Xuandu Takes Action

"Demoness, prepare to die!"

Yang Jian and Nezha had heard that Taiyi had met his end, and now they had personally witnessed Guangchengzi being slain. They immediately summoned their magic treasures, ready to charge.

"Come back!"

Jiang Ziya quickly stopped them. Even Guangchengzi wasn't a match; these two would only be throwing their lives away.

Though Jiang Ziya was panicked, his rationality remained.

Nezha said, grief-stricken, "Uncle, she killed Master!"

Yang Jian, equally enraged, said, "The demoness killed Master Guangchengzi and Uncle Taiyi! This enmity is irreconcilable; how can we not avenge it?"

Jiang Ziya sighed inwardly and replied, "A gentleman's revenge is never too late, even after ten years. With your current cultivation, you are no match for her. I will personally seek justice for you."

With that, Jiang Ziya forcibly led the two back to the command tent.

Back in the command tent, a cloud of worry settled over Jiang Ziya. With Shi Ji in Chong City, even with a million strong army, he could only sigh in helplessness.

Shi Ji was no longer the Shi Ji of old.

Not only had her power surged, but she was also decisive in her killing.

His side had already lost three major experts, which Jiang Ziya had not anticipated at all.

If Shi Ji couldn't be dealt with, the so-called strategy of "surrounding the point to draw out reinforcements" was a joke, and marching the army north was a pipe dream.

Among the Three Sects, it seemed only the Antarctic Immortal Elder and Grand Master Xuandu could possibly defeat Shi Ji.

As for the Western Sect, it wasn't that they lacked experts, but it was highly unlikely the Two Sages of the West would send their experts to take such a risk.

Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva was already the Western Sect's maximum output, and now Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva had met his end. He hadn't yet figured out how to explain this to the Western Sect, let alone ask Mount Sumeru for help.

Jiang Ziya pondered deeply and finally headed towards the Eight Scenery Palace on Shouyang Mountain.

Firstly, Xuandu's strength surpassed even that of the Antarctic Immortal Elder. Secondly, the Chan Sect had already lost two experts, and Jiang Ziya didn't want anything else to happen to the Chan Sect.

If the Chan Sect suffered too many sacrifices, Yuanshi would never forgive him once the Investiture of the Gods concluded.

"Jiang Ziya of the Jade Void Palace requests an audience with Grand Master Xuandu."

At the gates of the Eight Scenery Palace, Jiang Ziya announced loudly.

"Please enter!"

Before long, two young Daoist acolytes welcomed Jiang Ziya inside.

Upon seeing Jiang Ziya, Xuandu asked, "Junior Brother Ziya, why have you come to my Eight Scenery Palace instead of establishing your achievements in Xiqi?"

Jiang Ziya replied, "The royal army is stalled outside Chong City, unable to advance north."

"Oh?" Xuandu asked, surprised. "Junior Brother Ziya, with the Chan Sect supporting you and even the Western Sect's backing, you're being held back by a mere Chong City?"

Jiang Ziya gave a bitter smile. "Originally, the army was advancing smoothly, and Chong City seemed within reach. Unexpectedly, an expert suddenly arrived to reinforce Chong City, forcing Junior Brother to halt the campaign and regroup."

"An expert?" Xuandu wondered. "What kind of expert could possibly scare away a million strong army?"

"Shi Ji!"

At the mention of Shi Ji, a strange hatred welled up in Jiang Ziya's heart.

"Shi Ji?" Xuandu grew even more curious. "Could a mere Shi Ji possess such capabilities? Is the Chan Sect truly without anyone capable? Is the Western Sect without anyone?"

Xuandu was not unfamiliar with Shi Ji; she was not only dirt poor but also only a Great Luo Golden Immortal in cultivation.

If Jiang Ziya couldn't even handle a Shi Ji, then there was no point in talking about grandiose claims like replacing Shang with Zhou.

The Intercepting Sect still had eight direct disciples, each an extraordinary figure, and Dobao and Zhao Gongming even possessed Quasi-Saint cultivation.

And this didn't even include Gu Changqing, who had already attained Dao!

Jiang Ziya gave a bitter smile. "Today's Shi Ji is no longer the Shi Ji of old. Just today, Shi Ji consecutively slew Senior Brother Taiyi and Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva, and then pierced Senior Brother Guangchengzi with a spear."

"What?!"

Xuandu's expression subtly changed. Had Shi Ji become so absurdly powerful?

"Junior Brother Ziya, do not deceive me!" Xuandu added. "I still know Shi Ji well."

Heh heh!

Jiang Ziya smiled bitterly to himself and continued, "This is something Junior Brother witnessed with his own eyes, so how could I dare to deceive Grand Master? The current Shi Ji has not only had a massive surge in power but also employs ruthless methods; she's invincible to anyone below a Quasi-Saint. Junior Brother had no choice but to seek Grand Master's help."

Jiang Ziya's face fell. "If not for Senior Uncle Ran Deng having already met his end, Junior Brother would not dare trouble Grand Master."

"Alright, I will go with you."

Considering that the Chan Sect had indeed suffered many setbacks recently, Xuandu agreed to Jiang Ziya's request.

If Shi Ji was truly as formidable as Jiang Ziya claimed, the Antarctic Immortal Elder might not be her match.

What Jiang Ziya needed now was military prestige and morale.

Replacing Shang with Zhou was not solely the Chan Sect's concern but a matter for all Three Sects, a grand plan decided by the Saints in the Eight Scenery Palace.

At dusk, Xuandu accompanied Jiang Ziya to the foot of Chong City.

"Junior Sister Shi Ji, Xuandu requests an audience."

Shi Ji, who was enjoying a victory feast, changed her expression upon hearing that Xuandu had arrived.

Even though she had performed many remarkable feats today and her confidence had greatly increased, she knew she was no match for Xuandu.

Xuandu was already a peak Quasi-Saint, rumored to be just one step away from achieving the Dao.

Among the second-generation disciples of the Mysterious Sect, Xuandu was revered above all others. If Xuandu claimed the second spot, no one would dare claim the first.

"Senior Brother Xuandu, please wait a moment!"

Shi Ji replied loudly, then said to the Martial Accomplishment King, "Xuandu is here. Chong City cannot be held. Martial Accomplishment King, prepare for withdrawal."

The Martial Accomplishment King paused slightly and said, "Chong Houhu lives and dies for Great Shang. As long as the city stands, we stand; if the city falls, we fall. We will fight to the death and never surrender or retreat!"

"Fight to the death, never surrender, never retreat!"

The other soldiers echoed his words.

"You all..." Shi Ji was slightly moved, then said, "This is a strategic retreat, not a surrender. I, Shi Ji, can attest to your loyalty before His Majesty and the Imperial Tutor."

"For a soldier, only death on the battlefield is true loyalty."

"With my blood, I protect Great Shang!"

Before, they had waited for reinforcements, able to temporarily avoid confrontation.

Now, even with reinforcements, they were still outmatched, and they were prepared to fight to the death.

"You all..."

In her helplessness, Shi Ji forcibly brought everyone into the Primordial Chaos World Piercing Shuttle, and then also brought their families into the shuttle.

As for the other soldiers, Shi Ji was willing but unable to help; Xuandu wouldn't give her much time.

Shi Ji stepped to the front of the formation, bowed, and said, "Shi Ji greets Senior Brother Xuandu."

Despite being in opposing camps, Shi Ji still held great respect for Xuandu.

Xuandu was not only profoundly cultivated but also humble, truly a model for the second-generation disciples of the Mysterious Sect.

Xuandu smiled and said, "Junior Sister Shi Ji, it has been many years since we last met. Your grace is even greater than before, which is truly commendable. If it weren't absolutely necessary, I wouldn't want to trouble you."

"Junior Sister has always been known for her virtue. If you are willing to surrender or retire now, Xuandu will likewise not trouble you."

"Thank you, Senior Brother Xuandu." Shi Ji smiled bitterly. "Above, I have His Majesty's command; in the middle, I have my comrades; below, I have the common people. Shi Ji can only advance, not retreat. Please forgive me, Senior Brother."

"Alas!"

Xuandu sighed, then said, "Junior Sister, make your move. I will let you have three strikes."

Shi Ji nodded slightly, conjured the God-Breaking Spear, and her expression suddenly turned fierce.

Xuandu frowned slightly but said nothing, allowing Shi Ji to thrust the spear at him.

The spear moved like a dragon, swift as lightning, powerful as thunder.

Endless killing intent, shattering everything, as if to tear apart this world.

Xuandu's frown deepened. Clearly, Shi Ji's mind had been influenced by the magical artifact.

Facing the terrifying God-Breaking Spear, Xuandu still did not strike back, only repeatedly dodged.

Shi Ji's thrusts grew faster and stronger with each strike, each aiming for Xuandu's vital points.

However, the disparity in strength was too great, and she ultimately could not harm him in the slightest.

"Three strikes are over, Junior Sister, be careful!"

Xuandu said, extending his hand, and infinite laws surged forth, profound and mysterious.

Facing the terrifying hand of laws, Shi Ji suddenly found herself with nowhere to escape.

Forget fleeing, she didn't even have a chance to summon the Primordial Chaos World Piercing Shuttle.

Xuandu was too strong!

She had thought that even if she couldn't defeat Xuandu, she could at least exchange a few blows.

She never expected to not even last one move against Xuandu!

Her momentary arrogance had led to total defeat!

Shi Ji regretted not having escaped with the Martial Accomplishment King and the others earlier. Now, she was truly doomed.

Her own misfortune was minor, but she had implicated the Martial Accomplishment King and the others.

Alas, it was too late for regret!