The battle horse let out a shrill cry, roaring through heaven and earth, transforming into a stream of light and disappearing into the void.

Having acquired the Wind Stabilizing Pearl, the Water and Fire Taoist naturally needed to rush back to Fire God City immediately, crossing mountains and rivers. This place was extremely far from Fire God City. Without the assistance of the battle horse, he couldn't slice through space like a True Immortal Strong, open a door in space, lock onto a target, and traverse the void; he could only rely on his steed for travel.

Yet, with the changes in heaven and earth and the ascension of the Divine Land World, for top-level supreme strongholds like them, there are both benefits and drawbacks.

In the past, even a supreme overlord could tear space to traverse the void, but as the Divine Land World continuously ascended and strengthened, the space barrier became increasingly formidable.

Ordinary supreme strongholds might be able to briefly shatter space during a confrontation, but truly tearing space to cross the void became extremely difficult, unless protected by powerful divine weapon treasures, otherwise, one could easily be swept away by chaotic space ripples.

This is also why, when he went to borrow the Wind Stabilizing Pearl, he needed to ride a battle horse.

However, while the journey was smooth-going, returning did not proceed as anticipated.

An extensive river spanned before him, a long river condensed from a trace of the Heavenly River Essence, blocking his way. To return to Fire God City, he must traverse this river.

If it was merely a river blocking the path, even if it contained the Heavenly River Essence, it would not pose a challenge to the Water and Fire Taoist; he could easily cross over.

Yet, this long river could not possibly be an unclaimed entity, nor could something containing the Heavenly River Essence be without an owner.

The endeavor to seek the Wind Stabilizing Pearl was rather low-profile, but in the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, exceptional talents abound, inevitably able to discern one's movements.

Thus the Water and Fire Taoist understood well; this river blockade was by no means simple—it was certainly maleficent guests obstructing the way.

"Who indeed is here, why not come forth for a meeting!" The Water and Fire Taoist mounted on his battle horse, the Water and Fire Divine Sword appeared in his hand, his gaze icy and voice chilling.

Waves upon waves of the Heavenly River surged skyward, this was an absolute zone; his strength could cross, but if someone attacked during his crossing, he would be caught in a predicament.

"Water and Fire Taoist, I've been waiting here for quite a while!" A vigorous and resonant voice resounded from the river, and a black-robed Taoist emerged.

"Shui Yuanzi, it's you! You're still alive!" Upon seeing the visitor, the Water and Fire Taoist's eyes exhibited a trace of astonishment.

The person before him was no stranger; or rather, quite familiar—a former old rival, a supreme stronghold adept in Water Dao, but whom he had seemingly slain under his magic sword hundreds of years ago.

The opponent had not only survived but manifested here, and the aura emanating from him was unmistakably more formidable.

"Hehehe, didn't expect I would still be alive, did you?" Shui Yuanzi's sinister smile echoed, and the entire Heavenly River seemed to roil along with his mood, waves crashing unabatedly.

"Today, I've volunteered to come here, precisely to kill you, and use your head as my testament!" His eyes burst with killing intent, nearly materializing into sharp swords.

During their past clash, Shui Yuanzi was defeated by the Water and Fire Taoist, grievously injured, almost losing his life, yet thankfully had retained some contingency, leaving him a sliver of hope for survival.

Despite escaping with his life, the defeat was foundationally detrimental to the Great Tao for Shui Yuanzi, rendering recovery almost impossible without significant opportunity, and even contemplating proving True Immortal seemed bleak.

It was precisely at this juncture that the Duke Wei of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty extended assistance, obtaining Spirit Pills from the royal family to aid in mending his foundation, allowing for recovery and even advancement.

Though he understood the Great Ming Divine Dynasty was rallying various strongholds, amassing power for their campaign, with underlying intentions, he was indifferent.

As an Independent Practitioner like himself, cultivation was arduous, resorting to all measures for cultivation resources, exploitation and utilization by others is no hardship; sometimes being used is not bad, conversely, not being utilized is terrifying, indicating you have no value at all.

Consider, if the Great Ming Divine Dynasty deemed him valueless, why would they provide Spirit Pills for his recovery?

Without the Great Ming Divine Dynasty as backing, how could he, as a mere Independent Practitioner, have the opportunity to exchange for Heavenly River Essence to cultivate divine powers, even if Heavenly River Essence is easily attainable for great cultivators, an Independent Practitioner like himself lacks the qualifications to exchange for it.

That's why Shui Yuanzi finds no fault in aligning with them; rather, it offers myriad opportunities. Without their use, he likely wouldn't stand again before his rival.

Perhaps some immortal sect adepts consider the Jade Emperor's camp unfavorable, that he makes numerous enemies, blocking many paths. They might not wish to join the Jade Emperor's side.

However, for an Independent Practitioner like Shui Yuanzi, there's no need to be choosy; if someone wants you, take it. At least the Great Ming Divine Dynasty invested considerable resources for him, far better than serving as cannon fodder elsewhere.

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