Under the concerted efforts of everyone, this dark force was ultimately defeated, saving the Jianghu from peril.

Through this battle, the Divine Water Palace's prestige in the Jianghu reached its peak, becoming a sect revered by all. However, as time passed, the dynamics of the Jianghu continuously changed. New forces rose, old ones declined, and although the Divine Water Palace remained strong, it also faced numerous challenges.

In order to expand its influence and consolidate its position in the Jianghu, the Divine Water Palace once actively sought to ally with the Vajra Stronghold.

At that time, the Vajra Stronghold was also a formidable force in the Liaodong Martial World. After several interactions with the Divine Water Palace, the original Village Chief of Vajra Stronghold, Fang Yi, tentatively agreed to the collaboration. Although they had not formally allied, both sides had reached a certain level of understanding and connection.

The fame of the Divine Water Palace spread far and wide, not only due to its unique structural layout and formidable defensive system but also because of its strict entry rules. Without guidance from someone familiar, outsiders could not set foot in the Divine Water Palace. Surrounding the Divine Water Palace, natural geographical barriers and carefully arranged defensive facilities complement each other. Should outsiders approach rashly, they would trigger a series of hidden weapon mechanisms, with unimaginable consequences.

But after hearing Gong Simeng describe the conditions of the Divine Water Palace, Shi Feiyang raised his head to gaze at the moon.

He thought to himself: though the Divine Water Palace is strong, my Heroic Sakura Association is no ordinary group.

Since I, Shi Feiyang, have come to this place, I must assert dominance over Liaodong.

His gaze was like a torch, as if he could penetrate the night and see farther places.

The night wind blew gently, bringing a hint of coolness.

Shi Feiyang then escorted Gong Simeng back to her tent to rest.

Afterwards, Shi Feiyang signaled to Liao Pei in the distance, ordering him to strengthen patrols.

Then, he executed the "Traveling a Thousand Miles Without Leaving a Trace," a Supreme Lightness Technique, swiftly heading towards the Vajra Stronghold to scout the enemy camp at night.

This time, he decided not to bring Gong Simeng, as he was concerned that he could not ensure her safety amidst an intense battle.

The Vajra Stronghold suffered a crushing defeat in the Changsheng Castle battle, with Village Chief Fang Yi and his seven Altar Masters all dying in the fight.

Fang Yi's son, Fang Yi, was filled with resentment, unable to coexist with the murderers of his father, and this hatred burned in his heart like a raging fire.

He understood that relying on his own strength alone was insufficient to contend with the Heroic Sakura Association, so he turned his attention to the Divine Water Palace.

On this day, heavy clouds gathered, and the sky seemed oppressively dark, as if it could collapse at any moment.

Fang Yi, carrying heavy gifts, stood at the entrance of the narrow stone path leading to the Divine Water Palace, filled with unease.

Fortunately, thanks to the past relationship between the Vajra Stronghold and the Divine Water Palace, the guards of the Divine Water Palace agreed to let him enter after confirming his identity. Under the guidance of the guards, Fang Yi cautiously proceeded along the stone path, with bottomless cliffs on both sides, making him feel terrified.

The Divine Water Palace is situated by the Liaodong Celestial Pool, surrounded by mountains and shrouded in mist.

The Celestial Pool resembles a bright pearl nestled amidst the magnificent mountains and rivers, its waters clear and emerald green, reflecting the surrounding majestic peaks and the ever-changing sky. The buildings of the Divine Water Palace are scattered along the Celestial Pool, blending with the natural landscape, looking like a mysterious immortal palace from afar.

The geographical location of the Divine Water Palace is extremely special and strategically invaluable, making it easy to defend and hard to attack.

Behind it is a towering cliff reaching into the clouds, a steep mountain wall that forms a natural barrier, impassable even for birds. Ordinary people can't climb it at all. The front and sides are bordered by the lake waters of the Celestial Pool, with a wide lake surface forming an impassable natural moat.

Only a narrow stone path winds towards the main gate of the Divine Water Palace. With abysmal cliffs on either side, positioning just a few guards on the stone path would easily repel a large-scale assault.

Moreover, the architectural layout of the Divine Water Palace also contains hidden mysteries.

Legend has it that the palace walls were designed and built by a mysterious master proficient in Qimen Dunjia techniques. Long ago, a powerful force in the Jianghu attempted to attack the Divine Water Palace, but when their army arrived under the palace walls, they found themselves as if trapped in a huge maze, unable to find the entrance to the Divine Water Palace no matter how hard they tried.

It turned out that the arrangement of the bricks and stones of this palace wall contained the secrets of Qimen Dunjia, capable of confusing the enemy's minds and leading them astray. Now, this tall and thick palace wall is made of hard granite, with each stone meticulously polished and tightly fitted, making it difficult even for arrows to penetrate. In hidden places on the palace wall are many cleverly designed hidden weapon launchers. Controlled by mechanisms, once the enemy approaches the palace wall and activates a mechanism, countless poisoned darts and silver needles are released, catching people defenselessly.

Watchtowers are set at intervals along the palace wall, and it is said that the construction of these watchtowers was inspired by ancient beacon towers.

In ancient times, warfare was frequent at the borders, with beacon towers playing a crucial role in transmitting military intelligence.

Similarly, the watchtowers of the Divine Water Palace allow guards to look down from high above, observing every move in the surroundings.

If any anomalies are detected, a signal will be immediately sent out, enabling the people of the Divine Water Palace to respond swiftly.

A special iron net is installed around the watchtower, with bells hanging from it. At the slightest disturbance, the bells will ring, alerting the guards. Additionally, the watchtower stores various hidden weapons, such as sleeve arrows and plum blossom darts. Should the enemy attempt to climb the watchtower, the guards can launch hidden weapons from inside the tower to repel them.

The main gate is made of heavy ironwood, covered with sharp iron nails, appearing as an impregnable fortress when closed.

It is said that this gate was crafted by a highly skilled blacksmith over several years.

This blacksmith once received guidance from an immortal and incorporated special materials and magic into the construction of the gate, making it not only incredibly strong but also endowed with some mysterious power.

Once, a martial arts master and sea robber attempted to storm into the Divine Water Palace to seize treasures. When he touched the gate, he was instantly repelled by a powerful force, sustaining serious injuries. From then on, the reputation of the Divine Water Palace's main gate spread throughout the Jianghu. On either side of the gate, hidden compartments house powerful crossbow machines. Should anyone attempt to forcefully break in, these hidden compartments will automatically activate, firing strong crossbow arrows to deal heavy blows to the enemy.

Entering the great hall of the Divine Water Palace, one can see tall stone pillars etched with strange symbols, seemingly narrating the mysterious and ancient history of the palace. The flickering candlelight inside casts eerie shadows on the eerie walls, with dark red drapes hanging on the walls that sway slightly with the howling wind from outside, like ghosts lurking in the corners. The floor is paved with massive black stone slabs, each one polished smooth as a mirror, yet exuding a cold aura, sending chills down one's spine.

The ceiling of the great hall is dome-shaped, inlaid with gemstones emitting a ghostly light like the cold stars twinkling in the night sky, yet carrying an indescribable eeriness. At the center of the great hall stands a large pool, its water a deep green, with a thin mist hovering over the surface, vaguely suggesting something moving beneath, adding a touch of mystery to the entire hall.

Suppressing his inner unease, Fang Yi forced a pleasing smile onto his face and respectfully said: "Lady Liu, I've long admired your reputation. I have come this time hoping to join forces with the Divine Water Palace to deal with the Heroic Sakura Association. Shi Feiyang's influence is growing. If not removed soon, he will become a major threat in the future."

Liu Yanran sat regally at the main seat, with a large screen behind her painted with a ferocious dragon, echoing her authority.

Her eyes were cold, and she regarded Fang Yi with a faint smile, her voice chilling: "Oh? Your Vajra Stronghold recently suffered at Changsheng Castle, yet now you wish to drag this palace into the water? I heard your father died miserably in the Changsheng Castle battle, is that correct?"

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