"A disciple of Laozi?" Ye Wen was truly stunned this time, his mind utterly blank. "Why would a disciple of Laozi come looking for me?"

He had no relationship with Laozi, hadn't even met the man; he merely knew the name of this paramount figure in Daoism, nothing more!

The only potential link might be the sporadic contact Ye Wen had with the Heavenly Court. This time, he had even helped the Court draw away the Olympian gods, allowing the Heavenly armies to advance boldly against the Buddhist Realm! Yet, the relationship between the Heavenly Court and Laozi was rather peculiar. From what Ye Wen gathered, the Jade Emperor respected Laozi greatly, and Laozi, in turn, was civil to the Emperor. Their association seemed one of mutual respect, not deep intimacy.

This was evident in the lack of disciples from Laozi's side joining the war against the Buddhist Realm; unless the Heavenly Court faced an existential crisis, this supreme being wouldn't involve himself in such trivial matters.

Beyond that, he truly couldn't fathom any other connection, yet here was one of his disciples arriving at Mount Shu. Though puzzled, Ye Wen straightened his robes and stepped out of the main hall to personally greet the guest.

There was no choice. Laozi's status was transcendent, making even his disciples rather formidable. In the Immortal Realm, merely invoking Laozi’s name guaranteed a measure of respect. Who dared to slight such a figure?

Though arrogant, Ye Wen was no fool. Offending Laozi served him no good, so lowering his stance slightly was acceptable—especially since Laozi’s seniority was immense, rendering Ye Wen’s own position insignificant by comparison.

Stepping out of the main hall, he saw Xuan Tianzong leading a figure toward the structure. Ye Wen focused his gaze: the visitor wore a scarlet brocade robe and a pair of long boots, seemingly made of some material that faintly shimmered with internal fire.

His hair, though black, radiated a reddish glow beneath the hairpin holding it up, and his eyes were strikingly strange—pure golden yellow. As their gazes met, the two immediately began assessing one another.

In that single glance, Ye Wen sensed the formidable cultivation of this Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord; he had clearly achieved the rank of Celestial Immortal, though his battle prowess remained unknown!

Simultaneously, Ye Wen detected a faint, latent malevolence emanating from him. Though subtle, it couldn't escape Ye Wen’s notice. Yet, the pure Daoist immortal energy surrounding him was undeniable, which struck Ye Wen as odd. Out of curiosity, he activated his Glazed Eyes, and the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord watched as colored light swirled in Ye Wen’s pupils, followed by an emanation of distinct distaste.

His eyes narrowed, and those golden twin pupils suddenly thinned slightly. If Ye Wen’s sight hadn't been so sharp, he might have missed such a minute change. Coupled with the fact that his Glazed Eyes, while failing to fully pierce the opponent’s core nature, had yielded some strong suspicions.

"Could this Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord be some sort of fierce beast in disguise?"

Under the Glazed Eyes, the malevolence became even more pronounced. Since the Glazed Eyes were a Buddhist divine ability, and Buddhism held a strong aversion to such negative energies, employing them made the malice, though veiled beneath surging immortal power, impossible for Ye Wen to miss.

The Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord seemed to recognize the origin of Ye Wen’s eyes. However, while Ye Wen had formed some conclusions, this disciple of Laozi appeared somewhat astonished, likely perplexed as to how Ye Wen possessed a Buddhist divine ability.

Though no words had been exchanged, they had established a fundamental understanding of each other. When the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord reached the front of the main hall, Ye Wen advanced a few steps, executing a gesture of welcome, and offered a Daoist salute: "Forgive me for not greeting you sooner upon your arrival, esteemed guest!"

At this moment, he only knew the visitor was titled the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord; he didn't know his name and thus hesitated on how to address him. Should he simply use 'Dragon Lord'?

The Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord seemed unconcerned with formality. His demeanor was direct. Upon Ye Wen’s inquiry, he stated plainly, "This Lord has come under the Jade Emperor’s command to invite Sect Master Ye to the Heavenly Court!"

"Oh?" Ye Wen hadn't expected the matter to involve the Jade Emperor directly. He was, however, surprised that the Emperor would dispatch such a powerful figure merely to extend an invitation. It seemed excessive, almost making a mountain out of a molehill. Fortunately, the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord quickly provided clarification: "This Lord was already on a mission elsewhere. The Jade Emperor merely wished to see Sect Master Ye and entrusted the message to me while I was in the vicinity!"

Only then did Ye Wen understand that the Dragon Lord’s presence on Mount Shu was due to fortunate timing, not a specific, grand effort just to deliver a message.

This made sense. As for what the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord was originally doing, that was his own affair and irrelevant to Ye Wen, who had no need to pry.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Ye Wen escorted this 'privileged descendant' around Mount Shu. These past two days had been spent entertaining guests, significantly boosting Ye Wen's tour guide skills.

Their tour eventually led them to a serene spot in the rear mountains—a locale favored by cultivators for its beautiful environment and deep quietude. The Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord nodded slightly upon seeing the area, finding it quite agreeable.

Unlike the two girls, Momo and Fanfan, who merely glanced and moved on, the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord’s curiosity seemed much keener. Specifically, his gaze locked onto a small, floating mountain nearby, and he directly inquired, "Who resides on that small mountain?"

Ye Wen started, following the direction of the Dragon Lord’s finger. Upon looking, he noticed the unique nature of that particular peak. The dozen or so floating mountains around Mount Shu were normally unremarkable, simply hovering majestically.

In terms of true peculiarity, they paled in comparison to the Cold Spring in the deep valley behind the mountain!

But since Li Xuan cultivated on one of those peaks and ultimately refined it into a state of integrated ice and fire—the mountain remained perpetually snow-covered, even causing rain elsewhere on Shu to fall as snow upon it, while the mountain itself transformed into a volcano, housing scorching lava within. It truly was a convergence of ice and fire. That peak had since become the lair of White Hero (the white bear), as the frigid climate suited him, provided he didn't venture inside.

The other peaks were ordinary, but the one indicated by the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord now radiated a fierce, tyrannical heat. Ye Wen hadn't noticed it earlier due to inattention, but upon focusing his senses now, he immediately felt an unusual fluctuation of energy there.

And... this fluctuation felt intensely familiar.

"That... should be an old acquaintance cultivating there!"

Although the energy was familiar, it was also distinctly different. This sensation bore a striking resemblance to the Vermilion Bird Divine Monarch, whom he had met only once long ago.

Recalling the Vermilion Bird Divine Monarch’s previous words, this situation was not unexpected. It seemed Dongfang Kui had ultimately chosen to continue her cultivation!

"No wonder I haven't seen her for so long. She must be in seclusion up there!"

Having been back for several days, Ye Wen felt a pang of shame for having completely forgotten to inquire after this old friend. Regardless, Dongfang Kui had guarded the rear mountain for fifty years based on a promise to him. Ye Wen felt he owed her greatly, yet upon returning from his travels, lost in the comforts of love, he had neglected even a simple greeting...

"Truly... utterly shameful!"

However, he remained curious as to why the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord was so interested in that specific peak.

Turning back to the Dragon Lord, Ye Wen noticed that this esteemed disciple of Laozi had lost his former air of refined immortal dignity. Instead, his eyes were shining with intense focus as he questioned Ye Wen, "Is that acquaintance Sect Master Ye's kin?"

"Uh... no!" Ye Wen shook his head. Dongfang Kui was neither relative nor dependent, so he answered truthfully, "Just an old friend cultivating on the same mountain!"

Upon hearing this, the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord erupted in joy, lifting his foot as if to fly toward the small mountain, declaring, "This is excellent news!"

Fortunately, Ye Wen was quick. He swiftly intervened, blocking the Dragon Lord and demanding, "Where are you going, my esteemed guest?"

"Naturally, to find that woman!" The Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord seemed to temper his impatience out of consideration for Ye Wen being the host, answering Ye Wen’s question despite his clear displeasure.

But how did this Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord know the occupant was female?

Ye Wen looked at him, confused. "How did you know the one on that mountain is a woman?"

The Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord burst into loud, triumphant laughter. "Whether male or female, anyone within a hundred meters of me can be clearly discerned!" As he spoke, a hint of confusion entered his eyes. "However, while there is a trace of feminine fragrance wafting from your acquaintance's mountain, it carries a strange note."

Hearing this, Ye Wen didn't know how to respond. Should he admire this Daoist friend's peculiar divine ability—smelling a woman’s perfume from such a distance? This skill seemed essential for a certain type of profession!

At this thought, Ye Wen regarded the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord with a degree of caution, especially recalling the underlying malevolence—what other vices might he possess?

"My acquaintance is currently in deep seclusion. I urge you, Daoist friend, not to disturb her!"

Ye Wen believed he had conveyed his meaning clearly—offering both face and substance. Surely the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord would show him some deference now? Unexpectedly, the man seemed possessed by some strange urge. He flung aside the arm Ye Wen used to block him, leaped into the air, and started flying toward the peak, shouting, "What use is more seclusion? She should return with me to the Tushita Palace to cultivate the Great Dao; why waste time here?"

Only now did Ye Wen grasp the Dragon Lord's true intention: he wanted Dongfang Kui to return with him for dual cultivation!

Strictly speaking, this wasn't necessarily a bad outcome for Dongfang Kui. Although the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord had a poor temperament and was personally suspect, he was still a disciple of Laozi, promising great future achievements! Moreover, joining Laozi’s sect meant an endless supply of immortal pills and elixirs.

If the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord had approached this matter respectfully, Ye Wen wouldn't have intervened. But his current demeanor was no different from an eager, lustful fiend, disregarding Ye Wen's status as the master of Mount Shu. He adopted an attitude of, ‘If I say she leaves with me, she leaves with me!’—completely disregarding Dongfang Kui’s own will.

How could this be tolerated? If Dongfang Kui agreed willingly, fine. But this current display was akin to outright theft—though Ye Wen wasn't sure if it counted as kidnapping a maiden—and Ye Wen certainly would not permit it.

Seeing the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord take flight, Ye Wen stepped forward. With a flicker of movement, Ye Wen appeared directly in front of the Dragon Lord, blocking his path.

Before Ye Wen could speak, the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord's face darkened with anger, clearly displeased by Ye Wen’s repeated obstruction: "Sect Master Ye, what is the meaning of this?"

His question left Ye Wen momentarily speechless. What was his meaning? This man was far too self-important!

Internally annoyed, Ye Wen’s tone became less cordial: "Daoist friend, you are perhaps being a touch too rash?"

"Rash?" The Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord paused, then seemed to understand something, letting out a cold sneer. "This Lord has always been this way!"

In truth, the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord’s personality was inherently flawed. Laozi had kept him confined after taking him as a disciple, primarily to temper this very nature, as the Dragon Lord’s true form was an extremely fierce entity with a terrible disposition. He was accepted only to prevent him from causing widespread havoc outside.

After countless years of tempering, the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord had managed to maintain outwardly rational interactions. It was only now that Laozi dared to release him.

Yet, who would have guessed that upon arriving at Mount Shu, he would encounter Dongfang Kui cultivating?

The name Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord itself suggested much, and the Phoenix Nirvana Art cultivated by Dongfang Kui wielded intense fire essence—precisely what the Dragon Lord desperately craved. Furthermore, the Dragon Lord was discerning enough to recognize that the fire she cultivated was no ordinary flame; it appeared to be the divine fire of the Phoenix Clan.

Such divine fire could only be utilized by Phoenixes. If he could cultivate the Great Dao alongside a Phoenix possessing this divine fire, the benefit to him would be immense. Unfortunately, the Phoenix Clan rarely intermarried with outsiders, with only a few extremely rare exceptions in history. To learn of a woman cultivating the pure essence of Phoenix Divine Fire naturally made him desperately eager to possess her.

In his excitement, the suppressed aspects of his personality resurfaced. Any facade of politeness he had maintained vanished. In his mind, this so-called Mount Shu Sect was merely a minor faction that had sprung up out of nowhere! Even if he annihilated it completely, it probably wouldn't matter much.

Furthermore, Laozi’s name carried such immense weight! Countless cultivators across the world would break their heads for a chance to join Laozi’s sect, viewing even a menial janitorial position as an unmissable, profound opportunity!

In the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord's view, no one would ever refuse such good fortune, especially given his own power. Who could refuse him?

Certainly, he didn't believe this Mount Shu Sect Master would dare challenge him! After all, he was the disciple of Dongfang Immortal Realm’s foremost powerhouse, Laozi! The title of a senior disciple under Laozi often proved highly effective—even if he occasionally overstepped, others would often turn a blind eye out of deference to the Old Master.

When in doubt, yield for the moment. The Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord rarely ventured out!

Due to these factors, the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord usually appeared like an amiable cultivator, but once his temper flared... well, hehehe!

Ye Wen knew nothing of these intricacies. He only saw the avaricious, wicked light growing in the man’s eyes as he stared at the small mountain behind him, instantly filling Ye Wen with fury: Does he truly treat me as nothing?

The two hovered in confrontation. Ye Wen raised a hand: "Our sect does not welcome you, Daoist friend. Please attend to your own affairs!"

This was a clear and direct dismissal! Regardless of the circumstances, this stance had to be taken!

The Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord, however, acted as if he’d just heard the funniest joke in the world. He froze for a moment, then roared with laughter.

After laughing for a long time, he finally managed, "There is nothing in this world I desire that I cannot obtain, much less a mere woman!" Saying this, he thrust his right hand forward in a claw-like gesture, attacking first!

This strike was not some complex spell but a clean, sharp Dragon Claw aimed directly at Ye Wen’s shoulder. Observing the move, Ye Wen could even predict the subsequent action: grab his right wrist, then use a slight lift and pull—his right arm would likely be bidding farewell to his body!

The sheer viciousness of the attack startled Ye Wen, but even more shocking was what the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord declared: "A lesson to teach you the proper respect for this Lord!"

This action was like pouring gasoline onto a fire. Ye Wen instantly exploded in rage, shouting, "How arrogant! I will let you know that Mount Shu is not a place where you can run rampant!"

His shout was loud, but his action was quicker. As the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord attacked with his claw, Ye Wen countered with a punch!

This punch was unadorned, a simple, standard straight punch, yet it contained seven layers of condensed force—from White Cloud Smoke to Indigo Sea—not delivered sequentially, but all seven types of kinetic energy blasting out at once, bearing a resemblance to the Seven Wounds Fist!

The Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord, seeing the mere Mount Shu Sect Master dare to strike back, didn't get angry but laughed, increasing the force in his hand. He deliberately met Ye Wen’s punch head-on, seemingly intending to teach the Mount Shu master a harsh lesson.

But before their fist and claw even made contact, the moment their energies brushed, the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord’s expression violently changed!