Within the canyon, Jiu Feng, clad in black, and Xi Yang, draped in a crimson gauze skirt, stood in silence. Xi Yang, being the more spirited one, possessing a nature that inherently knew nothing of worry, had already begun chattering animatedly about the interesting sights she’d witnessed on their recent outing—tales of a Qilin flirting with a Phoenix, or a Blood Silk Ape engaging in an unparalleled physical battle with a group of Half-Horned Horses. She gave absolutely no thought to why Du Gu Ba Chen had departed.

It was Jiu Feng whose brows were deeply furrowed. Unlike the carefree Xi Yang, she was burdened with concern. The acquaintance Du Gu Ba Chen mentioned must be that person. But why would they surface now, after so many years of quietude? Furthermore, the immortals of the Heavenly Alliance rarely initiated attacks against the Earth Alliance; why such a large-scale infiltration into the Savage Forest this time?

What was the reason for all of this?

Lost in these churning thoughts, she paid no heed to Xi Yang’s ongoing monologue. However, at that moment, Xi Yang, who had been incessantly chattering, abruptly fell silent, jolting the pensive Jiu Feng back to the present.

Just as Jiu Feng was about to ask why Xi Yang had stopped—had she suddenly changed her temperament?—she noticed Xi Yang’s bright eyes fixed ahead, wide with disbelief.

Jiu Feng started, glancing up, and instantly saw a handsome man in a brocade robe approaching them step by measured step. How had he managed to penetrate their defenses? And why did he feel so strangely familiar? A wave of confusion washed over Jiu Feng.

“Who are you, daring to trespass in my Serene Immortal Valley? Give up your life…” The ever-eager-for-chaos Xi Yang wasn't as contemplative as Jiu Feng. Seeing this man sneak in silently and fix his gaze upon Jiu Feng, indignation flared within her, and she immediately lunged toward him.

“Xi Yang, don’t…” Jiu Feng tried to stop her, but it was too late; she watched as Xi Yang unleashed a palm strike.

Xi Yang’s nature was pure, perhaps fiery due to inheriting the Vermillion Bird’s bloodline. Moreover, having Du Gu Ba Chen’s protection in the past made her actions habitually lawless, driven purely by whim, knowing nothing of holding back one's strength.

Though the man was quite handsome, he wasn't her husband, and he was staring intently at her husband’s woman. This infuriated the protective Xi Yang, who attacked with her full might.

A massive palm of flame materialized above Xuan Yuan Jue’s head, hurtling down toward his crown. Facing the swiftly descending blow, Xuan Yuan Jue merely offered a faint smile. His body shuddered slightly, and a burst of sword energy erupted from within him, shattering the giant flame palm into fragments.

“Ah…” A cry of shock escaped Xi Yang’s lips. She clutched her right palm with her left. A long, bloody gash had appeared on the palm’s surface.

Seeing the sharp sword energy, the identity of the man before her finally clicked into Jiu Feng’s mind, eliciting a gasp, “Xuan Yuan Jing?”

“Indeed, Miss Jiu Feng. It has been a long time; I trust you have been well?” Xuan Yuan Jing smiled gently. His smile was warm, yet imbued with an irresistible authority, like that of a benevolent emperor.

The injured Xi Yang tried to lunge forward recklessly again, but Jiu Feng restrained her. She knew Xuan Yuan Jing was a supreme genius between heaven and earth, not only the foremost among the Heavenly Alliance’s Ten Great Heavenly Lords but also possessing the Divine Artifact, the Xuanyuan Sword. Neither she nor Xi Yang stood a chance against him. Yet, there seemed to be no prior grudge or connection between them. Why had he come here?

“Everything is as well as can be, but I wonder what brings Your Excellency here today?” Having confirmed his identity, Jiu Feng had completely calmed down. Fighting was out of the question; the only task now was to ascertain his purpose. However, given his posture, Jiu Feng understood that his intentions were unlikely to be benign.

“Heh heh, I have come today simply to request an item from Miss Jiu Feng. Should Miss Jiu Feng hand over this item, I shall cause no further trouble!” Xuan Yuan Jing said with a smile. While his words were amiable, the unmistakable tone of non-refusal permeated his speech.

“May I ask what item it is?” Jiu Feng’s brows were tightly knitted. With Xuan Yuan Jue’s status, what could he possibly lack? The only thing worthy of his personal attention and request must surely be the Primordial Water Control Banner.

“Miss Jiu Feng already knows, so why ask? But since you inquire, I shall be direct: The Primordial Water Control Banner!” Xuan Yuan Jing chuckled softly, his bright eyes fixed steadily on Jiu Feng. He genuinely preferred not to contend with her unless absolutely necessary. After all, they were old acquaintances who once shared the Dou Hun Continent. More importantly, she was his woman. Even if years had passed with no news from that fellow, he didn't believe he could have perished so easily.

As expected, he was here for the Primordial Water Control Banner. If it were any ordinary magical treasure or possession, giving it up would have been trivial. But the Primordial Water Control Banner was originally gifted to Ye Jing Yu by Zhuge Yi Shi, and Ye Jing Yu had then passed it to her. It was something Ye Jing Yu had given her. Over these long years, with no news of him, if this banner had not been with her, her spirit would have long since collapsed; how could she still be alive? Most critically, the Water and Fire Divine Array outside this canyon used the Primordial Water Control Banner as its core—how could she possibly yield it to him?

“Your request seems somewhat excessive?” The Primordial Water Control Banner was something that could not be surrendered. But Jiu Feng knew that neither she nor Xi Yang stood a chance against him. The only recourse now was to stall for time, desperately hoping Du Gu Ba Chen would return soon.

“I realize it is somewhat excessive, but some things must be done. Miss Jiu Feng, there is no need to delay. Senior Du Gu’s cultivation is profound; I must hurry back to support my own ancestor. You should hand over the Primordial Water Control Banner yourself!” Unexpectedly, Xuan Yuan Jing saw right through Jiu Feng’s intentions.

Gazing into Xuan Yuan Jing’s wise eyes, Jiu Feng understood that verbal stalling was fruitless. With a single motion, the Primordial Water Control Banner appeared in her hand. A plume of black water mist instantly billowed out, enveloping her and Xi Yang. Since words could no longer buy time, everything would now be settled by strength…