When night came, the Kunlun group made camp to rest. A disciple walked over and called out, “Friends, please come eat.”

Lingyin and the others heard his polite tone – he had actually used the word “please” – and couldn’t help but be secretly surprised. Wu Dingyuan understood in his heart, surmising that this “Tianshan Shenji Cave” must contain secrets of utmost importance. Otherwise, given the arrogance of Mount Kunlun’s disciples, they would have long since tortured them beyond human form – how could they be so polite and considerate?

Everyone got off the cart. Wu Dingyuan saw they were in a vast plain, already outside the western frontier pass. As he was looking around, the Kunlun disciples had already cooked a large pot of rice porridge and were about to serve it to everyone. Wu Dingyuan ate a few mouthfuls when suddenly his right hand sent another wave of severe pain. The pain turned his face deathly pale, his body swayed, and he collapsed to the ground. The bowl of porridge in his hand immediately spilled on the ground.

Seeing his strange expression, Yan Ting exclaimed in alarm, “What’s wrong?”

She was about to step forward when suddenly she heard someone curse, “Damn thing! Are you complaining about the food?” Yan Ting turned to look and saw Qian Lingyi with his hands on his hips, standing behind them pointing and cursing. Yan Ting knew this person was violent and lustful. Frightened, she shrank behind Lingyin.

Li Tieshan rushed forward, reached out to help Wu Dingyuan up, and sneered, “You bastard surnamed Qian, if you have the guts, try cursing again.”

Seeing his mouth twisted in a fearless manner, Qian Lingyi immediately became angry and said, “You old thing, you’ve lost your martial arts and still dare to act arrogant? Watch me beat you to death!” He was about to come over and strike.

Seeing his junior martial brother arguing with others and remembering the sect leader’s instructions, Jin Lingshuang quickly blocked him and said in a low voice, “The sect leader instructed everyone to be polite. Why are you being so fierce and domineering?” Qian Lingyi chuckled coldly but didn’t dare say more and walked to one side.

Jin Lingshuang walked over, crouched beside Wu Dingyuan, and said gently, “Commissioner Wu, what’s wrong? Is your hand injury acting up?”

Wu Dingyuan’s forehead was covered with rolling sweat and he couldn’t speak. The pain was like thousands of ants drilling into his skin – numb, itchy, and aching, truly unbearable. Jin Lingshuang reached out and lightly placed his hand on Wu Dingyuan’s shoulder, then circulated his internal energy to help suppress the toxicity. In less than half an hour, white vapor was already rising from his head.

Lingyin and Li Tieshan exchanged glances, both feeling surprised and uncertain, not knowing what injury Wu Dingyuan had suffered that was so severe. Yan Ting’s pretty face turned even paler, her beautiful eyes fixed on Wu Dingyuan, afraid he might suddenly die.

After a long while, Wu Dingyuan exhaled a long breath, feeling the pain in his right hand had finally eased. Jin Lingshuang said in a low voice, “Rest well. If you feel pain again, just tell us. Don’t endure it forcefully.”

Jin Lingshuang’s face was deathly pale. It seemed his recent healing efforts had greatly exhausted his power, making him quite tired as well.

Wu Dingyuan knew that their reason for helping him was actually ulterior – they absolutely didn’t care about his life or death. He just turned his head away and didn’t answer.

Suddenly a disciple walked over and said, “Commissioner Wu, the sect leader requests your presence.”

Wu Dingyuan wiped the sweat from his face, not knowing what Zhuo Lingzhao wanted again. But at this time, he was under their roof and had to bow his head. He stood up and followed that disciple away.

Yan Ting, afraid the Kunlun people would harm Wu Dingyuan, quickly grabbed his hand and called out loudly, “What do you want with him? Are you going to hurt him again?”

Jin Lingshuang had already regulated his breathing. He slowly stood up and said, “Miss, don’t worry. This time we have important matters to entrust to Commissioner Wu. We absolutely won’t harm him.” He gently pushed Yan Ting aside to let Wu Dingyuan leave.

Seeing the strange behavior of the Kunlun people, Lingyin and the others discussed among themselves, all guessing at Zhuo Lingzhao’s intentions.

Wu Dingyuan followed that disciple, walking to a corner of the camp. Wu Dingyuan glanced sideways and saw Zhuo Lingzhao holding the sheepskin, deep in thought. The disciple bowed and said, “Sect Leader, Commissioner Wu is here.”

Zhuo Lingzhao looked up and waved his hand, signaling the disciple to withdraw. Wu Dingyuan saw his grave expression and surmised he must have some business, so he stood to one side waiting for him to speak.

Zhuo Lingzhao stared at the sheepskin and said in a daze, “Commissioner Wu, do you know what this sheepskin is?”

Wu Dingyuan was startled, not expecting him to ask this question. He said, “Isn’t this sheepskin evidence of Jiang Chong’s treason? Why does Sect Leader Zhuo ask this?”

Zhuo Lingzhao shook his head and sighed, “Evidence of treason? If it were really such a boring thing, why would I come wade into these murky waters?” He took the sheepskin and spread it in front of Wu Dingyuan, pointing to the red lines on it and saying, “Commissioner Wu, since you say this sheepskin is evidence of Jiang Chong’s treason, what do these red lines mean?”

Wu Dingyuan became suspicious. This Zhuo Lingzhao had always worked for Jiang Chong – how could he suddenly be concerned about the sheepskin’s secrets? Could it be that Zhuo Lingzhao’s seizure of the sheepskin had other plans? He coughed and said, “As far as I know, these red lines are the treasonous territorial boundaries that Jiang Chong agreed upon with Khan Yesen. When he was captured by Khan Yesen, it was by relying on these newly defined boundaries that he was able to escape with his life.”

Zhuo Lingzhao snorted and said, “Who doesn’t know such rumors? You’ve had the sheepskin for more than a day or two – haven’t you seen the real truth yet?”

Wu Dingyuan’s heart tensed as he thought, “Looking at his expression, he’s definitely not lying. This sheepskin must have other mysteries.”

At that time, Wu Dingyuan and Yang Suguan had examined the terrain several times but could never connect it with the red lines on the sheepskin. If these red lines were new national boundaries, some places were drawn into China’s mountain ridges with no natural defenses – this was completely unreasonable. Besides this, some places where the red lines passed were actually further west than the old boundary markers, which was even more inconsistent with treason. Thinking of this, Wu Dingyuan felt Zhuo Lingzhao’s words contained deep meaning.

Zhuo Lingzhao’s mouth twisted as he shook his head and said, “It seems you don’t know the details either. Forget it.” He waved his hand and ordered someone to take Wu Dingyuan away.

Wu Dingyuan also wanted to extract some inside information and quickly said, “Hearing the sect leader say this, do these red lines have some other secret? Could you tell us so we can study and understand together?”

Zhuo Lingzhao looked at Wu Dingyuan and said, “Commissioner Wu, do you believe in feng shui?”

Hearing him suddenly mention feng shui, Wu Dingyuan couldn’t help but be stunned for a while before saying, “Feng shui theories have always been vague. Does this relate to the sheepskin?”

Zhuo Lingzhao stared at the sheepskin and said, “I won’t hide it from you. According to Lord Jiang’s own words, these red lines are our dynasty’s feng shui dragon veins. Once we pass the New Year’s Eve of Wuchen year, these dragon veins will appear on their own. By following the sheepskin’s guidance and traveling west along the dragon veins, we can find Shenji Cave.”

Wu Dingyuan’s mouth fell open. This talk was too absurd and preposterous. He immediately laughed speechlessly and said, “Sect Leader Zhuo has such high martial arts, yet you believe in such nonsense? Isn’t this too ridiculous?”

Hearing his mockery, Zhuo Lingzhao didn’t get angry but just shook his head and said, “Come with me.” He grabbed Wu Dingyuan and walked outside the camp.

The two walked a few steps when Zhuo Lingzhao pointed to a spot on the ground and said, “Look here.”

Wu Dingyuan looked down and saw a crack in the ground about the thickness of a little finger, with a faint sulfur smell wafting out. He raised his head to look and saw in the moonlight that this crack extended from east to west for countless miles. He remembered that when they set out, Zhuo Lingzhao had also brought his disciples to examine the ground – presumably they were looking for this crack. He immediately asked, “This crack was created by the earthquake – is this the dragon vein you mentioned?”

Zhuo Lingzhao didn’t answer but pointed to a section of red line and said, “This is where we are now.”

Wu Dingyuan looked down and nodded. Zhuo Lingzhao pointed to the other end of the red line and said, “Look there.”

Wu Dingyuan looked down and saw that the red line passed through a lake. He made an understanding sound and said, “What? The dragon vein runs into the water?” As he spoke, a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. Though he didn’t want to mock, he couldn’t help but show a disdainful expression.

Zhuo Lingzhao didn’t answer but walked a few steps along the crack, pointed into the distance and said, “Look carefully.” Wu Dingyuan looked as instructed and saw that crack winding westward. After less than a hundred feet, suddenly silver waves rippled as it disappeared into a lake.

If they followed the red line, everyone would inevitably drown at the bottom of the lake.

Zhuo Lingzhao said, “According to Jiang Chong, this sheepskin can guide us to find the dragon vein. But now the red line goes into the lake – what should we do?”

Wu Dingyuan coughed and said, “Why doesn’t Sect Leader Zhuo go around the lake and wait until reaching the other shore to look for the dragon vein along the red line?”

Zhuo Lingzhao said, “This dragon vein is no wider than a finger and appears and disappears along the way, making it extremely difficult to find. Now it’s gone into the water – even if we reach the other shore, how can we find it again?”

Wu Dingyuan heard his distressed tone and couldn’t help but laugh inwardly, thinking, “This gang of treacherous rebels has exhausted their efforts but is blocked here – they’re really asking for trouble.” Just as he was feeling amused, he suddenly remembered that he was injured and needed to find Shenji Cave to detoxify the poison. He sighed and crouched down to examine the ground conditions.

Wu Dingyuan looked carefully and saw that the crack was indeed only finger-thick – it was truly as described. He lay on the ground and scraped away the soil on both sides of the crack when suddenly Zhuo Lingzhao called out, “Be careful! This crack is very hot!” Before he finished speaking, Wu Dingyuan suddenly felt severe pain in his left hand – it had been burned and blistered.

Wu Dingyuan laughed dryly and said, “This dragon vein is truly strange and mysterious – it actually burns people.”

Zhuo Lingzhao said indifferently, “This Shenji Cave is the most magical place among the seventy-two Daoist cave heavens. If it didn’t have some mystery, how could it inspire people’s respect?”

Wu Dingyuan didn’t know what nonsense he was spouting and just grunted in response. He was about to get up when he suddenly saw something faintly visible in the depths of the crack. Curious, he crouched back down and found a stone to probe into the crack.

When the stone touched the ground, suddenly there was a strange sound, as if something was crying out. Wu Dingyuan was startled and said in a trembling voice, “There’s something inside!” Zhuo Lingzhao was also greatly shocked and quickly rushed over.

At this moment, the ground slowly bulged up as if magma was about to burst forth. Zhuo Lingzhao and Wu Dingyuan looked at each other, both filled with shock. Suddenly there was a tremendous roar, the ground burst open violently, and a gigantic creature rushed out. Wu Dingyuan was so frightened his hands and feet went weak – he didn’t know how to dodge. Seeing that thing was about to bite off his head, Zhuo Lingzhao’s eyes were quick and his hands were fast – he immediately pulled Wu Dingyuan aside. That creature bit at empty air and with a whoosh sound, burrowed back into the ground.

With wind whistling, the ground split open into a large crevice. Though Wu Dingyuan and Zhuo Lingzhao were mortal enemies, faced with such a strange and tremendous change, the two couldn’t help but look at each other, both their faces turning iron blue.

Though it was only for an instant, the two had clearly seen that creature’s strange form – about ten feet long, covered in golden scales, resembling a large python. Wu Dingyuan said in a trembling voice, “What exactly was that thing?”

Zhuo Lingzhao took a deep breath and shook his head, “I don’t know… from its appearance, it seemed like… it seemed like…”

The two simultaneously had the same thought flash through their minds: “Dragon!”

Just as they were at a loss, suddenly there was a tremendous noise and the ground actually began to shake violently. In the distance, Kunlun disciples cried out in alarm, “Damn! Another earthquake!” Wu Dingyuan was greatly shocked and quickly crouched down, afraid of being knocked over by the shock waves.

Rumble, rumble – the continuous tremendous noise made the earth seem to come alive, swaying up and down. The trembling was mixed with the frightened cries of people and horses. Even Zhuo Lingzhao, who called himself the Sword God, faced with such changes of heaven and earth, had a deathly pale face without a trace of color. Wu Dingyuan’s lips trembled even more and he couldn’t speak half a sentence.

After a long while, the earth gradually quieted. Wu Dingyuan crouched on the ground and said in a trembling voice, “Is it over?” Zhuo Lingzhao swallowed and was about to answer when suddenly the disciples called out, “The lake is gone! The lake is gone!”

Hearing these words, the two immediately felt amazed and quickly raised their heads to look. This sight also shocked them greatly.

They saw that the original finger-width thin crack had split open into a ten-foot-wide giant crevice that appeared bottomless, extending continuously into the lake. The lake water was pouring in, constantly flowing into the giant crevice, as if the heavens had chopped an axe into the lake bottom to drain the lake dry.

Both Zhuo Lingzhao and Wu Dingyuan had pale faces, staring blankly at this extremely bizarre scene before them.

After a short while, all the lake water had drained away, revealing a ten-foot-wide crevice. The muddy lake bottom with water plants was completely exposed, and many fish were still jumping and darting on the ground – the sight was truly eerie.

From the distance came Qian Lingyi’s voice, laughing loudly, “Damn! Heaven is opening the road for us – how satisfying!”

Wu Dingyuan and Zhuo Lingzhao looked at each other. Neither thought Qian Lingyi’s words were exaggerated – without heaven’s intentional guidance, how could such strange events occur?

Seeing the road had appeared on its own, Zhuo Lingzhao didn’t dare delay and quickly ordered his disciples to drive the carts forward. Yan Ting, Li Tieshan and the others, seeing this strange phenomenon of heaven and earth, all felt extremely alarmed. Lingyin led the monks in bowing their heads and chanting Buddha, as if praying for something.

For several days, the Mount Kunlun group continued rushing westward. The further west they went, the larger the crack became, sometimes boring through mountain bellies, sometimes draining river valleys. Though it would sometimes disappear from sight, by following the red lines on the sheepskin and searching briefly, they would find it again not far away.

The journey was arduous, and several Kunlun disciples couldn’t bear the hardship and were severely beaten by Tu Lingxin, Qian Lingyi and others. Wu Dingyuan and the others, sitting in the cart, were instead idle. But everyone, thinking of their precarious situation and not knowing what their future circumstances would be, all had worried expressions.

Only Li Tieshan was cheerful every day – when tea came he opened his hand, when food came he opened his mouth, and in his leisure time he would still quarrel and curse with Qian Lingyi. His days were quite spirited. Everyone, seeing him so optimistic, couldn’t help but secretly admire him.

On the road, Yan Ting worried about her junior sister having no one to care for her and couldn’t help but feel concerned and sad. Wu Dingyuan saw this and kept comforting her. Seeing their intimacy, the others in the cart let Yan Ting sleep beside Wu Dingyuan at night so she could have some warmth and care.

After another two days of travel, on this day there was suddenly wind and snow. Gusts of violent wind blew as if they would tear through the cart’s canopy, and the donkeys pulling the cart cried miserably, unable to move forward. Wu Dingyuan and the others were hiding in the cart for warmth when they heard a disciple shout, “Get down quickly!”

Yan Ting had been sleeping soundly. Hearing the shouting, she rubbed her sleepy eyes and asked Wu Dingyuan, “What’s wrong? Can’t they find the crack again?”

Wu Dingyuan shook his head. He had wanted to let Yan Ting sleep a bit more, but seeing Li Tieshan and the others had already gotten off the cart, he could only take Yan Ting’s small hand and walk down together.

As soon as the two stepped outside the cart, heavy snow immediately hit their faces. Seeing Yan Ting shivering, he quickly took off his outer robe and draped it over her shoulders.

But Yan Ting seemed completely oblivious, pointing to the horizon with trembling finger and saying, “Master Wu, look there!”

Wu Dingyuan looked into the distance and saw that in the violent wind and snow, before them was actually a magnificent and dangerous strange scene – a great canyon about ten li wide extending north and south endlessly.

Seeing this extremely spectacular scene, Wu Dingyuan was also greatly amazed. He leaned forward to look and saw that the canyon was bright red, filled with constantly rolling magma. The sulfur was pungent, the heat oppressive – truly frightening. Gusts of violent snow kept blowing, and as soon as the heavy snow fell into the canyon, it was immediately vaporized by the magma’s heat into large patches of water vapor, like dense fog, shrouding everyone’s vision. Lingyin and the others had never seen such a strange phenomenon and were also extremely astonished.

Yan Ting was quite amazed and said in a low voice, “What place is this? How can there be such a magnificent canyon?”

Tu Lingxin beside them heard this and just sneered, saying, “What canyon? This is just that little crack we’ve been following all along!”

Everyone was greatly shocked to hear this. The crack had been no wider than a finger and would disappear without a trace if one wasn’t careful, yet who knew that as they traveled further, it would open up to become this great canyon spanning several li.

Zhuo Lingzhao looked toward the canyon and exclaimed admiringly, “According to this sheepskin’s guidance, Shenji Cave is on the other side of the canyon. Hehe, ‘In the year of Wuchen’s end, Dragon Emperor moves the world, heavenly secrets are true, gods and ghosts are free’ – this Qin Baxian was truly extraordinary, able to calculate such changes of heaven and earth. He’s truly a remarkable person of his generation.”

Wu Dingyuan’s heart tensed as he pondered, “Who is this Qin Baxian? What’s his connection to this place?”

As he was thinking, Jin Lingshuang walked up and said, “Sect Leader, this canyon’s terrain is so treacherous – how should we cross to the other side?”

Zhuo Lingzhao sneered and said, “To accomplish great things, how can one cherish one’s life? Today, whether by flying or crawling, we must risk this attempt.”

Hearing him say this, everyone couldn’t help but change color. With magma surging and heat pressing here, how could they possibly cross?

Hearing the sect leader’s anxiety, Jin Lingshuang quickly said, “This canyon is about two li across – we can’t make it with lightness skills. I think we shouldn’t take such risks and should go around instead.”

Zhuo Lingzhao said, “If we go around, this canyon is over two hundred li long. Going back and forth would take too much time and we’d miss our opportunity.”

Jin Lingshuang said, “Then what can we do? Must we really fly across?”

Zhuo Lingzhao pondered for a long while, thinking of solutions, when suddenly a gloomy voice came from the thick fog: “Sect Leader Zhuo, you’ve finally arrived.”

Everyone was greatly shocked that someone was hidden here and all shouted, “Who’s there?”

Wu Dingyuan quickly pulled Yan Ting behind him and raised his palm to protect her. Zhuo Lingzhao smiled slightly and said, “Commander An, greetings!” His hearing was keen and he had already recognized the newcomer’s voice.

That gloomy voice made a sound of surprise, clearly also quite shocked, then sneered, “Sect Leader Zhuo has good hearing!” From beside the canyon emerged a person of stout build – it was Jinyiwei Commander An’dao Jing.

Everyone was surprised and uncertain, not knowing how An’dao Jing had appeared here, when they heard him say, “Sect Leader Zhuo, that day you seized the sheepskin from Shenggui Pavilion – why didn’t you come to Xiliang to meet with us but came alone to Tianshan? Could it be you have other designs?”

Zhuo Lingzhao smiled slightly and said, “Anyone who knows the sheepskin’s secret – who would still put the court in their eyes? Don’t you think so?”

Hearing their conversation, Wu Dingyuan’s heart immediately tensed. This Zhuo Lingzhao didn’t meet with Jiang Chong but explored his way to Tianshan alone – he must intend to monopolize the sheepskin’s secrets. But this Jiang Chong was extremely cunning and not easy to deal with, actually sending people to wait here. There would surely be a good show to watch.

An’dao Jing shook his head and said, “Sect Leader Zhuo, Lord Jiang has always regarded you as a close friend. Think carefully.”

Zhuo Lingzhao looked up to the sky and laughed heartily but didn’t answer.

Tu Lingxin walked forward and, seeing An’dao Jing still blocking everyone’s way, immediately said coldly, “Commander An, haven’t you suffered enough in the capital? Get out of the way!”

Hearing his insolent words, An’dao Jing’s expression immediately changed. This Tu Lingxin had once caused trouble for the Jinyiwei, defeating eighteen of their instructors in one move. If Hao Zhenxiang hadn’t happened to be present, the Jinyiwei would have suffered a complete defeat. Now An’dao Jing was alone and outnumbered, and that Hao Zhenxiang had been killed by his own hand – how could he face so many masters? But he had orders to be here and couldn’t retreat, so he steeled himself and stood firm.

Tu Lingxin sneered, “Still won’t get lost? Do you really want to die?”

Just as he was about to act, Zhuo Lingzhao reached out to stop him and smiled, “Commander An, where is Lord Jiang? He’s arrived too, hasn’t he?” He knew An’dao Jing was timid and wouldn’t take risks lightly. For him to come here alone, there must be strong backup behind him.

Seeing his accurate deduction, An’dao Jing was startled and said, “Sect Leader Zhuo’s guess is correct. Lord Jiang is nearby.”

Hearing this, Wu Dingyuan couldn’t help but be shocked, thinking silently, “How did Jiang Chong get here too!” Remembering this person’s various schemes, he felt both alarmed and afraid.

Zhuo Lingzhao thought, “This Jiang Chong is truly formidable. Without the sheepskin’s guidance, he still managed to arrive one step ahead of me.” Though surprised in his heart, his face showed no emotion. He just smiled slightly and said, “Since Lord Jiang is also nearby, we can’t avoid meeting face to face. Please lead the way, Commander An.”

Seeing Zhuo Lingzhao’s nonchalant attitude, An’dao Jing thought, “You scoundrel, hoarding the sheepskin for yourself – when you face Lord Jiang, let’s see what you have to say!” He coughed and said, “Esteemed masters, if you wish to meet Lord Jiang, please follow me.” He turned and walked toward the canyon.

Jin Lingshuang walked to Zhuo Lingzhao’s side and said in a low voice, “Sect Leader, are you really going to break with Lord Jiang?”

Zhuo Lingzhao said, “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.”

Though Jin Lingshuang was secretly worried, he really had no place to speak before the sect leader and could only step aside and silently follow Zhuo Lingzhao.

Everyone harbored their own secrets and had their own fears, but their feet all moved together toward the canyon.

An’dao Jing walked to the canyon’s edge and suddenly jumped down into the air. Everyone cried out in alarm, watching as he seemed about to fall into the canyon’s depths, but in their alarmed cries they saw he was still standing perfectly fine. Everyone looked carefully and saw that a wooden plank bridge about shoulder-width wide was built across the canyon, quite narrow.

An’dao Jing stood on it and turned back, saying, “Please come over, everyone. We need to go to the other side.”

In the sulfurous heat, everyone saw this wooden plank was narrow and long, connecting both shores. Looking into the distance, it was actually about ten li long – the engineering project was extremely massive.

Zhuo Lingzhao laughed and said, “Thank you for building a bridge – it saves me a lot of effort.” He laughed heartily and also leaped down.

Tu Lingxin turned to Lingyin and the others and shouted, “You follow!” Jin Lingshuang supported Lingyin, Qian Lingyi supported Li Tieshan, and they descended one by one in single file.

Wu Dingyuan got onto the wooden bridge and turned back, saying, “Miss Yan Ting, be careful of your footing.”

Yan Ting said, “It’s nothing.” Her slender waist trembled lightly, her figure flashed, and she had already landed on the wooden plank like a flying swallow. The plank only swayed gently, not shaking at all.

When Yan Ting displayed her lightness skills, everyone loudly cheered. Qian Lingyi praised, “Little miss, you’re really something!”

Some people showed off their skills and flew down, while others, knowing their lightness skills were ordinary, climbed down honestly.

Everyone walked on the bridge for half an hour continuously but still hadn’t reached the other side – showing this bridge was extremely magnificent. Without mobilizing soldiers to build it, how could it be constructed in such a short time? Looking at the vastness of the world, only Jiang Chong had the ability to erect such a bridge.

Wu Dingyuan secretly marveled, thinking, “Looking at this bridge’s massive engineering, no matter how high one’s martial arts, it can’t compare to a minister with overwhelming power in the court.”

Everyone wore expressions of awe and secretly marveled. Only Zhuo Lingzhao remained indifferent, his expression unchanged.

After walking for a while, they saw a military officer standing on the wooden plank ahead, waiting for everyone to arrive. Seeing An’dao Jing, that person ignored the bridge’s narrowness and bowed down, saying, “This humble officer, Yumen Pass Garrison Commander Gao Yan, pays respects to Lord An.”

An’dao Jing turned back to Zhuo Lingzhao and the others, saying, “This is Yumen Pass’s Gao Yan, Garrison Commander Gao. To build this wooden bridge, Commander Gao specially deployed fifty thousand soldiers from Yumen Pass. We should thank him for his hard work.”

Zhuo Lingzhao grunted noncommittally. An’dao Jing gave Gao Yan a meaningful look and asked, “Where is Lord Jiang?”

Gao Yan said in a low voice, “Lord Jiang has become somewhat impatient and asked me to come see.”

An’dao Jing leaned to his ear and whispered, “Quickly go back and report that the Kunlun Sect Leader has arrived. Ask Lord Jiang to be well prepared.”

Gao Yan made an understanding sound. Seeing Zhuo Lingzhao’s arrogant and haughty demeanor, he didn’t know what kind of person this was, but surmised he wasn’t easy to deal with. He hurriedly rushed back to report.

Seeing Gao Yan’s terrified expression, Zhuo Lingzhao immediately laughed and said, “Commander Gao, be careful of your footing – don’t fall down.”

Seeing his fearless confidence, An’dao Jing thought, “You country bumpkin, how arrogant you are! Right now you can be presumptuous, but when you see Lord Jiang’s methods, let’s see if you still dare to act out!” He kept his head down and said nothing, walking quickly forward.

Wu Dingyuan didn’t know the background of that Commander Gao, nor did he know this person had once pursued Xue Nu’er and offended Qin Zhonghai and others. He just followed everyone forward. He worried about Yan Ting and kept turning back to look, afraid she might lose her footing. However, Yan Ting’s lightness skills were truly excellent – she walked steadily all the way, treating it as nothing.

As they were walking, a Kunlun disciple looked down and said, “Damn! This canyon is truly strange and mysterious – I don’t know how it was created?” He spat a thick glob of phlegm downward with a very contemptuous manner.

The canyon below was rolling with magma, extremely hot. The phlegm hadn’t even fallen when it was vaporized. That person was just surprised when suddenly a flame shot up from the magma, over a hundred zhang high, like a great fire dragon rolling directly toward that person. The person was shocked and cried, “Ah!” Before he finished speaking, in an instant the fire tongue curled and actually sucked him down. Several masters wanted to rescue him but were all a step too late.

That person screamed miserably and cried, “Help! Help!” His whole body was on fire, hands and feet flailing wildly as he fell into the deep valley. His body crashed onto the magma and his legs immediately dissolved, but he didn’t die instantly and still opened his mouth to cry out. The piercing calls echoed from far away – truly heart-stopping.

Seeing his miserable state, everyone couldn’t help but change color. An’dao Jing turned back and said, “This Shenji Cave is not an ordinary place. Please show respect and absolutely must not behave improperly, or if any accidents occur, don’t blame me for not warning you.”

Zhuo Lingzhao chuckled and said, “Lord An is very familiar with this place – did Lord Jiang tell you about it?”

An’dao Jing said indifferently, “If Sect Leader Zhuo wants to know the mysteries within, ask Lord Jiang yourself later.”

Hearing their exchange, Wu Dingyuan couldn’t help but become suspicious, not knowing what secrets this “Tianshan Shenji Cave” actually held to be so mysterious. He was confused and afraid of being swallowed by flames that might suddenly shoot up from the canyon, so he walked quickly forward in fear, pulling Yan Ting along.

Everyone stepped onto solid ground and followed An’dao Jing forward. They saw thick fog ahead, so dense they couldn’t see their hands in front of their faces. Everyone, deeply afraid of losing their footing, walked slowly and carefully. After a short while, everyone saw before them appeared a huge red stone wall blocking the path ahead. That stone wall was vermillion red and didn’t look naturally formed – they didn’t know how such a strange thing appeared in this desolate mountain wilderness.

Qian Lingyi laughed and said, “This stone wall’s color is very strange – it’s like my family’s front door.” But he saw everyone’s faces showing amazement, their eyes looking upward. Qian Lingyi felt strange and couldn’t help but laugh, “It’s just a stone wall – what’s so interesting about it?” He immediately raised his head and looked in the direction of everyone’s gaze.

Who knew that with one look, even he was shocked speechless. The red wall before them – where was any wall? It was actually a huge door spanning thirty zhang wide and about a hundred zhang high. In the center were two door knockers extremely high off the ground, about fifty people tall, but quite ancient and mottled, clearly having over a thousand years of history. On the door were painted two divine images – two gods with human heads and snake bodies, the left a male god, the right a female god, their snake tails intertwined, each a hundred zhang tall. Their faces were quite sinister, as if looking down at everyone, observing human secrets – the sight was frightening.

Seeing this door so enormous, Qian Lingyi didn’t know who it was for – could there be giants living inside? He immediately said in a trembling voice, “What… what kind of ghostly place is this?”

In the silent stillness, they heard someone say, “This place is called the Southern Heaven Gate. Legend says that anyone who enters here will comprehend heavenly secrets and obtain great secrets that shake heaven and earth.”

Everyone was startled and quickly turned their heads to see in the thick fog sat a person. That person looked relaxed, sitting in a grand master’s chair. An’dao Jing knelt on both knees and bowed, saying, “Your subordinate An’dao Jing pays respects to Lord Jiang.”

Wu Dingyuan’s heart was shocked as he thought, “So… so this person is Jiang Chong!” He quickly looked and saw that person was about fifty years old, wearing sable fur with a short mustache on his lips. In his wealth was revealed a murderous aura – he looked like a very important figure.

Jiang Chong smiled slightly and said, “Sect Leader Zhuo, after our hasty parting in the capital, I didn’t expect to meet again.”

Zhuo Lingzhao also smiled and said indifferently, “Haven’t seen you for many days – your lordship looks as well as ever.”

The two shouted to each other across the thick fog but weren’t in a hurry to approach – clearly both had misgivings in their hearts.

They heard someone say, “Sect Leader Zhuo, you have so many disciples – how do they not know to kneel when seeing Lord Jiang? How do you usually teach them?”

Everyone turned to look and saw that person was a Daoist priest, extremely tall and thin like a bamboo pole, floating over from beside the canyon. His martial arts were extraordinary – he must be either a sect leader or gang leader.

Seeing that person’s appearance, Zhuo Lingzhao just nodded and said, “So it’s Daoist Jiuyou. Do you have any instruction?”

That person was indeed Jiuyou Daoist, a master Jiang Chong had recruited. Seeing Zhuo Lingzhao recognized him, he felt very pleased and immediately sneered, “Lord Jiang is the current Grand Preceptor – below one person, above ten thousand. You common people – how do you not kneel when seeing him?”

Zhuo Lingzhao didn’t even raise his head and said indifferently, “My sect’s disciples don’t kneel even before gods and Buddhas – how could we kneel before mortals?”

Jiuyou Daoist snorted and said, “Zhuo Lingzhao, do you speak this way even before His Majesty?”

Zhuo Lingzhao smiled slightly and said, “Why not?”

Jiuyou Daoist was furious beyond measure. Before he could speak, a warrior beside Jiang Chong whistled clearly, drew his sword, and said coldly, “Zhuo Lingzhao, your words are too arrogant. Today I’ll let you know there are people beyond people and heavens beyond heavens.”

Everyone turned to look and saw the speaker had extraordinary bearing, his temples bulging high, the large sword in his hand extremely heavy – he must be a first-class master in the martial world. Seeing this person’s unusual appearance, Jin Lingshuang and the others all knew this person must be one of the eighteen Cloud Captains beside Jiang Chong. These Cloud Captains were usually responsible for protecting Jiang Chong, staying close at all times, and were supreme masters selected from thousands in the palace.

Zhuo Lingzhao’s eyes were half-open, half-closed, paying no attention to that master. In the thick fog, Jiang Chong was also smiling, crossing his legs and watching the good show before him.

Wu Dingyuan observed coldly, thinking, “Looking at Jiang Chong’s manner, he wants to give Zhuo Lingzhao a show of force. Let’s see how Zhuo Lingzhao handles this.”

Everyone in the scene held their breath and concentrated, wanting to watch two great masters duel, so they all stepped aside to clear a large space.

That master said coldly, “Zhuo Lingzhao, take this!” He gave a long whistle and rapidly used his fast sword in continuous moves, opening and closing with great force, creating a fierce wind – this was the orthodox sword technique of the “Divine Sword Sect.”

Everyone, seeing his sword technique, couldn’t help but secretly praise, all thinking, “Jiang Chong’s recruitment of masters from around the world is truly like having hidden dragons and crouching tigers, with many capable and extraordinary people.”

Zhuo Lingzhao showed no alarm. He just smiled slightly, extended two fingers, and in the dancing sword light had already lightly and skillfully pinched the sword blade. Everyone, seeing his accurate vision and incredibly fast moves, all cried out in amazement. That master was also greatly shocked – though he knew Zhuo Lingzhao’s martial arts were formidable, how could he have expected that in less than one move, his weapon would already be caught?

That person’s sword was held by his enemy and he lost face. He immediately desperately grasped the sword hilt and tried to pull it back with all his strength.

Seeing him desperately trying to retrieve his sword, Zhuo Lingzhao just smiled slightly. His two fingers pinching the sword blade, he lightly twisted his wrist, and in an instant with one turn, he spun that master along with his sword in a circle and threw him to the ground.

Lingyin was shocked in his heart, thinking silently, “What formidable skill.” He had originally thought that with the “Divine Sword Sect’s” sword technique, they could certainly fight Zhuo Lingzhao for a hundred moves or so, or at worst hold out for the time it takes to burn a stick of incense. Who knew that in a moment, victory and defeat were already decided? It seemed this Zhuo Lingzhao’s martial arts were unfathomably deep, far beyond imagination.

Zhuo Lingzhao lifted his foot and stepped on that master, saying in a deep voice, “Lord Jiang, Zhuo calls himself the Sword God, and you should know my style of doing things. Today if you want to use official authority to oppress the people and bully me, that’s a great mistake.”

He lifted his foot and kicked, sending that master’s body flying toward Jiang Chong with tremendous force. An’dao Jing quickly jumped out and reached out to catch that person’s body. At this moment, a great force crashed into his body. An’dao Jing quickly circulated his qi to resist, but this internal power was extremely domineering, shaking his chest with hidden pain that couldn’t be calmed for a long time. But with his master Jiang Chong right before his eyes, how could he show weakness? He immediately gritted his teeth and endured, his face only turning from pain white to blue.

Tu Lingxin laughed heartily and strode out boldly, saying loudly, “We’re going to enter the Southern Heaven Gate! All idle people stand aside, or don’t blame us for not showing mercy!”

Seeing his arrogant manner as if no one else existed, Jiuyou Daoist immediately snorted and said in a deep voice, “You people can be kings in Kunlun Mountain and no one will interfere, but with Lord Jiang before your eyes, do you still want to be presumptuous?”

He gestured with his hand, and immediately over ten people jumped out from behind him – all Cloud Captains who usually protected Jiang Chong. Everyone held strange weapons, some with temples bulging high, others with muscles bulging all over their bodies – they were all first-class masters in the martial world.

Jiuyou Daoist sneered and said, “Friends from Kunlun Mountain, I’ll kindly advise you – absolutely don’t offend Lord Jiang, or the consequences will be unthinkable.”

An’dao Jing added, “Exactly so. Sect Leader Zhuo, besides these dozens of masters, we also have Commander Gao’s ten thousand troops stationed at the foot of the mountain. If we start fighting, we definitely won’t be at a disadvantage.”

Jin Lingshuang looked at Zhuo Lingzhao and saw him nod extremely slowly. Jin Lingshuang immediately understood. He stepped forward two paces and said in a low voice, “Disciples! Draw swords!”

Only the sound of swords being drawn was heard in succession. The Kunlun masters had also drawn their swords, and both sides were in a tense standoff.