The sitting stretched on for another two shichen. Not until the first light of dawn crept over the eastern horizon, casting its glow across the land, did everyone here feel a collective easing of tension, a sensation akin to surviving a great disaster.

Then, faintly from the direction of the Linhai Academy, sounds of an argument began to drift over—students, along with two Doctors, seemingly confronting those few who had fled first, like Xi Yan. The crowd had clearly split into two opposing factions.

Jin Buhui let out a cold laugh, rose to his full height, and declared, "There is a change coming to Julong Mountain; I fear a fierce battle looms. The masters of those Crystal Ants are still among them. If you still wish to live, retreat quickly. If you insist on seeking death, no one can save you—"

The noise of the argument instantly ceased. On the stone pillar opposite, every face was pale, and fear was already creeping into the eyes of many, sparking a desire to withdraw.

The impression left by yesterday was far too profound. Over twenty people had perished overnight. Had it not been for Zong Shou’s prior warning, enabling everyone to prepare, and his establishment of a formation base for them here in advance, perhaps the entire group would have been wiped out by the Crystal Ants.

After speaking, Jin Buhui ignored the rest of the crowd and turned to Zong Shou with a smile. "I have a taste for adventure. The more dangerous the situation, the more I want to see what trick those fellows are pulling. However, this path ahead is quite perilous, so traveling with Your Highness will offer a welcome mutual support."

Zong Shou was of the same mind. He held no interest in this sudden upheaval, but the projected image left by the Martial Saint was something he absolutely would not miss.

He gathered the residual Beast Crystal Spirit Stones that hadn't been fully depleted nearby, preparing to move. After a moment's thought, he signaled Gong Yue to follow as well.

He was confident that even in more dangerous circumstances, he could ensure the safety of his companions without worry.

As they proceeded toward the mountaintop, the path ahead remained blessedly free of danger. Not a single spirit beast that inhabited the mountain was sighted. Without a doubt, they must have been utterly swept away by yesterday’s ant swarm.

Thinking of the Demonic Fire Crystal Ants, a chill ran down Zong Shou’s spine. He asked out of curiosity, "Brother Jin, who exactly is the master of the Demonic Fire Ant Queen? Since they are a Seventh Order powerhouse, wouldn't attacking us on the Cloud Continent violate the rules?"

"Who said they were Seventh Order?"

Jin Buhui shook his head. "But I can’t blame Brother Zong for not knowing. This person is a figure from our Central Cloud Continent, styling himself the 'Ant True Man.' Like you and me, he is only a Spirit Master of the Huan Yang Realm. However, twenty years ago, he obtained an Ant Queen egg and took it as his innate guard. After decades of cultivation, he successfully nurtured a swarm approaching one hundred thousand strong. Therefore, his strength is unparalleled on the Cloud Continent; even some genuine Heaven Rank Martial Ancestors or Day Roaming Spirit Masters are no match for him."

Zong Shou was startled. He truly had no idea such a figure existed in the Central Cloud Continent.

A cold awe settled in his heart. He had thought himself invincible below the Seventh Order, based on mastering dozens of sword intents and the foundation of his past life’s experience. Now, it seemed he had truly underestimated the heroes of the world.

This Ant True Man alone commanded a power equivalent to a million soldiers. Using an Ant Queen as a guardian—what an outlandish notion, yet he had actually succeeded.

He also pondered curiously why such a figure had come to Julong Mountain. Was it merely to comprehend the Martial Saint’s projection? But then why had he unleashed the ant swarm yesterday? Listening to that final screech, it sounded as though the Ant True Man had engaged in battle with someone?

Puzzled beyond measure, Zong Shou understood that the best course of action for him was to steer clear and keep his distance.

Fortunately, the summit of Julong Mountain was occupied by the powerhouses of various sects, so he did not need to worry on that front.

Gong Yue, being carried by Zong Yuan, spent the entire journey examining Zong Shou with curiosity.

He found this person utterly mismatched with the description given by Gong Xinran in her letters.

The letters described Zong Shou as profoundly honest and kind-hearted, a pitiful soul perpetually distressed because he was unable to cultivate. Yet, from Gong Yue’s perspective, whether he was honest or not remained to be seen, but he was certainly a ruthless individual.

As for cultivation, this person’s combat prowess rivaled that of the most outstanding core disciples of the Haoxuan Sect. If someone like this was considered pitiful, what did that say about everyone else?

Thinking of this, Gong Yue couldn't help but feel that Zong Shou’s temperament certainly didn't qualify as honest and simple.

The four-hundred-li journey, with the four of them traveling at full speed, took only three shichen to complete.

Upon arrival, streams of people gradually became visible again. Forces from all sides were present, including numerous disciples from the Demonic Sects. These people had ascended from the western sea route and thus had avoided the ant swarm.

Julong Mountain was divided into an inner and an outer gate. Core disciples of renowned sects could enter directly through the inner gate. It was said that only twenty slots were available in total; no more could enter.

Someone of Zong Shou’s background, however, had to use the outer gate. This required passing through the numerous restrictions left by the Martial Saint, solving the riddles to glimpse the true essence of his inheritance. The only difference was that entering via the inner gate was much quicker.

Zong Shou already possessed a slot for the outer gate, arranged by Wei Xu before he departed. At that time, Wei Xu likely hadn't envisioned that Zong Shou would swallow both Xiping and Tianfang Provinces within a few months. As the local authority, he could bring in as many people as he wished.

In the crowd, Zong Shou spotted several familiar faces, and a few cold stares immediately fixed upon him.

Zong Shou looked back and saw a youth in brocade robes standing about a hundred zhang away, flanked by several powerfully built men whose bearing suggested military origins; they stood motionless as bedrock. All of them wore cold expressions filled with deep-seated hatred. The youth’s features bore a resemblance to Yue Guanyun.

One glance confirmed for Zong Shou that this must be Yue Guanyun’s son, Yue Linghuan. They had clashed over military strategy on the battlefield before. Zong Shou had won decisively but had failed to seize all four provinces; Yue Linghuan, despite his defeat, had preserved the capital necessary to stage a comeback. This was their first face-to-face meeting.

Furthermore, a thousand zhang away, a woman was also gazing over with curiosity. Zong Shou recognized several of the people near her as former guards of Xiong Ba. Unsurprisingly, this woman must be the so-called Xuan Yu Princess. What was unexpected was that she did not possess the large, coarse physique of the Bear Tribe; her appearance was delicate and beautiful, though her height was indeed striking—nearly nine chi tall, she stood statuesque, looking like a crane among chickens.

"Your Highness seems to have quite a few enemies..."

Jin Buhui also sensed the tension in the atmosphere and chuckled, clearly intrigued. Since Zong Shou’s arrival, eight out of ten people had turned to look at him, their expressions all slightly peculiar.

Zong Shou managed a self-deprecating smile, broad and bright. "My father the King certainly made enemies of the world, and I haven't fared much better now. For safety's sake, Brother Jin, perhaps it’s best if you don't stay too close to me, lest you get implicated."

Among the crowd, there were naturally those who were friendly. Nearly half were affiliated with the subsidiary sects of the Cangsheng Dao. Zong Shou immediately spotted Zhao Yanran and Xuan Yunlan. They had left over twenty days prior to return to their sects to participate in viewing the Julong Martial Saint's projection. Zong Shou needed to maintain distance from the Cangsheng Dao, so he could only offer a brief nod of acknowledgement.

He paid little attention to the rest, moving to a quiet spot to sit on a clean bluestone.

As time passed, the crowd here swelled to nearly a thousand people. Individuals had traveled not only from the native Eastern Cloud Continent but also from the other four continents and twelve islands.

Jin Buhui did not separate from him, staying seated together, his bean-sized eyes fixed intently, sweeping his gaze across the surroundings as if searching for someone’s trace.

Finally, on the third day, streams of brilliant light descended from the sky one after another. Without needing to look, everyone knew that the true high masters of the various sects had arrived.

Zong Shou’s eyebrows rose as he sensed their auras. Every one of these newcomers was above the Seventh Order. Several of the older ones were even above the Eighth Order, practicing either spiritual arts or martial paths. Their arrival immediately silenced the chatter in the area. The highest-ranked among them was a man in his forties who seemed to have some connection with Jin Buhui. The latter winked at him slyly, eliciting only a cold snort of refusal from the middle-aged man, who clearly did not wish to acknowledge him.

Zong Shou instantly realized this must be someone from the Haoxuan Sect, likely an elder of Jin Buhui. "That’s my Eldest Martial Brother, Xuan Taiji. Don't let his appearance fool you; he is a genuine Six Meridian Martial Venerable. It’s a pity his personality is too rigid and a bit dull. He is the one presiding over the Julong Mountain Martial Saint projection this time—"

While he was speaking, someone walked over from the side. Jin Buhui didn't recognize him, but Zong Shou’s eyebrows shot up; he knew this person to be Han Nishui. He possessed an elegant demeanor, the picture of a refined gentleman. With his hands clasped behind his back, he strolled up to the small group, scrutinizing Zong Shou and Zong Yuan briefly. Upon seeing Jin Buhui, he showed a slight surprise but quickly dismissed it.

"It has been a little over ten days, yet Your Highness’s complexion seems even better! Your Highness truly has great courage, daring to come here with only one person—are you not afraid of any unforeseen incident?"

Zong Shou replied with a brilliant smile, "It seems Brother Han has been deeply concerned about my safety for a long time—"

Han Nishui’s gaze sharpened, followed by a light chuckle. "You could put it that way. The humiliation Your Highness inflicted over a dozen days ago, Han Nishui and the Shangxiao Sect have taken to heart. Naturally, we are even more concerned about Your Highness’s life and death." He added, "There is one more matter I must inform Your Highness about. Soon, I will personally travel to Xuan Mountain City to propose marriage. Han Nishui had intended to give up on this match, but now I have changed my mind; I absolutely intend to compete with Your Highness for her—" (To be continued)