The Courage of Heroes and Sages

Upon hearing the warning from his martial uncle, Jin Buxi remained silent for a moment, then slowly shook his head:

"I don't think so. On the contrary, I think Yu Tunzhou's involvement might bring a glimmer of hope to the predicament facing the Eastern Wilderness."

Daoist Mingxin said calmly, "Where does the turning point lie? In the Ancestral Artifact? Unfortunately, he cultivates Martial Dao."

Jin Buxi did not answer.

He could not describe the power of that being to those who had not entered the Dragon Gate and witnessed that battle.

Mingxin said calmly, "In the current Eastern Wilderness, Yu Tunzhou's strength is neither the best nor the worst; it's enough to protect itself, but it doesn't have the qualifications to sweep everything away."

Jin Buxi agreed with his master's assessment, but what made that person most "powerful" was not only his style and personality, but also his age and his almost abnormal rate of progress.

At this moment.

Just then, Daoist Mingxin suddenly turned his head and looked in a certain direction in the city, as if some message had pierced through the Void and fallen into his ears.

He closed his eyes, as if processing a piece of extremely difficult news.

A moment later, Daoist Mingxin took a deep breath, opened his eyes, and looked at Jin Buxi with an extremely complicated expression. He sighed.

"One day ago, Yu Tunzhou infiltrated the Yao family compound in Jade Lion Yao Household, destroying the Yao Household land in one fell swoop. The only surviving elder of the External Scenery Yao Qingyan, was also killed, leaving no trace of his remains..."

"Junior Brother Jin, is this the situation you wanted to see?"

Jin Buxi was also deeply shaken.

How long has it been? Yu Tunzhou has already stormed into the Yao Household and turned the place upside down!

Soon, his expression changed slightly as he realized the perilous situation Yu Tunzhou was about to face.

Mingxin sighed softly, "You know the Yao Household's strength. Not only do they have six External Scenery within their own family, but they can also leverage the power of most of the Eastern Wilderness. Even if Yu Tunzhou makes the Heavenly Origin Pill public... they won't be able to stir up any trouble in the Eastern Wilderness in the short term."

He paused, looked at Jin Buxi with a resolute gaze, and calmly said:

"The Yu Tunzhou, it's over."

Floating Hill Mountain.

The mountain breeze, carrying the sound of pines, swept through the corridor, and a half-finished game of chess lay on the stone table in the courtyard.

Yao Baimei's hand, holding the teacup, hovered in mid-air, her brows slightly furrowed.

He was one of the elders of the Yao Household's External Scenery clan. He climbed the mountain under the guise of visiting a friend, intending to visit an old friend and inquire about the latest news on the mountain. However, for some reason, he had been waiting for three whole days, but the other party was still in seclusion and had not even sent a message.

"Strangeness..."

He ran his fingertips over the warm, smooth porcelain cup, a vague unease creeping into his heart.

Has something really happened on the mountain?

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside the courtyard.

A man dressed in a Daoist robe strode into the courtyard, his expression extremely complicated, as if he had heard some unbelievable news on the way and had not yet fully digested it, his eyes still showing shock and bewilderment.

He bowed and said softly, "Senior Yao, some... bad news has come from down the mountain."

Yao Baimei put down her teacup and invited with a smile, "Deacon Zhang, please have a seat. What news is there?"

This person didn't sit down, but instead gave a wry smile and lowered their voice, seemingly afraid of upsetting the person in front of them:

News has spread from the foot of the mountain that the Yao Household land... has been completely wiped out.

Yao Baimei paused, then asked in confusion, "Which Yao Household is Deacon Zhang referring to? The Linshui Yao Clan from the Central Plains?"

The Linshui Yao Clan and the Jade Lion Yao Clan were related by marriage, but since the Jade Lion Yao Clan moved to the Eastern Wilderness, the two families have rarely had any contact.

Yao Baimei pondered that if the Linshui Yao Clan had truly been wiped out, he should at least go and check on them under the guise of being a distant relative; he might even be able to gain some benefits.

Deacon Zhang's gaze grew increasingly complex. He sighed softly and decided to tell the whole story:

"A rapid report has arrived from Jade Lion City: Yu Tunzhou has inexplicably come to Yao Household family's door and destroyed the Yao Household family's ancestral land. Yao Qingyan, the elder of the External Scenery realm, was killed in action, and the clan leader Yao Chongshan also died in the battle. The remaining casualties are unknown. Please accept our condolences, senior."

Yao Baimei paused, her hand about to pick up the teacup.

"Please accept my condolences?" He repeated the two words, his tone devoid of much emotion, merely pure confusion, as if he had heard an inappropriate joke.

The mountain breeze gradually subsided.

The entire courtyard seemed to have been pressed into a thick, deathly silence by an invisible hand.

Yao Baimei remained motionless, her eyes beneath her White Brow slowly narrowing as she sat there quietly, lost in thought.

Deacon Zhang waited patiently and did not provoke the man further.

I don't know how much time passed.

"Please inform True Person Li," his voice remained calm, "That Yao has matters to attend to at home and will visit another day."

Yao Baimei got up and walked out of the courtyard, his steps still unhurried, but each stone step he walked on left a shallow crack.

Deacon Zhang noticed this during the farewell, and the murderous intent emanating from this man was almost impossible to suppress, overflowing inch by inch, making him feel the danger.

After the man had completely left, Deacon Zhang sighed softly.

Eastern Wilderness...

Things are bound to get chaotic eventually.

I just never expected that it would be someone who started it all.

In the northwest of the Eastern Wilderness, there lies an unnamed, deep mountain.

This mountain is not on any map. It is shrouded in mist all year round. The mist is not ordinary water vapor, but a kind of miasma that can erode Primordial Spirit.

A woman dressed in a plain white dress walked through the thick fog with unhurried steps, and as her dress fluttered, a white jade lion pattern embroidered on the hem was revealed.

As she gradually climbed higher.

A corner of the mountain mist dissipated.

A thatched hut appeared by the stream, and in front of the hut was a blue stone, on which sat an old man with white hair and beard.

The old man had his eyes closed, his face was withered, and he was dressed in simple hemp clothing. He looked like a stubborn rock that had been blown by the mountain winds for too many years.

Shen Ce fifty-second on the Earth Ranking.

Twenty years ago, he withdrew from the martial world due to a feud and lived in seclusion in this mountain, never to concern himself with worldly affairs again.

"Junior Yao Qingli requests an audience with Senior Shen."

The woman stopped on the opposite bank of the stream, bowed gracefully at the water's edge, and said in a sorrowful tone,

"Elder Qingyan once bestowed a sword upon you, a debt of gratitude. Now that the Yao Household has suffered annihilation, I, a junior, have shamelessly come to your door, only to ask that you, elder, intervene once and uphold justice for the Yao Household!"

The woman's name was Yao Qingli. She was the only woman among the six External Scenery of the Yao Household, and also the youngest. Although her cultivation was still shallow, she was recognized by the Yao Household family for having the widest circle of friends.

Shen Ce opened his eyes, his brows furrowing slightly, a hint of sharpness in his expression. He questioned, "Brother Yao is dead? In this Eastern Wilderness, who would dare kill him? With that person from Floating Hill Mountain backing you up, how could anyone dare to wipe out your Yao Household? Girl, did that Yao Qingyan send you to deceive me and lure me out of the mountains?"

Yao Qingli's grief was genuine.

"That villain is named Yu Tunzhou. He was once the top young talent on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking, but now he has fallen into the demonic path, cultivating a demonic Black Sun Divine Ability. He is bloodthirsty and indiscriminately kills innocent people."

"Not long ago, he broke into my Yao family's ancestral land. Taking advantage of the absence of our clan's experts, he destroyed our Yao family's alchemy room, killed countless members of our clan, and even Elder Qingyan was killed by his evil magic, leaving no trace of his body..."

"Yu Tunzhou? The top spot on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking —that means... before he turned twenty-five?"

Seeing that Yao Qingli wasn't joking, Shen Ce looked up at the mountains and murmured absentmindedly, "..."

"I have not left the mountain for many years; has such a talent actually emerged in this world?"

After a moment, he shook his head. "Girl Yao Household, go back. I have already decided never to go down the mountain again."

Although he had a past relationship with the Yao Household, he was unwilling to get involved in such matters.

Yao Qingli whispered, "This boy is Lu Huaiqing's successor. Now that Lu Huaiqing is dead, Senior, you no longer need to lock yourself away in the deep mountains."

"Lu Huaiqing's successor?" Shen Ce suddenly raised his head, his sharp gaze containing Sword Intent, startling Yao Qingli.

He said coldly, "You just said that Lu Huaiqing is dead?"

"We dare not deceive you, senior," Yao Qingli said softly. "Yu Tunzhou was the disciple chosen by Lu Huaiqing before his death. He was originally a chivalrous man, but unexpectedly, after returning from a trip overseas, he suddenly fell into demonic possession. We hope that you, senior, can help us capture him."

Shen Ce remained silent for a moment, then stood up and said calmly:

"Everyone says Lu Huaiqing's judgment has never been wrong, but now it seems he's not so good after all. The successor he chose before his death has actually fallen into the demonic path?"

"Very well, I'll go with you to take a look."

Yao Qingli looked delighted, knowing that she had made the right move.

The reason he went into seclusion in the mountains back then was because he challenged Lu Huaiqing, but was completely overwhelmed by the Martial Intention contained in Lu Huaiqing's gaze.

According to the Old Ancestor Qingyan, this had long become his inner demon.

The appearance of Yu Tunzhou is just right for him to overcome his inner demons.

The thought of Ancestor Qingyan filled Yao Qingli with hatred and anger.

Only by crushing Yu Tunzhou to ashes and scattering his bones as offerings to the ancestors of the Yao Household family can the last wish of the Qingyan Ancestor be fulfilled!

Cangling Nan Household.

The atmosphere in the council chamber was so heavy it seemed to drip water.

Nan Zhongwei, the patriarch of the Nan Household, sat in the main seat, his fingers lightly tapping the table, his gaze sweeping over Yao Qingfeng below.

This is the younger brother of Yao Qingyan, who died in External Scenery Yao Household. He is usually impeccably dressed, but at this moment he is furious and has lost all composure.

"Brother, if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold!"

Yao Qingfeng stood in the hall, his voice hoarse, filled with barely suppressed grief and indignation:

"That Yu Tunzhou destroyed my Yao Household's Jade Lion Ancestral Land and ruined the Alchemy Chamber. His next target will undoubtedly be your Nan Household! He has already discovered the secret of the Heavenly Origin Pill. Since he dared to attack the Yao Household family, he will never let the Nan Household off the hook!"

Several elders of the Nan Household below the hall began to whisper among themselves, their expressions varying.

Someone frowned. "Yao Qingyan is dead? Is Yu Tunzhou really that powerful? Could it be an exaggeration? Or is there some powerful figure helping him behind the scenes?"

"That's right. Yao Qingyan is also at the External Scenery Third Layer. He was once on the Earth Ranking when he was young. Although he is old now and his strength has declined, he shouldn't be unable to even escape."

"It's better to believe it's true than not to believe it's not." Someone shook their head and said in a deep voice, "Gentlemen, news has also come from White Dragon Pass. Zhao Xuan, who was in charge of guarding the gate, was crippled by Yu Tunzhou. This happened long before he went to the Yao Household."

"White Dragon Pass... Isn't that guarded by that kid from Nan Guan? Where is Nan Guan?"

"Neither alive nor dead could they be found."

"Which link in the chain went wrong? Why did the Yu Tunzhou suddenly appear at White Dragon Pass?!"

"What are you all afraid of?" someone else sneered. "No matter how powerful this kid is, he's still just a junior. Although he's strong at seventy-second on the Earth Ranking, he's not at the level to run rampant in the Eastern Wilderness! Let him come to the Nan Household and see what happens!"

"Fool! What if he attacks other important resource sites under the Nan Household's name? Are you going to stop him?"

Nan Zhongwei raised his hand and pressed down, and the council hall instantly fell silent.

He calmly said, "The key to this matter is not Yu Tunzhou, but the attitude of Floating Hill Mountain."

Everyone's expressions hardened, and they instantly understood the hidden meaning in his words.

Could Yu Tunzhou's actions be related to that person from Floating Hill Mountain?

Nan Zhongwei spoke again, his tone cold. "Of course, Yu Tunzhou also needs to be dealt with promptly. This boy is far too audacious. White Dragon Pass and the Jade Lion Yao Household are cautionary tales. If we let him continue to act recklessly, who knows what kind of trouble he'll cause."

He looked at Yao Qingfeng and reassured him, "Brother Qingfeng, don't worry. The Nan Household will also send experts from the External Scenery Realm to search for and surround Yu Tunzhou. They will definitely not let this villain continue to act recklessly!"

"Thank you, brother!" Yao Qingfeng's eyes flashed coldly as he returned the greeting with clasped hands, his voice filled with utter hatred. "The rest of our clan elders are already contacting and gathering like-minded individuals from all directions. We will then join forces to slay the demonic Yu Tunzhou!"

The elders of the Nan Household tacitly understood that the Yao Household was going to pin the blame for Yu Tunzhou's death on the demonic path.

This is an old trick that Aristocratic Clan have been playing for thousands of years.

An elder of the Nan Household frowned and said, "There's another problem. How can we search for this young man in such a vast Eastern Wilderness? With his current strength, if he's determined to avoid battle and hides deep in the mountains, it will be extremely difficult to find him. And even if we do encounter him, ordinary External Scenery are no match for him."

Their ranking on the Earth Ranking, coupled with their undeniable achievements, forced them to place Yu Tunzhou at the level of Grandmaster on the Earth Ranking.

Those at this level of strength can go anywhere in the Eastern Wilderness, if not roam freely.

On ordinary External Scenery First Layer, on the first or second floor, unless four or five people team up, none of them can match him.

If all the External Scenery were searched separately, apart from a few individuals, probably very few people would survive his clutches.

Even Nan Zhongwei realized at this point that Yu Tunzhou's strength did indeed pose a considerable threat to them.

Without Lineage backing, he has no scruples whatsoever... which means his work is more dangerous and unpredictable than most External Scenery!

Could it be that we need to ask the patriarch to come out of seclusion?

Nan Zhongwei tentatively asked, "Has Senior Yao returned from overseas?"

"The Ancestor has not yet returned, but Qingli has already persuaded Shen Ce to come out of seclusion. This man opened up Dharma Domain back then, and although he has been tormented by inner demons for many years, he is by no means a match for Yu Tunzhou."

The moment the name Shen Ce was uttered, several elders of the Nan Household were deeply moved.

This person opened up the Dharma Domain twenty years ago and entered the External Scenery Fourth Layer. Although he suffered a crushing defeat in the past, it is not shameful to be defeated by that person.

And this person is indeed the best choice to deal with Yu Tunzhou!

Yao Qingfeng continued:

"Furthermore, our clan has already begun issuing a bounty throughout the entire Eastern Wilderness, offering a hefty reward for the demonic villain Yu Tunzhou! His location will be confirmed by the people of the world."

"He wants to be a hero, doesn't he? I'll let him experience what it's like to be hated by the entire Eastern Wilderness, wanted by everyone, and hiding like a rat in the street!"

Someone warned, "If Yu Tunzhou exposes the matter of the Heavenly Origin Pill, it will be difficult to handle, Floating Hill Mountain will also be in trouble."

It's alright.

Yao Qingfeng seemed confident, as if he had already considered this matter.

"Our two families have ruled the Eastern Wilderness for thousands of years. The prestige and reputation we've built up over generations, are they really worth less than the baseless lies of a junior? With the support of other Aristocratic Clan, what good is it if he produces irrefutable evidence? This Eastern Wilderness Eastern Wilderness always belong to us!"

At this point, Yao Qingfeng's tone couldn't hide the pride of a family with a thousand-year Aristocratic Clan.

Furthermore--

"With such a hefty reward offered, does it even matter whether there's anything fishy going on?"

"The other sects and Aristocratic Clan would never risk becoming our enemies to help him. Even if they secretly provide assistance, it would be to no avail and wouldn't cause any trouble."

The elders of the Nan Household nodded in agreement.

Nan Zhongwei's eyes gleamed as he said, "Since Brother Qingfeng has already made all the arrangements, then my Nan Household should naturally join in and set an example for the Eastern Wilderness by taking the lead."

"My Nan Household will fully cooperate in this matter!"

"Thank you, brother!"

soon.

With the help of the Nan Household and Yao Household families, the news that Yu Tunzhou had fallen into demonic ways spread like wildfire throughout the entire Eastern Wilderness in just a few days.

"Have you heard? Yu Tunzhou, the one who topped the Dragon and Tiger Ranking, has fallen into demonic possession!"

"It is said that while the Yao Household's experts were away, he sneaked into the Yao residence and slaughtered hundreds of people, sparing not even the elderly, women, and children..."

"Outer Dao and heretics deserve to be punished by everyone! I heard that the Nan Household and the Yao Household family have jointly issued a bounty, offering a hefty reward for anyone who can provide information on his whereabouts!"

For a time, similar conversations echoed in countless tea stalls, restaurants, and market corners.

Some were shocked that the once-glorious top of the Dragon and Tiger Ranking had fallen into the demonic path; some suspected there was more to the story; and many more felt their hearts skip a beat when they saw the astronomical bounty.

This news even spread to the Central Plains at an astonishing speed.

The Divine Capital, the royal palace of the King of An.

Feng Xu stood bowing at the threshold of the courtyard, his brows furrowed, his eyes revealing the exhaustion from days of travel.

During this time, he was busy searching for the whereabouts of that Martial Ancestor, but he found no clues whatsoever.

"Your Highness, it is my incompetence," he said in a low voice. "That Martial Ancestor has vanished without a trace, and we have been unable to find even the slightest clue."

In the courtyard, an old man, slowly practicing a set of boxing techniques, laughed loudly:

"Given that person's strength and realm, if they were to deliberately conceal their presence, even if you increased your manpower tenfold, you still wouldn't be able to find them."

"You don't need to overthink it. If he comes, I'll respond. How can I let this man look down on future generations of martial artists?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Xu gave a wry smile.

The Old Wang spoke these words casually, as if he were simply accepting a challenge in a game of chess, yet this battle was significant enough to change the fate of the Great Yan Dynasty!

Feng Xu hesitated for a moment, then whispered the question that had lingered for so long:

"Your Highness, how confident are you in our ability to win this battle?"

"When it comes to martial arts, victory is naturally a 100% certainty."

Feng Xu was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Why do you want to return the Human Dao Fortune to the royal family?"

The old man burst into laughter, but the laughter didn't seem to come from the chest of a dying old man; it sounded more like a spirited young man galloping across the battlefield.

"He has sacrificed all his Martial Fortune; am I to rely on the Human Dao Fortune to even be fit for a fight?"

"Young Lu used to boast to me about how invincible his master was. I'd like to see just how much of his former Martial Ancestor's abilities he still possesses."

Feng Xu opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but couldn't utter a word.

The old man smiled at Feng Xu, knowing what he was thinking, and comforted him, "Young Feng, don't overthink it. At my level, in a pure Martial Dao contest, having good fortune is actually a burden. Don't worry about it."

Then, he changed the subject with great interest. "By the way, where has that kid Yu Tunzhou been running around lately?"

Upon hearing this name, Feng Xu's anxious expression transformed into a subtle one.

I can't say whether it's a headache or an itchy tooth more.

That kid is no pushover either, and he's in no way inferior to the one in front of him. He's only at the Early Divine Ability Stage, yet he dared to run to the Eastern Wilderness and raid someone else's home on their own territory!

"Oh?"

After listening to Feng Xu's report, the old man raised an eyebrow and said, "This kid has really stirred up trouble in the Eastern Wilderness? He really can't stay still anywhere he goes, quite like the style of us martial artists."

Feng Xu sighed, "The Yao Household has been operating in the Eastern Wilderness for thousands of years and has extensive connections. They've already labeled Yu Tunzhou a villainous scoundrel."

The old man smiled faintly and said, "The methods of the Aristocratic Clan are nothing more than these. It's good for this boy to be exposed to them early on, so he can see things more clearly sooner and avoid being burdened by fame later."

Feng Xu tentatively asked, "I estimate that the Yao Household will be able to gather nearly ten, or even more, External Scenery from the Outer Realm to hunt him down. Should I send someone to the Eastern Wilderness to provide support?"

"No need," the old man said with a faint smile. "You just need to keep an eye on the Xiao Household."

Feng Xu raised an eyebrow, then nodded, understanding what this person meant.

I wonder what decision they will make when this news reaches Northern Dark Continent.

Furthermore, it's unclear whether the Supreme Purity Lineage will get involved...

The old man slowly lowered his stance, looked eastward, and said calmly:

"The fisherman's courage lies in his ability to swim without fear of dragons."

"He who does not shy away from rhinoceroses and tigers on land possesses the courage of a hunter."

"To face death with blades drawn, to regard it as life—that is the courage of a hero."

"The courage of a sage lies in remaining calm in adversity, acting decisively when opportunities arise, and showing no fear in the face of great calamity."

"You say--"

Which type is this child?

Eastern Wilderness, Fallen Soul Ravine.

The cliffs on both sides are as if cut by a knife and axe. Looking up, you can only see a sliver of gray sky. The bottom of the ravine is filled with a pale gray miasma all year round. When it touches the skin, it gives off a bone-chilling cold and can block the perception of the Primordial Spirit.

Therefore, at this moment, Nan Guan walked ahead to lead the way, his face even more ashen than the moss on the mountain wall.

Under Yu Tunzhou's threat that "if he doesn't cooperate, he'll be sent to the palace to become a eunuch," he had no choice but to submit and lead the way.

"Yu Tunzhou, do you really want to go in? I advise you to travel a hundred miles east from here. That's your only way out of the Eastern Wilderness!"

"Why are you so concerned about me?" Yu Tunzhou shook his head and said, "Just focus on guiding you on your way."

Nan Guan sneered, "You have no idea how despicable the methods of the Aristocratic Clan can be!"

"As long as Mr. Yu knows the strength of his fists, that's enough."

Just before the two were about to speak, a shout suddenly came from ahead:

"Who goes there? This person is not allowed to pass. Leave immediately!"

The voice was old and sharp, carrying an undisguised killing intent that shook the miasma along the way, causing it to surge violently.

Before Nan Guan could speak, Yu Tunzhou blocked his movements with a finger and murmured:

"Even the miasma in these mountains contains the aura of Immortals and Gods power. It seems the gate here has been severely breached. I hope this will give me the answer I seek."