"Captain Jiang, keeping this person around will only bring trouble," Song Yu returned.

Jiang Ruyi softly said, "We are all disciples under Lord Jade Talisman, gathering Holy Spirit Energy here to honor the great God.

Let him go; even if he can gather just a wisp more of Holy Spirit Energy for Lord Jade Talisman, we disciples would have fulfilled our duty."

Though those were the words from her lips, deep in her heart, she knew well that the potential threat needed to be eliminated.

Except such words, while Song Yu could say them, Jiang Ruyi, who aspired to lead, absolutely could not.

What Jiang Ruyi spared was not Meng Zhixuan's life but the unwavering allegiance and loyalty of everyone else—Song Yu, Zhang Zhenghu, Zhu Yuan, and An Xian included.

This group of people had started out as complete strangers with no prior connections, bound together solely by their shared identity as Jade Talisman believers.

That shared identity was the weapon Jiang Ruyi considered herself to hold in her grasp.

But it was a double-edged sword!

She had to wield it cautiously.

From another perspective, if Jiang Ruyi were to kill a fellow disciple for personal power struggles, the hearts of those around her would undeniably fracture.

In the fledgling stages of establishing a force, everything remained unstable.

Once upon a time, Liu Bang, the first Emperor of Han, willingly gritted his teeth and forgave his traitorous old acquaintance Yong Chi to demonstrate magnanimity as a leader and stabilize morale—surely she could let a fellow disciple go as well.

"Captain Jiang, what's our next move?" An Xian quietly asked.

"Let's leave this desolate wasteland first," Jiang Ruyi gazed toward the east. "This region is exceedingly dangerous."

Speaking as she activated the Jade Talisman Formation around her, Jiang Ruyi slowly ascended into flight.

The others promptly took to the sky as well.

Jiang Ruyi strategically commanded, "Senior Brother Song and Senior Brother Zhang will take the front left and right, while Senior Sister Zhu and Little Xian guard the rear.

I'll stay in the center to coordinate and respond as needed."

"Yes!"

"Understood." Led by Song Yu and An Xian, Zhang Zhenghu and Zhu Yuan chorused their agreement.

Song Yu was at Jiang Realm Third Rank, Zhang Zhenghu and Zhu Yuan at Second Rank, and An Xian at First Rank.

Coupled with their leader Jiang Ruyi at Fourth Rank, the team was reasonably formidable in strength.

While flying, Jiang Ruyi spoke up, "Do any of you know Lu Ran?"

"Of course!" An Xian, ever direct, replied while looking at Jiang Ruyi's back. "Who doesn't know of Lu Tianjiao's name!"

"The Pride of Da Xia, renowned far and wide."

Jiang Ruyi listened to their voices and nodded, "He's also here in this realm."

"Oh?" Zhang Zhenghu, leading at the right front, turned to look at his junior sister and asked, "Do you know where Lu Tianjiao might be?"

Everyone instantly pricked up their ears.

The news was unquestionably thrilling!

Lu Ran's strength, undeniable to all who bore witness to it!

His collection of Divine Weapons and Magic Artifacts was enough to leave anyone speechless.

Furthermore, due to his association with *Heavenly Pride*, Lu Ran carried a significantly positive reputation—in fact, one could say he had the endorsement of Da Xia!

For any Da Xia individual, Lu Ran could serve as their backing!

To say nothing of the fact that Jiang Ruyi was part of their squad.

Lu Ran, the Human World Sect Master of the Immortal Sheep Sect and the Lord of Luoxian Mountain!

Jiang Ruyi was his childhood companion, his fiancée, and famously recognized as Lady Luo Xian!

Whether for smoother task execution or improved survival odds, the team should seek to ally themselves with Lu Ran.

"Not sure exactly," Jiang Ruyi sighed softly.

At this, everyone couldn't help but feel disappointed.

But then Jiang Ruyi continued, "He might be somewhere near the sea."

"The sea..." Zhu Yuan's heart sank to the depths.

Glancing at their surroundings, it was nothing but desolation.

They seemed worlds away from the sea!

Jiang Ruyi pressed on, "Friends, let's complete the mission entrusted to us by Lord Jade Talisman while searching for Lu Ran.

If we can rendezvous with him and work together on the task, it would provide everyone an additional layer of security."

"Exactly, that's the way forward!"

"Agreed!" Several voices echoed in support.

While their plan was still far from concrete, merely knowing Lu Ran was in the realm was enough to soothe their spirits slightly and offer some hope.

Their group of five advanced eastward.

Seeking a safe resting spot, half an hour later, they unexpectedly stumbled upon something familiar.

"No way... please no!" An Xian's voice carried a note of terror.

In the distant east appeared the stone pillar terrain once more?

Those sky-piercing pillars had already become their nightmares.

Jiang Ruyi promptly ordered, "We'll go around it, avoid the stone pillar forest."

"Understood, Lady Luo Xian," Song Yu replied.

Lady?

The title gave everyone pause for a moment.

Even Jiang Ruyi lifted her brows slightly.

This "man of few words" Song Yu certainly had his moments.

He didn't dwell on past glories or revel in the times when he stood revered by thousands in the Human World.

Undoubtedly, Song Yu's understanding of his current circumstances was sharper!

While some people still mistakingly clung to formalities, addressing Jiang Ruyi as "Junior Sister,"...

Song Yu subtly reminded everyone of the true state of affairs.

Moreover, when Jiang Ruyi sought control of the team at the start, Song Yu was the first to pledge allegiance.

Without hesitating over what his fellow disciples might think, he wielded his blade against Meng Zhixuan!

Before returning, he made sure to audibly state one thing for Jiang Ruyi and everyone to hear: "Keeping him would only bring trouble!"

From beginning to now, with smooth leadership transitions to his calculated actions, Song Yu undoubtedly showcased his agreement and acknowledgment of Jiang Ruyi as the leader.

"Whew~"

Flying at the front left, Song Yu signaled Zhang Zhenghu on the opposite side to shift directions and then glanced back at An Xian.

An Xian, unclear of his intentions, silently flew her course.

Meanwhile, Zhu Yuan spoke up, "Junior Sister Jiang is Lu Tianjiao's wife, widely known as Lady Luo Xian. It's a fitting title."

An Xian finally caught on and quickly chimed, "Ah, yes, correct!"

To survive in a hostile realm like this, one naturally needed a pillar of reliance.

Jiang Ruyi was the team's current reliance; Lu Ran was their future reliance.

Previously, when Jiang Ruyi confronted Meng Zhixuan, she had forcefully asserted her stance.

She displayed her significant achievements and made it clear she was no subordinate.

Even brazenly declared: "Now, you may offer your thanks."

It was evident what Jiang Ruyi wanted and what kind of person she was—all eyes could see.

And the title "Lady Luo Xian" certainly carried greater respect.

"Hmm." Jiang Ruyi acknowledged with a subtle nod, her gaze lingering on Song Yu for a brief moment.

A mere shift in title brought tremendous advantage to her in establishing authority.

Jiang Ruyi accepted the sentiment behind Song Yu's gesture.

"Mas... Lady," Zhang Zhenghu hesitated but ultimately changed his words, then said, "There seems to be people over there!"

"Hmm?" Jiang Ruyi directed her gaze afar.

Upon further observation, she indeed noticed figures at the edge of the stone pillar forest.

"Looks like a group of Shanwei believers!" Zhang Zhenghu's piercing tiger-like eyes gleamed. "They appear to be battling Fang-faced beings!"

God Shanwei, ranked fourth in Da Xia's pantheon of gods.

Its form was human-like but entirely composed of mountain stone.

The deity lacked facial features, and streams of Divine Power flowed like water through the rugged stones comprising its body.

To this day, people debated whether to classify Shanwei as a humanoid god or an object-type deity.

The Shanwei Sect was largely support-focused, known for its prowess in defense and control, albeit lacking much in offensive capabilities.

Its believers were typically staunch and reliable, making excellent allies!

Hence Zhang Zhenghu's brightened demeanor.

"Lady, should we check it out?" Zhang Zhenghu turned to Jiang Ruyi and smoothly continued calling her "Lady." "This sect's offensive capabilities are somewhat lacking.

If we lend them a hand, we could also use the opportunity to form some ties."

In the realm of God Demons, you could trust stereotypes entirely!

For example, when encountering an Immortal Sheep Believer, you could immediately assume they were soft and easily bullied.

There was a 99% likelihood you'd be right!

Similarly, upon meeting Shanwei Believers, you could instantly regard them as dependable and loyal!

"Alright," Jiang Ruyi nodded lightly. "Let's take a look."

Encountering Human Clan comrades battling Evil Demons certainly warranted assistance.

And if the situation allowed, they might even gather critical intelligence about Holy Spirit Mountain, deepening their understanding further.

The Da Xia ideology embedded within Jiang Ruyi drove this decision, with full support from her team.

Evidently, as newcomers to this realm constantly fighting Evil Demons, they had yet to encounter the Human Clan faction.

None of them realized just how grotesque or merciless Holy Spirit Mountain could be...

"Boom—rumble!"

The edge of the stone pillar forest was a place shaken violently by combat.

As the saying goes, mortal enemies collide, emotions run high!

The Shanwei Sect and the Fang-faced beings were mortal adversaries.

Six Shanwei disciples were locked in fierce combat against eight Fang-faced beings.

"Trap him, trap him!" A middle-aged man commanded sharply, both hands slowly lifting.

"Buzz!!"

The earth trembled as stone and soil surged upward.

A dome constructed of rubble and sand instantly enveloped a Fang-faced being.

Shanwei Divine Technique: Stone Earth Prison!

"Argh! Arghhh!!" Within the stone prison, the Fang-faced being roared enraged.

Wielding an energy-forged Wolf Fang Club, the creature viciously struck at the inner walls of the prison, bursts of cyan energy erupting continuously.

Evil Technique: Stone Fragment Blast!

Yet the prison merely trembled loudly, showing no signs of breaking—testament to its remarkable sturdiness!

"Da Yong, await my signal!"

"I'm ready!" replied a man named Da Yong, poised in a sprinting stance toward the prison.

Armor covered his body, composed entirely of stone slabs.

Armor?

Stone slabs spaced neatly and large enough to enlarge the wearer's frame significantly—it was nearly akin to "miniature mech armor!"

Shanwei Divine Technique: Mountain Stone Armor!

The technique came with clear advantages and downsides: phenomenal defensive power at the cost of immense weight.

So heavy it hindered physical movement.

"3...2...1!" Following the countdown, Da Yong launched himself forward with explosive force.

Like a cannonball in motion!

Indeed, while wearing Mountain Stone Armor, the Shanwei disciples were incredibly cumbersome.

But in this moment, Da Yong did not need agility—he only needed to charge and penetrate!

"Whoosh~" The Stone Prison abruptly dissipated.

"Huh?" The Fang-faced being, mid-swing with its Wolf Fang Club, hit nothing but air, just as a terrifying momentum assaulted its side!

The Fang-faced being whipped its head to look—only to see the formidable "stone figure" barreling toward it!

Fang-faced being: !!!

Thump—a muffled crash erupted as the creature was brutally knocked flying.

It must be said, the Shanwei Believers' offensive techniques were genuinely sparse.

Just how sparse?

Poor Shanwei disciples found themselves forced to activate defensive techniques just to body-slam their opponents...

...

Three chapters today at 2 PM, 8 PM, and midnight.

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