The Drizzle Hall sprang into action, launching a comprehensive investigation into Jin Hao.

However, information about this person was even harder to find than about Empress Lingyao. After half a month, they failed to uncover any valuable leads.

Readers with a god’s-eye view know that Jin Hao was actually an undercover agent. Such people naturally made their surface information airtight, otherwise the Boundary Hall would have exposed them long ago.

“Sect Master.”

Li Luoqiu said helplessly, “Still no news.”

Since arriving in the Upper Realm, though she devoted herself to developing intelligence networks, the different environment left her completely without the effortless advantage she’d enjoyed in the Xingyun Continent.

There was no helping it—too many restrictions.

“No rush.”

Jun Changxiao said, “Investigate slowly.”

It had been a month since the brocade box arrived, and the Boundary Hall still showed no reaction. This made him waver, wondering whether the person who sent Jin Hao’s head was trying to frame him or had some other purpose.

Unable to figure it out, the more he thought about it, the more chaotic it became.

“Phew!”

Jun Changxiao stood up and headed to the back mountain.

The place had undergone unusual changes, with several scenic areas added—some planted with ironwood, others forming lakesides.

Though Gou Sheng had consecutively ravaged several third-tier forbidden lands externally, he’d moved all their special features to the Eternal Sect, especially the water from Narcissus Lake, which had effects of strengthening meridians and muscles and beautifying the skin, perfect for regular consumption.

“Can’t rely too much on the martial facilities in the Shop. Whatever’s needed can be found in the Upper Realm to enrich the disciples’ cultivation environment,” Jun Changxiao thought silently.

The next day.

Li Luoqiu delivered a piece of intelligence.

The Boundary Hall had previously dispatched Empress Lingyao and Jin Hao together to pursue Gu Zhaoxi.

After learning this, Jun Changxiao fell into brief silence.

One major threat was dead, but another remained. He needed to be cautious.

Moreover.

That woman had captured Gu Zhaoxi before but then released him, and even had him join the Eternal Sect. There must be some unspeakable scheme involved.

“Sigh.”

Jun Changxiao raised his hand to rub his temples, saying, “I much prefer enemies who fight openly and honestly, not these scheming types.”

“Sect Master.”

Ye Xingchen entered the great hall.

This fellow wore the Golden Radiance Battle Armor, making him appear heroic and extraordinary.

Initially, Jun Changxiao planned to wear it himself, but remembering he still had the Great Saint Set, he gave this item to A Niu instead. Now that he wore it, the style quite suited him.

“How does it feel?”

“Excellent!”

Ye Xingchen’s eyes flashed with battle intent.

His text special effects could activate the Musou Battle Armor, but limited by his own realm, its strength certainly couldn’t compare to the Golden Radiance Battle Armor.

“Here.”

Jun Changxiao waved his hand and tossed over the Golden Radiance Holy Spear, saying, “This weapon is yours too.”

“Thank you, Sect Master!”

After Ye Xingchen caught it, his eyes blazed with even stronger battle intent, wishing he could immediately fly out of the hall and pierce a hole in the sky!

“That woman seems to have some scheme. You must also cultivate diligently,” Jun Changxiao said.

The battle intent in Ye Xingchen’s eyes transformed into killing intent.

That woman.

Obviously referred to Empress Lingyao.

A Niu had only one task upon arriving in the Upper Realm—to personally strike her down and avenge the assassination from years ago!

Ye Xingchen said, “Sect Master, this disciple will go cultivate!”

Advancement, becoming stronger.

This was the urgent matter at hand.

“Go.”

Jun Changxiao waved his hand, saying, “Hall Master Li, keep close watch on the Boundary Hall for any movements.”

“Yes.”

Li Luoqiu withdrew and began making arrangements.

However, another peaceful month passed, and the news received was that the Boundary Hall had taken no follow-up action.

“Strange.”

Jun Changxiao was puzzled.

Hua Meigui said, “Dead for so long without any reaction—there’s only one possibility: the Boundary Hall doesn’t know Jin Hao was killed.”

“So the person who sent the head wasn’t deliberately framing me?”

“Could they be telling us we’re all on the same side, or deliberately showing goodwill?”

“I hope so.”

Jun Changxiao preferred the latter—at least there wouldn’t be any schemes or plots.

“Hahaha!”

“Hahahaha!”

Just then, laughter came from outside the hall, and Taixuan Elder walked in with an excited expression.

“Is your wife having a baby?” Jun Changxiao asked.

“Screw off!”

Taixuan Elder glared at him fiercely, unable to suppress his excited emotions, saying, “Through this old man’s relentless efforts, Zhushan Mark I has finally made substantial progress!”

“Really?”

Jun Changxiao immediately became interested.

…

Formation Hall, martial arts field.

Jun Changxiao, Hua Meigui, and other high-ranking members arrived one after another.

Taixuan Elder stood proudly in the central area with his head held high. Seeing them all gathered, he summoned Zhushan Mark I.

During this time, he, Elder Zhen, and Shangguan Xinyao had continuously researched formations and mechs, conducting countless experiments until finally finding an optimal energy-saving solution.

“Doesn’t look any different?”

Jun Changxiao observed carefully for a while, finding Zhushan Mark I similar to before. If there was any difference, it was just that the formations engraved on it were more complex and profound.

“Don’t rush.”

Taixuan Elder smiled, “In a moment, I’ll open your eyes wide.”

“Girl, activate it!”

“Mm.”

Shangguan Xinyao walked over, jumped onto Zhushan Mark I, and entered the cockpit. After simple calibration, she placed her hands on the formation drive devices on both sides.

“Buzz buzz!”

The patterns connected to the bamboo armor instantly activated, flashing with brilliant light.

“Click click click!”

“Click click click click!”

The originally seemingly assembled pile of rotten wood that was Zhushan Mark I suddenly came ‘alive,’ then made a cupping fist gesture under Shangguan Xinyao’s control.

“Kid.”

Taixuan Elder said proudly, “Find a first-revolution cultivator to spar with it.”

“This thing can contend with first-revolution?” Though Jun Changxiao was somewhat surprised, he still called over his second disciple.

“Junior Sister!”

Li Qingyang walked onto the martial arts field, cupped his fists, and said, “Please!”

“Whoosh!”

Suddenly, Zhushan Mark I charged forward close to the ground, its seemingly clumsy giant fist carrying a cold fist wind!

“Boom!”

Li Qingyang crossed his arms to receive it, but due to the excessive force, he immediately retreated several steps before barely stabilizing, his eyes showing surprise.

“This…”

Ding Xingwang and the others were instantly dumbfounded!

This strange contraption made of bamboo wood and formation enhancements, without erupting a powerful aura or showing any visible realm, could actually knock back a genuine first-revolution Core Rotation Realm cultivator with one punch!

“Impressive!”

Jun Changxiao’s eyes lit up.

In his memory, Zhushan Mark I’s initial appearance merely sent flying several hundred mid-level and upper-level Skybreaking Realm cultivators. Now it could contend with first-revolution Core Rotation Realm—this transformation was truly groundbreaking!

“Junior Sister.”

Li Qingyang said, “I’m going to get serious.”

“Swish!”

With that, he charged forward with profound footwork, the force gathering in his fist continuously increasing. However, just as he made his move, Zhushan Mark I flew up with a ‘whoosh,’ its chest armor opening while hovering in mid-air, shooting out dozens of light beams!

“Boom boom boom!”

“Boom boom boom boom!”

The light beams formed by offensive formations had truly formidable power, instantly blasting the martial arts field into a sorry state.

Though Li Qingyang dodged, seeing the pitiful state of the martial arts field, he immediately clutched his chest, appearing to have lost fighting capability as he half-knelt on the ground.

This battle.

Shangguan Xinyao directly KO’d Second Senior Brother.

The reason—the martial arts field suffered damage, dealing him critical psychological damage.

—