The white streak moved with incredible speed; even if one blinked, the shadow would vanish. Because it was at the periphery, only a few Great Perfection masters noticed its existence.

Soon, the white streak reached the cavernous gateway of the Dragon Family Plains. As expected, no Dragon Family disciples were guarding it, but instead, there were quite a few people from other sects and families.

These individuals were not highly cultivated, none surpassing the Third Layer. They maintained a distant watch, merely observing who entered and who left, then relaying this information back.

It was fortunate the Dragon Family members weren't present; otherwise, they would surely be enraged.

The thousand-year-old Dragon Family’s gateway had become occupied territory, openly encroached upon—such a thing had never occurred before.

"Someone's coming!"

A young disciple from the Li Family suddenly stood up, and the Hua Family members beside him also raised their heads.

Not far from them, others were also gazing into the distance.

The five major forces currently present had clearly divided into three factions. The strongest alliance was undoubtedly that of the Demonic Sect and the Zhou Family of the Demonic Path. They inherently represented the Demonic Path, which, after so many years, had not declined but instead held dominion and stood opposed to the Orthodox Path, naturally possessing the means to do so.

Furthermore, hidden within these two factions were two Great Perfection level experts.

The second force was the united front of the Hua and Li Families. These two thousand-year-old aristocratic families also possessed two Great Perfection experts, yet they were outnumbered by the Demonic Path factions in the number of Fourth Layer experts.

The final faction was Wudang. Although Wudang was just a single sect, their foundation was solid; no one would dare underestimate them even if they stood alone. However, Wudang had the fewest Great Perfection experts, which was their disadvantage.

The three forces maintained a fragile non-aggression pact, yet they were mutually wary. For the time being, none made a move, all quietly inhabiting the Dragon Family Plains.

The people guarding the gateway also belonged to these three factions. Just as they looked up, a white streak arrived from the distance and quickly reached their vicinity.

The speed of the white streak was utterly beyond their imagination.

"So fast!"

The first Li Family disciple to spot the arrival couldn't help but exclaim. When the white streak reached the cave entrance, it stopped, allowing everyone to finally see clearly: it was a white horse, with a young man riding it.

"What a fine horse. Where did that horse come from? Could it be the Dragon Family's?"

Someone from the Demonic Sect eyed the white horse with unconcealed greed.

"Shut up! Do you want to die?"

As soon as he spoke, his companion from the Zhou Family pulled him away, carefully covering his mouth.

The white horse, the young man—it was naturally Zhang Yang riding Zhui Feng. Arriving here on Zhui Feng, Zhang Yang glanced lightly at the Demonic Sect disciple, then dismounted and walked straight toward the cave exit, with Zhui Feng leisurely following behind.

"It's him!"

The Li Family disciple's eyes widened. This disciple had attended the Dragon Family Grand Competition before and recognized Zhang Yang. The Hua Family disciple beside him hadn't attended last time and hastily lowered his head to inquire.

"Why did you pull me?"

The Demonic Sect disciple, having been restrained and having his mouth covered, appeared quite displeased and questioned his Zhou Family companion. This companion looked about thirty years old and possessed late-Second Layer strength. Because he was a member of the Demonic Path, his practical combat experience exceeded that of ordinary Orthodox Path cultivators, meaning his true strength was higher than a typical late-Second Layer practitioner.

He had considered intercepting Zhang Yang and Zhui Feng earlier, intending to bring them back as a gift for the elders of his sect.

They had been here for several days, and he knew clearly that the Hua and Li Families, as well as Wudang, did not possess such a horse. The rider must be a Dragon Family disciple.

Since he was from the Dragon Family, he could be treated however they wished—at least that was the current thinking among these disciples.

"I pulled you back to save you. Do you know who that is? Are you seeking death?"

The Zhou Family disciple glared at him. The Zhou Family's lineage spanned over 1,600 years, making them the only aristocratic family in the Demonic Path with a history exceeding a millennium.

Demonic Path aristocratic families faced a much harsher environment than their Orthodox counterparts. For the Zhou Family to survive so long, they naturally possessed unique methods.

"Who is he? Isn't he just a young brat from the Dragon Family?"

The Demonic Sect disciple asked doubtfully. He had spent most of his time cultivating arduously in the Southern Border Swamps and knew little about outsiders or current affairs. Had it not been for this trip, he might have remained confined to his sect indefinitely.

"The Dragon Family? Who told you he's from the Dragon Family? Didn't you notice that white horse is a spirit beast?"

The Zhou Family disciple spoke irritably. Zhui Feng’s speed clearly indicated formidable strength. This man dared to covet it—he truly didn't know what sort of person the Demonic Sect had produced.

"The white horse is a spirit beast?"

The Demonic Sect disciple’s eyes widened, then he immediately said, "Then shouldn't we report it quickly? A spirit beast! We can’t catch it, but the elders in the sect surely can! Perhaps there will be a..."

"A head of yours! Have you cultivated yourself into idiocy?"

Before he could finish, the Zhou Family disciple sharply tapped him on the head. The Demonic Sect disciple paused, growing even more confused.

"Do you even know the origin of that spirit beast? That is the Celestial Steed, a spirit beast from the Heavenly Mountains! The only one who possesses a Celestial Steed is Zhang Yang, a disciple of the Zhang Family. Do you know that Zhang Yang already broke through to the Fourth Layer six months ago?"

The Zhou Family disciple could no longer hold back and shouted, "What!?" While the Demonic Sect and Zhou Family usually harbored grudges, when cooperating, they acted like one family.

This was something the Orthodox cultivators could never achieve. Although the Hua and Li Families were allied, they remained mutually suspicious.

"What? That kid is a Fourth Layer expert?"

The Demonic Sect disciple's eyes bulged, his expression a mixture of disbelief. Zhang Yang looked extremely young, perhaps only in his early twenties. Who could imagine he was comparable to the strongest Fourth Layer experts in their sect?

These Second Layer disciples were unaware of the existence of Great Perfection masters, nor did they know the specific purpose of this gathering.

Their only role in being present was running errands; they would not be involved in any actual conflict.

"Now you know why I pulled you back! If you want to die, I won't stop you, but try snatching it after he returns!"

The Zhou Family disciple snorted coldly. The Zhou Family had more information regarding Zhang Yang; many had heard tales about him.

This man had never seen Zhang Yang, but upon seeing the lightning-fast Zhui Feng and judging Zhang Yang's age, he immediately deduced his identity. Someone so young possessing a white horse spirit beast, yet daring to travel so openly—it could only be Zhang Yang.

"I'm not going!"

The Demonic Sect disciple stuck out his tongue. The other party was a Fourth Layer expert; daring to approach him would be suicide. Even if he genuinely wished to die, this wasn't the method he'd choose for self-destruction.

The Zhou Family disciple rolled his eyes, feeling utterly helpless toward his companion.

There was one thing he hadn't mentioned: before reaching his current cultivation, Zhang Yang had already teamed up with his spirit beast to kill a Fourth Layer expert. Now that Zhang Yang had advanced to the Fourth Layer, he had become even stronger and more terrifying.

"You stay here and watch. I’m going back to report. No matter why Zhang Yang is here, it must be reported!"

The Zhou Family disciple whispered, then quickly departed. The Li Family disciple beside him also left, and someone from Wudang rushed off as well.

The Wudang member had also recognized Zhang Yang, and someone was sent back to report this news. For them, this was monumental; no one knew when the Zhang Family of the Medical Saint lineage had arrived at the Dragon Family Plains.

"Elder, you finally arrived!"

After emerging, Zhang Yang hadn't traveled far before seeing Zhang Pinglu and Zhang Daofeng. Both had already reached the outskirts of the Dragon Family Plains.

Zhang Pinglu had used a secret Zhang Family art to signal Zhang Yang that he was nearby, prompting Zhang Yang to seek him out.

"This time, the Dragon Family is in deep trouble. With the five major forces gathered here, even if Old Man Long is present, it will be difficult to handle!"

Zhang Pinglu said with a smile. He hadn't entered, but he was already fully aware of the situation inside. With the five major forces united, even with a Dragon Family Great Perfection master, it would be hard to hold them off.

However, if the Dragon Family Great Perfection master were alive, the outcome wouldn't be like this. Those groups would fear his existence and never dare to ally against the Dragon Family. If the Dragon Family Great Perfection master hadn't died unexpectedly, these factions wouldn't have thought of taking advantage of their crisis.

With the Dragon Family Great Perfection master present, if anyone dared to bully them, regardless of how many people arrived, he would certainly fight to protect the Dragon Family. Fighting desperately on their home turf, even five united Great Perfection masters wouldn't be sure of defeating the Dragon Family master without sustaining injury themselves.

Even if they could kill him, they risked getting hurt themselves, allowing others to reap the benefits. Every Great Perfection master had something they protected and personal motives; this was why they were called Guardians.

It was precisely for this reason that Zhang Pinglu felt so assured once Zhang Yang achieved Great Perfection strength. To defeat the two Great Perfection masters of the Zhang Family, at least five Great Perfection masters would need to unite, and under such a desperate fight, they would likely inflict severe injuries on one or two of the attackers.

Five Great Perfection masters would never be truly united, nor would they risk their own injury to deal with them. Without such a unified front, the Zhang Family had already become the most powerful entity.

"The Dragon Family Great Perfection master is indeed gone. The Dragon Family’s strength will inevitably decline this time, but with us here, preserving their family's legacy should not be an issue!"

Zhang Yang also smiled, feeling a surge of confidence due to Zhang Pinglu’s arrival.

"Since you have a plan, proceed as you see fit. Daofeng will enter with you first; I will find a way to infiltrate secretly!"

Zhang Pinglu said again, his suggestion perfectly aligning with Zhang Yang's thoughts.

If Zhang Pinglu appeared openly at the Dragon Family Plains, he would certainly be detected by the Great Perfection masters of those major factions. His energy hadn't reached the level of refinement Zhang Yang possessed, making concealment impossible from them.

If Zhang Pinglu’s presence could be concealed, it meant Zhang Yang held an additional trump card.

Knowing the enemy and hiding one's own strength when possible, Zhang Yang didn't mind concealing his power for now. Moreover, revealing their strength too early might result in the Dragon Family pushing them to the forefront, forcing the Zhang Family into direct confrontation with these families and sects—a result Zhang Yang did not desire.

He would save the Dragon Family for the sake of Long Feng, even sacrificing himself, but he absolutely would not risk the entire Medical Saint lineage.

"Good, Grandfather and I will go in first. Elder, please be careful outside!"

Zhang Yang nodded in agreement. Zhang Pinglu chuckled again, looking mockingly at Zhang Yang, and soon Zhang Yang laughed too.

Aside from Great Perfection masters, there was nothing in these Kunlun Mountains that could threaten Zhang Pinglu. Even if facing one Great Perfection master alone, Zhang Pinglu felt no fear. Fights between Great Perfection masters caused huge disturbances, and if Zhang Yang noticed, he could provide support. The presence of two Great Perfection masters already placed them in an unassailable position.

After laughing for a while, Zhang Yang and Zhang Daofeng departed. Zhang Pinglu concealed himself.

Strictly speaking, Zhang Daofeng was the true representative of the Zhang Family. Previously, in any matter involving the Zhang Family’s emergence, Zhang Daofeng had always taken the lead.

When speaking of the Zhang Family externally, most people thought of Zhang Daofeng, an established Fourth Layer expert.

When leaving, Zhang Yang was alone on horseback; upon returning, there were now two people, which stunned the remaining disciples of the five major forces at the gate again.

Soon, Zhang Daofeng’s identity was recognized, and this news was reported back.

Zhang Daofeng made no effort to conceal himself, following Zhang Yang directly through the plains and into the Dragon Family Palace, walking boldly into the Dragon Family under the gaze of the various powers.

Previously, allies with close ties to the Dragon Family had entered the Dragon Family Palace, but they were all subdued and carried clear expressions of anxiety.

Not one behaved like Zhang Daofeng, seemingly eager for everyone to know their presence; he walked slowly, chatting and laughing with Zhang Yang the entire way.

Despite this, no one dared to stop them along the path.

"Brother Daofeng, I didn't expect you to come in person this time. The Dragon Family will never forget this great kindness from the Zhang Family!"

Long Haotian, the Grand Elder Long Yi, and other elders appeared at the main entrance, offering Zhang Daofeng the highest level of reception. The speaker was Long Yi, though his eyes darted around as he spoke.

The Grand Elder Long Yi's warmth had little effect. Zhang Daofeng stated frankly, "Long Yi, our relationship with your Dragon Family isn't that deep. If it weren't for Long Feng, I wouldn't have come!"

Long Yi was slightly older than Zhang Daofeng, but they were considered contemporaries, both currently at the Middle Fourth Layer cultivation.

Zhang Daofeng's bluntness toward Long Yi caused him embarrassment and a sense of helplessness.

Long Yi understood clearly that the Zhang Family was deeply angered by the Dragon Family's attitude during the previous Grand Competition. While previous gestures of reconciliation had some effect, a rift had formed.

"Brother Daofeng, has Senior Zhang arrived?"

Suppressing his discomfort, Long Yi still smiled and asked quietly.

Long Haotian and the other Dragon Family disciples beside him looked nervously at Zhang Daofeng. For them, Zhang Pinglu was the most important; Zhang Daofeng’s strength was not weak, but they currently did not lack Fourth Layer experts.

"The Elder’s whereabouts are unpredictable. If he promised to come, he will surely come, but I don't know when. Perhaps he is already here!"

Zhang Daofeng’s answer was the same as Zhang Yang’s. The Dragon Family members could only offer awkward smiles laced with disappointment as they ushered Zhang Daofeng inside.

Zhang Daofeng and Zhang Yang stayed together. Beside them were members of the Ouyang Family, and other Fourth Layer experts from several families were housed nearby. Dragon Family disciples meticulously served them daily.

The combined strength of these individuals was not negligible; having so many Fourth Layer experts was enough to make the outside factions wary.

As soon as Zhang Daofeng was settled, the major forces outside convened a secret meeting.

The Hua and Li Families gathered all their Fourth Layer experts. Only the two Family Heads were present without Fourth Layer cultivation.

Seated at the head of the room were two individuals: Hua Feitian of the Hua Family and Li Jianyi of the Li Family.

Zhang Yang's sudden appearance and Zhang Daofeng’s blatant entry into the Dragon Family Palace had struck them hard. It meant the Zhang Family was now involved, regrettably choosing to side with the Dragon Family rather than them.

With the Zhang Family as an ally, the Dragon Family's status instantly rose significantly, especially since the Zhang Family possessed a Great Perfection master.

"Old Ancestor, since the Zhang Family's Great Perfection master is not here, I believe we should strike sooner rather than later; the sooner we act, the greater the reward!"

Li Wenruo, the Li Family Head, stood up and stated his opinion. Previously, both Hua Feitian and Li Jianyi had scouted the entire Dragon Family Plains but failed to find Zhang Pinglu.

"I agree. Once we attack, the Demonic Sect and Wudang will surely grow anxious and won't just stand by. If they attack together, even the Dragon Family’s grand formation won't be able to stop them. We can seize the best opportunity by attacking first and entering the Dragon Family Palace,"

The Hua Family Head also stood up, agreeing with the Li Family's proposal.

Seeing the Hua Family Head agree, Li Wenruo’s face broke into a smile. They had formation experts; once they attacked, they could locate the flaws in the grand formation, allowing them to break in first and thus secure the largest haul.

The earlier they entered, the greater the spoils.

After the two Family Heads spoke, the other elders remained silent, looking toward the two figures in the center.

They knew perfectly well who held the most influence and the final decision in this room.

"Brother Feitian, what is your opinion?"

Li Jianyi turned his head and asked Hua Feitian softly. He was much older than Hua Feitian, but given their equal strength, the address "Brother Feitian" was fitting.

Since arriving, Hua Feitian’s brow had been slightly furrowed. No one knew what he was contemplating.

Li Jianyi found Hua Feitian's demeanor strange, which prompted his inquiry.

"I believe we must unite all five families to have a chance of success. Just the two of us is not appropriate!"

After a moment, Hua Feitian slowly nodded and spoke softly.

His words stunned everyone present; no one expected Hua Feitian to propose such a thing.

"If a union were possible, we would have joined forces long ago, and the Dragon Family would have perished; we wouldn't be waiting until now. Brother Feitian, surely you are not becoming overly cautious just because the Zhang Family has joined? This doesn't suit your nature!"

Li Jianyi smiled and shook his head. The five factions were deadlocked precisely because they couldn't get along.

If they had allied earlier, the Dragon Family's formation wouldn't have held them back; the current Dragon Family Palace would already be ruins.

"Caution ensures a long journey, Brother Jianyi. I stand by my opinion. If the five families cannot unite, our Hua Family will withdraw and will not participate. Our Hua Family can contact the Zhou Family and Wudang; you contact the Demonic Sect. We share a common goal and can surely unite!"

Hua Feitian shook his head with a wry smile and stood up immediately.

These people had no idea that the Zhang Family possessed more than one Great Perfection master. Zhang Yang also held Great Perfection strength, and his refinement of the energy of heaven and earth surpassed everyone else present.

If Zhang Yang hadn't revealed himself, even Hua Feitian wouldn't have detected his presence.