Shi Dan let out a wry laugh, glancing apologetically at Zong Shou. "I truly do not know the specifics of that. I only vaguely understand that it is connected to that wager. The Lingyun Sect must not only refrain from seizing this talisman but must actively protect this Heavenly Talisman Divine Stele. As someone of low standing, that is all I am permitted to know. In the future, my Lord, whether you join my Sword Sect or the Wujue Villa, or become a disciple of the Cang Sheng Dao, you will surely be a direct inheritor. Then, you will surely be able to ascertain the truth!" His gaze then shifted to Zong Shou with suspicion. "As far as I know, the Heavenly Talisman Platform on Dan Ling Mountain was personally destroyed by you, my Lord. Asking about these matters... has it given you some new enlightenment regarding this 'Fate Talisman'? Or perhaps you have already obtained the secret inheritance of that Saint Realm expert?"

Zong Shou immediately gave a hearty laugh and was about to reply when his heart suddenly stirred, and he looked out the window.

Not far away, Zong Lan was holding a red bird in his hand. A moment later, the commander of the Black Fox Iron Cavalry's expression shifted. He spurred his horse to the window and said, "My Lord, there is news from Qiantian Mountain City. Zong Shi and Zong Yang, among others, may be joining forces to decide the Demon King position before you can return."

Just moments later, two more swift red birds descended from the sky, flying toward Hu Zhongyuan and Tan Tao, respectively. In an instant, the expressions of both men turned exceedingly grim.

Zong Shou had anticipated this. With a slight flicker in his eyes, he walked directly out of the Cloud-Flipping Carriage. Then, with a contemplative air, he looked toward the direction of Qiantian Mountain. A moment later, he raised an eyebrow. "It seems I won't be able to dawdle these next few days after all. Have someone bring me my horse!"

He looked behind him, where the curtain of the carriage following theirs was also being lifted. Zong Yuan's rather imposing figure stepped out, his gaze cold and frigid, threaded with killing intent. His aura was wildly fierce.

It was difficult to say whether it was due to the raging killing intent or the unstable state of his recent rapid advancement in cultivation. However, simply observing the radiating formidable Gang Qi made it clear: Zong Yuan had firmly stepped into the peak of the Martial Grandmaster realm, the Sixth Meridian of the Earth Wheel.

Zong Shou sized up Zong Yuan. He immediately felt that the young man's two gazes were like ice-cold sword light, piercing straight into him and chilling him to the core. Yet, when their eyes met, Zong Yuan slightly restrained himself, displaying a measure of humble respect, but underscored by a much stronger sense of eager anticipation and a readiness for battle.

Zong Shou couldn't help but frown slightly. This fellow was too impatient; ultimately, he hadn't heeded his advice.

One had to know that although the Earth Extreme Pill was potent, it was not omnipotent. Every method of rapid advancement in this world carried hidden risks.

Even though Zong Yuan had comprehended the Raging Thunder Spear Intent, after reaching the Fifth Meridian of the Earth Wheel, he should ideally have taken time to stabilize and settle his foundation. Only then would entering the Sixth Meridian realm be optimal.

In truth, Zong Shou had already guessed that after the fellow begged for those two Earth Extreme Pills along with the spiritual meridians, how could he possibly restrain the desire to advance?

Thinking again of Zong Yang and Zong Hao, Zong Shou let out a helpless, soft sigh, somewhat understanding Zong Yuan's state of mind. This time might be his only chance for revenge, so it was no wonder he was so anxious.

After calculating swiftly in his mind, Zong Shou let go of the thought of reprimanding him. While rushed advancement was not ideal, with his capabilities, there were countless ways to mitigate the shortcomings. However, for the time being, Zong Yuan’s martial cultivation progress would certainly need to be tempered.

At this moment, a Fourth-Tier Wind Riding Steed, seized from Feng Yu, was led up before him. It was several times stronger than an ordinary Wind Riding Steed, exhaling a rank odor, and covered in steel armor that encased its entire body, with countless steel spikes extending from its brow—truly resembling a monstrous steel beast, appearing exceptionally ferocious.

Zong Shou vaulted onto the horse in one smooth movement. The Fourth-Tier Wind Riding Steed immediately let out a dissatisfied whinny. But before it could resist, Zong Shou stood upright on its back.

A torrent of immensely powerful soul-thought swept down from above, pressing down like a giant hammer, causing the steed’s consciousness to reel in dizziness. It seemed unable to sustain itself, staggering forward a few steps before recovering. Afterward, it dared not show any hint of rebellion, obediently bowing its head and neck in submission. It felt that imposing thought constantly enveloping its consciousness, as if the slightest intention of resistance would cause its awareness to be completely crushed into dust!

Having thoroughly subdued the ** Fourth-Tier Wind Riding Steed, Zong Shou nodded slightly with satisfaction. He then took out some spirit beans and offered them to the horse's mouth.

No matter the era, the big stick coupled with the sweet date remained the best strategy for taming beasts.

He glanced around again. Hu Zhongyuan, Tan Tao, and all the experts above the Martial Grandmaster realm among these five thousand iron cavalry had also spurred their horses over and gathered nearby.

Zong Shou offered a slight smile. "Are you all prepared? This time, we are going back to kill! Although it is fraternal conflict, there must be bloodshed—a great deal of blood!"

His tone was flat and ordinary, yet the dozens of martial experts surrounding him felt a piercing coldness sink into their very cores. Immediately following that, their fighting spirit surged.

Zong Yuan's eyes lit up, and he unconsciously gripped the Purple Thunder Steel Spear in his hand, his gaze growing even colder.

XXXX

Within Qiantian Mountain City, an absolute silence reigned. Before the second watch, all the lights in the city were extinguished.

All that could be heard was the thunderous clashing of countless weapons against armor plating, and the rhythmic sounds of hooves and marching feet.

On every street in the city, teams of fully armored soldiers, their equipment bright and well-maintained, were parading in formation.

Wherever the terrain permitted any open space, it was filled with large military formations. Infantry squares and cavalry ranks were neatly deployed throughout the city. The buildings beside street corners and vital junctions housed countless concealed crossbows, their auras silent yet bloodthirsty. They were subtly divided into several factions, presenting a tense posture of standoff.

On the south side of Qiantian Mountain City, atop a peak only second to Guifeng in height, Hu Qianqiu stood in black armor, looking down upon the entire mountain city.

Beside him stood Qiu Wei, the Grand General of the Left Court of Qiantian Mountain. Also fully armed in spirit armor, he held a wolf-toothed mace resting on the ground.

"It seems those three have indeed joined forces!"

Observing the changes within the city, Hu Qianqiu let out a slight, mocking chuckle. "I knew they wouldn't be content, but I never expected Zong Ming and Zong Hao would ally due to their fear of that boy Zong Yuan. It’s a real pity about Shi Yuan, though. He is the Lord’s own uncle; he should have been a strong aid to him."

"Zong Shi Yuan? Our Sovereign has always treated him well and promoted him often. He never should have harbored such deluded aspirations."

Qiu Wei’s expression was wooden, his eyes as cold as an iceberg. "Even if he were to change his mind today, I would still advise the My Lord to strip him of his military authority and execute him as soon as possible!"

Hu Qianqiu laughed at this, feeling a slight stirring in his heart but offering no rebuttal. He continued to look down thoughtfully. "With you and me allied, plus the personal troops and direct garrison forces left by the Sovereign, along with the strength of the various clans, these five hundred thousand troops in the city are sufficient to stabilize the situation. Even if those few join forces, they cannot shake us. However, even knowing this, they still dare not fear us and insist on challenging us. They must be relying on the strength of those hidden sects. I wonder who will arrive; I just hope they don't disappoint me..."

Hearing this, Qiu Wei slightly knitted his brows. He was currently filled with worry, yet Hu Qianqiu’s tone suggested extreme ease, as if he held no regard for this present enemy.

He wanted to caution him against underestimating the foe, but he feared it might dampen Hu Qianqiu’s resolve to fight. In Qiu Wei’s estimation, this man was opportunistic and might choose to abandon the My Lord for the sake of the Iron Tiger Clan.

However, after a moment of hesitation, Qiu Wei decided it was best to be direct. Although Hu Qianqiu had been wavering before, he had always been known for keeping his word. Even if it meant the annihilation of his clan, he would never retract a statement he had made. Under Zong Weiran, he had fought alongside dozens of Black Tortoise Grandmasters in the city, yet only Hu Qianqiu and Chai Yuan had earned his unreserved trust from start to finish.

"Brother Hu, although Qiantian Mountain City is under our control, five out of the eight city gates are personally controlled by those three, and they all face eastward. Furthermore, fifty miles away is Zhenshan Pass, guarded by a garrison under Zong Shi Yuan..."

At this point, worry deepened in Qiu Wei’s eyes. Zhenshan Pass lies northeast of Qiantian Mountain. Due to its treacherous terrain, it is one of the world's great fortresses. It is connected by only a single colossal iron chain bridge, spanning a chasm eight hundred feet wide below, where wind whips up countless ghostly and sinister entities. Even the Cloud-Treading Steeds and Wind Riding Steeds, these aerial beasts, could not cross it.

The defense there was commanded by a Seventh Meridian Black Tortoise Grandmaster, a highly renowned expert, one of Zong Shi Yuan’s strongest supports.

If they were intercepted there, they would need to travel an extra seventeen hundred miles to bypass it. Even riding the finest Wind Riding Steeds, this would require an additional day and night of travel. Qiu Wei wondered if the My Lord and his company could make it in time.

Hu Qianqiu, however, remained unconcerned, letting out a hearty laugh. "Old Court Pillar Qiu should put his mind at ease. You have not seen the My Lord; a day apart feels like three autumns. How could the My Lord of three years hence be the same as he was three years ago? He will not disappoint you. If he cannot pass through a mere Zhenshan Pass safely, then he is unworthy of the Demon King position!"

Qiu Wei froze, clearly taken aback. He was about to ask Hu Qianqiu where such confidence stemmed from.

His peripheral vision suddenly caught sight of a line of figures. He quickly turned his head to look below, noticing that the north city gate had suddenly opened. A group of riders burst through into the city. There were only thirty riders, clad entirely in white robes, yet as they slowly rode into the city, they exuded the presence of an army of thousands.

Both men frowned, exchanging a glance. They both knew that the people Zong Yang had invited had finally arrived.