Among the same batch of outstanding disciples entering Shengyuan Academy’s outer court, the ten most prominent included Yulong with the Dragon Bloodline, Bu Xi the Silver Tin Swordmaster, Duan Cangsheng, Tu Bubai, Yu Jinge, Qi Muba, and Ji Mo, who joined Tianmen.
Previously, many disciples from Shengyuan Academy’s tenth outer court, such as Ouyang Tian and Ouyang Hao from the Yang Alliance, had defected to Tianmen.
Tianmen’s strength had reached a terrifying level. Aside from the very top fighters, its overall power surpassed even the Martial Alliance, showing a trend towards becoming the foremost faction.
Tianmen harbored the deepest grudge against Youtian Demon Palace. Within the Holy City Alliance, they killed the most Youtian Demon Palace disciples, earning the greatest contributions and rewards, making many eager to join this rising faction.
Additionally, though Ziling, Gu Juejin, Muyao, and even Bai Moxuan weren’t Tianmen disciples, they often supported Tianmen’s efforts.
Thus, Tianmen’s reputation in the Holy City Alliance overshadowed the Martial Alliance.
Originally, the Martial Alliance had conflicts with Tianmen, but its leader, the top-ranked Heavenly Star List disciple, sought reconciliation with Tianmen.
The Sword Alliance, due to Muyao, also reconciled. Only the Moon Gate, infiltrated by the Xiahou family, held a grudge against Tianmen. Those with past conflicts with Lin Xiao and Hu Yue, such as Su Jingguang, Zhuo Ye, Hong Feng, Yang Jian, and Dao Yi, had joined the Moon Gate.
…
One early morning, in a bustling hall within the Holy City, a graceful figure sat in the main hall.
This woman, nearing eighteen, had a youthful face but a curvaceous, alluring figure, exuding a captivating, unparalleled beauty.
Yet, despite her young age, her eyes carried a ruthless glint. Dressed in a flowing moon robe, she radiated a faint killing intent that made hearts tremble.
On her shoulder perched a fiery red spiritual rabbit, its lazy, adorable demeanor adding a unique charm to the fierce yet beautiful woman.
“Deputy Gate Master, we’ve found Cai Dan’s trail.”
Below, a youth bowed, addressing the moon-robed girl.
“Chi!” A thick killing intent surged from her. The powerful aura of Martial Venerable First Realm filled the hall.
This girl was Hu Yue.
In just one year, her cultivation had broken through to Martial Venerable First Realm, making her the youngest Martial Venerable in Shengyuan Academy’s century-long history.
“Where?” Her cold voice rang out.
“At Yin Wind Ridge. We also found not only Cai Dan but a Second Realm Martial Venerable, along with Zheng Fang, Pai Gu, and Yan Li, three First Realm Martial Venerables, gathered there. It seems they’ve discovered something,” the disciple reported.
“Oh?” Hearing this, a cold smile curved Hu Yue’s lips. “Perfect. Summon all of Tianmen’s top forces and wipe them out.”
“Yes!” The youth nodded firmly and retreated.
…
At a battlefield between the Holy City and Youtian Demon Palace, a team of over ten led by Yu Jinge moved through the fray.
Teams of this size often operated in the battlefield, providing mutual support without being too large to attract notice, reducing the risk of being wiped out en masse.
As Yu Jinge’s group prepared to advance, a figure on elemental wings flew towards them.
The dozen drew their weapons, elemental force surging, on guard.
“Someone from Tamatang!” Seeing the figure’s green attire, Yu Jinge spoke, and the group relaxed.
Tamatang, led by Ma Bi, gathered speed-focused cultivators, specializing in intelligence and coordinating Tianmen’s teams. Officially named “Tama Listening Wind Hall,” it was shortened to Tamatang.
Tamatang’s members split into numerous small teams, gathering intelligence and liaising with Tianmen disciples, greatly aiding their war efforts.
“Deputy Hall Master Yu, the Deputy Gate Master urgently summons you to Yin Wind Ridge!” the green-clad youth said concisely.
After Tianmen’s growth, it divided into several halls, each led by a Martial Venerable, with peak Martial King disciples as deputy hall masters.
Yu Jinge was the deputy hall master of “Niu Hall,” led by Niu Bi, which gathered strength-focused genius disciples, though the name was somewhat inelegant.
“Alright!” Yu Jinge nodded.
The green-clad youth clasped his fists and swiftly departed in another direction.
“Let’s go!” Yu Jinge ordered the others.
The group nodded and flew towards Yin Wind Ridge.
Yin Wind Ridge, shrouded in constant eerie winds and heavy yin energy, had been explored by many but yielded no treasures, with some inexplicably dying, so few visited.
Yet, its reputation for heavy yin energy was well-known, and Yu Jinge’s group knew its location.
After flying over a hundred li, they noticed signs of a fierce battle ahead, with the ground littered with dozens of corpses, including over ten identifiable Tianmen disciples.
“Hahaha, more have fallen into the trap. This pass sees quite a crowd!” A loud laugh rang out, followed by twenty to thirty figures emerging from all directions, surrounding Yu Jinge’s group.
Among them were young disciples and older experts, led by three veteran powerhouses.
All three were Martial Venerable First Realm.
Yu Jinge recognized two: Liu Yan, head of the Liu family, and Gong Hongyun, head of the Gong family.
The two families had a deep feud, but after investigating, they found the killing of a Liu elder suspicious.
When Youtian Demon Palace disciples revealed Lin Xiao had killed Liu He and framed the families to incite conflict, both leaders were enraged, spitting blood and harboring deep hatred for Lin Xiao.
Tianmen, founded by Lin Xiao and led by his allies like Hu Yue, had gained fame in the chaotic lands.
This fueled the families’ desire to destroy Tianmen disciples. Liu Yan, who had an arm severed by Hu Yue using the Heavenly Spider Demon Silk inheritance, burned for revenge.
Enticed by Youtian Demon Palace, both families joined the Youtian Alliance, engaging in the conflict against the Holy City Alliance.
Besides the two family heads, there was another Martial Venerable First Realm elder from the Yuan family.
The Yuan family, also at odds with Lin Xiao, had joined Youtian Demon Palace under their influence.
