"Bastard son of a mixed fox lineage? Is that truly what Hong Jiuchen said?" Standing before the palace gate, Zong Shou let out a low, chilling chuckle.

Feng Taiji stood respectfully beside him, though his attention was currently focused on the other person standing opposite Zong Shou. Tall and clad in full heavy armor, his face was obscured by a rune-mask shimmering with metallic luster. While he couldn't gauge the true cultivation of the figure named Gu Yue, Feng Taiji could sense with absolute clarity that the person before him was unquestionably at the Divine Realm. When had such a powerhouse appeared beside Zong Shou? Then, a realization settled upon him: given Zong Shou's power and status, it was entirely appropriate for him to have a Divine Realm expert serving as an Immortal Dynasty retainer.

Lu Wubing was also distracted, though what concerned him differed from Zong Shou’s focus. What truly caught his attention was the preceding sentence from Feng Taiji. An abandoned child of the Lu family? A lowlife? When Hong Jiuchen uttered those words, how could Gu Yue have refrained from reprimanding him? Logically speaking, since Zong Shou was currently the foremost Crown Prince of the Burning Sky Lu Family, the news of his pure-blooded imperial descent should not yet have spread. Otherwise, this Gu Yue would truly be courting death! To dare utter such insults—if the matter were taken seriously, even the entire Nine Capitals Immortal Court could face accountability from the Lu Family. How could the next Holy Emperor of the Burning Sky Holy Court tolerate such public slander? This presented a perfect pretext for war. Even those high-ranking figures in the Lu Family who dreaded Zong Shou's return would likely welcome such an opportunity. In that scenario, mere cession of territory would not suffice; there would be a risk of the Nine Capitals Immortal Court's demise. The optimal course of action would be to immediately execute Hong Jiuchen and present his head to appease the 'wrath' of the Burning Sky Holy Court. Indeed, even the others present might not escape severe repercussions.

Then, Lu Wubing shook his head—what was he thinking? After this conflict, even if the Nine Capitals Immortal Court survived, it would likely be severely crippled.

Zong Shou continued his 'hehehe' laughter for a few more moments until he grew bored and stopped. He treated those words as the ranting of a mad dog, never taking them to heart. Even Feng Taiji mentioning it earlier felt more like jest than malice. Why concern himself with the pronouncements of a man already destined to die?

"So, in other words, those few people disagree, but they haven't flatly refused, suggesting they need to seek instructions before giving a final reply?" "Precisely!" Feng Taiji nodded without hesitation. "It's merely an attempt to stall for time using this method." He had initially suspected Zong Shou might be bluffing, but seeing the fully equipped new Dao Soldiers now, he felt that assumption might be flawed.

"Then, in your view, what kind of person is this Gu Yue?" "Deeply calculating and exceptionally calm! Hong Jiuchen and the others look to him as their leader." Feng Taiji fell into thought, knowing that Zong Shou wanted more than just surface observations. "This man must hold an extremely high position within the Nine Capitals Holy Court. His presence in the Primordial Lotus World is likely not solely due to Hong Jiuchen's invitation—" Fearing Zong Shou might underestimate the situation, he specifically warned, "Since this person is aware of His Majesty's provocative intent and desire to delay, he will certainly prepare with all his might for this battle. Once both sides fully sever ties, the counterattack will likely be overwhelming! Perhaps the entire Nine Capitals Immortal Court will be drawn in. If I were him, I would certainly petition the Nine Capitals Holy Emperor to commit fully, allowing His Majesty no opportunity whatsoever! I do not know His Majesty's ultimate purpose in this, so I can only caution that extreme care must be taken, and all decisions must be weighed heavily!"

One phrase remained unspoken on his tongue. If they possessed sufficient strength, they could have struck first right now, utterly leveling the influence of those four factions in the Primordial Lotus World! With righteousness on their side, no one could reasonably object, and it would mitigate considerable risk. However, observing Zong Shou's actions, it was clear he had another scheme in mind, so Feng Taiji forced himself to remain silent.

Zong Shou chuckled at Feng Taiji’s words, his smile brilliantly radiant. "Deeply calculating and seasoned, you say? Very good, very good! That's precisely what is needed—" As if all worries had vanished, Zong Shou’s expression actually seemed lighter. He appeared utterly unconcerned by Feng Taiji’s warning that the Nine Capitals Immortal Court might commit everything to the fight. "You've worked hard this time, Taiji. I thank you." Surveying the Great Qian Immortal Dynasty, Feng Taiji was the only one suitable for this diplomatic mission, and he had brought back everything Zong Shou needed to know.

"It is my duty!"

Feng Taiji was utterly bewildered, glancing again at the masked man opposite him. He noticed that the man's eyes held no trace of worry either. The light in those eyes flickered slightly, conveying not just mockery, but some deeper implication. Though confused, Feng Taiji felt a sense of calm settle in his chest. He knew Zong Shou's demeanor meant one of two things: either he had absolute certainty of victory, or he had gone mad. But was the latter even possible? A fresh curiosity sparked: did the Blood Sword Demon Lord truly possess the strength to remain unfazed even if the entire Nine Capitals Holy Court descended upon him? If so, this conflict promised to be quite interesting.

Half-believing, half-doubting, Feng Taiji tentatively probed again: "Then, should we seek aid from the Cloud Realm? As for the reply from those four families, I had concerns when leaving and didn't set a definite date. I fear Your Majesty needs to dispatch someone to urge them; we cannot allow them to wait until everything is perfectly arranged—"

"No need for aid!" Zong Shou shook his head slightly. "Nor is there need to rush them! I will wait here until they are truly ready for everything."

Having said that, Zong Shou refused to elaborate further. After a few pleasantries, he proceeded directly toward the inner palace, presumably either to resume his seclusion or to seek out Zong Ruoshui.

Feng Taiji remained in place, his confusion not diminished but rather amplified. Being a man capable of great self-control, he swiftly dismissed his thoughts and turned to the Divine Realm cultivator with an inquisitive look.

"My alias is Iron Mask. Due to certain circumstances, revealing my true name is inconvenient." Lu Wubing smiled. "Currently, I am His Majesty's State Advisor. It is likely that in a month, you and I will serve in the same court. I ask for Brother Feng's care then!"

Feng Taiji's brow immediately furrowed. This man was truly direct. That chosen alias was certainly rather convenient. And 'serving in the same court'? What did that imply? While he respected Zong Shou, he had not yet reached the point of considering himself a subordinate. The Sword Sect and Zong Shou were engaged in an equal partnership; he was merely a guest official here. Unless Zong Shou truly managed to establish himself as an Emperor in his own right—

He recalled that Zong Shou's previous 'State Advisor' was Zhang Huai, now a prospective Chancellor of the Great Qian. Rumor had it that Zhang Huai, working in concert with Kong Yao in governance and military matters, had extended the Great Qian's influence deep into the southeast of the Cloud Realm, subduing the majority of the tribes and truly establishing the Great Qian as the hegemon of the southeast. Perhaps this man beside Zong Shou was not merely a retainer for the Immortal Dynasty, but held the position of a strategist or advisor? 'State Advisor'—what a bizarre title.

The 'Iron Mask' continued with a laugh, "Brother Feng need not worry. His Majesty intends for the entire army of the Nine Capitals Immortal Court to advance. In Iron Mask's opinion, it would be best if their Holy Emperor took action personally!" After speaking, he bowed formally and departed likewise.

Feng Taiji stood stunned for a long moment before continuing forward, his gaze lost. He paid no mind to the people passing by. Unconsciously, he walked into a vast open area—a drill ground within the Nine Capitals Holy Court. Upon arriving there, Feng Taiji sensed something was amiss, a sharp alarm spiking in his heart, jolting him awake.

"Why are there so many Immortal Cultivators here?" In his soul sense, he detected fully seven hundred formidable auras arrayed before him. Feng Taiji looked up and involuntarily gasped in horror. He had not misjudged: spread out before him were nearly seven hundred figures who could be called 'Immortals.' Five hundred at the Spirit Tier, and over a hundred at the Immortal Tier, standing on the drill ground in an unknown formation.

"They look like Dao Soldiers?" Clad in identical ritual robes and wielding identical spiritual weapons, their vital energies linked, they shifted positions intermittently. Their presence was imposing yet restrained, but within the great formation, Feng Taiji could feel surges of terrifying, immense spiritual power flowing slowly. They clearly possessed the force to annihilate everything, yet they remained utterly placid. The transformation of their formation was profound and esoteric. To the eye, the great array covered an area spanning a thousand feet, seeming to encompass heaven and earth itself. Then, an extremely sharp intent pierced his vision, flooding his mind. Slay!

The character Zhu (Slay) spontaneously appeared in Feng Taiji's mind. Instinctively, he closed his eyes, sensing that this formation, with even a slight movement, could grind him, Feng Taiji, into oblivion! By comparison, the formless Divine Demons he had witnessed a month ago on the outer river of the Domain were utterly insignificant—a candle flame next to the blazing sun. To even compare them was an insult.

"His Majesty says this formation is not yet fully practiced. The killing intent is too strong and cannot be contained internally. Those below the Divine Realm should refrain from observing it casually—" Feng Taiji recognized the speaker as Zhao Yanran, but he had no intention of retreating, instead asking with a firm voice: "What kind of Dao Soldiers are these, and what formation is this?" As a direct disciple of the Myriad Sword Firmament, his insight was sharp, and he had seen the Heaven and Earth Second Stage Dao Soldiers of his own sect. Yet, even the supreme Dao Soldiers of their Firmament did not possess the aura displayed by these cultivators! They felt even more sharp and fierce than those of the Sword Sect! So strong, truly incredibly strong! He felt that even a Saint-Tier expert would be crushed to dust by this great formation!

"The Spirit Tier Dao Soldiers are the Easy Spirit Demon Slayers, and the Immortal Tier Dao Soldiers are the Origin Sea Demon Slayers—" Zhao Yanran forced her eyes open, her expression deeply complex. "This formation, according to Zong Shou, is called the Grand Zhou Heaven Supreme Demon Slaying Formation!"

With such strength, they would hold a significant place even in the Cloud Realm. Feng Taiji's doubts lessened somewhat, and he subconsciously looked around. Only then did he realize the area was completely deserted. Layers of barriers screened off this location entirely, suggesting only core figures of the Great Qian Immortal Dynasty, like himself, could enter and exit. He let out a wry laugh, realizing that if the Nine Absolute Immortal Court knew of this formation alone, Gu Yue might have to reconsider seriously, perhaps not even following Zong Shou’s aggressive plan.

Another question immediately followed. Where on earth had Zong Shou recruited so many cultivators to serve as his Dao Soldiers?