The relentless deluge of rain had finally ceased.

The clouds on the horizon parted, revealing a sliver of clear sky.

Yet, the lingering gloom of the mortal world would not so easily dissipate.

The scent of blood, thick and viscous, clung to one’s nostrils, a persistent reminder of what had transpired.

Blood traced winding lines across the ground.

Scattered corpses formed a morbid tableau.

Everything that had once teemed with life and sound was now utterly silent.

Yi Shengfeng sheathed his sword and stepped away.

Seven days, seventeen battles – merely a cycle of killing and departing.

Though a certain unspoken understanding existed between True Person Seven Kills and the Duke of Huai’s Manor, the extermination order issued by the Duke’s Manor naturally contained no such caveats. Anyone could strike at Yi Shengfeng, anyone could claim the bounty, and anyone who succeeded would be afforded protection. The limitation on those above the Shenlin realm acting against him was enforced by the might of the South Dipper Hall.

Any Shenlin realm expert, or one of higher cultivation, who dared to move against Yi Shengfeng would be personally challenged by True Person Lu Shuanghe, sword in hand. No questions of origin or background would be entertained; the outcome would be decided solely by the blade.

“What dog-fart tacit understanding,” Yi Shengfeng mused silently. “It’s a complete unilateral compromise.”

But this world, at its core, was about the survival of the fittest, where the victor dictated the truth. He had understood this long ago and harbored no resentment.

Years ago, when he had pushed Jiang Wang into the river, he had barely spared a thought for the boy afterwards. Drowned, they said. Even if he hadn’t drowned, trapped in the backwater of Fengxi Town in Fenglin City, Jiang Wang’s greatest achievement would likely have been inheriting his father’s medicine shop, perhaps even opening a few branches. So many years later, if he were to return with his sword, his heart realm towering above the clouds, overlooking the mortal realm, he might have simply laughed off the incident, perhaps dispensed a hundred or a thousand taels of gold, and reminisced about their childhood friendship.

But alas, Jiang Wang had not died.

Not only had Jiang Wang survived, but he had also embarked on the path of cultivation. Despite missing out on the celestial opportunity with the South Dipper Hall, he had still found his way onto the dao.

Cultivation alone wouldn’t have been so significant. If he had merely cultivated within the confines of Zhuang State’s meagre territory, circling within its small Daoist temples, struggling his entire life, he would have, at most, become a Jicingsi Chief, perhaps reaching the Tenglong or Inner Treasury realms.

But Jiang Wang had gone to Qi State, the dominant power in the East Domain, and even represented Qi State to claim the title of Yellow River Chief!

Compared to himself, Yi Shengfeng, Jiang Wang had glimpsed a far grander future!

And thus, the animosity stemming from that near-drowning incident, from pushing Jiang Wang into the small river, had become a genuine, palpable hatred.

The coldness of the water, the crushing pressure, the suffocation, the profound terror between life and death – they had all become terrifyingly real!

Jiang Wang was no longer a fleeting memory from childhood; he had truly leapt out of that small river, into the world where Yi Shengfeng soared with his sword, a presence to be heard, to be perceived.

He had been stubborn since childhood. In the wooden sword fights with Jiang Wang, no matter how many times he lost, he would grit his teeth and go again, clinging to Jiang Wang, refusing to let go until he had won.

But Jiang Wang was the same. In so many sword fights, Jiang Wang had never once yielded to him.

He understood that Jiang Wang would certainly not let him go, and therefore, he would certainly not let Jiang Wang go.

It was that simple.

At a certain moment, a sudden intuition surged within him. He couldn’t help but look up at the sky. In the distant starry expanse, a subtle response stirred.

His Star Tower vibrated like wind rustling through leaves, yet he knew not why it resonated.

The South Dipper Hall’s dao tradition was ancient, not adhering to the so-called Four Spirits Star Domains. Yi Shengfeng’s constructed Star Towers were all within the Killing Stars.

Named Yinghuo, Seven Kills, Breaking Army, and… Greedy Wolf!

The subtle response emanated precisely from the Greedy Wolf Star Tower, a star also known as Tian Shu, located within the Big Dipper.

This sensation was like a breeze rippling the surface of a lake. He focused, trying to discern its origin, yet knew not where the wind came from, nor where it went. The lake’s surface had already calmed.

Just as he was about to manifest his divine soul into the Star Tower to investigate this ripple, his heart surged with blood like a rising tide!

Danger had arrived.

Yi Shengfeng turned without hesitation, abandoning his planned route and plunging into the forest. If possible, he would not willingly place himself in mortal danger. But if forced to face it, he would undoubtedly draw his sword and fight for his own survival, ensuring his opponent met their demise.

The world was like a sea of suffering, and they were both striving to cross it.

This massive killing spree across the entire South Domain was, of course, a reflection of the Great Chu Duke of Huai’s Manor’s stance, and naturally, True Person Seven Kills’ tacit approval of his sword-honing journey.

But it was also Yi Shengfeng’s opportunity to forge his reputation and prove his sword. He must not diminish the name of the South Dipper True Transmission, the legacy of Lu Shuanghe’s personal tutelage.

South of this lawless land lay Daishan Commandery of Zhuang State. Zhuang State’s four commanderies were Hualin, Qinghe, Daishan, and Yongchang. Excluding the newly established Yongchang Commandery, in the traditional three, Daishan Commandery had always been the most militarily prepared. It boasted the most beast nests and the most valiant soldiers. The renowned Jiujiang Xuan Armor originated from here.

On this day, dust swirled along the road as a cavalry force advanced swiftly. At the head of the column, a large banner fluttered in the wind, bearing two characters: “Huangfu.”

As Zhuang State’s foremost military minister, Great General Huangfu Duanming was often an overlooked figure. When the world spoke of Zhuang State, they inevitably mentioned Zhuang Gaoxian and Du Ruhui. Delving further into the past, they might recall the former Zhuang Chengqian. Ask ten people in the West Border, and nine would not know who Huangfu Duanming was.

In the era when Zhuang Gaoxian was in secluded cultivation within the deep palace, Huangfu Duanming did indeed often clash with Du Ruhui, having a certain presence at the time, though he was often suppressed by Du Ruhui for years. Of course, this long-standing act of discord between generals and ministers ultimately yielded rich rewards, culminating in their successful seizure of the White Bone True Pill, allowing Zhuang Gaoxian to instantly enter the Cave True realm.

After Zhuang State entered its era of revival, Zhuang Gaoxian was hailed as a heroic lord, Du Ruhui as a famous wise minister. The military commander, Huangfu Duanming, seemed to vanish without a trace, rarely undertaking prominent actions.

However, Zhuang State’s decisive victory over Yong State, the Zhuang Army’s capture of Suolong Pass, could not be attributed solely to Zhuang Gaoxian and Du Ruhui. Without a powerful army, no matter how grand the vision or how brilliant the strategies, they could not be executed. Zhuang Gaoxian often remarked privately that General Huangfu was his dragon’s bone; remove him, and the heavens would tilt.

Though low-key, Huangfu Duanming’s influence in Zhuang State’s political landscape had never diminished. His position within the army was even more unshakeable. In these past years of southern expeditions and northern campaigns, he had always been the central figure. After taking Suolong Pass, he personally garrisoned it, guarding it against all winds, solid as a golden fortress.

Now, he had quietly left Suolong Pass and appeared in Daishan Commandery. Personally leading the army, waving his banner north, his intentions were self-evident. Zhuang State’s monarch and ministers had exhausted their stratagems to remove Huang Jinmo, that persistent thorn. Now, it was time to reap the rewards.

Compared to Yong State, their disadvantage lay in being forced to passively await the Mohist powerful being’s move, making their actions inherently slower. But their advantage lay in their prior preparations.

Was it not a coincidence? When the two great Mohist True Person level forces challenged Bu Shu City, Huangfu Duanming happened to be inspecting Jiujiang. With no time to even report to the emperor, he personally led his division north at the earliest opportunity, a decision characteristic of a renowned general.

The howling wind, the neighing horses, the clatter of armor – the sounds of the battlefield always offered a unique sense of relief to warriors. Huangfu Duanming rode forward, silently contemplating the emperor’s strategy this time.

When Zhuang Gaoxian was still in the Shenlin realm, he had used the pretext of secluded cultivation to hide within the deep palace, recuperating in secret for many years. At that time, Yong State, with the Qichang Mountains as their boundary, had actually failed to discover this, and even within the court, no one was aware. Having deceived the world for so many years, he naturally possessed unique capabilities.

Now, having achieved the Cave True realm, he was even more formidable. Why could he deceive the White Bone Evil God and seize the White Bone True Pill at the last moment? Why was he confident in publicly trying Jiang Wang on Yujing Mountain and producing the evidence of his demonic nature? Why could he confidently frame Huang Jinmo, making it impossible for anyone to uncover the truth for a time?

Huangfu Duanming, of course, knew the answers. But even knowing, he couldn’t shake a sense of unease. The emperor’s schemes were too perilous, ultimately not the righteous path.

But then again… With the powerful Qin dominating the West Border, Yong State gaining Mohist support, and Yujing Mountain’s greatest interests lying within Jing State, they simply couldn’t spare too much effort on Zhuang State. Zhuang State’s monarch and ministers themselves also wished to avoid being too deeply influenced by Yujing Mountain… In such a situation in the West Border, if they didn’t take risks, how else could they proceed?

The emperor’s achievement of the Cave True realm, the breaking of Yong State’s defense and seizure of the pass – these step-by-step risks had yielded significant gains, but they truly could not stop. One day, they would break the deadlock, leap off the chessboard, and become true players. Perhaps then, they would not need to be so… But to reach that day, how long was the path to travel? How many corpses would pave the way? Like Duan Li He drawing his sword… how many more would there be?

Huangfu Duanming pondered silently, his face betraying nothing. A scout on horseback galloped forward, reporting loudly: “Yong State’s England Duke, Beigong Yu, has already taken military control of Bu Shu City! A large contingent of the Yong Army is blocking the road ahead!”

A Duke in Yong State naturally did not hold the same weight as a Duke in a hegemonic state. But as Yong State’s only Duke, Beigong Yu’s significance was undoubtedly different from the ordinary.

From the moment the Yong Army first entered the lawless land, Zhuang State’s leadership had reached a consensus on this battle. This was not a full-scale state war, but a conflict for territory and momentum. In other words, they would fight, and within a certain scope, fight fiercely, but they could not escalate it into a major conflict.

In normal times, if Zhuang State desired more support from Yujing Mountain, they would have to accept more restrictions from the Dao Gate. Benefits and constraints were always intertwined. But now was different. The Mohists, in laying out their official roads, had chosen a place like Yong State. If the Dao Gate wanted to impose restrictions, they had no other choice but Zhuang State. Restraining the Mohists’ official road layout and strengthening control over Zhuang State – Yujing Mountain also had to weigh and choose. And this was the maneuvering space available to Zhuang State’s leadership…

“The old dog arrived quite quickly,” Huangfu Duanming’s thoughts were deeply hidden. He simply pointed his horse whip north, his qi soaring to the heavens. “We shall go and meet him!”

“Have you seen a person?”

Outside the city gate, a person in tattered clothes, with a dirty face, was asking everyone he encountered. His broken outer garment had once surely been bright, but now its red was faded. From the small braids tied in his hair, it was evident he had once been quite dashing, but now they were greasy and matted together.

At this time, Bu Shu City had already entered a state of military control. The life gold system, all freedoms – they were things of the past. The only thing that mattered here was the Yong Army’s military law.

Two columns of armored Yong State soldiers, swords in hand, guarded the city gate, their presence solemn and rigid.

“Get lost!” one soldier said impatiently.

But the person simply asked, “Have you seen them?” He gestured with both hands, “This short, this thin, very rich, it’s a girl, with many toys.” He asked again, “Have you seen her?”

“Haven’t seen, haven’t seen, hurry up and go, it’s not worth getting chopped by a knife.” Another soldier made a shooing gesture.

The person shrunk his head and shuffled to the side, muttering, “If you see her, drive her away, don’t let her play here.”

“Who is that person?” On the city gate tower, a young general with double swords at his waist asked. “I see he still has some cultivation, how did he fall to this state?”

“Lord Beigong, this person is said to be the former Sin Wei Commander here, named Lian Heng,” the nearby 친위 Commander answered. “When Young Lady Xia manipulated the Anti Five Elements Teleportation Tower, he received a bag of Yuan Stones and was standing guard nearby. After True Person Tian Gong descended, he fainted on the spot. Jiang Wang singled him out and handed him to other Sin Wei. Those Sin Wei also wanted to wait for him to wake up and preside over the situation, but unexpectedly, after he woke and learned that Zhu Weiwo’s life and death were unknown, Huang Jinmo had been captured and questioned, and Bu Shu City was destroyed in an instant, he went directly mad.”

“And those Sin Wei?” Beigong Ke asked.

“A part has already been incorporated, a part is still hiding in the wilderness, but their morale is completely scattered,” the 친위 Commander said, looking at the mad Lian Heng below the city tower. “Otherwise, he wouldn’t be wandering here alone. Previously, no one managed this place, and these Sin Wei’s words were more effective than anything. Heh heh, he can be said to have been quite dashing before.”

A supernatural cultivator who had once reached the position of Sin Wei Commander in Bu Shu City, now driven mad to this state, was indeed somewhat surprising. But Beigong Ke could likely understand the reasons behind Lian Heng’s madness.

Lian Heng likely felt that he had given the Mohist girl the opportunity to transmit a True Person, that it was his negligence as Sin Wei Commander that led to the city lord missing the chance to escape. That he, Lian Heng, had been greedy for money and invited wolves into the house. Already injured and not yet recovered, his body and mind fragile, he was unable to bear the impact and his divine sense collapsed directly.

But the most cruel part was that the Mohists wanted to capture Huang Jinmo, and Huang Jinmo’s response was completely futile. A person like Lian Heng, no matter what he did, didn’t even count as a response. Even if he had once been glorious, once dashing… When high mountains collapse, people are like dust.

A game of chess played by the great figures, the crisp sound of the pieces striking the board, buried who knew how many people’s cries. He, Beigong Ke, might also find it difficult to be an exception.

At this moment, a commotion arose below the city gate tower.

“Told you to get lost, and you won’t?” The impatient soldier from before drew the saber from his waist and walked towards the mad Lian Heng. “Always shouting, always shouting, shouting until grandfather is annoyed to death!”

Lian Heng was completely unaware, still shouting, “Don’t let her play here, this is our home, this is my home!”

“Save the person and find a place to keep him,” Beigong Ke said casually.

“Lord, a great battle is imminent, the brothers have many things to do,” the 친위 Commander said with some reluctance. “He’s already mad like this…”

“Do as I said,” Beigong Ke simply stated, then walked away to the other side, continuing to inspect the city defenses.

The 친위 Commander had no choice but to leap down from the city tower, enduring Lian Heng’s continuing mad shouts—

“Drive her away, drive her away, drive her away!”