Hong Jiuchen’s gaze was grim, a flicker of murderous intent in his eyes. Only when Feng Taiji stepped through the hall door did it subside.

In his heart, he wished he could execute this man right then and there.

However, he knew that was merely a wishful thought.

This Feng Taiji was not, after all, a true subordinate of Zong Shou. Behind him stood the entirety of the Cloud Realm Sword Sect!

Just as Zong Shou often found his actions constrained and subject to countless reservations, they, too, were similarly hampered by numerous concerns.

While the Sword Sect might not be able to touch the Nine Capitals Immortal Court, taking the life of Hong Jiuchen himself would be trivially easy.

Moreover, since the goal was to delay matters, they could only allow this man to depart unhindered.

In war between nations, envoys are not slain; thus, this man was allowed a few more days of life.

Even if they intended to kill him, it had to be done without giving the Sword Sect an excuse for retaliation.

With a muffled snort, Hong Jiuchen shifted his gaze back.

“Elder, following your counsel, how should we handle today’s affair? If Zong Shou holds me alone accountable for this transgression, I, Hong Jiuchen, am willing to bear the consequences. At worst, I will pay with my life! But this young man is truly too arrogant!”

“More than arrogant, I’d say he’s completely lost his mind!”

Mu Fang sneered, “I don’t know what basis Zong Shou relies upon. Does he think having a Perfected Stage Saint Venerable as his master means we must bow down to him? Although Mu Fang has not yet reported back to the Holy Court, I expect several Elders, upon hearing this, will be furious!”

“This man has some capabilities, so we cannot afford to be careless. The previous incident serves as a lesson. Since he dares to provoke us this openly, he must have something to rely on—”

Tan Jing narrowed his eyes and analyzed, “We must also guard against the Asura Clan! A few years ago, Zhuang Yu, merely a general of a small nation, could support twenty thousand Profound Capital Guards. Where did this financial backing come from? Tan Jing always senses something suspicious! Cha Houhu’s movements are unpredictable; perhaps he has already sided with Zong Shou. With the Asura Clan as support, Zong Shou might indeed have some foundation.”

“No matter what capabilities he possesses, even if he has made absolutely watertight preparations this time, we cannot simply agree to his terms!”

Fu Yue’s eyes flashed with ruthlessness: “If we yield this time, then next, when this man demands we cede territory, what then? Furthermore, it’s possible this man is merely bluffing!”

“Indeed!” Mu Fang nodded slightly. “As far as I know, a great shift is imminent in the Cloud Realm. The struggle for the Creation Record of the Firmament has already embroiled the Dao of All Living Beings, the Sword Sect, and the Buddhist Sect. Several Saint Realm experts are also preparing for tribulation. Moreover, I heard from an elder in my Cultivation Association that the Dao of All Living Beings might be on the verge of annihilation. At this juncture, they should all lack the capacity to aid him!”

“Then where does this man’s confidence come from?”

Tan Jing was still perplexed. “Judging by Feng Taiji’s words, there wasn't the slightest hint of guilt. It doesn't seem like he is without certainty.”

He was confident in his own acuity, but his influence was limited by the small scale of the Heavenly Square Cultivation Association.

In terms of intelligence gathering, he was far inferior to those present.

Therefore, on many occasions, he could not accurately gauge the situation.

A silence fell over the hall again as everyone fell into thought.

Finally, it was Hong Jiuchen who spoke hesitantly: “Speaking of the Asura Clan, I heard that half a year ago, the slave traders of the Asura Clan began purchasing Spirit Realm enslaved cultivators on a massive scale. But until recently, there has been no sign of them being offloaded.”

Tan Jing was startled; he had heard of this as well. The Asura Clan had acquired a batch within the Heavenly Square Realm.

And they were all Human Race cultivators—

Mu Fang followed up closely: “It wasn’t just Spirit Realm enslaved cultivators; there was also a large quantity of weaponry, armor, and spiritual materials. Yet, recently, the Asura Clan has had no major conflicts!”

“With the Asura Clan’s Brilliant Light Concealment Ships, transporting these materials into Yuan Lian is as easy as flipping a hand!”

“I heard the Asura Clan annually sells off at least three Taiyi Divine Thunder Ships, except for these past two years.”

The four present exchanged glances. Although these anomalies could not definitively confirm that the Asura Clan had sided with Zong Shou, the sheer volume of information was startling.

“Five hundred Spirit Realm enslaved cultivators—is that the trump card behind Zong Shou’s arrogance?”

The face of Loose Cultivator Fu Yue grew even more somber: “It must be so! However, besides this, he likely has other reliance. But this brat’s appetite is too large; he might not get everything he desires! Does he think this Outer Domain is the Cloud Realm?”

Hong Jiuchen did not continue the conversation, and everyone turned their gaze to Gu Yue instead.

This God Realm cultivator was also undecided on whether to fight or yield, but his words could directly influence the judgment of the Nine Capitals Immortal Court. They could even affect whether the Profound Spirit Cultivation Association and the Extreme Absolute Immortal Court would intervene in this battle, and to what extent. His stance was paramount.

“This time, the brat holds a claim of righteousness in his hands. Although we may prevaricate, it will not escape the notice of the discerning, nor can it withstand close scrutiny. Afterward, he must be compensated to quell this matter!”

The first few sentences caused the four present to feel a slight sense of disappointment.

But immediately, Gu Yue’s tone shifted, his voice suddenly lowering:

“However, our concession does not mean we allow him to demand whatever he wishes! This fellow is, after all, a disciple of the Perfected Stage. Before Dragon Shadow’s defeat, we shouldn't go too far. Giving him one or two territories to settle down in might not be out of the question. But before that, we must thoroughly crush this arrogant and ignorant brat until he submits! We must let this child know our methods! We must hack off his wings and destroy his foundation, so that in the future, he won't dare to be unruly again!”

Hong Jiuchen instantly felt a surge of spirit, a faint joy appearing on his face.

Then he heard Gu Yue speak plainly: “Regardless of what methods Zong Shou has, or what preparations he has made, our Nine Capitals Holy Court need not concern itself! We only need to suppress him with overwhelming and righteous force. This person has risen only in a few short years; how can he compare to the millennia of accumulation by our Nine Capitals Immortal Court? I observe that this child likely believes this upcoming battle will remain confined to the Yuan Lian world, as before. Truly laughable! This time, the Nine Capitals Immortal Court will deliberately act contrary to his wishes! I will exert my full effort to persuade the Holy Emperor to dispatch powerful experts! With the combined strength of six Saint Realm Venerables and dozens of God Realm masters, I refuse to believe we cannot subjugate a mere Great Qian Immortal Dynasty! We must crush him into dust to demonstrate the might of our Immortal Court.”

The four in the hall exchanged glances, seeing the excitement in each other’s eyes.

Their blood surged, unable to contain themselves.

If Gu Yue’s words held true—if the Nine Capitals Holy Court went all out—then there would truly be no need to worry about what hidden power or methods Zong Shou possessed. Whatever conspiracy or strategy he had could be crushed!

Then, Gu Yue was seen fixing his gaze upon them.

The others knew well that Gu Yue was waiting for their affirmation.

Tan Jing nodded without hesitation: “In this battle, our Heavenly Square Cultivation Association is duty-bound and willing to follow tail. No matter what, Tan Jing will persuade the Old Ancestor to provide full assistance!”

Mu Fang also declared generously: “If the elders of our Profound Spirit Cultivation Association learn of this, they will surely be willing to join your esteemed Dynasty’s great undertaking!”

Loose Cultivator Fu Yue hesitated for a moment before coldly nodding: “Fu Yue will do his utmost. We may not be able to secure a Saint Realm Venerable, but four or five God Realm masters can certainly arrive!”

Gu Yue seemed entirely unconcerned by Fu Yue’s words, merely chuckling darkly.

“Since it is so, this matter is settled!”

His expression was placid, as if discussing a trivial matter.

Only a hint of mocking amusement played at the corner of his lips.

The location of the Yuan Lian World was superb; it could control the surrounding territories from there. As far as he knew, this world held the potential to ascend to a Great Thousand World within a few hundred years.

Under no circumstances could the Nine Capitals Holy Court easily abandon it!

If not for this, why would they repeatedly back Hong Jiuchen with financial support?

Therefore, this battle was inevitable! The Nine Capitals Holy Court would certainly commit its full power.

Zong Shou managed to persuade the Asura Clan to aid him; his capability was indeed noteworthy.

It was just a pity that his luck was too poor, and he was too oblivious to his own doom—

If he still failed to advance or retreat with propriety, he might not even be able to save his own life… When Feng Taiji emerged from the colossal cloud ship and stepped out into the void, he involuntarily felt a chill run through his body.

In the Outer Domain void, there was truly no concept of heat or cold. Ice and fire were merely manifestations of a cultivator’s spiritual arts.

And Feng Taiji’s body, since ascending to the Immortal Rank, had long been impermeable.

This sensation of coldness originated from within his heart.

Though he trusted Zong Shou implicitly, at this moment, he felt a degree of unease.

However, having spoken those words, there was no turning back now without inviting ridicule.

Even if he regretted it internally, he could only steel his nerves and maintain his facade. Shaking his head, Feng Taiji set off toward the direction of the Jade Sky Immortal Palace.

Traveling through the void took three hours before he reached a spot several hundred li outside the Immortal Palace.

Upon arriving here, he already saw quite a number of cultivators gathered in nearby spiritual lands, practicing their spiritual arts and sword techniques. Among them were many Sword Sect disciples.

Seeing these people, Feng Taiji raised an eyebrow. He did not observe much sign of apprehension or dissatisfaction.

Most seemed to be suppressing excitement with a touch of nervousness, moving hurriedly, as if entirely focused on preparing for the possible battle ahead.

Moreover, a massive spiritual array had been deployed, enveloping and sheltering the hundreds of li radius around this area.

Judging by its restrictions, entry was currently permitted, but exit was forbidden.

Feng Taiji felt suspicious but suppressed the urge to inquire.

When he reached the Immortal Palace itself, he found the vicinity guarded with extreme severity.

And directly beneath the Immortal Palace, countless bursts of incomparably potent murderous and martial energy surged into the sky.

“Heavenly Dipper Sword Soldiers!”

Feng Taiji’s pupils instantly constricted.

The elite infantry of the Great Qian army primarily consisted of the Heavenly Dipper Sword Soldiers and Heavenly Dipper Crimson Crossbowmen from the primordial Qin era.

He had naturally studied these; he felt that the aura of the several ten-thousand-man great army phalanxes practicing formations beneath the Immortal Palace had increased several times over compared to before.

He wondered if this was the complete version from the primordial Qin era.

The nearly nine thousand strong Black Fox Iron Cavalry had also undergone many changes.

He didn't have time to observe closely before his peripheral vision caught sight of the figures standing outside the Immortal Palace gate, awaiting him. He immediately gathered his scattered thoughts and moved across the void.