The Buddhist faction consolidated its forces, hunkering down to await reinforcements, while the Celestial Realm seized the opportunity to reorganize its troops. Adjustments were also made among the subordinate generals; for instance, a heavily injured Nezha was sent back to the Heavenly Court for proper recuperation, excused from further participation in this great war.

Ye Wen’s swift execution of two Buddhist powerhouses instantly broadcast the names of Mount Shu and Ye Wen throughout the Immortal Realm!

Ye Wen’s previous battle with the Heavenly Fire Dragon Lord and the ensuing thousand-mile pursuit had only offered a preliminary glimpse into the formidable strength of the Mount Shu sect. Those unfamiliar with the full details assumed that since the Grand Master Xuandu had visited Mount Shu, the venerable Laozi’s chief disciple must have been involved, leading them to remain indifferent towards the sect.

However, the scale of disruption this time was immense; the war between the Immortals and the Buddhists commanded nearly everyone's attention. Although these various sects did not participate directly, they watched intently. Following Ye Wen's engagement, these sects learned the news through every available channel, leaving no detail of his techniques unrecorded.

He was adept at wielding numerous flying swords, possessed terrifying close-combat prowess, and his moves were ruthless, leaving no quarter given in any strike! Especially the move used to slay both the Victorious Fighting Buddha and Immovable Wisdom King… it was utterly incomprehensible. One only witnessed the world enveloped in a sweep of purple light; when the color faded, only Ye Wen remained.

“The rise of the Mount Shu Sect is now unstoppable!”

This was the consensus among the various Immortal Realm sects. Though they maintained no direct communication, this did not preclude them from reaching the same conclusion regarding the situation.

Joining them in dissecting the details of Ye Wen’s battle was the supreme being presiding over the Heavenly Court.

“Did you observe that move clearly?” the Jade Emperor sat upon his throne, gazing at Wen Zhong, who stood respectfully before him.

Since the start of the war, Wen Zhong had been constantly shuttling between the Heavenly Court and the front lines, his purpose being to bring the Jade Emperor the most detailed and accurate intelligence, particularly concerning internal troop conditions and the specific course of the battle. Moreover, he relayed insights gathered from his immediate observations. While the Thousand-Mile Eye could view the battlefield from the Heavenly Court, its capabilities were limited, obscuring many finer details. Thus, despite the trouble, this constant travel was necessary.

“Your Majesty, that move was incredibly bizarre, seemingly imbued with the power of Chaos. Though I possess the Divine Eye, I could not discern the intricacies within. The only perceptible element was the endless Chaotic Sword Qi contained within that purple radiance…” Wen Zhong replied with evident frustration. He had been present with the army throughout that massive engagement, observing silently from beginning to end. As soon as the fighting ceased, he rushed back to the Heavenly Court to report to the Jade Emperor.

“Chaotic Sword Qi…”

Upon hearing this term, the Jade Emperor drew a sharp breath.

“Could it be that Ye Wen has borrowed the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation of the Grand Master Laozi?”

Wen Zhong remained silent. He harbored the same suspicion, yet he had also heard Yang Jian’s assessment, knowing that the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation’s true power should be far more terrifying. While Ye Wen’s move was terrifyingly potent, it did not seem to reach the level of the full Immortal Slaying Formation.

“It should not be. King Ren Gu stated that Sect Leader Ye’s move was less overwhelming than the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation!”

The Immortal Slaying Sword Formation had been utilized only once during the great War of Deification, and that single instance left an indelible impression. Yang Jian had witnessed it clearly and could not possibly be mistaken!

Yet, even after hearing Wen Zhong, the Jade Emperor could not set his mind at ease. His fingers tapped rhythmically against the armrest of his throne, his brow tightly furrowed. “Even if it is not the complete Immortal Slaying Sword Formation, we cannot rule out the possibility that he wields one of the four swords themselves!”

The Immortal Slaying Sword Formation requires the arrangement of four celestial swords; only when all four are deployed does it become the Formation. But this does not imply that the four swords are useless when separated!

Even if Ye Wen was not using the complete formation, who could guarantee he hadn’t borrowed one or two of the four swords? If he could unleash such power immediately upon reaching the Celestial Immortal realm, that would be too terrifying to contemplate?

More importantly, according to Wen Zhong, that technique completely ignored enemy numbers. Did this not mean that when facing adversaries of similar strength, the tactic of overwhelming with sheer numbers was useless against Ye Wen? If so, the only way to defeat him would be through an absolute superiority in individual strength…

Currently, it was manageable; the Jade Emperor was a Golden Immortal, a gap not easily bridged. But who could guarantee that Ye Wen would not also cultivate to the Golden Immortal realm?

“I cannot afford to lose the Grand Master Taishang Laozi to any further whims!”

Muttering softly, the Jade Emperor pondered continuously, inwardly cursing himself: “I should never have discarded the God-Beating Whip on Earth; I’ve ended up trapping myself!”

Seeing the Jade Emperor so troubled, Wen Zhong stood silently below. He knew that any words offered now would be useless. If the Jade Emperor could devise a countermeasure, he would speak and issue commands. If not, offering suggestions would only invite annoyance; it was best to remain silent!

The vast, empty hall fell into an unusual quiet. The sound of tapping fingers had ceased. The Jade Emperor rested his face in one hand, the fingers of the other pressing against his brow, his eyes closed in a look of profound distress.

“Let’s set this aside for now. Since this battle inflicted such heavy losses on the Buddhist faction, they likely won’t be capable of eastern aggression for the next thousand years. What about the northwest front?”

Hearing the Jade Emperor finally speak, Wen Zhong secretly breathed a sigh of relief. The Jade Emperor neither dismissed him nor spoke further, leaving him in an awkward position. The Emperor’s question now offered a chance to exhale. “Regarding the Western Divine Race, due to Sect Leader Ye’s prior maneuvering, they are still preoccupied with their internal affairs, though there have been some strange recent developments…”

“Oh?”

Seeing the Jade Emperor look at him with gravity, Wen Zhong knew His Majesty required specifics, so he recounted everything he knew… It seemed the Olympians were experiencing internal issues, though the precise nature remained unclear! As for the more distant Heaven realm, there appeared to be an insurrection there!

Lucifer’s rebellion was an event of massive significance, impacting the overall power balance of the entire Divine Realm, and the Heavenly Court could not ignore it. However, due to the immense distance, the intervening presence of the Olympian sphere, and the time required for messages to travel back and forth, Wen Zhong’s initial report had been vague.

“We have dispatched personnel to investigate, but based on current intelligence, even if the Heaven Divine Race quells the internal rebellion, they will not be able to launch another war anytime soon! Meanwhile, the internal turmoil on Mount Olympus is enough to occupy them for quite a while—at least three to five hundred years before they can concern themselves with the East again!”

The Jade Emperor nodded. “That Ye Wen certainly possesses capability; merely riding alone managed to stir the Western Divine Race into a chaotic mess… A pity he is merely a sect leader and cannot truly be utilized by Us!”

This was the Jade Emperor’s greatest source of dissatisfaction: true power resided within the various sects. The Heavenly Court could, at best, absorb rogue cultivators or rely on the Investiture of the Gods…

“Never mind. Let’s resolve the conflict with the Buddhist faction first. It’s a shame that with Ye Wen’s interference, the original plan can no longer be implemented.”

Wen Zhong kept his head down, focused on his feet; this was not a topic he could interject upon.

The Jade Emperor knew Wen Zhong could offer nothing constructive here, but he still sought his minister’s counsel. “What do you think… if we had Ye Wen undertake that specific task, what would the results be?”

Wen Zhong continued looking down, responding quietly, “Your minister is uncertain, but Ye Wen’s cultivation… while considerable, is it perhaps too low for that undertaking?”

“However, that specific move of his would be perfectly suited for dealing with that individual!” Although he questioned Wen Zhong, the Jade Emperor had already formed his own strategy and was calculating implementation details. Wen Zhong’s answer, regardless of its content, would have little bearing on his decision.

Pleased with his developing idea, the Jade Emperor stood up abruptly, waving Wen Zhong away before he himself departed the great hall for his private chambers, intending to deliberate thoroughly on the feasibility of his plan.

Meanwhile, within the Tusita Palace, Grand Master Taishang Laozi remained in a state of perfect tranquility, sitting motionless with his eyes still closed.

Seated before him was his chief disciple, the Grand Master Xuandu. Master and student were clad similarly, save that Xuandu’s eyes were open as he quietly awaited his master’s speech.

“Has he departed?”

“Yes!” Grand Master Xuandu nodded. “This Li Xuan, after his reincarnation, has become considerably more arrogant than before!” Recalling the recent conversation with Li Xuan, a faint smile touched his lips.

Laozi maintained his placid expression. “He was always an arrogant individual. Losing his original body inadvertently back then forced him to employ a method to inhabit the corpse of a recently deceased person. Upon seeing that the body was hideous and crippled, he immediately wished to discard it! Had I not seized the moment to guide him, he likely would not have achieved what he has today!”

As he spoke, the eyes that had remained tightly shut finally opened. “This time, he has regained a fine physical form. I worry he might become overly attached to superficialities again, and even if he recovers his former cultivation, he might never surpass it again!”

Grand Master Xuandu pondered for a moment before concluding, “Master need not worry. This time, Junior Brother Li has encountered an excellent neighbor. With that neighbor nearby, his future cultivation is likely to far exceed his past achievements!”

“Are you referring to Ye Wen?” Laozi paused, instantly recalling that Li Xuan’s current incarnation resided near Mount Shu, practically neighbors to the Mount Shu Sect. Moreover, he had learned from his disciple that Li Xuan maintained a deep friendship with Ye Wen, yet their relationship also carried an undercurrent of rivalry.

In that case, the stronger Ye Wen became, the greater the pressure on Li Xuan, compelling him to continually improve himself…

“Then Ye Wen has turned into a source of good fortune for your Junior Brother…”

Although Li Xuan refused to return to the Tusita Palace, in Laozi’s eyes, he remained a disciple of Tusita; even if Li Xuan established his own lineage, they would never consider him separate from their own.

If they had not been mindful of Li Xuan’s proud nature and his unwillingness to use Laozi’s name to gain fame, the fact that Li Xuan was the reincarnation of Iron Crutch Li would have long been spread throughout the Immortal Realm. In that scenario, wouldn't every faction show some respect to the Tian Shan Sect?

Even if they didn’t show respect to Laozi, they would have to acknowledge the Eight Immortals!

Currently, only the few figures from Mount Shu, the Tusita Palace lineage, and the surviving members of the Eight Immortals knew Li Xuan’s previous identity. However, these individuals would offer secret support. It could be said that although the Tian Shan Sect was newly established, its future achievements would certainly not be low.

As for the present day, Li Xuan had specifically come to thank Laozi for his kindness. The benefits from the Golden Elixir he consumed were becoming increasingly apparent. Not only was his cultivation advancing by leaps and bounds, but he had also gained extensive experience in cultivation; it was likely he would achieve the Celestial Immortal realm soon! Beyond that, however, it would depend on himself.

Speaking of Ye Wen, Laozi recalled what his disciple had told him yesterday.

“Speaking of Ye Wen, he killed both the Victorious Fighting Buddha and the Immovable Wisdom King in the West in one go?”

Grand Master Xuandu had been present at that battle and naturally heard of the event. Hearing his master mention it, his expression also shifted oddly.

Laozi chuckled—this was the first time today he displayed a clear emotion. “He truly had the stomach to do it!”

Xuandu remained silent. Having followed Laozi the longest—cultivating under him before the Immortals even arrived on Earth—he knew whatever thoughts Laozi held, he would not conceal them.

“That monkey caused a ruckus back then, and Master spared him once. I didn't expect him to ultimately escape death!”

Laozi laughed. “That monkey’s actions back then were a probing exchange between our Immortal Realm and the Buddhist Faction. It was only after that incident that direct conflict between the two realms ceased… Alas, it was only surface-level peace. This current great war was inevitable, and the monkey’s demise in this conflict was fated.”

“However, aside from that troublesome monkey, he actually slew the Immovable Wisdom King as well. Ye Wen’s strength is a bit greater than you described!”

Grand Master Xuandu remarked, “Perhaps it was because the Immovable Wisdom King had already been severely wounded by the True Lord Erlang that he was finished off simultaneously?”

Laozi maintained his faint smile. “Even so, being able to slay the Immovable Wisdom King is no small feat. You mentioned on your last return that Ye Wen seems capable of summoning Chaotic Sword Qi?”

“Yes. The move I witnessed then was precisely the technique rumored to have killed the Immovable Wisdom King and the Victorious Fighting Buddha!”

He then provided a detailed account of the technique. After finishing, Laozi remarked, “This move happens to be a perfect counter to a technique of mine!”

Grand Master Xuandu, however, did not seem concerned. “If Master were to deploy the Grand Unity of Three Pure Ones, even with Sect Leader Ye’s magnificent killing move, he would likely find it difficult to execute!”

His words were not mere flattery toward his master; he genuinely believed it. The Grand Master Taishang Laozi’s two ultimate techniques—the Grand Unity of Three Pure Ones and the Grand Pure Dao Fire—were each potent enough to leave opponents struggling to cope, let alone if he unleashed both?

More importantly, Laozi was not only supreme in cultivation but also wielded celestial artifacts among the finest in the Immortal Realm. The Pangu Banner, the Taiji Diagram, and the Immortal Slaying Sword—whose fame was known to every being in the Immortal Realm?

Yet, these were not all of Laozi’s treasures. He also possessed the Heaven and Earth Mysterious Yellow Exquisite Pagoda, the Jade Ruyi, and countless others. Even the simple staff Laozi leaned upon when traveling was no common object; striking someone with it was not something just anyone could endure. The Jade Emperor never dared to provoke the Grand Master Taishang Laozi, allowing the Tusita Palace to exist as a transcendent entity, not solely out of fear of the Grand Unity of Three Pure Ones.

As Laozi’s chief disciple, Grand Master Xuandu understood his master's strength intimately. While Ye Wen’s displayed power was remarkable, and his purple-shrouded ultimate move intimidating, comparing him to Laozi suggested a vast gulf in capability.

But his master thought differently. Taishang Laozi seemed to have realized something. “Since Sect Leader Ye could create such a move, he must be a person blessed with exceptional talent and fortune. Coupled with his formidable strength, it is difficult to guarantee he won’t be invited… or schemed against!”

Hearing this, Grand Master Xuandu’s eyelids twitched, immediately grasping a possible implication. “Master means…!”

Laozi narrowed his eyes once more, stroking his beard, smiling without speaking!

This demeanor instantly confirmed Xuandu’s suspicion that he had guessed correctly. If that were the case, he realized he had less to worry about.

As mentioned before, Ye Wen’s strength was not yet comparable to his master’s. The only concern lay in the subsequent moves of that other party.

“Master, if that is the case?”

“No need to rush… We should simply observe the changes… I imagine Sect Leader Ye is not the sort to allow himself to be used by others?” He added, “In the path of cultivation, individuals brimming with such immense killing intent as him are rare!”

The person in question, of course, was unaware of these discussions taking place in two separate locales. Since dispatching the Victorious Fighting Buddha and the Immovable Wisdom King, Ye Wen felt that everywhere he went, he attracted stares from every person he passed. After enduring this in the grand camp for a short time, he could no longer bear it and prepared to take his leave.

“Now that the Immovable Wisdom King and the Victorious Fighting Buddha are dead, the Buddhist Faction cannot launch an attack for the time being. There is no need for me to remain here any longer; I shall return to the mountain,” he said, adding quickly, lest Yang Jian hesitate, “Mount Shu is nearby anyway; if anything happens, rushing back will not cause any delay!”

He expected Yang Jian to deliberate for a moment, but the general nodded immediately. “Sect Leader Ye speaks correctly!”

Thus, Ye Wen secured his departure from the Heavenly Court army. As he left, Zhou Guan and Guan Yu specifically came to see him off. However, General Guan Yu held the small item in his hand, clearly extending it but stubbornly refusing to let go. Ye Wen laughed and simply said, “If General Guan likes it, keep it. It’s just a piece of armor!”

Upon hearing this, Guan Yu immediately tucked the item into his chest, cupped his hands, and replied, “In that case, thank you, Sect Leader Ye!”

Lu Bu, on the other hand, looked at his own item, then casually tossed it to Ye Wen. “Please take this back, Senior Immortal Ye. I must also thank you for lending me this set of armor; otherwise, I surely would have died by that hairy-faced one’s hand that day!”

Ye Wen casually retrieved the Divine Armor, smiled, and clapped Lu Bu on the back. “It is also a testament to your formidable strength; an ordinary person, even with this armor protecting them, probably couldn’t withstand a single blow from that monkey!”

What surprised Ye Wen, however, was that Lu Bu’s battle had piqued the interest of the Heavenly Court generals regarding the Mount Shu armor. Some had even approached Zhou Guan to ask if the Mount Shu Sect would be willing to transfer ownership of the armor?

This counted as an unexpected windfall! The pity was that Zheng Ying was currently in the Demon Realm testing various weapons; large-scale manufacturing and sales would have to wait until his return.

Unaware that he was being targeted by two formidable individuals, Ye Wen leisurely headed back towards Mount Shu, thinking contentedly, “Now I can finally enjoy my peaceful life, right?”