"Tongtian Pavilion, True Spirit Realm, Ye Gucheng," the white-clothed young man said calmly. Dressed in garments whiter than snow, with an ethereal bearing like an immortal, he gave off an aura of not belonging to the mortal world. He was none other than Ye Gucheng, the former Lord of Baiyun City, who had joined the Great Yi Dynasty.
After joining Great Yi, he gave up his previous power and joined the Tongtian Pavilion, becoming an imperial consecrator. For years, he had secluded himself in cultivation, constantly entering the Sutra Pavilion to read and comprehend various ancient texts, drawing from them insights to refine his own sword technique — Heavenly Flying Immortal. His talent exceeded ordinary mortals and could be called that of a peerless genius. With the immense resources of Great Yi and constant tempering through battles in the Nightmare World and wilderness skirmishes, his cultivation had soared.
He followed the path of martial intent, and now, he had become a Seven-Tribulation Sword Cultivator. Among True Spirit Realm powerhouses, he was undoubtedly at the pinnacle. His combat strength was already comparable to that of a Dao Platform Realm cultivator. This time, in coming to the Shushan domain, he was essentially the leader of the group.
"Wait! Don't forget me! This emperor is here too!"
At that moment, a sudden shout rang out. Along with it, a green light tore through the sky. Looking closely, it was none other than Green Emperor, striding on two hind legs like a man, wearing a bright red pair of underpants. The green fur atop his head fluttered in the wind, and in one paw he held a gleaming comb, stylishly grooming his green mane as he walked through the air.
Who else could it be but that rascal, Green Emperor?
"Why is the Green Emperor here?"
At that moment, both Wang Xiaohu and Ye Gucheng's expressions changed slightly. Their first instinct upon seeing the Green Emperor was to want to move away. In Great Yi, the color green had practically become taboo because of him. People loathed the color. Green clothing wouldn't sell. Those who had seen Green Emperor in action had nightmares just at the sight of green.
Such was the sheer terror he inspired.
To the point that many people were terrified just hearing his name.
Even Ye Gucheng and the others were no exception. Despite carrying Silent Jade Cicadas (used to block his singing), they still didn't feel safe.
This was the "nuclear weapon" of Great Yi! What was he doing here? Wasn't he said to be addicted to grave robbing in the Dead Sea domain, hunting for elite tombs to plunder?
Still, although they instinctively recoiled, deep down they felt relieved.
The Shushan domain was filled with sects that ruled like kings. No one knew how many geniuses or peak experts they had cultivated. Even though Ye Gucheng was powerful, there was no guarantee of invincibility. If something unexpected happened… Green Emperor would be the ultimate failsafe.
"A dog that walks upright... a green dog?"
The people of Wutai Mountain looked on, visibly surprised. Was this a green dog spirit? They didn't know of Green Emperor's infamy. Though everyone in Great Yi knew about him, he was considered a taboo. No one liked to talk about him — even mentioning his name was said to bring bad luck. So everyone avoided speaking of him if they could.
Within Great Yi, he was a National Guardian Beast. Outside, he remained an enigma.
He was a hidden trump card.
The sects of the Shushan domain had no way to learn about him.
No one had expected Green Emperor to show up — it was like an extra layer of insurance.
The margin of error had increased dramatically.
Though Wutai Mountain didn't know his origins, they could still understand: if such a green dog could appear here, he definitely wasn't an ordinary dog spirit. From Ye Gucheng and the others' reactions, it was obvious that Green Emperor was no joke.
"Heh heh, such fun — how could I, the Green Emperor, miss out? Not only did I come, but I also invited Ah Qing!"
Green Emperor said smugly.
"Ah Qing?"
Ye Gucheng's face grew serious, even showing a hint of reverence.
Baaa, baaa, baaa!!
A young girl in a green outfit was walking in from the distance, herding a flock of sheep with a bamboo stick. The sheep grazed and moved at the same time, as if they were on a casual pastoral stroll. It gave off a strange yet tranquil vibe.
"Sister Ah Qing, you're here! These sheep look so plump! Give me one — I haven't eaten one of your sheep in ages. I'm drooling here!"
Green Emperor bounded to Ah Qing's side, grinning. Drool trickled down his lips.
Ah Qing's sheep weren't ordinary sheep. They were a breed of spirit beasts called Snowcloud Sheep. Their wool was as pure and white as snow and clouds, free of any impurity — top-tier material for making garments. Their meat contained no gamy smell but was juicy and full of spiritual energy. Truly a rare delicacy.
Under Ah Qing's pastoral care, they grazed on the freshest spirit grass — whether on snowy fields or lush meadows. They could even absorb clouds from the sky. The breeding conditions were extremely strict.
Each sheep was precious. Ah Qing rarely gave them away. Only Yi Tianxing could get a few if he asked.
And don't think Ah Qing was just some shepherd girl. Her strength in Great Yi was unmatched in the sword path. Yi Tianxing had once said that, in swordsmanship, no one in the entire Great Yi could compare to her. Her cultivation level was also terrifying, possibly equal to his own.
That kind of praise said it all.
Ye Gucheng had once sparred with Ah Qing. Afterward, he never spoke of the match again — only focused more diligently on honing his swordsmanship.
"With Ah Qing here, our chances just shot up."
Ye Gucheng secretly let out a sigh of relief. His confidence was now stronger.
"If Great Yi wishes to test Wutai Mountain's strength, then we shall not decline. However, what are the rules of this contest?"
Master Zunsheng asked calmly. He had already consulted with the other head monks and reached a decision. A battle was unavoidable. Giving up land, territory, or even citizens of Wutai Mountain could not be done without a fight. The disciples of the sect would never accept it without resistance. This was about safeguarding their interests.
There was no reason to retreat.
Besides, Wutai Mountain had no shortage of geniuses. With billions of people under them to draw disciples from, the probability of discovering talents was extremely high — exactly what all major sects valued.
"The seven of us represent the seven major realms of cultivation — from Divine Sea to True Spirit Realm. Higher levels need not be considered. For this challenge, we fight on the arena, fair and square. Whatever realm you are, you challenge your counterpart. For example, Divine Sea Realm fights Wang Xiaohu. Whether it's one-on-one or in succession, as long as someone of equal realm defeats him, you win that round. Higher realms can't challenge lower ones. Same for other levels. If no one challenges us, we count that as a win."
"If you win four out of the seven matches, Wutai Mountain wins. Then someone will speak to you regarding terms. But if you lose… then we proceed per the contract — signing the terms as written. Great Yi will not pursue the matter further."
Mister Wuhen said with a charming smile, waving his folding fan gracefully.
"Same-realm battles — winner takes all. This truly showcases the foundation of both factions."
Master Zunsheng and the others understood this perfectly. It was a test of both sides' depth. Same-realm battles meant absolute fairness. Win or lose — no excuses, no complaints.
"Fine. Since Great Yi is so interested, Wutai Mountain shall gladly accept."
Master Zunsheng took a deep breath and agreed decisively.
Wutai Mountain had no shortage of heaven's chosen geniuses. With focused cultivation, they were all dominant within their realms. Even if their opponents were Great Yi's top talents, they believed in their own strength.
"Very well. Let's begin."
Ye Gucheng nodded.
With a wave of his hand, an arena manifested in mid-air. He stepped onto it and stood there — proud and unmatched.
Swish swish swish!
Wang Xiaohu and the others also summoned their own arenas with a wave.
These platforms were crafted by the Heavenly Works Pavilion — durable and sturdy, virtually indestructible even by True Spirit-level attacks. Despite this, they bore few marks. The arenas were inscribed with many restrictive formations to nullify the aftershocks of battle and minimize destruction.
Their construction incorporated countless techniques and materials.
Wang Xiaohu and the others all stood quietly on their respective platforms — clearly serving as arena masters, waiting for challengers.
"Where is Kǔzhú?"
Master Zunren called out.
"This little monk is here."
A young monk in plain robes stepped forward. He was about the same age as Wang Xiaohu, with a string of prayer beads around his neck and an aura of deep serenity. Just one glance at him brought peace of mind.
"You shall go spar with this layman Wang."
Master Zunren nodded slightly.
"Yes, Head Master."
Kǔzhú answered and took a step forward, rising into the air and landing on Wang Xiaohu's arena.
"Please."
Wang Xiaohu looked calmly at the young monk, showing no hint of contempt. Anyone selected for this match would certainly not be weak.
At the Divine Sea level, what mattered most was skill and technique.