The Imperial Arena Competition?

Gu Xichen let out a few cold laughs, repeatedly gazing at the crimson, dragon-shaped flying sword in his hand. The sword had no hilt; the dragon’s tongue formed the tip, and the split tail fanned out on either side to serve as stabilizers for flight. Its body was covered in minute scales, each a powerful talisman inscribed with restrictive magic enhancing sharpness, acceleration, and searing heat. The sword measured three feet and three inches long, glowing blood-red, constantly emitting a scorching wave of heat that burned the ground into pitted holes.

This sword was named 'Flame Dragon,' an extraordinary treasure acquired by the True Yang Sect at immense cost from the neighboring country of the Nü Gong Kingdom, the wealthy Nü Yue Kingdom on the Shuitui Star. In Gu Xichen’s eyes, this flying sword was merely a common low-grade Immortal Artifact, its forging technique unremarkable, and its power among the lowest tier of such artifacts.

However, on the Shuitui Star, a low-grade Immortal Artifact was a magical tool only qualified for use by the Sect Master and Elder-level experts of the True Yang Sect.

Here, the body of any wild beast was comparable to a Void Realm cultivator, and the physical body of an ordinary Daoist cultivator was as formidable as a Celestial Immortal specialized in body refinement. The artifact refining standards on the Shuitui Star were generally poor, rendering self-refined flying swords and magical treasures quite weak. The value of an artifact that could easily injure a cultivator and pierce their physical defenses was, therefore, immense.

Flicking the Flame Dragon Sword lightly, Gu Xichen shook his head and exhaled a plume of Pure Yang Fire Essence, effortlessly refining the flying sword. This was also a kindness from the True Yang Sect; were it not for him offering the Nine Revolutions True Thunder Art, even with his Golden Core stage cultivation, he wouldn't have received such a 'fine' flying sword, regardless of his genius.

After refining the Flame Dragon Sword, he also refined and donned a set of high-grade Spirit Artifact level, Pure Yang attributed armor, the 'Flame Lion Armor.' Gu Xichen then focused all his attention on the large pile of Insight Slips and golden jade tablets before him.

These tomes were the collected secret texts concerning formations, talisman inscriptions, and restrictive arts accumulated painstakingly by the True Yang Sect over the years. This included some collections related to short-distance teleportation arrays. Of course, the True Yang Sect's strength was limited, and the collected texts were decidedly rudimentary, but Gu Xichen merely intended to use these materials as a pretense.

He simply wanted to convey an attitude: that he had acquired this knowledge through diligent study and research, rather than having it spring forth fully formed, mastering all restrictive methods instantaneously.

Naturally, he could have chosen a simpler path: using the Primordial Heavenly Demon to deceive everyone on the Shuitui Star, ensuring no doubt arose regarding his appearance or the knowledge he possessed. But the figures he would face in the future were Saints. If he utilized the power of the Primordial Heavenly Demon, the consequences were dire. Deceiving people momentarily with illusions was one thing; maintaining a long-term magical deception was unpredictable in its fallout.

Those Saints had operated here for countless years; if, one day, a person controlled by the Primordial Heavenly Demon appeared before them, it would be hard to guarantee they wouldn't detect a flaw, leading him straight into a trap.

This was why Gu Xichen used the Gandharva along with the Heavenly Women and Demon Women to secretly scheme against the powerful figures of the Shuitui Star, destroying their physical bodies and all divine cultivation, allowing them to possess ordinary people as replacements. He only utilized his inherent charm and seduction, deliberately avoiding the use of any divine or secret techniques—the rationale was precisely the same.

Being misled by brilliant seduction was entirely different from being misled by brilliant enchanting magic!

He had to act with utmost caution!

He was facing Saints!

Therefore, Gu Xichen picked up these classics with solemn gravity and began to study them intently. This served as his fundamental grounding in the laws governing this universe: the most basic methods of restraint, the simplest restrictive inscriptions, and the most foundational understanding of how to manipulate the spiritual energy of the five elements, space, and time—everything he began to study from the most superficial angle.

Years of cultivation passed unheeded. By the time Gu Xichen had integrated all the texts collected by the True Yang Sect and used them as a foundation to deduce and develop a complete set of fundamental Heavenly Dao laws, incorporating the essence of his own Heavenly Dao Ornaments, three months had elapsed. The Imperial Arena Competition before the Empress of the Nü Gong Kingdom was imminent.

Summoning a young attendant, whom he had accepted as a disciple and named Nanli Xiao Yi, to carry the stack of texts, Gu Xichen leisurely left his secluded cultivation cave. He first visited the True Yang Sect's Scripture Repository to return all the volumes to the managing Elder.

Guo Hua and the other two had also emerged from their seclusion. Seeing their radiant complexions, it was clear they had also gained significantly over the past three months.

The four exchanged smiles and proceeded together to the Main Hall of the True Yang Sect. All the high-ranking members of the sect and a selection of elite disciples had already assembled there. These chosen elite disciples were all at the Golden Core stage, though their cultivation levels were hardly comparable to Gu Xichen and his companions.

As Gu Xichen and the other three entered the Main Hall in tandem, the ninety-six selected elite disciples looked upon them with complex expressions. Various meaningful gazes swept over them—including doubt, jealousy, provocation, and outright malice, especially from a young man clad in a red robe.

Casting a cold glance at the tall, imposing, and handsome youth, who stood eight feet high, Gu Xichen moved forward with measured steps and bowed to Yang Wusheng and Elder Yang Shan, who were seated in the Main Hall. Yang Wusheng nodded happily and smiled, "Good, Martial Nephew Nanli, you've arrived too? This time..."

Before Yang Wusheng could finish, the red-robed youth abruptly stepped out from the ranks of the elite disciples, strode boldly toward Yang Wusheng, and asked with a forced, insincere smile, "Sect Master Martial Brother, whose disciples are these four? What qualifications do they have to participate in this Imperial competition? Heh heh, Martial Brother, the cave mansions I fancied seem to have been given to them?"

Yang Wusheng’s expression flickered slightly. Yang Shan immediately rose and sternly rebuked, "Yang Xin, do you have the right to speak in the Main Hall?"

The red-robed youth, Yang Xin, crossed his arms haughtily and declared, "Elder Martial Brother Yang Shan, perhaps you are confused? If I have no right to speak in the Main Hall, then neither do you! Don't forget, you know who my biological father is!"

This blunt statement silenced Yang Shan, leaving him speechless. His body trembled for a moment, and he heavily returned to his seat, choosing instead to sulk in silence, unwilling to speak another word. The True Yang Sect's Pure Yang True Scripture cultivated a Pure Yang technique, yet it wasn't a particularly advanced method; in Gu Xichen’s view, it barely qualified as Qi Cultivation, merely a way to circulate energy akin to instinct. Consequently, those cultivating the Pure Yang True Scripture developed excessively vigorous Yang energy, resulting in fiery and explosive temperaments.

Yang Shan’s current trembling posture suggested he likely harbored murderous rage but was utterly powerless against Yang Xin.

Yang Xin raised his chin, looking down his nose at Gu Xichen with a cold sneer, "This 'Martial Nephew,' or perhaps 'Martial Grand-Nephew,' by what right are you here today? By what right do you become the elites selected by our True Yang Sect to participate in the Imperial Competition?"

A short, squat youth in red armor, looking shifty like a rat, hopped out beside him. He glared at Gu Xichen and sneered, "And why did the four of you get those four cave mansions beneath Great Yang Peak? Those were the ones Martial Uncle Yang Xin wanted!"

Yang Wusheng finally spoke, softly ordering, "Yang Xin, step back. Matters of the sect are for us to decide!"

He shot a stern look at the squat youth, who flinched, but he remained glued to Yang Xin's side, adopting an attitude that clearly dismissed Yang Wusheng's words, relying wholly on Yang Xin's backing. Yang Wusheng’s face instantly flushed scarlet as if smeared with blood, and a suffocating wave of heat erupted from his body.

Yang Xin completely ignored Yang Wusheng’s words, maintaining his arrogant coldness. "Sect Master Martial Brother, what do you mean by that? Yang Xin holds no intention of disrespecting the Sect Master’s authority—I am merely seeking justice for so many disciples of the sect!"

Glancing sideways at Gu Xichen, Yang Xin spoke coldly, word by calculated word, "I only wish to ask: by what right do these four receive the four cave mansions at Great Yang Peak, the best spiritual veins on Pure Yang Mountain! By what right do they participate in this Imperial Competition?"

Gu Xichen suddenly let out a deep sigh. He glanced lethargically at Yang Xin, shook his head, and stated, "By what right? By the right of having stronger skill than you!" He pointed a finger toward Mo He.

Mo He suddenly let out a ferocious cold laugh. He lunged forward abruptly, like a fierce tiger pouncing, his right fist clenched tightly, trailing a crimson arc of fire straight towards Yang Xin’s face.

Yang Xin’s expression changed, and fire blazed around both his hands, faintly accompanied by the sound of thunder. He raised both hands toward the sky, meeting Mo He's heavy punch head-on without flinching. The joints in his body cracked audibly, and he roared, "A mere junior who has only been in the sect for a year—" A thunderous impact interrupted Yang Xin’s words.

Mo He's heavy fist landed squarely in the center of Yang Xin's upheld palms. A colossal, surging force howled outward, sending Yang Xin flying back a hundred Zhang. He slammed into the Main Hall wall, denting the thick structure by a full Zhang.

Yang Xin’s rigid body hung suspended in the crater for a full two breaths before the latent force contained within Mo He's punch finally dissipated. He slid out of the large indentation like a piece of paper, collapsing silently onto the ground, unable to move.

Due to the unique physical constitutions of low-level cultivators in this universe, ordinary spells and incantations they cast could not harm cultivators of the same rank. Thus, they relied more on close-quarters combat methods similar to body cultivators; flying swords and magic tools were often just aids, helping them run faster, fly higher, or see further.

The fact that Mo He’s single punch left Yang Xin immobilized, without even a whimper, proved that Mo He's cultivation comprehensively overwhelmed Yang Xin. Since Yang Xin was already at the peak of the Golden Core stage, this implied Mo He possessed cultivation equivalent to the Nascent Soul stage? The Main Hall fell utterly silent after that one punch.

The squat youth who had spoken up to challenge Gu Xichen alongside Yang Xin instantly turned pale. He tried to slink silently back into the ranks of the elite disciples. But Gu Xichen was not about to let him go. Gu Xichen casually flicked a finger, and three rays of rainbow light shot out, transforming in the air into three Thunder Seals, which quickly coalesced into a miraculous thunder script the size of a large measure of grain.

With a sharp crack, the thunder script shot rapidly toward the face of the squat youth, exploding in a blinding flash.

The youth screamed in agony. Almost ninety-nine percent of the flash's power was forcefully injected into his eyes. The intense heat and light seared his vision, causing tears to stream down his face as his eyes instantly swelled like two bright red peaches, his eyelids squeezed down to mere slits.

Yang Wusheng didn't spare a glance for the unconscious Yang Xin or the squat youth screaming and scrambling on the floor. He merely nodded to Gu Xichen with pleasant surprise, "This demonstration of the 'Eye-Slaying Thunder Light Curse' was executed with such effortless grace—excellent, truly excellent!"

Gu Xichen clasped his hands behind his back, slightly bowing his head in feigned humility. He smiled calmly, "Over these three months, this disciple has only superficially studied the various restrictive arts of the sect. However, the Eye-Slaying Thunder Light Curse has significant utility, so I practiced it a bit, and it proved useful just now."

Nodding with appreciation, Yang Wusheng looked at the numerous elite disciples in the hall, all frozen in terror, and declared coldly, "Regarding the Imperial Competition, the positions you are competing for have already been clearly marked. The position of Nine Gates Commander General in the Imperial Capital is reserved for our Martial Nephew Nanli."

With a solemn gaze sweeping over the disciples, Yang Wusheng softened his tone and said kindly, "Among you, twenty of you have the task of assisting our Martial Nephew Nanli in securing this Nine Gates Commander General post and all the staff and military positions beneath it. Do not give the Hidden Yin Sect a single opportunity!"

Over ninety True Yang Sect elite disciples responded in unison, each bowing respectfully to Yang Wusheng.

With Mo He’s powerful punch delivered first, followed by Gu Xichen's nonchalant Eye-Slaying Thunder Light Curse that felled the squat youth, none of these elite disciples doubted that Gu Xichen and his three companions were the focal point of the True Yang Sect's support this time. Who would dare, like Yang Xin, foolishly oppose Yang Wusheng and the others?

Having disciplined the disciples, Yang Wusheng signaled to the attendant disciples in the Main Hall to carry away the unconscious Yang Xin—whose body was scalding hot as if being boiled—for treatment.

Yang Shan quietly explained Yang Xin’s background to Gu Xichen. His biological father was the direct Martial Uncle of Yang Shan’s lineage. Thirty years ago, Yang Xin’s father, along with all the previous generation of experts and elders of the True Yang Sect, attended the Shuitui Star’s once-every-sixty-year Daoist Assembly. During the struggle for a specific heavenly treasure, all the previous high-level experts and elders of the True Yang Sect were slaughtered by their opponents.

Because Yang Xin's father had sacrificed himself for the True Yang Sect, and because his father was the Chief Elder of the previous generation, the entire sect showed indulgence toward Yang Xin. Yang Wusheng found it difficult to discipline him, leading to Yang Xin’s increasingly overbearing and arrogant behavior within the sect.

Now that Gu Xichen had taught Yang Xin and his lackey a lesson, let alone Yang Shan, even Yang Wusheng was secretly pleased.

Gu Xichen nodded dismissively; he hadn't taken Yang Xin seriously at all. This was merely a minor interlude.

Yang Wusheng then rallied the remaining elite disciples, encouraging them fiercely and promising them the finest flying swords, magical artifacts, spiritual medicines, and elixirs. He even stipulated that elite disciples who performed exceptionally well in the coming contest would be rewarded with extraordinarily beautiful women, further igniting the desire of many disciples to fight hard.

The True Yang Sect and the Hidden Yin Sect were the two giants of the Nü Gong Kingdom’s military establishment; their disciples constituted the kingdom's two regular armies. They competed not only for military positions throughout the Nü Gong Kingdom but also for the allocation of national resources and control over the kingdom's court.

In recent years, the True Yang Sect had consistently been suppressed by the Hidden Yin Sect. If not for the emergence of these four outstanding disciples like Gu Xichen this time, the True Yang Sect would not have had the spirit to engage in a major confrontation with the Hidden Yin Sect. If not for this, how could the Flame Dragon Sword have so easily fallen into Gu Xichen’s hands?

After finalizing all arrangements, the contingent from the True Yang Sect departed Pure Yang Mountain and rode toward Puji City, the capital of the Nü Gong Kingdom.

Excluding the True Yang Sect elders like Yang Wusheng, and including Gu Xichen’s group of ninety-eight elite disciples, the accompanying force consisted of three thousand True Yang Sect disciples, all clad in armor, wearing military dress, and riding the Nü Gong Kingdom's native six-legged, four-eyed Unicorns. Their procession was grand and loud, stirring up towering clouds of dust.

The distance from Pure Yang Mountain to Puji City was several hundred li. Every thirty li along the route, white-clad women could be seen watching from roadside hills—female disciples dispatched by the Hidden Yin Sect to scout out intelligence, who had nearly penetrated the True Yang Sect’s mountain gate.

Whenever the large formation of the True Yang Sect passed by, these Hidden Yin Sect female disciples would release signal flares into the sky, sending streaks of white light soaring upwards, exploding in large bursts of white light to mark the True Yang army’s movements.

The expressions of Yang Wusheng and the other high-ranking officials of the True Yang Sect turned extremely grim. The True Yang disciples looked at the strangely altered women with complex feelings; some of their bodies even trembled involuntarily.

Gu Xichen couldn't help but let out a cold snort. The disciples of the True Yang Sect had been oppressed and humiliated by those women for far too long. Even before engaging in battle, some of their confidence had already dwindled significantly—how could they possibly contend with the fierce women of the Hidden Yin Sect then?

He snorted again and galloped forward another thirty li. By a large tree a hundred Zhang away by the roadside, three Hidden Yin Sect female disciples were raising their hands, intending to release their signal flares. Gu Xichen suddenly let out a piercing cry and soared into the sky. A cloud of fire erupted beneath his feet, carrying him rapidly toward the three women.

Fifty Zhang away from the women, Gu Xichen shouted, and the Flame Dragon Sword shot out as a streak of light several Zhang long. With a gesture, the sword light split into three beams, easily piercing the chests of the three women, shredding their six hearts into pulp. The three Hidden Yin Sect women stared at Gu Xichen in disbelief—why would he dare commit murder?

Gu Xichen had already flown past, snatching the storage bags from the women. He stuffed everything he deemed valuable into his own storage bag, including all the miscellaneous items. Given the Hidden Yin Sect's power in the Nü Gong Kingdom, their disciples carried considerable resources. Even the most common materials in this universe were highly valued by Gu Xichen, so he scraped everything clean.

Yang Wusheng’s face suddenly turned crimson. He looked at Gu Xichen, then took a deep breath.

Gu Xichen swiftly brought his sword down, severing the three women's heads. He then strode back to the formation carrying their grimacing heads, mounted his steed, and menacingly hung the three bloody heads on his saddle’s pommel.

As the three heads swung by the pommel, and the True Yang Sect procession moved forward, a faint scent of blood drifted outward. The waists of the True Yang disciples seemed to straighten almost imperceptibly.

Gu Xichen remained silent, but Guo Hua suddenly roared at the top of his lungs while galloping forward, "This is a damned age where matriarchy reigns supreme! Those women can use violence to pillage men wantonly! But why can't we turn the tables and oppress them? Why can't we use force to seize what we men desire?" Sai Len raised his right hand and shouted, "Destroy those vile women! Let us conquer all the beauties!"

Mo He stood up precariously on his saddle, vigorously shaking his broad shoulders and shouting loudly, "Brothers, stand up like real men! We men have been bullied for so many years; it is time to rise! With our blades, with our swords, with our strong... we will carve out a world for us men!" Faintly, some True Yang disciples began to murmur their agreement with the stirring words of the three.

Yang Wusheng and the other high-ranking members of the True Yang Sect exchanged glances, a slight smile touching their lips, before sighing softly. The strength of the True Yang Sect was truly inferior to that of the Hidden Yin Sect—inferior to them.

The women on this planet were too formidable; their innate strength was dozens of times that of men, and their physical constitutions were superior. Even when cultivating the Daoist arts, unless they reached the Spirit Transformation stage or higher, they could not contend with the cultivators of the Hidden Yin Sect. For those at the Nascent Soul or Golden Core stages, in close combat, the females held an absolute advantage over the males! The slogans were stirring, but putting them into practice would be incredibly difficult.

As they traveled, ever since Gu Wuchen struck down three female disciples of the Hidden Yin Sect, every scout the Hidden Yin Sect sent out had met with terrible fortune. Provoked by the four of them, the disciples of the True Yang Sect became fiercely aggressive, attacking the women in white without hesitation. They fought their way right up to the gates of Puji City, and the saddle straps were already adorned with dozens of severed heads.

Before the gates of Puji City, several female officials, guarded by a large contingent of soldiers, awaited the arrival of the True Yang Sect members. Seeing the disciples of the True Yang Sect approach with the heads of the Hidden Yin Sect members hanging from their saddles, the faces of the female officials immediately changed. One official, dressed in green with a purple-gold silk sash around her waist from which hung a red jade seal, suddenly jumped up and pointed at Yang Yuansheng, cursing, "You fool who doesn't know the value of life! How dare you harm my Hidden Yin Sect disciples?"

Yang Wusheng let out a cold snort. He looked at the female official and sneered, "Great Imperial Rider, are you speaking in your capacity as a high official of the dynasty, or as an Elder of the De Yin Sect?"

The Great Imperial Rider was one of the three highest-ranking military officials in the Female Gong Kingdom, alongside the Great Imperial Martial and the Great Imperial Soldier, jointly commanding all military affairs of the realm. The Great Imperial Rider managed the martial affairs of the Female Gong Kingdom's capital—in essence, holding the combined positions of Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Guard and the Capital Military Region Commander. Furthermore, this Great Imperial Rider was one of the eighteen Deity Transformation stage Elders of the Hidden Yin Sect, named Li Shenfan.

Hearing Yang Yuansheng’s reprimand, Li Shenfan stomped her feet furiously and cursed, "You scoundrels! What capacity I speak in is none of your business! Yang Wusheng, you are truly inviting death! You dare kill my Hidden Yin Sect disciples? Your True Yang Sect is getting bolder and bolder!"

This Li Shenfan was ten feet five inches tall, her body a mass of knotted muscle. Though her face was aged, her physique was frighteningly robust. When she jumped, the ground beneath her feet shook the very gates of Puji City, showing the sheer magnitude of her strength.

Just as Yang Wusheng was about to speak to the raging Li Shenfan, Gu Wuchen interjected, "Did we kill disciples of the Hidden Yin Sect? Why did they act like bandits waylaying us? They didn't even announce their names before charging forward, trying to forcibly seize our True Yang Sect disciples. We had no choice but to put them to death!"

Li Shenfan, who had been stamping with rage, suddenly ceased her frantic jumping. She merely stared with her pair of triangular eyes, fixing her gaze intently on Gu Xiechen.

Yang Yuansheng let out a laugh as if suddenly enlightened. He said sternly, "Great Imperial Rider, please see clearly. Whom we executed were merely female bandits blocking the road, not disciples of the Hidden Yin Sect. They bore no insignia of the Hidden Yin Sect; how were we to know their origins?"

Guo Hua interjected from the side with a sarcastic whine, "Are they really Hidden Yin Sect disciples? Really? Could it be that the Hidden Yin Sect can no longer even support its own members, forcing them onto the roads to rob people?"

Shu Pengxing noted that this was, after all, a relatively primitive planet where martial prowess reigned supreme. The people here were accustomed to solving problems with muscle and dealing with matters through violence. Never before had anyone encountered people like Gu Wuchen and his group, who were so adept at turning black into white and fabricating charges out of thin air.

When Gu Wuchen righteously declared that all those they executed were merely female brigands who tried to rob them, the dignified Great Imperial Rider of the Female Gong Kingdom was left speechless, unable to muster a proper reply.

Gu Xiechen smiled as he watched the stammering, trembling Great Imperial Rider. He chuckled softly, "If the 'Dieda Beast' doesn't block the road, we request the Great Imperial Rider to clear the passage. We are here to participate in the Imperial Arena Martial Competition for military positions, not to admire your impressive physique."

The so-called Dieda Beast was a domestic animal raised by commoners on Shuitui Star, similar to the 'dog' on Earth—a pet highly valued for guarding homes. Comparing the Great Imperial Rider to a Dieda Beast was both insulting and a deliberate provocation.

Yang Wusheng and the other high-ranking members of the True Yang Sect burst into synchronized laughter. Amidst the laughter, the True Yang Sect disciples rode their mounts past the Great Imperial Rider with a thunderous sound. As Gu Xiechen passed by the Great Imperial Rider, he casually picked up one of the heads hanging from his saddle strap and tossed it lightly at the official's feet.

The other True Yang Sect disciples followed suit, throwing down the heads one after another until a small pile of severed heads accumulated at the Great Imperial Rider's feet.

The Great Imperial Rider and the female officials beside her stared intently at the heads below. After a long moment, she suddenly broke into a sinister grin: "Tell the disciples of our sect, in this Imperial Arena Martial Competition, they must not hold back. Kill these damned men without mercy."

Gu Xiechen rode alongside Yang Wusheng and Yang Shan. He appeared calm, gazing at the scenery of Puji City while speaking in a low voice, "The Hidden Yin Sect will certainly resort to vicious tactics. If we are not careful, the disciples of our True Yang Sect will suffer heavy losses in the upcoming competition."

Yang Wusheng and Yang Shan’s complexions shifted slightly. Faint ripples of divine sense spread around them, clearly indicating they were communicating strategy via telepathy. Gu Xiechen merely observed the surroundings; this exotic scenery was truly a rare sight!

The streets and buildings of Puji City were unremarkable, nothing worth mentioning. However, the streets were unusually wide and flat, paved with thick slabs of the finest stone. The architecture was also tall and heavy, with every residence appearing capable of serving as a fighting fortress.

The city was populated entirely by robust, broad-shouldered women. Only occasionally would they spot a beautiful woman who fit Gu Xiechen’s aesthetic standards, and judging by their attire, such women were always servants or attendants.

What astonished Gu Wuchen the most was that at the very center of Puji City, at the bustling intersection where four major thoroughfares converged, stood a nine-story brothel.

Hundreds of gorgeously dressed men—some delicate and pretty, others strong and imposing, some languidly graceful or robustly built—stood on the brothel's balconies, waving small handkerchiefs and shouting down to the street: "Oh, that strong and mighty mistress, you are so beloved...~~ Come visit us!"

Gu Xiechen stiffened completely. Guo Hua, Siren, and Mo He all broke out in cold sweat.

Glancing fearfully at those 'delicate' men, Gu Wuchen lowered his head.

Guo Hua stared blankly at the men and suddenly let out a long sigh toward the sky, "How unbearable! How unbearable!"

The True Yang Sect disciples rode their mounts past the entrance of the brothel in sullen silence. The spark of fiery spirit they had managed to muster was mercilessly crushed into dust by the sight of that establishment.

Yang Wusheng coughed lightly and sighed in a low voice, "Such is the way of the world; we can only strive forward... Um, Nephew Nianli, as you predicted, the Hidden Yin Sect will surely try to kill our True Yang Sect disciples today. Do you have any good countermeasures?"

Gu Xiechen pretended to ponder for a moment before quietly asking, "Does the Female Gong Kingdom have regulations on the maximum number of official posts one person can hold?" Yang Wusheng seemed to grasp the implication, pondered briefly, and slowly nodded.

Gu Xiechen said no more. The main force of the True Yang Sect thundered through the marketplace and proceeded directly to the Imperial Palace of the Female Gong Kingdom.

The three thousand True Yang Sect disciples serving in the regular army returned to their barracks on either side of the palace. Gu Xiechen and the other elite disciples, led by Yang Wusheng, followed several simpering men toward the main court hall in the center of the Imperial Palace. It was here that Gu Wuchen finally saw the current Empress of the Female Gong Kingdom with his own eyes.

Although he had spied on the splendor of the current Empress, the 'Emperor Qingwu,' countless times with his divine sense, seeing her in person still shocked him profoundly with her unbelievable physique and appearance.

The Imperial Court Hall of the Female Gong Kingdom was exceptionally magnificent, spanning over two li in length and width, soaring over a hundred zhang high. Forty-eight massive stone pillars supported the heavy dome, and the pillars were carved with innumerable statues depicting fierce female warriors battling various beasts.

Below the vast hall, a nine-tiered Cloud Platform forged entirely of metal stood out conspicuously. The platform emitted a faint purple-gold luster. Every time Gu Wuchen’s gaze swept over it, he felt an overwhelming urge to snatch it away. It was the unique hue of pure 'Xuan Yang Soul-Attaching Sand,' an excellent material for forging spirit treasures focused on soul attacks.

In his original universe, Gu Xiechen had obtained countless rare treasures and an abundance of innate materials, yet he had never even seen a trace of the legendary Xuan Yang Soul-Attaching Sand. Here, these women of the Female Gong Kingdom had used this exceedingly rare innate material to forge a Cloud Platform!

On that platform rested a circular throne, twelve feet in diameter, intricately carved with countless exquisite patterns. The craftsmanship was superb, the carving perfectly executed. However, unless one used divine sense, the naked eye absolutely could not appreciate these fine details. The folds of flesh hanging from the massive, seated figure on the throne completely obscured all the carvings, so no matter the viewing angle, one could only see her bronze-colored flesh, not even a small piece of the throne underneath.

The current Empress of the Female Gong Kingdom, Emperor Qingwu, was the only early Void Realm cultivator in the entire realm—a terrifying woman two zhang and one chi tall, weighing over five thousand jin! She sat cross-legged on the circular throne with a stern face; the flesh on her body draped in layers. Occasionally, when she moved, heavy waves of flesh would ripple, emitting a 'slap, slap' sound.

As Gu Xiechen and the others entered the court hall, Emperor Qingwu was thoroughly enjoying a roasted beast leg. Seeing the True Yang Sect disciples enter, Emperor Qingwu hastily stripped the very last bits of meat and sinew from the leg, chewed the bone to fragments in two or three bites, swallowed it, and then accepted a towel from two handsome youths serving her to dry her hands. She nodded majestically towards Yang Wusheng. "Your True Yang Sect is growing bolder! Attacking and killing Hidden Yin Sect female disciples all the way here—who are you trying to intimidate?"

Yang Yuansheng immediately bowed deeply to Emperor Qingwu, repeatedly insisting he dared not. Following the charges Gu Xiechen had fabricated against the Hidden Yin Sect disciples, he spun a flowery, elaborate lie, recounting how the executed Hidden Yin Sect disciples had formed a group to rob the True Yang Sect on the road. The details he described, the thrilling sequences—they were incredibly vivid, even more brilliant than a professional storyteller’s script. Emperor Qingwu’s face twitched, and then she laughed suddenly, "Oh, is that so?"

Yang Wusheng bowed respectfully again, "That is so."

"Hmph!"

With a deep sigh, Emperor Qingwu patted her immense stomach, which stretched from her neck to her legs, causing another large wave of bronze-colored flesh to ripple. She shook her head helplessly and sighed, "Forget it, forget it. As long as there is an explanation, it is passable. You True Yang Sect, the Hidden Yin Sect... why can't you think of the Female Gong Kingdom? Must you keep fighting like this?"

Yang Wusheng sighed and replied in a low voice, "The tree wishes for stillness, but the wind will not cease. It is not my fault, Your Majesty."

Emperor Qingwu snorted, rolled her eyes, and glanced sideways at Gu Xiechen and the others. When she saw Siren standing behind Gu Xiechen, her eyes lit up again, and she laughed gleefully, "This must be Nanli, yes? Hey, what a handsome young man!"

Siren’s expression changed, and he slowly lowered his head. In his divine sense, he wailed to Gu Xiechen and the others, "Is it my fault that I am born beautiful?"

Gu Xiechen tucked his hands into his sleeves, drooped his eyelids, and sighed deeply, "It is not your fault; it is original sin! Alas!"

Looking at Siren, who stood silent with his head bowed, appearing shy and modest, Emperor Qingwu's appetite was immediately stirred. She laughed loudly, swaying her massive body as she stepped down from the throne. With a heavy tread, she walked up to Siren and reached out to touch his face. Siren's fingers twitched; he was ready to deliver a fatal strike to Emperor Qingwu.

As it happened, just as Emperor Qingwu was finishing her meal, one of the beautiful youths attending her, incomparably enchanting with a face like a peach blossom and eyes like lotus petals, and a figure swaying like a weak willow in the wind, rushed down from the Cloud Platform and grabbed Emperor Qingwu’s arm. "Your Majesty, have you forgotten Little Yi'er? This youth gently stomped his foot, put his arms around Emperor Qingwu's arm, and swung her side to side, exuding an indescribable allure and unrestrained charm. Emperor Qingwu's bones instantly softened and melted under his coaxing.

Lifting Little Yi’er, who stood less than a third of her height, Emperor Qingwu planted a forceful kiss on his face. She laughed out loud, "Little Yi'er, Ma Yi’er, how could Your Majesty forget you? Hehe, Nanli, you must perform well this time!"

Distracted by Little Yi’er, whom she called Ma Yi'er, Emperor Qingwu's lustful gaze directed at Siren dissipated by more than half, leaving only a slight lingering reluctance. She instructed Siren to work hard in the Imperial Arena Martial Competition and strive to win the position of Grand Commander of the Six Palace Guards, ensuring he did not disappoint her deep affection. Siren’s fingers flexed; forced to keep his head down, he nearly vomited from disgust.

Emperor Qingwu chuckled happily, returning to her throne holding Little Yi’er, and began nuzzling and kissing him. That Little Yi'er was quite unrestrained; in front of everyone, he constantly pawed and climbed over Emperor Qingwu’s chest and abdomen, moving like a butterfly flitting among flowers, keeping her thoroughly amused, causing the Empress to burst into loud laughter—the 'Dragon Face was greatly pleased.'

Gu Xiechen chuckled coldly. This Little Yi'er was a possessed Gandharva, and moreover, a famous king in Gadhavan history.

Observing his skillful charming tactics, one couldn't help but admire him; it seemed Emperor Qingwu was fast falling into his trap. However, considering the absurd disparity in size between Little Yi’er and Emperor Qingwu, Gu Xiechen was curious how he managed to enchant the Empress in bed? Could love and sparks possibly ignite between a little white rabbit and a giant brown bear?

Because her beloved was right beside her, Emperor Qingwu lost interest in further questioning. She happily gave a few instructions to Yang Wusheng and then dismissed the assembled True Yang Sect disciples from the court hall. The next day was the official start of the Imperial Arena Martial Competition, and she told the disciples to rest well and aim for high rankings.

Yang Wusheng bowed in assent. Seeing Little Yi’er and Emperor Qingwu already engaged in playful intimacy, he quickly led the disciples out of the hall.

The group had barely exited the main hall and descended the steps before a blast of chilling wind struck them.

A woman in white, possessing unparalleled beauty and a flawless appearance, walked toward them step by step amidst the cold wind. "Yang Wusheng, your True Yang Sect has truly grown bold!"

Yang Wusheng’s body trembled. He looked at the beautiful woman and responded calmly, "Mistress Yang Yin, what is the meaning of this?"

The leader of the Hidden Yin Sect, Mistress Yang Yin, walked slowly before the group, her gaze sharp as a knife, stabbing fiercely at the faces of Gu Wuchen, Guo Hua, Siren, and Mo He. "Nothing much. I just want four people from you."

Mistress Yang Yin said coldly, "My chambers have been empty recently, and I happen to be short of four companions to warm my bed!"

She lightly waved her fingers across the four men starting with Gu Xiechen, then stated calmly, "Hand them over to me!" Yang Wusheng's face turned ashen.

Gu Xiechen suddenly burst into loud laughter, laughing so hard he bent over, pointing at Mistress Yang Yin and roaring, "With just you, you dare to take on the four of us brothers simultaneously?" The faces of everyone present turned pale simultaneously.

Pig Head's cold has half-cleared, but Old Lou is sick again. Alas~! D