Ye Wen was already leading the crowd out of the hall, standing outside the main entrance. With a slight upward glance, he could take in the thousands of Heavenly Court soldiers arrayed in the sky. The silver-armored general leading them had stepped forward, looking down from his mount towards the ground. In mere moments, their gazes met across the expanse.

Perhaps it was intuition, but the moment Yuan Hong locked eyes with Ye Wen, he knew this was the one who had been scrutinizing him earlier. Narrowing his eyes for a closer look, Yuan Hong was startled by Ye Wen’s eyes, which shifted in color like iridescent glaze.

“These eyes look as if they were forged in the very Glazed Fire of the Western Buddhist Realm. Could this group be from the Western Buddhist Sect?” As this thought crossed his mind, the situation seemed far less simple, yet he also felt a surge of annoyance: “Have those bald donkeys from the West finally lost their patience and decided to interfere?”

The reason the far western reaches of the Eastern Immortal Continent were devoid of major sects was largely because this area served as a buffer zone. No major power chose to station significant forces there; it was an unspoken compromise.

However, Ye Wen had only just ascended and was utterly unaware of these subtle protocols. Consequently, he had settled the Shu Shan sect right there, thus provoking the Heavenly Court to dispatch troops so swiftly to investigate.

Looking up again to survey the celestial army, Ye Wen was deep in thought: “He claims to be merely a vanguard officer? Does that mean a larger contingent is following?”

What was the function of a vanguard? They were the scouts, building bridges over rivers and charting the road ahead, ensuring the main force’s unimpeded advance.

Naturally, they had another mission: if they encountered the enemy, they were to probe their strength judiciously to provide firsthand intelligence for the troops behind them—Yuan Hong was clearly operating under this assumption now. Judging by his previous demeanor, it was highly probable the fellow was also thinking: if the opposition proves weak, perhaps we should just wipe them out right here!

Both men were racing through their thoughts, while Xu Xian, standing nearby, frowned for a moment before whispering to Ye Wen, “This man is called Yuan Hong, and he wields the Blued Steel Cudgel—could it be…”

Ye Wen startled, suddenly recalling Yuan Hong’s origins. This was a formidable figure who had even appeared in the Investiture of the Gods war, fighting the God Erlang to a standstill!

He had been so focused on the fellow who resembled the 'Second Master' earlier that he hadn't registered this man’s identity until now.

Legend had it that after Yuan Hong was inscribed on the Investiture of the Gods and became a Heavenly Official, he served under Erlang Shen. Could the commander of this force today be Erlang Shen, Yang Jian?

Although the texts described Yuan Hong and Yang Jian as evenly matched in power, Erlang Shen’s reputation far surpassed Yuan Hong’s. Moreover, Yang Jian was not bound by the Investiture of the Gods; his strength remained unrestricted. After all these years, who knew how much stronger Yang Jian had become?

“If it were just Yuan Hong, I wouldn’t fear him, but if Yang Jian is added to the mix, this situation becomes exceedingly complicated!”

After a quick internal deliberation, Ye Wen strode forward. With a single step, he was airborne. The Shu Shan disciples felt a blur before their eyes, and suddenly a figure stood in the sky—none other than their Ancestor Master, Ye Wen.

Among those present, only a select few could clearly perceive Ye Wen’s movement. Those on the main peak of Shu Shan, including Zhou Zhiruo, had no idea what technique Ye Wen had employed, especially when they noticed that several people next to them understood perfectly, instantly realizing the vast gulf in power between themselves and those few others.

But this was not the time for such contemplation. They cast those thoughts aside and looked up to focus on the scene above. Ye Wen had already reached Yuan Hong, and they faced each other as equals, no longer positioned one above the other.

“I am Ye Wen, the Sect Master of this Shu Shan School! I was unaware of the Heavenly Court regulations previously, which is why I failed to report my presence. I only just learned of the rule from Senior Hulu Xian and was preparing to depart immediately!”

Yuan Hong paused upon hearing this, surprised that the old drunkard was involved. He glanced down at the crowd and indeed spotted the old drunkard from the Tianji Gate.

However, the issue now was not merely a failure to report. Yuan Hong looked at Ye Wen and asked, “Do you not know that establishing a sect arbitrarily in this location is forbidden?”

“Hm?”

Ye Wen genuinely did not know this, so his expression showed bewilderment. He couldn't grasp that this specific locale was sensitive; establishing a sect here could make certain powerful entities nervous, potentially leading to terrible repercussions.

Seeing Ye Wen’s reaction, Yuan Hong realized the man truly knew nothing about these matters. He wondered, Where did this person emerge from? Why does he know nothing about anything? Has he cultivated himself into foolishness, isolated from the world?

If that were the case, he couldn't entirely blame the man. He recalled how he himself had been single-mindedly focused on cultivation back then, only to be utterly deceived. Even though his current life was relatively free, he was ultimately constrained, lacking the unbridled ease of his past.

Noticing that Ye Wen seemed similar to his younger self, Yuan Hong felt a slight pang of affinity. He casually slipped his Blued Steel Cudgel into a leather sheath on his saddle behind him, putting the weapon away, and then said to Ye Wen, “It seems this young brother knows nothing! As I am in a good mood today, I shall enlighten you about these affairs!”

Ye Wen was surprised by Yuan Hong's amiability. But this was preferable; if he immediately clashed with the rulers of the Immortal Realm upon arrival, how could the Shu Shan School survive? At the very least, he wouldn't secure any chance to develop. Even if he could eventually overthrow the Heavenly Court, his Shu Shan School would likely be riddled with holes and utterly ruined by then.

Waving a hand toward his subordinates below, Ye Wen invited, “In that case, I invite Your Excellency to step inside for a detailed discussion!”

Yuan Hong was not one to refuse. He exchanged a look with the red-faced ‘Second Master,’ and the two dismounted, following Ye Wen down to the plaza of the Shu Shan School.

The Shu Shan disciples, seeing their Ancestor Master ascend and exchange a few words with the silver-armored general, then watch as the two officers dismounted to join their master on the ground, assumed their Ancestor Master knew these two, otherwise, why this courtesy?

However, seeing soldiers and generals in the Immortal Realm was still surprising to them.

“Does the Immortal Realm have a central government too?”

“It must, right? Otherwise, who would maintain such a large army? And didn’t that silver-armored general just mention the Heavenly Court? It seems the Heavenly Court is equivalent to the imperial court back home, ruling the Immortal Realm!”

“Alas, they called themselves the ‘Rebel Suppressing Army’ just now. Could they be here to subjugate our Shu Shan School?”

“I don’t know. Perhaps it’s because our Ancestor Master erected a mountain that attracted these people? But judging by their demeanor, it seems it won’t be a major issue!”

While the disciples murmured amongst themselves, Ye Wen led the two men into the main hall. Only a limited number could follow Ye Wen inside; only his direct disciples attended him, while the younger generations dispersed, forbidden from entering the hall.

As soon as he entered, Yuan Hong glanced around. Upon spotting Chris, Claire, and a few others, his expression abruptly changed, and he barked out, “Sect Master Ye, why does your sect harbor Westerners?”

“Westerners?”

Ye Wen turned and saw Yuan Hong glaring fiercely at Chris and Claire. He was astonished that Yuan Hong could identify them as people from the West.

Before Ye Wen could explain, Yuan Hong shouted, “So your sect is merely a running dog for the Western Divine Realm! You thought you could trick this general here and get away with it? Then let me show you my abilities!”

He spoke relentlessly, giving Ye Wen almost no chance to interject. He threw a punch, aimed directly at Ye Wen—believing that since Ye Wen was the enemy leader and projected a formidable aura, he needed to eliminate him quickly, lest he be overwhelmed and killed in an instant while surrounded by the enemy forces.

Ye Wen was bewildered by Yuan Hong’s sudden shift from amicable conversation to hostility without any warning sign. But since an attack had been launched, he couldn't stand there like an idiot and take the blow. He twisted his hand fluidly, guiding the incoming force past his side. Simultaneously, his hand morphed into a grip, clamping down instantly to seize Yuan Hong’s wrist, intending to immobilize him first before demanding an explanation.

To his surprise, his grip felt like it closed around a steel rod—incredibly hard, with virtually no yielding point. A flicker of shock passed through him, instantly followed by realization: Yuan Hong’s true form is the Long-Armed White Ape. Since his name includes ‘Long-Armed,’ his pair of arms must be his greatest asset. My current action is akin to seizing the enemy’s innate magic weapon.

It was fortunate that Ye Wen’s own bare hands were equally tough. Any ordinary cultivator attempting that grip would likely have shattered their own fingers before restraining the enemy.

Indeed, Yuan Hong was also somewhat surprised. He had detected Ye Wen’s intent to capture him, intending to use the momentum of the block to suddenly unleash explosive force, intending to injure Ye Wen’s palm and then subdue him. He hadn't anticipated that even under the burst of his vital energy, Ye Wen’s palm remained perfectly still. The sheer toughness and resilience of that hand were clearly not inferior to his own iron arms.

This man excels at close combat!

The thought had barely formed when Yuan Hong knew he had to change tactics; otherwise, he was certain to be defeated today. His free left arm, the one not caught, swung out instantly, the pair of long limbs acting like an iron whip, whistling as it struck towards Ye Wen’s temple. He expected Ye Wen to dodge or recoil to free his trapped hand, but Ye Wen neither flinched nor moved his head, acting as if he were entirely oblivious to the blow aimed at him.

Though perplexed, Yuan Hong was thrilled: “Since you’re befuddled, don’t blame me for showing no mercy!” He shook his hand, increasing the speed slightly.

The disciples, finally snapping out of their shock, shouted in unison, “Master, be careful!”

However, Xu Xian, Ning Ruxue, and Hua Yi remained silent, merely watching Ye Wen, making no move to intervene.

A dull thud echoed suddenly through the hall. The anticipated explosive crack never materialized, yet Yuan Hong’s whip-like punch clearly struck Ye Wen’s temple.

Ye Wen remained motionless. He looked at the now-close Yuan Hong, and his left hand shot out like lightning, seizing the fist that had impacted his side of the forehead. Then, an immense, surging force erupted from Ye Wen’s hand—a power so great it startled Yuan Hong so much that an involuntary, pained cry escaped him.

“Ah—!”

Before anyone could fully grasp what was happening, the situation shifted violently. Ye Wen held fast to both of Yuan Hong’s arms, securing his wrists at the vital points. He then activated the Hunyuan Baojian, channeling the opposing energies of the artifact through his hands.

One second it was White Cloud Smoke in his left hand and Dark Chaos in his right! The next, Dark Chaos in his left and White Cloud Smoke in his right! Then, Rose Haze Ripple and Indigo Sea followed suit, cycling through them until he reached Azure Snow Ice and Blood Firmament, then he stopped. At this point, Yuan Hong had collapsed weakly to the floor, his arms devoid of all strength—his most prized iron arms were utterly subdued by Ye Wen.

The entire incident, from start to finish, took barely an instant. Most people hadn't understood what transpired; they had only seen Yuan Hong shout some incomprehensible words, then start fighting Ye Wen, and a few seconds later, Yuan Hong was subdued and unable to move.

The crowd assumed the matter was settled, but then another furious roar rang out. They suddenly remembered: there was another person accompanying Yuan Hong!

Accompanying the roar came a crisp dragon’s cry. After issuing the angry shout, the red-faced man in green robes caused waves of dragon calls to emanate from outside the hall, the sound growing rapidly nearer. By the time the crowd turned their heads, a massive, jade-green dragon was roaring into the hall. This dragon shimmered with blades of light, unleashing palpable sword energy as it flew, carving a thin fissure into the floor from the entrance to the hall as it passed—as if it had been sliced open.

The giant dragon flew straight toward Ye Wen. However, Ye Wen didn't look at it; instead, Guan Luyan, standing nearby, sprang forward. He gestured with his hands, and a fiery phoenix materialized, chirping crisply in Guan Luyan’s grasp, coalescing into a long spear. A crimson light burst from his body, instantly turning his ordinarily fair complexion deep red. Combined with his slightly upturned phoenix eyes, his appearance bore a distinct resemblance to the green-robed, gold-armored man.

But that alone wouldn't have been remarkable. As Elder Guan unleashed his spear techniques, the vast hall grew suddenly stifling hot. Amidst the fierce fire energy, countless spear shadows emerged, every strike brimming with solid power, targeting the vital points around the green-robed man.

“Oh?”

The man paused, emitting a sound of surprise, but his movements were swift. Raising a hand, the azure dragon rushed directly into his grasp. A flash of cyan light erupted, and the crowd felt as if a crescent moon had suddenly appeared in the hall, emitting a soft but undeniable glow. This light forcefully split the rampant fire energy and the myriad spear shadows.

When the light subsided, the onlookers clearly saw the two opponents facing off. Guan Luyan was flushed crimson; the lower hem of his long robe was gone, and the fire energy around his spear had completely dissipated. Though he still held the spear, the hand gripping it trembled slightly, and blood streamed from the tiger's mouth—Guan Luyan’s hands had been injured by that single exchange.

Turning to the other man, he stood pristine, not a speck of dust on him, not a single strand of his beard disturbed. He held a great saber emitting a faint, chilling green light, his left hand gently stroking his long beard as he scrutinized Guan Luyan from head to toe, before suddenly asking, “Who are you? How do you know my spear techniques?”

Guan Luyan was stunned. He had already suspected this man might be his ancestor, given that he was in the Immortal Realm. His ancestor had received worship from the masses and long ago ascended to godhood; it wouldn't be strange if he held an office in the Heavenly Court. However, he had always believed his ancestor wielded a spear, so seeing him with a saber, Guan Luyan hadn't asked. Yet, this man had recognized his spear style, and here in the Immortal Realm...

“I am Guan Luyan, descendant of the Martial Sage, Guan Yunchang!”

The man frowned at first, then his expression smoothed out. “Since you claim to be Guan’s descendant, can you not recognize me?”

Guan Luyan also frowned. “The Martial Sage wielded a spear, not a saber!”

The man glanced at the great saber in his hand and chuckled, “That was not for me to decide. When I was conferred my divine title, this saber was with me. After so many years, I have grown quite accustomed to it!”

Guan Luyan gasped, instantly realizing the saber must be the Azure Dragon Crescent Blade. It seemed not only had his ancestor been deified, but the Azure Dragon Blade had also become a genuine treasure: “So... Your Excellency truly is…”

“That’s right. I am Guan Yunchang...” He looked rather smug, a slight smile playing on his lips, his hand constantly stroking his magnificent beard. Even the great saber seemed to quiver slightly, clearly pleased with itself!

But a moment later, the man claiming to be Guan Yu knitted his brows tightly. “Since you are my descendant, why are you here? And consorting with people from the West?”

His tone was that of an elder reprimanding a junior, mixed with distinct suspicion. The hand gripping the saber tightened perceptibly, and the weapon emanated a subtle but imposing pressure, clearly conveying the message: If you cannot give me a satisfactory answer, you will die here today!

For Guan Yu, this matter was no longer just a Heavenly Court affair; it involved the reputation of the Guan family. Furthermore, upon reflection, the whole situation seemed illogical. How could his descendant reach the Immortal Realm unless he had also been granted a divine post? If this descendant had ascended through sheer effort, Guan Yu had been monitoring the officials responsible for receiving ascendants and had never heard of anyone from his own line arriving. Moreover, in that single exchange, he had judged that this man’s cultivation had not reached the level required for ascension.

Thinking it over and over, the only possibility seemed to be that someone was impersonating his name and deceiving him! Yet, the man used the exact spear techniques he had employed before achieving godhood. Although there were variations, the fundamental principles remained his style, especially the method of channeling force—that could not be faked.

This placed Guan Yu in an even deeper state of confusion!