A terrifying column of spiritual energy, like a powerful beam of light, shot straight up into the clouds from Jiu Yu City. A fierce gale howled, and the spiritual energy of heaven and earth within the city limits vibrated violently.
Countless pairs of eyes looked in alarm at the source of that vast spiritual energy. Such powerful spiritual energy fluctuations were something they had never witnessed in their lives, far surpassing the Spirit Soul Realm experts they had recently been fortunate enough to see.
Since when had such a powerful expert appeared in Bei Ling Realm?
"Today, whoever obstructs Liu Region will be killed without mercy!"
Within that sky-piercing column of spiritual energy, an aged figure appeared, standing in mid-air without any support. His sharp, eagle-like eyes coldly roared, his voice echoing throughout the city.
From the ruins, five figures shot out, all suspended in the air by their formidable spiritual energy. The five occupied one direction, facing the old man.
"That's... Mu Feng, Tang Shan, Hong Ling... I can't believe it's the five great region lords!"
"What are they doing? Who is that old man opposite them? His spiritual energy is terrifying!"
"Heavens, you don't know Liu Jingshan? That old man is still alive, and his strength... could it be that he has broken through the Spirit Soul Realm and entered the Heaven Fusion Realm?"
The commotion in the sky immediately attracted the attention of everyone in the city. A buzz of discussion erupted like a disturbed beehive.
"Liu Region is plotting to form a Bei Ling Alliance, to annex other forces. The five great region lords disagreed and have united to fight!"
News quickly spread from within the palace to the outside. This would undoubtedly be the second earth-shattering event to change the situation in Bei Ling Realm, bringing forth immense waves and storms.
"Do you think that with five of you working together, you can deal with this old man? Considering your not-insignificant strength, if you were to be slaughtered like this, my Bei Ling Alliance would suffer no small loss. This old man will give you one more chance!"
Liu Jingshan stared at the five region lords opposite him, his voice light yet threatening.
"Elder Liu, I think you should accept this. We have no ambitions; defending our small piece of land is enough for us. As for competing for the Bai Ling Heaven, you can do that yourself."
Mu Feng said with a laugh.
"Foolish!"
Liu Jingshan said no more meaningless words. Today's battle was unavoidable; otherwise, Liu Region would not be able to intimidate the other forces in Bei Ling Realm.
"Boom!"
Powerful spiritual energy erupted like a volcanic eruption, roaring into the sky and transforming into a ferocious two-headed giant hound.
Mu Feng saw the two-headed giant hound behind Liu Jingshan, his face growing even more serious and grim. The Two-Headed Demonic Hound, ranked 98th on the Myriad Beast List, could breathe wind and fire.
Now, the old man's Heaven Fusion Realm strength had condensed a phantom image of the Two-Headed Demonic Hound that looked almost like its true form, clearly much stronger than the spirit beasts of the other region lords.
"Today, this old man will make an exception and let you taste the true power of a Heaven Fusion Realm expert!"
Liu Jingshan stepped into the air, his two palms rotating. The spiritual energy filling the sky gathered, transforming into crimson flames and dark gales.
Breathing wind and fire was the ability of the Two-Headed Demonic Hound. Liu Jingshan, having refined its spirit essence, could naturally also unleash such an ability.
"Wind Fire Spirit Wave!"
He struck out with both hands. The great fire in one palm twisted like a colossal fiery python, while in the other, dark wind condensed, forming a hundred-zhang-tall dark windstorm.
"Whoosh!"
The fiery python and the dark windstorm furiously attacked, their terrifying spiritual energy fluctuations heading directly towards the five region lords.
The five individuals, seeing Liu Jingshan's fierce offensive, focused intently, not daring to be careless. The spiritual energy within their bodies surged to its limit, and behind each of them, powerful spiritual beasts condensed.
In the sky, the five poured all their strength into the battle. Their majestic spiritual energy formed an overwhelming offensive, collectively resisting the fiery python and the black storm.
"Rumble!"
The two sides clashed fiercely, the sounds like thunderclaps in the ears, making it difficult for ordinary people to stand firm. The radiating energy waves swept through the area below, causing dust to fly wildly.
Countless fearful eyes watched the battle high above. Mu Feng, Tang Shan, and the three renowned domain lords of the Northern Spiritual Realm had all pushed their spiritual energy to the limit. Yet, facing the combined assault of the five top powerhouses, Liu Jingshan still stood tall and unblemished in the sky. With both hands, he activated wind and fire, spiritual energy constantly circulating, his posture as steady as a mountain, suppressing the fierce offensive of the five powerhouses to the point where they couldn't even raise their heads.
A powerhouse of the Heaven Fusion Stage was truly terrifying. The five great powerhouses of the Spirit Manifestation Stage, even working together, were completely under his control.
Outside the main hall, Mu Chen also squeezed out with the dense crowd of people, his eyes furrowed as he watched the fierce confrontation in the sky.
"Father."
Tang Tian'er was full of worry, her beautiful eyes slightly red. This situation made her feel very uneasy.
Beside Tang Tian'er, Hong Ling also bit her lip. Her father had passed away long ago, and for these past few years, her mother and she had relied on each other. If anything bad were to happen to her mother, it would be an incredibly devastating blow to her.
"No need to worry."
Mu Chen saw the two girls' panicked expressions, reached out, grabbed both their wrists, and pulled them back, gently reassuring them:
"They will be fine."
Tang Tian'er and Hong Ling were both captivated by his calm face, and the panic in their hearts lessened a little.
"Fine? Daydreaming! My grandfather hasn't truly made his move yet. Do you think a combined effort can defeat a Heaven Fusion Stage powerhouse? How naive."
From a corner of the collapsed main hall, Liu Mubai sneered, looking at Mu Chen.
Mu Chen glanced at him lightly, ignoring him. Tang Tian'er and Hong Ling both retreated behind Mu Chen.
"Hmph! Hong Ling, come over here with me. As long as you can persuade your mother to join our Liu Domain, I guarantee your safety!"
Liu Mubai glared resentfully at Hong Ling, who was hiding behind Mu Chen. He also liked her, but when they were at the Northern Spiritual Academy, Hong Ling only treated him as a friend. He wanted to take their relationship further, but it hadn't gone as he wished.
Hong Ling looked at Mu Chen, not moving towards that person. Instead, she bit her lip and reached out to grasp the hem of his robe, like a frightened little bird hiding in a safe haven.
Liu Mubai's eyes widened in anger, his face turning green, and he shot a venomous glare at Mu Chen, cursing him!
"Uncle Zhou, what's wrong?"
Mu Chen ignored Liu Mubai and turned to Zhou Ye, who was beside him, observing the sky with a serious expression.
"It's very unstable. Old Dog Liu doesn't seem to have used his true strength yet…"
Zhou Ye's face was grim as he continued:
"I'm afraid even the five great domain lords combined won't be his match."
"Then Uncle Zhou, you should go over and help too."
Mu Chen said.
"No! I must protect you. If the situation worsens, I must lead you to escape. We can die now, but you cannot!"
Zhou Ye said sternly.
"I won't leave my father behind."
Mu Chen clenched his fists, saying resolutely.
"Xiao Mu, don't be reckless. As long as there are mountains, there's no need to worry about firewood. As long as you enter the Northern Heavens Spiritual Academy, in less than three years, you will definitely surpass that old dog. At that time, our vengeance will be repaid by you!"
Zhou Ye coldly interrupted.
"That's only if it's my last resort."
Mu Chen gritted his teeth, his dark pupils now tinged with fresh red blood.
"However... I will do my best to find a glimmer of hope in this desperate situation. I won't easily let you all die in front of me!"
Zhou Ye saw the fresh red in his eyes and could only force a bitter smile, patting Mu Chen's shoulder heavily. What hope could there be in this situation? Liu Jingshan becoming a Heaven Fusing Realm expert meant they were destined to fail.
Mu Chen took a deep breath, looked up at the sky again, then slowly closed his eyes, his mind sinking into his Qi Sea.
There, the Nine Netherbird was lazily sprawled in the Mandala Flower Cage, watching him.
"What? Want my help? Don't even dream of it!"
The Nine Netherbird scoffed arrogantly, a thought transmitting out.
"If I die, you won't fare well either. If you're discovered, will countless experts spare you? Even if you possess unparalleled power, you are very weak today."
Mu Chen's calm and unwavering voice slightly surprised the Nine Netherbird.
"While you are in my body, you still have time to gradually recover. But if you fall into the hands of other experts, your situation will likely be infinitely more miserable..."
The Nine Netherbird narrowed its small eyes, its two black flame wings folding. Clearly, Mu Chen's words couldn't move it. It was true that it was dangerous outside, but it wasn't a novice without any tricks up its sleeve.
"Let's make a deal. You help me, and I'll give you a guarantee."
Mu Chen slowly said.
"A guarantee?"
"I will absolutely not refine you."
The voice was steady and firm.
The Nine Netherbird glared, then suddenly sneered:
"Is it that easy to refine my spirit essence? It's not even certain if it would benefit you. There's no basis for believing that."
"You've been in my body for a while now, you should know my temperament."
Mu Chen continued calmly:
"You are truly formidable. Right now, I must save my father, otherwise, he will die. At that time, my heart will be filled with hatred, and it will spread to you. Once I have enough absolute power, I will forcefully refine you!"
"Don't doubt my capabilities. This black paper that traps you is not simple. Once I can uncover its secrets, dealing with you shouldn't be difficult. You must understand this clearly."
The Nine Netherbird spread its wings, a chilling thought transmitting out:
"You dare to threaten me?"
"I'm giving you a guarantee, which is a great favor to you. In the current situation, if you don't help me, you are complicit with Liu Jingshan. I, Mu Chen, am clear about my grievances. If you help me, I will naturally be grateful. Otherwise, when I have enough power, I won't let even a bit of it go!"
Mu Chen was extremely resolute. If the Nine Netherbird truly stood by and watched, he would absolutely not spare it in the future.
Feeling the stubborn determination in his words, the Nine Netherbird fell silent. After a moment, it said:
"If I help you now, will you truly not refine me?"
"When you have the ability to transform into your true form, whether you stay or leave will be your decision!"
Mu Chen replied.
"You want my help? Fine..."
The Nine Netherbird fixed its sharp gaze on Mu Chen:
"But you must agree to one condition!"
Mu Chen didn't hesitate at all, nodding vigorously.
"Agreed!"