Emei Mountain!

Having just broken through, he was brimming with confidence, so eager to do something for Yang Jian at once to repay this immense kindness.

"No need."

Yang Jian shook his head.

"Your task is to guard Mount Mei."

He looked at Yuan Hong and the Golden Toad, his gaze turning stern.

"I need you to forge Mount Mei into an ironclad stronghold in the shortest time possible. I do not want to return next time and find this place still a disorganized rabble."

"What you need to do is not merely improve your own cultivation. You must also train a truly elite force. I will have great use for it in the future."

Yang Jian's voice was not loud, but the will contained within it brooked no doubt.

Yuan Hong and the Golden Toad exchanged a glance, and each saw the gravity in the other's eyes.

They understood.

Their master was laying out his plans, playing a very large game of chess.

And they were crucial pieces upon that board.

"Rest assured, Master!"

Yuan Hong and the Golden Toad bowed in unison and answered solemnly.

"We will not fail the trust you have placed in us!"

Yuan Hong was now a Daluo Golden Immortal, his strength formidable enough to suppress all dissent.

Though the Golden Toad was somewhat weaker, he was meticulous and deeply calculating, perfectly suited to assist Yuan Hong in handling the trivial affairs.

One civil, one martial—the two complemented each other perfectly.

Yang Jian was fairly satisfied with this arrangement.

"Good."

He said no more, only adding one final instruction.

"I am making a trip to Buzhou Mountain."

Buzhou Mountain!

At those three words, Yuan Hong and the Golden Toad's hearts jolted.

That was the Primordial World's Number One Divine Mountain, formed from Pangu's spine. Though it