toward the two individuals inside the room, especially Yan Shangcheng. "You must remember, just as I could save your life back then, I can just as easily take it now. Farewell."

"Please!" Elder Beast was not one to be easily intimidated by threats, but his own speculation was not entirely unfounded. If the masked man was connected to the imperial family of Desolate Bone City, then he must be fully aware of the current situation of the Ferocious Beast Sect. Should the masked man have preemptively notified the other side, his schemes might once again be thwarted.

Yan Shangcheng remained unmoved by the masked man's words. What did life and death have to do with him? Years ago, Jiaye had ordered the Bone Sect guards to massacre the entire Yan family, leaving the courtyard steeped in a sea of blood—a true hell on earth. Since then, he had become numb to death. He only knew that those who died by the blade were the weak, and the weak never deserved pity.

For the residents of Desolate Bone City, this night was undoubtedly long. Jiaye sat upright in the main hall, his eyes never closing. Jialouluo, Yunxin, and Yexiu stayed by his side, yet the sky was already beginning to lighten. No one knew what the future held for the Nether Realm.

"Where is your Second Brother, Jianan?" Jiaye's voice was somewhat hoarse. "Why isn't he here? Where would he be at a time like this?"

"Second Brother has been leading men to search for the whereabouts of the current person all day, so..." Jialouluo bowed his head in reply. "The populace of Desolate Bone City has been panicked these past few days. The entire city will know no peace until the assassin is caught."

"So be it." Jiaye pressed his fingers to his temples; anxiety was no longer adequate to describe his mood.

"Reporting to the Great Sect Master, Elder Beast of the Ferocious Beast Sect and Elder Tianyuan of the Sun-Blind Tribe are awaiting outside the hall." Zuo Wencheng was also busy managing military affairs, and everything seemed to be unfolding secretly.

"Invite them in."

"Please welcome Elder Beast and Elder Tianyuan into the hall." Zuo Wencheng's voice was loud, yet clearly laced with hatred. This was understandable, as the Bone Sect held some prejudices against other clans and sects—this was the pride of the Bone Sect, and also the effect of Jiaye’s decree.

"Great Sect Master Jiaye, how ruthless you are!" Elder Beast had come prepared, even dispensing with the rites between ruler and subject. "You organized the Heaven Bone Weapon Assessment Stage yet used it as an opportunity to kill the elite of my Ferocious Beast Sect, King Azure Lion. How do you explain this!"

"Indeed. Had the expert from our Sun-Blind Tribe not lost his footing, he would have met the same end. Great Sect Master, you owe us an explanation," Elder Tianyuan said indignantly, completely devoid of any easy courtesy.

"The assassin used my brother's name—I beg both esteemed elders to see the truth clearly." Jialouluo tried to smooth things over, but such an explanation carried no conviction.

Elder Beast's tone hardened, and he stepped forward. "Since Jiaye succeeded as Sect Master, the entire Nether Realm has been plagued by conflict. What has the supposedly superior Bone Sect done for the Nether Realm? Although the clans claim amity, they are fundamentally situated on different tiers. What kind of peace is this? Is it achieved by sacrificing the dignity of the other sect masters to fulfill the Bone Sect's peace?"

Elder Tianyuan, who never got along with Elder Beast, engaged in disputes even when united by a common cause. "Elder Beast is correct about the constant strife. Your Ferocious Beast Sect members have always been brutal and should have been exiled overseas; why must they have a foothold in the realm!"

"Elder Tianyuan, you..." Elder Beast turned, glaring. "There are certainly aggressive members in your Sun-Blind Tribe as well. Let us settle our own disputes by our capabilities. Do not forget the purpose of our visit today."

"Enough, enough!" Jiaye stood up, instantly arresting the attention of the room. He understood the agenda these two were pursuing together. "Elder Beast, Elder Tianyuan, no need for further words. No matter how Jiaye explains this matter, it will likely be useless. Tell me, what will it take for you to let this go?"

"Hmph!" Elder Beast’s eyes shifted, and he spoke sharply. "In my opinion, you, Jiaye, are fundamentally unworthy to be the Lord of Desolate Bone City. I suggest we elect a wiser ruler."

"Nonsense..." Jialouluo roared in fury, startling the guards outside who rushed in. "What place do you think Desolate Bone City is, to allow foreign tribes like you to run wild here!"

"All of you, stand down," Jiaye waved, and the guards returned to their posts. He walked down from the high platform step by step, fixing his gaze on Elder Beast. "If there is one condition that Jiaye cannot meet, are there other options?"

"If you do not abdicate, it will not be enough to quell the resentment of the various tribes. And if my Ferocious Beast Sect members cannot accept the outcome, I do not know what they might do. Do not blame me, as the Gate Master, for failing to discipline them effectively." Elder Beast had made his intentions clear; any fool could see that the Ferocious Beast Sect was declaring war on the Bone Sect.

Elder Tianyuan chuckled coldly upon hearing this and addressed Elder Beast. "If the Ferocious Beast Sect makes a move, my Sun-Blind Tribe will not stand idly by. Elder Beast, perhaps the conflict between us must also be resolved this way."

"Hahaha, interesting." Elder Beast toyed with the iron staff in his hand, showing no fear. "We have waited a long time for this moment. Elder Tianyuan, do not blame this old man for being merciless then."

Jiaye slowly retreated to his position and sighed. "No need for further argument, both of you. Give me one day to consider this matter. A conclusion will be reached after the Heaven Bone Weapon Assessment Stage concludes tomorrow."

"I fear this is merely a delaying tactic," Elder Beast pressed on, arrogant and self-important. "Jiaye, your fortune is waning. We shall see you tomorrow."

"Please!" Elder Tianyuan also tossed out a casual remark before exiting the hall.

"Please!" Jiaye turned back to look at Jialouluo and Yexiu, his face etched with worry. "I never imagined the peace of Desolate Bone City would collapse because of me. This is all my own doing."

"Great Sect Master, there is no need for such self-reproach." Yexiu had actually seen through Jiaye's dilemma. "Great Sect Master, do not listen to Elder Beast's words. Abdicating to the worthy will not settle this incident. The only way forward now is to fight."

"Indeed, Big Brother," Jialouluo stepped forward, declaring his resolve. "If war is the only path to unifying the realm, then our Desolate Bone City certainly does not fear any faction."

Jiaye was torn. War would inevitably involve the common people, leading to countless displaced persons, broken families, and ruined lives—none of which he wished to see. "Enough, you all leave. Yexiu, you should also prepare thoroughly for tomorrow's competition. Regardless, everything will have a conclusion."

"But..." Yunxin wanted to comfort Jiaye but didn't know how to begin; the current atmosphere was not something a few words of consolation could mend.

"Let's go." Jialouluo pulled Yunxin out of the hall. He glanced back at Jiaye. His current predicament was certainly related to his character; an overly arrogant ruler too easily lost the hearts of the people. What Jiaye had overlooked was precisely this popular support—the dissent among the other clans.

The dawn of a new day cast its light over the entirety of Desolate Bone City. After this day, many things might change; the fate of many people might conclude. If everything was already predetermined by fate, then everyone could only accept it in silence.

Amidst the cheers of the surrounding people, Yexiu stepped onto the Heaven's Gate Battlefield. The Bone Sect attendants below were clearly divided today, and the faces shifting beneath them were undoubtedly filled with ill intent. The Nether Realm was finally about to welcome an era of chaos after long peace. If the Myriad Demon Saint Empress were to appear here as a shamaness, what would she be doing now?

"Heaven's Gate Battlefield, the final match of the finals, Yexiu versus Jiu Liansheng!" The official's voice remained steady, but following this announcement, the roar from the crowd instantly doubled. Everyone had placed their bets on Yexiu.

Jiu Liansheng walked leisurely onto the plaza, sipping his small wine flask. His expression was peculiar, yet in an instant, he launched a magical attack toward Yexiu.

Yexiu reacted too slowly. By the time he raised his Tianmiao Sword, Jiu Liansheng had already blocked it with his wine pot against his chest. "Must you be so fierce right at the start?"

Jiu Liansheng smiled faintly, finding it quite amusing. "The Third Sect Master gave specific instructions long ago. Don't worry. I won't steal this victory from you."

"The Third Sect Master's arrangements again?" Yexiu smiled languidly, having anticipated this resolution. He sparred with Jiu Liansheng for several rounds with his crimson sword. "How about you? Haven't you ever considered drawing your sword out to let me see it?"

Jiu Liansheng spun and struck at Yexiu with footwork. "I actually want to. After all, you defeated Death God, the successor of the Seven Swords of Long Bone! My bone sword is itching too!"

Yexiu pursued his sword strike, his movements as fluid as flowing clouds and water. "I imagine Desolate Bone City will not be so peaceful. What does the Third Sect Master truly hope to gain from all his painstaking efforts?"

"In my view, the Third Sect Master is fully capable of taking this world!" Jiu Liansheng twirled his wine pot, stepping over Yexiu’s long sword. The two exchanged blows with utmost grace.

"Today marks the end of the Heaven Bone Weapon Assessment Stage. I see some unrest below; Third Brother, Little Sister, you must take care," Jiaye’s mind was not on the plaza at all. He had already commanded Jianan to guard the city's outskirts, hoping to avert the coming war. "That assassin should still be in Desolate Bone City. Any of our arrangements could be threatened."

"Leave Little Sister to me," Jialouluo nodded. Yexiu’s performance against Jiu Liansheng was, to some extent, still within his calculations, but with the crisis of war looming, he too felt uncertain.

Jia Yunxin, surprisingly, felt rather carefree. Her eyes remained fixed on the plaza, Yexiu’s every move captivating her genuine attention. "Yexiu will definitely win, but that Jiu Liansheng is too underwhelming."

Hearing his little sister's words, Jiaye finally shifted his focus back to the battle. At this moment, Yexiu and Jiu Liansheng’s duel showcased nothing particularly remarkable beyond abnormal speed. Logically, he should be more suspicious of Jiu Liansheng's identity, but at this critical juncture, who could be certain? Why would Elder Beast demand his abdication? If he stepped down, who would be qualified to take the Sect Master’s position?

Could it be his Second Brother, Jianan?

Beneath the scorching sun, a Taoist in black robes silently pushed his way into the crowd. He carried a black sword case on his back, his eyes tightly following Yexiu in the plaza. This man was Old Liu, who had arrived carrying the mandate of the Dragon Profound. "Heh heh, Yexiu, when did this fellow get onto the ring? This is already the final round of the Heaven's Gate Battlefield, right?"