Chapter 31: I, Hu Bai: Today, I shall strike while he is weak and claim his life!

He promptly ordered his dark guards and personal bodyguards to establish a defensive perimeter.

"Tell them to immediately seal the only gate for entry and exit to the Kingdom of Datang."

"From this moment on, no one is permitted to enter or leave."

"Have a contingent of soldiers secure the gate."

Since the Kingdom of Datang had only just been established, their available forces were limited. Li Muchen also sent word to the four divine beasts.

The Vermillion Bird, Black Tortoise, Azure Dragon, and White Tiger—each stationed at the four cardinal directions of the kingdom—were tasked with maintaining vigilance over the surrounding environment for any signs of disturbance.

He further commanded them to reinforce the protective barrier of the kingdom, ensuring no non-human entities could breach the borders.

In a sense, the Kingdom of Datang was now under a total lockdown.

Having arranged everything, Li Muchen returned to Yun Qing's side.

"Imperial Son, should Pingyang and I leave first?" Empress Dowager Dou asked, sensing the gravity of the situation and fearing that her and her daughter's presence might interfere with her son's critical affairs.

Li Muchen refused, "Mother, you and Pingyang must remain here."

Empress Dowager Dou wanted to speak further, but Li Muchen interrupted, "I fear that Yun Qing is about to ascend in rank."

Li Muchen scanned everyone present, including his dark guards and bodyguards.

"None of you have ever had contact with cultivation."

"Today presents a rare opportunity; stay here and observe closely."

"It will serve as a valuable reference for your own future advancements."

Everyone present understood his intent.

"Rest assured, Imperial Brother, Pingyang will not let your thoughtful intentions go to waste."

Having endured the recent upheaval, Li Qingyan had matured significantly. She longed to become stronger—strong enough to assist her brother. Whatever storms lay ahead, she was determined to face them by his side.

Li Muchen approached Yun Qing and said, "Master, I have already ordered the four divine beasts to guard the perimeter."

"Good, you have done well."

Yun Qing opened his eyes and looked up at Li Muchen with a solemn expression. "Listen well—"

"I have been stuck at this cultivation level for ten years."

"If I can break through this bottleneck today..."

"My cultivation will surpass even that of my master, the Medical Immortal."

"An ascension of this magnitude will inevitably attract great attention throughout the cultivation world."

"Those malevolent rogue cultivators may even seize this chance to plunder my cultivation."

"If such a thing were to happen..."

"You must have those four beasts hold the line."

"From this moment, I require four hours to break through my bottleneck."

"As long as we hold for those four hours, I shall succeed."

It was the most Yun Qing had ever spoken at once, and his tone was urgent. Yet, Li Muchen committed every word to memory.

"Rest assured!"

"Since I have acknowledged you as my master, I will certainly protect you."

"Focus on your breakthrough."

"Even if the heavens were to collapse, I would hold them up for you."

Li Muchen’s words moved Yun Qing deeply.

In that very moment, Yun Qing’s attitude toward Li Muchen shifted entirely. This master and disciple, brought together by chance, would go on to forge a true bond. Whenever Li Muchen recalled this day in the future, he was always grateful that he had helped Yun Qing overcome that bottleneck. In many times to come, the Seek Immortal Sect would provide immense support to him and the Kingdom of Datang.

...

Several hundred miles outside the borders of the Kingdom of Datang, the Holy Master of Green Wood Mountain and the Fourth Elder, accompanied by a small contingent, were advancing toward the kingdom.

Most of those accompanying the Holy Master were powerful demons. Among them was the Holy Master’s senior brother, Hu Bai. Hu Bai belonged to the Tiger Clan of the Demon Realm, and as the son of the Tiger King, he was the heir to the throne. He had brought along many elite warriors of the Tiger Clan.

The Holy Master and Hu Bai walked in the second rank, while the Fourth Elder, having been there before, led the way.

"Senior Brother, I shall surely repay this favor in the future."

"Why be so formal, Junior Brother?"

"We are brothers in arms; how could I stand idly by when you are in distress?"

Hu Bai patted his junior brother on the shoulder. "Once we have dealt with those four demonic beasts, the two of us shall have a proper drink."

The Holy Master of Green Wood Mountain grinned. "That goes without saying... It has been a long time since we last met."

"Once the deposed emperor and those beasts are eliminated, we shall return to Green Wood Mountain, and I will host a grand banquet for you and the other demon clans who came to help."

"Agreed! Agreed!" Hu Bai laughed, envisioning the feast.

As they drew nearer to the Kingdom of Datang, a sudden, abnormal ripple of spiritual energy fluctuated in the air hundreds of miles ahead.

Instantly, the expressions of everyone in the group turned grave.

"What is happening?!"

"This aura... is a cultivator about to break through?"

"It certainly feels like it."

"Strange? Is this not the Southern Barbarian lands?"

"I have never heard of any cultivator clans in the Southern Barbarian lands."

"Could it be some unknown... Sprite or Demon clan undergoing a breakthrough?"

"That is possible."

"While most demons are concentrated in the north and west, Sprite clans prefer to avoid others and live in seclusion."

"Shall we go and investigate?"

The Holy Master of Green Wood Mountain, Hu Bai, and the others discussed the ripple of energy. However, the Fourth Elder felt a growing sense of unease.

If his memory served him correctly...

The direction of the energy ripple was exactly where the deposed emperor’s Kingdom of Datang was located.

Could it be that the deposed emperor had also begun to cultivate?

Afraid of neglecting a critical matter, the Fourth Elder voiced his suspicions and concerns to the group. Though they did not fully agree with his assessment, they did not dare to take it lightly.

"Junior Brother, what is your view?" Hu Bai asked, looking toward the Holy Master.

"In my opinion, there must be a master hidden behind that deposed emperor."

"Perhaps, Senior Brother, it is one of your own demon kin."

"Aside from those four beasts, that master must now be in the Kingdom of Datang."

"I agree with that assessment."

"Senior Brother, the deposed emperor has those four beasts, and now there are demon masters present. Should we return and summon more reinforcements?"

"Judging by that energy ripple, I suspect... that person's cultivation must be very high."

The Holy Master was anxious; he had already lost a sect leader and two elders. If they were to perish here as well, Green Wood Mountain would truly be finished.

Hu Bai laughed with contempt, mocking his junior brother. "Tell me, Junior Brother, since when have you become so cowardly?"

"Our Tiger Clan is the most powerful in the Demon Realm."

"Regardless of what manner of creature is breaking through..."

"I, Hu Bai, shall strike while they are vulnerable and take their life today!"