Chapter 349: Chapter 349

Under normal circumstances, when faced with multiple omen choices, Lei Jun would pick the Supreme Good Omen.

But this time, their mission in the Northern Wastelands had one core objective: sealing the Void Gateway used by the Lone Eagle Khanate to invade.

Was it Guyun Plain? Or the upper reaches of the Qingwo River?

Lei Jun read through the wording of both omen descriptions again, carefully.

The wording describing the upper Qingwo River region was actually a bit more peaceful compared to that of Guyun Plain.

The former had been rated a Moderate-Moderate Omen, probably because the opportunity there was of lower grade—not strong enough to offset the potential risks that might come with it. Thus, it received a middle-of-the-road result.

Guyun Plain, however, mentioned possible turbulence, which drew more attention.

Taking into account the timing of this fortune-seeking and calamity-avoiding omen, Lei Jun guessed that Guyun Plain was likely their true destination.

That was where they might locate the Void Gateway that the Lone Eagle Khanate used to reach the Tang Realm—and perhaps also uncover an unknown Third-Grade Opportunity.

He didn’t act arbitrarily or unilaterally. Instead, he summoned Yue Xiling, Fang Zhu, and the other top-tier Tang cultivators traveling with him. Calmly, he pointed at the map and said:

“When I last contacted Senior Sister Tang from our sect, she mentioned that there seemed to be significant changes in the spiritual energy patterns around Guyun Plain. But she was busy chasing the Longtian Azure Wolf at the time and couldn’t investigate personally.

Now, comparing the locations we have at hand, Guyun Plain seems like the spot we’re looking for. With no other solid leads, let’s head there first.”

Later, when syncing with Tang Xiaotang, Lei Jun would attribute the source of this information to members of the Celestial Universe's Seven Luminaries—a convenient cover to protect his own information channels, making Tang Xiaotang the scapegoat for the “tip-off.”

“Tang Zhenren’s cultivation is extraordinary. If she sensed something unusual, it probably wasn’t ordinary.”

Yue Xiling, Fang Zhu, and the other cultivators from Pure Yang Palace and the Fang Clan of Jingxiang all nodded in agreement:

“We will follow the Tianshi’s orders.”

The group immediately set out, delving deep into the northern wastelands.

High above, Lei Jun’s Grand Celestial Mirror moved steadily northward.

As time passed and distance shrank, Lei Jun began to see unusual sights through the mirror’s field of vision: a massive, blurry area—about thirty feet wide—stood like a gate on the vast prairie.

It looked like a door to another world, twisted and warped by some unseen force.

And on the other side of that gate... another realm.

Sure enough, Guyun Plain did harbor a Void Gateway—a massive one at that.

Around the gateway, massive crowds had gathered—tens of thousands forming a sea of people.

The crowd was dead silent, fear etched across countless faces.

A quick glance told Lei Jun that the group was a mixed bag. Most were Han Chinese, but there were some from other ethnic groups too.

The Tang Realm hadn’t seen any major threats from northern tribes in years; most trouble on the northern border came from powerful demons. Ethnic minorities were scattered thinly across the sparsely populated frontier.

But this many gathered here, clearly from various small tribes, was highly unusual.

Compared to the Han, these minorities looked a bit calmer—but still afraid.

Adults held their children tightly, covering their mouths to keep them silent, afraid of any sound or sudden movement.

Not far from the crowd, piles of corpses had already been stacked up. Blood had soaked the grasslands red.

Speaking out or resisting in the slightest would bring swift execution.

Patrolling around the perimeter were several warriors of the Lone Eagle Khanate, riding atop massive beasts—creatures unlike anything natural.

These weren’t ordinary people. Each had cultivation, each exuded power and menace.

They were warriors, trained killers of the Lone Eagle Khanate.

Their hawk-like eyes watched the captives with cold precision. Any slight disturbance would be met with blood.

Still, they had orders: these people were to be taken through the Void Gateway.

In front of the gate stood a massive military banner.

Beneath it sat a powerful warrior from the Lone Eagle Khanate atop a beast over four zhang long—part dragon, part horse.

The beast’s scales shimmered in hues of greenish-black under the sunlight, its aura a blend of wild ferocity and refined spirit.

Its eyes occasionally flashed blood-red—utterly terrifying.

The beast lay still for now, but several similar creatures lingered nearby, slightly smaller in size but equally fearsome.

Though not true dragons, they radiated a brutal, battle-hardened bloodlust.

On the lead beast sat the Khanate’s general—expressionless, calmly polishing his blade.

One of his subordinates approached and asked, “Brother, everything is ready. We can start sending them through the ‘gate’.”

The general, Duoda, sheathed his blade. “These are frail, low-vitality bodies. Handle them carefully, or they’ll die midway.”

“Yes, brother. We’ve made all the preparations. Even though more captives have been driven in over time, it won’t be a problem.”

Duoda gave a slight nod. “Good.”

The subordinate sighed. “I heard the Southerners of Song can refine artifacts that let groups cross between realms together. Pity we don’t have one—it’d save us all this trouble.”

He glanced at the distance, where several Daoshi in dark blue robes and Daoist headscarves from San Chun Palace stood.

“Those Daoists are always preaching rules and discipline, but right now, they’re useless—only able to help stabilize the ‘gateway’. They can’t make anything to help carry people across.”

Duoda didn’t even look at them. “A hawk in the wilderness knows how to hunt.”

The younger warrior straightened. “Yes.”

Duoda looked at the crowd, then at the Void Gateway:

“His Highness will soon have new harvests. Move these people in quickly—we need room and manpower for the next batch.”

The young warrior immediately relayed orders.

Before leaving, he asked softly, “Brother, do we categorize them all as the Lower Tribe?”

The Lone Eagle Khanate placed conquered peoples in a hierarchy—Upper, Middle, and Lower.

Among this group, not everyone was Han Chinese. Some had unclear lineage tracing back millennia.

“Treat them as Lower Tribe for now. Even if their ancestors were proud, they’ve grown weak. The future can wait.”

“…Brother, about the future,” the warrior muttered. “You know I’m not timid. But a hawk knows its limits. If we keep operating deep in enemy lands without support, even if we can move freely… conquering this place might be out of reach.”

Duoda responded, “The Khanate’s western campaign is ending. Soon, His Majesty will turn his gaze here. He’s tireless—like the sun. We just need patience.”

He paused, then added, “Two things. First, tell the decoy portals not to relax—stay alert. Second, have the others stop sending people here. Don’t risk exposing the real gateway. If they capture anyone else, detain them elsewhere.”

But just then, Duoda’s expression turned stern.

The beast beneath him snapped its eyes open and rose.

The four-zhang-long creature loomed like a building.

Both it and Duoda turned to the distance.

“The outer scouts were attacked. Enemies incoming. Full alert!”

The young warrior was shocked. “We set so many decoys and traps—none were triggered. How did the Han find the real portal right away?!”

Duoda lashed him with his riding whip: “Shut up! Save your shock for later. MOVE!”

The warrior rolled, scrambled up, and sprinted toward the gateway—not to escape, but to warn the Khanate.

Others rushed to spread the alarm.

But they were too late.

The Tang cultivators arrived faster than expected.

Before the young warrior could reach the portal, a pillar of violet lightning struck from the heavens—like divine judgment—instantly reducing him to cinders.

At the same time, streaks of purple, gold, and green light descended, weaving into a colossal Three-Tiered Altar—circular atop, square below, octagonal in the center. Though phantom-like, it radiated overwhelming solidity.

The altar descended and enveloped all the captured civilians and herders.

The Khanate warriors patrolling the edges were repelled by an invisible force. Any caught by the altar’s edge dropped dead instantly.

Inside the altar, Khanate warriors were more terrified than the commoners.

Before they could act, emerald flames rose from the ground, engulfing each warrior precisely—yet not harming a single civilian.

Each fighter became a pillar of living flame, frozen in place, unable to move toward the innocents.

The civilians, thankfully, were spared the horrific sight.

Their view was shrouded in misty light. The guards had vanished, leaving only the glow—soft and calming.

Bathed in divine light, they found peace as if in a celestial dream.

Outside the altar, battle erupted on Guyun Plain.

Lei Jun walked calmly toward the Void Gateway, hands clasped behind his back.

Yue Xiling, Fang Zhu, and other Tang experts emerged, launching attacks on Khanate warriors outside the altar’s bounds.

Duoda’s face darkened. He and his mount leapt skyward.

Yue Xiling followed—Pure Yang fire blazing, his form revealing Vermilion Bird wings in a rare show of agility from a Daoist Alchemical Sect cultivator.

But Duoda and his beast were swift—dodging midair and pulling out a shortbow.

The beast breathed out a visible arrow of intertwined spirit and demon qi—dark and deadly.

The barrage flew toward Yue Xiling.

He weaved through the storm in a dazzling dance, dodging most. A few arrows struck, burning away some of his flames—but not enough to harm his Nascent Soul-level body.

Then Fang Zhu of the Fang Clan entered the fray, sword slashing from afar—waves of sword qi surging toward Duoda.

Duoda drew his blade—darkened with eerie aura—slicing through the air with ruthless power.

His beast joined him, man and monster charging forward, a whirlwind of ferocity and contempt for all that was refined.

Their disdain for Confucian traditions was clear.

The Tang Confucian cultivators fared better than their Neo-Confucian peers this time—less vulnerable to such brute attacks.

After past losses, the great families had developed effective countermeasures.

Even so, Duoda’s attacks were fierce. He cleaved through sword qi and vanished midair—teleporting with his beast.

But when they reappeared, blackness surged from all sides.

It was Yin Thunder-Water—cold, silent, and binding.

Enough to halt even Duoda in mid-flight.

Yue Xiling had already caught up again.

Duoda clicked his tongue in frustration. While urging his Qinglong Whistling Beast to evade, he unleashed a rapid volley of arrows, targeting both Yue Xiling and Fang Zhu.

At the same time, a glance toward the Void Gateway made Duoda’s heart sink.

Over there, Lei Jun was calmly observing him from head to toe.

Beside him, Fang Jian spoke softly, “So that’s the unique mounted martial path of the Lone Eagle Khanate?”

Lei Jun nodded. “Yeah. And this one’s already reached the Eighth Heaven Realm. His mount, the Qinglong Whistling Beast, has diluted dragon blood—it’s not pure, but still potent. The Lone Eagle Khanate has secret methods for taming and training them, so they have plenty.”

Hearing this, Fang Jian’s gaze swept the surroundings. Indeed, besides Duoda’s mount, there were several other smaller Qinglong Whistling Beasts scattered across Guyun Plain.

This was a new martial path that had first appeared in the Tang Realm during the Khanate’s initial incursion—riders and beast tamers.

Though mount-based combat wasn’t foreign to the Tang, in the Song Realm or the Lone Eagle Khanate, it had evolved into an entirely different martial cultivation path.

Unlike traditional body refinement or combat-style martial arts, this path split the warrior’s power between self and beast. While the warrior still tempered their own body and blood energy, they also raised and bonded with a spirit beast.

In a sense, the beast became a living artifact—tamed, refined, and wielded like a weapon.

Both sides nourished one another’s essence. The rider could draw upon the beast’s power, and the synergy allowed access to various magical techniques.

As a result, alongside the Confucian Divine Archery Path, another method known as Riding Archery emerged among martial cultivators. Though fundamentally different, they often drew comparisons.

Duoda, for instance, used his Qinglong Whistling Beast’s power to gain short-to-mid-range archery capabilities known as Dragon Fang Arrows.

Thanks to the Khanate’s secret techniques for large-scale beast taming, they could mass-produce martial cultivators of this type—called Roving Riders.

Lei Jun watched with interest.

Given his extraordinary perception, comprehension, and cultivation, it only took him a few moments to understand the essence.

Compared to Confucian Divine Archers, these riders matched their firing speed and close-range lethality. At longer distances, however, they fell a bit short.

But in terms of mobility and agility, Duoda—mounted on the beast—far exceeded his Confucian counterparts.

Since beast-riding cultivators had to nurture both body and spirit to bond with their mounts, their individual strength usually lagged behind that of pure body refiners or combat warriors.

However, their overall combat power was tightly tied to their beast.

Duoda’s mount granted him solid range attacks, decent close-combat capability, and unmatched speed—comparable to many same-realm warriors.

And given that martial cultivators favored burst damage over endurance, riders like Duoda had the advantage in long-distance pursuits.

That’s why, though his Dragon Fang Arrows couldn’t do much to a Pure Yang Palace expert like Yue Xiling, Duoda still held the initiative in the field. Yue Xiling couldn’t easily stop him alone.

Only with Fang Zhu blocking his escape did Duoda need to stay wary.

Even so, he found frequent chances to break through with his swift mount.

But the one that made him most uneasy was the tall Daoist calmly sealing the Void Gateway—Lei Jun.

Lei Jun raised his hand, conjuring a spinning Taiji Diagram of black and white light, initiating the sealing process.

Nearby, Fang Jian and other disciples from the Tianshi Mansion had also joined the fray, assisting other Tang cultivators in rounding up the Khanate warriors at Guyun Plain.

While channeling his mana, Lei Jun kept one eye on the Void Gateway—monitoring for reinforcements from the Song Realm side. Would more Khanate elites burst through?

Opposing forces were indeed stationed on the other side. They noticed the instability and attempted to intervene.

But they lacked top-level experts—unable to interrupt Lei Jun’s work.

Although the gateway couldn’t be completely shut for now, Lei Jun’s influence had already severed passage between the two realms.

Based on earlier prisoner confessions, the Khanate was formidable, especially their Khan, who was no ordinary man. It didn’t sound like idle bragging.

This incursion might just be a side force, with the main army occupied elsewhere—or facing strong opposition.

As he sealed the gateway, Lei Jun considered this.

The array stabilizing the Void Gateway showed a certain Daoist craftsmanship. He studied and dismantled it as he worked.

Most spiritual materials used in the array disintegrated in the process, but a few remained.

One in particular caught his eye:

One-Thought Linglong Stone.

Lei Jun inspected it, and a spark of inspiration flashed in his mind.

This item was full of potential. For him, its greatest value lay in how it accelerated the transformation of spiritual energy—earning it the name One-Thought, Myriad Forms, ever-changing.

An embryonic concept formed in his mind: a divine spell using Yin-Yang dual lightning to manifest dazzling light.

Yes, something to ponder later.

He quickly restrained his drifting thoughts.

The array anchored around the Linglong Stone clearly came from Daoist hands.

Lei Jun turned his gaze to the distance.

There, Fang Jian was locked in battle with a Daoist in dark blue robes.

That man was also an Alchemical Sect cultivator, like Yue Xiling, and though only at the Middle Heaven Realm, his foundation was solid.

Still, something felt off—his techniques resembled but weren’t quite those of the Pure Yang Palace.

Lei Jun recalled what he’d heard of the San Chun Palace.

These Daoists aiding the Lone Eagle Khanate seemed to be from that sect.

Their methods were derived from the Azure Dragon Lineage of the Pure Yang Palace, then further developed into something new.

Lei Jun noted the resemblance to Zhenwu Temple from the Ming Realm—similar roots, different branches.

Compared to orthodox Pure Yang cultivators, San Chun disciples had less defensive prowess, but more tricky, unpredictable techniques.

Fortunately, Fang Jian remained steady—breaking down each move with calm precision.

He’d once been impetuous in his youth, but time and experience—especially after events at Mount Longhu—had tempered him.

As a former direct disciple of the Tianshi, Fang Jian now radiated calm authority.

What truly drew attention, however, was his choice of life-bound talismans upon reaching the Middle Heaven Realm.

For his first, he picked the standard Orthodox Five Thunder Talisman—common among Tianshi Mansion disciples.

But for his second, chosen at the Fifth Heaven Realm, he went with… the Yin Five Thunder Talisman.

Now, both high-tier talismans shone simultaneously.

Crackling Yang Lightning danced wildly, while the silent, deadly Guiwater Yin Thunder coiled in between.

The two forces wove together, forming a dual-threat grind that trapped the San Chun Daoist, Han Yu, tightening the noose step by step.

No matter how bizarre Han Yu’s techniques were, Fang Jian responded with methodical pressure, gradually sealing off his options.

In time, even Han Yu’s dragon-like transformations were forced to a halt. He had no choice but to unleash his Golden Core to defend himself.

Fang Jian remained patient, rotating Yang and Yin lightning like a crushing millstone, slowly wearing down Han Yu’s core.

Lei Jun nodded slightly as he observed.

With the gateway sealed, his focus shifted.

Duoda, meanwhile, was retreating—taking advantage of his speed, trying to shake off Yue Xiling and Fang Zhu.

But then a masculine dragon’s roar echoed across the sky.

To Duoda’s ears, it sounded like a death knell.

A Violet Yang Lightning Dragon shot into the heavens.

And in its silent shadow… a Black Yin Thunder Dragon rose as well.

The two intertwined, circling the sky.

Duoda and his beast froze midair.

The Nine Heavens Divine Thunder and Mysterious Firmament Celestial Thunder struck together—sending man and mount reeling.

At that moment, Lei Jun transformed into the Star Avatar of Doumu, charging straight at them.

Duoda urged his beast to dodge—

This Daoist’s speed rivaled even that of an Eighth Heaven Realm martial cultivator at full strength.

His beast couldn’t outpace him.

Under starlight, Lei Jun descended like a divine giant and delivered a single punch—

—blasting Duoda off his mount.

Yue Xiling and Fang Zhu withdrew.

With Lei Jun in the field, they had nothing to worry about.

They turned instead to mop up the remaining Khanate forces, ensuring no major players slipped through.

Fang Zhu rejoined Fang Jian, her sword aura sharp and relentless—slicing across the battlefield.

Fang Jian didn’t flinch, continuing his dual thunder pressure on Han Yu.

“Even knowing the truth, anyone watching this scene would think you’re the Tianshi’s direct disciple,” Fang Zhu said, glancing between Fang Jian and Lei Jun.

The sight of Lei Jun commanding dual thunder dragons while Fang Jian ground down an enemy with twin lightning did seem like a master-disciple lesson in action.

“It’s an honor to witness the Sect Master’s technique,” Fang Jian replied blandly, standing beside his elder brother.

Fang Zhu looked toward the shining constellation-wrapped form of the Star Avatar and asked after a pause,

“When you reach the Sixth Heaven Realm, will your third life-bound spell be Stepping the Dipper?”

Fang Jian answered calmly, “That’s the plan.”

Fang Zhu fell silent.

As for Duoda and Han Yu—their fates were already sealed.

With the bulk of the Lone Eagle Khanate cultivators here subdued, Lei Jun sent word to Shangguan Yunbo, Jiang Yu, and others, shifting the temporary seal of the Void Gateway into a permanent one.

Shangguan Yunbo and Jiang Yu arrived quickly upon receiving the call.

Elsewhere, stray Khanate forces also began to converge on Guyun Plain after hearing the news.

But their leaders quickly realized that the plain had become a trap—and decided to hunt instead of rescue.

Savage as always, they sought fresh prey—and they found it.

Their first targets: Shangguan Yunbo’s party.

Shangguan met them head-on, wielding the Dangkou Golden Halberd with fearless resolve.

But on the other side, the reinforcements led by Jiang Yu and Zhang Zhen were ambushed.

By coincidence, Xiao Hang, patriarch of the Xiao Clan of Longxi, had temporarily left to escort rescued civilians back to Guanzhong.

Upon hearing of the ambush, he rushed back north—but by then, Jiang Yu and Zhang Zhen were already under siege.

Shangguan Yunbo, Ye Dongming, and Ye Cheng wanted to help, but their opponent was a Ninth Heaven Martial Saint.

No matter the path—combat, body refinement, or the mounted path of the Khanate—all who reached the Ninth Heaven were known as Martial Saints.

Even with the Dangkou Halberd, Shangguan could only hold the front line.

The Martial Saint moved freely through the void, seizing the initiative, putting Ye Dongming and Ye Cheng in peril—they didn’t dare split their focus.

“Daoist Yue, Lady Fang, I’ll leave Guyun Plain to you two. I’m heading to Beiyuan Lake,” Lei Jun said calmly.

Beiyuan Lake was where Jiang Yu and Zhang Zhen were trapped.

The enemy forces were limited.

They needed to pin down Shangguan Yunbo’s group, stall Ye Dongming and Ye Cheng, and focus their strength on wiping out Jiang Yu and Zhang Zhen.

With Duoda already dead and the gateway sealed, reinforcements cut off, the Lone Eagle Khanate’s side force was beginning to show its limits.

But for now, they still posed a deadly threat.

Lei Jun drew near to Beiyuan Lake.

In the skies above, his Grand Celestial Mirror quietly shifted, revealing the scene within.

Amidst a world of color, Beiyuan Lake was pitch black.

That was the work of Jiang Yu, head of the Pure Yang Palace.

Having reached the Eighth Heaven Realm, she now wielded the Pure Yin Celestial Physique, fusing with her Dao to manifest Pure Yin Mystic Ice—freezing the entire lake and its surroundings into black frost.

Facing her was a powerful enemy:

A general of the Lone Eagle Khanate, named Mihan.

A top-tier expert in the Eighth Heaven Realm of Martial Arts Cavalry Mastery.

A flash of mirror light swept silently from Lei Jun’s eyes.

Strictly speaking, Jiang Yu was now facing more than just one opponent—Mi Han.

But at this moment, she could only afford to focus all her strength on defending against him.

Mi Han’s mount resembled the Azure Dragon Howling Wind Beast ridden by Duoda, but it was significantly larger—over six zhang long and dark yellow all over.

Though their realms weren’t too far apart, the difference in size came from breed.

Duoda rode an Azure Dragon Howling Wind Beast.

Mi Han, however, rode a Yellow Dragon Howling Wind Beast.

Compared to the agile and swift Azure Dragon Howling Wind Beast, which could even launch Dragonfang Arrows from a distance, the Yellow Dragon Howling Wind Beast was all about brute strength and heavy impact.

To some extent, it even diminished the Martial Cultivator’s innate advantages in speed and explosive force.

What it gained in return was overwhelming frontal impact and heightened personal protection.

That’s why those who rode the Azure Dragon breed in the Lone Eagle Khanate were called "Light Cavalry," while those on the Yellow Dragon beasts were honored as "Heavy Cavalry."

Mi Han was the textbook definition of a Heavy Cavalry cultivator at the peak of the Eighth Heaven Realm.

In the Martial Arts Cavalry Mastery path, the Eighth Heaven Realm was known as Tianyuan.

At the fourth-layer Perfection Stage of Tianyuan, one’s power could not only influence the physical world but also impact the mind.

Now, as Jiang Yu faced Mi Han, it felt as though she wasn't up against just one man, but an entire battalion of heavy cavalry thundering toward her in unison.

The black ice covering North Abyss Lake began to shatter under the stampede, and the surrounding ground trembled as if an earthquake had erupted—like a wave of ironclad warriors storming toward her.

Jiang Yu, who had only recently entered the Eighth Heaven Realm, could only defend herself by projecting her Infant Transformation Core outward with full force.

Martial artists were known for explosive offense.

Mi Han, atop his Yellow Dragon Howling Wind Beast, thrust down with his spear from above, striking her golden translucent protective sphere so hard that visible cracks appeared on its surface.

Jiang Yu used pure Yin Black Ice to mend the cracks in her core, but under the spear's relentless assault, it still threatened to collapse.

What was even more terrifying was the silent arrival of another Lone Eagle Khanate expert—expressionless, blade in hand, slipping behind Jiang Yu.

Blood dripped from his knife.

It was Zhang Zhen’s blood—the Prince of Weiyang from Great Tang.

While Mu Duojie, a Martial Body expert in the Eighth Heaven, tangled with Zhang Zhen, the weapon-wielding Martial Arts master Zhuo Le had managed to injure Zhang Zhen.

The moment Zhang Zhen bled, his qi and blood faltered. Against Mu Duojie, he could no longer hold out.

The Lone Eagle Khanate had dispatched four Eighth Heaven experts on this mission.

One of them, like Jiang Yu, was also a Daoist cultivator from the Daoist Alchemical Sect.

He was the high-ranking elder Guo Licheng from the Palace of Three Springs.

Though his real body didn’t show up, his Nascent Soul Yang Spirit projected itself here from afar, hiding invisibly.

His soul techniques constantly harassed Jiang Yu, Zhang Zhen, and the other Tang cultivators present.

Zhang Zhen’s injury affected him deeply, both physically and spiritually. His soul and will were no longer impenetrable.

Guo Licheng was close to gaining the upper hand over his soul.

With Zhang Zhen impaired, Mu Duojie broke free and began slaughtering other Tang cultivators.

Jiang Yu, despite also under soul attack, clenched her teeth and raged—something rare for her usually calm demeanor:

“Forget your ties with the Palace of Three Springs—weren’t you all initiated under the Daoist Alchemical Sect, with proper rites and vows?”

“These savages live for blood and war. And yet you ally with them? Fight by their side? Spreading death and destruction among the common folk? What kind of vows did you even take?!”

A gentle, disembodied voice echoed from the air:

“Disciples of the sect walking the world, aiding the Khanate in ending its wars quickly—that too is a way of preventing greater suffering.”

“Slaughter and bloodshed go against natural harmony, yes, but to forsake small merit for greater virtue, to benefit the masses—reputation, blame, those are but clouds. We, as disciples of the Dao, have no need to cling to such things.”

Mi Han raised his spear again to strike Jiang Yu’s Golden Core.

“You people are far too weak. Our people will teach you what true blood and courage are.”

Their goal was clear: eliminate Jiang Yu and Zhang Zhen—the two strongest Tang cultivators present—then go on to kill as many others as possible.

Zhuo Le, already wounded Zhang Zhen, now advanced toward Jiang Yu.

If they shattered her Infant Transformation Core, she would be left severely weakened.

Zhuo Le’s blade cleaved through the sky.

A single crescent of brilliant blade light cut through the darkness, slicing toward Jiang Yu.

And just before it hit—

A blanket of violet lightning fell from the sky.

Above, storm clouds churned.

A massive Violet Yang Thunder Dragon emerged from the clouds, roaring with earthshaking fury.

Divine Thunder from the Nine Heavens struck down at Zhuo Le, forcing him to halt and retreat.

“Guo Licheng!” Mi Han roared, turning toward the horizon.

There, a tall young Daoist streaked toward them at breakneck speed—Lei Jun.

Even though Guo Licheng had stayed alert for other Tang cultivators while attacking Jiang Yu and Zhang Zhen, he hadn’t been able to warn anyone in time—Lei Jun had already arrived.

Mi Han, ever the seasoned warrior, scolded Guo Licheng without slowing for a moment.

In that instant, his heavy cavalry charge erupted with full power—unstoppable momentum surging from beast and man alike.

But Lei Jun stood unfazed.

After his Thunder Dragon blocked Zhuo Le, it joined forces with a green Flame Tiger that leapt from the ground.

Together they formed a massive Taiji Diagram of violet and green—Yin and Yang in perfect harmony, smooth and seamless.

Under the spinning Taiji Diagram, Heaven’s Thunder and Earth’s Fire collided to unleash a beam of radiant light.

It was the Tianshi Mansion’s divine technique—Dragon-Tiger Combined Strike!

The overwhelming force crashed directly into Mi Han and his Yellow Dragon Howling Wind Beast.

They collided violently. The beast halted with a howl, injured, and Mi Han was nearly thrown off its back.

But their momentum still exceeded expectations—Lei Jun had not predicted that the usually invincible Dragon-Tiger Strike would be resisted.

Lei Jun’s interest was piqued.

Starlight danced across his body, and the mighty Doumu Star God Apparition emerged.

But suddenly, the scene before him changed.

He seemed to be standing in front of a cloud-wreathed immortal mountain.

Yet Lei Jun’s mind was steadfast, utterly unaffected.

A disciple of the Tianshi Mansion's Talismanic Branch, his spirit and soul were so strong that it likely surpassed even the level of uniting body and Infant Transformation Core. Impossible, and yet—true.

Guo Licheng had cast the great illusion Meng Zhang’s Immortal Realm, but it failed.

At the same time, he felt a chill—waves of silent Yin Thunder had appeared around his Nascent Soul.

They began to erode it.

Startled, Guo Licheng tried to evade.

But Lei Jun’s waist flashed with violet, gold, and green light, forming an illusory altar.

A beam of radiance struck his barely perceptible Nascent Soul, rendering it visible.

The three-colored light condensed into a giant white seal.

It smashed down onto Guo Licheng’s soul.

He crashed to the ground.

Lei Jun’s mastery of the Tianshi Seal had grown exquisite.

The seal’s light coalesced again into the image of a triple-layered altar, suppressing Guo Licheng’s soul and locking down enemies nearby.

With the distance closed, Lei Jun activated the Doumu Star God Apparition and empowered himself with Life-Bound Talismans—Lingguan Talisman, Heavenly Travel Talisman, and Star Array.

He now stood alone against many, including the likes of Mi Han and Zhuo Le.

Lei Jun fought with joy.

The talismans around him flickered like a starry sky—gathering, scattering, dissolving, reforming—his power growing with each moment.

Finally, Jiang Yu was able to free herself, helping rescue the injured Zhang Zhen from Mu Duojie.

They both stared at Lei Jun in stunned silence.

This was a Talismanic Daoist?

In close combat, he was faster, stronger, and more adaptable than most martial artists of the same level.

It was known he shared a similar path to his master Yuan Mobai—emphasizing physical cultivation.

But even so, no one expected him to so thoroughly outmatch Mi Han and Zhuo Le.

Realizing he couldn’t win quickly, Mi Han inhaled deeply.

His spear stirred thunder in the sky and the grass of the earth.

His beast roared like thunder itself.

Even though there was no lightning in the sky, raw, explosive thunder burst from within both man and beast.

It was one of the Lone Eagle Khanate’s ultimate techniques—the Nine Yellow Catastrophes.

This one: Eternal Thunderclap.

Mi Han threw everything into the strike, as if even a Ninth Heaven cultivator stood in front of him.

Lei Jun didn’t dodge.

His essence, qi, and spirit surged to the pinnacle of the Eighth Heaven.

As the Five Thunder Talisman of the Mysterious Firmament and Thunder Law Talismanic Canon lit up, the Yin Thunder Dragon and Yang Thunder Dragon converged.

They gathered at Lei Jun’s right fist.

Not blocking the spear—he punched through.

They both aimed straight for the other.

Spear and fist passed each other—

Mi Han was sure his spear would land first.

Lei Jun didn’t flinch.

The spear thundered into his body.

Lei Jun’s frame trembled slightly—

He had drawn his Divine Court Universe inward to defend, forming an impenetrable barrier.

Now enhanced by the dual-universe Two Elements Transformation, it was stronger than ever.

Hidden inside was magnetic force—especially effective against metal weapons.

Even Mi Han’s ferocious attack only caused Lei Jun to sway.

“…What the h*ll?” Mi Han gasped.

His first thought: Lei Jun had some overpowered defensive artifact.

Lei Jun’s left hand grabbed the spear, and his right fist, crackling with purple and black thunder, punched through Mi Han’s torso!

“I can take your spear—can you take my punch?”

Thunder raged around Mi Han and his beast.

But Lei Jun didn’t press forward.

While he fought Mi Han, Mu Duojie suddenly broke free, taking a blow from Jiang Yu and rushing toward Lei Jun.

Zhuo Le also charged in with his longsword.

Lei Jun’s twin Divine Court Universes held firm against Mu Duojie’s iron fists and Zhuo Le’s blade.

Zhuo Le was even pulled toward Lei Jun by magnetic force—

Then got punched square in the chest!

The Yin and Yang Thunder Dragons surged together.

Lei Jun had overwhelming defense, blistering speed, and immense strength.

The dragons rose, one dark, one bright.

The black Yin Thunder Dragon went after the escaping Mu Duojie.

The purple Yang Thunder Dragon teamed with the green Flame Tiger—

Reforming the Taiji Diagram.

Another Dragon-Tiger Strike exploded point-blank—

Tearing through Mu Duojie.

The Taiji Diagram spun, forming a pillar of light that swept across the battlefield like a divine blade—

Slicing through Mu Duojie and Zhuo Le alike.

On the other side, the heavily wounded Mi Han slumped over his beast, trying to escape.

Lei Jun took a breath and gestured lazily.

The Tianshi Seal's altar image descended—

Knocking Mi Han off the beast.

Guo Licheng’s Nascent Soul tried to flee—

But the Yin Thunder Dragon had already been waiting.

Crushed under thunder, his soul perished.

Even his distant hidden body was incinerated.

The Daoist Alchemical Elder of the Palace of Three Springs—

Completely annihilated.

Lei Jun didn’t look back.

He streaked toward Mi Han—

Grabbed the Yellow Dragon Howling Wind Beast by the neck—

Then twisted off Mi Han’s head.

A Fourth-Layer Martial Cavalry master in the Eighth Heaven Realm—

Slain in Tang territory.

Jiang Yu and Zhang Zhen had wanted to help—now, they just stared blankly.

From the distance, a surge of sword energy arrived.

It was Xiao Hang, heir of the Xiao Clan from Longxi—a Confucian scholar in the Eighth Heaven Realm.

He’d heard of the ambush and rushed back in time.

Yet what he saw left him stunned:

Zhuo Le (Weapon Master)

Mu Duojie (Martial Body)

Guo Licheng (Alchemical Daoist)

Mi Han (Heavy Cavalry)

All dead. All killed by Lei Jun—alone.

“Good that you’re back, Layperson Xiao. Let’s sweep up the stragglers.”

Lei Jun turned calmly. “Daoist Jiang, Prince Zhang—please rest well.”

Xiao Hang bowed. “As the Tianshi commands.”

Jiang Yu and Zhang Zhen stepped forward to thank him.

The other Tang cultivators stared in awe at Lei Jun—

His robes unruffled, his demeanor ever serene.

“Master Lei is truly formidable. To fight and kill three Martial experts head-on with just the body—until I saw it myself today, I couldn’t have believed it…”

As they walked away, Zhang Zhen’s expression twisted.

“Daoist Jiang,” he whispered. “Did Master Lei ever even manifest his External or Upper Divine Court?”

Jiang Yu took a deep breath.

The External and Upper Divine Court—

Those were the Daoist Talismanic Cultivators’ most powerful techniques…

For those in the third layer or higher of the Eighth Heaven Realm.