In the span of mere months, the Tianyuan Empire had achieved what the Xuanyuan family had failed to accomplish over several generations: every territory, save for the small domain of Yunjing, was brought under the banner of the Tianyuan Empire.

Yunjing’s ability to withstand the invasion of the Tianyuan Empire’s million-strong army rested primarily on the shoulders of Zhuge Siyu, Zhuge Yishi, and Yaorao, all of whom had returned from the Demon Realm.

Zhuge Yishi, in particular, had attained the cultivation of a Six Tribulation True Immortal. Beside Xuanyuan Ruoxing, there was not a single True Immortal—apart from Huangfu Buyue, Xuanyuan Jing, and himself—who could match Zhuge Yishi.

Xuanyuan Jing had vanished without a trace, and even now, despite Xuanyuan Ruoxing reigning as the Emperor of the Tianyuan Empire, he could not command him.

When Huangfu Buyue finally arrived from the Xichu Empire, he was still held at bay outside the city walls by the black banner wielded by Zhuge Yishi. Even a combined assault by more than ten Soul Immortals and True Immortals proved utterly useless against that single black banner.

While Xuanyuan Ruoxing had taken only a few months to subjugate the entirety of Jiuzhou, the Mengtu Empire, and the surrounding minor states, the small city of Yunjing alone held the imperial army captive for an entire month.

Seated in Tianyuan City, Xuanyuan Ruoxing burned with fury. He finally led his three strongest True Immortals to Yunjing City himself. The moment he arrived, he sensed that the skies above Yunjing were shrouded in a miasma of watery fog, impenetrable even to his divine sense. Vaguely, a dark light seemed to envelop the entire city. Only those below the Grandmaster realm could enter the area covered by this black light; cultivators above the Grandmaster level could not approach. Any who dared draw near found their entire True Essence instantly drained—even Huangfu Buyue, with his level of cultivation, felt his internal Profound Energy uncontrollably siphoned away. Inside that barrier, his strength was inferior to Yaorao's.

It was precisely for this reason that he was repelled by Yaorao, Zhuge Siyu, and a general from the Nanyun Empire named Nangong Shang. It must be said that for Huangfu Buyue, this defeat was the deepest possible humiliation.

Though his mind was clouded, the inherent arrogance in his bones remained, and being pushed back by individuals far beneath him left him deeply unsettled.

Standing beside Xuanyuan Ruoxing on a mountain peak ten kilometers from Yunjing City, Huangfu Buyue stared at the city veiled in black mist, his expression deeply displeased.

“You claim all of this was conjured by a single banner held by Zhuge Yishi?” Xuanyuan Ruoxing finally spoke after a moment of observation.

“Yes, it is a black banner. When he wields it, numerous strange runes appear across its surface—runes I have never seen before. Furthermore, every time it is used, a dense surge of water element rushes forth from the black banner. While its offensive power isn't overwhelming, its defense is second to none. Even my full-force strike could scarcely shake it in the slightest!” Huangfu Buyue spoke with utmost seriousness, his eyes glittering with a determined light.

“Oh? I surmise it must be a Primordial Artifact. Such magical treasures are exceedingly mysterious. It is no matter that you could not overcome it. Today, let Us break this grand formation and crush Yunjing City in one stroke…” Xuanyuan Ruoxing declared with absolute confidence, an intangible aura of dominance radiating from him.

“With you making the move, it will naturally be effortless!” Huangfu Buyue replied deferentially.

“Hahaha, I hear Yaorao is still within that city?” Xuanyuan Ruoxing hadn't forgotten the seductive, bewitching woman in the blue dress from their time in Miao City. He had intended to claim her then, only to have his plans ruined by Ye Jingyu, Liang Xiaoyi, and Huangfu Buyue. Now that Huangfu Buyue had become his most loyal lackey, where had that wretch Ye Jingyu gone? Even if he were here, was he truly a match for the current Us?

This time, no one would stand in his way of claiming Yaorao. The very thought of her alluring figure caused the blood in his veins to boil.

“Order the army to retreat ten miles back. I will personally shatter this city!” Pink light began to gleam in Xuanyuan Ruoxing’s eyes; he was already impatient to break through Yunjing City.

“Yes…” Huangfu Buyue immediately relayed Xuanyuan Ruoxing’s command. The millions of troops that had encircled Yunjing City began to rapidly fall back.

On the city walls, Zhuge Yishi, clad in white robes and holding a feather fan, stood silently. Nangong Shang, Bieli, Ye Longyi, Ying Xiaoxiao, and others stood beside him, all watching the sudden retreat of the Tianyuan Empire's forces.

“Strange? Why are they suddenly retreating?” Ying Xiaoxiao asked as she watched the superior Tianyuan army suddenly withdraw.

“Because he has arrived…” Zhuge Yishi’s voice carried a note of deep worry.

“He?” Bieli and the others were momentarily stunned.

“The current Emperor of the Tianyuan Empire, Xuanyuan Ruoxing!” Zhuge Yishi stated calmly. The usually placid expression on his face was now etched with deep concern. He had personally witnessed Xuanyuan Ruoxing’s advancement that day and had assumed him dead. Who knew he was not only alive but several times stronger than before? If he made a move, could he even resist him? Perhaps even with it at his side, stopping him would be impossible. Jingyu, when will you two return? I truly have done all I can…

Glancing toward the direction of the Southern Barren Forest, Zhuge Yishi sighed heavily in his heart.

It was at this moment that a figure soared directly into the sky. He wore imperial robes of golden yellow and a crown of purple-gold jade, emanating an unparalleled kingly aura that compelled all who saw him to feel an urge to worship. It was none other than Xuanyuan Ruoxing.

“Zhuge Yishi, I have arrived. Do you still intend to defy Us?” Xuanyuan Ruoxing’s eyes were fixed directly on Zhuge Yishi. He knew that Yunjing City had managed to hold out until now entirely because of the man before him. Considering the many powerhouses residing on the other continent, he already harbored the thought of recruiting Zhuge Yishi.

Zhuge Yishi did not deign to reply to Xuanyuan Ruoxing’s words. Instead, he suddenly turned to Nangong Shang and the others. “Leave this to me. You must hasten back to the Imperial Palace, protect His Majesty, and ensure his escape from Yunjing City. You must find Ye Jingyu and tell him everything that has transpired here!”

“Mr. Zhuge…” Upon hearing Zhuge Yishi suddenly utter such words, everyone present froze. Could Yunjing City truly not be saved? Was Xuanyuan Ruoxing really that powerful?

“I will use every ounce of strength to restrain him. I entrust His Majesty’s safety, and that of my elder sister, to you all!” But before they could finish speaking, Zhuge Yishi interrupted, his body already soaring upwards…

(Both the Golden Brick count and recommendation votes increased by two thousand today, hence these two bonus chapters. I am unable to write more right now, so tomorrow's update will be at noon. Please do not wait up too long; tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival. Wishing everyone a happy Mid-Autumn Festival and joyful family reunions!)

To the Readers: The book’s greatest ** is about to arrive! Brothers and sisters, charge forth!

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