"A blatant challenger shall be struck down! A threatening voice shall be silenced! I, who have traversed myriad realms for a thousand years, have never encountered such an impudent junior—"

Before the words fully left his lips, a single streak of silver light shot forth from Zong Shou's sleeve. Moving with impossible speed through the void, it became a thousand phantom trails in the eyes of those watching.

When all the silver blurs vanished, the flying blade was already embedded precisely between the speaker's eyebrows!

Having appeared, spoken only a few sentences, and his life force was instantly extinguished, leaving only silence.

Zong Shou raised an eyebrow slightly, then, with an almost embarrassed expression, touched the bridge of his nose.

"I almost forgot there was one more thing left unsaid. Before this Sovereign, those who speak disrespectfully shall also be struck down!"

Frankly, he found the man tedious and chose to end him with a single strike instead of wasting breath.

Once these words were uttered, no one dared to utter another sound. All those present in the surrounding void remained utterly silent.

The individuals gathered here recognized the man who had just died. He was the famous and powerful sovereign of a realm.

His name was Jiu Jing. Though previously an unaffiliated cultivator, he had recently joined a major power bloc. Not only was his own cultivation profound—mid-stage Immortal Realm—but he also commanded numerous formidable experts.

Yet, unexpectedly, today he merely spoke out of turn, seeking justice for those who had just perished, and was instantly slain by this man's blade!

Those immense airships dared not approach an inch closer, terrified of accidentally drifting into the zone Zong Shou had designated as subject to immediate execution. Who knew if that proclaimed 'three-breath speed' applied to the Spirit Realm, the Immortal Realm, or perhaps even the Divine Realm?

"Those who speak disrespectfully shall also be struck down"—though this decree was voiced calmly, paired with the demise of the loose cultivator Jiu Jing, it resonated with far greater chilling force.

They were inwardly astonished, observing the youth. His aura was subtle, allowing them only to vaguely discern his power level as late-stage Spirit Realm. But how could he possess such overwhelming strength? Strength enough that the loose cultivator Jiu Jing couldn't even muster a defense! And what manner of divine ability was that flying blade?

At this moment, the six flying vessels showed a difference in reaction. While the three hundred thousand elite troops of Great Qian’s army displayed heightened reverence, even the disciples of the Cangsheng Dao and the swordsmen of the Jian Sect, who were unaware of Zong Shou's true identity, regarded him with solemn respect and were utterly captivated. Even the typically serene Buddhist disciples’ eyes gleamed with an unusual light.

"Today we learn that the title 'Invincible of the Cloud Realm' was certainly not a mere fabrication!"

"Truly the methods of the Blood Sword Demon Lord! An Immortal-rank cultivator slain with a single blade merely due to a verbal disagreement."

"Is that the legendary Six God Flying Blade Technique? How fiercely sharp—"

"To dominate one region and fight unrivaled. I seek not eternal life, only that I might possess a fraction of the Demon Lord’s divine might in the future, and I would be content."

Ci Fang, seated aboard another airship, stared fixedly at the scene above. After a long moment, he sighed softly.

"They say the fortunes of the Cloud Realm are about to surge. Even before the Spirit Tide has fully risen, figures like this appear. It is destined for great prosperity. The several Buddha Venerables planned their layouts in the Cloud Realm so early; I wonder if they foresaw this?"

Having spoken, he smiled gently towards Jing Yin behind him.

"Are you perhaps uncomfortable? This sort of slaughter is nearly barbaric. I fear it does not suit your nature."

Jing Yin shook her head and pondered aloud. "I hear that when the Great Lotus Scholar first entered the Secret Realm, he met resistance everywhere. Therefore, he summoned the Twelve Purple Gold Lotus Dais and the Three Splendors Dharma Swords, slaying one hundred thousand demons and vanquishing temples. After enduring a hundred battles, he finally pacified the Secret Realm, making it a sacred land for our Buddhist path. Master also taught us that while Buddhism advocates virtue and universal salvation, we also require Dharma-Protecting Arhats and Wrathful Vajras. To spread the Dharma universally, one must inevitably engage in Asura-like actions—"

Despite her words, a faint pallor spread across Jing Yin’s delicate features.

Ci Fang's gaze flickered, then he smiled. "There is no need to force yourself! But remember, even our Buddhist Path suffered the humiliation of being expelled from the Brahma Realm!"

As the two spoke, the void above shifted once more. Several figures stepped out, their cultivation profound, easily matching that of the deceased Jiu Jing. All wore expressions of extreme displeasure.

One of them inclined his body slightly toward Zong Shou in a respectful bow.

"Tan Jing of the Tianfang Society pays respects to fellow Daoist! My ancestors also originated from the Cloud Realm. In a sense, fellow Daoist and I are from the same hometown!"

His tone and gestures were entirely courteous. Tan Jing then raised his head, looking at Zong Shou with an inquiring gaze.

"May I ask fellow Daoist's honored name? Since you could slay the hermit Jiu Jing with a single blade, you must be a figure of note in the Cloud Realm. Perhaps I, Tan Jing, have heard of you!"

Zong Shou glanced at these newcomers, realizing these were the true decision-makers present. They had remained hidden until their subordinates’ attempts at probing and driving him away had escalated beyond remedy, forcing them to show themselves. However, since they greeted him with smiles, he couldn't immediately resort to violence. Great Qian’s time in the outer realms was long, and having established his might, creating enemies at every turn was unnecessary.

He recalled that he did have a minor grievance with the Tianfang Society. But Elder Kun Ran had died at the hands of Fang Jue, who was plotting to seize an artifact from the First Dragon Palace. Fang Jue was subsequently silenced by the Cangyan Hall after being discovered 'looting' the Zhouguang Palace. This had absolutely nothing to do with Zong Shou himself. Even if questioned, he would never admit involvement.

"This Sovereign is Zong Shou!"

These four words revealed neither his origin nor his title. It wasn't due to arrogance, but because revealing his full name would cause others to look down upon him, dismissing him as insignificant. Indeed, the faces opposite him registered blank incomprehension; they clearly did not recognize the name.

Zong Shou paid them no mind. It was fine if they knew, and fine if they didn't. Did he need to explain in detail to strangers how many people from the Daoist Sect he had killed or how many great deeds he had accomplished?

With a light chuckle, Zong Shou spoke again, "Then what is the purpose of you all obstructing the way? Are you perhaps intending to challenge this Sovereign, following the example of those before you?"

The five figures opposite frowned simultaneously, hearing the distinct tone of challenge. This very certainty made everyone present hesitant, unsure of the true situation. This confidence, this lack of fear, suggested they possessed some measure of certainty. Furthermore, all five of them admitted they had no confidence in blocking that silver blade. Therefore, for now, stalling for time and exercising restraint was the best course.

Another among them laughed wryly. "Fellow Daoist jokes! The Yuan Lian Realm remains ownerless. Since we have come, and you have also come, naturally we are competitors. We would certainly wish to stop you and have one less rival, but alas, we lack the power to do so!"

He spoke with candor, his demeanor immediately turning solemn.

"However, though we compete, there must be rules! The struggle for the Yuan Lian Realm can be left to the younger generation. We Immortal cultivators need only observe; no interference is necessary. After all, our pursuit is longevity. There is truly no need to engage in life-or-death struggle over these worldly possessions! Does fellow Daoist agree with my assessment?"

Zong Shou’s eyes flashed with curiosity upon hearing this. "This Sovereign hails from the Cloud Realm and is not well-informed about matters in these outer domains. Is this the established custom for seizing realms?"

Seeing the others nod in agreement, Zong Shou pressed further, "Then what was the explanation for the actions of those few individuals just now?" (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please come to the novel website... cast your recommendation votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)RQ