"Whew... That was close!"

  Yellwin Great Immortal wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, cautiously avoiding the person trapped by chains. He grinned triumphantly at the three outside the sealing talisman.

  "Haha, well, if you're so capable, come in then!"

  Outside the sealing talisman,

  Znggan was surprised and suspicious, never expecting such a situation deep within the cave. He glanced at Yellwin Great Immortal, then his gaze fell upon the person trapped by chains.

  "Someone else is imprisoned here?"

  Darind's face was grim, utterly perplexed.

  "Why is there a Thunder Division Talisman here? If this is a Heavenly Court sealed area, why would Yellwin Great Immortal be allowed to run rampant here? Someone should have come to deal with him long ago."

  He murmured to himself, pondering for a moment.

  Darind questioned Yellwin Great Immortal.

  "Vile beast, what is your origin?"

  "Heh heh."

  Yellwin Great Immortal refused to reveal his backer's name, merely chuckling defiantly: "Don't you know, seeing this Thunder Division Talisman? I advise you to obediently give me that treasure and leave quickly, otherwise, you will surely suffer greatly!"

  The truth of these words was unknown.

  The three were undecided for a moment. If this person was merely putting on a show, then so be it. But if it were true, Easming Mountain could not afford to provoke the Thunder Division, and certainly not the Heavenly Court.

  Xming: "Senior Brother."

  "Go."

  Darind made a swift decision, leading the two to flee. Regardless of whether Yellwin Great Immortal's words were true, with the Thunder Division Talisman present, they couldn't cross the lightning barrier for half a step.

  They couldn't do anything to this yellow-skinned creature.

  "Oh no! Leave my treasure!"

  Yellwin Great Immortal stomped his foot in frustration.

  The three had just left Ceteng Mountain when they saw a group of Daoists approaching from outside. Darind immediately recognized them as Daoists from Pansong Mountain. The leading young cultivator had interacted with him several times.

  Darind stopped the group from Pansong Mountain.

  "Fellang, have you come to Ceteng Mountain to subdue the Yao?"

  "Precisely."

  Fellang greeted him, clasping his hands: "Darind, why are you here? Could it be that the Yao monster in the mountain has already been subdued by you?"

  Darind shook his head.

  "The Yao monster in Ceteng Mountain is quite troublesome; it might not be easily subdued. Fellang, you've arrived at just the right time. We know very little about Yellwin Great Immortal in Ceteng Mountain. We need to invite the local Earth God to learn more about him."

  While conversing,

  Darind explained the difficulty posed by Yellwin Great Immortal. Fellang's expression grew serious upon hearing this. A Thunder Division Talisman meant this Yao monster was likely somewhat entrenched.

  "Alright."

  Fellang immediately agreed. His arrival was quite opportune. Darind was not skilled at invoking deities, and Znggan was still cultivating, not yet qualified to invite the Earth God. Fellang, however, was proficient in this Dao.

  Though Earth Gods were insignificant among the gods of the Heavenly Court, they were still immortals. Not just anyone could easily invoke them.

  This matter brooked no delay.

  Fellang began the ritual to invite the Earth God.

  Znggan assessed the Pansong Mountain group, feeling that some among them seemed to be Void Wanderers. He had never interacted much with the Pansong Mountain people and didn't know them well.

  At this moment,

  Green smoke curled.

  Fellang waved his hands, holding three sticks of incense high. He bowed forward, murmuring incantations. Before long, an old man leaning on a staff emerged from the ground.

  "Little Daoist Fellang of Pansong Mountain, greets the Earth God!"

  "Little Daoist Darind of Easming Mountain, greets the Earth God!"

  "Cough, cough."

  The Earth God of Ceteng Mountain was polite to the crowd, saying amiably, "No need for such formality, no need for such formality. Daoist Masters, what brings you to me?"

  Darind went straight to the point: "This little Daoist heard that a Yao monster in Ceteng Mountain has been causing harm for many years, so I came to subdue him. But unexpectedly, there is a Thunder Division Talisman in the mountain. I am at a loss as to what to do. Logically, if it is an important Heavenly Court area, this little Daoist would not dare to intrude. But if it is an important Heavenly Court area, how could a Yao monster be allowed to occupy it at will? I hope the Earth God can resolve my doubts."

  Hearing Darind's words,

  The Earth God immediately understood.

  He sighed: "Daoist Master refers to that Yellwin Great Immortal?"

  "Precisely!"

  "Sigh."

  Seeing this, the group knew that the Earth God must be familiar with the details, and they all perked up their ears. The Earth God pondered for a moment, then said, "That Yellwin Great Immortal? He became a spirit in Ceteng Mountain over a hundred years ago, right here. He's not of much background. That Thunder Division Talisman has been here for several thousand years already. He's merely guarding a gate for someone."

  Darind's expression stiffened.

  "So, that Talisman is indeed an edict from the Heavenly Court?"

  "Not entirely!"

  The Earth God of Ceteng Mountain shook his head: "If it were a Heavenly Court edict, how would I, as the Earth God of Ceteng Mountain, not know? I would be the first to receive the command. I fear someone from the Heavenly Court's Thunder Division personally placed that Talisman here."

  The Thunder Division.

  To be able to place a Sealing Talisman here in the name of the Heavenly Court's Thunder Division, regardless of who personally did it, that was a figure of immense importance, unimaginable.

  They were definitely not someone they could provoke.

  Hearing this,

  The group of Daoists from Pansong Mountain exchanged glances, showing signs of retreat. Fellang frowned and said, "Darind, this matter is deeply entrenched. We might need to reconsider."

  This Yao was not worth mentioning.

  But the Thunder Division was not to be offended. The Heavenly Court was not a mortal dynasty. A single word from an immortal could truly determine one's fate for three lifetimes, forever preventing escape.

  Not to mention ordinary immortals, let alone a crucial department like the Thunder Division of the Heavenly Court.

  As the situation developed to this point, Znggan and Xming simultaneously felt a slight tremor in their spirits. They had completed Phase Three of the Advancement Mission: finding a Great Yao with a significant background.

  Yellwin Great Immortal.

  Involving the Heavenly Court's Thunder Division.

  Phase Four of the mission offered two choices: either a righteous subduing of Yaos and elimination of demons, or seizing the opportunity to establish a connection with the Heavenly Court immortals and gods.

  However,

  They couldn't make the decision immediately. The choice rested entirely with Darind. Darind, understanding the gravity of the situation, could only feel profound helplessness.

  The Heavenly Court's Thunder Division.

  Just its name was enough to suffocate him. Even if he truly dared to risk his life to subdue Yellwin Great Immortal, he feared bringing endless calamity upon Easming Mountain.

  "It seems we can only concede then."

  A Yao that could not be brought to justice.

  Darind felt a sharp discomfort in his heart.

  Unexpectedly, at this moment,

  Boom!

  A bolt of lightning struck.

  A stern-eyed man appeared from the heavens. He was clearly a Heavenly Official. His gaze swept across Ceteng Mountain, then fell upon Darind and his companions.

  "Audacious mortals! How dare you trespass into the forbidden domain of the Thunder Division!"

  Immediately,

  Everyone's faces changed dramatically.

  The Earth God hastily bowed respectfully: "This humble God, the Earth God of Ceteng Mountain, greets the General of the Omnis-Fulminate of the Thunder Division!"

  Quick as lightning.

  Seeing that his patron had arrived, a figure flew out from Ceteng Mountain. It was Yellwin Great Immortal, who had just been hiding behind the Thunder Division Talisman. At this moment, he was unbelievably arrogant, borrowing the General's prestige.

  He pointed at Darind and his two companions and shouted.

  "General, it was these three who trespassed into the forbidden land!"

  Hearing this,

  The General of the Omnis-Fulminate glared, and thunder boomed in the sky. His momentum was like the sky collapsing, terrifying and chilling. Before such heavenly might, how could mere mortals possess the strength to resist?

  "Disciples of Pansong Mountain greet the General of the Omnis-Fulminate!"

  Fellang and the others dared not act rashly. They had never imagined that the Thunder Division would send someone personally, and so quickly. This was truly beyond everyone's expectations.

  This was dire.

  Znggan and Xming exchanged glances, feeling uneasy. Against such a prominent figure from the Heavenly Court, they were not even worth a mouthful of teeth. This was likely to end badly.

  This fourth phase choice was forced upon them by Yellwin Great Immortal; there was simply no perfect solution. Darind knew in his heart that resisting from such a perilous position offered no way out.

  Just as he was about to confess his sins and accept punishment, the white chess piece magical artifact on his body, as if protecting him, transformed into a streak of divine light, forcefully carrying the three from Easming Mountain away, fleeing into the depths of Ceteng Mountain.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  "Hmph! You don't know what's good for you!"

  The General of the Omnis-Fulminate's expression was icy. He had no intention of letting the three escape. The matter of the Thunder Division Talisman was not to be spread. The three who trespassed into the forbidden land could absolutely not be spared.

  If it was a mere coincidence, it would be fine.

  But if they were targeting the person within the forbidden land, then the situation would become genuinely troublesome.

  "Guard the forbidden land meticulously."

  "I understand!"

  After issuing his instructions, the General of the Omnis-Fulminate followed them into Ceteng Mountain. Yellwin Great Immortal hastily nodded, much like the minor Yao under his command from before.

  He might be imposing in Ceteng Mountain, and his abilities might be great, but at this moment, he was just a minor Yao. The General of the Omnis-Fulminate was a truly important figure in the Thunder Division.

  The disciples of Pansong Mountain wore pained expressions.

  They dared not flee at this moment.

  They could only wait in place for the General of the Omnis-Fulminate to resolve the situation, hoping only to preserve their lives. If they fled, they would likely implicate Pansong Mountain.

  As soon as the General of the Omnis-Fulminate departed, Yellwin Great Immortal straightened his back. He was unbelievably arrogant, gloatingly looking at everyone.

  "Subdue Yaos? I'd like to see how you subdue them!"

  ...

  Deep within Ceteng Mountain.

  Within the hazy mists, a streak of divine light, swift as lightning, plunged unknown li deep, as if there was a separate universe within, vaster than what was visible from outside.

  Lightning flashed.

  The General of the Omnis-Fulminate followed closely. He looked at the surrounding mists, his vision obstructed, and couldn't help but frown, sensing that this place seemed somewhat unusual.

  "I wasn't aware Ceteng Mountain was so vast before."

  With that declaration,

  He transformed into a bolt of lightning and continued his pursuit.

  After an unknown passage of time,

  Darind and his two companions were led by the white chess piece to a mountain gate. A winding mountain path came into view. Within the swirling mists, pavilions and towers could be faintly perceived in the mountain range.

  Daoist methods were intrinsically natural.

  Profound and ineffable.

  Darind was surprised: "This location seems to be a Daoist sanctuary?"

  Znggan felt a strange sensation.

  "Senior Brother, how do you know there’s such a Daoist sanctuary on Ceteng Mountain?"

  "I do not know."

  He took out the white chess piece and examined it, realizing in his heart that this must be his destiny; otherwise, the white chess piece would not have brought him here without reason.

  Perhaps,

  It was connected to that elder in the mountains from before!

  Xming looked around and found three large characters by the mountain gate.

  "Boundless Palace?"

  Znggan asked,

  "Senior Brother, what's the plan now?"

  "Having arrived at a sacred place, one should pay a visit."

  Subsequently,

  The three stepped onto the mountain path, climbing into the Daoist sanctuary step by step. Amidst the swirling mists, the sound of an evening bell and morning drum echoed from within the mountains, leisurely yet profound.

  Before long,

  Darind and his two companions reached the end of the mountain path, entered the Daoist sanctuary, passed through the open front hall, and went straight into a conspicuous, ancient main hall.

  The hall was serene and quiet.

  The main hall was neither grand nor ornately carved; only the everlasting Dao aura resided there. Three meditation cushions were placed in the hall, with an honored seat at the very top.

  Darind stated, "It must be a Sect."

  Just as they found the hall too quiet and empty, a young Daoist acolyte walked in from outside the hall. The acolyte wore a green Daoist robe, his hair tied in a Daoist topknot, his eyes bright and clear.

  The junior disciple clasped his hands in greeting to the three.

  Curiously, he stated, "May I ask where the three of you hail from, and what brings you to Boundless Palace?"

  The three returned the greeting.

  Darind explained, "The three of us are disciples from Easming Mountain. We stumbled upon this location by chance, thus disturbing the tranquility of this sacred realm. I beg your forgiveness, fellow Daoist."

  "It matters not."

  The junior disciple smiled broadly.

  After assessing the three, he seemed to grasp the truth of the situation. Not only did he not turn them away, but he also extended an invitation for them to stay in the mountains for a few days.

  Upon hearing this,

  Darind was even more taken aback.

  He surveyed the main hall, perplexed: "Fellow Daoist, may I inquire if Boundless Palace belongs to the Daoist lineage?"

  "Precisely."

  "This humble Daoist means no disrespect, but as a Daoist establishment, why do I not observe the Three Venerables and Four Supremes enshrined within this hall?"

  Hearing this query,

  The junior disciple smiled, shook his head, bowed deeply towards the honored seat in the hall, and calmly stated, "The Three Venerables are the Honored Master's Daoist colleagues. Therefore, the Three Venerables and Four Supremes are not placed within this hall. The fact that the three of you could enter this hall signifies a destined connection with Boundless Palace, and I shall certainly treat you with the utmost respect."

  Upon hearing these words,

  Darind froze on the spot.

  Znggan and Xming nearly felt their celestial spirit caps lift off. Daoist colleagues with the Three Venerables, and juniors to the Four Supremes? What kind of lineage did this Boundless Palace possess?!!

  They had assumed Boundless Palace might be the Daoist sanctuary of some secluded master, but they never fathomed it would be so exalted as to be beyond comprehension.

  This must be an ancient, heaven-piercing entity who has existed since the very genesis of heaven and earth!

  It wasn't that he lacked potential for the future.

  It was truly an instinctive reaction.

  Perhaps from sheer excitement, perhaps from terror, Znggan felt as if he was about to tremble uncontrollably. He dared not contemplate the power tier of this revered master that the junior acolyte spoke of.

  Tier 6?

  Tier 7?

  Tier 8?

  He was inexperienced and genuinely lacked the framework to assess these tiers of power. He only knew that currently, he was merely a small fry, progressing from Tier 2 to Tier 3.

  Fortunately, his years of cultivation had not been wasted. Znggan managed to maintain his composure outwardly as much as possible, though a tempest raged within his heart.

  Xming's reaction was not significantly better. He was utterly bewildered. Wasn't this supposed to be a Tier 2 to Tier 3 Advancement Mission world? How could such a profound background within a background even manifest?

  Destiny?

  Perhaps.

  This kind of destiny was truly too overwhelming of a shock. It wasn't merely a surprise, but a profound jolt. He feared that fully grasping this destiny might not lead to instant ascent, but instead, to immediate, unexpected demise.

  The three regained their composure, hastily bowing again towards the honored seat in the hall.

  "It is only regrettable that the Honored Master has been away for many years, meaning you three are not fated to meet them personally. Please wait here momentarily. I will go locate a Senior Brother to meet with you."

  "Thank you!"

  Darind, at this moment, felt considerably more restrained. He vaguely suspected that the immortal elder who played chess with him in the mountains might be the revered master the acolyte mentioned.

  Was this true destiny?

  A moment later,

  A majestic and commanding figure stepped into the hall. His movements were powerful, like a surging dragon and a fierce tiger; his eyes were golden-red, sharp as the keenest blade in the world. His mere gaze inflicted pain.

  Znggan and the others involuntarily hitched their breath.

  The junior disciple announced, "You three, this is my Senior Brother, Zonhi."

  "Humble disciple greets Senior!"

  Understanding that the members of this mountain sect held high seniority, Darind naturally no longer dared to address them as mere fellow Daoists, deeming it more appropriate to address them as Senior. Znggan and the others also bowed in greeting.

  Without needing to witness his abilities firsthand, his mere aura and presence commanded respect, making others tremble. They wondered how this individual compared to the General of the Omnis-Fulminate.

  Zonhi nodded slightly.

  He paced within the hall.

  "Boundless Palace has not engaged with the mortal world for many years. That you three could arrive here is certainly a fated connection. I surmise this must be Master's deliberate arrangement."

  As he spoke,

  Zonhi extended his hand, and the white chess piece Darind had concealed on his person flew out, settling into Zonhi's hand. If it were not Master's design, these three would never have been permitted entry into Boundless Palace.

  Darind understood immediately.

  It was indeed the case.

  The immortal elder he encountered in the mountains that year was the key. He was fated to visit Boundless Palace. As for whether that person was indeed their revered Master,

  That remained unknown.

  He carefully placed the chess piece back into Darind's sleeve.

  Master's arrangements naturally carried their own reasoning. She would never summon these individuals here without profound cause. Zonhi inquired, "Have you encountered any complications?"

  "Indeed!"

  Darind recounted the prior events, his face etched with worry: "Who could have predicted that Yellwin Great Immortal was entangled with the Heavenly Court's Thunder Division? We failed to subdue the Yao and instead ended up offending the General of the Omnis-Fulminate. We are at a complete loss on how to proceed."

  "General of the Omnis-Fulminate..."

  The junior disciple beside them innocently felt this didn't sound like a major issue. Pondering for a moment, he genuinely couldn't recall the exact identity of this figure, and asked, "Is he a particularly powerful, high-ranking immortal?"

  "To us, he is far too significant to provoke."

  At this juncture,

  The junior disciple's eyes gradually grew brighter and more excited.

  "Senior Brother, if it's Master's will, how about I accompany them? It would also be an excellent opportunity to observe the current composition of the Heavenly Court."

  "You remain here. I shall attend to this personally."

  Zonhi stated with finality.

  Since this was Master's directive, even the dignity of the Heavenly Court was momentarily irrelevant. He had no insight into the extent of Master's machinations, but Zonhi was already mentally prepared to confront an army of one hundred thousand heavenly soldiers and generals.

  The Heavenly Court?

  Zonhi genuinely gave them no concern. Do not assume that merely because of Apotheosis, everyone possessed absolute supremacy, controlling all sentient beings. Apart from the Taikyoku, every single entity residing in the Heavenly Court was no match for a Boundless Palace disciple.

  Hearing this declaration,

  Darind was overjoyed.

  "Thank you, Senior, for offering your assistance!"

  Two more figures emerged from the hall; True Person Destiny and True Person Minua also grasped the gravity of the situation. True Person Destiny remarked, "If required, we can provide aid at any time."

  "Very well."

  If the situation demanded it, they were prepared to overturn heaven and earth. Znggan and Xming, listening in, felt their unease deepening. This clearly appeared to be escalating into a major event, wasn't it?

  With that decision made,

  Zonhi acted swiftly and decisively. He channeled his divine light and led several individuals out of Boundless Palace. The junior disciple's eyes twinkled; he truly wished to join the fray and experience the excitement.

  "Second Senior Brother, Third Senior Sister, I shall return shortly!"

  "Just try not to cause Senior Brother any unwarranted trouble."

  "Junior Brother understands!"

  Seeing that his Senior Brothers and Sister did not restrain him, the junior disciple was ecstatic. He hastily controlled his divine light and caught up with his Senior Brother, plunging into the mists and heading towards Ceteng Mountain.

  Meanwhile, the General of the Omnis-Fulminate had completed a circuit deep within Ceteng Mountain. After failing to locate Darind and his two companions, he was compelled to return to the area just outside Yellwin Great Immortal's cave dwelling.

  He was utterly baffled.

  "How can I find no trace of them?"

  Yellwin Great Immortal rushed forward with a fawning smile, bowing deeply: "General, have you perhaps already dealt with those three? The treasure you bestowed upon me earlier fell into their hands. I wonder if the General saw it..."

  Seeing the General of the Omnis-Fulminate return, Fellang felt a knot of unease in his stomach, secretly suspecting that his fellow Daoists from Easming Mountain might have met misfortune.

  While that possibility existed, he was powerless. He was willing to subdue the Yao, but who could have predicted that the Yao monster’s protector was the Heavenly Court? This was truly disheartening.

  Gazing at Yellwin Great Immortal's arrogant bearing and the General of the Omnis-Fulminate's disdainful attitude toward mortals, the disciples of Pansong Mountain grew increasingly indignant.

  He looked toward the depths of Ceteng Mountain.

  Fellang froze in place.

  A streak of divine light flashed, moving with unprecedented velocity. By the time he registered it, it was already before him. The divine light dissipated, revealing the three figures from Easming Mountain alongside a majestic, imposing figure.

  "It's those two!"

  Darind exclaimed.

  The General of the Omnis-Fulminate was anxious that the trio from Easming Mountain might have escaped, never anticipating they would possess the audacity to return and stage an ambush. His gaze immediately fixed upon the majestic figure.

  He sneered, "So you found reinforcements. I'd like to see..."

  His words were abruptly cut short.

  Zonhi, with a casual wave of his hand, manifested a red and gold divine light. A long spear materialized in his grasp. Before the General of the Omnis-Fulminate could even process the action, he was impaled by the spear.

  Under the piercing might of the Sparrlume Spear,

  The General of the Omnis-Fulminate's soul was instantly scattered.

  "..."

  "..."

  "..."

  The world fell silent.

  Yellwin Great Immortal's fawning smile froze stiffly on his face. A gust of wind blew, and his entire body instantly turned pale, trembling uncontrollably, utterly consumed by disbelief.

  The disciples of Pansong Mountain were even more astonished, almost terrified out of their wits. A General of the Heavenly Court’s Thunder Division had just been executed here. This was an unprecedentedly massive incident!

  Fellang, even more so, had no idea who had just run through the General of the Omnis-Fulminate with a single spear strike. This was a General of the Thunder Division who commanded the very clouds and thunder of the eight directions!

  His cultivation and divine powers were truly unfathomable.

  Yet, he perished so simply?

  The three from Easming Mountain also hadn't anticipated Zonhi acting with such swift finality. Without uttering a single word, he executed the immortal, leaving them all momentarily stunned.

  Darind finally understood that he had completely misinterpreted the intentions of the Boundless Palace members. So, they weren't merely on amicable terms with the Heavenly Court immortals and gods; they were actively assisting in this manner?!!

  He genuinely didn't know how to process this revelation.

  "I wondered who such a great figure was. Indeed, I cannot recall him at all. If he were a respectable figure from antiquity, there would be no reason for me not to remember him."

  The junior disciple appeared beside them, remarking thus.

  Darind’s expression immediately shifted to one of grave concern.

  "Senior, such an action risks thoroughly offending the Heavenly Court..."

  "It is inconsequential."

  The junior disciple remained entirely unperturbed, displaying no trace of fear. He took on an eager, spectator-like demeanor: "We shall absorb this resulting karma for you. Just watch closely. It has been many years since he last acted, and Senior Brother remains as sharp as ever."

  "You, you, you..."

  Yellwin Great Immortal looked at Zonhi, his expression utterly consumed by terror: "Do you even know who you just executed?!"

  Zonhi's face was filled with disdain.

  He casually ran Yellwin Great Immortal through with a spear.

  Never mind having his magical artifact seized; even if the artifact remained in his possession, this yellow-skinned creature would not have escaped this thrust. Ultimately, he could not evade this calamity.

  At that precise moment,

  Znggan and Xming received a spatial notification. With Yellwin Great Immortal's demise, his Dao dissipated, his soul scattered; Phase Four of the Advancement Mission was complete.

  However,

  At this moment, neither of them felt any elation. Compared to mission completion, they were far more preoccupied with the Heavenly Court's inevitable reaction.

  The inexplicable situation seemed to be escalating dramatically. With the development reaching this juncture, they were caught in a vortex; their own survival was no longer within their grasp.