Death in a Single Breath

Northern Plains, Dingbei City.

This city is located at the border of Central Province, where the Northern Plains Divine Capital.

In a teahouse, several people sat around a table, whispering, "I've heard that in any prefecture under the Xie Household's rule, even without External Scenery commander stationed there, no external enemies have ever attacked. Do you think those people are—"

"Shh! Quiet down! How dare you say such a thing!"

"Heh, do I even need to say it? They're just being blatantly brazen!"

"What can you do? Even the major Aristocratic Clan are helpless, either waiting to die or bowing down. Let alone ordinary people like us?"

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"The Tuoba Clan was once incredibly arrogant, not even putting the Xie Household in their eyes, daring to oppose Xie Household. And now look at them! Forget the Tuoba Clan, even the Qingyang Zhang Clan of Qingyang, who sheltered a dozen or so surviving members of the Tuoba Clan, have been wiped out!"

"We're doing alright here, but I'm also planning to move to Central Province. Northern Plains is just too dangerous."

"What good would moving to Central Province do? Haven't you heard? Yangming County, Divine Capital, was massacred. In my opinion, the current situation is very clear: the Xie Household is the one destined for greatness."

"To be honest, I'm planning to take my family to stay with my second master. He works in Shiquan Commandery, which is now under the Xie Household's jurisdiction. We'll set off tomorrow."

The teahouse gradually fell silent, and the new tea in the hands of the tea drinkers all tasted bland.

Once the tea cools down, the astringent taste becomes apparent.

Someone murmured with a complex tone, "This world..."

By the window.

Yu Tunzhou put down his teacup.

A few days ago, he bid farewell to Senior Jin and came from the Western Desert. He arrived in Northern Plains yesterday to begin investigating and collecting information about the situation in Northern Plains over the past month.

Chaos has now broken out in the Central Plains.

Local Aristocratic Clan could only protect themselves.

Although masters from both the Daoist and Buddhist schools have already made their moves.

Furthermore, with the leadership of Dharma Aspect such as Sect Master Yan, the Divine Monk Liaowu, Old Gang Leader Su, they traveled to various places to hunt down those wandering extraterrestrial Immortals and Gods.

But ultimately, it was beyond our power.

Along the way, Yu Tunzhou heard many rumors from the streets, such as that the powerful people from the lower realms and beyond the heavens seemed to have formed an alliance.

Even more extreme, they formed alliances with certain Aristocratic Clan in the Central Plains, accepting their offerings or being employed by them.

Judging from the current situation, the situation in Northern Plains is pretty much as rumored.

Today, more than 80% of the county towns in Northern Plains have fallen into the hands of the Xie Household.

The remaining less than 10% are all ancient Aristocratic Clan that have produced Immortals and Gods in the past. They rely on the foundation left by their ancestors to lock themselves in their cities and barely manage to survive.

And in almost every city under the Xie Household's rule, there were no cities that were disturbed by powerful beings from beyond the heavens.

This is enough to prove that many powerful beings from beyond the heavens in Northern Plains have been won over by the Xie Household.

The Xie Household has been operating in the lower realm for many years, and with this trip to the Heavenly Court, it's unknown how many of Xie Household powerful External Scenery cultivators have entered the Central Plains.

Furthermore, the Xie Household's status and reputation in the lower realms allow them to attract and persuade a number of powerful figures from those realms to cooperate with them.

Therefore, the current situation is not surprising.

In comparison, the Western Desert is in a much better position. Although it also has many External Scenery beings from beyond the heavens, they have not yet formed a large-scale force.

Yu Tunzhou lightly taps the table.

Compared to the fragmented Western Desert, the situation in the Northern Plains is even worse than expected.

Suddenly.

He looked up and gazed outside the teahouse.

A piece of silver rolled onto the table, and the figure of Yu Tunzhou vanished like a shadow in the mist.

"True Lord Zhang, are you satisfied with this city?"

A young man in brocade robes led the way, smiling as he addressed the elders behind him, "This place is the border between the Northern Plains and the Central Province, and it will be the future city gate, a crucial passage for the Xie Household to enter and rule the Central Plains."

The young man possessed the noble bearing characteristic of a scion of the Aristocratic Clan, and his every move exuded an air of refinement. He was a direct descendant of the Xie Household, and his name was Xie Linshi.

The man behind him appeared to be around forty years old, tall and thin, wearing a greyish-white long robe, with a simple and honest face and slightly graying temples.

The man walked with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping across the city's streets and alleys, his expression indifferent, as if he were looking down upon everything in the world with a superior air.

"It's acceptable," the middle-aged man said with a faint smile. "But, entrusting such an important place to Zhang?"

Xie Linshi's smile widened.

Ever since his Lineage decided to rise from the Northern Plains and take control of the Central Plains, he was entrusted with the important task of receiving and entertaining these people from the lower realms.

Distinguished guest.

Those who were chosen and specially recruited by the Xie Household were all renowned figures in the lower realms.

For example, the person in front of him is named Zhang Jiuyuan. He follows the path of Immortal Dao and is a great cultivator at the Peak External Scenery in the lower realm. He is also the Taishang Elder of a certain major sect.

The Peak External Scenery is in the Central Plains, which corresponds to the Grandmaster Realm of Immortal Dao Martial Dao.

To win this person over, the Xie Household paid a considerable price, promising not only Cultivation Method and elixirs, but also the "benefits of fiefdom" after the Central Plains were reshuffled in the future.

"I have received authorization from the clan. If you, senior, are willing to help my Xie Household guard this gate, and soon build Ascension Platform, my Xie Household can assist the Taishang Northern Mysterious Sect Central Plains in ascending to the Central Plains and becoming the ancestral home of Daoist School in the Central Plains."

With a sincere expression, Xie Linshi extended the greatest olive branch that the Xie Household could offer.

"Oh?"

Zhang Jiuyuan smiled, "I have heard of the integrity of the Northern Plains Xie Household. Such sincerity makes it worthwhile for True Lord to refuse the recruitment of the Alliance of Immortals and join your Xie Household's camp."

"Very well, I, the True Lord, will then guard the gate for the Xie Household."

"The Xie Household will not mistreat any ally." Xie Linshi sincerely, then added, "The Alliance of Immortals is rife with corruption and Yao Qi energy. Where would a high- Daoist School like True Lord Zhang go? It would be a waste of his talent."

Zhang Jiuyuan suddenly asked, "I've heard that the powerful Immortals and Gods of the Central Plains have already gone to hunt down the Alliance of Immortals. Is this news true or false?"

"It's true, but I'm afraid there won't be any results in the short term. The methods of those in the Alliance of Immortals are quite remarkable, and my Xie Household is also providing assistance in secret."

Xie Linshi said with a smile, "After all, with them drawing fire for us, our Northern Plains will be much more peaceful."

"As expected of the Xie Household," Zhang Jiuyuan said with a faint smile, then changed the subject, "However, this True Lord has one more request."

Please feel free to ask, senior.

"Since this city is under my jurisdiction, all its inhabitants are my personal property. Is there a problem with that?"

Xie Linshi, and he said in a low voice, "True Lord Zhang, the various factions in the Central Plains are launching a fierce counterattack right now. If you make too much of a fuss, you might attract the attention of those Dharma Aspect and Grandmaster, and then it would be a loss for you."

He sighed inwardly. Even though this person came from the Daoist School, he still couldn't shake off the habits of the mortal world and regarded everything in the world as Dao materials.

"True Lord am well aware of this. This city has hundreds of thousands of people; how could True Lord, like those barbarian demons, drain the pond to catch all the fish?"

Zhang Jiuyuan smiled faintly, "Our Daoist School cultivation emphasizes gradual progress, with each season having its own order. I, the True Lord, will manage the affairs of this city well and will not do anything foolish like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs."

His gaze swept over the many citizens of the city, and he murmured with emotion, "Under the whole heaven, everyone is potential for the Dao."

"If the world can support me alone, why should I worry about not being able to seek immortality and become a revered ancestor?"

Xie Linshi understood the implication in his words, knowing that this person wouldn't act recklessly like those fools, so he cupped his hands and said, "Senior is very understanding."

"Since you've agreed, why not cooperate and put on a show?"

What play?

Xie Linshi said with a smile, "Soon, two External Scenery the Outer Realm will arrive together to invade Dingbei City. At that time, you only need to step forward to stop them and scare them away, and you can then take over the city in a perfectly legitimate way."

Zhang Jiuyuan said dismissively, "The powerful Aristocratic Clan stationed in this city have all moved to Central Province, right? There are only a handful left. Is it really necessary to go through all this trouble? I could crush them with a single True Lord."

Xie Linshi explained, "The Central Plains value legitimacy, and the ancestors' origins are ultimately unclear. They will not withstand investigations by the Daoist and Buddhist Dharma Aspect in the future. This method can win the hearts of the people and also persuade those Dharma Aspect."

"Currently, the attitude of the Central Plains towards the various extraordinary beings from beyond the heavens is still under debate."

"Our Xie Household has already proposed that the Central Plains should not antagonize all extraterrestrial forces. Extraterrestrial visitors are not necessarily all hostile; among them are always righteous individuals who understand the greater good and can be allies. And you, senior, are proof of this that our Xie Household wants to recommend."

Zhang Jiuyuan understood, and said thoughtfully, "Lairu. This move is actually beneficial for us to integrate into the Central Plains. Your Xie Household has made a good move."

"Therefore—" Xie Linshi said respectfully, "I urge True Lord Zhang to be mindful of the consequences."

"True Lord understand." Zhang Jiuyuan smiled faintly, his gaze fixed ahead, barely concealing his greed.

Ancient texts record that the "people" of the Central Plains are far superior to those of the lower realms. Born in the center of heaven and earth, both the innate energy contained in their bones and blood and the innate spirit sealed in their Niwan Palace are highly nourishing.

Especially newborn infants, unaffected by worldly influences, have their innate energy intact and their innate spirit preserved most completely.

The Clear Spirit Pill, which requires ten thousand people to refine in the lower realms, seems to be enough to be made by a hundred people in the Central Plains.

Suddenly, a figure in a green robe walked towards him, blocking his view.

Zhang Jiuyuan had just frowned when he sensed the vigorous Blood Qi within the other party's body, and his breathing immediately became more rapid.

He prided himself on Daoist School, and usually kept his emotions hidden. But at this moment, the rapid breathing betrayed the surging greed within him.

Nothing more.

This kind of Blood Qi, the innate energy contained within this body and flesh—

He had never seen such exceptional Dao materials before!!!

"Wait!"

He immediately called out to the other party, speaking in a warm tone, "I, the True Lord, was passing through this place and True Lord that you possess a profound aura and Root Bone talent. Coincidentally, I have a significant fortuitous opportunity here, and I am just missing a suitable person to share it with. I wonder if you would be interested?"

As he spoke, a gentle Daoist aura emanated from him, like Qingfeng, making people unconsciously feel closer to him.

His gaze was fixed on the young man in front of him, completely unaware that Xie Linshi beside him had changed his expression drastically and was retreating in terror.

The young man in the blue robe smiled and asked, "A high-ranking Daoist School?"

Finally, seemingly unable to hold back, he sneered, "You think you're worthy?"

When the last three words were uttered, the air along the entire street seemed to freeze.

The warmth on Zhang Jiuyuan's face froze.

His smile faded little by little, and he even seemed somewhat dazed.

He had been at the Peak External Scenery for a century, and held the position of Taishang Elder of the Northern Mysterious Sect for so long that he had forgotten the last time he had been ridiculed to his face like this.

"Young friend, do you know who you are talking to?"

Zhang Jiuyuan's tone remained calm.

However, the gentle Daoist aura emanating from him transformed from Qingfeng into a oppressive, gloomy atmosphere as if an impending rainstorm was brewing.

The entire sky above Dingbei City was immediately covered with dark clouds, and the celestial phenomena changed abruptly.

This is the oppressive aura emanating from a Peak External Scenery; even the slightest leak of it is enough to make the hearts and minds of all living beings in the city tremble.

"Forward----"

Xie Linshi's words were barely audible, but Yu Tunzhou's nonchalant glance silenced them.

Yu Tunzhou scoffed, "A high-ranking Daoist School uses the people of an entire city as provisions for his cultivation?"

"What does a junior know? Heaven and earth treat all things as straw dogs, giving birth to all things and nurturing the Dao, all things return to the Dao, and the Dao returns to my heart."

Zhang Jiuyuan spoke calmly, his sleeves billowing as a vast and profound aura surged forth, his Dao power as blue as the sky. He coldly said, "You junior, even if you've been hiding some skill, how dare you speak so arrogantly before this True Lord?"

With a flick of his sleeve, dozens of runic chains burst forth, moving through the Void like living things, their surfaces flowing with a pale golden burning intent.

That was the Immortal Dao fire he had gathered over many years, powerful enough to refine gold and melt iron, and incinerate Spirit Form. Even those of the same level dared not touch it in the slightest!

"Lock!"

With a flick of his finger, layers of chains materialized, binding the opponent in the center.

Having landed a successful blow, Zhang Jiuyuan sneered, "Ignorant of hierarchy and lacking in manners, today I, the True Lord, will teach you a lesson on behalf of your elders—"

Before the words were finished...

A hand reached out from the gap in the runic chains and grabbed one of them with his bare body.

With fingers slightly bent, gently clench your fist.

Dozens of chains shattered inch by inch. Golden fragments mixed with the fire scattered in all directions, like a golden rain.

The swirling air currents caused Zhang Liyuan's robes to flutter wildly.

He looked up in horror.

The young man in the green robe remained standing in the same spot, his jade-like hands showing no signs of being burned by the Dao Fire.

"You----" Zhang Jiuyuan's pupils shrank to pinpoints.

"What a wonderful saying, 'The Way returns to my heart.'"

Yu Tunzhou nodded. In his eyes, the power of the Dao, which resembled the azure sky, actually concealed blood-red karmic power.

He looked at Xie Linshi beside him and smiled, "You seem to have something to say?"

Xie Linshi suddenly revealed the shattered talisman in his hand, his smile twisted and eerie, laughing triumphantly, "Yu Tunzhou! The Xie Household has been waiting for you for a long time!!"

At the same time, Zhang Jiuyuan was shocked and instantly realized who was in front of him. He was too far away in the Heavenly Court to see this person's true face, so he did not recognize him just now.

"Crimson Heart Scarlet Yang!"

He opened his mouth and spat out what seemed like a vast expanse of crimson clouds, instantly covering the sky and the earth, as if the whole world had been placed into Pill Furnace.

Upon realizing who this person was, he unleashed his strongest Divine Ability without hesitation!

Yu Tunzhou, however, looked up into the distance.

Thousands of miles away, a vast and overwhelming aura suddenly rose up, locking onto him from a distance of thousands of miles, and approaching at an astonishing speed.

He turned around and smiled, "I've kept you waiting."

Two figures suddenly appeared behind him.

One figure, dressed in Taiji robe, Dao Venerable, with gentle eyes and a peaceful smile. The other, dressed in a black robe, possesses a cold and aloof demeanor, a hard and stern face, and sharp, knife-like eyebrows.

"What... what is this?!"

Zhang Jiuyuan was terrified—two incarnations?!

Yet the aura of each one is no weaker than that of Peak External Scenery!

Just a breath -

Zhang Jiuyuan, standing right in front of him, had his head forcibly removed.

His Primordial Spirit instantly shot out from his head, transforming into a stream of light that tried to escape, but the Taiji Daoist gently raised his hand, and a Taiji Domain appeared out of thin air, firmly fixing it in mid-air.

The Final Calamity Daoist flicked his finger.

The aura of calamity swept past, killing him instantly, annihilating both his soul and spirit.

In the blink of an eye, a "high-ranking Daoist School master" at the Peak External Scenery perished and his spirit vanished.

Xie Linshi's smile froze on the spot, his eyes filled with shock.

A Peak External Scenery ----

He couldn't even last a single breath?!

"Now, you don't need to wait anymore."