Wen Qingxuan, the Second Person of the Spirit Road?

Spirit Crown Mountain towered majestically, piercing straight into the clouds.

At its foot, mist curled and drifted, and a winding stone stairway could vaguely be seen, like a heavenly ladder leading to the realm above, stretching all the way beyond sight.

"Looks like we're the first ones here."

Bing Tianxiao stood at the foot of the mountain, looking up at the towering peak that vanished into the clouds.

Luo Li, standing beside him, said nothing. She merely tightened her grip on the Luoshen Sword, her cool gaze sweeping the surroundings as she remained alert for any danger that might appear.

"Let's go. Since we're here, we might as well head up first and claim a good spot."

Bing Tianxiao clapped his hands and took the lead onto the moss-covered stone steps.

The two moved like lightning, racing up the steep mountain path.

However, just as they were about to break through the clouds and reach an open platform halfway up the mountain—

A crisp, arrogant voice suddenly rang out from ahead:

"Well, if it isn't that guy who only knows how to hide in the shadows and fire sneak attacks. Didn't expect you two to run this fast."

Bing Tianxiao halted and looked up.

On the platform ahead, more than a dozen figures stood ready in formation, blocking the way.

At their head stood a young woman clad in golden battle armor.

She was tall and stunningly beautiful, her long golden hair dancing in the wind. She looked every bit like a majestic goddess of war.

She held a golden Long Spear in her hand, its tip aimed directly at Bing Tianxiao.

Her golden eyes brimmed with provocation and disdain.

Wen Qingxuan!

The leader of the Spirit Road's other most powerful force, aside from Ji Xuan!

Behind her, more than a dozen powerful young men and women stood in a row, their gazes sharp. Even the weakest among them possessed a Third-level Spirit Body.

"Wen Qingxuan?"

Bing Tianxiao raised a brow, his gaze brazenly sweeping over the young woman's curvaceous figure before he whistled and said with an irritating grin:

"What? Is Miss Wen setting up a toll booth here? Too bad I didn't bring any travel money. How about... I pay with my body?"

"Shameless!"

Wen Qingxuan's lovely face turned cold as the Long Spear in her hand suddenly trembled.

A sharp Spear Light erupted instantly, stabbing straight toward Bing Tianxiao's face.

"I've long heard that your mouth deserves a beating. Today, I'll teach you a proper lesson!"

Clang!

A crisp clash of metal rang out.

At some point, Luo Li had appeared in front of Bing Tianxiao, her Luoshen Sword firmly blocking Wen Qingxuan's Long Spear.

The two attacks collided, kicking up a fierce gale that sent their clothes fluttering wildly.

Wen Qingxuan looked at Luo Li, who stood before Bing Tianxiao, and a complicated emotion flashed through her eyes.

She withdrew her Long Spear and snorted coldly.

"Luo Li, you've really fallen. You're actually willing to be a thug for a scoundrel like him?"

"He isn't a scoundrel."

Luo Li replied calmly, though she showed no intention of lowering her sword.

"He is my friend, and also my... partner."

"Partner?"

As though she had heard an amusing joke, Wen Qingxuan gave a scornful laugh.

"Him? A petty man who only knows how to launch sneak attacks!"

Her gaze passed over Luo Li and fixed directly on Bing Tianxiao behind her, full of provocation.

"What's wrong, Bing Tianxiao? Are you really so comfortable hiding behind a woman?"

"Shut up!"

Luo Li gave a sharp cry and shot forward like an arrow released from its bow.

The Luoshen Sword in her hand transformed into a sky full of sword shadows, striking at Wen Qingxuan's vital points.

"Hmph, overestimating yourself!"

Wen Qingxuan sneered and advanced rather than retreating.

Her Long Spear swept out like a golden dragon emerging from the sea, broad and domineering, every strike carrying terrifying force capable of toppling mountains and overturning seas.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The sound of clashing metal rang without end as sparks flew everywhere.

After only a few exchanges, Luo Li felt immense pressure.

Wen Qingxuan's strength far exceeded her expectations!

Every blow of the spear left her palm numb and made her blood churn.

"A Fourth-level Spirit Body?"

Luo Li was secretly startled.

Within the Spirit Road, even reaching the peak Level 3 Spirit Body was exceedingly rare.

She had never expected Wen Qingxuan to have entered the realm of the Fourth-level Spirit Body as well!

"You're only figuring that out now? Too late!"

Wen Qingxuan smiled proudly. Brilliant light flared from her Long Spear, and an even stronger aura erupted from her body, scattering some of the surrounding mist.

She did not rush to pursue Luo Li. Instead, she turned her gaze once more toward the young man who had been standing behind them watching the show.

"Do you see it? This is the gap between us! Bing Tianxiao, how long are you going to keep hiding?

Are you going to stand there and watch your 'partner' get beaten to the ground by me?"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Miss Wen, your sharp tongue has gotten better."

Bing Tianxiao strolled out from behind Luo Li.

He casually planted the longbow in his hand into the ground, then rolled his wrists, producing a series of cracking sounds.

"I was planning to let you jump around a little longer, but since you're so eager to get beaten up, I'll grant your wish."

Bing Tianxiao walked to Luo Li's side and gently patted her shoulder, signaling for her to step back.

Luo Li glanced at him. Though she was somewhat worried, she obediently retreated to the side.

"A Fourth-level Spirit Body, huh? Is that supposed to be impressive?"

Bing Tianxiao looked at Wen Qingxuan, a teasing curve rising on his lips.

The next instant, his figure abruptly vanished from where he stood!

Fast!

Inconceivably fast!

Wen Qingxuan only saw a blur before a sharp gust of wind had already struck toward her face.

Startled, she instinctively raised her spear to block.

Bang!

A muffled boom rang out.

Wen Qingxuan felt a tremendous force crash into her, forcing her back half a step!

Meanwhile, Bing Tianxiao had already appeared at her side. At some point, a cold, gleaming dagger had appeared in his hand, stabbing toward her ribs!

"So fast!"

Wen Qingxuan was secretly shocked and put away some of her disdain.

With a sharp cry, she spun her Long Spear. Like a golden python, it dissolved Bing Tianxiao's entire offensive.

The two instantly became locked in battle.

One wielded a domineering spear technique, powerful and heavy; the other moved with a ghostly agility, each strike ruthless.

For a time, neither could gain the upper hand!

However, just as their battle reached a stalemate, a series of urgent whooshing sounds suddenly came from below on the mountain path.

"Looks like our audience has arrived."

Bing Tianxiao's figure flashed, and he instantly broke away from the fight, retreating to Luo Li's side.

Wen Qingxuan did not pursue him either. She stood with her spear lowered, her gaze coldly fixed on the path below.

Several figures could be seen rapidly rushing toward them.

The person leading them was none other than Ji Xuan, dressed in white and refined in manner!

The moment Ji Xuan landed on the platform, a series of heavy footsteps sounded from behind him.

"Phew... phew... Why is this damn mountain so high!"

At that moment, two more young men arrived, one thin and one burly.

They were Mu Chen and Zhan Xiong.

"Oh, looks like everyone's here."

Bing Tianxiao whistled, his gaze sweeping across Ji Xuan, Wen Qingxuan, and Mu Chen.

Everyone in the Spirit Road worth naming had arrived.

Wen Qingxuan, Ji Xuan, Luo Li, Mu Chen, and himself.

The first-ranked figures of the five great guardian lands!