On the frozen Mount Sumeru, the elite force of the Sun-Blind Clan slowly ascended, every footfall painting the snow crimson, the corpses of divine wolf beasts scattered across the snowy peaks in a ghastly tableau.

“It seems the Death Gods of the Dark faction were prepared for us,” Elder Tianyuan pointed toward the summit, where a swirling mass of black mist clearly marked the presence of the Dark Faction’s King Zhou and his meager legion of Death Gods. “This battle is inevitable. Everyone, be alert.”

Shun licked the blood from his lips, recalling how delicious the giant wolves had been moments before. “King Zhou, everything unfolded exactly as you predicted. Those others have truly arrived.”

“Sha Jun is extremely weakened by the ice seal. He might be vulnerable to a sneak attack. We must ensure his safety during this fight,” King Zhou coldly glanced back at Sha Jun. The ice seal was now solid and brilliantly clear; as the only hope for the Dark Death Gods, Sha Jun’s survival was paramount. “Yan Du, filter out these scraps for me!”

“Yes!” Yan Du, puffing on his pipe, hopped to the highest point of the peak. As the north wind swept past, dense green mist billowed from his pipe, spreading with the wind towards the approaching ranks. “Taste the power of Poison-Attribute Soul Energy!”

“Not good! The poison gas is spreading! Everyone, use your feathers to blow it back!” Elder Tianyuan commanded the Sun-Blind elites to flap their wings toward the sky. Their wings could generate powerful cyclones, but even this strong gust failed to dispel the toxic fog. “This fog doesn't seem to travel with the wind—everyone, retreat!”

“Whoosh…” As the Sun-Blind Clan and the Bone Sect members attempted to pull back, a sudden mass of pitch-black shadows erupted from the snow behind them, forming sharp spikes that instantly claimed several lives.

Seeing the unfavorable shift in the battle, Garuda signaled Jiu Liansheng to protect their clansmen while he charged to the very front. “Elder, if we don’t eliminate the one casting the poison mist, we are at a severe disadvantage!”

“Yu’er!” The Birdman was considered a formidable asset among the Sun-Blind. Elder Potian’s glance signaled his intent: charge into the enemy ranks and annihilate Yan Du.

The Birdman soared upward, descending in a rush of Fire Phoenix Feathers. The sharpness of his plumes pierced the toxic mist, aiming directly for Yan Du’s life. However, a mass of black mist intercepted him. A sharp claw seized his shoulder. He decelerated, tumbling just as a shadow dragged him down beneath the snow. “It’s you again!”

Shun’s eyes were profoundly dark, yet his strength matched the Birdman’s. He sneered, “It seems you have eyes only for me. Perhaps you should focus on how to deal with me first.”

Garuda assessed the rapidly changing situation, then turned to Tianyuan. “Leave the poison-mist wielder to me. Elder, you should concentrate on channeling your Heavenly Needles.”

“Understood!” Tianyuan leaped, the three Divine Needles in his hand already showing their keen edges. He channeled his power, a yellow light pulsing intensely across his body. “Potian, guard my meditation!”

“Kill!” The Sun-Blind members and the Bone Sect forces grasped the mission’s urgency. Fearlessly, they charged into the toxic mist, clashing directly with the Dark Faction’s minions. The battle raged, and the cries of combat once again shook the entirety of Mount Sumeru.

Garuda unleashed the Eighth Level of his Heaven Bone Sword Art, sending waves of murderous intent surging toward Yan Du. His movements were sharp, revealing his supremely high cultivation. “A mere poison-caster—die quickly!”

“Whoosh-swish…” Before Garuda’s sword light could land, King Zhou swept a palm, and a dragon formed of black mist instantly shot out, slamming Garuda to the ground. His aura descended like another slicing blow, cleaving deep fissures into the snowy terrain. “A capable cultivator, alas, you ran into King Zhou!”

Saved by King Zhou, Yan Du watched as the green poison fog dissipated, only to see it reformed and rush toward Garuda. Suddenly, a spray of strong alcohol erupted, diluting his poison mist entirely. “What!”

“I suppose it’s time I found my own opponent,” Jiu Liansheng roared, sliding down. The longsword in his hand lunged toward Yan Du. “Die!”

“Hoo…” Just as the sword was about to strike, Yan Du’s form burst into a cloud of smoke, his entire being sinking into the snow. “Not that easily!”

Elder Tianyuan was brimming with confidence. He soared into the sky, surveying the chaos below, the Divine Needles in his hand continuing to charge. “It depends on individual capability. The Dark Death Gods have no more masters available on the field. The Sun-Blind Clan will win this fight!”

The Birdman clashed with the Death God Shun. Neither lacked in speed. Shadows flickered across the mountainside as their countless exchanges sparked brilliant flares, each burst representing a shift in the battle’s location.

“I didn't think you had this much substance. Shadow Assassination!” Shun’s expression shifted, and a black shadow immediately slid from his feet, moving behind the Birdman. Within that shadow lay his Soul Stone cultivation, the two launching a synchronized, potentially fatal pincer attack.

“Fire Wind!” The Birdman was not fighting alone. With a sharp cry, his Spirit Eagle transformed into a flame and crashed into the shadow. This action allowed him to meet Shun Yi’s claw attack with one of his feathers, resulting in mutual injury. “If I recall correctly, I met you in the Mortal Realm.”

Black blood streamed from Shun, who was shocked that a Sun-Blind Clan member possessed such power. “You seek death!”

The Birdman flipped skyward, the Spirit Eagle instantly joining him high above. Together, they plunged down as a single inferno. “How will you counter the power of Nine Heavens Falling Phoenix!”

“Shadow Shield!” Shun instantly erected a dark shadow barrier before his chest. Under the assault of the Birdman’s heavenly fire, the black mist shield began to buckle. He dropped to one knee, already summoning another shadow to dive beneath the Birdman’s landing point. “Impressive strength, but alas…”

“What!” The Birdman thought Shun only commanded one shadow entity, but suddenly another sharp claw struck his back, tearing into him. He was in excruciating pain. “Aaaah…”

“To force me to use my true cultivation—you are indeed a master!” Shun moved forward slowly, his two shadow manifestations re-submerging into the snow. “The next move will claim your life!”

“Rumble!” Suddenly, massive stones atop the snowy mountain were blasted apart by an immense force. The continuous exchange between King Zhou and Garuda had made the entire world tremble.

“Heaven Bone Sword Art Ninth Level!” Garuda’s hair whipped around him. His Heaven Bone Sword Art had reached its absolute limit. A colossal heavenly sword manifested from the sky, merging with the treasure sword in his hands. He pushed down with both hands, driving the sword toward King Zhou.

“Dead Realm Dragon God!” King Zhou’s cultivation also surged once more. He brought his palms together, and a three-headed giant dragon emerged from between them. Its razor-sharp claws lunged forward, ready to intercept Garuda’s sword strike.