At the Danquan Spirit Mansion, Xuan Yuan Yiren, seated just outside a grand hall, suddenly opened her eyes. Her gaze remained fixed on the doorway, yet her divine sense detected a voice arriving directly behind her.

"Foolish child, what is the point of all this? Senior Brother Ming Dan is known for his wisdom; his retreat must be for a vital reason. Given his fortitude and intellect, nothing untoward should happen to him. Yiren, why must you wait here endlessly?" Xuan Yuan Yiren arched an eyebrow; she recognized the aura, the tone—it must be her Martial Uncle, Xun Dan.

"Martial Uncle, this disciple is unharmed." "Uninjured? You have waited here for two full years, not daring to leave even for a moment. How can one not worry?"

The elder Xun Dan shook his head slightly, his face etched with helplessness: "Your marriage to Han Nishui was decided by us elders. It was for your own good; the flaw in the Xuanyue Muhuang Jue absolutely requires the Hanxuan Ancient Elixir to resolve. However, if you are unwilling, the sect will not force you. This marriage can be voided. Are you at ease with that?"

Xuan Yuan Yiren, hearing this, displayed neither joy nor sorrow, still shaking her head: "This disciple thanks you! But this disciple waits here for my Master, not because of the marriage." "Not for the marriage? Then for what reason? You are behaving recklessly! Return immediately!" A slight hint of impatience had crept into the voice.

"Martial Uncle! How is this reckless? This disciple cultivates here quietly; it surely doesn't violate the sect rules. Even if you are an elder, you cannot treat me this way." As Xuan Yuan Yiren spoke, she heard a cold sneer erupt from behind her: "That is not up to you!" As the words fell, a fierce gust of wind suddenly surged toward her. Xuan Yuan Yiren froze momentarily, her eyes showing both surprise and deep sorrow.

Though her own body had no time to react, the silver-glowing Spirit Shield hidden in her sleeve spontaneously rose into the air.

In an instant, it expanded to a circumference of several zhang, entirely enveloping Xuan Yuan Yiren’s body.

A flash of spiritual light instantly neutralized the violent gale entirely.

"A Fifth-Rank magic shield? How do you possess such a thing?..."

Xun Dan let out an astonished cry, fixing his gaze on the shield in the air. After a moment, his expression turned ashen.

"So it is the Dark Demon Sarira; no wonder you can operate it despite only having Sixth-Rank cultivation." Having seen clearly, Xun Dan ceased struggling and coldly snorted: "Did you think possessing this shield would render us incapable of touching you? Qiantian Mountain’s demise is imminent, and Xuanshan City cannot survive alone. In the Cloud Realm now, no one can protect you. The Shangxiao Sect has once again sent word to seek Han Nishui’s hand in marriage. The boy is quite exceptional; I have already agreed. It shall be set for five days from now. Whether you are willing or not, this marriage is settled. Prepare yourself." Having spoken, he clearly wished no further idle talk with Xuan Yuan Yiren. His entire form transformed into a streak of brilliant light, flying toward another peak within the Danquan Spirit Mansion.

In that very instant, a figure also materialized behind Xuan Yuan Yiren—a youth nearing thirty, his face filled with a bitter expression.

"It seems things within the sect have truly gone awry. They finally couldn't hold back and decided to make a move. Rushing to drive Junior Sister away so urgently likely means they intend to scheme against Master. It’s a pity I still cannot reach our Danquan Sect elders beyond the outer domains."

"If we could gain the aid of cultivators who have ascended beyond the Cloud Realm from the Danquan Sect, this matter could be easily resolved. Fortunately, judging by today's situation, it seems they haven't secured support from the senior elders either. Otherwise, they wouldn't resort to such drastic measures."

Xuan Yuan Yiren’s expression also dimmed: "It is this junior sister who has implicated Senior Brother Yuan Ding!"

As a woman, she could not remain guarding this place every single moment. Many times, Yuan Ding had covered for her shifts. Now that Xun Dan and the others were showing impatience toward her, they would certainly not spare Yuan Ding either.

Yuan Ding hurriedly waved his hand, signaling it was fine: "What nonsense are you speaking? I, Yuan Ding, am an orphan; it was Master who nurtured me. Serving Master is only proper and right!" He then chuckled carelessly: "I am also the direct disciple of the Sect Leader! Unless I commit a grave error, even those few elders of the sect cannot easily punish me. At worst, they’ll find some pretext to exile me far away, out of sight and out of mind. It is Junior Sister you who must now consider what to do."

Although she possessed this Fifth-Rank magic shield protecting her, which nothing below the Spirit Realm could break, if those individuals were determined to send Xuan Yuan Yiren away, they surely had other methods.

Xuan Yuan Yiren remained silent, gazing fixedly at the silver-glowing Spirit Shield still rotating above her. She recalled the day Zong Shou delivered this magic treasure to her—they were clearly within reach, yet unable to meet. Suddenly, longing surged within her chest like an unstoppable tide.

Moments later, a glint flashed in Xuan Yuan Yiren’s eyes, and she gave a slight smile: "He foresaw this long ago!" Yuan Ding was instantly stunned, completely unable to grasp the chilling implication of her words.

At this point, Xuan Yuan Yiren sank into contemplation again, her mind filled with confusion. She could not understand why those people were acting this way. The Sect Leader of their sect, while seemingly the ultimate authority, was merely an administrator for the Danquan Sect within the Cloud Realm. What was the true motive of those few individuals? Did they truly believe that by seizing the main power of the Danquan Sect, the seniors in the outer sect would simply ignore it and let them do as they pleased? She simply could not comprehend it.

Barely half a day later, at the Shangxiao Spirit Mansion, located in the northern part of the Dongling Cloud Continent, atop the highest point of the spiritual mountain, within the Lingxiao Treasure Hall.

Han Nishui held a Dao Talisman, deep in thought: "So, the Danquan Sect has agreed?" Only two people were present in the hall. Besides Han Nishui, there was an elder in black robes seated on the main cushion of the upper seat, his eyes half-open, half-closed. Only the Shangxiao Sect Leader, Daoist Yuan Kong, had the right to sit there.

"Precisely! Daoist E Dan from the Danquan Sect replied personally." "E Dan? He is the Alchemy Elder of the Danquan Sect, second only to the Sect Leader. But why not Ming Dan?" "If it were Ming Dan, he certainly would not agree. But why does it need to be him?" Daoist Yuan Kong smiled: "Internal strife has already erupted in the Danquan Sect; great chaos is imminent. Those few are eager to send Xuan Yuan Yiren over, likely wishing to prevent this woman from interfering in sect affairs."

"This disciple actually no longer cares about that Xuan Yuan Yiren..." "I know! But the intent is to force Zong Shou into a challenge!" "Wasn't it said that Yuan Wushang refused and instead slew Geng Weizi of the Lingyun Sect on the spot?" "They have swapped in another person! Dao Monarch Li Wuhui. Although the Cloud Realm has the Six Absolute Swords, there are also two swordsmen whose skill is no less than Yuan Wushang and Jue Yu! The Qiantian Army's might is overwhelming, generals are like clouds. The Qiancheng Alliance, however, remains a scattered heap. Large-scale army warfare still carries risks. If our Donglin Sects were to rashly interfere in the conflict, it might provoke the Demonic Sects or other Sacred Land sects to intervene. It is better to lure him out and gather all the military strength of Qiantian Mountain under our Shangxiao Mountain for annihilation."

Seeing Han Nishui still frowning and silent, Yuan Kong smiled again: "Have no worry! Given the current situation you are aware of, do you believe Zong Shou still possesses the power to turn the tables? Nor should you worry about Long Ying. Not only has that person from the Lingyun Sect returned this time, but the Ancestor of our Shangxiao Sect is also hurrying back. If he shows himself again, even if it costs him the last few decades of his lifespan, he cannot repeat the events of Julong Mountain from years ago."

"Julong Mountain," the three words entering his ears caused resentment to involuntarily surface in Han Nishui's eyes. At this moment, he no longer bothered to conceal it from Yuan Kong. Two years had passed, yet that hatred had not diminished; instead, with the passage of time, it grew denser, lodging itself deeply in his chest, refusing to dissipate, constantly gnawing at the flesh of his heart. He no longer cared for Xuan Yuan Yiren; he even resented her. Every time he recalled the profound humiliation suffered at Julong Mountain two years prior, Han Nishui could not sleep.

Taking a deep breath, Han Nishui bowed slightly and said solemnly: "This disciple strictly obeys Master's command!" His eyes were filled with gratitude. The disgrace of two years ago, this time he would personally return it to Zong Shou! The grievance between them arose because of this marriage, resulting in the destruction of his physical body and the loss of his face. This time, he would marry Xuan Yuan Yiren right in front of Zong Shou! Let this brat taste the torment of having his heart burned daily. No! That person probably wouldn't even comprehend it. Yuan Kong observed the entire change in Han Nishui’s expression, yet he closed his eyes and sighed faintly: "You foolish child! The events of two years ago were due to my own haste, which led to your humiliation. Your Master has always felt guilty about it. If this grievance can be resolved now and your inner knot untied, that would be for the best."

xxxxx

East of the Dongling Cloud Continent, within Dragon Elephant City.

The Lord of Dragon Elephant City, Yang Fan, also held a Dao Talisman, his expression shifting dramatically.

"Have they finally arrived? Hmm? Order Dragon Elephant Mountain City to select elites, consolidate them with the other units, and proceed to Shangxiao Mountain. Appoint Xiong Yu as the commander to control all units and lead the army west toward Qiantian Mountain. Heh heh, very good..." Although Yang Fan spoke softly, his eyes were filled with coldness.

The Lingyun Sect still did not fully trust him. Surrounding and killing Zong Shou beneath Qiantian Mountain was a thankless task; at best, the Donglin Sects would offer some small reward afterward. Conversely, Xiong Yu’s position—attacking cities and seizing territory—offered countless benefits. This showed they were unwilling to let the influence of his Dragon Elephant Mountain expand further.

Immediately afterward, Yang Fan paid the matter no mind. This situation was entirely within his expectations. If the Lingyun Sect had truly trusted him, then he would have cause for suspicion. This time, merely succeeding in eliminating Qiantian Mountain, a formidable enemy capable of unifying the Cloud Continent, was enough to satisfy him.

"Zong Shou!"

Clenching his fist violently, these words, filled with hatred, were spat out word by word from the gap between Yang Fan’s teeth. He still vividly remembered the scene two years ago when his childhood sweetheart maid was killed by the Ruoshui Sword. Now, everything could be settled. A thought stirred, and he picked up another talisman. He frowned slightly, wondering what supreme means Zong Shou had employed to summon so many Ninth-Rank cultivators. Was he sending them to their deaths? However, it probably wouldn't matter.