The next morning, to save time, Ming Qi immediately arranged everyone within the Divine Map space, then cast the Golden Bridge of the Heavens and headed towards the Baiqi region Changkong had mentioned.
Changkong had also given him a brief glimpse into Baiqi's topography. Baiqi, after all, was simply white stone. The entire region, stretching for a thousand miles, was composed entirely of white stone. However, the peculiarity of the region was that despite the white stone, within it lay a jungle teeming with wild beasts. According to Changkong, although ancient barbarian tribes had established a fortress in Baiqi, their explorations had only reached half of the outer reaches. As for the interior of the Baiqi Stone Forest, it was impossible to enter. It seemed as if something existed within, isolating those who attempted to explore it.
In short, Baiqi appeared ordinary on the surface, but within it lay many unknown secrets.
The journey from the Central Land to Baiqi in the Western Wilds was quite long, and Ming Qi didn't intend to reach it in a single day, so he simply took his time.
Along the way, they would occasionally encounter troops from the Tianzui Camp. Sometimes, Ming Qi would choose the right moment to completely annihilate a group. After all, he was born and raised in the Tianhuang World, and facing such an enemy, he had every reason to take action.
One reason was that the God-Slaying Idol's vitality had been severely depleted, requiring the blood of powerful individuals to recover. The warriors and experts from the Tianzui Camp were the perfect material for replenishing and refining the God-Slaying Idol.
Three days later, Ming Qi and his group left Xilan Province and entered the Western Wilds. They approached Xixian City, the dominant city on the border of the Western Wilds.
However, when Ming Qi and his companions reached the border of Xixian City, they found it completely surrounded by countless troops from the Tianzui Camp. Traces of battle were everywhere, and the ground was littered with mutilated corpses. A thick, bloody odor filled the air.
Ming Qi took a look and was immediately relieved. Not far from Xixian City lay a massive teleportation array. No troops from the Tianzui Camp had emerged from the array at that moment, indicating the military transport had already been completed. Furthermore, it appeared that the vanguard officers were planning to take Xixian City as their first fortress base.
"Should we go over and take a look?"
Seeing Xixian City trapped, Yue Dongqing pondered for a moment and asked Ming Qi for his opinion.
Each of the Tianzui Camp's vanguard officers was at least at the Martial Emperor level, and Ming Qi was the only one among them who could contend with them. However, Xixian City couldn't possibly absorb such a massive Tianzui Camp force, even with Ming Qi and his men.
Ming Qi frowned, thought for a moment, then nodded. "With the Tianzui Camp provoking this war, Tianhuang is likely doomed. Perhaps only if we, mortal cultivators, demonstrate sufficient strength will we attract the attention of the gods."
Since Ming Qi had decided to intervene in the affairs of Xixian City, the others said nothing more and cautiously advanced towards the Xixian City defense line.
The few of them were not a big target, and they advanced without attracting the attention of the Tianzui army. As they approached the cordon, Ming Qi thought for a moment and simply opened the Supreme Diagram to hide everyone inside. He then hid himself inside, activating the Supreme Diagram to transform into dust and easily passed through, entering Xixian City.
The layout of Xixian City was very different from that of Dongxian City. The entire city was imbued with the feeling of an ethereal fairyland. Although still located in the mortal world, the feeling once inside was completely different.
However, the crowd had no interest in savoring the unique and distinctive atmosphere of this place, instead heading straight for the heart of Xixian City, Xiandu Palace.
However, as Ming Qi retracted the cloaking effect of the Supreme Divine Diagram, several powerful auras immediately locked onto them, followed by figures leaping in from all directions.
The figures surged, the sword energy shone fiercely, and within a few breaths, Ming Qi and his group were surrounded by dozens of sword cultivators.
The cultivators of Xixian City all wore a solemn expression, as if facing a formidable enemy, their eyes filled with wariness as they looked at Ming Qi and his companions. However, the cultivators present at this moment were of low cultivation. The strongest was a middle-aged sword cultivator at the Martial Saint level, while the rest were mostly at the Martial King level. However, sword cultivators held a significant advantage over cultivators of the same level, so at the moment, this group would have been a formidable force no matter where they were placed. However, facing the might of the Tianzui Camp, they seemed insignificant.
Seeing the people of Xixian City so wary, Ming Qi remained unfazed, simply saying, "Xixian City is in imminent danger. I wonder if the legendary Seven-Feathered Sword Immortal has appeared to take charge?"
Upon hearing Ming Qi mention the powerful figure of Xixian City, one of them asked, "Excuse me, sir. Why did you enter Xixian City without prior notice?"
"Ask?"
Ming Qi laughed and said, "I can come whenever I want. Why do I need a message? Go back and tell Seven-Feathered Sword Immortal that if he doesn't intend to show up, we'll leave immediately."
The Martial Saint Sword Cultivator of Xixian City frowned upon hearing this. He knew it was already extremely difficult for him to meet with the Seven-Feathered Sword Immortal. Even if he wanted to send a message, he wouldn't be able to find out where he was.
At this moment, a resonant and drawn-out voice emanated from the depths of Xixian City: "Please do not neglect our guests. Please enter the reception room. I will be right here."
"Sword Immortal!"
Upon hearing this voice, the Martial Saint Sword Cultivator was instantly surprised and delighted. The Seven-Feathered Sword Immortal had actually appeared! Even during the days when the Tianzui Camp's troops were besieging Xilan Prefecture, the Seven-Feathered Sword Immortal had never made a real appearance. However, the recent arrival of these individuals, uninvited, had immediately alarmed the Seven-Feathered Sword Immortal. It was easy to infer that these individuals were undoubtedly formidable.
"Then, everyone, please come this way."
The Sword Cultivator Martial Saint pondered for a few seconds, then led the way, ushering the group into an incredibly spacious reception room.
As they walked, Ming Qi was somewhat impressed by the calmness of the sword cultivators of Xixian City. While the city was under siege, imperiled by the threat, everything inside remained orderly, with numerous servants milling about, seemingly unfazed by the ferocious Tianzui army outside.
After arriving and sitting down in the hall, a servant served them fragrant tea. The sword cultivator Martial Saint then withdrew, leaving Ming Qi and his companions to sip their tea in the hall.
A moment later, footsteps were heard outside, and they saw a man in a simple robe, carrying an ancient longsword slung across his back, slowly approaching. He looked to be in his forties or fifties, his hair and beard still jet-black, and his complexion full of life, not appearing at all old.
"Could this be the legendary Seven-Feathered Sword Immortal?"
Ming Qi was just beginning to wonder when the newcomer spoke: "You are all guests from afar. I am truly sorry for being so late."
"Are you the Seven-Feathered Sword Immortal?"
"Yes, it is me."