In the face of the current situation where many strong individuals are returning to the Sky Wasteland, many forces are increasingly vigilant. If Pei Xuanjing can display enough strength, suppress the movements of Canglang Palace and instill a sense of deterrence, it will make many forces realize that Pei Xuanjing and the Great Ming Divine Dynasty are not weak and easy to provoke. Therefore, they will suppress their ambitions and eliminate many enemies in an invisible way.
So does Pei Xuanjing have the power to suppress Canglang Palace?
Yes!
Wu Shijiu is very sure of this in his heart. He has absolute confidence, more confidence than anybody else.
As a strong cultivator of the Spirit Realm Eightfold, a man who once managed to survive despite being hunted down by the strongest of the Nine Realms of Spirit, Wu Shijiu is top among those in the Spirit Realm Eightfold. He is stronger, not weaker than the elder of Canglang Palace.
However, during the night he met with Pei Xuanjing, he was able to sense Pei Xuanjing's terror, and sniff a trace of danger emanating from him.
Moreover, what had shocked Wu Shijiu the most was that after staying with Pei Xuanjing for so long that night, he couldn't confirm whether it was Pei Xuanjing's physical presence or a projection of him that had come that night.
This is an extremely terrifying thought.
If it was Pei Xuanjing's physical presence, it would without a doubt prove that he possessed overwhelming strength. If it was just an avatar, then it means that he would be even more powerful.
Therefore, based on that, he firmly affirmed that Canglang Palace would absolutely pose no threat to Pei Xuanjing. Canglang Palace would also pay a heavy price for this incident.
"Will those other forces intervene?" Zhu Houji asked another question after hearing Wu Shijiu's analysis.
With his current strength, even against cultivators of the Spirit Realm Eightfold, he would still have a fighting chance, hence, he wasn't surprised by Wu Shijiu's assumption of Pei Xuanjing's ability to suppress them.
What he was worried about were the other forces. After all, he could clearly see that it was a clash between two factions, and the forces of the Sky Wasteland would understand that as well.
If Canglang Palace starts to fall out of favor, will they choose to intervene and work together against Pei Xuanjing at this time? Since there are quite a few cultivators of the Spirit Realm Eightfold present, if they join forces, with their strength in numbers, Master Pei might be in danger.
"Don't worry, if anyone dares to do anything, I definitely won't stand by idly." Wu Shijiu said with a smile.
He understood the emperor's implication. He wanted him to take action if necessary.
Wu Shijiu had considered this possibility.
Even in his heart, he was somewhat eager for someone to take action. This way, he could help out Pei Xuanjing and win his favor, and use it as his pledge of allegiance to the Great Ming Divine Dynasty.
"If this is the case, we will just wait and see what Master Pei will do." Zhu Houji sighed and turned his attention in the direction of the Taoist Academy.
…
The Taoist Academy, where Pei Xuanjing's real body was still in seclusion, continuously refining Taoyun and studying the detailed plan to unlock the Divine Kingdom. He seemed to be not worried, even not caring about the conflict with Canglang Palace.
Even when he heard the news, Pei Xuanjing only sneered, showing no emotional fluctuation.
"Master!" The voice of Deer Elder came from outside the door.
The Deer Elder who had been sent out by Pei Xuanjing to carry out some tasks had returned to the Taoist Academy at some unknown time, and was reporting back respectfully from outside the door.
After the Deer Elder finished reporting everything, he pleaded to Pei Xuanjing, "Master, Canglang Palace is too arrogant. Please allow me to kill them, as a warning to others."
When the master is humiliated, the servant must die. For Deer Elder, his honor comes from Pei Xuanjing. If Pei Xuanjing is insulted, he would definitely be enraged.
In the vast world, the Deer Elder, who has experienced innumerable battles and risen to prominence, is definitely not merciful. His humility in front of Pei Xuanjing represents his loyalty, but that doesn't mean he is the same towards others.
A cultivator of Spirit Realm Eightfold, what of it? He possesses a matching level of strength. Coupled with the Taoist magical powers taught by Pei Xuanjing, he's confident of killing his opponent and making everyone understand that their master does not tolerate any disrespect.
"Hehe, so be it. You will accompany my avatar then!" Pei Xuanjing nodded and laughed.
Indeed, the third elder of Canglang Palace, even as a Spirit Realm Eightfold cultivator, still cannot earn Pei Xuanjing's attention, let alone warrant him to use his real body.
He had just refined an avatar from the Nine Orifices Divine Gold he obtained from No Phase True Monarch. This would be a good opportunity to test the true strength of this avatar.
Initially, he wanted to let the avatar act alone. But since Deer Elder had returned, it would be a good opportunity to let him accompany the avatar and prevent any unexpected incidents.
Pei Xuanjing waved his sleeve and the avatar made from the Nine Orifices Divine Gold appeared. It then walked out of his place of seclusion and said to the Deer Elder outside the door, "Come, let's set off together!"
"Yes!"
Deer Elder nodded, and then transformed into his original form, a huge White Deer appeared in front of Pei Xuanjing's avatar.
The avatar of Pei Xuanjing, holding the Sanbao Jade Ruyi, mounted the White Deer and left the Taoist Academy.
He did not intentionally conceal his figure, so when he left the Taoist Academy on the back of the White Deer, countless eyes focused on him.
In an instant, the whole world boiled over. Everyone knew that Pei Xuanjing had set out, and perhaps an earth-shattering battle was about to unfold.
This was a fierce collision between the strongest on the Great Ming home ground and the strongest who had descended to the Sky Wasteland.
Countless people headed towards the location of Canglang Palace, wanting to see this battle for themselves.
In the Alliance of Heretics, Zhao Baiyang, who was discussing alliance affairs with Zi Tianxiong and Tie Qianshan, asked the two of them after receiving this news, "Brother Pei has finally made a move. I plan to go to Canglang Palace, what do you two think?"
As for the large-scale conflict between Pei Xuanjing and Canglang Palace, Zhao Baiyang naturally knew about it. In the face of Pei Xuanjing's decisive killing of his opponent, Zhao Baiyang, who was familiar with Pei Xuanjing, thought it was natural.
Pei Xuanjing had spent many years cultivating and seldom made a move, but no one forgets that the Immortal Taoist in front of them was once known as the Slayer Taoist. His rise to power involved the killing of countless enemies and opponents. He had never shown mercy.
Therefore, for this conflict, Zhao Baiyang believed that Pei Xuanjing would not back down, especially when Canglang Palace's provocations were made public. Pei Xuanjing would inevitably retaliate forcefully, otherwise, it would not be in line with Pei Xuanjing's character.
"We'll go together!"
Zi Tianxiong and Tie Qianshan looked at each other and said.
Daming World, Canglang Palace outpost.
The time between the conflict at Canglang Palace and Pei Xuanjing was barely half a month from beginning to end. However, within this half a month, countless forces, after receiving the news, all focused their attention on Canglang Palace.
Around the outpost of Canglang Palace, countless spies from various forces had arrived, waiting every moment for some news, paying attention to the reaction of Canglang Palace.
After the demands put forward by Canglang Palace, many forces returning from the Sky Wasteland were delighted. They knew that if Pei Xuanjing, who is known as the number one person in the world, was not a weakling, there would definitely be some reaction when the opponent hears the news, and perhaps there will be a big battle with Canglang Palace.
This is a battle anticipated by countless forces, as the identity of Pei Xuanjing is too mysterious to them. Even with the knowledge of his rise, Pei Xuanjing remains an enigma to many forces.
The several times Pei Xuanjing has acted have shocked everyone. Each time, it has shattered their predictions and imaginations. The extent of his strength is difficult to measure.
For thirty years, Pei Xuanjing had not made a move, and according to a normal cultivator, it would not be a surprise if he did not break through the Seventh Level of the Spiritual Realm even in three hundred years, let alone thirty years.
But when it comes to this mysterious Pei Xuanjing, many people can't help guessing whether he has made further progress.
Therefore, they want to investigate how strong Pei Xuanjing really is, which will determine their attitude towards him.
However, no one wants to be the one to take the first step. The collision between Canglang Palace and Pei Xuanjing perfectly aligns with their thoughts.
Especially after learning that Pei Xuanjing rode out of the Tiandu Taoist Academy of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty on a white deer, there are many powerful people heading towards the outpost of Canglang Palace, just to witness this event that could possibly affect the world's situation.
"Your Highness, how do you think Grandmaster Pei will behave this time?" Xue Hanyi asked Xue Renfang, the person in charge of the ancient Xue country.
Over the years, the Xue ancient country has been developing rapidly, and his cultivation level has also been improving rapidly. It wouldn't compare with others, but stepping into the Spirit Realm Sixth Level by seizing the opportunity of the revival of Heaven and Earth has made countless peers jealous.
A Sixth-level cultivator of the Spirit Realm would be regarded as a mainstay in any major force and could have power over an area.
Nowadays, Xue Hanyi has gained some status in the ancient Xue country, and he cares a lot about such major events, so he wants to hear Xue Renfang's thoughts, as he's one of the few strong ones at the Seventh Level of the Spirit Realm who have actually had contact with Pei Xuanjing.
Xue Renfang also highly valued this younger generation. Hearing his question, a trace of admiration flashed in his eyes. After all, if one only obsessively cultivates without opening their eyes to the world, they may be a powerful cultivator, but they struggle to seize more power in the ancient country in the future.
"I have even failed to measure the strength of this high priest. I really can't get a clear picture." Xue Renfang shook his head. His encounter with Pei Xuanjing made it clear to him how terrifying Pei Xuanjing was. Especially when later Pei Xuanjing killed the Seventh Level's cultivators one by one, it made Xue Renfang realize how lucky his choice was.
"However, in my view, Canglang Palace will not gain much advantage from this encounter. On the contrary, it is very likely to suffer a loss." A complex look flashed across his face as he spoke profoundly.
As first-class forces, the actual strength of Canglang Palace is slightly stronger than that of their ancient Xue country, but he is more optimistic about Pei Xuanjing for the outcome of this conflict between the two sides.
Although there is no concrete evidence, his feeling is just so. This is an instinctive feeling of a cultivator, and the stronger the cultivator, the more they believe in this feeling.
However, with such a situation, Xue Renfang feels a mixture of emotions. At first, his encounter with Pei Xuanjing, although a bit of a demonstration of weakness, his heart still had some pride, after all, he could always rely on the master of their Ancient Xue country.
But now, if his premonition comes true, it means that the great Ancient Xue country behind him will not be of much threat to Pei Xuanjing and wouldn't cause him any trouble.
Xue Hanyi fell silent after hearing this. Thinking back, he had crossed hands with Pei Xuanjing when he first descended on the Ancestral Land. Although he had been defeated, at least he was qualified to fight.
But now, he was probably not even qualified to make a move in front of him.
"This time, Canglang Palace is likely to suffer a big loss! Hahaha, encountering that evil spirit, it's just bad luck for Canglang Palace, not a favorable year!"
The No Phase True Monarch had a look of schadenfreude on his face when he learned that Pei Xuanjing was on the move.
As first-class forces, the No Phase True Monarch never really liked Canglang Palace. Wasn't it because their Supreme Elder had dealt a few hands with the strongest of the Nine Realms of Spirit, and that they had been boasting about it for so many years, making themselves out to be so powerful, disregarding everyone else and acting so domineering that it really annoyed people.
He himself had suffered a loss in front of Pei Xuanjing not long ago. Although he didn't publicize it, the No Phase True Monarch was still upset in his heart.
But facing Pei Xuanjing, he could clearly feel the threat, so it was not good to seek revenge. Now seeing that someone was going to suffer as he had, he couldn't help but feel a bit of schadenfreude.
Inside Canglang Palace, the Third Supreme Elder, listening to Wei Ping's description, frowned slightly and said in a somewhat cold voice, "The fact that the man came here alone riding a deer indicates that he doesn't come in peace!"
At first, they had told Pei Xuanjing to tie his own hands and come with his disciples, but the Third Supreme Elder knew very well that with Pei Xuanjing's status and strength, he would definitely not surrender easily.
Originally, they thought that Pei Xuanjing would hole up within the territory of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, taking advantage of the terrain. Now, the fact that he left the territory of Great Ming directly and came towards them, revealing his identity without any concealment, indicates that he must be very confident. He definitely doesn't come in peace!
Wei Ping understood this and immediately said, "No matter what, since the opponent took the initiative to come, our Canglang Palace must not back down. He is strong and ruthless. So, the Third Supreme Elder, you have to take action."
Third Supreme Elder sneered: "This is natural. I will naturally take action and let me see just how capable this world-renowned Number One man of the Ancestral Land is."
Ever since he arrived in the Ancestral Land, he had almost grown a callous in his ears from hearing the name of this world-renowned Number One man that countless people chase. Now that a conflict is inevitable, he figured he might as well see just how competent the man was.
"Master, a hundred miles ahead will be the base of Canglang Palace," Pang Hong respectfully pointed in a direction and spoke to Pei Xuanjing, who was sitting on a white deer.
In fact, Pang Hong didn't need to specifically guide Pei Xuanjing. Upon leaving the Tiandu Taoist Academy and heading in this direction, many people noticed him. Without needing any prodding, people volunteered to direct Pei Xuanjing to the location of Canglang Palace.
"Good, follow me and see for yourselves just how powerful this Canglang Palace is, that they dare to be so domineering!" Pei Xuanjing stated indifferently.
"Yes!"
Pang Hong and the many disciples belonging to the Taoist School responded in unison.
Upon learning that Pei Xuanjing would act and the purpose of his visit to Canglang Palace, not only disciples from the Shenxiao Sect but also those from other factions within the Taoist Alliance were willing to accompany him.
It is undeniable that Pei Xuanjing hadn't intentionally nurtured a following, but as his power increased over time, his stature among the younger generation within the Taoist School became increasingly elevated, almost to the point of worship by the newly budding members.
Pei Xuanjing did not refuse these ardent disciples. After all, he had enough self-confidence to protect them. Thus, anyone within the Taoist School, who had crossed the Spirit Realm and wanted to follow him, was permitted to join the trip.
Even after screening, there was still a significant number of disciples decided to follow him, around hundreds. For cultivators of the Spirit Realm, a distance of a hundred miles was essentially inconsiderable.
The surrounding area was picturesque with clear springs and boundless greenery. Pavilions, towers, and terraces were scattered around, making the stay of Canglang Palace in the world of Great Ming rather well built. Although it fell short compared to its magnificent original base in Sky Wasteland, considering the short period they had, the establishment was still impressive, hinting at the deep roots of Canglang Palace.
However, at the moment, the disciples of Canglang Palace didn't have a shred of pride about their residence. Even though there were countless defensive arrays set up around them, they could not help but feel insecure.
Because, the strongest cultivator in the ancestral land, the seemingly invincible Pei Xuanjing, was about to arrive.
The disciples originating from Sky Wasteland were more relaxed in contrast to those who were born and raised in the world of Great Ming. During their growing years, the legendary deeds of Pei Xuanjing had deeply ingrained in their hearts. They had almost grown up hearing about his reputation and legendary experiences, causing them to have an instinctive awe for Pei Xuanjing.
Despite being disciples of Canglang Palace and having an eighth-level Spirit Realm cultivator as a backer, for many average disciples, they could hardly tell how strong their Third Supreme Elder was. However, Pei Xuanjing's fame was unquestionably embedded in their hearts.
"I, the Long Life Son from Shenxiao Sect, am here today to visit Canglang Palace. The master of this territory should come forward and greet me."
The booming voice of Pei Xuanjing echoed throughout several miles around Canglang Palace, causing the entire place to shake.
"He's here!"
"Pei Xuanjing is finally here!"
"The usually domineering Canglang Palace has met its match, the number one person in the ancestral land. This encounter is tantamount to the tip of the needle against wheat, a battle could very well break out any moment."
"Let's see how strong the number one person sought after by countless people really is. Today, if the opposing side doesn't live up to the hype, others won't sit by idly."
…
Upon hearing of Pei Xuanjing's arrival, the first to react were not the locals, but various factions who had been waiting nearby Canglang Palace for a long time.
They were eager to know the further development of events. They wanted to see what Pei Xuanjing would do and whether Canglang Palace could unearth Pei Xuanjing's true strength.
"Master Pei, I apologize for not greeting you personally upon your arrival," said Wei Ping, who was currently presiding over the Canglang Palace, his voice preceding him.
The next moment, Wei Ping walked out of the hall with several strong practitioners from Canglang Palace, looking straight at Pei Xuanjing who was riding the white deer in the distance.
Although he bore a deep hatred for Pei Xuanjing, as the leader of a dominant force like Canglang Palace, Wei Ping would not immediately launch into a tirade upon seeing him. That would be beneath him.
Regrettably, while he wanted to maintain his dignity, Pei Xuanjing wasn't here today to preserve it for him.
Pei Xuanjing had come to assert his authority. He needed to use Canglang Palace as a stepping stone to intimidate the various factions, thereby preventing them from undermining him.
"Today, I have come to demand an explanation!" Pei Xuanjing's voice resonated again, clearly resounding in everyone's ears.
Upon hearing these words, the faces of people from Canglang Palace changed. The strong individuals from other factions had a glint in their eyes. They immediately understood the implication of Pei Xuanjing's words – he was here to stir things up.
Wei Ping's smile disappeared instantly, replaced by a furious expression, "Your disciple killed the disciples of my Canglang Palace and even a Seventh Level Spirit Realm elder. Now you ask us for an explanation. Isn't this a barefaced humiliation?"
Even though Wei Ping wished not to provoke any trouble, the anger welled up within him upon hearing Pei Xuanjing's words.
Canglang Palace, as a dominant faction, had never experienced such grievance. After killing their people, the other party even came to demand an explanation. Such audacity was too much.
"If it were not for your disrespectful and derogatory disciple who insulted my master, I wouldn't have attacked!" retorted Pang Hong angrily.
How shameless could the people of Canglang Palace be? All of this started because they provoked him. He only retaliated in self-defense!
"Humph, the fact is right before our eyes. This time, it's our people who died in Canglang Palace, and you should explain!" Ignoring Pang Hong, Wei Ping's gaze was directed towards Pei Xuanjing.
Pei Xuanjing laughed lightly, "I heard that Canglang Palace is always overbearing, intending for me to tie my hands and admit my guilt. Then today I have come. I wonder how your Canglang Palace could take me?"
His gaze swept around, observing the expressions of the onlookers in the distance. He had a good grasp of their thoughts, and he also noticed several familiar faces, such as Zhao Baiyang and others.
"Since you have come, kneel and apologize. If your attitude is good enough, I, the honor, can let you die swiftly!"
Before Wei Ping could answer, an even more overbearing voice responded to Pei Xuanjing's words. The next moment, the figure of the Third Supreme Elder of Canglang Palace appeared in front of everyone.
Seeing the Third Supreme Elder appearing, no one else was qualified to speak. Everything would be decided by this strongest individual of Canglang Palace.
Pei Xuanjing looked at the figure who had appeared, a faint smile on his face. He was not angered by the other's words, and said, "Then it seems that things cannot be solved peacefully today!"
"Didn't you, Pei Xuanjing, come here today to solve this issue?" The Third Supreme Elder scoffed at him.