That night, at the North Gate of Skyfall City. Shi Yan, Han Feng, and Ku Long quietly slipped out past the North Gate around the third watch, arriving outside the northern perimeter of Skyfall City.

A carriage drawn by four large horses stood desolate amidst a field of scattered graves outside the North Gate. An old man outside the carriage looked up at the starry sky, his expression vacant.

Faint whispers drifted from within the carriage. Graves of varying heights were spread around the carriage, and beside some mounds, strange phosphorescent lights flickered, lending a chilling air to the silent night.

"The Zuo family's carriage." Ku Long arrived at the graveyard, swept it with a glance, and breathed out a low exclamation. Shi Yan nodded slightly.

"Looks like we're running late." Their conversation was clearly audible to the old man on the carriage. He withdrew his gaze from the sky, cast a glance in their direction, and raised the horsewhip in his hand.

The trio of Shi Yan, Han Feng, and Ku Long promptly approached. "Miss, the Shi family members are here," the old man lowered his voice, leaning toward the carriage to report.

"Wait for them to come over," Zuo Shi's voice drifted from inside. A woman of dignified poise and exquisite grace, clad in plain white, quietly emerged from the carriage.

She glanced up at Shi Yan, offered a faint smile toward Zuo Shi inside, and murmured, "That boy has arrived." "Aunt Lian!" Zuo Shi cried out with mock indignation. "I told you, there's nothing between me and him!

Stop teasing me all the time!" "Hehe, I know, I know," the beautiful woman chuckled, standing beside the carriage and waving at Shi Yan. Once Shi Yan drew near, she said, "Young Master Yan, don't the three of you have a carriage?" "There will be arrangements once we reach Xuelai City in the north," Shi Yan replied, his expression aloof.

He swept a glance over the beautiful woman, offering a silent appreciation internally, before slowly walking over to the carriage. He placed a large bundle he was carrying inside.

"Xiao Shi, this is your Dragon Turtle Spirit Armor. My grandfather asked me to return it to you." "Oh." Zuo Shi acknowledged, then muttered quietly, "The ungrateful wretch, wasting our good intentions, he didn't even use it..." Shi Yan let out a wry laugh.

"You said it yourself back then: whoever uses the Dragon Turtle Spirit Armor is a turtle. I don't want to be a turtle." "Pfft!" A muffled burst of laughter came from the carriage.

"You remember that remark clearly. I intended to give the Dragon Turtle Spirit Armor to you back then; I was deliberately provoking my grandfather.

You helped me crack open the shell and obtain the treasure; this armor should rightfully be yours." "My Shi family's Martial Soul specializes in defense; we don't need an extra shell," Shi Yan shook his head. "Miss, may we depart now?" the Zuo family retainer asked softly, flicking the reins.

"Yes, let's go." "Wait, allow me to introduce: this is Chu Ping, at the first heaven of the Nirvana Realm. I am Wu Yunlian." The dignified beauty smiled radiantly and turned to Han Feng.

"I've met Brother Han before. And this gentleman is?" She looked toward Ku Long.

"Ku Long, first heaven of the Nirvana Realm," Ku Long introduced himself amiably, scratching his head. "I’ve always been in the outer city; I only returned this time for the Martial Arts Tournament.

Ha, you definitely haven't met me." "So you are Brother Ku Long," Wu Yunlian pursed her lips, nodding. "It is truly my honor to travel with Brother Han and Brother Ku Long.

I ask for your care along the way." "You're too kind," Han Feng and Ku Long replied together. This woman was dignified and beautiful, poised and generous, yet she possessed the cultivation of the first heaven of the Nirvana Realm.

Rumor had it she was a martial artist from the Cloud Mist Mountain Range. Having once received a kindness from Chi Xiao, she had entered the Zuo family under Chi Xiao's recommendation.

She was highly valued by Zuo Xu and maintained an extremely close relationship with Zuo Shi. Both Han Feng and Ku Long were aware of her capabilities and dared not be careless, showing no hint of disrespect in their demeanor or speech.

"Then let's set off," Shi Yan looked up at the sky, his brow suddenly furrowing. He pointed to a dark speck beneath the moon.

"Eh, what is that?" Chu Ping, Han Feng, Ku Long, and Wu Yunlian all looked up. "A Cloud Sculpture!" Han Feng's expression shifted slightly, and he hissed, "It's one raised by the Beiming family!

Cloud Sculptures have excellent eyesight; they can make out the features of people on the ground while soaring in the sky!" "The Beiming family is watching us?" Ku Long paused, a flicker of confusion crossing his eyes. "Do the Beiming family know we're leaving the city?" "Not necessarily," Chu Ping was also somewhat surprised.

Watching the Cloud Sculpture gradually recede, he said, "It's possible the Cloud Sculpture was returning to the Beiming family from somewhere else and just happened to pass by here; it might not be specifically targeting this area." "It seems everyone needs to be more cautious," Wu Yunlian took a light breath. "There's no time to waste; we should get moving quickly.

Even if the Beiming family has noticed us, as long as we are careful, it will be difficult for them to track our movements." "Yes, late at night, Beiming Family, Frigid Ice Pavilion. "Father, we have received word that members of the Shi and Zuo families have quietly departed through the North Gate.

The Shi contingent includes Han Feng, Ku Long, and Shi Yan. The Zuo contingent includes Chu Ping and Wu Yunlian.

There is one other person in the carriage; if our guess is correct, it should be the Young Miss of the Zuo family, Zuo Shi." Bei Ming Que hurried to the Frigid Ice Pavilion, bowed, and urgently reported the latest intelligence. Bei Ming Ce was also in the Frigid Ice Pavilion, cultivating using the pavilion's chilling energy.

Hearing the report, he opened his eyes with shock. "It's actually the Shi and Zuo families!" Bei Ming Shang's face was grim; he sat motionless, yet cold light radiated from his eyes.

After a long pause, Bei Ming Shang spoke. "The other half of the treasure map must be in the hands of the Zuo and Shi families.

The one who went to snatch the map from the Misty Pavilion, if nothing unexpected happened, was likely Chi Xiao. That girl from the Misty Pavilion is cunning; she used Mo Tuo to create a diversion.

If we hadn't been cautious and deployed our Cloud Sculptures across the city exits, we almost would have been fooled." "Father, what should we do?" "Ce'er and I will follow them stealthily to see precisely where they are going." "Ce'er is coming too?" "The Skyfall City has been chaotic recently. I need to take Yin Kui and Jiu Shan with me this time; I wouldn't feel at ease leaving Ce'er in the city," Bei Ming Shang nodded.

"You remain to guard the clan. Announce that I am entering secluded cultivation to recover; don't let anyone become suspicious." "Understood." "Grandfather, the Zuo and Shi families must have reached an agreement with the Misty Pavilion.

If Chi Xiao joins forces with that woman, won't you be in danger facing both of them alone?" Bei Ming Ce asked, his tone serious. Bei Ming Ce drew a breath and said lightly, "I made preparations long ago." Bei Ming Ce's eyes brightened.

"The Sovereign of Dark Nether sent a message some time ago, specifically requesting that girl Mu Yudie. I have not replied yet," Bei Ming Shang mused, staring deeply at Bei Ming Ce.

"The Sovereign of Dark Nether is also at the Heaven Rank. With him...

it won't be a problem. Even if Chi Xiao and that girl try to team up against me, they are unlikely to succeed.

They will only be able to explore the Heavenly Gate with us." "The Sovereign of Dark Nether!" Bei Ming Ce looked astonished, his expression somewhat grim. After a long moment, he murmured, "Grandfather, what exactly do you mean?" "Although Mu Yudie's Martial Soul is formidable, it is useless to our Beiming family.

It is that girl Di Yalan who might be able to merge and transform with our Beiming family's Extreme Cold Ice Flame Martial Soul," Bei Ming Shang stared at him and commanded, "She is merely a woman. Can you truly not let go of her?" Bei Ming Ce frowned, shook his head, and replied, "It's not that.

It's just a slight surprise. For the foundation of the Beiming family, I can forsake anything." "Good.

You will manage the Beiming family in the future; do not act emotionally," Bei Ming Shang nodded with satisfaction and reassured him, "Don't worry, the Sovereign of Dark Nether only wants to use Mu Yudie's Martial Soul for his cultivation; he won't care about her virginity. Before handing Mu Yudie over to him, I will allow you three days with her." "Thank you, Grandfather," Bei Ming Ce suddenly smiled.

"This time, bring both Mu Yudie and Di Yalan along. Afterward, I will hand Mu Yudie directly to the Sovereign of Dark Nether; I won't let Di Yalan know," Bei Ming Shang instructed.

"Your grandson understands." Bei Ming Ce left the Frigid Ice Pavilion and, disregarding the late hour, headed directly for the small island in the Beiming family lake. Mu Yudie and Di Yalan had not slept; both were quietly cultivating.

Upon noticing Bei Ming Ce's approach, the two women tidied their appearances and went out together to receive him. Bei Ming Ce smiled faintly.

"Prepare yourselves; we are leaving the city before dawn." "What for?" Mu Yudie asked, surprised. "The Heavenly Gate treasure map should be complete.

Someone has already gone out to explore. We will follow them secretly," Bei Ming Ce said sincerely to Mu Yudie.

"Little Die, the Heavenly Gate might contain secret treasures. Grandfather thinks you and Yalan have a chance to encounter fortune there, perhaps gaining great rewards.

This is a rare opportunity; you absolutely cannot miss it!" Mu Yudie and Di Yalan’s eyes both lit up. "Thank you, Young Master Ce," Mu Yudie bowed deeply, her beautiful face full of joyous smiles.

"If I can gain something in the Heavenly Gate, Little Die will certainly remember Young Master Ce's kindness." "What are you saying?" Bei Ming Ce feigned annoyance. "Do we need to speak of such things between us?" "Little Die was wrong; I'll go prepare immediately," Mu Yudie said with a cheerful smile.

"Good. I'll wait outside for you.

Be quick. Remember, don't let anyone discover this; this must be done covertly," Bei Ming Ce reassured them, his face wearing a warm smile, and he quickly left the lakeside.

"Little Die, I suddenly remembered..." Di Yalan’s expression slowly dimmed, filled with sorrow. "The map coming together means Ding Yan must have been found.

Given the methods of the Five Great Clans, Ding Yan... he is probably already..." Prompted by her reminder, Mu Yudie also realized this connection, and her expression shifted slightly, becoming somewhat sad as well.

However, thinking of the secret treasures contained within the Heavenly Gate that she might obtain in the future, the sadness in Mu Yudie’s heart quickly diminished. "Don't worry, perhaps he won't be harmed.

They only want the treasure map; they might not take his life. Sister Lan, we must seize this opportunity well!

Perhaps we can rely on this exploration of the Heavenly Gate to gain a great advantage. Whether or not we can achieve revenge depends on this!" Mu Yudie tightly clenched her small fist, her ambition burning bright.

"Alas, I hope he is truly fine," Di Yalan shook her head and sighed helplessly. "Stop thinking about him; let's discuss thoroughly how we can act to secure the greatest benefit," Mu Yudie said, full of excitement.

She could already see the Dark Nether being annihilated by her in the near future, seeing one enemy after another fall into a pool of blood. Every time she thought of this, she felt secret pleasure—her mind had been utterly consumed by hatred.

Third update delivered, everyone remember to vote often~~ I need recommendation tickets ahhhhhh!!! X