Yellow Court Daoist

Taoshan South.

Golden Pavilion Peak.

Along the way, Loose Immortals from all directions converged, and upon reaching the Golden Pavilion Peak, the assembly was complete.

Whether from the Southern Border, North Desert, North Sea, East Sea, or even the Loose Immortals of Central Earth—anyone harboring the ambition to overthrow the Taoshan Four Sects, to henceforth wander freely, or those with deep-seated vendettas, thirsting for vengeance, as well as those fishing in troubled waters, eager to reap great benefits.

At this moment,

All had gathered at Golden Pavilion Peak.

Among them,

Leaders like the commander of Seven Cultivation Swords from Lion Ridge—Taixu Ancestor, the 'Gu Immortal' Lady Cai Yi from the Southern Border, 'Heroic Monk' Master Bu Wen from Three Travel Cave, Da Yan Daoist from Songling Chaotian Temple on General Song Ridge, 'White Hero' Sun Ge from Min Mountain, and Master Mie Chen from Xuanyue Temple in White Bamboo Gorge, these six peak masters led the charge.

Not only did they possess the highest cultivation, but even their respected or nefarious reputations were enough to command the trust of Loose Immortals from all four places.

Moreover, whether it was Lion Ridge or Three Travel Cave, Lady Cai Yi or Da Yan Daoist, all of them harbored deep grudges against the Taoshan Four Sects.

For tens of thousands of years, a tangled web of unresolved blood feuds existed between them.

Take Taixu Ancestor, for instance.

Over ten thousand years ago, his master, 'Zhou You Ancestor,' was killed by the then Sect Leader of Taoshan.

And take Master Mie Chen of Xuanyue Temple—his senior sister perished at the hands of a Divine Monk from Great Xumi Mountain, not to mention five of his True Immortal Disciples who also fell to the hands of immortals from Great Xumi Mountain and Taoshan.

Hatred is hard to quell.

Of course,

Whether it was Taixu Ancestor or Master Mie Chen, several True Immortals from the Four Sects also met their end at their hands.

Revenge is difficult to resolve, and hatred is hard to extinguish.

Even after thousands and tens of thousands of years, as long as one still lives, they are bound to stir up a great war.

A war they nearly waged three thousand years ago,

After three thousand years had passed and their Yuan Qi was restored, they would wage war again!

Top of Golden Pavilion Peak.

After the lively gathering, everyone returned to their own abodes, waiting only for Taoshan's arrival.

Zhang Yang and his apprentice Qin Fan walked together.

Looking around and seeing no one nearby, Qin Fan spoke, "Taixu Ancestor, Master Mie Chen, and the others have inquired several times about my grandmaster's whereabouts. With my grandmaster still not showing up, I sense they're becoming somewhat critical of this."

That was putting it mildly.

In reality,

Strong forces like Lion Ridge and Three Travel Cave originally had no intention of launching a full-scale onslaught against Taoshan so swiftly.

Just as Great Victory Ancestor Master summoned Breaking Army of Nangong to ambush Zhang Yang, and how Zhang Yang also called upon Wind and Fire Daoist and Zhao Yan'er early on with the intention to kill Great Victory Ancestor Master in turn.

Over the years, forces like Lion Ridge and Loose Immortals from the Four Places constantly probed and skirmished with the Taoshan Four Sects on a small scale.

But the true decisive battle still lacked a spark.

A catalyst was needed.

Had Great Victory Ancestor Master killed Zhang Yang, or had Zhang Yang killed Great Victory Ancestor Master, it would have been the spark. True Fire would have been utterly unleashed, and probes would no longer suffice—a full attack would be imminent.

Unexpectedly, neither Great Victory Ancestor Master nor Zhang Yang managed to kill the other.

Instead, a Nine Tribulations True Immortal, unknown before this point, surfaced dramatically. With a single move, he captured two of the Taoshan Three Immortals and the leader of the Twelve Swordsmen.

This incident completely ignited both sides.

At first,

All forces and Loose Immortals, including those from Lion Ridge, were overjoyed—

Taoshan had lost three top-notch masters while they gained an undefeated entity.

The balance shifted in their favor.

Their chances of victory greatly increased.

However, as more and more True Immortals gathered and time progressed to today, the 'Guangyuan Daoist' still had not appeared, causing many Loose Immortals to begin wavering.

Whispers began to spread—

"Could it be that the Daoist is one of the Four Sects?"

"It's possible! Why else would he not dare show himself?"

"Rumors suggest that the Daoist immediately captured the Taoshan Wine Sword Immortal, Thunder Sword Immortal, and the Great Success Sword upon acting—if not a setup, who possesses such formidable power?"

"Exactly. With such strength, why only 'capture' the three and not slay them on the spot?"

"Something's fishy!"

"There's a mole!"

...

The wind continued to blow.

Gradually the tide turned.

Qin Fan felt it most acutely.

From the initial spread of the news, numerous Loose Immortals and even influential figures from powers like Lion Ridge and Three Travel Cave, comparable to the Taoshan Twelve Swordsmen, sought his acquaintance.

But in recent days, the Loose Immortals surrounding him gradually dwindled.

There was no outright distancing or confrontation, but compared to before, a certain reticence had set in.

Which caused some unease in Qin Fan's heart.

"Your grandmaster has his reasons for not appearing."

Zhang Yang glanced at Qin Fan.

Being aware and informed, he knew what concerns Qin Fan and others harbored. But while others might be unaware, he knew that their master's enmity against the Taoshan Four Sects ran deep and there was no possibility of colluding with them for a setup.

Instead, he worried—

"In a mere thirty years, the master has reached the Nine Tribulations True Immortal level. Could it be that he's had a breakthrough recently, triggering the Heavenly Person Five Decays, weakening him so severely that he cannot afford to show himself?"

If that were the case, things would be dire.

Not because they were missing an invincible force on their side, but amidst such a crisis, fluctuating strength surely spelled danger.

The slightest misstep could overturn their boat.

"If so,"

"Not appearing would indeed be the correct choice."

Pondering his speculation, Zhang Yang felt a mix of worry and delight. He worried for his master's safety; delighted that his master's cultivation might have advanced further, possibly with Earth Immortal within reach.

As for the implicit exclusion and defenses he felt here, they were negligible.

"Yes, master."

Noticing his master's gaze, Qin Fan realized his thoughts had been read. Daring not to ponder further or ask more, he quickly lowered his head in agreement.

They returned to their dwelling.

The following night passed without incident.

The next day,

A group of True Immortals set out together, approaching Dragon Spring Mountain.

...

Dragon Spring Mountain.

Divided into its northern and southern parts by a clear spring.

As the sun rose.

Heading the arrival were 217 True Immortals from Lion Ridge and Three Travel Cave, assembling south of Dragon Spring Mountain.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

No mere tiger's roar, nor dragon's chant.

The piercing cold winds met the face, while a chilling, malicious energy invaded the body.

Loose Cultivators gathered en masse, demons converged—a whirlwind of flying sand and stones, demon winds burst forth, and a sky shrouded by black clouds displayed a chaotic dance of devils.

Then it all settled.

To the north, led by the Taoshan Four Sects, a multitude of True Immortals, some riding clouds, others raising winds, landed south of Dragon Spring. Compared to the south side, this northern array was brimming with celestial spirit.

The wind was Qingfeng.

The clouds were auspicious.

Some were heavily armed high monks from the Buddhist Sect, others were dignified and serene true immortals from Daoist sects.

A sight for the eyes, pleasing to the heart.

A clear contrast between the two sides.

Upon this confrontation, words were few.

Suddenly, from the north, a man in a Peach Blossom Robe leapt into the air. His eyes swept across the south, filled with devils and Loose Immortals, and he bellowed, "Where is Guangyuan of the Demon Path?!"

This shout, like rolling thunder, was laden with endless Sword Intent.

Slightly weaker True Immortals, whose foundation was unsteady, were nearly scared out of their wits by this bellow, their mana almost spiraling out of control.

"Yu Zhenzi!"

"That's the Taoshan Sect Leader, the 'Miao Jianxian' Yu Zhenzi!"

"So it's him, no wonder he's so domineering, absolutely terrifying."

In the south of Dragon Spring, some recognized this person as Taoshan's Yu Zhenzi. The place buzzed with talk, but no one emerged to challenge.

Even the Taixu Ancestor remained silent.

All eyes were drawn to Zhang Yang and Qin Fan.

"Yu Zhenzi."

How could Zhang Yang stand by while his beloved master was insulted? His eyes blazed with fury as he took two steps forward and snapped, "Of the Taoshan Three Immortals, two have already fallen, and you, a mere 'Miao Jianxian,' dare to be so arrogant?!"

Although enraged, Zhang Yang retained his sense.

He didn't approach Dragon Spring but merely took a few steps forward to avoid any sneaky attacks.

Hearing this from above, 'Yu Zhenzi' was neither angry nor annoyed, merely casting a glance at Zhang Yang and said with a light smile, "So it's the White-haired Thunder God from Sea View Peak. What is it, has your master tucked his tail and sent his disciple to take the blame?!"

"Hmph!"

"If my teacher were here, I'm afraid someone would be scared out of their wits and wouldn't dare such wild talk!"

Zhang Yang's mouth showed no weakness, but his feet remained firmly in place.

Both sides of immortals watched the two sparring with words, growing impatient in their hearts.

However, the Loose Immortals and demons of Lion Ridge, due to 'Guangyuan Daoist' not showing up, and even his identity being in doubt, were unwilling to come to Zhang Yang's aid. Meanwhile, the Taoshan Four Sects alongside the Righteous Sect Loose Immortals didn't dare to interrupt Yu Zhenzi.

Thankfully.

Yu Zhenzi was the first to grow impatient.

"If the Sect Leader were to step in, it would inevitably lead some to say it's 'bullying the weak'."

With a light chuckle directed at Zhang Yang, Yu Zhenzi turned around and swept his gaze over the array behind him, then asked aloud, "Who will take on this Sect Leader's place and slay this boy?"

Before his words fell.

Over ten people stood out simultaneously, declaring "I will!"

All eyes turned to see seven or eight True Immortals from Taoshan and four or five Righteous Sect Loose Immortals stepping forward, their faces alight with eager battle intent.

The name Zhang Yang carried weight.

Those daring to step forward had at least the Nine Tribulations Level of cultivation.

From Taoshan's side, they were all part of the Twelve Swordsmen. Like the third-ranked 'Green Sun Sword' Chen Sigu, the fifth-ranked 'Jade Sword' Mo Junshan, and the sixth-ranked 'Sunrise Sword' Fan Peng.

Yu Zhenzi quickly glanced over them.

Pointing at random, he landed on a burly young man.

It was none other than 'Sunrise Sword' Fan Peng.

"Your disciple obeys!"

Fan Peng's spirit lifted, and with a clenched fist salute, he jumped onto the arena at Dragon Spring, shouting across to Zhang Yang, "Zhang Yang, you little brat, dare to battle with your Grandpa Fan?!"

Zhang Yang glanced up.

Yu Zhenzi had already withdrawn to the formation.

Upon Dragon Spring, only Fan Peng stood.

Beside him, Qin Fan voiced his worry, "Master, it could be a trap!"

"It's alright."

Zhang Yang waved his hand.

He dared not battle Yu Zhenzi, but Fan Peng's cultivation was mediocre; there was no reason to shrink back.

At that moment, he leaped forward, and a streak of Golden Light shone forth, speeding towards Fan Peng's face.

The first fight upon Dragon Spring Mountain—

Officially commenced!

...

This first battle was both swift in coming and conclusion.

Only one exchange.

"Ahh!"

With a scream, Fan Peng failed to block the approaching Golden Ring and was smashed into mush on the spot. The ring swept up and took Fan Peng's Magic Sword, returning it to Zhang Yang's hand.

...

The field fell silent.

While Fan Peng was not highly ranked among the Twelve Swordsmen, he was a top-ranked True Immortal who had overcome a tribulation. It was staggering that he couldn't even last a single round against Zhang Yang.

The crowd couldn't hide their astonishment.

"Excellent move!"

Having seen it all, Yu Zhenzi bellowed furiously, "Jun Shan, take this man's head for me!"

With a sour expression, 'Jade Sword' Mo Junshan stood forward; in front of all these immortals and with an order from the Sect Leader, he couldn't disobey, steeling himself for what's to come.

But after only two exchanges.

Mo Junshan was smashed into a pulp.

"Sss!"

A collective gasp of shock coursed through the crowd, everyone stunned.

"How dare you!"

Seeing this, Yu Zhenzi, infuriated by the uproar of discussions around him, yelled, "Where's Chen Sigu? Kill this intruder at once!"

"Your... Your disciple obeys."

Fearing the impending doom, 'Green Sun Sword' Chen Sigu wished to refuse, but the menacing gaze of Yu Zhenzi left no room for resistance. He hesitantly joined the battle.

Cautious and vigilant.

Yet, he only managed to last two rounds before being utterly vanquished.