Nine Dragons Saint Ancestor

”Anyone who wants to cause trouble for Yun Xiao must first go through our Xuanyin Hall!”

After Qian Sanyuan’s words fell, a bright female voice suddenly came from somewhere. Everyone turned their gaze and saw a somewhat frail-looking girl walking straight to the side of Xue Tianao, the Master of Xuanyin Hall. It was none other than Xue Ningxiang, the young lady of Xuanyin Hall.

Regarding Xue Ningxiang’s sudden interjection, many people were displeased, but due to her status, no one spoke openly against her.

After all, Xue Tianao standing behind her showed no intention of reprimanding her, clearly approving of what his beloved daughter said.

To be honest, in the past, Xue Tianao merely viewed Yun Xiao, who had cured Xue Ningxiang’s Innate Pulse Cutting, as a junior to be acknowledged.

He considered finding an opportunity to repay the favor, and then the two parties would be even. However, he never imagined that this young man would grow into such a dazzling character in such a short time, comparable to some of the figures of the older generation.

Even though Xue Tianao was fiercely battling Wu Zhukong, he sensed how Yun Xiao managed to kill Lu Tianrun without borrowing external aid.

From Yun Xiao, Xue Tianao saw a massive potential that he had never noticed in anyone else. He believed that given time, as long as the young man remained undying, he would undoubtedly reach a level on par with himself.

Especially considering Xue Ningxiang’s attitude towards Yun Xiao, Xue Tianao even entertained the idea of seeing him as a prospective son-in-law. Moreover, after today’s battle, he understood that Xuanyin Hall was already tied to Lianyun Mountain.

Even though the Wuyan Palace and Spirit Fighting Commerce shared a history spanning thousands of years, losing a person as crucial as Lu Tianrun severely weakened them. However, together, they still weren’t entities Xuanyin Hall could contend with.

Therefore, Xue Tianao planned to seize this opportunity to form an alliance with the Meridian Refining Master Association, believing that after this turmoil of the Strange Spirit, Yun Xiao’s standing at Lianyun Mountain would inevitably rise.

”Wu Zhukong, Wei Duzheng, whatever the truth might be, it will surely come to light. For now, we need to leave Impermanence Island. Will you continue to obstruct us?”

Qian Sanyuan sensed Yun Xiao’s critical injuries and knew there was no longer any time to delay. He then cast his gaze toward two individuals and spoke with a somewhat weakened voice, but with resolute determination.

Following Qian Sanyuan’s words, Hou Tianlie, the Master of Demons Mountain, stepped forward and stood in front of Yun Xiao. Simultaneously, Xue Tianao subtly moved to occupy a favorable position, expressing his stance.

As for the other leaders of the eleven major forces, there was little movement. Even Duan Zixiao, who had been the loudest, hesitated to act rashly upon seeing Hou Tianlie and Xue Tianao’s actions.

Wu Zhukong’s face was somewhat gloomy. After exchanging glances with Wei Duzheng, they both saw a hint of helplessness in the other’s eyes. The current situation was undoubtedly unfavorable for them.

Initially, Wu Zhukong considered rallying forces hostile to Yun Xiao. Those neutral sect leaders might choose to stay out of the fray, giving them a slender chance.

But now, not only did those unaffected by Yun Xiao remain inactive, even the forces of the Sky Thunder Valley and Thunder Sound Mountain Zhao Family showed no signs of moving, which put them in a tight spot.

After all, with only three members left in Wuyan Palace and Spirit Fighting Commerce, facing the combined forces of Lianyun Mountain, Xuanyin Hall, and Demons Mountain, Wu Zhukong admitted there was little hope.

Furthermore, seeing the expression on Ouyang Wuantong, Master of Shenxiao Sect, suggesting he might intervene, only made Wu Zhukong more aware that today’s affairs were coming to an inevitable conclusion.

So, in the next moment, Qian Sanyuan took Yun Xiao into his care from Ouyang Wuantong and, under various gazes, assisted the barely standing young man onto the back of the Green Phoenix.

Liu Hanyi and Mo Qing naturally followed to return to the Meridian Refining Master Association. The two ladies each carried the almost lifeless Chi Yan and the severely injured Red Feather, stepping onto the back of the Flying Beast Pulse Demon together.

”Big brother, I’ll go to Lianyun Mountain with you!”

Seeing Yun Xiao about to leave, Ling Wan called out and quickly followed suit. Behind, Xue Ningxiang appeared intent on following as well, but was firmly held back by Xue Tianao.

”Xiangxiang, as a young maiden, what are you thinking, following him to Lianyun Mountain?”

Xue Tianao felt exasperated, disheartened by his precious daughter’s devotion. Despite ignoring the finest talents of Xuanyin Hall, her affection for Yun Xiao was so deep. He didn’t want to lose face.

Hearing her father’s words, especially amid such scrutiny, Xue Ningxiang blushed but refrained from insisting. Yet, she silently vowed in her heart.

”Yun Xiao, next time we meet, I’ll definitely be stronger than you!”

This was Xue Ningxiang’s competitive nature, and she stubbornly believed that only when her strength surpassed his would he regard her differently.

As for Ling Wan, Xue Tianao did not stop him. Considering his longstanding friendship with Yun Xiao on the Hidden Dragon Continent, following him to Lianyun Mountain might indeed offer greater growth.

”Hongzhuang, come back with me to Demons Mountain first!”

Just as Xu Hongzhuang showed slight hesitation, Hou Tianlie, the Master of Demons Mountain, strolled over and gently patted her shoulder, speaking softly.

”The matter of the Strange Spirit has concluded for now. If you were to follow him, how much help do you think you could be with your cultivation?”

Seeing Xu Hongzhuang’s reluctance to part, Hou Tianlie opened his mouth to persuade again, and this time, his words struck a chord, prompting Xu Hongzhuang to nod heavily.

It was after this experience at the Slaughter Spirit Battlefield that Xu Hongzhuang realized the gap in strength between herself and Yun Xiao. It wasn’t as apparent during the battlefield skirmish, but here on Impermanence Island, she didn’t even have the opportunity to make a move.

Watching Yun Xiao’s companions, such as the familiar Liu Hanyi and Mo Qing, or Xue Ningxiang and Ling Wan, all reach the Half-step Heavenly Rank, and even Chi Yan break through to the Heavenly Demon Rank, not to mention Hu Ying’er, who had the ability to slay the Xiao Family Patriarch.

Among those following Yun Xiao, be they human or Vein Demon, Xu Hongzhuang’s power was the weakest. And judging by the trend, the gap seemed to be widening, leaving her feeling a bit melancholic at the thought.

”Don’t worry, Hongzhuang; you mustn’t forget your special constitution of the Myriad Demon Divine Body!”

Observing Xu Hongzhuang’s slight daze and loneliness, the astute Hou Tianlie naturally knew what she was thinking and promptly voiced his encouragement again.

”Right, I have the Myriad Demon Divine Body!”

Upon hearing this, Xu Hongzhuang’s eyes brightened, and she was about to step onto the back of the Snow Stepping Flying Horse when she glimpsed a similarly solitary figure from the corner of her eye.

”Ying’er, aren’t you going with him?”

What Xu Hongzhuang saw was Hu Ying’er, staring back at someone absentmindedly. However, at this time, the latter seemed to have no intention of going along.

Xu Hongzhuang clearly understood that Hu Ying’er, unlike herself, truly had the potential to assist Yun Xiao. Given time, she might even break through to the Lingyun Realm in cultivation.

”Perhaps staying on this Impermanence Island might help him more!”

Listening to Xu Hongzhuang’s question, a determined expression flashed across Hu Ying’er’s pale face. The former was initially stunned but soon realized the implication of those words.

”Ying’er, are you planning to rebuild Impermanence Island?”

Xu Hongzhuang, being perceptive, immediately guessed Hu Ying’er’s intentions and couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration, but she was also relieved when considering the latter’s strength.

After all, Hu Ying’er had single-handedly annihilated the formidable Xiao Family. If she could wipe out one of the Thirteen Major Forces, what couldn’t she achieve in rebuilding a force?

The news of her forming a force would likely attract loose cultivators from various regions of the continent, eager to seek shelter under a sturdy tree.

With such a powerful figure overseeing, the prosperity of the force was assured. If managed well, they would become the first founding members indeed.

However, Xu Hongzhuang harbored slight concerns about Hu Ying’er’s temperament. Although strong, she seemed too kind-hearted, and managing a force wasn’t as simple as it seemed.

”Perhaps, this place won’t be called Impermanence Island anymore!”

Hu Ying’er didn’t think too much about it. What she murmured was simply that if it could help Yun Xiao, it would be enough.

The events of today made Hu Ying’er realize that relying solely on individual strength was far from enough to contend with colossal entities like Wuyan Palace and Spirit Fighting Commerce.

Even though Yun Xiao had support from Lianyun Mountain and Xuanyin Hall, they remained separate entities. There’s nothing like having one’s own force to use flexibly, hence Hu Ying’er decided on this plan.

”Ying’er, when the name is decided, be sure to send a message to Demons Mountain, so I can celebrate with you!”

Understanding Hu Ying’er’s plan, Xu Hongzhuang offered no further words, nodding at this sister she held in high regard before ascending the Snow Stepping Flying Horse, soaring into the sky.

”I will!”

Watching the small white dot disappear into the horizon, Hu Ying’er whispered softly, treasuring these friends and companions she hadn’t known for long but greatly valued.

”Let’s go too!”

Xue Tianao cast a faint glance at certain figures, a look of disdain flashing in his eyes, and quickly left Impermanence Island with his precious daughter.

At this moment, although many strong individuals remained on Impermanence Island, they felt somewhat uninterested, especially those power holders from the Eleven Major Forces. They felt as if they had achieved nothing.

They traveled long distances to witness only an outcome—one they had even heard from others’ lips. What a situation this was!