Outside Xuanshan City, Hu Zhongyuan sat astride a Cloud-Treading Colt, standing beside the Rolling Cloud Carriage. His face was ashen, his eyes blazing with hostility as he stared at the vast city gate ahead.

Countless carriages and pedestrians were entering and exiting through the side gates. Yet, the main gate remained tightly shut, leaving their entire contingent stranded outside.

At the gate stood a total of one hundred and twenty armored guards, commanded by four Nine-Vein Secret Martial Masters. Their gazes were icy as they watched over, not a single one stepping forward to exchange words. The passing pedestrians also wore looks of mockery. Utterances such as, "Is this all the Heir of Qiantian Mountain amounts to?" "No matter how powerful Qiantian Mountain is, they still have to wait obediently here," and "Get back to your muddy pond, you toad, dreaming of swan meat," occasionally reached their ears.

Furthermore, ever since the Xiantian Martial Master in charge of guarding this gate had said he would go in to report their arrival, four hours had already passed without sight of him.

Zong Shou, however, seemed thoughtful, gazing out past the carriage window. Is this Xuanshan City from ten thousand years ago? The city walls alone towered forty zhang high, spanning fifty li from north to south—truly oppressive.

The road was also thronged with endless caravans and a ceaseless flow of pedestrians, far surpassing the decline and ruin of later ages.

If Xuanshan City was like this, how magnificent must Qiantian Mountain City be, rumored to be nearly double this scale?

"A mere ten thousand years ago, Xuanshan City was just a small city of three hundred thousand people, governing only eight hundred li of territory with just ten townships. If it weren't for His Majesty’s excellent relationship with Xuanyuan Tong, desiring to use it as the eastern bulwark for Qiantian Mountain and supporting it wholeheartedly, how could it possibly flourish to this extent!"

With a heavy snort, Hu Zhongyuan’s face twitched, his rage nearly boiling over into curses: "That Xuanyuan Tong claims to be a benevolent and righteous gentleman, but in truth, he is nothing more than an ungrateful scoundrel! Even disregarding His Majesty's support over the years, even if he wanted to break the engagement, he shouldn't treat the Heir this way! Truly heartless and base. If it weren't for the fact that his daughter is a good girl, I would storm into Xuanshan City right now and give him a good kick to vent my fury!" As he spoke, his tirade grew unstoppable. Even Zong Yuan, driving the carriage ahead, showed a flicker of indignation, sharing a sense of common enmity.

Zong Shou also retracted his attention, but let out a soft chuckle. Though his smile was gentle, a chilling glint flashed in his eyes. Instead of reprimanding, he nodded slightly in apparent agreement: "That’s the logic! Old Brother Hu, if you wish to storm into Xuanshan City, why not start now?"

Hu Zhongyuan froze instantly, his eyes widening like bronze bells. For a moment, he couldn't tell if Zong Shou was serious or speaking ironically. After pondering for a while, he awkwardly scratched his head and laughed sheepishly, "Young Master, I was joking. My Iron Tiger Clan has no flaws other than this uncontrollable mouth. This place is teeming with experts; any one of those Xuanwu Sect masters could crush me. How could I possibly stir up trouble? Besides, this concerns your future wife's family; please don't take offense! I shall slap myself!" Before the slap even reached his face, Zong Shou burst into laughter again, then suddenly composed his features: "Who said I was joking? Where did all that prior spirit go? If you don't show your full capability and cause a massive scene today, I will have Uncle Hu give you a proper thrashing when we return! Believe it or not, I'll have Uncle Hu hang you at the city gate and whip you for three days and three nights? But if you satisfy me, in a few days, I will certainly teach you a new saber technique! Oh, and you must insult them, the harsher the better!"

Hu Zhongyuan felt a chill run through his entire body, unsure if Zong Shou was joking or threatening him.

Blinking, he became even more confused, hesitating: "Young Master, you came for the Future Young Mistress this time. If you offend Xuanshan City too severely, perhaps that isn't ideal, right? The Future Young Mistress might also be displeased. If we truly cause trouble and it goes wrong, my little life might end right here." "It has nothing to do with the Future Young Mistress! We are here to formally request the engagement date, not to beg for alms from Xuanshan City.

Moreover, behind you and me stands the entirety of Qiantian Mountain City. Even if Yi Ren is unhappy, some matters cannot be conceded. As for your little life—"

Zong Shou rested his chin in his hand, looking utterly unconcerned and relaxed: "If they genuinely dare to take it, I will tear down this Xuanshan City in the future and use it to bury you, Hu Zhongyuan. How about that?" The driver, Zong Yuan, was slightly moved. Hu Zhongyuan’s eyes also brightened. He glanced at Zong Shou with surprise, beginning to grasp Zong Shou's intention, then roared with laughter: "The Young Master is brilliant! His Majesty truly has a worthy successor! These whelps of Xuanshan City, truly… they’ve ignited my fury. Today, I'll risk this old life!"

As his voice fell, Hu Zhongyuan spurred his horse forward, galloping toward the city gate a hundred zhang away. Just as the armored guards at the gate were stunned and at a loss, they saw Hu Zhongyuan suddenly draw his saber—also over seven chi long, its spine covered in hook-shaped serrations, gleaming coldly. He rushed to within half a zhang of the main gate and brought down a heavy slash.

"Invincible Tiger Roar, open for me!" Instantly, saber energy surged upward, soaring a full seventy zhang high, before crashing heavily onto the massive iron gate!

A muffled, resonant boom echoed, sending countless sparks flying, accompanied by a piercing sound of metal tearing. The thick, heavy iron gate, several zhang thick, was cleaved open from top to bottom in that instant!

Hu Zhongyuan then kicked out violently! He kicked the ten-thousand-jin iron gate forward, slamming it against the walls on either side. The broken bolts flew backward over several dozen zhang. A few armored guards standing behind the gate were caught completely off guard, sent flying, collapsing on the ground, some with broken limbs, others spitting blood.

Only then did the four Nine-Vein Secret Martial Masters and the host of armored guards react, attempting to rush forward, but they were momentarily held back by Hu Zhongyuan’s imposing aura. Half a breath later, one Nine-Vein Secret Martial Master roared and slashed toward Hu Zhongyuan. The others also drew their weapons.

But before they could act, Hu Zhongyuan executed a horizontal slash.

"Just cannon fodder extras, all of you, die and get out of the way! A bunch of lackeys daring to give me attitude—you really don't know how to die!" Vital energy surged out, sending these low-tier martial masters and warriors flying back a hundred zhang. Even the four Nine-Vein Secret Martial Masters were swept away by the saber force without exception!

Zong Shou secretly felt a surge of satisfaction, knowing that while Hu Zhongyuan’s saber attack appeared ferocious, he had held back. He had consistently restrained his strength, using only the back of the saber. Although these guards and martial masters looked miserable, none were in mortal danger.

However, this degree was still far from enough!

Hu Zhongyuan paused only briefly at the city gate before controlling his Cloud-Treading Colt and charging into the city. Zong Yuan, being astute, followed the carriage closely behind Hu Zhongyuan’s horse without needing orders, rushing into Xuanshan City.

Seated inside the carriage, Zong Shou could already sense nearly a hundred Xiantian Martial Masters and Wuzong experts rushing toward them at full speed. Unconcerned, he settled onto the soft couch.

He inserted several golden needles into Ruoshui’s body, then smiled and instructed, "Act only when I give the order. However, you can only mobilize your true qi for a maximum of thirty breaths! If you cannot win within those thirty breaths, then simply concede defeat."

Ruoshui softly hummed an acknowledgment, placing a sword beside her. There was no hint of inquiry, as if obeying Zong Shou’s command was simply a matter of course.

Zong Shou shook his head, wondering what Zong Weiran had done to condition this girl to be this way. She was already a Martial Ancestor of the Seventh Meridian of the Earth Wheel, a rare powerhouse in the mortal realm, yet she remained as taciturn as a wooden doll.

Then he looked toward Chuxue, who was staring back with a worried expression. Zong Shou couldn't help but smile again: "Xue'er, you go ahead and control the carriage. As for Zong Yuan—" He sensed several Xiantian Martial Masters approaching within a hundred zhang. A cold glint flickered in Zong Shou’s eyes again: "Go assist Hu Zhongyuan. I grant you permission to attack as you please! As long as no lives are taken, nothing else matters! If you truly kill someone, I will take the full responsibility!" Chuxue, who had been slightly concerned, couldn't help but shudder at this. Zong Yuan’s eyes, however, lit up. He grasped the Purple Thunder Spear, severed part of the reins, and selected one of the Cloud-Treading Colts pulling the carriage. He mounted the horse, spear in hand, and pursued Hu Zhongyuan.

He was unwilling to serve Zong Shou, but if he could make these people from Xuanshan City suffer a bit, he would be more than happy to, even eager for the opportunity!

It was only then that those few Xiantian Martial Masters barely managed to arrive. The foremost one roared angrily, his killing intent soaring: "Halt! This is Xuanshan City, who dares to act presumptuously! Are you tired of living?"

Hu Zhongyuan glanced sideways. The sight only fueled his rising anger. One of them was precisely the Gate Commander who had kept them waiting at the city gate for a full four hours. He had claimed to be reporting to the City Lord’s Mansion, yet here he was now. Fueled by this, Hu Zhongyuan spurred his mount forward again, unleashing another vast saber light in a horizontal sweep: "I curse your eighteen generations of ancestors! A mere Xiantian Martial Master dares to yell at me! So what if I act presumptuously? You dared to keep my Hu Zhongyuan waiting for four hours—you are seeking death!" Bang!

The seven-foot Tiger Overlord Saber shattered a ball of sword light and blade shadows, not only striking the peak Xiantian expert who spoke with the saber's back, knocking him unconscious, but also using its mighty true qi to blast the Xiantian Martial Master behind him away.

Just as he felt his anger slightly subside and turned to deal with the two on the right, he saw Zong Yuan suddenly ride up from behind. The purple spear in his hand flashed like lightning, piercing the enemy before him—man and horse together—through the abdomen with a single thrust, forcefully tossing him high!

Hu Zhongyuan was instantly dumbfounded. He thought he had already acted viciously, but he hadn't expected Zong Yuan to be several degrees more ruthless!

Stabbing directly through the man’s abdomen, shattering the qihai (Sea of Qi). Even if the injury healed later, he would never be able to practice martial arts again—effectively crippled!

It was astonishing that this fellow could deliver such a ruthless blow within Xuanshan City; he truly didn't value his life!

Following this man, another Xiantian Martial Master of the Second Meridian of the Earth Wheel advanced, showing no fear but rather increased indignation. Holding a large spear, he charged forward leveraging the momentum of his horse.

Zong Yuan remained utterly unmoved. The purple spear in his hand seemed to vanish, all spear shadows disappearing. Only when the two passed each other did he suddenly jab out, piercing the man’s chest and abdomen with ease, lifting him more than thirty zhang high. He then tossed the body aside as if discarding a scrap of cloth.