"Why is there such a strong scent of blood? Could it be that a fierce battle has recently occurred here?"

Yuan’er was puzzled by the dense scent of blood in the air. Although her cultivation level wasn’t very high, with her extraordinary cultivation technique and the Chengying Sword in hand, she was considered the top below the Third Step!

Yet, her divine sense didn’t detect a single trace of a battle in the surrounding area!

"It’s not just around here; it seems the entire immortal realm is engaged in battle. Let’s go!"

Bai Xiaofan shook his head and flew forward first!

Taixu Sect has He Dong standing guard, while Shangqing Palace and Tianjian Pavilion each have Leng Feier and Luo Yun. It’s likely these three sects won’t face any issues, but other sects in the immortal realm might not be so fortunate!

In half a day’s time, the two arrived at the mountain gate of Taixu Sect. The gate was tightly shut, as if something extremely ominous had happened!

Bai Xiaofan, along with Yuan’er, flew forward, running the refining technique in his palm and pressing it against the gate. Immediately, the gate shone brightly, and Bai Xiaofan and Yuan’er vanished from in front of it!

"Who goes there? How dare you intrude on Taixu Sect?"

The moment the two appeared inside Taixu Sect, a dozen figures surrounded them, each holding weapons and watching them vigilantly!

"Greetings, Master!"

Before Bai Xiaofan could speak, a group approached rapidly from afar, among them a man in white who respectfully cupped his fists toward Bai Xiaofan from a distance!

"Long Yan, why are you still here?"

Seeing the man in white, Bai Xiaofan stepped forward and asked softly!

Could it be this fellow stayed in Taixu Sect and didn’t return to Ancient Immortal Realm?

"Master, you’re finally back. I’ve missed you terribly!"

Long Yan spoke as he opened his arms and moved toward Bai Xiaofan to embrace him!

"Move aside!"

Bai Xiaofan waved him off disparagingly, then turned to the approaching figures in black and silver!

"Since you’re back, let’s discuss matters promptly. Quite a few incidents have happened while you were away!"

The man in black acknowledged Bai Xiaofan’s presence, gathered the core members of Taixu Sect, and proceeded to the main hall!

Bai Xiaofan sat at the head, flanked by He Dong on one side and the man in black on the other, while Yuan’er stood quietly behind him, draped in a garment closely resembling Bai Xiaofan’s, intimidating any who dared approach!

"So tell me, what has transpired during this period? Why does the entire immortal realm reek of blood? If Long Yan is here, it’s obvious Ancient Immortal Realm isn’t attacking us. Despite recovering swiftly, Black Dragon God wouldn’t dare rashly target our realm again after the last battle!"

Bai Xiaofan scanned the faces in the hall, finally fixing his gaze on the man in black, He Dong, and Long Yan, awaiting their explanations!

"It’s like this: the bloodthirsty atmosphere spanning the immortal realm isn’t from Ancient Immortal Realm or the Yao Shen City, but from the sects led by Modao Zi!"

"After returning from Yao Shen City, Modao Zi’s personality changed drastically, rallying many immortal realm sects against us. Initially, we had the upper hand!"

"But not long ago, Modao Zi’s cultivation soared, reaching the Transformation Unity Stage, making even me inferior. So I had Long Yan seek aid from Ancient Immortal Realm. Sect Leader Long Zaitian personally led his people, yet they fell against Modao Zi, who had reached the Transformation Unity Stage!"

"After our friends in Ancient Immortal Realm left, Yao Shen City began deploying forces to support Modao Zi and attack us. Now, only three sects remain fiercely resisting: Taixu Sect, Shangqing Palace, and Tianjian Pavilion!"

"I’ve instructed disciples from other sects to temporarily join Shangqing Palace and Tianjian Pavilion to help them weather this period. As long as Modao Zi doesn’t come personally, there’s no need to fear this position!"

Upon hearing Bai Xiaofan, He Dong seamlessly relayed the events in truthful detail!

The hall fell silent, with all eyes on Bai Xiaofan, awaiting his decision!

"Send out word, instruct Feifei and Luo Yun to bring their people to Taixu Sect. We’ll discuss counterattack plans together!"

Bai Xiaofan scanned everyone once more, finally proclaiming in a commanding voice!

"Understood!"

Everyone stood in unison, bowing to Bai Xiaofan as they spoke!

"He Dong, open the mountain gate. If Modao Zi wishes to send forces, let them come—now that this emperor has returned, we’ll show them they’ve provoked an untouchable existence for life!"

Bai Xiaofan commanded He Dong with a turn of his head!

"Long Yan, return to Ancient Immortal Realm and inform Tianyun Zhenren. Request him to station people at the border of the Monster Continent and Immortal Realm. If elite monsters retreat, kill them all—leave none alive! They’ll learn they can’t come and go as they please in the immortal realm!"

Once everyone received their orders, only Bai Xiaofan, Yuan’er, and the man in black remained in the hall!

"You two introduce yourselves—it drains me to keep doing it!"

Casually leaning back, Bai Xiaofan addressed the two women!

"Black!"

"Yuan’er!"

Both women, possessing reserved dispositions, only revealing their gentle sides to Bai Xiaofan, kept their introductions brief!

Witnessing their curt exchanges, Bai Xiaofan felt a slight headache!

Had I known, I’d have brought Jiang Feifei—her sociable nature surely bridges gaps with everyone!

Several hours later, Leng Feier and Luo Yun arrived with a group of cultivators!

"Where’s my daughter? Why did only you return?"

The first words Leng Feier addressed to Bai Xiaofan weren’t concern or longing, but inquiries about her daughter’s whereabouts!

"In the Moshahi, cared for by dear friends—rest assured!"

Bai Xiaofan caressed Leng Feier’s cheek, speaking softly!

"Mr. Bai, I knew you’d return! You wouldn’t imagine how stifling it’s been for us brothers!"

Luo Yun too advanced with a forced smile to greet Bai Xiaofan!

Never in all his years had Luo Yun felt such repression, perpetually closing the mountain gate, fearing enemy encroachment!