On that iron chain, plates of impossibly thick steel, each a hundred zhang long, were laid out. Flanking the colossal bridge were two enormous statues of white tigers, set there for zhen suppression. Their forms were ferocious, cloaked in a faint, shimmering white light that repelled the surrounding miasma and all manner of ghostly fiends, preventing them from drawing near.

The entire massive iron chain bridge stood as a single, integrated structure, emanating an aura of ancient grandeur and vastness. No one knew how long it had existed, nor who had forged it.

The most crucial element here was not the bridge itself, but the four white tiger effigies that stabilized the area, crushing malevolence and banishing specters. Any lingering evil presence that dared approach would instantly be reduced to ash.

In later ages, Zong Shou had heard whispers of this place. By then, it was utterly deserted, nothing but ruins. Only this bridge remained, and the white tigers still stood guard.

It was said to have been built by an ancient Sage, not to connect east and west, but specifically to sever the malignant spiritual veins running beneath this area. Being an inherent exotic treasure, even Heavenly Rank experts were rumored to be hard-pressed to inflict damage upon it.

As for the Zhenshan Pass visible in the distance, it was simply too far away. Beyond the exterior walls, which rose several dozen zhang high, everything was hazy and indistinct.

Zong Lan furrowed his brow, keeping close behind Zong Shou. Seeing his charge staring fixedly at the formidable stronghold, silently lost in thought, Zong Lan finally couldn't bear it and spoke again: "Zhenshan Pass stands forty-five zhang tall, reputed to require only three thousand men to hold off a hundred thousand. The terrain here is lethally treacherous; it is the sole entry and exit point on the eastern face of Mount Qiantian. It is garrisoned by fifteen thousand troops, and after the Lord’s demise, Zong Shiyuan further reinforced it with a full ten thousand soldiers. This pass is stubbornly defended, not just because of superior military tactics, but because the commander himself is a master of the Profound Warrior Seven Meridians realm. His martial prowess is rumored to be second only to Yang Xuan—a powerhouse that Grandmaster Yuan expended immense effort to recruit. Twenty-five thousand men might not be inherently difficult to break, but with such a formidable pass, perilous terrain, and the spirit formations within the walls, even those with world-shaking abilities would find themselves unable to unleash their full power here. It would be best to simply bypass it. I know of a location four hundred and seventy li away where the chimei are scarce. If we move quickly, we should be able to cross the Evil Spirit Gully safely."

As his words trailed off, Hu Zhongyuan, standing beside him, nodded gravely in agreement, then snorted with unconcealed frustration: "It is a pity my contingent of five hundred Iron Tiger Great Halberdiers couldn't keep pace. Otherwise, we might not have to concede Zhenshan Pass. Young Master, I know that other location. Though it’s further, we could still reach Qiantian Mountain City in just twelve hours."

Zong Shou still offered no reply. After a long pause, he finally turned his head and asked, "Then, in your estimations, Uncle Hu and Qiu Tingzhu—can they hold out in Qiantian Mountain City for another month?"

Zong Lan and Hu Zhongyuan instantly found their breath catching. They had received their intelligence two days prior. Who could possibly know the true situation within Qiantian Mountain City, or what unforeseen changes might have occurred?

They were certainly aware that time was precious, that every second counted. If they could possibly fly directly to Qiantian Mountain, they would not willingly linger here for another half-moment. They wished they could sprout wings and fly there instantly.

But the reality was that both the Black Fox Iron Cavalry and the Black Armor Wind Dragon Cavalry were mounted units. Fighting on foot, their strength diminished by at least thirty percent. Moreover, if they attacked the Pass and failed, delaying too long here would make bypassing it the wiser option after all.

Only Zong Yuan remained silent, drawing his Purple Thunder Spear and lowering the visor of his helmet, which was shaped like a fierce ghost, obscuring his handsome features. Having followed Zong Shou for several months, he had begun to grasp the Young Lord’s true nature.

Appearing gentle, he was actually unbending. Things deemed impossible by others were viewed entirely differently in his eyes. Furthermore, he was utterly autocratic; once his mind was set, no amount of pleading from others could sway his decision.

Indeed, in the very next moment, Zong Shou abruptly drew his sword, gripping the Thunder Wing Sword in his hand.

"More talk is pointless. A true test is worth attempting. The fog is thick now, perfect for taking the Pass! The plank bridge is too narrow; numbers are useless. Just a few of us are needed. The rest can follow up half an hour later."

With that declaration, he urged his fourth-tier Wind-Riding War Steed into the dense fog, galloping toward the colossal iron chain bridge.

Zong Yuan immediately followed closely behind. Hu Zhongyuan and Tan Tao exchanged a look of resigned helplessness before following suit. Zong Lan’s mouth turned bitter. Every man present in this core group was a powerhouse capable of dominating a region, yet he sincerely doubted they could capture Zhenshan Pass.

Inside Zhenshan Pass, there was not only You Wusheng, but two other masters of the Profound Warrior realm as well. And there were more than ten Martial Grandmasters—all trusted confidants of Grandmaster Yuan, willing to die fighting for him.

However, after only a brief internal moment of doubt, Zong Lan cast aside all distractions and followed at full speed. A surge of martial spirit flooded his chest. He was naturally direct, not one for deep contemplation. Having long followed Zong Weiran’s commands, he usually disliked using his brain. His proposal to bypass the Pass was only because the matter was grave, and he had to consider Zong Shou’s safety and minimizing casualties among the Black Fox Iron Cavalry.

By his true nature, he preferred to disregard caution and simply charge the battlements—that was true exhilaration. Charging the Pass with six riders might seem reckless, but why not indulge the Young Lord in one mad venture?

The thought sparked, and Zong Lan forcefully channeled a thread of inner qi into his Dragon-Horned Winged Horse, accelerating instantly. He shot past Zong Shou, taking the lead and being the first to step onto the entrance of the iron chain bridge.

Standing tall, his imposing figure completely shielded Zong Shou. Zong Lan then activated a spirit technique, causing the surrounding mist to thicken, enveloping the riders near him and muffling every sound.

Yet, they had only galloped a thousand zhang down the iron chain bridge when a loud roar echoed from the distant stronghold above the Pass.

"Is that Zong Lan approaching? Your Mist Concealment Illusion technique is poorly executed today. Sneaking about like this suggests ill intent. If you choose to seek death, do not blame me."

Hearing this, Zong Lan gritted his teeth and roared back, "You Wusheng, may your ancestors—I have recorded your words, but I will settle this with you later! Young Lord Zong Shou has arrived! Why have you not opened the gates? Do you wish to die?"

Tan Tao, hearing this, frowned slightly. It was true that Zong Shou's subordinates were fools. If Zong Lan hadn't mentioned the Young Lord, there might have been a chance to bluff their way through the Pass. By announcing the Young Lord's presence now, he only ensured the enemy would be fully alert, needlessly increasing Zong Shou’s peril.

Far above, You Wusheng let out another burst of manic laughter. "It is indeed the Protector of the Young Lord returning home! Haha, I was just telling someone that given your rash nature, Zong Lan, you might actually be foolish enough to try forcing Zhenshan Pass. I never thought you’d actually show up. Truly a famous fool who acts without thinking—I, You Wusheng, am truly impressed!"

Rage burned in Zong Lan’s chest, causing all three thousand strands of his hair to stand on end. He forcibly suppressed his fury. "Young Lord Zong Shou is the legitimate heir of the Lord, the true master of Qiantian Mountain! How dare you show disrespect, You Wusheng?"

"Bah! He is nothing but a crippled waste who cannot practice martial arts. A weakling who cannot even lift a chicken—what right does he have to be my lord, You Wusheng?"

Beneath the city walls, You Wusheng sneered coldly and spat fiercely. By now, Zong Lan’s group had reached the midpoint of the iron chain bridge, less than four thousand zhang from the gate. Although shrouded in fog, the two parties could vaguely make each other out.

Seeing that there were indeed only a handful of people approaching, You Wusheng was momentarily surprised. Then his gaze fixed directly on Zong Shou. After a brief appraisal, a slight look of pleasant surprise crossed his face. He hesitated for a moment before a look of vicious ruthlessness replaced it.

"All crossbowmen, draw your bolts! Target the brat behind Zong Lan, and fire a volley! Hah, a weakling without a shred of qi dares to return to contest the Demon King position? Aim carefully! Shoot that Young Lord dead, and I, You Wusheng, will personally request rewards from the new Demon King! What are you afraid of? Young Master Zong has always been decisive, fair in judgment and reward; he will certainly not treat you poorly! Move!"

There were only two thousand garrisoned armored soldiers and a thousand crossbowmen currently atop the city walls. The rest of the troops were still in the barracks below the walls, only just being roused.

Though the archers all drew their bows and nocked arrows, and the hundred and fifty giant ballistae on the battlements were also aimed at the bridge, their expressions were hesitant. No matter how You Wusheng urged them, none dared to fire the first shot.

You Wusheng frowned slightly. Seeing Zong Lan’s party approaching within a thousand zhang of the walls—only a few dozen breaths away—his patience finally snapped. He turned and slashed his saber. A flash of blade light soared dozens of zhang high, cleanly severing the heads of nearly a hundred men. Blood splattered everywhere, painting the air a blinding crimson.

You Wusheng paced the battlements, holding his saber, his voice as cold and bleak as if spat from the Nine Hells Abyss. "You insist on defiance instead of obedience! Anyone today who dares not fight to the death, I will personally end his life! Fire!"

The thousand archers dared not hesitate any longer. The thwack-thwack of taut bowstrings immediately rang out in waves as arrows rained down upon the iron chain bridge.

Dozens of men who were slightly slower to act found no need for You Wusheng to intervene; his personal guard, wielding blades and axes, swiftly cut them down. Immediately, another fifty corpses fell upon the battlements.

This struck a chill into the hearts of the thousands of armored soldiers and archers.

As the thousand arrows pierced beyond the city walls, the spirit formation within the Pass automatically activated. Traces of wind force bolstered the arrows, instantly increasing their velocity. Combined with the hundred and fifty bolts from the ballistae, they instantly covered the thousand zhang distance, plunging down in a concentrated attack.

The few figures below suddenly accelerated, evading the vast majority of the incoming fire.

For the remainder, the first response was to channel dan energy to summon a gale out of thin air, blowing most of the arrows aside. Then, Li Luo soared into the air. His dual blades danced, unleashing over a hundred strikes in an instant. Sharp blade energy severed every remaining arrow. However, a few still slipped through. Li Luo himself was struck by three arrows, his face turning a mottled gold and purple. Hu Zhongyuan and Tan Tao both grunted in unison; both were unlucky enough to be hit. Fortunately, their heavy armor held firm, and their injuries were not severe.