Zhao Daoran was momentarily taken aback by the overwhelming presence of the god of war emanating from Long Yan’s furious aura.

Considering the situation, confronting Long Yan head-on might eventually lead to his fortunate demise, but it would undoubtedly result in severe damage to his own vital energy.

Now that he had just assumed the position of Acting Alliance Leader, there were many eyeing his position.

He mustn’t recklessly deplete his own spiritual energy.

He forcibly suppressed the anger in his heart.

"I was just joking. Who doesn’t know of your hard work and achievements, Long Yan? How could I assign you to gatekeeping duties?"

"Forget it, you can leave now."

Zhao Daoran waved his hand dismissively.

Hearing this, the fury in Long Yan’s heart slightly subsided.

With a cold snort, he strutted out of the Blackwater Palace with a commanding presence.

After returning to his War God Temple, Long Yan sat sternly on the bed. With a flick of his finger, a gust of wind extinguished the candle flame on the table.

The entire room plunged into darkness.

Long Yan’s eyes shone bright in the darkness. Now that he had offended Zhao Daoran, he knew Zhao Daoran wouldn’t let him off easily.

Chances are he’d send someone to kill him.

Strike first to gain the upper hand.

A thick killer instinct flashed in his eyes.

"But relying solely on my own strength, it’s hard to eliminate Zhao Daoran. And the other eight war gods in the Blackwater Alliance all follow his command. What should I do?"

Soon, he thought of Tianyong Mountain.

Legend has it that Wang Ye of Tianyong Mountain is immensely powerful and enigmatic, living up to his great reputation surely.

Today, Master Xia’s prowess was also notable.

Using another’s expertise can hone one’s own, and he could certainly leverage the strength of Tianyong Mountain to deal with Zhao Daoran.

"Speed is of the essence!"

As a war god, Long Yan naturally understood the importance of swiftness in military endeavors.

Perhaps Zhao Daoran was already taking action.

He donned a black robe and black hat, suddenly vanishing from the pavilion, soon having flown out of the Blackwater Alliance’s territory.

Just after he left the Blackwater Alliance.

Two middle-aged men quietly appeared in Long Yan’s room, one holding the Zhuque Saber and the other the Qinglong Sword.

They were the Vermilion Bird War God and Azure Dragon War God among the top ten war gods.

The two hurried to Long Yan’s bed, then thrust their weapons fiercely into it.

Both war gods were accustomed to the sensation of blades slicing through flesh.

The feeling transmitted through the blades was not of piercing a human body, but rather stabbing into a quilt.

The duo immediately sensed something was wrong, looking around warily.

This Long Yan must have been prepared.

Azure Dragon used his sword to move the quilt, revealing a human-shaped spiritual energy.

"Long Yan has escaped! Let’s return and report."

The two then flew out of Long Yan’s temple.

They quickly reached Blackwater Palace to report.

At that moment, Zhao Daoran stood with his back to them, staring at the wall, lost in thought.

If it were last spring, he would have chosen some beauties to drink with, or engage in dual cultivation.

Now, he missed those times somewhat.

Moreover, now that he had become Acting Alliance Leader, he could do as he pleased in the future.

Even if a year later, he was replaced as Acting Alliance Leader, he would have no regrets.

Thinking thus. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

He heard the sound of two footsteps approaching.

Azure Dragon and Vermilion Bird looked distressed, heads lowered, appearing dejected.

The two stood before Zhao Daoran, unable to speak for a long while.

After a long time, Zhao Daoran pulled himself from his happy memories and glanced at them.

"Long Yan escaped?"

Zhao Daoran’s nose twitched, not detecting the scent of blood on their swords, coupled with their expressions, he concluded that Long Yan must have fled.

Vermilion Bird, grimacing, said.

"We were a step too late. Please punish us, Alliance Hierarch."

Azure Dragon also knelt down on one knee, submitting to Zhao Daoran’s judgment.

Seeing this, Zhao Daoran’s eyes gleamed with murderous intent. These ten war gods were as strong as he was.

This was a perfect chance to eliminate them.

"Hmph, if you can’t handle such a trivial task, what use are you?"

With that said.

Zhao Daoran moved swiftly before them, and before they could react, his palms landed on their foreheads.

Instantly, they turned into a bloody mist, a bloody scent permeating the air, leaving behind two ancient-patterned swords on the ground.

In no time, Zhao Daoran had eliminated two opponents, feeling elated.

After securing their swords, he headed towards the Carefree Palace.

...

Meanwhile, Long Yan had fled to an inn on the outskirts of the Blackwater Alliance.

Upon reaching the inn, it was already late at night, with a giant moon hanging in the sky.

"By now, Zhao Daoran must have realized I’ve escaped, and the ones sent to kill me have already left."

"Surely Zhao Daoran is indulging himself at Carefree Palace. If I strike back right now, I can definitely kill Zhao Daoran."

With this thought, a glimmer of murderous intent flashed in Long Yan’s eyes.

He quickly donned his black robe and wielded his sword, transforming into a blood-red flame, speeding toward the Carefree Palace.

In Carefree Palace, there was a Yin Yang Stone.

This stone released warmth in winter, making it less cold.

Similarly, it emitted cool air in summer, preventing the heat from being overwhelming.

Thus, the Carefree Palace enjoyed eternal spring.

The palace was dimly lit, red curtains swaying in the wind.

Zhao Daoran held a woman in his arms, his hands wandering indulgently.

"The Alliance Hierarch’s perks are truly enviable; no wonder so many crave this position!"

Zhao Daoran appeared utterly delighted.

In the Carefree Palace, there were three thousand beauties, and all would soon be his.

At that moment, a shadow appeared behind him, a blood-red sword piercing through his back, emerging from his chest, with blood spurting out.

The splattered blood stained the white curtains a rosy red,

The surrounding women shrieked in terror, scattering in all directions.

Long Yan twisted his sword.

Zhao Daoran’s face contorted in pain, feeling a slicing sensation in his chest, his head buzzing.

The sudden turn of events left him disoriented.

"Who are you, and why do you want to kill me?"

Zhao Daoran’s eyes turned blood-red, with blood oozing from his mouth like a crimson serpent slithering away.

In response, Long Yan let out a cold snicker, withdrawing his sword.

Then he removed his mask and stepped before Zhao Daoran.

"It’s me, Long Yan."

Long Yan declared coldly.

Seeing Long Yan’s face, fury filled Zhao Daoran’s eyes.

"I’ll take you down with me!"

Zhao Daoran suddenly detonated his inner core.

A powerful energy exploded from around him, making the previously dark night burst into blinding white light, the nearby lake churning with massive waves.

Unable to evade, fear flickered in Long Yan’s eyes.

Next, he was engulfed by the powerful energy, turning into a mist of blood, as his own inner core simultaneously exploded.

Boom~

The night was illuminated by light once more.

The entire Blackwater Palace trembled, such a grand disturbance naturally alerted the remaining Six Great War Gods.

Soon, the Six Great War Gods appeared outside the Carefree Palace.

"What on earth happened?"