Xiao Buhui’s expression was ugly. After the earlier conflict, his relationship with Xu Zimo was anything but good.

No matter what, he had to know his opponent as well as himself.

Moreover, Martial Heaven Sacred Ground had long since declined, how could someone suddenly appear, casually defeating the number one on the Hero Ranking?

With such strength, even on the Overlord Ranking, he would surely hold a place.

Leaving aside Xiao Buhui’s tangled thoughts, King Breaking-Dawn’s face had also changed drastically.

“Defeated… and defeated so utterly.”

For a moment, he felt disheartened. Looking toward King Star-River, he said with self-mockery:

“You hid it deep, King Star-River.”

But King Star-River said nothing, for even he hadn’t foreseen such a turn.

“Since it was best of three, and the Star River God-Dynasty has won two, the right to this Mystic Realm belongs to you,” Fatty Wang said with a smile. “Congratulations, King Star-River.”

“Hardly,” King Star-River replied modestly. He cast a look at the Second Prince. “Tell your friend he may state any condition he wishes, I will reward him handsomely.”

“Let’s go,” Xu Zimo stepped down from the platform, speaking calmly to Xia Wanqing.

“Go… where?” she asked dazedly.

“Didn’t you want to enter the Mystic Realm?” Sixth Elder answered for him.

He pulled the stunned Xia Wanqing along toward the entrance.

But King Star-River moved to block them.

“Young Master Xu, the Mystic Realm only allows one person to enter each time,” King Star-River said with a smile. “I already have a candidate in mind. I am grateful for your victory in the third match. Once the Nine Nights Immortal Sovereign’s inheritance is found, you may enter freely.”

“Do you really think this place contains only the inheritance of the Nine Nights Immortal Sovereign?” Xu Zimo asked with a faint smile.

Just now, the manifestation of the Martial Heaven Emperor had already made it clear this place was far from ordinary.

“That doesn’t matter,” King Star-River replied. “In any case, isn’t there still Thousand-Ox Dao Court?”

“You still don’t seem to understand something,” Xu Zimo said.

“And what is that?”

“My entry into this Mystic Realm is to notify you, not to negotiate,” Xu Zimo replied flatly. “And you think you have the right to gesture and command before me? Perhaps Star River God-Dynasty has enjoyed its peace too long. As for Thousand-Ox Dao Court, send Hidden Ox Emperor himself if you want to talk.”

“Presumptuous! You dare speak the name of our ancestor?” Xiao Buhui glared at Xu Zimo, his voice sharp.

Xu Zimo lifted his head, meeting his eyes calmly.

“My patience is limited. Do you not intend to leave here alive?”

“Don’t mind him,” Fatty Wang quickly stepped in as peacemaker. “Please, go ahead. We won’t interfere.”

“Luo’er, were these people your guests?” King Star-River’s face had grown dark as he turned to Second Prince Chen Luo.

“Father, I swear I don’t know anything!” Chen Luo was nearly in tears.

The swing from despair to joy had been too much.

What seemed a sure defeat had turned into victory.

But before he could even celebrate, Xu Zimo was already clashing with everyone present.

“Let’s go. If I hear even one more objection, believe me, you’ll all be corpses,” Xu Zimo said coldly.

He led Xia Wanqing to the entrance of the Mystic Realm.

The entrance was bound by a restriction that allowed only one to enter.

But since it was a formation laid by a Grand Emperor, naturally, it could not block Xu Zimo.

He placed his right hand upon it. Power surged within him, and he forcibly tore open a small side-door.

The two of them stepped through the spatial gate, vanishing within.

An instant later, the Mystic Realm’s entrance sealed itself once more.

Watching Xu Zimo and Xia Wanqing disappear, Xiao Buhui gave a furious snort.

“My dear Young Master Xiao, why contend with him? As they say, the situation is stronger than men. This isn’t Thousand-Ox Dao Court,” Fatty Wang chuckled, trying to soothe. “When facing true madmen, even our status holds little weight.”

“If he dares touch us, then Martial Heaven Sacred Ground need not exist anymore,” Xiao Buhui retorted, still indignant.

Fatty Wang only shook his head. He could tell, Xu Zimo had meant it.

He would not care about their Thousand-Ox Dao Court identity.

“What now? Our mission from Dao Court is to bring back the inheritance,” Fatty Wang asked.

“With him interfering, things may change.”

“Notify the elders of Dao Court. Otherwise, he really will believe himself invincible,” Xiao Buhui said.

Qin Yao, who had been silent, did not object. She retrieved a golden slip of paper from her storage ring.

It glowed faintly with mysterious power.

Xiao Buhui used his finger as a pen, channeling spiritforce to inscribe upon it.

“Inheritance met with obstacle. Request aid.”

Six words, concise and clear, glowing with golden radiance.

In the next moment, the paper vanished into the void, transforming into golden mist.

This was Dao Court’s special messaging method. Unless blocked by barriers between heavens,

within the Mortal Ascension Heaven, where space was not sealed, such message slips could reach Dao Court with utmost speed.

As the golden slip disappeared, Fatty Wang sighed.

“Let’s hope the elder makes it in time.”

“Martial Heaven Sacred Ground is still there. The monk may flee, but the temple remains,” Xiao Buhui said coldly.

“You seem to bear quite a grudge against Martial Heaven Sacred Ground,” Qin Yao finally spoke, glancing at him curiously.

Xiao Buhui did not reply. Instead, Fatty Wang chuckled and explained:

“You probably don’t know.

“Our Dao Court’s Source Realm is about to open.”

“I know of it,” Qin Yao replied. “When the Source Realm opens, it not only renews the Dao Source, but some disciples are sent there to train.”

“Exactly. There were originally ten spots. Buhui ranked tenth, he would have just made it,” Fatty Wang said. “But this year is different. The final spot was given to Martial Heaven Sacred Ground. Buhui’s qualification was canceled.”

“Why give it to Martial Heaven Sacred Ground?” Qin Yao asked, puzzled. “We’ve had little to do with them for years.”

“I don’t know either. They say it’s due to an old agreement between our ancestor, Hidden Ox Emperor, and the Martial Heaven Emperor,” Fatty Wang explained. “The higher-ups said so, and we can’t do anything about it.”

“Enough. The more you speak, the more annoyed I get,” Xiao Buhui cut him off angrily. “A fallen power ought to carry itself with the humility of the weak. Still trying to take something from our Dao Court? Foolish dreams.”

…

Xu Zimo and Xia Wanqing stepped into the Mystic Realm.

With a ripple of void, they emerged in a small independent world.

This world wasn’t large.

Directly ahead stood a grand palace.

A vast structure, magnificent in splendor, gilded with gold, occupying two-thirds of this world.

At its base lay a carpet woven from emerald and agate.

“You…” Xia Wanqing, silent for a while, ignored the palace.

Her eyes turned instead to Xu Zimo.

“Who are you, really?”