Master Yuan’s face clearly showed a trace of bitterness: "It is precisely because I was unwilling that I wanted them to fight for it. But now, I find myself with no choice in the matter." His eyes then revealed hesitation: "Shou'er's ability to turn the clouds into rain in Jieful City, and to command the loyalty of a great general like Zong Yuan, proves he is no incompetent fool as outsiders see him. Perhaps he truly can inherit his elder brother's foundation.

I must give this matter further consideration." Having said this, he bowed his head in deep worry and walked out. Hu Qianqiu smiled lightly, unconcerned. He swept his gaze over the hall again, and his eyes suddenly froze.

He noticed that Zong Shi had not yet departed. Instead, Zong Shi was glaring over with a cold sneer, his lips moving as if speaking something. Hu Qianqiu scrutinized the movement carefully, and then his eyes abruptly constricted.

He vaguely discerned that Zong Shi’s words seemed to be, 'You forced me.' Meanwhile, while the City Lord’s residence in Qiantian Mountain City was filled with clamorous debate, on a small, mist-shrouded island in the Eastern Cloud Sea, a different scene unfolded. An identical Crimson Swift Bird pierced the sky, but this one was enveloped in swirling spiritual patterns, its gliding speed easily five times that of an ordinary Crimson Swift Bird. It landed beside a small, exquisitely clear lake, resting in the hand of a handsome young man clad in a dark cyan Daoist robe.

Moments later, this youth’s face turned ashen, and he violently clenched his right hand, crushing the bird into powder. Sitting quietly opposite him was a man in white robes. Seeing this, the man immediately frowned slightly: "Senior Brother Han, what has provoked such great anger?

What crime did this bird commit to deserve such a swift end?" This man, with a square-cut face and an air of refined composure, was none other than Long Ruo, the third-generation Chief Disciple of the Lingyun Sect! The handsome young man opposite started slightly, then immediately came to his senses, offering an apologetic expression: "Junior Brother Long, please do not be upset. Ni Shui acted rashly.

Being angered to the core by a mundane matter almost caused me to lose control of my mind." When he looked down at his hand, his apology became even more apparent. "Such momentary violence!" With a soft sigh, several talismans floated from Han Nishui’s sleeve, hanging suspended in mid-air. The runes on the talismans gradually emitted a silver sheen, and gossamer-thin silvery threads sprayed out, enveloping the remains of the Crimson Swift Bird.

A spot of spiritual light flickered in Han Nishui’s hand as well. A moment later, the scattered flesh and blood began to gather particle by particle, as if time were flowing backward. The body of the Crimson Swift Bird rapidly restored itself, and in a short while, it opened its eyes.

It was still full of life, flapping its wings and soaring into the high sky. Long Ruo watched silently until the bird flew away, then smiled: "Senior Brother Han's Great Resurrection Technique is truly remarkable. Bringing the dead back to life, it truly seems to seize the creation of heaven and earth!" "It is nothing!

I have far from mastered this great method. I still require the talismans provided by my elders to use it. Reviving a Crimson Swift Bird that died only seconds ago is hardly worth mentioning." As Han Nishui spoke, his eyes filled with self-mockery: "It is Junior Brother Long who truly shames me.

I recall that four years ago, you had just entered the Huan Yang Realm, yet now you are already at its peak. I fear in another two years, you will begin Body Forging? I am more than ten years your senior, and began cultivating twenty years before you, yet now I remain merely a Two-Talisman Huan Yang." Long Ruo heard this and smiled, answering nothing, as these words were impossible to refute.

His gaze shifted, and suddenly his heart stirred as he looked closely at Han Nishui’s hand. He saw that the strip of paper held there distinctly bore the characters, 'Zong Shou.' After a moment of thought, Long Ruo spoke again: "Senior Brother Han, if it is convenient, would you be willing to share the matter that troubled you just now? Perhaps Long Ruo can offer some assistance." Han Nishui frowned; Long Ruo had always been extremely judicious in his actions.

Why was he suddenly so rash today as to inquire about private matters? He was about to refuse, but upon seeing the grave expression on the other’s face, he hesitated for a moment before letting out a wry chuckle: "It is fine to tell Junior Brother. This matter will inevitably become common knowledge in a few days anyway.

Some time ago, did your Sect not issue a decree, urging the various sects of the Eastern Lin Cloud Land to ally and mutually support each other against the great catastrophe? Our Sect Master ultimately chose the Danquan Sect. An engagement was settled with the Danquan Sect Master: in exchange for five Cold Profound Ancient Pills, a female disciple from that sect will marry me as my Dual Cultivation partner." Long Ruo was slightly taken aback, musing what this had to do with Zong Shou.

However, the price of five Cold Profound Ancient Pills indicated that the female disciple of the Danquan Sect must possess extraordinarily outstanding talent. "An alliance marriage? That is good news.

Has some complication arisen?" "Indeed, something has happened. Does Junior Brother Long happen to have heard of Xuanyuan Yiren?" Seeing Long Ruo’s eyes flash with sharpness, indicating he had heard of her, Han Nishui stopped his detailed introduction, his brow furrowed: "This woman originally had a fiancé, the Crown Prince of Qiantian Mountain. The Danquan Sect had guaranteed they could break off this engagement.

But a few days ago, I don't know what method Zong Shou used, but he actually made the City Lord Xuanyuan publicly declare Zong Shou as the next City Lord of Xuan Mountain City, and he personally set the wedding date! I will not hide this from Junior Brother; my anger just now was not merely due to a loss of face. It is also because I am quite taken with Xuanyuan Yiren and wished to make her my partner..." Long Ruo’s eyes showed some understanding, yet some confusion remained: "Even so, there is no need for such anger.

Your Sect ranks third among the Nineteen Spiritual Mansions. Although Zong Shou, as the Crown Prince of Qiantian Mountain, possesses some status, he is ultimately just a cripple incapable of cultivation. Even if your Sect does not act directly, there will be plenty of ways to eliminate this man in the future." He spoke casually, as if discussing the easiest of matters.

"Junior Brother does not know." Han Nishui looked at the letter in his hand, his tone still bitter: "Just now, a disciple from my Sect reported news to me. Zong Shou, with three thousand Iron Cavalry at Ruohai Strait, shattered the forty thousand strong army of the Cloud Scar Blazing Flames. His subordinate, Zong Yuan, was unparalleled in charging the formation; as a Fourth-Vein Martial Grandmaster, he slew several Profound Turtle Grandmasters in succession.

He seems to possess the talent of an epoch-making general. It is said that when he made his Blood Oath, it actually seemed to trigger celestial phenomena. And Yiren...

she is truly the number one pill-refining genius in the Eastern Lin Cloud Land. Her Two-Vein Body might deter others, but it certainly cannot deter her. With the resources of Qiantian Mountain, she might resolve it within three to five years..." As he heard the first few sentences, Long Ruo’s expression had already shifted slightly.

Unparalleled in charging the formation, slaying several Profound Turtle Grandmasters as a Fourth-Vein Martial Grandmaster, and triggering celestial signs with a Blood Oath. Zong Shou actually commanded such talent under him? A flicker of regret crossed Long Ruo’s mind, but he quickly suppressed it, smiling faintly: "If it is because of this, Senior Brother Han can rest assured.

I also know of this Zong Shou. This person is not merely of a Two-Vein Body; his divine soul is shattered, and he possesses the Celestial Barrier. His bloodline, besides the Seven-Tailed Celestial Fox, also includes the Lu family's Sky-Burning Blood.

Yet, foolishly unaware of the danger, he insists on dual cultivation of Spirit and Martial arts. If he were to stop cultivating, it would be one thing. But if he continues down the path of both Spirit and Martial arts, he will certainly combust and die!

Even if he passes this current hurdle, he cannot break the Celestial Barrier." "Is that so?" Han Nishui’s expression eased slightly, and a barely perceptible cold smile flickered in his eyes. However, after a moment of contemplation, he still shook his head: "Even if that is true, it remains difficult. Although Qiantian Mountain lacks experts above the Heavenly Rank, it commands millions of elite troops, linked to the fate of the Cloud Land.

Now, supported by an unparalleled general, victory in human warfare cannot be guaranteed. Even though my Shangxiao Sect is powerful, we may not be able to compel Zong Shou to yield. As for those underhanded tactics that are unworthy of mention—Han Nishui is not so arrogant as to claim purity.

However, unless absolutely necessary, I disdain to use them..." A look of appreciation immediately crossed Long Ruo’s face: "Senior Brother Han is truly upright and open-minded!" After thinking for a moment more, he said: "This matter is not to worry about. Precisely because Qiantian Mountain is too strong, it is bound to be drawn into the matter of Yin Dragon Gorge. Even with an extra Zong Yuan, it remains precariously positioned.

If Zong Shou refuses to inherit the Demon King position, so be it. If he truly becomes the Qiantian Demon King, then he will truly be close to death. Even if Zong Shou miraculously survives, there will still be a way.

My Lingyun Sect has some connection with this child; perhaps we can persuade him to abandon this marriage. A phoenix does not flock with common birds. The number one pill-genius of the younger generation in the Eastern Lin Cloud Land, paired with a crippled fool who cannot cultivate—it is impossible to imagine!

I do not see Zong Shou as a fool without self-awareness!" Han Nishui was instantly overjoyed, bowing deeply to Long Ruo: "Then when the time comes, I will trouble Junior Brother Long!" "We share a kindred spirit, Senior Brother. If I can lend a hand, I naturally will not stand by and watch! Furthermore, getting the Eastern Lin sects to unite against the calamity is also a decree from our Sect Master.

With this great surge of the spiritual tide, we should certainly stand united." Long Ruo smiled and reached out to help him up. Just as he was about to speak, a bell chime sounded in the distance. He immediately raised an eyebrow, looking toward the source of the sound.

Only after three chimes did he say thoughtfully: "It seems the elders have settled that matter. It is truly surprising that it took them two full days." "It is not surprising!" Han Nishui also stood up, looking into the distance: "Junior Brother does not know. This time, it is not just the contest for the Martial Saint Imprint quota from Julong Mountain.

It is also due to the massive drop in the price of Beast Crystal Spirit Stones. I heard Junior Brother was in closed-door cultivation these past few months; perhaps you are unaware? More than ten days ago, because someone purchased low-grade spirit pills in large quantities, all the sects and families across the Five Continents and Twelve Islands sensed the spiritual tide coming.

This led to a massive sell-off, causing the price of those Beast Crystal Spirit Stones to drop to just one-twentieth of their original value. And the collapse has yet to stop. Speaking of which, this also involves that Zong Shou—this person took out over a hundred Seventh-Tier Beast Crystals and went on a buying spree.

It is said this child has already reaped immense profits, yet he knew restraint, and after only a few days, he resold all the pills at the market rate to the Taiyuan Sect and the Five Absolute Manor, securing protection from those two sects. What a pity that this child cannot cultivate; otherwise, with just his intelligence, his future achievements would surely be extraordinary..." Long Ruo’s expression immediately became distant. Why was it Zong Shou again?

(To be continued)