The crowd secretly marveled at the majestic carriage, engraved with countless runes. One didn’t even need to think it was definitely a treasure.

And that spirit beast, just from the occasional flash of human-like emotion in its eyes, one could tell its intelligence was extremely high. Being able to soar through the air indicated it was at least Tier 7, a master comparable to a cultivator at the Soaring realm. Yet, it was being used to pull a carriage?

As for the man, no one could see through him. They only felt his aura was vast and boundless, faintly carrying profoundness that seemed to transcend the mortal realm. He was stronger than the rest of the crowd.

A glint flashed in Chu Kuang’s eyes. He came at just the right time!

Without hesitation, Murong Yuan, Wu De and Duan Ren immediately bowed. “Greetings, Holy Emissary!"

They understood the man’s identity better than anyone. He was the holy emissary from the Myriad Transformations Holy Land, You Fang. The last time they saw him was over a hundred years ago.

Looking at the wreckage-strewn ground, Wei Fang’s unease rose again. “Fellow Daoist Murong, just what happened here?”

Murong Yuan sighed and gave a general account of events. “If not for Senior Chongming’s appearance, I fear this would have caused an immense disaster!”

Upon hearing this, Wei Fang secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It seems like I haven’t been exposed!

You Fang’s gaze deepened. “Chongming? Heh, so it’s him.” 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

His tone held a touch of disdain and apprehension. He didn’t seem overly concerned about the God-Slaying Formation, brushing past it with just a few words.

Instead, he mentioned Jiang Xuan a bit more. “Over a hundred years ago, Jiang Xuan lost to the previous Holy Son. Due to his arrogance, he refused to stay in the Holy Land and become the Holy Son’s follower. Now, he’s ended up in this state. He’s truly reaping what he sowed!”

Murong Yuan hesitated for a moment. “Dare I ask, is your descent into the world this time for the Holy Son selection?”

Afraid You Fang would bring up Jiang Xuan again, Wei Fang hurriedly chimed in. “You’re right! You all know this is an old tradition of the Myriad Transformations Holy Land.”

You Fang’s expression was impassive. “The Holy Master is benevolent. He’s giving you this chance to ascend to the heavens in one step. If it were any other Holy Land... Hmph!”

He proceeded to change the subject.

“And also, the Holy Son selection’s rules are different from before. Jiang Xuan, though considered outstanding in his time, wouldn’t measure up in this selection.” You Fang swept his gaze over the crowd. “This generation’s youth is indeed much stronger than a hundred years ago—hm?”

Just then, he caught sight of Gu Han. You Fang’s voice grew quiet, yet his attitude remained utterly domineering. “Young man, you have such a heavy killing intent! Before me, you don’t have the qualification to draw your sword, understand? Put. The sword. Down.”

Gu Han didn’t move. He had a premonition that if he lowered his sword, killing Meng Xing would become impossible.

In the distance, Murong Yuan’s heart gave a fierce jolt. Zuo Yang’s brow also furrowed, a rare hint of hesitation appearing in his eyes.

Wei Fang frowned slightly. “Kid, don’t be foolish!”

He was rather appreciative of Gu Han, these words already carried a note of protectiveness.

Chu Kuang suddenly said, “Holy Emissary, given this person’s nature, making him lower his sword is probably harder than ascending to the heavens!”

You Fang’s eyes turned cold. “And who are you?”

Chu Kuang’s tone made him feel not a shred of respect.

“Holy Emissary, he is Chu Kuang.” Wei Fang sighed, then glanced at Gu Han. “As for this young man, he is the Gu Han I mentioned to you. Both are from the Eastern Wasteland’s Northern Domain—”

You Fang cut him off, looking somewhat impatient. “It’s them? One is more arrogant than the other!”

Chu Kuang smiled. “Holy Emissary, I have an item I’d like you to take a look at.”

Saying this, he flipped his palm. What appeared was a peculiarly shaped, archaic-looking, black jade talisman. In an instant, a mysterious aura that everyone found nearly impossible to comprehend enveloped the area.

You Fang could no longer maintain his composure and arrogance. His pupils constricted sharply. “This is the Holy Master’s token! How do you have this? What exactly is your relationship with the Holy Master?!”

He was all too familiar with this jade talisman. It was unique to the Myriad Transformations Holy Master. Apart from each generation’s Holy Son, only those who performed immense meritorious service for the Holy Land had a chance to obtain one. The authority it represented was extremely weighty. Even he didn’t have one, let alone Wei Fang, who had never even seen one before.

The smile on Chu Kuang’s face grew wider. “So...?”

You Fang’s eyelids twitched, his expression changing dramatically. “I wouldn’t dare! Just call me You Fang!”

With the jade talisman, Chu Kuang’s status was comparable to a Holy Son. How could You Fang dare put on airs before such a figure?

In the distance, Murong Yuan and the other two looked on with doubtful, uncertain expressions. None of them had expected Chu Kuang to hold such a token. In an instant, his identity was cloaked in mystery.

Yang Ying frowned deeply. “This is bad. He’s in trouble!”

Shen Xuan sighed. “Indeed. I never imagined that Junior Brother Chu could conceal himself so completely.”

Murong Yan’s face was ugly. “Bullshit junior brother! He’s a two-faced traitor! Luo Madman is ten times better than him!”

Upon seeing You Fang’s deference, Chu Kuang waved his hand. “I know your purpose in coming today. It’s nothing more than selecting some candidates. What do you think of him?”

He pointed at Meng Xing. “He has the Immortal Metal Treasure Physique, comparable to a profound item, peerless defense. Even if he can’t become Holy Son, being a follower is more than sufficient.”

You Fang nodded. “Good! Indeed qualified!”

In truth, he had seen Meng Xing’s miserable state and felt somewhat disdainful. Still, since Chu Kuang had spoken, You Fang had to give him face.

You Fang shifted his gaze to Gu Han, his tone turning even colder. “Put the sword down!”

Wei Fang hesitated for a moment. “Holy Emissary, Gu Han also has some ability...”

You Fang glanced at him. “Oh? Are you teaching me how to do things?”

“I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare.”

Chu Kuang laughed at Gu Han. “So? The tide ultimately favors me. Such is heaven’s will.”

Under the pressure from Gu Han and Chongming, Chu Kuang had seemed destined for a bleak end. Unexpectedly, You Fang arrived just in time. The support of the Myriad Transformations Holy Land reversed his decline.

Meng Xing also seemed to realize his life was saved, and was filled with gratitude. “Brother Chu, thank you. Earlier, I was at fault. Please, do not hold it against me!”

Chu Kuang raised an eyebrow. “Thank me? It’s a bit early for thanks. Whether you live or die still depends on whether he dares to draw his sword.”

Meng Xing paled and grew tense again.

Chu Kuang stared intently at Gu Han, his gaze sharp. “Go on, draw your sword if you dare.”

After taking Gu Han as an opponent, he no longer cared about Meng Xing’s life or death. He only wanted to see if Chongming had truly left Gu Han a trump card. Moreover, You Fang and the Myriad Transformations Holy Land were his best tools to use.

Gu Han said nothing. He understood clearly from the moment Chu Kuang produced the jade talisman, he had already lost any room for retreat. If he remained resolute to the end, he could probably still make Chu Kuang wary. In contrast, lowering his sword and yielding would inevitably provide Chu Kuang with leverage. By then, his crisis would only be greater than now.

Thinking of this, his killing intent surged another notch.

Sensing the shift in Gu Han, You Fang’s gaze grew even colder. “To think, after not descending into the world for a hundred years, even a mere junior dares to disregard the Myriad Transformations Holy Land!”

His tone already carried a thread of killing intent.

Suddenly, a furious roar sounded. The spirit beast had perceived You Fang’s intent. Shedding its previously docile appearance, it grew ferocious. With a stomp of its hooves, bared fangs gleaming, it charged at Gu Han.

Murong Yan’s face turned pale. “Holy Emissary, please show mercy! He has close ties to Senior Chongming!”

You Fang hesitated for a moment, but ultimately didn’t call back the spirit beast. “That chicken? A hundred years back, I might have given it some face. But now... heh, whether that old blind man can even act is uncertain. Would the Myriad Transformations Holy Land fear it?”

With his tacit approval, the spirit beast’s speed increased again. The beastly nature hidden in its bones erupted instantly, intent on devouring Gu Han in one bite.