"The Creation Array involves the art of Creation. Without breaking the array, no one can enter."

"The Heavenly Court broke the array using the Reverse Creation Divine Array and opened a door outside the Great Array to gain entrance."

"The time frame for the Heavenly Court to keep the door open won't last long. The opportunity to enter the array will be fleeting. There are twenty to thirty people here, but less than half will be able to enter."

"I, Xu Lang, possess a treasure that can take people into the array."

"Anyone who wishes to enter and earn merit should come to me, Xu Lang. As long as you follow my orders, I will not only take you into the array but also agree to split all the treasures and merits gained inside the Creation Array equally among everyone."

"As for me, Xu Lang, I ask for nothing, not even the Life and Death Seal. I simply request the right to dispose of the Life and Death Seal, meaning that I reserve the authority to decide who to sell the Seal to after it is acquired."

"The proceeds from selling the Life and Death Seal will still be divided evenly based on merit among everyone here."

Xiao Mu stepped into the hall and immediately saw a middle-aged man with a large beard speaking loudly amongst the crowd. Surrounding him were four Mutated Beings at the Divine Spirit level.

"This is Xu Lang, one of Grand Elder Qi Gu's disciples."

Yu Wen'en whispered an introduction to Xiao Mu through voice transmission. Although his time in the Alliance had been short, Yu Wen'en had mingled with Zhu Fuchen, Zhao Yaogu, Huang Yuan, and others, making him more familiar with the Alliance's dynamics than Xiao Mu.

Xiao Mu nodded silently.

He had some understanding of Grand Elder Qi Gu's reputation. It was said that Qi Gu maintained a decent relationship with Zhou Xuanmen.

But of course, it was only a decent relationship; the two were not part of the same faction.

The Human Alliance consisted of three major factions. The first was the largest faction, led by Divine Phoenix-Consort Zhou Xuanmen, now bolstered by the inclusion of Zun.

The second faction, conservative in nature, was led by Grand Elder Jin Yuan. The third faction, more radical, was headed by Qi Gu.

Though these three factions had their disagreements in private, dealings on the surface remained relatively harmonious. At the very least, they could unite against external threats.

Of course, instances of sabotage behind the scenes were inevitable.

"Humph!"

A cold huff drifted in from the west. Xiao Mu turned his head and spotted a woman in red.

This woman, judging by her appearance, seemed relatively young, perhaps just over thirty years of age. However, with Mutated Beings, outward looks were unreliable—this woman might very well be thousands or even tens of thousands of years old.

"Anyone who doesn't join my side shouldn't even dream of entering the Creation Array. Even if they manage to enter, I guarantee they won't accomplish anything smoothly."

Her words carried menace as her gaze swept through the hall, locking eyes with each individual, her look imbued with an intimidating air.

The Mutated Beings present in the hall were unwilling to provoke her, avoiding eye contact and glancing away.

Taking advantage of the situation, Yu Wen'en quietly resumed his explanation to Xiao Mu through voice transmission, "This is Gu Mei, a disciple of Lei Zhanghua, the Grand Elder. Recently, Grand Elder Lei has been gaining prominence, repeatedly securing major victories against the Heavenly Court. So, naturally, his disciples have grown a little arrogant. Brother Xiao, you need not pay her any attention."

Xiao Mu nodded faintly to show he understood.

Just then, a cutting, sarcastic voice suddenly rang out. A thin, gaunt man stepped out from the crowd and addressed Gu Mei in a mocking tone: "What a bold claim! Gu Mei, do you really dare make a move against your own allies? Let me remind you—no, let me ensure you understand the rules of the Alliance. Arbitrarily slaughtering our own is a crime punishable by death."

"If you dare to attack your own kind, even Grand Elder Lei won't be able to shield you."

"Well, well, look who it is—Qin Gui. What's the matter? Have you given up on trying to succeed and decided to hinder me instead?" Gu Mei shot him a glance, curled her lips, and sneered.

"You..."

The gaunt man, Qin Gui, glared at her in a fit of fury.

※※※

"Brother Xiao, greetings! I've long admired your name and always hoped for a chance to see you in person. I even traveled to the Great Tang Ruins half a year ago for the express purpose of meeting you, but alas, you weren't there. Today, I've finally had the fortune of crossing paths with you. Haha!"

Laughter echoed from behind Xiao Mu. He turned to see someone greeting him.

"And you are?"

In response to the voice, Xiao Mu turned his head, spotting a young man who appeared around twenty-five or twenty-six. Handsome and well-built, the man stood tall and formidable.

The young man was also accompanied by four Divine Spirits.

"My reputation is humble, so it's no surprise Brother Xiao doesn't recognize me."

The man chuckled warmly but didn't seem offended by Xiao Mu's lack of recognition, appearing approachable and affable. "I am Chen Ming. Perhaps Brother Xiao has heard my name before."

Chen Ming?

Xiao Mu furrowed his brows unconsciously. The name had come up in his conversations with Zhou Xuanmen, indicating that Chen Ming was part of Jin Yuan's faction and a protégé of Xiong Jin.

However, Xiong Jin and Zhou Xuanmen were known to have an extremely poor relationship.

"Haha! From your expression, I can see Chen Ming's name doesn't mean much to Brother Xiao!"

Watching Xiao Mu's reaction, Chen Ming immediately laughed heartily, displaying an untroubled, approachable demeanor.

This person seemed easy to get along with.

Judging by Chen Ming's response, Xiao Mu adjusted his expression and softened his attitude, replying politely, "Brother Chen overthinks matters. This is the first time I'm meeting you, so how could I have formed any opinions about your reputation?"

Chen Ming chuckled again and remarked cheerfully, "Perhaps I've been too sensitive."

"Brother Xiao's name, however, is well-known and well-regarded. I've long hoped to build a connection with you."

"Not long ago, I heard that Brother Xiao braved the Sealed Land alone, accomplishing unprecedented feats. Not only did you eradicate the disciples of the Five Elements Sect on a massive scale, practically annihilating the sect itself, but you also used the Great Array to slay the ancestor of the Five Elements Sect. Remarkable—truly remarkable! Such a deed could only be achieved by Brother Xiao. I have nothing but admiration!"

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