This was, for Zong Shou, the second Zenith Realm Demon Pill he had obtained. Held in his hand, it seemed almost alive, throbbing incessantly, breathing forth surging elemental power.

Compared to the Demon Pill of the World-Treading Heavenly Sovereign, this one was clearly superior, still retaining a fragment of Li Biexue’s divine sense within. However, at this point, Zong Shou no longer needed outside assistance; he could utilize the power of the Profound Augmentation Law-Bearing Wings to seal the imprint of Li Biexue’s divine sense within the Demon Pill layer by layer. Yet, a contemplative look immediately appeared in Zong Shou’s eyes.

Xu Fu was curious and asked with a smile, "The great enemy has been eliminated; you should be rejoicing. What is Your Majesty pondering?"

Zong Shou’s mind snapped back to alertness. He had no intention of hiding anything, saying leisurely, "I am contemplating whether Li Biexue's primordial soul, if transported to another dimensional realm, could still maintain its immortality." The immortality of a Zenith Realm primordial soul is due to its reliance on the Great Dao; thus, even in death, it can be reborn through the Dao's power. However, what if it were sent to a different boundary plane, completely severing that connection? What would happen then?

Xu Fu shivered, then slightly shook his head. "Whether other boundary planes exist beyond this one remains unconfirmed. Even if they do, I fear one would need to reach the True Realm to break through the obstructing barriers."

Hearing this, Zong Shou recalled the Grand Supreme Tribulation Manifestation Scroll, thinking that it must be so. To break through a boundary plane, it truly seemed only possible upon reaching the True Realm, unless one simultaneously commanded both Universal Scriptures, grasping the Great Dao of time and space. In other words, to truly annihilate a Zenith Realm entity, one would have to reach the rumored True Realm; otherwise, one could only achieve 'destruction without killing.'

Musing on the True Realm, Zong Shou remembered someone else. He couldn't help but gaze at the sky with a hint of bewilderment. With the Twelve Suppressing State Bronze Men secured, and Li Biexue besieged and killed, the balance of the Cloud Realm had been tipped. Logically, if that person existed, they should have appeared by now to obstruct the proceedings. However, even now that the dust had largely settled, there was no sign of that person.

"In my estimation, either that person simply does not exist, or their machinations run much deeper—" Xu Fu seemed to sense Zong Shou’s thoughts, saying with a half-smile, "It's possible they fundamentally don't care about the situation in the Cloud Realm or these Twelve Suppressing State Bronze Men, or perhaps they are wary; one cannot know."

Zong Shou puzzled over it extensively but decided to set the matter aside for the moment. The non-appearance of that person was, in fact, the best outcome.

Xu Fu then offered a warning: "However, regarding that Profound Augmentation Law-Bearing Wings in Your Majesty’s possession, it is best to conceal its use for as long as possible. Today’s situation was a good example. With Li Biexue’s repeated, abnormal movements, this divine treasure likely cannot be hidden forever, but delaying it by a day is a day gained. If that person truly exists, they will certainly attempt to seize it regardless once they learn of it. And in that time, the Dao of Common People can grow stronger by the day."

Zong Shou’s expression turned solemn. He and Wei Xu had joined forces to destroy the avatar of Qingxuan Taihuang first. This was precisely to prevent the two from deducing anything by observing his use of the Thirteenth Grade Supreme Divine Art. Firstly, he genuinely feared that the existence of the Profound Augmentation Law-Bearing Wings might alert that person, triggering unforeseen disaster. Secondly, the expedition to the Scorching Void Lu Family required some trump cards to rely upon. He refused to believe that the Lu Family currently had no one in the Cloud Realm monitoring his movements and true strength. Everything he possessed at this moment was likely known to those Sovereign Lords and Venerables of the Lu Family as if it were laid out on their palms. At present, his mother, Lu Hanyan, was still facing immense difficulty within the Scorching Void Sacred Court. Of the Eight Great Sovereign Lords and Five Great Hall Venerables, more than half harbored malicious intent. Therefore, he could not afford to be careless here, nor could he fail to prepare sufficient means.

"I understand this matter!" Zong Shou nodded slightly, his expression grave. "Unless absolutely necessary, I will never use it lightly; I will be extremely cautious!"

Actually, the best course of action would be to entrust it to Xiu Guan. However, communication via spiritual sense had yielded no response; his whereabouts were unknown, and he seemed completely unconcerned about the Profound Augmentation Law-Bearing Wings, which was puzzling.

"In truth, the time needed isn't too long; hiding it for ten years would suffice."

At this moment, Wei Xu had completely swept up and dealt with the remnants of Li Biexue’s primordial soul. With another flash, he appeared before the group.

"If Martial Uncle Xiu Guan has no response, it is either because he is occupied with other urgent matters, or he believes the Profound Augmentation Law-Bearing Wings are of little use to him. Therefore, the best method is for you to carry it out of the Cloud Realm."

Zong Shou’s heart stirred. Taking the Profound Augmentation Law-Bearing Wings out of the Cloud Realm was indeed a good option. He had to leave the Cloud Realm eventually to visit the Scorching Void Divine Court anyway. Even a half-step True Realm figure would likely not dare act presumptuously within the Lu Family’s Divine Court. But before that, the war between the outer domains and the Dark World Demonic Court still needed resolution. With the Twelve Suppressing State Bronze Men in hand, and Li Biexue dead, Wei Xu and Daoist Yuan Jing were no longer constrained and could depart the Cloud Realm, supplemented by Xu Fu. Perhaps in terms of sheer troop numbers, the Great Qian might still be inferior. However, at the level of top powerhouses, he now possessed the capital to contend with, or even suppress, the Dark World Demonic Court in return.

"That person has not arrived; it's also possible they are simply not in the Cloud Realm." Lin Xuanjing, whose disposition was always swift and decisive, swept a cold gaze over the ruins below without showing any emotion. "The battle in the Heavenly Square World is far more perilous than this place. Speed is paramount in warfare; since the Twelve Suppressing State Bronze Men are obtained, we should move sooner rather than later. We must strike a heavy blow against their army before the Night Demon Clan can react!"

Zong Shou’s gaze sharpened. He held little hope in his heart. Since the Dark World Demonic Court coveted the Cloud Realm, how could they lack spies and personnel monitoring the situation here? He feared that by the time he arrived in the Heavenly Square World with the three Great Zenith Realm Saints and the Twelve Suppressing State Bronze Men, the Night Demon Race would already be prepared. ※※※※

Two thousand zhang above the Imperial Capital, countless excellent flying swords swirled and moved like a tide across the heavens, each one agile as a swimming fish, dazzling under the blazing sun. The blood-red dark clouds that had previously filled the sky had been completely swept away, vanishing without a trace. The Lord of the Sword Sect stood atop the clouds, holding the Floating Spirit, his expression emotionless.

"It is just as Ancestor Compassion foretold: the situation of Devouring the Dragon has brought forth the Hegemon. The rising tide of the Dao of Common People is unstoppable." A sigh escaped Jian Tongming’s lips.

"It is a pity that the leader of this teaching has met such an end today. It brings both joy and lament—"

"The Confucian School is also pitiful!"

Sikong Fou chuckled faintly, knowing that his Senior Brother Jian was already extremely excited. He followed the tone of his words, saying, "Master Zhu intended to use the Nine Profound Returning Storehouse Divine Thunder to turn the tide, allowing the Confucian School to reclaim righteousness, but unexpectedly, he encountered a Saint Monarch without blemish or impurity—"

Ling Chen forcibly suppressed his laughter. Zong Shou’s flawless Saintly body remained unharmed amidst the Nine Profound Returning Storehouse Divine Thunder. It had startled him at first, but by this point, he had a rough idea of what was happening. He surmised that Master Zhu must have already awakened to the truth by now.