No matter how hard Immortal Sovereign Yellow Spring struggled, he couldn’t break free from the Immortal Chains.

The young man waved his hand, and immortal mist enveloped Immortal Sovereign Yellow Spring. He finally began to calm down.

With him subdued, the hundreds of Yellow Spring City’s residents screamed in agony below.

Even amidst their wails, one could feel their pain.

After some time, as the screams faded, all the residents collapsed to the ground, dead beyond saving, their bodies rotting.

The young man shook his head and sighed, then turned his gaze toward Xu Zimo and the others.

Dark River tensed up, he could feel the immense pressure the youth exuded.

"You all should come with us back to the clan," the youth said with a smile. "What happened today must not be leaked."

"And if we refuse?" Xu Zimo replied calmly.

"I’m not asking. You have no choice," the youth answered, shaking his head.

"Life is full of options," Xu Zimo smiled and shook his head.

In that moment, demonic energy surged across the sky. The heavens darkened, a blood moon rose, and pure demonic energy twisted through the air.

A giant Paimon appeared at Xu Zimo’s side, his massive figure emanating terrifying Dao resonance.

Instantly, the young man’s overwhelming immortal aura was suppressed.

“How… how could such a powerful being exist in this world?” the youth murmured in shock.

“He hasn’t inherited Heaven’s Will or become a Grand Emperor, yet he’s already walked the Path of the Dao…”

"Now it’s your turn to make a choice," Xu Zimo said. "Shall we talk?"

"Sure," the young man nodded. "What do you want to talk about?"

"What’s Immortal Sovereign Yellow Spring’s relationship with your Undying Race?"

"Simple. He violated the law by using the Undying Worm without authorization," the youth replied.

"Our mission was to capture him."

"I’ve heard that your Undying Race isn’t allowed to appear on the Primordial Heartlands. Why is that?"

"How do you know that?" The youth was stunned.

Their clan had vanished from the continent long ago. Only ancient relics or elders might still remember them.

"You just need to answer," Xu Zimo said.

After a moment’s hesitation, the youth replied, "It’s a rule signed with the Upper Realm. I don’t know the exact reason."

"So, instead you occupy various small Particle Worlds?" Xu Zimo asked.

"Well, we need somewhere to exist," the youth replied.

"I might pay a visit to your Undying Race someday," Xu Zimo smiled.

"You’re welcome anytime," the youth responded, handing him a token. "This is my identity token. Anyone in the Undying Race who sees you will treat you as an honored guest."

"You're good at diplomacy," Xu Zimo smiled and waved his hand. "Alright, you can leave."

"Many thanks, honored one," the youth bowed slightly and left with his group.

…

Xu Zimo turned to see Dark River staring, slack-jawed.

"What is it?" Xu Zimo waved a hand in front of his eyes.

"Th–that…" Dark River stammered, pointing at Paimon, unable to form words.

"You look like you’ve never seen the world. You’ll get used to it," Xu Zimo chuckled.

With a wave of his hand, Paimon’s massive body once again vanished into the void.

"Well, I haven’t seen someone at the peak of the Path of Dao before," Dark River muttered.

By now, Yellow Spring City was in ruins, corpses strewn everywhere.

Xu Zimo shook his head. "Let’s go."

"What about this place?" Dark River asked.

"Let the Heaven Ascension Holy Mountain deal with it. It’s their territory," Xu Zimo replied.

Leaving the remnants of Yellow Spring City behind, Xu Zimo followed Dark River toward Heaven-Severing City.

As they passed through Fireflow City, Xu Zimo had Dark River send word to Old Wu: his son was dead, but at least vengeance had been served.

From now on, Yellow Spring City no longer existed in this world.

Meanwhile, Dark River picked up a new rumor in Fireflow City.

A bounty had been placed on Xu Zimo and his group by Heaven Ascension Holy Mountain.

The members of the Martial Zenith Sacred Ground had already been captured.

The Heaven Ascension Holy Mountain publicly announced:

If Xu Zimo wishes to save them, he must surrender himself. Stop running and hiding.

Hearing this, Xu Zimo shook his head and smiled.

"Some people really are asking for death."

"So what do we do?" Dark River asked. "Are we going to the Heaven Ascension Holy Mountain?"

"No. We’re heading to Heaven-Severing Sacred Ground. No need to waste time," Xu Zimo replied.

"But what about the Martial Zenith Sacred Ground members?" Dark River asked.

Xu Zimo smiled and said, "First: I’m the one behind this. Martial Zenith Sacred Ground got dragged in by association. If they want to lure me, they won’t kill them so easily. Second: Martial Zenith Sacred Ground is an Emperor-lineage Immortal Sect. Killing their disciples would be an open act of war. For the Liu family’s sake, Heaven Ascension Holy Mountain wouldn’t risk a full-blown conflict. They’re not that dumb. And third: I only met them once. We’re not even friends. Why should I care whether they live or die?"

Dark River nodded unconsciously.

"Sounds… reasonable."

"Let’s handle Heaven-Severing Sect first," Xu Zimo said. "I’ll go to the Heaven Ascension Holy Mountain afterward, not to rescue them. Just because I’m pissed."

Dark River nodded in agreement.

…

By noon, the brilliant sun bathed the land in golden light. A gentle spring breeze rustled through lush green fields.

After a long journey, Xu Zimo and Dark River estimated they’d reach Heaven-Severing City in about two days.

That afternoon, they stopped in front of a small sect.

The stone tablet at the entrance bore the characters: Azure Mountain.

Willows on either side swayed in the breeze.

It was a minor sect, clearly not powerful, just one occupying a small mountain peak.

Xu Zimo and Dark River were merely passing through. They didn’t intend to stay.

But just as they were about to leave, a large group of people approached.

These people stopped in front of Azure Mountain’s gate. But instead of barging in, they seemed to be waiting for something.

Curious, Xu Zimo listened to their chatter.

"The Abyssal Dragon Prince is about to arrive. This is gonna be a show."

"Yeah, Azure Mountain is finished. One of their inner disciples had the audacity to steal the prince’s woman."

"Foolish move. And now the whole sect is about to get dragged down. Let’s see how they survive this."