Yao Xi's expression changed slightly; she hadn't expected the other party to actually be from the Northern Imperial Academy.

As someone from Jizhou, she had a considerable understanding of this colossal entity, the Northern Imperial Academy.

The Northern Imperial Academy was full of powerful figures, and more terrifyingly, the Demon Hunters coming out of it were spread across hundreds of major states in Hongze's eastern region, subduing demons and exorcising monsters, with unimaginable connections.

And Xu Guang's strength was surely highly regarded within the Northern Imperial Academy, and such a person wouldn't have a simple background.

The East King Valley might really afford to not offend them.

Yet, there was still a hint of gloom in Yao Xi's eyes. Even if Xu Guang had a boundless background, this casual killing of Yao Mu still made her feel angry.

This matter must be reported back to the East King Valley to hold the Northern Imperial Academy accountable.

Of course, she didn't have the courage to avenge Yao Mu right now.

Yao Xi hadn't stayed long in Jizhou these years and wasn't familiar with the Northern Imperial Academy's affairs; she truly didn't know Xu Guang.

...

On the road.

Bai Xiao Zhu looked at Xu Guang and complained, "Boss, it seems we shouldn't come this way to East Cliff City in the future."

Xu Guang was also somewhat helpless. Jizhou was full of hidden talents and crouching tigers; he had always been low-key, but couldn't stop people from courting death.

He had already been very polite, if not for Yao Mu's aggressive attitude, and even trying to strike first.

This matter, even if it reached the Northern Imperial Academy's internal affairs, with the identity of Tianwu True King Qianchuan, there wasn't much to worry about.

Nonetheless, Bai Xiao Zhu was right; it's better to come less to East Cliff City in the future.

...

Two days later.

The original three-person team had gathered more than ten fellow disciples; Xu Guang had brought Zhuge Wuliang, and Jin Buhuan had also brought a few Second Grade experts who were well-acquainted in the Northern Imperial Academy.

Of course, the most crucial was the Second Nirvana expert introduced by Master Tianwu True King - Huan Songzi, who had a close relationship with Tianwu True King.

"Uncle Master, this event should be simple, but also somewhat troublesome."

Huan Songzi looked to be in his seventies or eighties. A sword was hung by his waist, resembling a Confucian general in a mundane temple, he chuckled lightly, a hint of nostalgia appearing in his eyes, "These years of polishing the magic aspect, haven't crossed swords with the Lifeless Sect's bastards for a long time, the Tiger-faced Group…"

The Lifeless Sect had twelve face groups, corresponding to the twelve earthly branches, each with its own 'Great Duke' method, the Tiger-faced Group was renowned for its cruelty.

"What do you plan to do next?"

Zhuge Wuliang asked from the side.

"In the past few days, we have roughly figured out the hiding spot of that group through Lei Dong, yet we still haven't figured out how many people they brought." Jin Buhuan said with a smile.

"But today, with Inspection Envoy Huan Songzi, Senior Brother Zhuge, and the help from various fellow disciples, plans don't necessarily need to be made; as long as we're sure there aren't any dangerous arrays here, I plan to attack directly."

Hearing this, everyone nodded.

Although no aid was sought from the Northern Imperial Academy this time, the summoned disciples were all outstanding figures in the academy, coupled with Huan Songzi, a Second Nirvana expert. As long as they were cautious of the opponent's last resort, taking them down wouldn't be difficult.

...

While everyone was busy preparing for the Celestial Cyan Mine, an event occurred that shocked the entire eastern Hongze.

Quzhou and Yongliangzhou were two great states facing off, with a massive island, Jizhen Island, between them. Sixteen years ago, someone discovered a Reverse Dao realm Heavenly Saint's secret trove on Jizhen Island.

The two states, already quarreling over the ownership of Jizhen Island, experienced constant friction under the control of the dominant forces within them.

On an autumn day, the Qianyuan Empire of Quzhou dispatched troops on three routes to counter pirates, but the leading Second Nirvana marshal was surrounded and killed by a few experts from Yongliangzhou, not even having the chance to mobilize the army.

While Second Nirvana experts were rare, losing one wasn't too significant.

However, no one expected that the Qianyuan State would hold Shake Light Sect accountable for this, but Shake Light Sect refused to provide an explanation, claiming ignorance.

The Qianyuan monarch was furious. Three True Kings and a Saint launched a surprise attack on Shake Light Sect's Jizhen Island garrison; Shake Light Sect suffered heavy losses, with two Saints perish on the spot.

The battle of the Saints was something that hadn't happened for a long time in Hongze.

Though magnificent, Hongze rarely could withstand the destruction of battles at the Saint level; generally, Saint-level battles were conducted in the endless star domain.

Breaking the unwritten rules of the Saint realm showed how truly enraged the Qianyuan State was by Shake Light Sect this time.

Various forces approached for negotiations, the Qianyuan State agreed not to instigate battles at the Saint level anymore, but then immediately declared war on Shake Light Sect in the name of national war. Eighteen True Kings were waiting in the endless star domain for Shake Light Sect's Saints.

The Hongze world knew about this news, eagerly anticipating who would win between the two sides.

Besides, everyone was aware that as neither side was willing to concede, it would inevitably drag more forces in Hongze into the conflict.

In just over a month, aside from the two Overlord Level forces, six Holy Land forces had also joined.

Some predicted that, at this rate, more forces in eastern Hongze would be drawn into it in the future.

It was even subtly spilling over into the Thirty-Three Eastern States, where forces in the edge states were already stirring.

Returning focus to the Celestial Cyan Mine.

Lei Dong once again met with the Bone-faced Man. As always, he carried a blend of apprehension, fear, and greed; he wanted to uncover the secrets deep within the mine while fearing the mysterious force with which he collaborated.

The Bone-faced Man smiled at Lei Dong; it was apparent that he was in a good mood.

Lei Dong, not knowing why, routinely reported the progress of the blood rituals of the Bronze Blood Gate over this period.