Taking things from one's own subordinates, though slightly embarrassing, was unavoidable given the urgency of the situation.

These immortal stones were merely borrowed; they would certainly be returned later.

Even Shen Yuexuan had scraped together quite a few low-grade immortal stones, roughly around twenty thousand. After all, as a rogue cultivator, this was everything he possessed.

Zong Shou actually had quite a few to begin with, but to counter that single Cosmic Spirit Ultimate Crystal and the mighty magical power emanating from the crimson-robed figure, he had depleted nearly ten thousand stones in less than a hundred breaths.

Fortunately, that treasure was destroyed; the crimson-robed figure likely wouldn't possess a second Cosmic Spirit Ultimate Crystal.

Furthermore, utilizing the Cosmic Destiny Book could reduce the expenditure tenfold.

"This Cosmic Spirit Ultimate Crystal is truly a pity. Otherwise, perhaps it could have been used to forge a Half-Step Divine Treasure. Or, it could have been used to complete His Majesty's Cosmic Light Palace!"

Shen Yuexuan's expression showed deep regret, then he asked, "May I ask Your Majesty, what are your plans next?"

Zong Shou, however, was currently inspecting his spoils. The Myriad Spirit Annihilation Talisman used by Yuan Wu was indeed far too vicious.

Not only were there no remains below the Divine Realm, but everything on their bodies had been reduced to dust and vanished in the chain of spiritual explosions.

Fortunately, the few Saints had left behind quite a few relics.

Yet, there was nothing that truly caught the eye. These four individuals already possessed top-tier treasures; ordinary Immortal Artifacts were simply beneath their notice.

This was also within his expectation; these people entered the Cloud Realm taking considerable risks.

Only a complete fool would bring their entire fortune along.

A few useful treasures, combined with sufficient immortal stones, were more than enough.

The quantity of low-grade immortal stones, approximately twenty thousand, Zong Shou directly swept into his sleeve.

Though the Cosmic Spirit Ultimate Crystal was shattered, the events of this day served as a sharp awakening.

Who would have thought that using the Cosmic Book to contend with these Saint-level experts would consume power so rapidly?

Since it was known that the Cosmic Destiny Book was in his hands, it was hard to guarantee that others wouldn't have other methods of defense.

In short, the greater the reserve of immortal stones, the better. He secretly glanced at the unconscious Su Xiaoxiao, and Zong Shou already felt a tinge of regret for being overly generous before.

Shaking his head, Zong Shou suppressed the wicked thought of robbing the unconscious and looked again at the tomb passage behind him.

"If that Free and Unfettered God-Demon hadn't died by my sword just now, I would naturally have pursued them to the end! However, now—"

Even at this moment, he still did not know what kind of stratagem or layout Li Biexue had conceived.

Therefore, even if only three Saints remained, he would give it his all. He would not stop until these individuals were utterly annihilated, eliminating all future troubles.

But now, following that scene, the remaining two Free and Unfettered God-Demons and the crimson-robed figure had effectively gone their separate ways.

The Shadow Demon race was notoriously vindictive; the possibility of the two sides joining forces again was extremely slim.

The crimson-robed figure allowing one Free and Unfettered God-Demon to die in Han Qing's stead—was this done out of necessity or by design?

This was certainly worthy of contemplation—

None of these mighty figures of the Demonic Path reached their current status by being simpletons.

However, thanks to this battle, Zong Shou estimated that the Night Demons' advance toward the Primordial Lotus World would slow down for some time.

Shen Yuexuan understood his intention; continuing the pursuit now might indeed be more loss than gain.

Instead, the Twelve Bronze Men had fallen behind and truly could not be delayed any longer.

He nodded slightly, "While I still cannot be completely at ease, if it is only this crimson-robed figure alone, the threat is minimal. In another day and a half, the Yin-Fiend power here will return to its peak. At that time, not only will the Two Principles Dragon Gathering Formation greatly increase its might, but the tens of millions of corpse soldiers within this tomb will also have their strength elevated by another tier."

Chu Xue followed Zong Shou's lead in everything; naturally, she raised no objections.

Yuan Wu had no strong opinions either, only feeling slight reluctance that the crimson-robed figure had escaped.

Zong Shou, at this moment, was gazing at the silver sphere in Shen Yuexuan's hand.

An Immortal Treasure possessing defensive capabilities almost comparable to a Divine Treasure was truly astonishing.

Shen Yuexuan smiled upon seeing his gaze, "This item is called the Thousand Profound Iron Leaf Flower. It took me at least a hundred years to design this treasure. I utilized mechanisms and restrictive formations to their absolute limit; it is one of my proudest creations. It's just a pity that the deployment time is a bit slow—enough time for someone to kill me ten times over! Moreover, it has a time limit, lasting a maximum of two hours."

Zong Shou was unconvinced. Although the deployment was slow, Shen Yuexuan possessed endless means.

Just like before, the continuous waves of Peacock Plume Needles left the crimson-robed figure helpless.

In this Cloud Realm, those who could rapidly close the distance under that stormy downpour of needles—excluding cultivators at the Ultimate Realm—would not number more than ten. This even excluded the crimson-robed figure from earlier.

It wasn't that his cultivation wasn't high enough, but his entire Great Law specialized in offense rather than defense, making him struggle immensely against the Peacock Plume Needles.

And to have such a defensive artifact, comparable to a Divine Treasure, protecting oneself, was almost equivalent to being invincible for those two hours.

Then, Shen Yuexuan’s tone shifted, "Actually, when I initially refined this, I had to cut corners due to my limited financial resources. The complete version should be usable for six hours. If Your Majesty can gather sufficient spiritual materials, I can forge one for you as well."

This time, not only Zong Shou was moved, but even Yuan Wu beside him felt a strong urge.

Possessing such a Divine Treasure for protection, when manipulating the Jade Puppets, he would no longer need to worry about his own safety. With his abilities, he could virtually subdue any Saint-Realm expert of ordinary strength.

Zong Shou, however, was thinking of his several women. No matter how high the cultivation or what defensive means Yi Ren or Kong Yao possessed, it was hard to truly reassure him.

"Let's discuss this later!"

Zong Shou forcibly suppressed the impulse to bankrupt himself to forge one or two. He gently patted Su Xiaoxiao's head. The bewitching woman let out a soft moan and slowly opened her eyes, her gaze hazy and intoxicating.

Moments later, her clarity returned. Su Xiaoxiao first glanced around the area, immediately grasping the situation.

"Did Shilang win this time? How many Venerables perished? Three, or four?"

There was a slight, cold surprise in her tone. She had expected Zong Shou to have a sufficient chance of victory, but she hadn't expected it to be so swift and clean—the four figures before them were almost completely unscathed.

Her delicate nose sniffed again, and Su Xiaoxiao became coquettish once more, "It's a pity the crimson-robed figure still escaped. It's a shame my fiancé didn't die under Shilang's sword this time; husband fears there will be considerable trouble later—"

Listening to Su Xiaoxiao, Zong Shou felt entirely out of sorts. Why did her words sound as if he was coveting her beauty and murdering her husband?

What was all this nonsense?

And wasn't her nose too sensitive? Did she know just by sniffing?

Hmph, Zong Shou paid her no mind. He looked directly ahead at the small myriad world before him, which resembled an immortal paradise.

"Enough nonsense. It's getting late; we can't delay any longer!"

He could vaguely sense the Two Principles Dragon Gathering Formation continuing to spread toward them. A destructive power was also continuously accumulating.

Once those restrictive runes were satisfied, what followed would inevitably be a crushing, overwhelming blow.

Zong Shou strode forward, stepping into the main tomb chamber. Immediately, he felt a wave of coldness penetrating to the marrow attack him.

From the outside, this world appeared peaceful and serene. But only upon entering could one feel the pervasive Fiend Qi and murderous intent suffusing the main tomb chamber.

There was also an intoxicating fragrance drifting through the air. At first sniff, it refreshed the lungs, but upon becoming accustomed to it, it became nauseating. Mixed within was the stench of decaying corpses.

However, at this moment, Zong Shou was thinking of the Primordial Fiend Yuan-Demon Li Biexue.

With this counterattack, the crimson-robed figure was now alone within this tomb.

No matter what scheme Li Biexue held, it could no longer be executed.

He wondered what expression the Supreme Primordial Fiend would wear if he knew of this outcome?

※ ※ ※ ※

Just as Zong Shou was thinking of Li Biexue, in the Heavenly Fiend Firmament Realm, within the Primordial Fiend Residence, Li Biexue was expressionlessly pouring boiling water from a flask into the teacup before him.

The highest grade of immortal tea—just its aroma had the power to soothe the heart and spirit.

However, these tasks were usually performed by the servants of the Primordial Fiend Residence. The reason Li Biexue was making tea himself now was due to the dozens of corpses filling the small building.

They bore no wounds, their eyes wide open, filled with terror and bewilderment.

And not far away stood Madam Demon Lotus. At this moment, she was trembling with fear, not daring to even breathe deeply.

The surrounding attendants of the Primordial Fiend Residence, now eternally deceased, had all died in a single thought released during Li Biexue's outburst just now.

Four Saint-Realm Venerables had died in the Qin Emperor's Tomb within a hundred breaths. Although their Demonic Sect had not suffered great losses, all of this Supreme Primordial Fiend's meticulous calculations had come to naught.

Moreover, the Ascension Profound Holding Dharma Wing was far too critical for Li Biexue.

From this, one could imagine how frustrated this Ultimate Realm Saintly Venerable must be.

She felt pity for those attendants. These individuals held high status in the Firmament Realm and often had opportunities to receive direct instruction from Li Biexue. They were arrogant, barely regarding a Divine Realm cultivator like herself with any importance.

But at this moment, they had become the sole outlet for Li Biexue's vented rage.

Only after the bitter yet sweet tea entered his mouth did Li Biexue's mood finally recover slightly, turning from anger to a sneer.

"A fine Blood Sword Demon Lord, a fine counterattack! It seems I still underestimated this Saint King of the Cloud Realm. Truly decisive and ruthless, not leaving a single opening—"

As Li Biexue spoke, his gaze swept over Madam Demon Lotus: "You are afraid? There is no need. You are useful; they are useless, so their death is inevitable!"

Madam Demon Lotus forced herself to remain calm. Was her survival merely because she was still useful?

She dared not answer directly, instead offering counsel, "My Lord, why worry? In this battle, our Demonic Path suffered no losses. With Venerable Crimson-Robed's ability, he will certainly not disappoint you!"