Then Except

Even an ordinary Dao Realm expert wouldn’t be this overpowered, right?

Just where did this monstrously powerful expert come from?

Some rejoiced, while others despaired.

The one in despair was naturally Zhou Song. Never in his wildest dreams did he expect this seemingly one-sided mission to run into such a freak.

As for who was rejoicing—well, that went without saying.

Guan Ling and the others were grinning from ear to ear.

Listen, just listen to what this expert said—he came specifically to aid their Yunjie Sect.

And look, look at this expert’s terrifying strength! The once-arrogant Zhou Song was now reduced to a pitiful state.

Immediately, Guan Ling’s walk even turned into a swagger, his steps light with triumph.

Night Wind, however, had no interest in Zhou Song himself and simply handed him over to the Yunjie Sect to deal with.

"Thank you, Brother Night Wind, Brother Spirit King!"

Su Yu’er beamed with joy, pouting playfully as she said, "Big Brother, I know you love foot baths, so since you’re here, I’ve decided to treat you to one."

Then she turned her gaze to Guan Ling, her expression suddenly turning reproachful. "Shifu, why haven’t you gone to make preparations yet?"

"Nonsense!" Guan Ling straightened up, waving his hand grandly. "A hundred tubs? That’s nowhere near enough! We need a thousand—one for every single toe!"

Amid the lively atmosphere, a thousand female disciples embarked on the massive undertaking.

And then came the grand feast...

Meanwhile, within the Wind Cloud Sect...

Wen Chengyu, clad in white robes, sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion. His sickly pale face showed no emotion as his gaze shifted from the two nearly lifeless female disciples beside him to the door.

Outside, the sect master of the Wind Cloud Sect hurried in, dropping to his knees the moment he entered.

Despite the urgency, he dared not speak until Wen Chengyu permitted it.

Wen Chengyu moved unhurriedly, placing his palms atop the two women’s heads. Only after their breathing ceased entirely did he finally wave his hand.

"Speak."

"Reporting to the Young Master, something has gone wrong."

The sect master’s expression was grim as he relayed the fate of Zhou Song and his group in full detail.

After listening, Wen Chengyu showed no trace of anger.

Instead, a hint of amusement flickered across his face.

"I’ll handle this matter myself. Get out."

Wen Chengyu waved dismissively.

"Yes."

Trembling with fear, the sect master didn’t dare utter another word and quickly retreated.

Once he was gone, Wen Chengyu tilted his head slightly.

"A centipede?"

"A soul entity?"

"How intriguing!"

"But then again, one should never underestimate the Nine Realms—after all, this is the land where Sages reincarnate."

With another wave of his hand, a streak of light shot from his palm and vanished into the distance.

Three Lives Sect.

One of the three great Daoist sects.

The imposing halls and the disciples moving to and fro exuded an aura of overwhelming power.

Even the sprawling architecture seemed to radiate an oppressive pressure.

In the main hall...

Over a hundred figures with profound auras sat in meditation.

A beam of light descended from the heavens, landing directly in the hall.

At this, the assembled figures opened their eyes.

The light transformed into a stream of information, entering their minds. Within moments, they all understood.

"A centipede and a soul entity, both likely at the Dao Realm."

A man with a commanding voice spoke first. "They’re variables."

"Indeed," an elder chimed in. "I’m even considering whether Zhao Qi’s disappearance might be connected to them."

The commanding man pondered briefly before continuing.

"Zhao Qi was chosen by the Three Lives Stone—his future potential is limitless. That’s the first concern."

"Wen Chengyu is the reincarnation of a supreme expert, one who had reached the peak of the Dao Realm in his past life, on the verge of transcending it. That’s the second."

"Our true purpose here is because the Celestial Divination Tower foresaw that a Sage would reincarnate in this land. That’s the third."

"These two may not be particularly strong, but if they’re obstructing Wen Chengyu, and if Zhao Qi’s disappearance is indeed tied to them, then their interference is no longer trivial—it’s becoming a nuisance."

"If left unchecked, they might even disrupt the Sage’s awakening..."

"While they’re not worth our full attention, even flies can be irritating."

At this, the man’s eyes flashed, and his decision was made.

"Then let’s eliminate them."