Xu Zimo didn’t bother stopping him. With a casual wave of his hand, the lamp flame in the room turned into a streak of light.

In an instant, Li Xiaoyuan was burned to ashes.

Turning his head, Xu Zimo glanced at Xia Wanqing, still lying on the bed. She was only unconscious, unharmed. He left the room.

In the days that followed, Xu Zimo had little to do, remaining in his room to cultivate.

Half a month passed. Xia Wanqing was preparing to depart for Thousand-Ox Dao Court, and Xu Zimo, having packed as well, went with her.

During this time, the Nine Nights Holy Lands came forward of their own accord seeking reconciliation, hoping to restore ties between the two sects.

When the time of departure came, the entire Martial Heaven Sacred Ground gathered to send them off.

Xu Zimo rode his Seven-Winged Demon Dragon, while Xia Wanqing mounted her Thundercloud Horse. Together, they set off toward Thousand-Ox Dao Court.

The journey required crossing several cities.

Dust-covered and weary from travel, Xu Zimo found this his first real chance to wander the Mortal Ascension Heaven since arriving.

They passed through not only the Star River and Breaking Dawn Empires, but also several other dynasties, some boasting even greater imperial capitals.

On one particular day, the sky had dimmed, clouds thickening overhead with a storm brewing.

The two entered the borders of the Mountain Dragon God-Dynasty.

A gloomy wind blew across the horizon, stirring ripples through the air.

It was then that the pair halted, not because of the wind, but because of the battle taking place ahead.

A dozen black-robed men were surrounding a young man.

Dozens of corpses already lay scattered across the ground.

The young man himself was in dire straits, barely holding on.

The black-robed men’s attacks grew faster and fiercer, like a storm.

Kicked up dust swirled, and the young man stumbled, collapsing into the yellow sands.

“Save me! I am the Crown Prince of the Mountain Dragon God-Dynasty! I will repay this great favor generously!” the youth cried out to Xu Zimo and Xia Wanqing, eyes burning with desperate hope.

The black-robed men exchanged glances.

One of them said coldly, “No survivors. Kill them.”

At his hoarse command, half of the black-robed men charged at Xu Zimo and Xia Wanqing.

“They’re yours,” Xu Zimo ordered the Seven-Winged Demon Dragon beneath him.

The dragon roared. Only then did everyone notice the beast he was riding was no ordinary mount, but an Empyrean Meridian realm monster.

Faces turned pale. Some tried to flee, but it was too late.

The Seven Wings beat furiously, stirring up a storm of sand.

A violent sandstorm condensed, sweeping outward with a thunderous boom.

The black-robed men were sent flying, several torn to pieces by the raging winds.

“Lord Qianchou, save me!” cried the leader of the assassins.

Just then, from the void above, a colossal hand stretched forth, its oppressive might of the God Meridian Realm pressing down.

The giant hand pinned the Seven-Winged Demon Dragon in place, but only for a moment before it vanished.

Xu Zimo looked up. A figure had appeared in the sky.

It was a Daoist, as if he had stepped out of a Daoist temple. Daoist sounds swirled around him, black hair flowing like silk, giving him the air of a refined old Daoist master.

Zhang Qianchou lowered his head. He ignored the dragon, instead fixing his gaze on Xu Zimo.

“Respected one, we mean no offense,” he said.

He couldn’t see through Xu Zimo’s cultivation, but anyone who could use an Empyrean Meridian beast as a mount was at least as strong as himself, a God Meridian powerhouse.

Thus, Zhang Qianchou dared not show arrogance.

“You may leave,” he continued. “It was my subordinates who acted rashly.”

Xu Zimo smiled faintly. “Better if you come down to speak. I don’t like being looked down upon from above.”

As his words fell, Xu Zimo pulled at the void with his right hand.

Zhang Qianchou felt an irresistible force seize him. The sky cracked open, and his body was thrown down, smashing into the ground.

“Please, save me!” the young man cried again. “I can pay any price!”

“Who are you people?” Xu Zimo asked, looking at Zhang Qianchou.

“They’re from the Ancient Order. I was on my way to Thousand-Ox Dao Court to study, when they ambushed me,” the youth interjected quickly.

“Ancient Order…” Xu Zimo murmured.

Perhaps fearing Xu Zimo wasn’t familiar, Xia Wanqing explained from the side, “The Ancient Order is, apart from the Celestial Citadel, the most powerful organization in the Mortal Ascension Heaven. Their origins are mysterious, everything about them unknown. But they’re famous for being mercenaries, taking money to remove disasters, hired killers who sell lives.”

“I had no intention of saving him, but since I find you all distasteful, you can leave,” Xu Zimo waved dismissively.

“Respected one, we bear you no ill will,” Zhang Qianchou said quickly.

“No ill will toward me? Or is it only after seeing my strength that you bear no ill will?” Xu Zimo asked with a smile.

Zhang Qianchou was momentarily speechless.

“Since you know of the Ancient Order, you should also know the consequences of crossing us,” he said reluctantly.

Killing the Crown Prince of the Mountain Dragon God-Dynasty was no simple task.

This mission was his responsibility. Now that the opportunity had come, he was unwilling to give it up.

“Are you threatening me?” Xu Zimo asked with a soft laugh. “The consequences for me, I don’t care to know. But yours won’t be pleasant.”

“Respected one, I...” Zhang Qianchou’s words were cut off as Xu Zimo flicked a finger.

In an instant, Zhang Qianchou’s body was nailed into the void, limbs spread wide.

“Go back and tell your Ancient Order: the man you sought was killed by me, Xu Zimo. They’re welcome to come find me,” Xu Zimo said lightly, turning his gaze on the stunned black-robed men.

“Aaah…” One of them froze for a long moment before suddenly bolting, fleeing as fast as he could.

“Many thanks for saving my life!” the young man hurriedly bowed. “I am Lin Yunhen, Crown Prince of the Mountain Dragon God-Dynasty.”

“I didn’t save you,” Xu Zimo replied coolly. “I just couldn’t stand them.”

“You said you were headed to Thousand-Ox Dao Court?” Xia Wanqing asked.

“Are the two of you perhaps from Thousand-Ox Dao Court?” Lin Yunhen asked eagerly, nodding.

“We’re also going to Thousand-Ox Dao Court,” Xia Wanqing shook her head and replied.

“Then let us travel together!” Lin Yunhen quickly suggested. “Along the way, I can be of service, and my status will help avoid trouble.”

“You’re sure you won’t bring us more trouble instead?” Xu Zimo asked.

“I won’t! From here on, this is all Mountain Dragon God-Dynasty territory. My identity will be very useful,” Lin Yunhen swore earnestly.

Xu Zimo felt indifferent either way.

But thinking of Xia Wanqing, having a companion in his future misadventures at Thousand-Ox Dao Court might be no bad thing.