Yellow Court Daoist

The battle between True Immortals raged with such intensity that the heavens and earth turned upside down, and the sun and moon lost their light.

After fighting strenuously for a long time,

ultimately, it was Gongyang Ye who had the upper hand. With the Twelve Flames Divine Flags and the magical Divine Skills of Dutian Demon Flames, he gained an edge as he enveloped the 'Fire Demon' Qiu Yunkong in flames that fell from the sky, sending him crashing down.

"Ha ha!"

"Can't even take a hit!"

Gongyang Ye burst out laughing. Surrounded by the Twelve Flames Divine Flags, he controlled a sea of fire, like a Fire God in the flames, wildly unrestrained.

It wasn't long before,

"Stop your arrogance!"

Another figure rose from below, a middle-aged man in Daoist robes. He was 'Thunder Demon' Zhao Qinghe, ranking among the leading Eighteen Demon Envoys of the Sahpo Demon Sect.

His mastery of the Thunder techniques was truly formidable.

After a fierce battle for a good while, Gongyang Ye eventually met his match and had to switch with Sha Daoist.

Sha Daoist, one of the Five Demons that Lu Qingfeng brought from Green Fox Cave, had subdued numerous Evil Gods and Mad Gods over the years - his strength was undoubtedly formidable.

The moment he entered the fray, his robes billowing, a swarm of sand ants filled the sky. Boundless and infinite, they coalesced into a fierce tiger with a dragon's roar, scattering and gathering. He swiftly vanquished 'Thunder Demon Zhao Qinghe', who proved no match for him at all.

The remaining sixteen demon envoys took turns to confront him but none were a match for Sha Daoist.

Eventually, this compelled the appearance of the Sahpo Demon Sect Leader, Du Jiuyou.

This demon, steeped in the Great Method, was truly formidable, specializing in the Dao of Slaughter. Amidst their entanglement, Sha Daoist, who had previously seemed unbeatable, was suddenly at a disadvantage.

"Legends say that the beings of the Saha World can endure the ten great evils. This 'Slaughtering' is indeed the first of the ten evils. The Demon Sect is aptly named after 'Sahpo', truly living up to its reputation."

Seeing the demon chief appear and Sha Daoist being suppressed, Admiral Situ Qian uttered softly, finally deciding not to stand by and watch any longer.

With his command,

a troop of Heavenly Generals and three thousand Heavenly Soldiers immediately descended to the Lower Realm, engaging in battle with the million-strong demonic crowd of the Sahpo Demon Sect.

Heaven Covering!

Eclipsing the sun!

The sky and earth turned dark.

The Sahpo Demon Sect might have been unrivaled within the Red Smoke Realm for a time, but their demonic crowd was no match for the Heavenly Soldiers above. Scouring the million-strong demonic crowd, one would struggle to find even eight hundred Primordial Spirit Practitioners. Meanwhile, the three thousand Heavenly Soldiers led by Situ Qian were each comparable to Primordial Spirit Practitioners.

Furthermore,

in terms of True Immortal-level combat strength, Situ Qian's expedition included Gongyang Ye, Sha Daoist, and forty-seven Heavenly Generals, summing up to a total of fifty True Immortals. As for the Sahpo Demon Sect, aside from their eighteen demon envoys, they only had thirteen Mahayana True Immortals left, with cultivation levels only at the Mahayana First Realm or Second Realm.

Under these circumstances,

once the grand battle commenced, the Sahpo Demon Sect rapidly fell into a disadvantageous position. Even the Sahpo Sect Leader, Du Jiuyou, was firmly suppressed by Situ Qian, who had personally taken to the field. Although he couldn't be captured immediately, after the million-strong demonic crowd, the True Immortals, and the eighteen demon envoys were dealt with, Du Jiuyou was not expected to hold out for long.

Finding himself utterly overwhelmed,

"Today, it is I, Du, who is inferior in skills. General, would you dare reveal your name?"

Du Jiuyou gripped his sword, the blade shimmering with the essence of Slaughter.

Situ Qian wielded a Three-pointed Blade, using moves to support, grab, block, deflect, slice, and stab, keeping Du Jiuyou firmly suppressed. Hearing Du Jiuyou's words, Situ Qian ignored him and continued wielding his Three-pointed Blade, intent on capturing Du Jiuyou.

"What a loyal dog of the Heavenly Court."

"If so, let us battle again another day!"

Seeing that Situ Qian remained silent, and observing that the demonic forces were scattered like sand, Du Jiuyou realized the tide had turned. With a swing of his sword, he tore open the Void, preparing to escape into it and disappear without a trace.

"Where do you think you're going, demon?!" bellowed Admiral Situ Qian in a commandingly somber tone. With a forceful pat on the Nine-Headed Lion he rode, the creature seemed to immediately grasp his intent. Its nine heads began to shake, and from its gaping maws erupted a roar that shook the heavens and pierced the depths of the earth.

Roar!

This roar, said to 'reach the three holiest and penetrate down to the ninth underworld,' left Du Jiuyou stunned in place. Another roar, filled with a burst of Xuan Light, forced Du Jiuyou to stagger backward.

"Take this!"

Admiral Situ Qian threw his Three-pointed Blade towards Du Jiuyou. The blade, as if it became as soft as silk around a finger, bound Du Jiuyou in an instant.

"With the demon leader here, will you not surrender swiftly?!" Situ Qian, holding the now utterly powerless Du Jiuyou, leapt into the sky, and called out in all directions.

Central Plains Territory.

Above the earth and beneath the skies, throughout the seas and mountains, heavenly soldiers and demonic crowds clashed fiercely in battle.

Upon hearing the call, they looked up only to see Admiral Situ Qian, clad in Beast-faced Swallowing Head Linked Armor, holding aloft the captured leader of the Sahpo Sect, Du Jiuyou.

"Leader!"

The morale of the demon horde plummeted. Some surrendered, others fled; none had the heart to continue fighting.

Several hours later.

The great battle ceased.

Gongyang Ye and Sha Daoist soared through the air to land beside Admiral Situ Qian. They first inspected the firmly bound Du Jiuyou, then glanced at the Nine-Headed Lion beneath Situ Qian, before finally turning their gaze to the Admiral himself.

Sha Daoist exclaimed in awe, "I knew Admiral Situ possessed formidable combat skills, far beyond the reach of any ordinary True Immortal. Yet, I never expected his mount to possess such abilities as well. That lion's roar and the incredible power to capture souls - truly extraordinary!"

Admiral Situ Qian had been serving in the General Mansion for five hundred years.

At first, there were those who questioned his authority, especially powerful demons like the Mad Ape and the Shadowless. However, after witnessing Situ Qian's strength in several battles, they were convinced. Despite taking part in countless skirmishes and major battles over five hundred years, this was the first time Situ Qian had revealed the Nine-Headed Lion's impressive powers, startling all the heavenly generals.

With Situ Qian's own prowess coupled with the abilities of his Nine-Headed Lion, even characters like the Moon Worship Evil God of the past would hold fear in their hearts, subdued by such might.

Standing by, Gongyang Ye admired, "No wonder our teacher generously bestowed upon you the rank of Admiral. He must have long recognized the ferocity of this Nine-Headed Lion."

As his thoughts stirred.

Suddenly, Gongyang Ye's expression shifted, respect manifesting on his face. After a moment, he returned to his usual demeanor. Seeing that both Situ Qian and Sha Daoist had turned their attention to him, Gongyang Ye spoke up, "Teacher has ordered me to head toward the northern wastes of this Earth Realm in search of an old friend. As for this place—"

"If it is a command from the General, then you may proceed, Gongyang; General Sha and I are more than capable of handling things here," declared Situ Qian in rapid succession.

Sha Daoist also nodded in agreement.

With that, Gongyang Ye turned and made a swift departure towards the North Wilderness.

Behind him.

Admiral Situ Qian turned to Sha Daoist with curiosity, "This is the first inter-realm case handled by the General Mansion. How would the General happen to have an old friend here?"

"I am not sure," Sha Daoist replied with a wry smile and a shake of his head. "The Three Great Kings have always been shrouded in mystery. Few know the origins of their being."

Hearing this, Situ Qian didn't press any further.

...

Red Smoke Realm.

North Wilderness.

Above the six-hundred-mile stretch of Fufeng Mountain.

Iron Feather Daoist and Old Daoist Ni Yang stood atop auspicious clouds, their gazes retreating from the southern lands of Central Plains. Old Daoist Ni Yang spoke up first, cheerfully declaring, "That Heavenly General truly is formidable. Even though Du Jiuyou possesses exceptional methods, I did not expect that not only would he fail to withstand a direct confrontation but he couldn't even tear through space to flee."

Although he hadn't personally clashed with Du Jiuyou, he had witnessed the demon's might.

A sword swept through the sky.

The intent to kill exploded. Even True Immortals of the First Realm and Second Realm struggled to defend against it, left severely wounded by a single stroke. The slightly weaker ones faced the threat of death.

Such a person, so easily captured, made Old Daoist Ni Yang both shocked and awestruck, but also overjoyed.

"Indeed remarkable," agreed Iron Feather Daoist with a nod.

He had practiced cultivation for 110,000 years, nearly reaching the lifespan of a Mahayana One Cycle, but he modestly felt far from being Du Jiuyou's match, let alone compared to the leading Heavenly General who easily apprehended Du Jiuyou.

For a moment, he was filled with reflections.

"A bitter cultivation for 110,000 years, yet in the end one cannot escape a shovelful of yellow earth."

Iron Feather Daoist heaved a sigh internally, the bitterness buried deep.

"The Demon Sect's annihilation finally lifts the peril hanging over the world. In any case, these last two hundred years, it is thanks to Daoist Brother and your sect's support that my Nine Sword Immortal Mountain has survived."

"Such great kindness cannot be repaid with mere thanks."

Old Daoist Ni Yang, unaware of Iron Feather Daoist's thoughts, first expressed his gratitude, then continued, "Once my Nine Sword Immortal Mountain reestablishes itself in Central Plains and stabilizes, the very first thing will be to report this matter to the Founding Master. Leading three to five True Immortals from your sect to Ascension is no problem. However, survival in the Immortal Realm is tough, and without your sect's Upper Realm Dao lineage, it will be difficult to gain a foothold. As fellow practitioners of the Sword Dao, why not consider—"

Old Daoist Ni Yang paused as he spoke.

Bringing Luo Fu Sword Sect into his Nine Sword Immortal Mountain would indeed be a significant achievement. Later, upon ascending to the Immortal Realm, it would also constitute some capital.

However—

Old Daoist Ni Yang glanced at Iron Feather Daoist, then shook his head, "I also understand that with Daoist Brother's capabilities, many Immortal Sects in the Red Smoke Realm wish to recruit you. If you were willing to join them, you probably would not have remained unascended for tens of thousands of years. Regardless, you have been gracious to Nine Sword Immortal Mountain, so guiding you to Ascension will not be an issue. I only ask that you thoroughly consider it; in the Immortal Realm, even True Monarchs may not be secure. Establishing a foothold and rebuilding a Dao lineage on just a few True Immortals would be more difficult than ascending to the heavens."

Iron Feather Daoist remained silent.

Tens of thousands of years ago,

With the Luo Fu Sword Sect's Dao lineage destroyed in the Immortal Realm, Luo Fu Sword Sect lost its guidance for Ascension. The vast distance between the Red Smoke Realm and the Immortal Realm spanned countless leagues, and without an Upper Realm Ancestor's guidance, attempting to traverse the void likely led to becoming lost within it.

Helpless,

Iron Feather Daoist could only seek other Immortal Sects.

However, with differing Dao lineages, and given the Luo Fu Sword Sect's rapid rise that offended many fellow sects tens of thousands of years ago, garnering assistance from these Immortal Sects to open convenient paths was an arduous task.

Some had made concessions, but demanded Iron Feather Daoist merge with them upon Ascension.

Thus, the Luo Fu Sword Sect would no longer exist.

Iron Feather Daoist naturally refused.

As a result, since his time, no True Immortals from Luo Fu Sword Sect had ascended again.

Fortunately, today, it seemed the clouds had parted to reveal the moon at last.

"Once upon a time, our Founding Master Luo Fuzi, with his True Immortal cultivation, crossed the void alone and forged a foundation in the Immortal Realm. What is stopping us, his later disciples?!"

Iron Feather Daoist's heart swelled with bold ambition.

As long as he reached the Immortal Realm, hope would remain. Regardless of the Immortal Realm's perils and the difficulties of founding a sect upon new soil, he was unafraid.

"If that is so,"

"I shall then thank Daoist Brother and all the elders of Nine Sword Immortal Mountain."

Iron Feather Daoist bowed with hands clasped to Old Daoist Ni Yang.

Upon seeing this, Old Daoist Ni Yang instantly knew Iron Feather Daoist had made up his mind; he shook his head and chuckled with a bitter smile, "Daoist Brother, you truly are—"

Before he could finish,

His expression shifted, and he turned his head southward. Iron Feather Daoist did the same.

From the southern bounds of Central Plains Territory, a deity clothed in divine robes approached on an auspicious cloud.

The two recognized him as the Heavenly General who had been the second to take the field, defeating Sahara Sect's 'Fire Demon' Qiu Yunkong.

And during the battle with Qiu Yunkong, he had wielded the Twelve Flames Divine Flags!

"It's him."

Upon seeing this figure, both Iron Feather Daoist and Old Daoist Ni Yang were moved and dared not delay, immediately bowing and saying, "Lower Realm mortal cultivators Ni Yang (Iron Feather), greet the Upper God."

Gongyang Ye landed in front of the two, his eyes scanning Iron Feather Daoist, "May I ask if you are the revered Iron Feather Senior?"

"Hmm?"

Witnessing the deity's slightly respectful demeanor, Old Daoist Ni Yang's heart stirred with surprise, turning to Iron Feather Daoist in astonishment.

Iron Feather Daoist was also slightly perplexed but quickly replied, "I dare not accept the honor of being called 'Senior' by an Upper God. I am indeed known as 'Iron Feather'."

Gongyang Ye observed carefully.

Seeing that Iron Feather Daoist had significant cultivation, likely having reached the Fourth Realm of Daoist Realm, but in a declining state, he must be at least one hundred thousand years old, at the twilight of his lifespan. Furthermore, his Sword Qi, sharp and piercing, bore some resemblance to the "Luofu Sword Scripture" practiced by his junior brother.

Recollecting his previous examination of the rolls of True Immortals in the Red Smoke Realm, it seemed that Iron Feather Daoist was the True Immortal ancestor of the local Luo Fu Sword Sect.

"Luo Fu Sword Sect."

"Luofu Sword Scripture."

"And the Twelve Flames Divine Banner."

Gongyang Ye was certain this person was indeed a friend of his teacher, and thus would not presume to be above him, cheerfully said, "Iron Feather Senior, my teacher invites you."

"Upper God's teacher?"

Iron Feather Daoist glanced at Gongyang Ye, then towards the distant Central Plains Territory.

Understanding what was asked, Gongyang Ye quickly added, "That one is General Situ Qian, the subordinate of my teacher, who is the Thunder Department Capturing God General."

"Thunder Department Capturing God General?!"

Old Daoist Ni Yang, who had been silent till now, couldn't conceal his surprise any longer. This divine figure had considerable skill and was merely a disciple. The Heavenly General far away showed extraordinary might, virtually invincible among True Immortals, yet was just a subordinate general.

This Thunder Department Capturing God General must, therefore, be at least an Earth Immortal True Monarch.

"How has Iron Feather Daoist of Luo Fu Sword Sect managed to establish connections with such high-ranking Immortal Gods of the Upper Realm, and even with such prestigious entities of the Thunder Department?!"

Old Daoist Ni Yang was deeply shaken.

He realized the predicament of Luo Fu Sword Sect was likely to be resolved.

As for Iron Feather Daoist himself, he was taken aback at first, but after pondering for a moment, he declared, "I am willing to go; please lead the way, Upper God."

"Very well."

Gongyang Ye smiled and led Iron Feather Daoist towards the Central Plains Territory, flying swiftly away.

...