Ning Jian let out a cold snort. "Don't worry. A mere Great Zhao Empire isn't even worth my attention. Move out—follow me into the palace!"
The group marched straight toward the imperial palace, their momentum overwhelming.
The palace guards tried to stop them but were instantly crushed. None could withstand even a single blow.
They strode through the halls as if walking in their own home, directly entering the grand throne hall—where they found Empress Nangong Wan waiting.
Nangong Wan's expression shifted slightly when she saw the intruders, but she quickly forced herself to remain calm.
She knew well that the Great Zhao royal guards were no match for these Insight God experts.
"You are Empress Nangong Wan of the Great Zhao Empire?" Ning Ye asked arrogantly.
"I am," Nangong Wan replied respectfully.
"The reason we're here, I believe you already know. Have the Great Zhao Empire submit to our Ning Clan—or else…"
Ning Ye's voice carried a mocking tone.
Before he could finish, Nangong Wan spoke first. "To tell you the truth, I have long wanted to pledge allegiance to the Ning Clan's great power. It's just…"
Her tone shifted, showing a trace of helplessness. "It's just that I'm not the true ruler of the Great Zhao Empire. I am nothing more than a puppet. The one who truly holds power… is Mount Reincarnation."
Ning Jian's brows furrowed slightly. "Mount Reincarnation? What kind of place is that?"
Ning Ye also looked confused. He had never heard the name before.
Nangong Wan explained, "Mount Reincarnation is a newly risen power. They are incredibly strong. Even the Crown Prince of Great Zhou, Yang Cheng, who killed Qin Mingcheng, was forced to retreat after being confronted by the Sect Master of Mount Reincarnation, Dao Wuyin. If you intend to take control of Great Zhao, my lords, you must first overcome Mount Reincarnation."
A dangerous gleam flashed in Ning Jian's eyes. "A nameless little sect dares to meddle in the affairs of the Ning Clan? It seems it's time they learned what it means when strength rules all."
"Mount Reincarnation?" Ning Ye sneered, his gaze full of contempt. "Nangong Wan, lead the way. I'd like to see what kind of worthless trash dares to block the path of the Ning Clan."
Though she was secretly delighted, Nangong Wan pretended to hesitate. "My lords, that Mount Reincarnation…"
"Enough nonsense!" Ning Jian interrupted impatiently. "Just a small local power in the Wasteland Realm. We can crush them with a wave of our hands."
Nangong Wan did not argue further. She immediately turned to lead the Ning Clan contingent forward.
Before long, their group reached the edge of the Ancient Mountain Range—at the foot of Mount Reincarnation.
"So this is Mount Reincarnation?" Ning Ye raised his head, sneering as he looked at the mist-shrouded peaks. "All this mystery—trying to act like some divine sect."
He drew a deep breath, his true qi surging, and shouted loudly, "Where is Dao Wuyin, the Sect Master of Mount Reincarnation? The Ning Clan of the Horn Constellation Realm is here! Come down and surrender immediately, or I'll flatten this mountain today!"
Before his words faded, a cold, distant voice rolled down from the mountain, though no figure appeared. "Presumptuous."
"Courting death!"
Ning Ye roared and was about to order an attack when the sound of rushing air came from below the mountain.
A woman in green robes shot forth like a streak of light—Cheng Junyi. The power of a fifth-stage Insight God erupted from her body like a tidal wave. With one sweeping palm, the air howled and cracked. "The Ning Clan? How dare you invade Mount Reincarnation!"
Behind her, Shen Muxue appeared, followed by the Nine Tiger Generals. Shen Muxue, dressed in pure white, radiated calm majesty; though only a peak Martial Emperor, the concentrated true qi swirling around her fingertips pulsed with immense power.
The Nine Tiger Generals formed up instantly, their auras merging into one as the oppressive might of Martial Emperors intertwined, creating a formation that faintly countered even the strength of an Insight God.
Ning Ye let out a mocking laugh. "Just the likes of you?"
Ning Jian sneered coldly and waved his hand. "Take them down!"
At his command, the Ning Clan cultivators surged forward like a violent tide. Ning Ye charged straight toward Cheng Junyi, his fists glowing with spiritual light. "Let me show you the Ning Clan's secret art!"
Cheng Junyi didn't retreat—instead, she advanced, her palm cutting through the air with sudden sharpness. The condensed essence of her fifth-stage Insight God cultivation gathered into a bright green glow in her hand. When it collided with Ning Ye's fist, a deafening metallic clang echoed through the mountains.
Clang!
Ning Ye's arm went numb as he staggered half a step backward, shock flashing in his eyes. "You actually possess such strength?"
Cheng Junyi said nothing. Her palms fluttered like butterflies, every strike aiming precisely for his vitals.
Before long, Ning Ye was forced onto the defensive, his forehead covered in cold sweat. Despite his second-stage Insight God cultivation, he couldn't last even 100 exchanges under her assault.
Meanwhile, Shen Muxue and the Nine Tiger Generals had already engaged the other Ning Clan warriors in fierce battle.
Thin threads of silver qi danced between Shen Muxue's fingertips. They looked delicate but were razor-sharp, forcing two Ning Clan Martial Emperors to dodge frantically.
The Nine Tiger Generals were no less formidable—their teamwork was flawless as their auras intertwined, weaving a net of Martial Emperor might that actually rivaled the Ning Clan's experts.
"How is this possible!"
Ning Jian's face darkened. He had thought Mount Reincarnation would crumble at the first blow, yet now he realized they were far tougher than expected.
Cheng Junyi's combat power far exceeded her realm. Shen Muxue and the Nine Tiger Generals moved as one, their coordination pressing the Ning Clan's forces to the brink.
A power from the Wasteland Realm suppressing the Ning Clan's elite—it was absurd, unbelievable!
"Everyone, focus!"
Ning Jian roared, then struck personally. The might of a peak Insight God erupted like a storm. His palm swept toward Cheng Junyi's back with crushing force. "You wretched woman, die!"
Sensing the danger behind her, Cheng Junyi twisted her body, her hands forming a defensive shield. Even so, Ning Jian's strike sent her qi surging violently, forcing her back three steps as blood welled at the corner of her lips.
"Peak Insight God?" she murmured, wiping the blood away, her eyes burning with renewed fighting spirit.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
They clashed repeatedly. Though Cheng Junyi's strength was immense, the difference in cultivation was too great—she was gradually being overpowered.
Boom!
After dozens of exchanges, Cheng Junyi was blasted backward once more.
"Die!"
Ning Jian's gaze turned icy as he prepared to deliver the finishing blow.
But just as he stepped forward, a figure appeared above the battlefield, stepping through the air—Dao Wuyin.
In his hand was an ancient longbow. The bowstring thrummed softly, and a golden radiance formed between his fingers.
"That pressure…" Ning Jian's pupils contracted violently.
Swish!
The golden arrow tore through the sky, carrying the power to burn heavens and boil seas. It shot straight toward him.
Ning Jian hastily unleashed his defensive true essence, but the arrow pierced through it like paper, grazing his shoulder and drawing blood before drilling into the mountain behind him. The arrowhead quivered, still humming with killing intent.
"Who are you?" Ning Jian shouted, both terrified and furious. The burn searing his shoulder sent waves of pain through his body—the arrow's blazing force had scorched his flesh.
Dao Wuyin didn't answer. He calmly drew a second arrow and released.
The golden streak flew toward Ning Ye, who was already struggling against Cheng Junyi. Seeing the arrow, he screamed and raised his sword in panic—but the arrow shattered the blade upon impact, sending him flying backward as blood sprayed from his chest.
"Third arrow."
Dao Wuyin's calm voice fell as he released again. This time, the arrow split into three shadows, each striking a different Ning Clan core disciple. Their screams echoed as all three were killed instantly.
Ning Jian watched his entire force crumble before his eyes, despair spreading across his face.
He tried to break free, but Cheng Junyi was already in front of him, her palms sealing off his retreat.
"No!"
With a roar, Ning Jian unleashed every last ounce of power—but Dao Wuyin's fourth arrow flashed across the sky, piercing through his dantian. His true essence shattered completely.
Within the time it took for a cup of tea to cool, the battlefield fell silent.
The Ning Clan's forces were annihilated.
Cheng Junyi wiped the blood from her palms. Shen Muxue retracted her silver threads. The Nine Tiger Generals stood in formation, their breathing heavy but their eyes blazing with pride.
At that moment, the illusions of fear toward foreign powers were shattered.
They had defeated the Ning Clan—on their own strength.
Nangong Wan stepped forward and knelt. "Sect Master, it was I who brought them here. Whatever punishment you decree, I accept without complaint."
Dao Wuyin's tone was calm. "When faced with power you couldn't resist, you made the wise choice to endure. By luring them here, you've brought merit, not fault. Return and rest."
Nangong Wan's eyes lit up with relief and admiration. In that instant, she knew—this was a leader truly worthy of her lifelong loyalty.