The news of the pacification of the Third Waterway quickly spread throughout the entire Eastern Boundary River.

For the Eastern Celestial Cultivators, this news naturally boosted morale significantly.

For the invading races, however, it was truly bad news.

At this moment, in the Ninth Waterway, within the Vermilion Bird Pass, a group of Different Race Immortal Emperors gathered, each with a solemn expression, discussing the matter.

Many of the Different Race Immortal Emperors were shocked by Ning Fan’s dominance. The Third Waterway, which other Eastern Celestial Cultivators couldn’t recapture for decades, Ning Fan had recaptured shortly after his arrival.

White-Clad Yama, hmph! Such powerful White-Clad Yama! Killing eight Immortal Emperors, driving away one Half-Step Quasi-Saint, now that the Quasi-Saint of Boundary River does not emerge, who else can stop this fierce prodigy!

"Trouble! That White-Clad Yama is unstoppable, after recapturing the Third Path, his next target is very likely us on the Ninth Path. If so, what plan do we have?"

"Difficult, difficult, difficult! With the Immortal Emperor Seal in place, our Ninth Path’s Quasi-Saint Elder cannot emerge to assist us in defending the pass. Currently, within Vermilion Bird Pass, there is only Wansheng Daoist, a Half-Step Quasi-Saint, and twelve Immortal Emperors. Our overall strength is not much stronger than White Tiger Pass. Even more troublesome, Wansheng Daoist is currently in closed-door cultivation and hasn’t emerged yet... If that White-Clad Yama attacks, we are definitely not his match!"

"Wansheng Daoist is still in closed-door training! Even with the emergency upon us, he still sits idly by!"

"The Purple Dou remnants—their clan fortune has clearly perished, yet how can they still produce such heaven-defying young talents! This is no less than the Ancient Immortal King! Heaven is blind! Why was this child not born into our Ziwei Lineage! The will of heaven is unjust!"

"Hmph! Saying this type of nonsense is pointless now! We should quickly think of a countermeasure, that White-Clad Yama will surely come if we do nothing. Since Wansheng Daoist is not around, I’m going to take the liberty and offer some advice on his behalf. In my opinion, we should request aid from the Grand Divine Minister, and have the Sixth Path send a Half-Saint to help us defend. If two Half-Saints are present, we can surely suppress this prodigy!"

"Alas, the situation is unfavorable now, how can the Sixth Path send reinforcements? Even though it is heavily fortified, there are only three Half-Step Quasi-Saints stationed there at the moment. I heard a few days ago, the Sixth Path suffered a defeat, and among the three Half-Step Quasi-Saints, one was seriously injured by the Azure Sky White Jade Tower. The army had to temporarily retreat to Xuanwu Pass to hold the fort tightly... We mustn’t underestimate White-Clad Yama, but Azure Sky White Jade Tower are also no ordinary beings. Even if we request aid, the Sixth Path probably can’t dispatch a Half-Saint to support us..."

"It’s hateful! Truly hateful! If not for the Boundary River Seal’s restrictions, how could we lack Half-Saint and Quasi-Saint reinforcements? Why should we fear mere White-Clad Yama!"

"No matter what! If that White-Clad Yama truly dares to come to the Ninth Path, I will be the first to fight him to the death! We cannot tarnish our Ziwei prestige!"

Amidst the incessant cursing from the Different Race Immortal Emperors, their words betrayed an endless dread of Ning Fan.

Sitting below the various Different Race Emperors were three Eastern Celestial Emperors—Lady Guihua, Immortal Elder Dongling, and Emperor Maha.

These three Immortal Emperors had successively defected from the allied forces, joining the Different Race, and were now following the orders of the Foreign Clan Great Deity Director, assisting in the defense at Vermilion Bird Pass.

In name, they were assisting in defense, but in reality, they were merely serving as lackeys for the Different Race. In meetings like these, they were only there to listen and had no right to speak.

At this moment, all three Emperors looked grim, their expressions concealing an undisguisable fear.

The fear was that Ning Fan might very well come to attack the Ninth Path. If Ning Fan really came to the Ninth Path, wouldn’t these Eastern defectors be in jeopardy? They might end up like the Elemental Elixir Emperor, the first to be mercilessly slaughtered by Ning Fan!

"Daoist Maha, what do we do now? I heard that Ning Fan can slay eight Immortal Emperors with a flick of his wrist, and drive away one Half-Saint within a hundred breaths. He is no longer the weak and insignificant ant he once was, killing us would be as easy as a flip of the hand. If he comes to the Ninth Path, he will surely not spare us. Are we to stay with these Different Race, waiting to die at Vermilion Bird Pass?" Immortal Elder Dongling secretly communicated via transmission with Emperor Maha and Lady Guihua.

Immortal Elder Dongling was a Seven Calamity Immortal Emperor, while Maha was only a Sixth Calamity, but when Dongling spoke to Emperor Maha, his tone carried a hint of respect, subtly flattering Maha.

"Alas, we’ve defected to the Different Race, all have been implanted with death prohibitions by the Grand Divine Minister, if we escape from Vermilion Bird Pass, the death prohibitions will surely activate... death prohibitions, defect and die. We can only follow this path to the end and die with these Different Race at Vermilion Bird Pass!" Emperor Maha replied perfunctorily.

"Daoist Maha, don’t use such words to brush us off. As we know, like Elemental Elixir, you have quite the connection with the Dark Clan and Demon-Sealing Peak. Such minor death prohibitions should not be a hindrance to you. If it weren’t for you persuading me to defect to the Different Race, I would not have dared to act so boldly. Now that disaster is looming, you must take responsibility for me!" Lady Guihua coquettishly smiled at Emperor Maha.

"Heh heh, death prohibitions indeed can’t stop me. Very well, for the sake of your previous service, I’ll help you both. If that kid Ning truly attacks the Ninth Path, I’ll take you two along and flee to the North Heaven!" Maha, while leering at Lady Guihua’s figure, as if recalling something titillating, his smile turned a bit lewd.

Immortal Elder Dongling and Lady Guihua were both taken aback, then asked with significant intent, "North Heaven? Is it possible... the main forces of the Dark Clan and Demon-Sealing Peak are all in North Heaven?"

"Heh heh, the secrets of heaven must not be revealed."

"Good! If Daoist can undo the death prohibitions, when that kid Ning attacks the Ninth Path, I will follow you to escape to North Heaven, and from then on, I’ll follow your lead without any regrets!"

"Haha! Very good, very good! Shh, silence, Wansheng Dragon King seems to be emerging from his retreat, haha, such a commotion! Truly deserving of the title Half-Saint!"

As Maha and others conspired, their expressions suddenly tightened. The deafening roar of a dragon interrupted their conversation.

Upon hearing the dragon’s roar, all the powerhouses of different races were elated, knowing that the Wansheng Dragon King, who had been in seclusion for a long time, had emerged!

"Congratulations to Daoist Wansheng for coming out of seclusion! Judging by your demeanor, it seems you’ve gained quite a bit during this time!"

"Hahaha! Indeed, I’ve gained quite a lot. During this seclusion, I managed to advance the ten-headed technique of the Chaotic Rock Saint to the eighth realm!" The Wansheng Dragon King laughed, flying over, in high spirits.

Upon hearing this, the Immortal Emperors of different races were initially shocked and then ecstatic.

"You’ve reached the eight-headed realm! This means that no one below the Second-Grade Quasi-Saint can defeat you now!"

"Although you haven’t truly broken through to Quasi-Saint, your eight-headed technique is enough to make you unrivaled below Quasi-Saint!"

"With you here, that White-Clad Yama is of no concern!"

"Daoist Wansheng, please defeat White-Clad Yama and show that young brat the might of Ziwei Immortal Cultivators!"

The Wansheng Dragon King’s dragon brows furrowed, feeling puzzled.

White-Clad Yama, who is that?

He seemed to have never heard of this name.

He had been in seclusion before Ning Fan became famous, so he naturally didn’t know that the so-called White-Clad Yama referred to Ning Fan.

Seeing that the Wansheng Dragon King didn’t know who Ning Fan was, a powerhouse from different races immediately explained Ning Fan’s notorious reputation and achievements to him.

Upon hearing that Ning Fan could slay Immortal Emperors with Immortal King cultivations as easily as cutting dogs, even the deeply scheming Wansheng Dragon King couldn’t help but take a deep breath.

However, the Wansheng Dragon King was also a proud individual, and having achieved the eighth realm of the ten-headed technique, he held no fear of Ning Fan.

Confidently, he believed he was unmatched below Quasi-Saint, and even against a Second-Grade Quasi-Saint, it would be difficult to kill him.

Ning Fan was of no concern! What nonsense is this White-Clad Yama? If the kid dares to come to the Ninth Path, I’ll make him into a dead Yama!

Meanwhile, the different races, invigorated by the Wansheng Dragon King’s emergence from seclusion, experienced a boost in morale.

Just at this moment, a pitch-black demonic channel appeared above Vermilion Bird Pass without any warning.

"A demonic channel? Demon-Sealing Ancient Monster? Friend or foe!" Including the Wansheng Dragon King, all the different race Immortal Emperors were startled, as if facing a great enemy.

This ancient demonic technique, known as the demonic channel, was understood only by certain ancient demons passed down from antiquity. Now that a demonic channel has appeared, a powerful demon must have arrived, warranting caution!

Mahā Emperor seemed to know who the arrival was, instantly overjoyed upon seeing the demonic channel, said to Wansheng Dragon King, "No worries! This person is not an enemy but an ally I’ve invited from Northern Heaven!"

"Oh? An ally!" Upon hearing the arrival was an ally, all the powerhouses of different races were delighted.

Blame it on Ning Fan’s formidable reputation; even with Wansheng Dragon King’s mastery of the eight-headed technique, there was still some trepidation among them, lacking full confidence in defeating Ning Fan.

But with another ally who has mastered the ancient demonic technique, the situation is undoubtedly more favorable.

If everyone sensed correctly, the newcomer seems to be a Half-Step Quasi-Saint ancient demon.

With the presence of two Half-Step Quasi-Saints at Vermilion Bird Pass, how can Ning Fan possibly defeat them both?

Vermilion Bird Pass is now secure!

"This is the true self of Xuanwei, my elder brother is Baizu Daoist." An ancient demon figure stepped out of the demonic channel, descending upon Vermilion Bird Pass, addressing the powerhouses of Vermilion Bird Pass arrogantly.

"What! The renowned Profound Tail Daoist! Junior to the Quasi-Saint Baizu Daoist! A fierce general of the ancient Demon-Sealing Summit! Once killed a true Quasi-Saint with Half-Step Quasi-Saint cultivation!"

Upon hearing the reputation of the visitor, all the different race powerhouses were greatly shocked, even the proud Wansheng Dragon King became somewhat reserved facing this demon.

The visitor’s reputation was simply too great! An old monster from ancient times! Not comparable to a mere cultivator of the Decline like himself!

The Wansheng Dragon King was secretly calculating in his mind. Though he had mastered the Eight-Head Technique, his chances of defeating the Jade Wave Fire Poison of the Profound Tail Daoist were still under thirty percent...

This person is strong!

But this might be a good thing!

With him here, he would no longer have to worry about that White-Clad Yama.

Right, what was that White-Clad Yama called again, Ning, Ning... uh, forgotten, the Eight-Head Technique indeed diminishes a cultivator’s memory.

But never mind.

No matter what that White-Clad Yama is called, it’s not worth being concerned about. This kid, there’s no chance of him shaking the Vermilion Bird Pass!

...

Ning Fan was unaware that even before reaching the Ninth Path, he had already stirred a panic among the different race on the Ninth Path.

He also did not know why the Demon-Sealing Peak had sent an ancient demon half-saint to support the defense of the Ninth Path against the rising fame of the White-Clad Yama.

On the day he resolved the incident with Emperor Laijun, Ning Fan bid farewell to Luo Hou and others, leaving the Third Path.

After much consideration, Ning Fan entrusted the shocked spirit of Emperor Laijun to Luo Hou and others for care. He was not a babysitter and had no time to care for such a timid Immortal Emperor.

The subsequent matters of reclaiming the Third Path were attended by Luo Hou and others, leaving Ning Fan free of concern, and he was too lazy to intervene.

Once the matters of the Third Path were concluded, he quickly departed the Third Path and headed towards the Ninth Path.

Among the unrecovered waterways, only the Sixth Waterway connecting to the Northern Heaven and the Ninth Waterway connecting to the Southern Heaven remained.

Among them, the Sixth Waterway had more different race Immortal Emperors, while the Ninth Path had fewer. Following the principle of tackling the easier matters first, Ning Fan decided to make the reclaiming of the Ninth Path his next target.

The Ninth Path, the second last pass, Wansheng Pass.

This pass was named Wansheng Pass to commemorate a heroic event. Countless years ago, an East Heaven Immortal Emperor stationed at this pass encountered an attack by the Wansheng Dragon King.

The Wansheng Dragon King was a legendary old monster of the Ninth Waterway, very powerful, unmatched by that East Heaven Immortal Emperor.

Yet, that East Heaven Immortal Emperor still decided to defend the pass to the death and ultimately sacrificed himself to protect the other guardians of the pass.

The famed Wansheng Dragon King, although he killed that East Heaven Immortal Emperor, had one of his dragon horns severed by the Immortal Emperor, the wound filled with lingering resentment, and the horn has not regrown to this day.

It is said that the strength of the Wansheng Pass formation lies in the power of the severed horn from the Wansheng.

Inside Wansheng Pass, at this moment, the Shenhao Twin Emperors and other East Heaven Immortal Emperors were stationed.

Upon Ning Fan’s arrival at Wansheng Pass, he was surprised to find that the Shenhao Twin Emperors, who usually only showed surface politeness with him, were this time extremely enthusiastic, traveling out a thousand miles to welcome him alone!

The Shenhao Twin Emperors further prepared countless rare Spirit Fruits and Spiritual Wine, hosting a grand banquet solely to welcome Ning Fan and wash away the dust.

In the cultivation world, strength ultimately speaks the loudest.

When Ning Fan was merely a little Fate Immortal or True Immortal, the Shenhao Twin Emperors did not regard him highly, even losing their dignity, bullying him by leveraging their seniority.

Later, with the cover of the Ancient Chaos Grand Emperor, the Shenhao Twin Emperors showed Ning Fan more respect, but that respect stemmed only from their fear of Ancient Chaos.

Furthermore, Ning Fan became close with Xiang Mingzi, gaining substantial support from the Godly Void Pavilion as a pupil of Xiang Mingzi, a pillar of the pavilion. Thus, the Shenhao Twin Emperors were more courteous to Ning Fan, though the courtesy lacked sincerity.

Until Ning Fan became the Slaughter Emperor, and at the Emperor Sealing Ceremony, performed the great feat of slaying an Immortal Emperor, did the Shenhao Twin Emperors begin to sincerely view Ning Fan as an equal peer.

Later...

Ning Fan ventured alone into the Dark Clan and came out unscathed.

Ning Fan joined the Boundary River Alliance, dispatched forces along the Eleventh Path, repeatedly eliminating different race Immortal Emperors.

And recently, Ning Fan single-handedly defeated a Half-Saint, slaying eight Immortal Emperors...

The Shenhao Twin Emperors may not wish to admit it, but they had to acknowledge that Ning Fan’s current strength far exceeded theirs, leaving them only to admire.

Now, even if both emperors were to greet Ning Fan together, they did not feel humiliated, instead, they felt it as it should be.

Ning Fan had the strength warranting their respectful treatment!

At the banquet, the cups and goblets clashed.

Ning Fan was not one to hold grudges against others. With the Shenhao Twin Emperors proactively showing goodwill, he would not lose face for them.

No matter what grudges existed between them before, at this moment, they had only one identity, as brothers jointly guarding the Boundary River, comrades in arms.

Before greater justice, minor grievances are insignificant. Of course, due to past events, Ning Fan could not possibly form a heartfelt connection with the Shenhao Twin Emperors.

Compared to politely bantering with the Shenhao Twin Emperors, he preferred the candid drinking chats with Lv Wen and Cloud Thunder.

Both Lv Wen and Cloud Thunder held Guest Elder status at the Godly Void Pavilion, naturally accompanying the Shenhao Twin Emperors in the Ninth Path.

With these two drinking companions, Ning Fan did not find the banquet dull. Lv Wen and Cloud Thunder were friends from his humble beginnings, a bond initiated by true sincerity, unmatched by others.

Of course, more than drinking, Ning Fan was concerned with the situation on the Ninth Path.

At the base of the Third Path, he encountered the strange Blood God... the gigantic squid as vast as the starry sky, heavily weighing on his mind. Having witnessed the terrifying squid, Ning Fan did not dare to underestimate the different race, nor did he believe himself invincible in the world.

To reclaim the Ninth Path, it was necessary to first thoroughly investigate the intelligence.

Ning Fan inquired about the status of the Ninth Path, the East Heaven powerhouses present untiringly shared all their knowledge, and the Shenkong Emperor, having fallen to Seven Tribulations cultivation, seemed keen to curry favor with Ning Fan, even grabbing the topic to proactively introduce the situation of the Ninth Path to him.

This led many strong cultivators present to deride the shamelessness of the Shenkong Emperor. Ning Fan’s earlier achievements had long spread throughout the East Heaven. Everyone knew that the Shenkong Emperor had bullied Ning Fan before by leveraging seniority, now having the audacity to lower himself to win Ning Fan’s favor without feeling a shred of shame!

Heh heh.

An old saying rings true, thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, don’t bully the young for being poor, how true!

"Since Young Brother Ning has asked, allow me to tell you in detail about the situation of the Ninth Path. In the main pass of the Vermilion Bird Pass, the different race have stationed millions of troops, including nine different race Immortal Emperors, and one half-saint. There are three East Heaven traitors as well — those three traitors Young Brother Ning must know, Maha, Ghost Flowers, and Dongling. Among the nine different race Immortal Emperors, there are five of Six Tribulations, two of Seven Tribulations, and two of Eight Tribulations. The only half-saint among the different race happens to have some connections to this Wansheng Pass, he is the very Wansheng Dragon King mentioned in the story. This person’s divine skills are formidable, incomparable to ordinary half-saints, especially his Seven-Head Technique which is extraordinarily sinister and terrifying. It is said that once he manifests seven heads, even a First Order Quasi-Saint cannot confidently destroy all his heads. Furthermore, his heads seem to have a curse effect, causing counter-injury to those attacking them... Whether the Seven-Head Technique is truly that sinister, we are not entirely sure. As we have fought in the Ninth Path for decades, no one has ever seen the Wansheng Dragon King manifest the seven heads..."

The crowd’s disdain increased, thinking that the Shenkong Emperor was indeed thick-skinned, calling Ning "Young Brother" without fear that such a title might cut short his longevity.

However, Ning Fan paid little attention to these trivial details; he was more concerned with the Wansheng Dragon King and the Seven-Head Technique as mentioned by the Shenkong Emperor.

It seemed that this Wansheng Dragon King might be even more challenging than Wanxingzi...

"By the way, in the decades I’ve guarded the Ninth Path, I once accidentally discovered an ancient cultivator’s cave mansion, seemingly left by an ancient emperor of East Heaven. Would Daoist be interested..."

The Shenkong Emperor, noticing Ning Fan’s indifference to his flattering, suddenly shifted his tone, squinting with a smile.