The atmosphere within the Immortal Hall was suffocatingly heavy. Everyone remained silent, the earlier topic completely dropped.

Hong Jiuchen’s face was flushed with excitement, his eyes piercing; Tan Jing merely smiled without speaking, a hint of elation playing on his features; while Fu Yue and the others drank with grim expressions. Though the immortal brew was rare and fine, they gulped it down in great draughts, oblivious to the taste.

Only Zong Shou sat at the lower seat, his expression placid, a faint, knowing smile on his lips as he poured his own drink. They sat thus in strained silence for a full day without a single word exchanged.

The dancers performing on the courtyard stage had already been replaced three times over. By now, most occupants of the hall were lost in their own thoughts.

Zong Shou, too, was covertly calculating the time; a battle involving millions was never simple, often dragging on for months before a victor could be declared. But this time, Hong Jiuchen was clearly committing everything, aided wholeheartedly by Tan Jing.

And the others, whether willing or not, seemed prepared to lend their strength. The contest for the Yuanlian Realm was nearing its conclusion, and this great war would surely be fought without regard for losses.

One side struggled for survival, the other aimed for immediate, decisive victory. Thus, in Zong Shou's estimation, this conflict would resolve itself within two or three days at most.

The turning point, he suspected, would manifest around that time. A slight upturn touched the corner of his lips; Zong Shou felt a distinct curiosity, wondering what stratagem Zhuang Yu would employ to secure victory.

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the hall. Zong Shou snapped out of his reverie, lifting his gaze in surprise.

It was Fu Yue, who had just hurled the wine cup in his hand down onto the courtyard floor. Wine sprayed everywhere, startling the dancers, who immediately ceased their movements.

Their faces turned pale, eyes wide with apprehension as they looked up at their superiors. Fu Yue scattered Saint merely let out a cold snort: “All of you, get out!

This wine has no taste. The singing and dancing are utterly wretched.

All this hopping and skipping only disturbs the mind. What chaotic nonsense—it truly muddles one’s resolve!” Hong Jiuchen’s dark brows lifted, anger flickering in his eyes.

In the end, however, he merely flicked his sleeve, signaling the women below to withdraw. “Daoist Brother Fu Yue is joking; it is not my wine that offends, nor is the performance of these attendants lacking.

Rather, is it that you, Fu Yue, hold resentment in your heart?” Fu Yue gave a cold sneer, Hong Jiuchen’s expression arrogant: “If you, Fu Yue, remain unconvinced this time, you are welcome to challenge me, Hong Jiuchen, once more. But if you do, our prior agreement is void.

Should you win, I, Hong, will have nothing to say. But should you lose, I fear the Supreme Emperor Jue will not let you off lightly—” Fu Yue’s expression shifted dramatically, his breath catching.

He finally let out a muffled groan and offered no further rebuttal. With nowhere to vent the storm within him, he looked down at Zong Shou, who sat composedly, still leisurely sipping his wine, and sneered with venomous intent: “It’s a marvel that the Sovereign Lord can still sit so calmly!

Several of us who retreat from the Yuanlian World will at least receive some compensation—a small Thousand World, perhaps. But you, Sovereign Lord, in a few days, will likely lose everything.

Exit the Yuanlian World, and even I, Fu Yue, would pity you. If I were you, I would be overcome with murderous rage—” Zong Shou was momentarily speechless; why were these two bickering drawing him into their feud?

Hong Jiuchen remained unmoved by the remark. The emaciated old man beside him fixed a serpentine gaze upon Zong Shou, his eyes brimming with mockery.

A pressure of intent descended, seemingly a warning. Tan Jing chuckled lightly: “Sovereign Lord possesses magnanimity; he would never be like you, Fu Yue.

Besides, Daoist Brother Zong has troubles of his own at this juncture! If you Daoist Brother Fu Yue wish to incite the Sovereign Lord to violence with words, you may find it difficult to achieve your goal!

Brother Zong, am I correct in saying this?” As he spoke, the shame he had previously displayed vanished, and he raised his cup toward Zong Shou again. “Brother Zong’s bearing is extraordinary, which greatly impresses this humble servant!

Though we lose this contest, it is not due to a failure in battle. It is a pity we cannot cooperate; should opportunity arise again, I will certainly join forces with you—” Zong Shou smiled and shook his head, showing no intention of replying, leaving Tan Jing hanging in the air opposite him.

No matter how good his temperament, he had no desire to exchange pleasantries with such a man. Tan Jing felt no awkwardness; after a brief smile, he drained his own cup.

Then, in the next instant, his eyes brightened: “It seems there is progress!” He reached out and snatched a red flying bird from the void. In Tan Jing’s grasp, the bird suddenly disintegrated, shattering into dozens of streaks of spiritual light that danced before him, coalescing into several characters.

The others did not understand, and Zong Shou could not decipher them either. However, he surmised this was a unique communication method employed by the Tianfang Society, designed to prevent interception.

Similar techniques were also used by the Cangsheng Dao. Indeed, a moment later, Tan Jing flicked his sleeve, brushing the characters away, and laughed: “Well done, Gui Xuan!

This general under Brother Hong is truly formidable. In just about a day, he successfully launched a surprise attack on Linxu City, breaching the defensive line from there.

They are currently consolidating—it is expected they will soon strike deep into the enemy’s belly from this breach—” Seemingly sensing this statement was somewhat inappropriate, Tan Jing offered Zong Shou an apologetic smile: “Sovereign Lord, my apologies; my phrasing was clumsy, please forgive me!” Zong Shou still did not respond; this time, it was not intentional. He had fallen into deep thought: Linxu City?

How could it be at that location? With Zhuang Yu’s military acumen, how could he be so careless?

Come to think of it, that name sounded familiar; he might have paid attention to it recently. Countless thoughts raced through his mind as he sifted through all the terrain maps and troop deployments near Linxu City.

The area was dominated by successive mountain ranges. Yet, Zhuang Yu had indeed not deployed many troops there.

Partly due to insufficient forces, and partly due to the topography—Linxu City guarded a mountain pass, making it strategically critical. It did not require many generals to hold the position securely.

What was slightly unexpected was that Zhuang Yu’s most elite unit, the Sovereign’s Guard, had been stationed there. He momentarily lost himself in thought, a flicker of understanding dawning.

So that was it. Well done, Zhuang Yu, you truly have not disappointed— Hearing this, Hong Jiuchen showed little joy; instead, he frowned.

“I have received no word from my side yet!” Tan Jing smiled and shook his head: “That is likely because your esteemed general is too cautious. Though I have not met him, I am somewhat familiar with Gui Xuan’s temperament.

He is aloof, steady, and prudent. He certainly won't report to Brother Hong until he secures a definitive result.” “That is true!” Hong Jiuchen smiled: “That is just how he is!

Speaking of which, within the Yuanlian Realm, he is the only talent who can match Zhuang Yu! It is a shame about Zhuang Yu; he is quite a remarkable fellow.” He then turned to Zong Shou: “Brother Zong is indeed discerning in choosing men.

This time, you lost because your forces were too weak. Even the cleverest housewife cannot cook without rice!

Once the victor is decided, Hong will still make a friend of you, Brother Zong. In the future, for the annual trade within the Yuanlian Realm, your Great Qian Immortal Dynasty, along with the others present, may participate and take a half-percent share!” Fu Yue let out a scoff—a half-percent?

Was this charity? Seeing Zong Shou still staring blankly, seemingly crushed by the defeat, he shook his head inwardly, too lazy to respond, and prepared to rise and leave with a flick of his sleeve.

The matter here was settled; lingering served no purpose, and he had no desire to watch these two gloat. Just then, a soft chuckle was heard from the side.

He turned his gaze and saw Zong Shou. He was momentarily stunned; had this fellow lost his mind out of stubborn resentment?

Not just him—Hong Jiuchen, Tan Jing, and the silent Mu Fang and Cha Houhu also looked over. All were equally perplexed, their expressions strange.

Zong Shou paid them no mind. A purple-gold talisman pierced through the layers of the world barrier, descending toward the Cloud Heaven Realm.

Since Zhuang Yu had not disappointed him. Then Zong Shou naturally would not fail this man… At that very moment, within the Yuanlian Realm, beside a narrow mountain path.

Zhuang Yu rested his sword upright in the earth, his figure standing like a tower atop a small hill. To his right stood an infantry contingent of twenty thousand men.

All wore white armor, powerfully built and robust, carrying broad-bladed greatswords. They stood as steady as mountains, silent and still, upright in their positions.

No clamor, no superfluous movement, they resembled statues carved from stone. Though only a mere twenty thousand souls, their aura appeared boundless and majestic.

He Daoren, clad in a purple-gold robe, stood beside Zhuang Yu. His gaze was fixed forward, unable to suppress his tension.

If this point were broken, his dominion, the Great Xuan State, would be cleaved in two. The entire defensive line would then surely crumble.

“Brother He does not appear worried?” “How could I not be? Before I arrived, my heart trembled with fear.

But now that I know I arrived half a day ago, my worries have eased.” He Daoren smiled, turning his head to see Zhuang Yu open his eyes, a dazzling divine light like lightning flashing within them. “Since Brother Zhuang foresaw this, you must have a countermeasure?

The fall of Linxu City must have also been within your expectation.” “Not exactly. I didn't expect it to fall this quickly!

Gui Xuan’s skill in warfare is indeed impressive! It is a pity those comrades in Linxu City couldn't retreat in time—” Zhuang Yu took a deep breath, his expression tinged with sorrow: “Then, Brother He, do you know why I chose this location for the decisive battle?” Decisive battle?

He Daoren’s eyes flickered. As far as he knew, Zhuang Yu had not deployed significant forces nearby.

Could it be that this man had some other arrangement? “I do not know!” He was genuinely clueless and shook his head: “I only know the terrain here is extremely complex, unfavorable for large armies to maneuver, and unsuitable for cavalry charges.

One misstep could mean the severance of our retreat and the annihilation of the entire force!” “Retreat? Where is the military strength left for me to cut off their rear?

Gui Xuan is a cautious general; he wouldn't allow such an opportunity. The reason for choosing this place is simply a lack of forces!” Zhuang Yu gave a self-deprecating sneer, then his gaze sharpened like a knife: “Therefore, only here can we have a fighting chance.

When paths cross narrowly, the brave prevail!” (To be continued)RQ