"What exactly are we here for?"

The Sect Leader of Shenxiao Sect, Ouyang Wuantong, wore a peculiar expression, laced with some regret. As he let out a sigh, many others mirrored his sentiment deeply.

It's well known that as leaders of these forces, they have numerous significant matters to attend to. Yet they set aside their duties to rush to Impermanence Island, only to witness two groups bicker without any resolution.

If word got out, it would be a huge joke. Though none would dare to openly ridicule them, this incident indeed left everyone feeling quite perplexed.

"Now that the matter is concluded here, there's no point in staying any longer, is there?"

Ouyang Wuantong glanced around, and as soon as he spoke, he leapt away, not lingering on Impermanence Island. Being the Sect Leader of Shenxiao Sect, he intended to be the first to spread the news of what transpired here across the continent.

"Amitabha!"

The Destroyer Venerable of Thunder Sound Mountain declared a Buddhist chant, and just as he was about to turn and leave, a figure suddenly darted over, blocking his path.

"Venerable, do you have time to talk with Wu?"

The one obstructing the Destroyer Venerable was none other than the Palace Master of Wuyan Palace, Wu Zhukong. As soon as he finished speaking, Wei Duzheng, the President of Spirit Fighting Commerce, also barred the way of Sky Thunder Valley's Valley Master, Duan Zixiao.

Wu Zhukong and Wei Duzheng evidently had deep knowledge of certain news circulating the continent. In an instant, figures like the Zhao Family Patriarch and the Killing Heart Sect's Sect Leader were gathered by the powerholders of these two top forces.

As for the other Sect leaders who remained uninvolved, upon seeing this assembly, they were deep in contemplation. This was especially true for the departing Sect Leader of Shenxiao Sect, Ouyang Wuantong, who was suddenly enlightened.

"Are these guys plotting against Yun Xiao again?"

Ouyang Wuantong took one last look back and chose not to interfere further. He was determined to accurately document the events for Wanxiao Sect, ensuring Yun Xiao's accomplishments were known across the Tenglong Continent.

As for how Wuyan Palace and Spirit Fighting Commerce planned to deal with Yun Xiao, Ouyang Wuantong decided not to intervene. In truth, given Shenxiao Sect's strength, they didn't have the standing to meddle, especially since their relationship with Yun Xiao didn't warrant risking their lives in his defense.

A conspiracy against Yun Xiao bubbled beneath the surface, and within a month after the battle at Impermanence Island concluded, the events seemed to have wings, flying throughout the entire Tenglong Continent.

...

In the Southeast Territory, on the outskirts of the Tenglong Continent!

This area originally belonged to the Xiao Family, one of the three major families. Alas, since the Xiao Family's destruction over a year ago, the Southeast Territory witnessed the rise of various heroes, turning chaotic beyond measure.

With the Xiao Family's downfall, other power families vied for dominance, resulting in a bloody struggle. Unfortunately, these family sects lacked the strength of the former Xiao Family, leading to a chaotic battleground.

Strangely, the young lady of the Hu Family, responsible for defeating the Xiao Family, showed no desire to take their place, inciting ambition in numerous Southeast Territory experts.

Over the past year, the Slaughter Spirit Battlefield saw brutal scenes, and the Southeast Territory on the continent experienced countless small and large battles over territorial claims.

Bam!

In Meng City, atop a certain pavilion, a loud noise suddenly erupted. A figure crashed through a window frame, tumbling down, yet managed a mid-air maneuver, avoiding severe injury.

"Wu Lao Si, you are despicable! Secretly ambushing me like this!"

The middle-aged man who crashed through the window did not flee after landing, but instead began cursing loudly on the street.

Swish, swish, swish...

Following the man's curses, a series of whooshes came from above. Several figures swiftly leapt down, encircling the middle-aged man.

Leading their charge was an individual at the Peak of Earth Bending Realm, an already top-tier force within Meng City.

The aura he emitted forced many cultivators watching the scene to keep a respectful distance, not daring to approach the battlefield at all.

"Old Xiao, you've misunderstood. I didn't ambush operatives to attack you; rather, I wish to discuss something with you!"

The Peak Earth Bending Realm cultivator, known as Wu Lao Si, did not leverage his numbers against Old Xiao. Instead, he spoke calmly, leaving onlookers utterly confused.

Regarding Wu Lao Si and Old Xiao, in this Meng City among cultivators, it can be said there's no one who doesn't know them.

Moreover, both of them have reached the peak of the Earth Bending Realm; even compared to some elders of the former Xiao Family, they are not any less.

Ever since the Xiao Family's destruction, Meng City, this major city in the Southeast, has become chaotic. Among this, Wu Lao Si and Old Xiao were the most formidable, and the dominance struggle of Meng City revolved around these two.

However, at this moment, Wu Lao Si has taken the upper hand. With strength not inferior to Old Xiao's, plus the assistance of many surrounding cultivators, it's certainly possible to eliminate the latter.

Yet under such circumstances, Wu Lao Si is suppressing this vast advantage and even suggesting discussing something with Old Xiao. What could these two old rivals, who have fought to the death for more than a year, have to talk about?

"Wu Lao Si, what sinister plan do you have now?"

Old Xiao, indeed, isn't so easily fooled. Seeing him wave the ghost-headed broadsword, a surge of hostility rises, and in his eyes, a glint of hatred flickers.

To be honest, although Old Xiao is also a peak Earth Bending Realm expert, his mind isn't as sharp as Wu Lao Si's. In over a year of conflict, he's rarely gained the upper hand.

Several times, the forces Old Xiao painstakingly assembled were wiped out by Wu Lao Si's schemes. How could he feel any goodwill towards this old opponent?

Thus, Old Xiao believes the opponent's words are meant to lower his guard, aiming to kill him when off-guard. The opponent doesn't strike now, just waiting for an opportune moment.

"Old Xiao, have you heard the news from Impermanence Island?"

This time, Wu Lao Si actually doesn't make a move. He knows that with a history of struggle with Old Xiao, a few words couldn't possibly dispel the other's hostility. Therefore, he goes straight to the point.

"Hmph, so what if I have?"

Upon hearing this, Old Xiao snorts coldly. Yet after thinking about certain things, he seems to understand Wu Lao Si's intentions, reducing the hatred in his eyes.

"Old Xiao, you should know how destitute I, Wu Lao Si, was back then, hunted by the Xiao Family's Great Elder to the brink of desperation. Even my three brothers died at the hands of those bastards from the Xiao Family!"

Sensing the diminishing anger in Old Xiao's eyes, Wu Lao Si's next words lead many people to nod slowly, as they've heard pieces of this matter.

The former Wu Family was a significant family in Meng City. By the time it passed to Wu Lao Si, all four brothers reached the peak of the Earth Bending Realm, especially the eldest, who was even at the half-step Heavenly Rank.

Unfortunately, once, Wu Lao Si accidentally offended the Xiao Family's Great Elder, a genuine Heavenly Rank expert, and disaster befell the Wu Family, leading to their annihilation.

Wu Lao Si's three brothers sacrificed themselves to block the Xiao Family's Great Elder, allowing him to escape alone.

This story not only spread in Meng City, but became the talk of neighboring cities. Though everyone knew of the Xiao Family's bullying, no one dared stand for the Wu Family when faced with such overwhelming strength.

After that, the Xiao Family set up the Heaven and Earth Net across the entire Southeast Territory of the Tenglong Continent to hunt down the last surviving Wu Lao Si, forcing this peak Earth Bending Realm expert to remain in hiding for years.

Until one lucky chance, when Wu Lao Si, who had fled to other regions, suddenly heard of the Xiao Family's destruction, he couldn't help but feel ecstatic and rushed back to Meng City at the fastest speed.

However, the Wu Family no longer existed. After setting up a symbolic grave for his relatives, Wu Lao Si soon assembled a group, intending to reclaim his dominance in Meng City.

At this time, Old Xiao also wanted a share, leading to a struggle over territory for more than a year. Now, Wu Lao Si brings up the Wu Family's tragic past again, which Old Xiao naturally has heard, further weakening the fury on his face.

"Old Xiao, you should know, seeking revenge for the Wu Family, destroying the Xiao Family, is my sole wish, Wu Lao Si, and it was all achieved by that young lady from the Hu Family!"

With a trace of excitement on his face, Wu Lao Si says: "After the battle on Impermanence Island ended, news came that the young lady from the Hu Family plans to rebuild Impermanence Island. How about it, Old Xiao? Are you willing to join me, Wu Lao Si, in helping the young lady from the Hu Family?"

At this moment, Wu Lao Si finally reveals his heartfelt thoughts, and hearing his words, Old Xiao finally genuinely believes the other won't strike against him anymore.

The Wu Family massacre was well-known in Meng City, just that, given the former strength of the Xiao Family, avenging them was nearly impossible for Wu Lao Si alone.

Yet, a young girl named Hu Ying'er appeared like a comet, single-handedly obliterating the entire Xiao Family's upper echelons, causing the colossal Xiao Family to collapse entirely.

Upon receiving the news, Wu Lao Si couldn't stop shedding tears for days, kowtowing towards the Southeast Territory nine times, both comforting the spirits of the Wu Family and deeply grateful to the benefactor who avenged them.

However, Hu Ying'er disappeared after destroying the Xiao Family, and Wu Lao Si, unable to find her to express gratitude, could only wait until news from Impermanence Island emerged, seizing his chance to repay the favor.

Upon receiving the news, Wu Lao Si immediately made his decision.