"The second chapter of 'Daytime Eruption' is delivered!" Hai Wuya let out a bitter smile and said, "Last time, while still only at the third level of the Venerable realm in the Heaven-Penance Forest, his existence was already astonishing to us, yet his own strength didn't truly catch our attention... Now, he possesses absolute strength equal to our own. And it has only taken a little over two months! My old friends, do you truly not grasp what this signifies?"

He Zhiqiu’s face remained impassive: "No matter how great a genius, he remains an enemy." He raised his spear, adding, "But we have no choice but to face him. Precisely because he is a genius, we must eliminate him while we still possess the means to check him, lest his future menace become even deeper! Now is the time, the moment, Venerable Tianyin; we must abide by heaven's will and adapt to the changes!"

Hai Wuya sighed heavily, turned to face Jun Mo Xie, and said solemnly, "Young Master Jun, I truly regret this outcome today. It seems a battle is unavoidable. However, there is one thing I must say before we fight, so allow me to speak it first..."

"Please do," Jun Mo Xie nodded faintly. The Young Master still held a sliver of respect for this elder before him.

"In this fight, we will inevitably use every measure, spare no cost, and employ any means necessary to destroy you. Allowing an enemy like you to exist in this world is enough to give anyone sleepless nights! For the Three Great Sacred Lands, it is a harbinger of doom!"

Hai Wuya looked profoundly sorrowful. "To personally destroy a genius who constantly breaks through boundaries—such a heartbreaking deed—that it falls to me to carry out truly leaves my heart heavy."

"The feeling is mutual, Elder Hai. What you feel, I also feel, Shi Songyang," Jun Mo Xie responded smoothly. "Just like Elder Hai, this Young Master will also exert every effort, employing all means, to secure final victory in this battle. Since this is a decisive confrontation, there is no need to state the obvious. Life and death are fated... fortune is in the heavens..." He chuckled softly. "Elder Hai’s frankness brings me much pleasure. While the Sacred Lands are rife with base cunning and perfidy, there are also heroes among you. Even in opposition, I will not conceal my admiration and respect for such individuals. The Sacred Lands certainly harbor many iron-blooded heroes and true men..."

"Oh? To actually earn the Young Master's admiration and appreciation... Even if I depart for the netherworld today, my heart will be greatly consoled. I wonder, who are these other few?" Hai Wuya asked, showing genuine interest.

"Heaven is unjust, the Earth is merciless, compassion is absent, and feeling is cold. One of them is the figure whose name is calculated by feeling. And that Carefree Venerable, Mo Xiaoyao, Mr. Mo, is also a respectable opponent..." Jun Mo Xie’s face showed a flicker of remembrance. "But this Young Master has never understood: there are many exceptional individuals, so why is it that once they enter the Sacred Lands, too many abandon their original convictions and prioritize the Sacred Lands' interests above all else? The sense of right and wrong they once held becomes confused, their actions impossible to control?"

This question from Jun Mo Xie carried a hint of ridicule, even a degree of sarcasm, yet it was delivered in a way that seemed both intentional and unintentional. But to Hai Wuya's ears, this statement struck him like a sudden clap of thunder!

Hai Wuya’s previously straight back suddenly jolted, and his expression changed dramatically; he involuntarily took a step back. Jun Mo Xie’s seemingly casual remark made him realize something—a vague barrier that had shrouded his mind for years was finally torn open! All masters recruited by the Sacred Lands who surpassed the Supreme level continuously flocked there; yet, upon arriving, each felt a massive disparity compared to the others in the Sacred Lands—in body, in spirit, in mind... These continuous blows eroded the worldly pride these individuals once held, point by point, turning past achievements into mere anecdotes and jokes. Then, they had to start anew within the Sacred Lands. This sequence of harsh measures was utterly ruthless! But it was wrapped in a pleasant label: Nirvana Rebirth, Breaking Forth to Achieve Perfection. Thus, many people 'awakened' from these heavy blows and plunged back into frenzied cultivation, striving to elevate their strength. This is why the power of the Sacred Lands grew so rapidly, step by step.

However, many more were crushed by this blow, growing disheartened and revealing their most primitive natures. Great martial heroes once famed throughout the secular world would, after having their confidence, pride, and dignity stripped away in the Sacred Lands, degenerate into figures as base and low as common thugs...

Every year, regardless of their level, such people emerged, only to be eliminated and relegated to the peripheral forces of the Three Great Sacred Lands. This force, to some extent, served as cannon fodder and mere thugs for the Three Great Sacred Lands!

Nirvana Rebirth, Breaking Forth to Achieve Perfection, was certainly necessary, and indeed highly effective. Only by passing this trial could one truly touch the realm of the genuinely strong. This stage was essential! Consequently, for thousands upon thousands of years, no one had ever questioned it. But this method was not the only path. There were countless gentler methods that could achieve the same goal.

This alternative method, however, was far more destructive to an individual’s spirit. It was easy to turn someone into a coward. But to drag a distinguished figure from the pinnacle of success down to the abyss and have them slowly crawl back to the peak—something only a few individuals in the world could manage! Even if these newly joined figures, whether they were wealthy magnates or cunning brigands, had no prior arrangements made for them, who among these newcomers was truly incompetent? Once they witnessed the consummate skill and profound mastery displayed by the seniors here, how could they not know the need to strive?

But the greatest benefit of this practice was not the supposed Nirvana Rebirth, Breaking Forth to Achieve Perfection. Rather, it was... completely shattering the existing confidence, pride, flexibility, spirit, and mind of these individuals, stamping the indelible mark of the Three Great Sacred Lands deep within their souls, ensuring that all their actions would prioritize the Sacred Lands' interests!

What's more, there was the world's greatest guise, supported by the highest sense of righteousness: For the sake of all living beings, for the future of humanity—the War to Seize Heaven! Thus, everyone willingly dedicated themselves, without complaint or regret.

With pride gone, with confidence shattered, it was equivalent to severing these individuals' spines and cutting off their retreat. What followed was molding them however one pleased! Therefore, those once peerless martial prodigies and supreme masters, once they entered the legendary Sacred Lands, essentially became eloquent, walking corpses!

Thinking of this, Hai Wuya felt a chill run down his spine—a sudden surge of dread. If this were truly the objective... it was too terrifying. If the legendary Three Great Sacred Lands—the highest echelon of Xuan cultivation on the Xuan Xuan Continent—were merely the culmination of a tragedy that utterly extinguished human nature... Then the goal extended beyond just the interests of the Three Great Sacred Lands.

What, then, were the true interests of the Three Great Sacred Lands?

Could there be a massive conspiracy unfolding? Or perhaps...

Hai Wuya stood stunned. Beside him, He Zhiqiu was meditating, seemingly having heard nothing. At this moment, his mind was filled only with confusion...

For a moment, or perhaps much longer, Hai Wuya felt someone shove him. Startled, he looked up sharply to see He Zhiqiu standing before him, forcing a sudden question: "What are you doing?"

He Zhiqiu looked at him deeply, his eyes complex: "Hai... the decisive battle is upon us. Whatever it is, we can discuss it after we return... Here, there are over thirty younger martial brothers. Whether they live or die, the burden rests entirely on our two shoulders."

Hai Wuya jolted, instantly sobering up, nodding repeatedly. Yet, a thought stirred in his heart: If I am fortunate enough to survive, I will certainly investigate this matter thoroughly. The legendary Three Great Sacred Lands must not be allowed to become tools for certain people. Across from them, Jun Mo Xie was smiling brightly, leaning slightly towards Mei Xueyan, saying something. Mei Xueyan's expression was solemn as she nodded continually. "Young Master Jun, since today is a decisive battle, how do you intend to fight? Since you style yourself the Monarch of Evil and lead troops here, you must surely have a plan ready. Please lay it out for us." He Zhiqiu called out.

During the time he spoke, an unusually desolate atmosphere was slowly gathering between heaven and earth. He Zhiqiu’s expression became exceptionally bleak and mournful. The gentle spring breeze in the sky instantly turned sharp and cold. The vast world was steeped in a profound sense of melancholy.

Sorrow of Autumn.

This was He Zhiqiu's signature technique. Before the war even began, he had already fully deployed his unique domain! Although neither side had yet engaged in actual combat, he was already fully prepared to strike with maximum force at any moment!

Jun Mo Xie and Mei Xueyan exchanged a glance. Mei Xueyan whispered, "Do you plan for a free-for-all, or a relay match? Do you want a quick victory, or..."

Jun Mo Xie smiled faintly. "Our side has a greater overall strength; winning through superior numbers would be unjust. Especially since Luoyun and the others forcibly elevated their strength through the power of Spirit Stones and Immortal Milk, their realm foundations are unstable. Today's battle is an excellent opportunity for them to temper themselves. Let these opponents help us sharpen our blades. Therefore, a free-for-all is out of the question; even if one occurs, it will only be at the very last moment. Besides, if we resort to a free-for-all, those few Heavenly Emperors, seeking to protect their people's breakthrough, will inevitably inflict massive, terrifying casualties upon our lower-level forces... Neither you nor I can bear that, nor do we wish it."

"Oh? Then you intend for one-on-one duels?" Mei Xueyan frowned slightly. "However, although Can Tian Shi Hun and the others forcefully reached this realm, they lack combat experience at this level. If they engage in one-on-one fights, losses and casualties are inevitable... That won't achieve the tempering effect; instead, it will deplete our strength... If it stops at a battle between the youths, that isn't the objective of this decisive confrontation either."

"I have my methods for that," Jun Mo Xie winked playfully. "Just wait and see. After saying that, Jun Mo Xie turned to He Zhiqiu. "Holy Emperor He, in today's fight, our side has more men. If we win by sheer numbers, it would be an undeserved victory! Even if your esteemed members perish, they might not feel satisfied. Therefore, this Young Master has considered the situation and proposes a method for this decisive battle..."