News of the earth-shaking battle in the Crouching Dragon Mountains spread like wildfire riding wind and thunder.
In just one day, it swept across every corner of the Purple Moon Continent.
The news sent shockwaves through the entire Martial Dao world.
In the taverns and teahouses of remote towns, crowds clamored over the battle.
In the council halls of the leading sects, the mood was grave as everyone speculated about what would follow.
But the story spreading in every direction had already been deliberately twisted beyond recognition.
Lin Zishan, the lord of Crouching Dragon City, had fought the Great Yan Dynasty's nine veteran Martial Emperors alone.
He had gravely wounded all nine and meant to kill every last one, roots and all.
At that critical moment,
twelve Martial Emperors from Imperial Court Mountain had arrived through the air, bearing a decree from the Martial Deity.
They had forcibly stopped Lin Zishan and rescued all nine Great Yan Martial Emperors.
Then they had issued an ultimatum: Lin Zishan was to come to Imperial Court Mountain within three days and beg forgiveness with thorns on his back.
If he dared defy them, Imperial Court Mountain would personally seize him and punish him without mercy!
The entire Purple Moon Continent erupted in uproar.
Public opinion split into two opposing camps, each at the other's throat.
Imperial Court Mountain had stood on the Purple Moon Continent for ten thousand years and was widely recognized as a Martial Dao Holy Land.
The world's only Martial Deity resided there. Its renown had been forged over the ages; the newly established Crouching Dragon Mountain could not compare.
Imperial Court Mountain's intervention was immediately hailed by countless affiliated powers.
Dynasties large and small, along with vassal sects, rushed to make their voices heard.
With one voice, they praised