The goal of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion is to have its trade network span the entire world. Although it has not yet reached the entirety of the Desolate Heavenly Ancient Realm, it stands unrivaled in the Eastern Region, with a branch pavilion in every Daozhou.

Though the Demon Slayer Sect is not as wealthy and formidable as the Myriad Treasures Pavilion, its influence covers more than half of the Eastern Region, and it has cultivated countless assassins.

Ever since the Myriad Treasures Pavilion formally declared war, the conflict between the two factions has erupted on a massive scale.

The assassins of the Demon Slayer Sect were well-trained, but they could not withstand the sheer resources of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion. Its Talismans were as plentiful as clouds and its Elixirs fell like rain, supplemented by countless other treasures. As a result, the Myriad Treasures Pavilion currently holds the advantage in the war.

The flames of war, once ignited, swiftly grew into a conflagration that swept across the land. All five hundred Daozhous of the Eastern Region were engulfed by the conflict.

During this period, battles between Saints became commonplace, to say nothing of ordinary skirmishes. Both the Myriad Treasures Pavilion and the Demon Slayer Sect traded victories and losses.

However, the most baffling development was the stance of the Four Great Imperial Clans and the Ten Great Holy Lands. They refused to help either side, appearing content to watch the fire from across the river.

For a time, everyone was puzzled, feeling that the situation was becoming more and more incomprehensible.

Yuezhou, a Daozhou located near the center of the Eastern Region, was brimming with rich Spiritual Energy and teemed with life.

At this moment, in a certain part of Yuezhou, members of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion were locked in a fierce battle with those from the Demon Slayer Sect.

And among the combatants were two familiar figures whom Su Han would certainly recognize if he were present.

"Xiaowan, I’m here to help!" a delicate shout rang out as a blue silhouette swiftly joined the fray.

She had blue hair and was dressed in blue. Her figure was tall and slender, with fair skin and a tiny waist that a single hand could encircle. Her body was surrounded by the undulating ripples of water, making her appear like a daughter of the ocean—breathtakingly beautiful.

This person was none other than a Scion of the Sequence from the Myriad Treasures Pavilion: Lan Xi!

Having not seen her for some time, Lan Xi seemed even more agile. She now wielded a Daoist sword, her spiritual eyes as blue as the sea. With her ability to control water, her attacks crashed down like towering waves and surging tides.

"Sister Lan Xi, your timing is perfect! Let’s team up and finish him!"

Before Lan Xi stood Zhang Xiaowan, who had not been seen for a long time.

After the events at the Dragon Palace Ruins, she had returned to the Eastern Region. Though she was worried about Su Han, she lacked the influence of Tongyan and could only return to Yuezhou to wait anxiously. Fortunately, she later learned of Su Han’s safe return, which finally put her mind at ease.

She had planned to find an opportunity to visit Yun Province to catch up with Su Han, but the war had broken out unexpectedly. As a Scion of the Sequence, she could not evade her duty. Thus, she had no choice but to suppress her thoughts of Su Han and throw herself wholeheartedly into the war.

They were currently attacking the Demon Slayer Sect’s largest stronghold in Yuezhou, a place filled with powerful experts. As they were both still in the Divine Power Realm, the fight was proving to be difficult.

"Intermediate Grade Divine Power: Chaotic Dance of the Heavenly Demon!"

Zhang Xiaowan activated her Physique Fusion and unleashed a Divine Power Technique. A demonic melody instantly filled the air, causing the Divine Sense of the Demon Slayer Sect assassin across from her to waver, almost compelling him to dance along.

The Sound Wave Demonic Skill cultivated by Zhang Xiaowan was exceedingly strange, specifically targeting the sea of consciousness. With the exception of creatures like the Dragon Qi Demon Beast, all normal living beings would be severely affected by it.

"Intermediate Grade Divine Power: Riding the Winds and Breaking the Waves!"

Lan Xi swiftly seized the opportunity, also executing a Divine Power Technique. Her Sword Radiance grew sharper, its power increasing dramatically.

THWACK!

A bloodied head flew high into the air. By joining forces, Zhang Xiaowan and Lan Xi had easily slain the assassin at the Ninth Layer of the Divine Power Realm.

Within the Dragon Palace Ruins, both Zhang Xiaowan and Lan Xi had obtained considerable opportunities. Coupled with their cultivation and insights gained since their return, their strength had soared.

By now, Zhang Xiaowan had reached the Eighth Layer of the Divine Power Realm, while Lan Xi had reached the Seventh Layer.

Although Zhang Xiaowan and Lan Xi were Scions of the Sequence, this was not a battle between prodigies but a full-scale war. In a conflict of this magnitude, their individual strength meant they were no more than common soldiers.

The battle raged for a day and a night. In the end, the stronghold was completely eradicated by the Myriad Treasures Pavilion. No bases of the Demon Slayer Sect remained within Yuezhou.

"I’m exhausted! It’s finally over!" Zhang Xiaowan slumped to the ground without any care for her image. She took out some Healing Pills and consumed them, recovering her stamina as she healed her wounds.

Lan Xi did the same beside her. Both had sustained significant injuries from the relentless fighting, but they had also gained a great deal. Not only had their combat experience improved, but they would also receive a share of the rewards afterward.

I wonder how little Su Su is doing now. Qingzhou is so remote that even a Saint is a rare sight. Although Su Han has an extraordinary innate talent, if he is targeted by a Supreme Realm or Saint Realm expert, he’ll be in grave danger.

While resting, Zhang Xiaowan couldn’t help but think of Su Han. She didn’t have romantic feelings for him; it was more of a sibling bond. Or perhaps more accurately, she felt like an older sister, as Zhang Xiaowan, with her world-weary air, enjoyed taking on the role of an elder sister to Su Han.

With Saint You Heng there, he should be fine, right? The image of Su Han also appeared in Lan Xi’s mind, and the secret crush she harbored for him lingered in her heart.

Yuezhou and Qingzhou were separated by a vast distance. In the midst of the war’s chaos, Zhang Xiaowan and Lan Xi couldn’t cross half of the Eastern Region to find Su Han, no matter how much they missed him.

"Sister Lan Xi, why do you think the Head Pavilion Master and the elders started this war?" No longer discussing the faraway Su Han, Zhang Xiaowan changed the topic.

The reason for the Myriad Treasures Pavilion’s war against the Demon Slayer Sect was shrouded in mystery. Although various rumors were flying about, none seemed credible. No one knew the true cause of the war, not even most people within the Myriad Treasures Pavilion itself.

"I don’t know," Lan Xi said, shaking her head, "but I’m sure the Head Pavilion Master and the others have their reasons!" She wouldn’t trouble herself with questions so far beyond her scope, knowing that thinking about them would yield no answers.

"Ah, I wonder when this war will ever end!" Zhang Xiaowan sighed. She deeply disliked the chaos of war, but as a Scion of the Sequence of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion, she had no choice but to fight.

***

At this time, it was not just Zhang Xiaowan who was troubled. Many within the Myriad Treasures Pavilion did not understand why this war was being fought, or what it would take to end it.

But Jun Zhantian, the First Scion of the Sequence for the Myriad Treasures Pavilion, was different. His eyes blazed with an exuberant fighting spirit.

Fortune is found in peril, and opportunities are seized from chaos. This war is the perfect training ground for me!

Ever since being spurred on by Su Han, Jun Zhantian had been redoubling his efforts and had now reached the Heavenly King Realm Ninth Level. He was determined to use this war to seize more opportunities and break through to the Supreme Realm.

Yet, deep down, he was still perplexed, unable to understand the reason for this war.

It wasn’t just Zhang Xiaowan and Jun Zhantian; even those within the Demon Slayer Sect were largely in the dark. Outside, the Four Great Imperial Clans and the Ten Great Holy Lands also had only a hazy understanding.

Even the Great Emperor of Slaughter couldn’t fathom what madness had possessed Empress Duobao. A question mark seemed to sprout above everyone’s heads: Why did Empress Duobao initiate this war?