At Zhalong Pass, True Person Yinshan had already unleashed his full power.
Although Lü Yang's performance had drawn too much attention, causing few to notice Yinshan’s strength, this did not mean Yinshan was weak.
At least Lü Yang would never think so.
After all, before Lü Yang appeared, Yinshan had been the most trusted subordinate of True Person Chong Guang, and with Chong Guang’s discerning eye, he would never favor a mediocre talent.
"Boom!"
Another loud rumble sounded as a black mountain peak smashed down.
This time, however, it shrank to the size of a basin, yet its weight remained unchanged.
As the seal fell, Zhong Xin was forced to summon his own 【Official Position】 to resist.
Yet, Yinshan’s combat style was vast and overwhelming.
The black mountain seal continuously pounded down, displaying the art of size manipulation to its peak—sometimes like Mount Tai pressing from above, sometimes piercing a point to break the whole—making it hard to defend against.On the other side, two more beams of brilliant light rose within Zhalong Pass.
When the light faded, the figures of the two were revealed—it was none other than Five Elements True Person and Duobao Child.
However, their faces were filled with caution at this moment.
".Did he come? Could he be ambushing us?"
For a moment, the two did not dare to aid Zhong Xin, hiding cautiously within the formation of Zhalong Pass, scanning every inch of the outer space.
They couldn’t help it—they were truly terrified.
With the previous example of Old Dragon Fisher before them, how could they still trust their divine senses?
They feared Lü Yang might suddenly jump out from the void and slaughter them.
Seeing this, True Person Yinshan shook his head and chuckled.
Zhong Xin, however, wore a helpless expression and hurriedly transmitted his voice: "Seniors, hurry and come assist me!"
Since Zhong Xin had spoken, Five Elements True Person and Duobao Child had no choice but to grit their teeth, take out all their protective magical treasures, and charge out.
Yet, two beams of brilliant light flew in from nowhere, intercepting them mid-air.
It was none other than Han Xiang and the valiant woman Yu Chan, who had come to fight alongside Yinshan.
"Looks like he really didn’t come!"
Though these two were only at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, formidable opponents to Five Elements True Person and Duobao Child, they suddenly showed a relaxed expression.
"That fiend doesn’t seem to be here!"
To them, Lü Yang’s sword strike that killed Old Dragon Fisher had left an overwhelming impact.
Even during meditation, they could not help but recall that day’s scene.
Now that Lü Yang was absent, they immediately regained their confidence.
Very soon, six mid-Foundation Establishment True Persons engaged in combat above Zhalong Pass, yet remained locked in a stalemate, unable to determine a victor.
Meanwhile, Foundation Establishment early-stage True Persons from both sides began to show themselves as well.
Just like that, more than half an hour passed.
When Five Elements True Person and Duobao Child began struggling to hold on, a sword light suddenly flared in the distance.
"Zheng zheng!"
The sound of sword cries shook the heavens.
Where the sword light passed, sword intent surged, chilling to the bone.
The sword’s edge aimed unerringly at True Person Yinshan at the top!
"A fellow Daoist from Upper Profound Sword Sect has arrived!"
Seeing this, Five Elements True Person was overjoyed: "A mid-Foundation Establishment sword cultivator, carrying sword intent, this must be the Blackiron Sword Master. This person is enough to break the stalemate!"
With six already engaged in pairs, their side now gained one more, giving them the upper hand.
Zhong Xin also showed a smile upon seeing this.
On the other side, True Person Yinshan frowned slightly but did not hesitate.
With a wave of his hand, before the sword light could arrive, he ordered a retreat from Zhalong Pass.
This sudden withdrawal immediately confused many.
"Daoist Yinshan…"
Outside Zhalong Pass, Han Xiang was the first to approach, speaking softly: "We have suffered heavy casualties this time. Why did you choose to retreat?"
"Daoist friend, though your Blood Filth Technique is indeed exquisite, it can only be used temporarily. We paid such a heavy price to weaken the formation of Zhalong Pass. However, if we give them time to catch their breath and repair the formation, all these sacrifices will be meaningless."
At these words, True Person Yinshan froze.
"Today was merely a small test, to probe the enemy’s strength, not a full-scale battle. No Foundation Establishment True Person has died. How can this be considered heavy casualties?"
Saying this, a trace of coldness appeared in Yinshan’s eyes.
"Or… is it that some True Persons are afraid to continue fighting for the Sacred Sect? Don’t forget, the True Lord is watching over us from above!"
Cowards on the battlefield, do they wish to taste the Sacred Sect’s iron fist?
"This humble woman was referring to the Qi Refining disciples."
Han Xiang, startled, quickly explained: "Although the True Persons are unharmed, many Qi Refining disciples have died. That’s why I came to inquire."
"What? Qi Refining disciples count as people too?"
"…"
At these words, Han Xiang broke out in cold sweat.
Yet she saw Yinshan looking at her with genuine confusion, filling her heart with both horror and helplessness.
‘Damn it. They say the Sacred Sect treats people as resources, ignoring what the Qi Refining disciples think, often using them for artifact refining, pill refining, and cultivation practices. I thought it was exaggerated, but it seems it was understated! No wonder they’re called the Northern Demon Sect!’
Thinking of this, she quickly bowed and said:
".This humble woman misspoke."
At this moment, the valiant woman Yu Chan, who had been silent, stepped forward and asked in a deep voice: "Where is Yuan Tu? Where has he gone?"
Hearing this, Yinshan glanced at Yu Chan and said indifferently: "Daoist Yu Chan, this matter concerns the Sacred Sect’s grand strategy and cannot afford any mishaps. The True Lord is overlooking the entire battlefield. What we do, the heavens see. Stop bringing up those old grudges between your Zuoyu lineage and Dao Court."
Yu Chan was a True Person of Zuoyu lineage within the Sacred Sect.
Before this battle, she had been assigned by the Sacred Sect to monitor the Kingdom of Qing, for as a descendant of Zuoyu, she bore a blood feud with Dao Court.
However, things were different now.
With the matter concerning True Person Chong Guang’s ascension to gold status, there was no way Yinshan would allow a mere declining Zuoyu descendant to stir up trouble.
"Naturally, I understand."
Yu Chan remained calm and continued: "But just now, if Yuan Tu had acted, we would have had at least a seventy percent chance of breaking through Zhalong Pass."
"Zhalong Pass is not important."
Yinshan shook his head: "The Sacred Sect has always ruled the world through human effort. Putting people first is the Sacred Sect’s principle. Zhalong Pass is just a dead place."
"What truly matters are the people guarding the pass."
"You just said it yourself. If Yuan Tu were here, we’d have a seventy percent chance of breaking through. In other words, these people alone cannot hold the pass."
"The one truly capable of defending the pass has yet to arrive."
Hearing this, Yu Chan immediately showed a surprised expression: "Daoist friend, are you referring to… Upper Profound Sword Sect?"
Among the five forces within the Kingdom of Qing, the Upper Profound Sword Sect stood as the leader, having received support from Jiangnan, obtaining genuine sword cultivation inheritance.
The Sect Master of the Upper Profound Sword Sect, the current Upper Profound True Person, was already at mid-Foundation Establishment perfection.
It was said that with the support of the Sword Pavilion, he had recently entered seclusion, preparing to break through to the late stage.
Once he succeeded, with a great True Person personally guarding the pass, Zhalong Pass would immediately become impregnable.
"Exactly. Our task is merely to apply pressure and create a diversion."
Yinshan nodded, finally revealing a faint smile: "Yuan Tu has gone to deal with the one truly capable of holding Zhalong Pass."