Chapter 671: Bai Qi

Outside the Tian family grounds, three peerless experts besieged Tian Gui. With a final, agonized scream, Tian Gui exploded, disintegrating into billions of ghosts that scattered among the ruins.

The three peerless experts, dressed in white, their long hair flowing, exchanged grave looks. The various battle fronts had mostly calmed. With the ten formidable figures emerging from the Jingbo Pool, the previously precarious Tian family suddenly gained the most powerful support.

Among them, the most sensitive was Ye Qingcheng. The immortal lord Ye Qingcheng, while battling Tian Ji, suddenly sensed three powerful auras. Yin Luori? Ye Qingcheng immediately recognized one of them. So Zhong Shan had hidden another trump card.

With no further interest in fighting, Ye Qingcheng's eyes narrowed. Suddenly, ten more incredibly powerful auras surged skyward. Without hesitation, Ye Qingcheng flickered to a red-robed man nearby and uttered a single word, "Leave." The two turned and fled.

Ten more? The Tian family could casually muster ten such experts? Ye Qingcheng fled without looking back.

The ten powerful figures dispersed in all directions. For the visitors from the Great Thousand World, they showed no mercy, slaughtering them with overwhelming force.

Xing Taidou perished, Shenxiu perished, Tian Gui disintegrated, the old eunuch died, and two earth immortals were executed on the spot. Three more earth immortals fled, with Tian family experts in hot pursuit.

The situation changed rapidly, revealing the formidable heritage of the Tian family. When they finally acted, it was with overwhelming might.

These ten experts, each immensely powerful and ferocious, were the true masters of the Tian family.

All fronts were stabilized, leaving only Xuan Yuan and Yin Luori outside the Jingbo Pool!

Three elders surrounded the two, along with the elder guarding the Jingbo Pool, making it four against Xuan Yuan.

Xuan Yuan formed hand seals, not engaging directly. He knew that even if he were stronger, he couldn't face these ten top experts alone. The Tian family was indeed the number one power in the Netherworld.

Xuan Yuan's hand seals created a massive sphere of light that enveloped him and Yin Luori, forming the strongest defense of the Creation God Palace. Despite the three experts' fierce assaults, the barrier held firm.

Yin Luori was horrified by the sudden turn of events. "Damn, is this the Tian family? Ten more experts of such caliber?"

Cold sweat dripped from Yin Luori's forehead. As more Tian family experts gathered, his fear grew. Glancing at the meditative Xuan Yuan, he was at a loss.

The three experts' attacks on the light barrier were fruitless. When the three who had defeated Tian Gui returned, there were now seven experts.

"Kill!" one of them shouted.

Seven? Xuan Yuan's eyes opened, recognizing the peril. His silver pupils were about to unleash their power when—

"Stop!" a loud voice commanded.

Everyone turned to see Zhong Shan emerging from the Jingbo Pool with another Tian family elder. Everyone looked curiously at Zhong Shan, who seemed unscathed.

"The Great Elder's order is to let them go," the elder declared.

The Tian family experts frowned but had to comply.

"Yes!" the powerful figures sheathed their swords and stood down.

Xuan Yuan breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Zhong Shan.

Zhong Shan nodded, indicating they should leave.

Without a word, Xuan Yuan withdrew his defense and, with Yin Luori, walked towards Zhong Shan.

The three of them stepped forward, leaving the Tian family grounds and shooting off into the distance.

Watching Zhong Shan and his companions depart, the members of the Tian family felt a mix of resentment and frustration. However, the Great Elder's command was absolute, and no one dared to disobey.

As Zhong Shan's group left, the man turned to the others and said, "The Great Elder has ordered that the Tian family's Heaven Extreme Realm experts follow me into the Jingbo Pool!"

"Yes!" The powerful figures could only nod in agreement.

Zhong Shan's group quickly distanced themselves from the Tian family grounds. The Tian family's foundation was too terrifying. The Jingbo Pool alone housed so many old monsters, it was best to leave as soon as possible.

Finding a secluded spot, the three of them reunited with Mr. Corpse and Wei Taizhong.

"Your Majesty, where is Yinglan?" Wei Taizhong immediately asked.

Zhong Shan sighed deeply and took out the memory crystal. He then recounted the events to Wei Taizhong.

Wei Taizhong fell silent as he stared at the memory crystal for a long time.

"Your Majesty, that Blood Shura left the Tian family, but the Tian family isn't certain he left this Small Thousand World. I want to search for her again," Wei Taizhong said.

"You should know, at the peak of the Tianxian level, he can't stay in this world for long. Entering the Small Thousand World with strength above the Tianxian level not only restricts him, but the Great Thousand World will also punish him," Zhong Shan said, shaking his head and sighing.

"Please, Your Majesty, allow me to try," Wei Taizhong suddenly knelt on the ground.

"Go ahead, be careful, and if you encounter any trouble, return to the Dazhen Empire immediately," Zhong Shan sighed.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Wei Taizhong said gratefully. He then turned and flew off in a chosen direction.

Watching Wei Taizhong leave, Zhong Shan sighed softly.

"Did you find it?" Xuan Yuan finally couldn't help but ask.

Looking at Xuan Yuan, Zhong Shan sighed and took out a circular jade pendant.

"What is this?" Xuan Yuan's eyelids twitched.

"When she walked the Yellow Springs Road, her dark attribute was enhanced. Unfortunately, upon entering the Netherworld, she emitted endless dark energy, attracting countless ghosts who attacked and tried to steal her dark energy. If not for the Tian family disciples who found her, she would have been dispersed. However, her soul was already fractured. The Tian family used this jade pendant to contain her scattered soul, hoping she might recover one day," Zhong Shan explained.

Xuan Yuan gently took the jade pendant, his eyes filled with affection.

"The Tian family doesn't know when she will recover. It could be a hundred years, it could be a million years," Zhong Shan said, shaking his head.

Xuan Yuan felt a complex mix of emotions but still thanked Zhong Shan, "Thank you."

Seeing Xuan Yuan's low spirits, Zhong Shan understood he wanted some time alone and said no more.

"Farewell," Zhong Shan said.

"Hmm," Xuan Yuan nodded. With the jade pendant in hand, he disappeared from Zhong Shan's sight.

"What does the Tian family do with so many ghosts?" Yin Luori asked, frowning.

"What do they do? It's for the benefit of the Tian family, of course," Zhong Shan said, taking a deep breath.

"Eh?" Yin Luori was puzzled.

"These ghosts have all undergone the baptism of the Yellow Springs Road. They are among the best of the best. After being trained by the Tian family elders, they are reincarnated into Tian family disciples. How could the Tian family not be strong?" Zhong Shan explained solemnly.

"But...how? Would reincarnated people recognize the Tian family?" Yin Luori asked incredulously.

"Some ghosts have their memories erased, while others can't. This isn't unique to this Small Thousand World; it's happened in other Small Thousand Worlds too," Mr. Corpse explained.

"Training disciples from before their reincarnation, huh!" Zhong Shan revealed a peculiar smile.

"Your Majesty, what should we do next?" Mr. Corpse asked.

"Let's return to the court," Zhong Shan sighed.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

In the Jingbo Pool!

The Tian family experts recounted the events. Everyone fell silent, their eyes collectively turning to the Great Elder, Tian Chenzi. With his eyes closed, Tian Chenzi seemed deep in thought.

"Great Elder, since the Tian Token has appeared, the Tian family in the Yang Realm surely can't keep it. The peak lord of Yun Peak died because of Zhong Shan. Should we...?" Tian Ji suggested hopefully.

Tian Chenzi's eyes snapped open, icy cold.

The cold gaze sent shivers down Tian Ji's spine, silencing everyone else.

Tian Chenzi stared at Tian Ji in deep silence before speaking calmly, "Tian Ji."

"Yes!" Tian Ji responded immediately.

"You are no longer fit to be the family head. As of today, you are relieved of your duties," Tian Chenzi said flatly.

Everyone was shocked, their eyes widening in surprise. Being relieved of the family head position was a severe demotion.

"Great Elder, I...!" Tian Ji's face turned pale.

"Go to the entrance of the Yellow Springs Road, build a hut, and reflect on your actions. When you have gained insight, return to see me," Tian Chenzi ordered.

"This... this is..." Tian Ji nodded bitterly.

"Tian Xiao!" Tian Chenzi called.

"Present!" Tian Xiao stepped forward immediately.

"From today, you are the new family head. You are granted the title 'Tian Xiaozi,'" Tian Chenzi declared.

"Yes!" Tian Xiao nodded after a deep look at Tian Chenzi.

"Dismissed!" Tian Chenzi said.

The Heaven Extreme Realm experts living outside bowed and left.

Tian Ji was dazed, and the newly appointed Tian Xiaozi showed no excitement in his expression.

Outside the Jingbo Pool, the group dispersed. In the Tianmai Hall, Tian Ji handed over several heirlooms to Tian Xiaozi.

Seeing his father's dejected look, Tian Xiaozi sighed and advised, "Father, do you know why the Great Elder sent you to the entrance of the Yellow Springs Road?"

Seeing Tian Xiaozi's question, Tian Ji looked up, a trace of confusion in his eyes.

"The Great Elder is a man of great wisdom. Sending you to the entrance of the Yellow Springs Road to reflect has a purpose. I won't say more. I hope you understand it yourself," Tian Xiaozi sighed.

Six months later, in the Yang Realm, at the Lingxiao Heavenly Court.

In Zhong Shan's study within Tianyuan Pavilion, Zhong Shan reviewed several intelligence reports. Several legion commanders stood in the study, discussing intelligence from all corners.

"Your Majesty, the scouts have just reported something strange happening at the Marquis of Wu'an's mansion in the Great Qin Dynasty," Shui Jing said, fanning himself with a feather fan.

"Oh?"

"According to a scout, four months ago, at the Marquis of Wu'an's mansion, a surge of killing intent darkened the sky, with shadows of slaughter filling the heavens. Within a hundred miles, all livestock died from fear, and countless civilians were terrified, prostrating themselves on the ground. The spiritual energy in the area became chaotic and terrifying. They heard a voice from within," Shui Jing reported.

"Oh? What voice?" Shui Wuhen asked curiously.

"It was likely Xu Fu of the Great Qin Dynasty. He shouted, 'Soul, return!' and the endless killing intent slowly subsided," Shui Jing said with a frown.

"Did the Marquis of Wu'an's name change?" Zhong Shan asked, frowning.

"Your Majesty, you knew?" Shui Jing asked in surprise.

"Continue."

"Yes, just as Your Majesty predicted, after that day, the Marquis of Wu'an, Bai Ye, changed his name to Bai Qi," Shui Jing said, looking at Zhong Shan in astonishment. How did His Majesty know about this before it was reported?