In a certain remote, ancient mountain forest.
An old man, with white hair yet youthful features, holding a horsetail whisk, is currently cultivating Qi Refinement.
His name is Zhang Shan, an "Ancestor" of a Cultivation Immortal Sect in the Southern Heaven Realm, at the Peak of the Third Realm, skilled in the Dao of Sword Arrays.
The head of a minor clan from Chu Country is reporting the recent state of affairs to Zhang Shan.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Shan's gaze becomes contemplative.
"Interesting, turns out they're all waving big banners, turning the trial into a sectarian struggle between the Divine Race and the Mortal Clan. Bah, I shall simply continue to watch from the shore."
...
Elsewhere.
A burly, silver-haired man is drinking in a tavern.
"Have you heard? The Immortal Lu has established the Yellow Sky Alliance in Chu Country, preparing to go to war with the Red Feather Alliance of the Barbarian Country."
"Sigh, when immortals clash, mortals suffer!"
