Chu Xue, holding the bound Zong Yuan, rushed toward the light of the fire with the other two. This time, there were no further incidents; covering ten li, it took them barely a quarter of an hour to arrive.

Before even getting close, Zong Shou’s brow twitched, followed by the slightest upward curl of his lips. The people from Qiantian Mountain were truly all present this time.

Not only had the person he invited arrived, but Zong Ling had shown up uninvited as well. Furthermore, Zong Yuan was currently in his custody.

Sensing the distant probe of Hu Qianqiu’s will, Zong Shou let out a cold chuckle. He halted the spirit bones of the Thunder Step, proceeding forward solely on foot.

The others had already noticed and were now turning their gazes toward them. A flicker of joy crossed the faces of Yin Yang and Lian Fan. However, Hu Zhongyuan and Zong Ling regarded him with profound disdain. The latter instinctively let out a mocking cry: “You dare to run around aimlessly at a time like this! Zong Shou, you truly live up to your status as the Lord’s son—your audacity is boundless! Aren't you afraid of dying at the hands of someone from Yunxia Mountain or Huoyan Mountain?”

Mid-sentence, he abruptly stopped, staring at Zong Yuan, who was trussed up like a dumpling and held by Chu Xue’s single hand.

After a full moment of stunned silence, he burst into loud laughter. “Zong Yuan, I never thought your Purple Lightning Spear would come to this! You were always so arrogant; why so pathetic today? How did my cousin manage to capture you? Did you provoke him and cause that one to act? Knowing that fellow always guards near my cousin, you must be incredibly dense!”

Zong Yuan’s face turned ashen. He merely grunted, too weary to reply, looking at Zong Ling with the gaze reserved for a complete idiot. He had considered warning him to flee and get word out, but now he had no desire to speak. Just wait a little longer, and you’ll be the one crying.

Zong Shou’s brow twitched upon hearing this. He had sensed the presence of that Xuanwu Sect member more than once.

He had long been puzzled why this person refused to show himself. Why did he arrive late when Zong Shou fought Li Xieling that day? And why retreat midway?

Moreover, why did even Yin Yang know so little about this Xuanwu Sect member?

Judging by the exchange between these two, they seemed to know something about that individual. Once today’s business was concluded, he would need to interrogate both Zong Yuan and Zong Ling thoroughly.

Especially the latter. Due to the deep-seated apprehension in Yun Sheng City, they had let him go before. Today, there was no way he would be allowed to slip away under Zong Shou’s very nose again.

This fellow was becoming an irritating, clinging scab that could not be shaken off.

And then there was Chu Xue. For some unknown reason, Chu Xue became awkward and hesitant the moment she saw Hu Qianqiu, subtly hiding behind Zong Shou, glancing furtively at Hu Qianqiu and his son, her eyes showing indecision. This secretly struck Zong Shou as strange, but he had no time to dwell on the cause now.

After a moment of cluttered thoughts, Zong Shou refocused his intent. He looked toward the sixty-year-old man atop the carriage. There was hardly any need for verification; he knew this man must be Hu Qianqiu, Zong Weiran’s right-hand man and the second strongest figure in Qiantian Mountain.

Both his appearance and aura matched the memory of thirteen years exactly.

In that instant, a formidable will pressed down faintly. Zong Shou remained perfectly composed, his gaze calm. After meeting Hu Qianqiu’s eyes, he offered a slight bow: “Uncle Hu, I trust you are well. Having traveled ten days and nights to reach this place, you must be extremely weary. Zong Shou is deeply grateful!”

“It has been three years since we last met, yet the heir apparent’s demeanor and etiquette are quite polished! Speaking of hardship, even Hu Qianqiu’s labors cannot compare to Yin Yang’s.”

Seeing that Zong Shou was unfazed by his imposing presence, Hu Qianqiu was initially surprised, but his expression darkened after examining Zong Shou from head to toe. He still possessed no internal qi whatsoever, nor any trace of soul force.

It was true; how could someone with twin meridians cultivate? Even switching to soul intent or spiritual arts would be immensely difficult. He shouldn't have held onto any hope.

Forcing down the disappointment in his heart, Hu Qianqiu stood up and bowed respectfully: “Hu Qianqiu pays his respects to the Heir Apparent. May I ask, Your Highness, what business requires summoning me?”

Hu Zhongyuan couldn't help but frown, finding his father’s overly respectful manner irritating, especially in front of Zong Ling. What virtue or ability does this boy possess to warrant such deference from my father? Under Hu Qianqiu’s stern gaze, he too stood, offering a reluctant bow, though his expression was frigid, his eyes sharp with coldness.

That look cut like a blade, carrying an implicit warning. Zong Shou merely smiled upon seeing this, unconcerned.

“I have indeed summoned Uncle Hu for two matters. The first is this: I, Zong Shou, am determined to claim the position of Demon King of Qiantian Mountain. How can my father’s legacy fall into the hands of an outsider? I request Uncle Hu’s assistance!”

Hu Qianqiu’s massive frame visibly trembled, his face a mask of astonishment. Hu Zhongyuan, however, felt as if his chest would explode from rage and bitterness. Unable to restrain himself any longer, he sneered: “The Heir Apparent truly knows no restraint! You are nothing but a cripple and half-demon. Even if you were granted the Demon King position, how could you possibly hold it? While the foundation of Qiantian Mountain was created by the Lord, it concerns the very lives of the hundred clans within the mountain city. Do you truly wish for us to be exterminated by those people from Yunxia Mountain and Lieyan Mountain before you are satisfied?”

Zong Ling also chuckled coldly, spitting out a piece of bone, his expression relaxed. “If you want the Demon King position, then take it. No one is fighting you for it. Currently, neither my elder brother nor Grandmaster Zong Yang has any intention of contending with you—you are truly nonsensical! It’s not your fault you can’t cultivate, Zong Shou, but I, Zong Ling, truly never expected your brain to be so dense…”

Hu Qianqiu’s face contorted, appearing utterly ferocious, murderous intent blazing from him. A moment later, he let out a private sigh, and his expression returned to calm.

However, Zong Ling’s words had not yet finished before Zong Yuan suddenly erupted in wild, unrestrained laughter that echoed on and on, filled with boundless mockery.

Zong Ling’s speech was interrupted, and he felt a surge of annoyance, wondering if Zong Yuan had gone mad, laughing incessantly. Finding it irritating, he simply flung a piece of raw bone with true force toward him: “What are you laughing at? Is your Purple Lightning Spear also stupid now?”

The bone whistled through the air, carrying true force, and struck Zong Yuan squarely in the face. Chu Xue made no move to intercept it for Zong Yuan, letting the meat-laden bone hit him.

Zong Yuan seemed impervious to the pain. His laughter subsided, his voice turning frigid: “Zong Ling, do you remember that day in Yun Sheng City? At the very end, who was the true fool? Today’s events are equally laughable. You can gloat all you want now, but soon you will know who the truly utterly foolish person is! I only hope you don't start weeping then! Heh heh, an ant dares to mock the stature of an elephant! Forget it, Zong Yuan is perhaps just as ridiculous as you—equally pitiful and pathetic. I won't waste time explaining it to you…”

The later part of his speech was laced with utter despondency. All those present listened with baffled confusion.

Only Yin Yang showed a slight smile. Lian Fan merely shook his head with a hint of disdain.

Apart from those two, only Feng Xiao felt a sudden tightening in his chest, instinctively sensing a tinge of impending doom.

As for Zong Ling, he merely sneered, paying no mind to Zong Yuan’s words, treating them as the ramblings of a mad dog. What can his cousin rely on? At best, that heavily wounded Xuanwu Sect member. This person, barely able to protect himself, how much trouble can he cause?

Hu Qianqiu’s mood was heavy. After composing his thoughts, he shook his head faintly. “Heir Apparent, the reason I, Hu Qianqiu, have remained unaffiliated since the Lord’s disappearance, and why I rushed here in these ten days, is purely out of gratitude for the Lord’s benevolence. If the Heir Apparent merely wishes for my Iron Tiger Clan to…”

Before the words were finished, Zong Shou abruptly waved his sleeve: “Whether Uncle Hu agrees to this can wait! I have a second matter requiring Uncle Hu’s attention!”

A flash of cold light erupted as Zong Shou drew the Thunder Fang Sword into his hand once more. Little Gold’s form immediately enveloped the blade, turning the metal silver-white instantly. He pointed it directly toward the Cloud-Flipping Carriage.

“I have long heard that Uncle Hu’s martial arts are second only to my father’s in Qiantian Mountain. You are particularly skilled with the Tiger Overlord Saber. Today, Zong Shou boldly requests a lesson or two from Uncle!”

As the words landed, almost everyone present fell silent. They stared fixedly at Zong Shou in utter disbelief.

It was simply unimaginable that the words they just heard came from Zong Shou’s mouth.

Zong Yuan couldn’t help but glance over; he knew the final outcome would be like this. Then, his eyes widened, staring fixedly. Well, at least I get to witness this undoubtedly spectacular battle before I die.

Zong Ling also forgot about chewing the meat in his mouth, his jaw hanging open, seemingly unable to close it. Zong Shou, possessing absolutely no internal qi, dared to challenge Hu Qianqiu, a Xuanwu Sect master? Had he misheard? Hu Zhongyuan was equally bewildered, unable to fathom why Zong Shou would propose such a thing.

Hu Qianqiu’s brow arched high, his expression hardening. He scrutinized Zong Shou again, his eyes showing intense focus. After a moment of thought, he said coldly, “Heir Apparent, are you serious? You know that my saber, Hu Qianqiu’s, is never gentle! If that time comes, I may not be able to hold back.”

Zong Shou remained silent, meeting the gaze directly. Though no breath escaped his body, his mind plunged into a state of profound, subtle tranquility. With no distracting thoughts, he and the sword in his hand seemed to merge into one entity at that moment.

The others present were unaware, but Hu Qianqiu’s eyes brightened. The cold, frozen blood in his chest began to churn and surge once more. This half-demon youth, Weiran’s son, had achieved the unity of sword and intent!

“Idiot, hurry up and bring me my saber!”

A sudden, loud roar escaped him. Seeing Hu Zhongyuan frozen and unresponsive, Hu Qianqiu cursed inwardly and leaped up, bounding toward a Wind-Riding Colt parked nearby.

Ying!

Accompanied by a clear, sharp cry, a saber nearly seven chi long, its back lined with jagged teeth, was suddenly drawn from its scabbard.