339: The Heavenly Alliance's troops are at the city gates.

In the Hanyue Valley Underground Palace, Jun Xiaoyao's reflection shimmered on the ice wall. He toyed with the jade box containing the soul devouring pearl, runes flowing across its surface.

The box firmly locked away the pearl's malevolent aura, yet wisps of black Qi still seeped through the cracks, landing on the ice wall and instantly crystallizing into black ice.

"Young Lord, the Heavenly Dao Alliance's vanguard has passed Black Wind Ridge and is less than a hundred miles from Hanyue Valley," Zhao Gao's voice carried a hint of gravity. On the map in his hand, the green markers representing the Heavenly Dao Alliance had merged into a continuous mass.

Like a surging tide, they advanced towards Hanyue Valley. "The leaders are Song Yuanqiao and Yu Lianzhou, two of the Seven Sons of Wudang. Both are in the Late Heaven-Man Realm, and their five hundred Disciples are all above the Grandmaster Realm in cultivation."

In the water mirror, the Heavenly Dao Alliance's banners fluttered. Song Yuanqiao's purple robe whipped in the wind, and the zixia sword in his hand gleamed with a faint golden light, a sign that the Wudang ultimate skill, Zixia Divine Skill, was being pushed to its limit.

Yu Lianzhou, clad in a green robe with an iron sword on his back, had a stern expression. His aura was as deep and profound as an abyss—his Tai Chi Fist had reached the Transcendent Realm, every movement imbued with a perfectly smooth and flowing power.

"Zhang Sanfeng didn't come?" Jun Xiaoyao tapped the jade box with his fingertip, and the black ice crystals on the ice wall trembled in response.

"The 'Shadow' group sent back word that Zhang Sanfeng is currently meeting with the Southern Chu Emperor in the Southern Chu Imperial Family, seemingly discussing how to jointly deal with us," Zhao Gao added.

"But he left a message for the Young Lord—'If the soul devouring pearl is not handed over within three days, Hanyue Valley will be reduced to scorched earth.'"

Jun Xiaoyao chuckled softly, tossing the jade box back into the ice cabinet. "Scorched earth? He certainly has confidence."

He looked at the summoning array in the center of the underground palace. The spiritual energy of the array eye, nourished by the soul devouring pearl's energy, had increased to 85%. As the runes flowed, a faint tai chi diagram even appeared—evidently sensing Zhang Sanfeng's aura.

[System Notification: Detected the aura of a top-tier Daoist master, triggering a special summon.]

[Summonable Character: Wang Chongyang]

[From: the legend of the condor heroes World]

[Realm: Early Earthly Immortal Realm]

[Martial Skill: Innate Skill (Perfection), Quanzhen Swordplay (Major Achievement)]

[Specialty: Daoist Profound Arts, capable of countering all evil techniques, Grandmaster of Formations]

[Summon Cost: 80% spiritual energy]

Jun Xiaoyao's fingertip tapped on the name "Wang Chongyang." The summoning array suddenly burst into dazzling golden light, runes swirling like stars, finally coalescing into a figure clad in a Daoist robe. The person had a lean, refined face, held a whisk, and was surrounded by a faint purple Qi—it was none other than Wang Chongyang, the founder of the Quanzhen Sect.

"Wang Chongyang greets the Young Lord." He bowed, his voice like a grand bell. "I heard that a Junior Daoist Disciple is bullying others with his strength, so this old Daoist has come to meet him."

[Character Panel: Wang Chongyang]

[Status: Dao Rhyme]

[Loyalty: 90%]

[Current thought: This child possesses great Luck, and the Formation in Hanyue Valley is quite interesting.]

Jun Xiaoyao nodded slightly. "Zhang Sanfeng wants to seize the soul devouring pearl. Does Daoist Master have the confidence to handle it?"

Wang Chongyang lightly waved his whisk, and a purple Qi shot towards the black ice crystals on the ice wall, which instantly melted away. "Although Zhang Sanfeng's Tai Chi Skill is strong, it has lost the Daoist essence of 'non-contention.' This old Daoist's Innate Skill will let him understand what 'the Great Dao is simple' truly means."

In the water mirror, Song Yuanqiao's contingent had arrived outside Hanyue Valley. The "Nine Bends Yellow River Formation" at the valley entrance suddenly activated, rocks rolled, and mist filled the air, blocking the Heavenly Dao Alliance's forces outside the valley. Song Yuanqiao reined in his horse, looking at the vaguely visible Formation eye in the mist, and frowned, "This Formation is quite ingenious; it has a hint of Daoist Formation principles."

Yu Lianzhou said solemnly, "Big Brother, this Formation is composed of three hundred and sixty Formation eyes, mutually supporting each other. Forcing our way in will likely lead to losses."

Just then, Wang Chongyang's voice came from within the mist: "Young friends of the Heavenly Dao Alliance, since you've come as guests, why not show yourselves?"

Song Yuanqiao and Yu Lianzhou exchanged glances, dismounted, and entered the Formation. The mist automatically parted before them, guiding the two to the entrance of the underground palace. Wang Chongyang stood at the entrance, his whisk gently waving. "This humble Daoist, Wang Chongyang, greets you two."

"Wang Chongyang?!" Song Yuanqiao and Yu Lianzhou were both startled. Although they had never met Wang Chongyang, they had seen records of him in Wudang ancient texts—this was a Daoist Grandmaster on par with Zhang Sanfeng, who had long since ascended. To think he would appear here!

"Daoist Master isn't already..." Yu Lianzhou's words were cut short by Wang Chongyang.

"All things in the world have birth and death, death and birth; what is so strange about that?" Wang Chongyang smiled faintly. "You two have come today for nothing more than the soul devouring pearl. But that pearl has been purified by this humble Daoist's Innate Skill. If Zhang Sanfeng wants it, he can come and retrieve it himself."

Song Yuanqiao's expression changed slightly. "Is Daoist Master intending to be an enemy of the Heavenly Dao Alliance?"

"Not so." Wang Chongyang pointed his whisk towards outside the valley. "Hanyue Valley and the Heavenly Dao Alliance do not interfere with each other, but if someone tries to seize a treasure by force, this humble Daoist, as a member of Beyond Heaven, naturally cannot stand by and do nothing."

Before the water mirror, Jun Xiaoyao said to Zhao Gao, "Have the 'Artifact' group prepare the 'Heavenly Thunder.' If the Heavenly Dao Alliance dares to force their way in, let them taste its power."

"Yes. The 'Artifact' group's Heavenly Thunder has been buried in the Formation eye, its power comparable to a Land Immortal Realm strike."

At this moment, the conversation in the water mirror continued. Yu Lianzhou snorted coldly, "Daoist Master, do not bring trouble upon yourself! Our master is already on his way. The pressure of a Land Immortal Realm expert is not something this small Hanyue Valley can withstand."

Wang Chongyang said calmly, "This humble Daoist wishes to see if True Man Zhang's Tai Chi Skill can truly break this humble Daoist's Seven Star Gathering Righteousness Formation."

Before his words fell, a long roar suddenly echoed from above Hanyue Valley, a sound like a Dragon's cry reverberating through heaven and earth. A blue figure stepped through the air, treading on a tai chi diagram—it was Zhang Sanfeng. He landed before the Formation, his gaze sweeping over Wang Chongyang, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes: "True Man Chongyang? You are still in the world?"

Wang Chongyang flicked his whisk. "Young friend Sanfeng, how have you been?"

Zhang Sanfeng bowed. "Since True Man is here, may this Junior speak a word about the matter of the soul devouring pearl?"

"Speak freely."

"The soul devouring pearl is an evil object; if it remains in the world, it will surely bring disaster to all living beings. This Junior is willing to exchange it for Wudang's ultimate treasure, the tai chi diagram. I ask True Man to grant this." Zhang Sanfeng's voice was sincere, yet carried an undeniable authority.

Wang Chongyang chuckled softly. "The tai chi diagram? True Man Zhang is quite generous. But this soul devouring pearl has already been Sealed by the Young Lord. Whether to hand it over or not still requires the Young Lord's decision."

Zhang Sanfeng's gaze passed over Wang Chongyang and looked into the depths of the underground palace, as if he could penetrate the ice and see Jun Xiaoyao. "Young Master of Tianwaitian? May you show yourself for a meeting?"

Jun Xiaoyao looked at Zhang Sanfeng in the water mirror and said to Zhao Gao, "Tell him that if he wants the soul devouring pearl, he can enter the valley for a discussion. But the people of the Heavenly Dao Alliance must remain outside the valley."

Zhao Gao immediately relayed the order. Zhang Sanfeng heard this, pondered for a moment, then said to Song Yuanqiao, "You all wait here; I will be back shortly."

He swayed, stepping into the Nine Bends Yellow River Formation. The Formation was like nothing to him; wherever the tai chi diagram passed, the mist automatically dispersed. A moment later, he appeared at the entrance of the underground palace, standing shoulder to shoulder with Wang Chongyang.

"Zhang Sanfeng greets the Young Lord." Zhang Sanfeng cupped his hands towards the depths of the underground palace, his tone carrying a hint of inquiry.

Jun Xiaoyao's voice came from behind the ice wall: "True Man Zhang need not be so polite. The soul devouring pearl is in my hands. If you want it, you can take it by your own ability."

Zhang Sanfeng looked up into the depths of the underground palace, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He could feel that the aura there was unfathomable, actually making him, a Land Immortal Realm expert, feel a trace of apprehension.

"Does the Young Lord know that if the soul devouring pearl loses control, it will devour the souls of living beings within a thousand-mile radius?" Zhang Sanfeng said solemnly. "This Junior is not seizing a treasure for the Heavenly Dao Alliance, but appealing for the common people of the world."

"Common people of the world?" Jun Xiaoyao chuckled softly. "True Man Zhang should first manage the Heavenly Dao Alliance. As far as I know, you are colluding with the Southern Chu Imperial Family to help them train the Blood Shadow Army. How should this matter be explained?"

Zhang Sanfeng's expression changed slightly. "This Junior was unaware of this matter. If it is true, I will severely punish those responsible without leniency."

Wang Chongyang lightly waved his whisk. "True Man Zhang, the facts are before us; more words are useless. If you wish to take the pearl, you can spar with this old Daoist. If you win, the pearl will be presented with both hands."

Zhang Sanfeng looked at Wang Chongyang, Battle Intent burning in his eyes. "That is precisely what I desire; I dare not decline."

Before the water mirror, Jun Xiaoyao said to Zhao Gao, "Open the underground palace plaza; let them spar there."

"Yes."

The ground in the center of the underground palace slowly split open, revealing a huge plaza. Daoist runes were carved all around the plaza—it was precisely the Seven Star Gathering Righteousness Formation that Wang Chongyang had just mentioned. Wang Chongyang and Zhang Sanfeng stood facing each other, their auras beginning to rise. The purple Qi of Innate Skill and the white light of Tai Chi Skill intertwined, forming a strange light barrier.

"Please."

"Please."

As their voices fell, both figures moved simultaneously. Wang Chongyang's whisk extended like a nimble snake, purple Qi swirling, carrying a powerful Daoist righteous Qi; Zhang Sanfeng's Tai Chi Fist, on the other hand, was smooth and fluid, white light circulating, dissolving the force of the whisk layer by layer.

Their figures moved like lightning across the plaza. The clash of Innate Skill and Tai Chi Skill produced deafening sounds, and the entire Hanyue Valley trembled slightly.

Jun Xiaoyao leaned on the ice couch, watching the evenly matched battle in the water mirror, a cold arc forming on his lips.

He knew that this spar was not only for the soul devouring pearl but also the first direct confrontation between Beyond Heaven and the Heavenly Dao Alliance. And he wanted everyone to understand that Beyond Heaven was by no means a soft persimmon to be easily squeezed.

The runes of the summoning array violently flowed in the aftermath of the battle, 85% of the spiritual energy stirring, as if anticipating the opportunity for the next summon.

The night in Hanyue Valley became exceptionally restless due to this showdown between top-tier experts.